Erica Haigler, Pastor Spurgeon Chapel broke AMEZ and Oak Ridge glass ceilings
Pastor Erica Haigler delivered her first Mother's Day service as pastor of Spurgeon Chapel AMEZion Church. She is also the first Black female pastor in Oak Ridge, Tenn. according to news accounts. The church is celebrating her first anniversary on May 15, 2022. (Photo May 2022 ETEnlightener.com)

Erica Haigler, Pastor Spurgeon Chapel broke AMEZ and Oak Ridge glass ceilings

OAK RIDGE, TENN. (May 10, 2022) – Spurgeon Chapel  African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AMEZ) Church is celebrating the 1st year of its Pastor Rev. Erica N. Haigler on May 15th. All are welcome to attend the celebration at the church at 100 S. Benedict Avenue in Oak Ridge, Tenn. Rev. Haigler made history in June 2021,…

Events are on the East Tennessee Enlightener Facebook page
We welcome your events to also be posted on the website. Simply email to info@etelight.com. Your efforts to help provide our East Tennessee communities with knowledge and information, and our businesses with recognition and support through the East Tennessee Enlightener Online Community News is welcomed. We are stronger together. Your support that allows the ETE to support our communities is much appreciated.

Events are on the East Tennessee Enlightener Facebook page

There is much to do and many activities for center-city residents who live in the pockets of like-minded disconnected East Tennesseans in Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Maryville, and the Johnson City, Morristown areas. All are within an hours drive of Knoxville. The East Tennessee Enlightener is excited to share family activities, adult events, and more happenings…

Lisa Moon, Cherokee Health Mobile Unit coordinator
Lisa Moon is Director of Cherokee Health Systems Mobile clinic which provides onsite healthcare throughout East Tennessee.

Lisa Moon, Cherokee Health Mobile Unit coordinator

EAST TENNESSEE (March 2022) – Have you met Lisa Moon? If you have received onsite healthcare from the Cherokee Mobile Unit, then you probably have. Lisa is the Movile Services director and has an integral role on the Cherokee Mobile Clinic team. “Working at Cherokee enables me to meet patients and take healthcare services where…

Emily Suttle Crowned Miss Tennessee USA 2022
Emily Suttle, Miss Franklin, was crowned Miss Tennessee USA and McKinley Farese, Miss Memphis, was crowned Miss Tennessee Teen USA on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. (Photo submitted to ETEnlightener.com)

Emily Suttle Crowned Miss Tennessee USA 2022

The Pageant Celebrates 21 Years in Clarksville    Clarksville, TN – Emily Suttle, Miss Franklin, was crowned Miss Tennessee USA Saturday at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. McKinley Farese, Miss Memphis, was crowned Miss Tennessee Teen USA. The new titleholders and the runners-up received numerous prizes and scholarships. Both Suttles Miss Tennessee USA and Farese Miss…

Cherokee offers support for dementia patients and caregivers

Cherokee offers support for dementia patients and caregivers

Cherokee Health Systems is a Dementia Friends USA sublicense for Tennessee KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (February 15, 2022) – Cherokee Health Systems is officially the Dementia Friends USA sublicensee for Tennessee. Dementia Friends USA is a global movement that’s changing the way people think, act and talk about dementia. Individuals who participate in online training or attend information sessions (virtual…

Cherokee Women’s Specialty Health Clinics at Area Locations
Cherokee Health System's Director of Women's Health Dr. Michael Caudle, MD, Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists with 45 years of medical experience. (Photo submitted to ETEnlightener.com)

Cherokee Women’s Specialty Health Clinics at Area Locations

February is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month at Cherokee Health Systems. EAST TENNESSEE (February 2022) – The phrase “you have cancer” coming from a doctor is something that will shake up just about anyone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all women are at risk for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is a…

Coffin finds support, starts business caring for others
Pamela Coffin received the support she needed from Pellissippi State Disability Services, which enabled her to earn an Associate of Science degree in December 2021.

Coffin finds support, starts business caring for others

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 2022) – After years of struggling in class and feeling like a failure, Pamela Coffin was ready to give up on college.   Pamela first came to Pellissippi State because of her daughter, who encouraged her to go to college through the Tennessee Reconnect program. However, after failing several classes, Pamela became discouraged and thought something had to be…

Aspen Dental provides 3,000 Veterans with Free Dental Care on annual Day of Service
Staff provides care to veterans during Aspen Dental’s 7th Annual Day of Service, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Loganville, Ga. The event is an opportunity for teams across the country to give back to our nation’s heroes and provide critical dental care. (Brandon Dill/AP Images for Aspen Dental)

Aspen Dental provides 3,000 Veterans with Free Dental Care on annual Day of Service

More than 500 Aspen Dental Offices across the country opened on November 6 to break down barriers to care on Aspen Dental’s 7th Annual Day of Service provided free dental care to more than 3,000 military veterans and their spouses.          November 11, 2021 (CHICAGO) – On Saturday, November 6, more than 500…

Cherokee Health Expands Telehealth, Virtual Healthcare with FCC Award

Cherokee Health Expands Telehealth, Virtual Healthcare with FCC Award

Cherokee Health Systems Receives Funding Through the Federal Communications Commission’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program   KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (October 26, 2021) – Cherokee Health Systems is receiving $861,560 from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in an effort to improve health outcomes in low-income and underserved patient populations. Last month, the FCC approved additional applications for funding commitments through its COVID-19…

Cherokee Health Supports Hispanic Communities Everyday
Dr. Katie Silva with her husband and children, is a pediatrician at the Cherokee clinic in Talbott Tennessee. (Photo submitted to ETE)

Cherokee Health Supports Hispanic Communities Everyday

October is National Hispanic Heritage Month. At Cherokee Health Systems, supporting our Hispanic communities is an ongoing daily effort.   EAST TENNESSEE (October 2021) – National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept.15 to Oct.15 to recognize the many contributions and achievements of Hispanic Americans. Research shows how much the Hispanic community has contributed to…

Susan G. Komen Tackles Racism, Healthcare Access Impact on Black Communities and Breast Cancer
Women should conduct a monthly self-breast exam.

Susan G. Komen Tackles Racism, Healthcare Access Impact on Black Communities and Breast Cancer

Susan G. Komen® Launches “Stand for H.E.R.” Health Equity Revolution to Improve Breast Cancer Outcomes in the Black Community Initiative Spurred by New Report Detailing Systemic Racism and Barriers to Care in 10 Metro Areas in the U.S. Experiencing Greatest Disparities ETE HEALTH & HAPPINESS/August 14, 2021 NATIONAL BlackPrNews) – Susan G. Komen®, the world’s…

Cherokee Healthcare Mobile Unit helps eradicate mobility to quality care
The Cherokee mobile clinic offers wound care, COVID-19 vaccines, lab work, and can fill common antibiotic prescriptions. It is equipped with two exam rooms and can support both a behavioral health consultant and a primary care provider. (ETENLIGHTENER.COM)

Cherokee Healthcare Mobile Unit helps eradicate mobility to quality care

EAST TENNESSEE (September 2021) – Cherokee Healthcare has put healthcare on the road with its innovative traveling Mobile Health unit. The Cherokee mobile clinic delivers quality care to those with limited access, lack of public transportation, physical limitations, homeless, and business and residential locations. The Cherokee mobile clinic offers wound care, COVID-19 vaccines, lab work,…

Tree Talk: African influence on American Cuisine a Netflix docuseries
This Netflix docuseries will be the topic of discussion at Battlefield Farms next Tree Talk. An outside event free and open to all.

Tree Talk: African influence on American Cuisine a Netflix docuseries

Battlefield Farms and Garden’s next “Tree Talk Series” will be at 6 pm, Tuesday, August 10, outside at 3614 Boyds Bridge Pike. Seating and parking are limited. Feel free to bring a lawn chair and carpool if possible. Tanisha Baker will facilitate the conversation on the Netflix documentary “High on The Hog: How African-American Cuisine…

FREE Dental Clinic in East Knoxville this weekend
LMU to bring free dentistry clinic to Holston Drive this Friday and Saturday.

FREE Dental Clinic in East Knoxville this weekend

KNOXVILLE (Aug. 3, 2021) – Free Indeed International Ministries (FIIM) in partnership with Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) is sponsoring a FREE Community Dental Clinic from 10am to 6pm, this Friday and Saturday, August 6 & 7, at the HR Community Development Center at 4101 Holston Drive in East Knoxville, (near Honey Rock church). Dental services…

Processing Trauma, YOGA for Youth Free at the Change Center
FREE YOGU CLASSES FOR STUDENTS AT THE CHANGE CENTER IN EAST KNOXVILLE

Processing Trauma, YOGA for Youth Free at the Change Center

Certified counselor and Yoga instructor Anitra Brown Pierce is conducting this free 7-week class for junior and high school students. The one-hour classes are twice a week from 6:30-7:30 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 15 through July 30, at the Change Center, 203 Harriet Tubman St. just east of downtown Knoxville. To register, call…

FREE Hip-Hop Dance Classes at the Change Center
Free HIP HOP DANCE CLASSES for middle and high school students.

FREE Hip-Hop Dance Classes at the Change Center

ET COMMUNITY/EVENTS  Movement for Change! Ken Easterly is an A-E Roadrunner, a Knoxville native and supporter. He is conducting a free Hip Hop Dance class for middle and high school students at the Change Center on Hariett Tubman St. in Austin Homes, just east of downtown Knoxville. Classes started June 16 and run through July…

Cece Winans, Dr. Bernice King, Dr. A.R. Bernard in Knoxville to promote unity and healing

Cece Winans, Dr. Bernice King, Dr. A.R. Bernard in Knoxville to promote unity and healing

Knoxville students and their families have experienced a tumultuous start to the new year. Within the first few months of 2021, the lives of five black high school students attending the same school were murdered. This tragic set of circumstances brought national media attention to the Scruffy City of Knoxville, as well as concerns and…

ASK A CHEROKEE HEALTH PROFESSIONAL: It’s okay to say you’re not okay
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a manifestation of unrecognized trauma. Not only from war abroad, but within homes, schools, work, friendships or being in the right place at the wrong time.

ASK A CHEROKEE HEALTH PROFESSIONAL: It’s okay to say you’re not okay

June is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness month. Cherokee Health Systems (CHS) is breaking down the misconceptions of PTSD. Traumatic disturbances happen at home, school, work and even when you are in the right place, but at the wrong time.   HEALTH & HAPPINESS By Dr. Hilary Parker, Licensed Psychologist, Behavioral Health Consultant at Cherokee Health Systems…

Jehovah’s Witness 2021 Global Convention to be Virtual, 240 lands in 500 languages
The Jehovah's Witnesses' last in-person convention in 2019 at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN. (Photo submitted to ETEnlightener.com)

Jehovah’s Witness 2021 Global Convention to be Virtual, 240 lands in 500 languages

“Uniting the World in Faith” is the theme of Jehovah’s Witness Virtual Global Event in 240 Lands and, in more than 500 Languages   KNOXVILLE, TN (June 24, 2021) – Since the late-1990s, the Tri-Cities Freedom Hall in Johnson City has hosted the Jehovah’s Witness annual convention. Hotels, restaurants, attractions, and venues in the Smokies, Oak…

Free HIV Testing Saturday

Free HIV Testing Saturday

National HIV Testing Day to raise awareness of Choice Health Network’s year-round services KNOXVILLE, TN (June 24, 2021) – National HIV Testing Day, held annually on June 27, also will raise awareness of Choice Health Network’s everyday services for East Tennessee’s most vulnerable individuals and families affected by HIV, mental illness, substance use, homelessness, discrimination,…

Conditional release for incarcerated mothers of newborns
Prison nurseries like this one at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, in New York, allow babies to stay near their mothers for up to three years. Now, a program in Minnesota will offer the possibility of conditional release for some mothers. (AP PHOTO/JULIE JACOBSON)

Conditional release for incarcerated mothers of newborns

In a country that typically separates incarcerated people from their newborns, the eight states with prison nurseries seemed groundbreaking. Minnesota introduced an entirely new solution. Jean Lee Reporting Fellow Published June 11, 2021 In June 2014, Autumn Mason gave birth while incarcerated in Shakopee Correctional Facility, Minnesota’s only women’s prison. She was arrested for criminal vehicular operation…