One call to make, One place to go Family Justice Center.
CAC, KCDC, Family Justice Center free services and support
Local agencies offer help for housing, emotional and financial support for young adults to seniors, victims of domestic violence, and others in need. Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) has secured 25 vouchers to assist young adults ages 18-24 who have aged out of the foster care system. KCDC recently earned funding through a new…
April is National Minority Health Month find resources near you
April is National Minority Health Month (NMHM), a time to raise awareness about health disparities that affect racial and ethnic minority populations and to encourage action through health education, early detection, and control of disease complications. The National Urban League is honoring fearless and courageous Black women for #BlackMaternalHealthWeek. In Knoxville, the African-American Health…
A-E Students and community members onserve police activity around the school on April 12, 2021, after an officer-involved shooting that ended the life of Anthony Thompson, a 17-year old A-E student. (Photo KPD)
What it means to have Black children in America
Experts say police brutality is a reproductive health issue that can leave lasting imprints on a community’s health. Mothers of black children’s anguish -‘we can’t protect them!’ What it means to be the mother of a Black child in America. By Barbara Rodriguez, Mariel Padilla The 19th news media NATIONAL (April 21, 2021) – Maria Fernandez…
City-Wide Prayer Meeting in East Knoxville
Five Austin-East High school students have been murdered this year (from January through April 2021). All of them happened while students were headed home at the end of their day, with one inside of the school. The community is in fear of the lives of black children. Law enforcement has provided limited information to only…
Lennon Seney Church Pastor Leah Burns and Cherokee Health Systems Board Chairman Nat Foster at a recent COVID-19 vaccination clinic that was at the church. (Photo submitted March 2021)
Cherokee Health offers COVID Vaccination clinics across East Tennessee
Cherokee Health Systems is receiving limited quantities of the COVID-19 vaccines. Community events and vaccination clinics are planned to give vaccinations in accordance with the State of Tennessee vaccine categories. The brand of vaccines administered (Moderna, Phizer, or Johnson & Johnson) will vary based on what is shipped to them at the time. For…
COVID-19 tests at Chilhowee Park
Free, drive-thru COVID-19 tests will be administered by licensed medical professionals of Chi Eta Phi, Inc. black nursing sorority, New Directions Healthcare Solutions, and the East Knoxville Free Medical Clinic this weekend at Chilhowee Park. The tests will be offered from 9 am to 3 pm, on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 6-7, on a first-come-first-served…
In late 2020, Cynthia Finch, Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) volunteered to participate in the AstraZeneca vaccine trial that needed more minority participants to complete the study. (Photo submitted)
Workgroup announces community effort to assist with COVID vaccine distribution
The Faith Leaders Church Initiative has formed the African American Health Care Clinician Workgroup to establish a more balanced access and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine throughout the community. (January 17, 2021) – Interested community members are invited to participate in a discussion to expedite the distribution of COVID vaccines to the community, with a…
Pope Francis blessed the Martin Luther King, Jr. jersey he was gifted by the NBA Atlanta Hawks in celebration of what would have King's 92nd birthday.
Pope Francis blesses Atlanta Hawks’ MLK jersey
In November 2020, five NBA players were part of a delegation that sat down with Pope Francis at the Vatican to talk social justice. The NBPA said the players spoke about their “individual and collective efforts addressing social and economic injustice and inequality occurring in their communities.” Last fall, Atlanta unveiled a jersey that honors civil…
Dr. Kizzmekia "Kizzie" Corbett has been at the forefront of the vaccine process at Dr. Faucis Institute. Photo submitted)
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett discovered the key to mitigating the Coronavirus Vaccine
“History books will celebrate the name and achievements of Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, the Black Woman who was the leader in developing the COVID-19 Vaccine.” – Barbara Arnwine, President and Founder of Transformative Justice Coalition. NATIONAL NEWS, ( December 21, 2020) — At a recent National Urban League event Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National…
Free Flu Shots this Saturday at four Knoxville locations
Free flu shots are available from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept, 19th at four locations in Knoxville. For everyone’s safety, cloth face coverings are required to participate. Austin-East Magnet High School, 2800 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. in Knoxville Farragut High School, 11237 Kingston Pike in Knoxville NOTE: Farragut is the only location that has…
Remove Politics from Coronavirus Vaccine Approval Process
Maintaining the American public’s trust in the FDA is vital. If the agency’s credibility is lost because of real or perceived interference, people will not rely on the agency’s safety warnings. Erosion of public trust will leave consumers and patients doubting our recommendations, less likely to enroll in clinical studies, or to use FDA-regulated products…
A Department of Veterans Affairs doctor speaks with a patient. (Undated Dept. of VA file photo.)
Millions of 9/11 Afghanistan and War Veterans medical care withheld
WASHINGTON (Sept. 1, 2020) – The Department of Veterans Affairs hasn’t followed up on millions of veterans’ medical appointments that were canceled in response to the coronavirus pandemic, an investigation found. The department canceled 7.3 million in-person appointments from March 15 to May 1 as the pandemic spread through the United States, and then canceled…
Deacon Otis Littlejohn, State Rep. Rick Staples and Rev. Vincent Brown unite in prayer at Austin-East High School at the start of the annual Prayer Walk at area schools. (Photo P.Williams)
Pastors Prayed at East Knox Schools
Knoxville, TN (August 23, 2020) – The light rains on Sunday morning, nor the dangers of the coronavirus pandemic deterred area pastors from holding their annual Prayer Walk at area schools. On Friday Deacon Otis Littlejohn sent out a call to area pastors and prayer warriors to join him at Austin-East High School at 10…
Melinda Gates, the wife of billionaire Bill Gates, has reportedly suggested in a recent interview with Time Magazine that Black and Latino people should be the first to get the COVID-19 vaccine once it becomes available.
Outrage After Bill Gates’ Wife Says Blacks Should Receive COVID-19 Vaccine First
NATIONWIDE (July 2020) – As vaccine research for the virus becomes more and more progressive, some researchers are already trying to determine to whom the shots should be administered to first. Many have said key national security officials, high-risk individuals, and essential workers should be prioritized. That conversation, however, became controversial when Melinda Gates and…
Arion Long founded Femly after being diagnosed with a reproductive illness that was linked directly to chemicals in popular feminine care products.
Feminine Care Brand You Need to Know About
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…
Knox County COVID-19 Free, Walk-up Testing
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…
*** URGENT *** CHURCH REOPENING TOOLKITS AVAILABLE TODAY
FAITH LEADERS CAN PICKUP REOPENING TOOLKITS KNOXVILLE, TN (May 21, 2020) Tool kits to assist with reopening churches will be distributed from 11am till 1pm, Thursday, May 21st at CONNECT Ministries office, 3615 Martin Luther King Avenue. The kits contain recommended products, safety gear, CDC guidelines and more to help safely reopen churches. A diverse…
Irvin Lee, in the Washington D.C. area, wrote 'The Rona Song' after medical professionals in the Emergency room refused to test his son.
A Death Sentence: COVID-19 Blacks with Symptoms Denied Tests are Dying
Nationwide — Federal data has confirmed that most of the dead victims of COVID-19 in the United States are African-American. However, many news reports are not reporting that many of those who have died from the virus were denied tests. These stories have created a national uproar within the Black communities nationwide. Activists, educators, preachers…
Encouragement During the Seasons of Loss
When you loose a loved one, you gain an angel. Min. Pat Benn, ETE Contributor May 10, 2020 – Once again I was awakened from my restless sleep by pain. My sleep was riddled with memories of her last days. Memories of her eyes wide and words so clear. “I’m scared, wee wee.” My sister and…
Service to an empty church to be videoed and live streamed. April 2020.
“Suddenly” (the captive free, the wicked bow)
(April 26, 2020) – In recent years I remember looking at people in China wearing masks and it felt so odd, so strange. I recall thinking how sad it must be to live in a country that didn’t protect its citizens. As I gazed upon their pictures I felt a sense of sorrow for them…
Apply for ACA Health Insurance NOW, or anytime
NATIONWIDE (April 2020) – The annual ACA open enrollment period enables insurers to offer sunscribers a better rate based on the volume of enrollees. The more that apply, the better rate that can be offered. It is also the open window for the uninsured to be subsidized. After the open enrollment period, your rate will…
Photo of scientist by Hush Naidoo; @hush52
COVID-19 Advice from East TN, ORAU Scientists
Oak Ridge Associated University’s social scientists separate facts from social media misinformation concerning the current COVID-19 pandemic. Oak Ridge, TN (April 2020) – Rumors, hoaxes, and misinformation are running rampant on social media in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. All of us are spending more time on screens, looking at our social media feeds…
Easter Eggs Dropped from Above on East Knoxville Park
Republished from 2019 ETE archives. The cloudy weather did not dampen Easter celebrations over the weekend. That includes the egg drop by helicopter at Harriet Tubman Park in East Knoxville. Although it was postponed from Saturday to Easter Sunday afternoon for flying safety, approximately 1,500 participants were present. The event was spearheaded by Pastor Daryl…
His body was gone, the sepulcher was empty. "Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen; He is not here: behold the place where they laid him. Mark 16:6 KJV
Resurrection Sunday 2020 Protocol: Facebook, Drive-in, Casual attire
By Patricia Williams, Pat Benn contributor KNOXVILLE, TN (April 2020) – A change in established norms is expected to come with challenges. For the first time in recent history assembling in a church or house of worship is being challenged. In the midst of COVID-19, a world-wide health pandemic, authorities have ordered “citizens to shutter…