VOL. 56 NO. 2
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FIRST WORDS
Do you know your roots? Kizzy said, “My pappy real name Kunta Kinte. He a African.” “You don’t say!” Miss Malizy appeared taken aback. “I’se heared my greatReneé Kesler gran’daddy was one dem Africans, too.” This dialogue between a young slave girl and a slave matriarch was taken from an excerpt of the book “ Roots, The Saga Of An American Family” by Pulitzer Prize w inner Alex Haley. Kizzy demonstrates the grit of a young slave girl determined to be defined not by her current enslaved situation, but rather by her strong ancestral heritage. What’s more, Kizzy’s staunch affirmation of her heritage aroused and inspired an elder to recall the stories told of that same proud lineage. Do you know your roots? Discovering our roots is about uncovering the stories of hidden treasures buried in our history while also unearthing layers of one’s self. Zack F. Taylor Jr. has researched and written five volumes of “African American Family Genealogy for Jefferson County, Tennessee,” and it is an extensive work. His dedication to uncovering the black families of Jefferson County is extraordinary. Additionally, Robert A. McGinnis has researched and compiled many books, including “Gone and All but Forgotten, The AfricanAmerican Cemeteries of Knox County, Tennessee.” Neither my friend Zack nor Robert resembles the people they have researched. Yet, when I asked them why they choose to do this work, both reply among other things, “It’s important.” This year marks the 40th anniversary of Alex Haley’s American classic, “Roots,” To page A-3
Heiskell seniors
The Heiskell Community Center’s monthly seniors luncheon will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at the Community Center, 1708 W. Emory Road in Powell. Meet and greet at 10 a.m., lunch at noon, bingo at 1 p.m. Bring a dessert and a friend. Info: Janice White, 947-5525 between 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Fountain City group seeks Broadway aid, sidewalks
State Rep. Bill Dunn is flanked by Sen. Richard Briggs (left) and Fountain City leader Ken Cloninger. Photos by Shannon Carey
By Sandra Clark Fountain City’s new advocacy group has three goals: Improve traffic flow and business access on Broadway; extend sidewalks on Broadway; and improve inter-
sections on Tazewell Pike at Shannondale and Beverly roads. State and local officials, city department heads and others met last week at Commercial Bank on Broadway to discuss solutions.
John Fugate, branch bank manager and president of the Fountain City Business and Professional Association, said it’s important for customers to enter and exit businesses conveniently and safely.
Interviewed prior to the meeting, Fugate said he’s not promoting the effort for personal gain. “I’ve reached where I’m going.” To page A-3
Brantley undecided on seeking re-election By Sandra Clark A political conundrum has surfaced two years ahead of the 2018 elections. Knox County Commissioner Ed Brantley confirmed Monday that he’s undecided on whether to seek re-election to Seat 11, one of two at-large seats on the commission. Former commissioner R. Larry Smith has already named a treasurer and is raising money as a candidate for Seat 11. Commissioner Bob Thomas, who holds atlarge Seat 10, has announced his candidacy for county mayor, leaving his seat open in 2018. Both Brantley and Thomas are eligible to run for a second term on the commission. When contacted, Brantley, 70, said, “I haven’t made up my mind, yet everyone has announced for my seat.” He said Ivan Har-
mon and “some woman” have also mentioned running. A check at the Election Commission shows Smith as the only candidate to name a treasurer for Seat 11. Larsen Jay, who founded Random Acts of Flowers, is also exploring a race for an at-large seat. Smith said he picked Seat 11 rather than Seat 10 because it could become the tiebreaker on a close roll-call vote. He said his eight years on the Metropolitan Planning Commission and another eight years as county commissioner from District 7 make him especially suited to hold an at-large seat. He announced early so he could start raising money. “In four weeks, I’ve raised $52,300 with another $20,000 pledged,” he said. His budget is $175,000. Smith’s fund-raising has triggered calls to Brantley to see if he’s seeking
R. Larry Smith
Ed Brantley
re-election. “ The y ’re calling me and I’m saying I’ve not made up my mind,” said Brantley. He expects to decide “this
time next year.” Political scuttlebutt had Brantley helping Thomas, with neither seeking re-election, and then taking a job in his administration. Brantley said he strongly supports Thomas for mayor but no job has been offered. “Maybe I can help Bob more on the commission.”
Knoxville to state: Get us some money and leave us alone By Betty Bean
(865) 922-4136 NEWS (865) 661-8777 news@ShopperNewsNow.com Sandra Clark | Ruth White ADVERTISING SALES (865) 342-6084 ads@ShopperNewsNow.com Amy Lutheran | Patty Fecco Beverly Holland | Mary Williamson CIRCULATION (865) 342-6200 shoppercirc@ShopperNewsNow.com
Mostly, what legislators heard at their annual breakfast with city officials is that Knoxville wants the state to help pay for a new treatment facility and otherwise stay out of city business. Yes, they’d like the state to help foot the bill for a behavioral health urgent care center (formerly called the safety center). The sheriff and the police chief and the attorney general and the city and county mayors all want this facility, which they say will take the pressure off the Knox County Jail by removing mentally ill inmates and substance abusers from the jail population and placing them in a short-term treatment facility. But Mayor Madeline Rogero
politely informed the local lawmakers that what she wants most from Nashville is for the state to stay out of the city’s business. She doesn’t want any “deannexation” laws, and said the city of Knoxville has not attempted any involuntary annexations for more than a decade. “The prospect of allowing deannexation for properties that have been part of the city and receiving city services and investment for more than a decade raises complicated legal and financial questions that would likely take years to resolve” is how a handout summarizing the city’s legislative wish list put it. City officials would also like for the state not to attempt to regulate
short-term rentals (like Airbnb), and refrain from interfering with the city’s ability to jumpstart redevelopment projects by using tax abatement tools like TIFs and PILOTs. The majority of the lawmakers present pledged their support for the behavioral health urgent care facility, led by Sen. Becky Massey, who outlined a threepronged plan to get it done, with her preferred option being for the governor to include it in his budget from the get-go. Plans B and C would be a “backup” bill she and Rep. Eddie Smith are sponsoring and, as a last resort, a budget amendment. The general sentiment was that chances are good that the state will support the
Training for life.
facility, which is also strongly supported by county Mayor Tim Burchett this session. Rep. Bill Dunn said he’d like to hear more specifics. There was little pushback from the lawmakers until Rogero brought up diversity. “We consider diversity a strength,” she said, citing the difficulties North Carolina ran into after its Legislature passed a so-called bathroom bill. She said North Carolina’s losses were other localities’ gains, including Knoxville’s. “We got an event because of that … Please keep Tennessee opening and welcoming,” she said. To page A-3
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January 11, 2017
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