KNOXVILLE, TN – Robert A. Taylor Jr. (Rooster), age 62, peacefully departed life on Monday, June 29th, 2020 at his residence. After a courageous battle with many health problems, he is now in the arms of JESUS. He worked at various jobs until his health failed. He was the son of the late Earnestine McNair…
By Patricia Williams KNOXVILLE, TN (June 2020) – East Knoxville buzzed with activities last Saturday, June 27th – all while following mandated coronavirus safety and social distancing protocols. Events held in a few blocks of MLK Avenue took hours to visit and enjoy, which I did. My first stop was at Edgewood Chapel AME Zion…
Every year, Highlander’s Seeds of Fire youth organizing program has hosted an in-person week-long gathering, bringing together youth living and organizing across the US South to skill-build, and develop deep relationships across regions. This year, due to COVID-19, we have moved our work virtually because we know the work doesn’t stop, it evolves. And it’s vitally important…
(UPDATED) OAK RIDGE, TN – Willie Tyrone Booker departed this life Friday, July 3, 2020 at Methodist Medical Center. Born May 27, 1951 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, he was the son of C.D. and Augusta Spraggins Booker. Willie attended Oak Ridge High School and remained an avid fan of Wildcats football and basketball. He loved a sporty…
(UPDATED) KNOXVILLE, TN – Raquell Lee Dixson Smith was affectionately known as “Rockie.” She was born a twin on May 2, 1968, in Knoxville, TN, to Lawrence Sr. and Mary Dixson. Rockie was a devoted mother, grandmother, wonderful daughter, sister, and aunt. Raquell displayed her genuine love for others throughout her life. She grew up…
KNOXVILLE, TN – Kelvin “Cal” Eugene Myers, Sr. was born to Charles and Bertha Myers on March 27, 1959, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He graduated from Austin-East High School in 1977, and he was employed by Omega Plastics for 32 years, where he was a supervisor. Cal was a devoted son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew,…
KNOXVILLE, TN (UPDATED) – Ebony Michelle Brown, age 36, went home peacefully to be with the Lord on July 4, 2020. Ebony was a loving and devoted mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, and friend. She was a member of Overcoming Believers Church. Ebony may be viewed on Friday, July 10 from 12-6 p.m. at the Unity…
Anthony Garcia Widener 59, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 25, 2020. Preceded in death by parents Roy B. And Fay D. Henderson and sister Alyce L. Holloway. Survived by devoted wife of 35 years Temple Elaine, son Anthony Jr.; sister Betty Newbolt, brother Reginald Widener. And a host of…
Based on the COVID-19 information available today, Knox County School families who might want to take advantage of a virtual school option in the coming school year (if schools reopen in the fall) to complete a survey by Tuesday, July 7. Apply for additional Pandemic-EBT card by July 13. KNOXVILLE, TN (July 1, 2020) – Knox…
By Joshua Flory KNOXVILLE, TN (June 30, 2020) – Taking over a football program is always a challenge, but two head coaches who stepped into the spotlight this year are managing more than just X’s and O’s. Austin-East defensive coordinator Antonio Mays was recently named head coach of the Roadrunners, while Central defensive coordinator…
Dante Jacobi Lewis, age 32 was born August 30, 1987 and passed from Earth to Eternity on June 22, 2020. Dante was born in Washington D.C., lived in Savannah, Georgia, but grew up in Blount County and called this his home. Dante was a member of the Alcoa High School Class of 2005 where he…
Ronald (Ronnie) G. Arnold Sr. transitioned to his heavenly home on Monday, June 29, 2020. He was born in Sheffield, Ala., on March 20, 1953, to father Durie Arnold, who preceded him in death; and mother Claudia Vaughn Arnold. Ronald was the oldest of six siblings. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Wallie and…
KNOXVILLE, TN – Clarence William “Itsy” Darden was born April 12, 1952, to the late Arthur Darden and Josephine Roper Thompson, departed this life Monday, June 29, 2020 at home surrounded by his family. Itsy was married to the love of his life, Virginia Darden, for 48 years. He was an Austin-East High School graduate,…
KNOXVILLE, TN – Kevin Dwight Dailey, Sr., “Day Way,” was born a twin, on August 31, 1967 to Helen Marie Dailey and Charles Rodgers in Knoxville, Tennessee. Kevin took his heavenly flight on June 27, 2020. Kevin was a member of the Austin-East Class of 1985. After graduation, he worked for Buddy’s BBQ for over…
(Knoxville, TN) – Ida Louella Stanford, age 72, departed this life on June 25, 2020 at her home. She was born in Oak Ridge, TN, the daughter of Mary Katherine Brown Stanford and Early Matthews on February 4, 1948. Ida was a graduate of Austin High School, Class of 1966. She worked for Knox County Schools Special Division…
CITIZEN’S VOICE “We Charge Genocide” is a historic petition for relief from the United States Government’s Crime of Genocide against Negro People. It was presented in 1951 to the United Nations, Secretary-General Trygve Halvdan Lie. The world ignored it then, as now. OP-ED By John Burl Smith Although I was a pre-teen in 1951, living in Memphis, I…
Temple, TX – Julius Tyrone Wells, formerly of Knoxville, TN departed this life at his home in Temple, TX, June 14, 2020. Born June 22, 1957, graduate of Austin East High School, class of 1975; entered into the US Army serving for four years. Preceded in death by mother, Erma Wells; sister, Evelyn Wells Lowery;…
Jermar Renell Munson formerly of Detroit, MI who at an early age moved to Knoxville, TN. Proceed in death, grandparents Charles (Billy) and Melzetta Greene, mother Kimberly Greene, uncle Gregory Greene. He leaves to cherish, devoted and loving aunts, Wanda Greene (mother), Lisa (Eric) Lyons (Nashville, TN), uncle Tony (Lori) Greene (Iowa), children Jermar Jr.,…
Alberta Julia Morrison, born the 12th child of 14 children, September 21, 1951, to the proud parents of John and Willie Mae Morrison. She was a graduate of Rule High School. Preceded in death by parents, John and Willie Mae Morrison; five brothers and two sisters. Survived by her loving and devoted children, son, Keith…
Dorothy Patricia Lee was born on December 4, 1944 in Chicago, IL. to the late Dorothy Pratt. Sharing over 50yrs of Love & Life with her husband, Willie B. Lee, she spent the majority of her life living and raising her family in Chicago, IL. Later, she relocated to Knoxville, Tn. to be closer to…
By Patricia Williams James Mackler is on the ballot for TN Senator to replace retiring lifelong politician, Republican Senator Lamar Alexander who has held the position since 2003. Mackler is a fighter for his family, his state, and his countrymen. After the 9/11/2001 attack on American ground, Mackler left his law practice and enlisted in…
Washington, D.C. – Although the motion passed 319-96, the Republican Congressman sent from Knoxville, Tennessee voted against it. Public Law No: 116-91 (12/19/2019) Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education Act or the FUTURE Act This bill permanently authorizes funding for minority-serving institutions of higher education and increases the authorization of appropriations for Pell…
“June is Pride Month, and earlier this week we won a huge victory in the fight for equal rights…” -James Mackler The Supreme Court ruled that LGBTQ+ Americans cannot be fired on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. It’s an important step in the right direction, but there is still work to be…
We see you and we thank Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood. CAPTION: Tennessee Representatives Vincent Dixie, Bob Freeman, Gloria Johnson, and Larry Miller have championed the rights of Tennessean’s access to reproductive health care, counseling, and support. To send a personal message of appreciation to these legislators click here; To learn more about the…
Patricia Williams, ETE Editor Knoxville, TN (June 2020) – His mother died years ago, but in his last breaths, pleas in desperation, George Floyd cried out to his Moma. How much submission, surrender, and desperation is needed for a police officer to feel safe. In total submission, he pleaded “officer, officer please, I can’t breathe….