This week in sunlight…. TN State Rep. (Dem-Knoxville Dist13) Gloria Johnson’s accounting of the events oflegislation on June 11. By Gloria Johnson, TN State Representative Nashville, TN (June 11, 2020) – I want to tell you a bit about what goes on in the legislature. Please remember that I am honored you sent me there,…
Gyasi R. Redmond age 43 was the son of the late Perry O. Redmond Sr. and Dr. Jane Smith Redmond. Gyasi was confirmed and baptized at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Knoxville, TN by Bishop William Saunders. He attended elementary and high schools in Columbus, Ohio and Knoxville and graduated from Bearden High School in 1994….
Knoxville, TN – Mary Ellen “Lefty” Glover, was born to John and Hattie Glover, March 10, 1926 and departed this life, June 11, 2020. Preceded in death by many loved ones, including her parents, siblings, and a host of friends and loved ones. Mary was a faithful employee of the Hyatt Regency Knoxville until her…
Jerry Bias a loving and devoted son, husband, and father was born on February 8, 1978, and passed away on June 11, 2020. Born in Central Islip N.Y, he was the son of Raymond Bias Sr. and Chantie Bias Barnes. Although only 42 at the time of his death, Jerry affected many people in his…
Johnny Epps, Jr., was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, May 18, 1933. He departed from us, June 15, 2020. Johnny was married to Ajamah for 31 years. He was retired from the US Navy after 25 years of service, where he was a navy recruiter. He also served on several naval ships. Johnny loved traveling…
Knoxville – Darryl “D. Flo” Florence passed away June 7, 2020 at U.T. Hospital. He was born on September 8, 1989. Preceded in death by father, Darryl Florence Sr. Darryl is survived by his loving mother, Ruth Ann Crump and devoted sister, Darresa Florence; sons, Tre’Veyon and Keilan Florence; grandmothers, Ruth Crump and Audria Rollins…
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the union soldiers, led by major general Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. This was two and…
CAN YOUR BUSINESS USE UP TO $10,000 THAT YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY BACK? You can apply for a grant – free working capital. The application process is time sensitive. All applications must be submitted by Wednesday, June 17th at 11:59 PM ET. The Truist Foundation (formerly Suntrust) has committed an additional $25 million philanthropic pledge…
KNOXVILLE, TN, (June 2020) – Sheliya Israel of Festivals for Charity, Inc. had planned the organization’s first event, The Knoxville Caribbean Jerk Festival on the World’s Fair Site in downtown Knoxville for May 2020. Israel had done the work. Featured entertainment was to be a popular band from the 1970s, “Third World.” She partnered with…
Knoxville, TN – Dwayne Antoine Mitchell was born in New York, NY to the proud parents of Joseph Mitchell and Robin Blocker on October 2, 1976. Dwayne was the oldest of 7 children. Dwayne grew up in The Bronx, NY, and was educated in the New York City Public School System. Dwayne enjoyed spending the…
Helen Ann Patrick, formerly of Knoxville, passed away in Nashville, TN. A devoted faithful member of Peace and Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church. Preceded in death by mother, Jessie Bell Motley; son, Walter Lee Patrick Jr.; sister, Esther “Jean” Smith; brothers, Robert Charles Motley Sr., Gregory “Lavon” Motley. Survivors: children, Edward Patrick, Travist (Brandy) Patrick, Jason…
Knoxville, TN – Nancy Virginia Hazzard Glass, passed away June 4, 2020. She was preceded in death by her husband of 15 years, Odell Glass who departed this life, August 29, 2011. Survivors, family in Eric, PA; brothers-in-law, Claude and William Glass; sisters-in-law, Anna Higley and Betty Collins. A family service for held for Mrs….
Knoxville, TN – Russell Phelton Bridges, age 55, went home on June 8, 2020. Russell was preceded by mother and father Betty Yvonne “Vonne” Bridges and Jimmy G. Bridges, Sr. Also, by his brother Quenton Michael Bridges. He is survived by brothers Jimmy “Gary” Bridges, Jr. (wife Pamelia Kincaid) who is currently stationed in Abu…
Knoxville, TN – On Monday, June 8, 2020, Willie Marshall “Mash” Martin, passed away at age 69. Willie was born, October 21, 1950 in Knoxville, TN to Wesley and Elizabeth Martin. Preceded in death by parents, Wesley and Elizabeth Martin; siblings, Delores Martin, David Martin and Jacqueline Martin White; nephews, and nieces, Sonja Archie, Robert…
Knoxville, TN – Remembering Our Beloved Elder Larry Brown who was born February 6, 1956 and departed this life May 25, 2020. Elder Brown will lie-in repose on Friday , June 12, 2020 from 10-6 at the Unity Mortuary. The service will be held Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 12 Noon at the Unity Mortuary…
It’s happening tonight! I am running for re-election for State House District-13 so that I can continue to fight for Knoxville’s working families. Please join us for the campaign kick-off tonight at 6pm ET on Zoom or Facebook Live to hear from special guests: LaKenya Middlebrook James Mackler Rep. Craig Fitzhugh! You can RSVP here to receive…
Minneapolis, MN (June 2, 2020)— Amidst the peaceful protesting over the killing of George Floyd, CBS News and Fox 9 have confirmed that most of the rioters and violent protesters in Minneapolis are linked to white supremacist groups. According to the Department of Safety Commissioner John Harrington, most of the arrests are in fact linked to white nationalist…
Sunrise Movement Knoxville endorses Matthew Park, a progressive democrat for Tennessee State House D-15 Seat. Knoxville, TN (June 10, 2020) – The Sunrise Knoxville movement has endorsed democratic candidate Matthew Park for State House Dist. 15 in the upcoming primary election on August 6, 2020. In a unanimous vote, the membership of Sunrise Knoxville stated,…
(June 2, 2020) -Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, cabinet members, and the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group announced a new relief program for Tennessee businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tennessee Business Relief Program will direct approximately $200 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funds through the Department of Revenue directly to small businesses that qualify. “The…
St. John’s Episcopal Church Rector Gini Gerbasi shares her first-hand account of the events in front of the church leading up to Trump’s arrival for a photo opp. Volunteers and members of the BLM medic team were providing a respite, neutral ground for marchers before allegedly being forced from church grounds by officers in full riot gear. “Friends,…
Nationwide (BlackNews.com) — Arion Long founded Femly after being diagnosed with a reproductive illness that was linked directly to chemicals in popular feminine care products. Prior to starting the company, she had no idea that added ingredients like nylon, rubber, and bleach were lurking inside the sanitary pads and tampons she was using! As a result, she decided…
KNOXVILLE, TN (June 2020) – Walk-up testing is offered at the Knox County Health Department’s main location at 140 Dameron Avenue, 37917, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Advanced notice is no longer required for Coronavirus testing, but wearing masks is requested. In order to minimize human contact, signage is posted…
NAACP and Ed Gordon Media sponsoring a virtual town hall with the 2020 democratic nominee for President and former vice-president Joe Biden. If you can’t watch live view at your convenience. Baltimore, MD (June 8, 2020) – Baltimore NAACP in partnership with Ed Gordon Media, hosted a Virtual Town Hall featuring Former Vice President Joe…
(UPDATED) Marvin Lee Rice slept peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior Friday morning May 29, 2020 at Bordeaux Long Term Care Hospital, Nashville, TN. He was born August 20, 1956 to the late Leo Sr. and Bernice Hardin Rice in Knoxville, TN. Marvin attended Tabernacle Baptist Church and was the first black member…
Douglas “Duck” Ivy was born December 2, 1949, in Oak Ridge, TN to the union of the late Charlie S. and Ruby Mae Young Ivy. He was granted eternal rest on Saturday, June 6, 2020 at The Waters of Clinton in Clinton, TN. He attended Scarboro Elementary, Robertsville Jr, High and graduated from Oak Ridge…