by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jul 17, 2026 | CMG News, News
(MEMPHIS, Tenn. – May 5, 2026) The Tri-State Defender will host its next TSD in the Community Forum, focusing on health and wellness. The forum is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, at 6 p.m. at Memphis Health Center, located at 360 E.H. Crump Blvd, Memphis, TN 38126.
This free, public event will invite the community to hear from healthcare professionals and advocates about the importance of physical and mental health and wellness.
The event is free and open to the public, and registration is required through Eventbrite: www.tri-statedefender.com/community
“The African American community suffers from major health care issues. The Tri-State Defender believes it is important to have a public discussion focusing on diseases, mental health, the importance of fitness and the costs associated with health care,” said Stephanie R. Jones, editor of the Tri-State Defender.
The panel will include:
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Judge Sheila Bruce Renfroe, General Sessions, Division 9 Mental Health Court
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Dr. Patrick Malone, Internal Medicine Physician, Regional One Healthcare,
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Dr. Veronica Gant, Clinical Director, Memphis Health Center
Lori Spicer Robertson will lead the discussion.
Upcoming TSD in the Community Forums include:
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Government/Politics — Wednesday, June 3, 2026
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Education — Wednesday, July 1, 2026
TSD in the Community is sponsored by The Tri-State Defender and Google.
About The Tri-State Defender
The Tri-State Defender (TSD) is one of the longest, continuously published newspapers in the South that caters to the news and information needs of the African American community. In January 2024, TSD transitioned to a digital format to keep readers informed quickly as news hits that affect the community. First published on November 1, 1951, the weekly newspaper has been an anchor element in the multi-platform delivery of news and information. TSDMemphis.com is now the primary source for news, along with the TSD Daily Digital and social media platforms. To learn more about The Tri-State Defender, visit www.tri-statedefender.com.
For more information or if you would like to interview someone from The Tri-State Defender, contact Jennifer Sharp, The Carter Malone Group LLC, at 901.278.0881 or jsharp@cmgpr.com.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jul 17, 2026 | CMG News, News
WHAT: Bank of America cardholders can access 15,000+ cash back Deals from national and local brands, including local Memphis restaurants and retailers. No promo codes or coupons are required.
WHEN: Deals are available on an ongoing basis and updated regularly.
WHERE: Bank of America credit and debit cardholders in Memphis can earn cash back at participating local businesses, including:
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- Dyer’s Burgers, Downtown, 205 Beale Street, Memphis, TN 38103
- The Bar-B-Q Shop, Midtown, 1782 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
- Humdingers, East Memphis, 6300 Poplar Avenue, Ste 101, Memphis, TN 38119
- Tekila Mexican Bar & Grill, Cordova, 1335 N Germantown Parkway, Cordova, TN 38016
Clients can explore the full list of local and national Deals in the Bank of America mobile banking app or at promotions.bankofamerica.com/en/deals.
WHY: Bank of America is committed to helping make the financial lives of its clients better, and that means delivering real, everyday value. As part of its larger rewards ecosystem, which includes BofA Rewards, Deals is one example of how Bank of America provides clients in Memphis and communities across the country with meaningful benefits that support their financial well-being.
HOW: Deals are available to all Bank of America credit and debit cardholders who use an eligible card, and can be activated and redeemed directly through the app or online banking portal. Clients who join BofA Rewards can unlock additional member-exclusive cash back offers. Any Bank of America client with an active personal checking account can enroll now in BofA Rewards at no cost through the Bank of America mobile app or at bankofamerica.com/bofarewards.
Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving nearly 70 million clients with approximately 3,500 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 59 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. As the #1 small business lender in the United States (FDIC), Bank of America offers industry leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jul 17, 2026 | CMG News, News
(MEMPHIS, Tenn. – June 1, 2026) As Americans increasingly turn to debt to fund life’s biggest milestones, a Memphis-based fintech startup is launching a new category called CrowdSavings™: a proactive, private, invitation-only approach that helps families and communities save together through small recurring monthly contributions instead of debt or last-minute financial scrambling. This is the opposite of crowdfunding, reactive public funding of a crisis.
A first-of-its-kind CrowdSavings™ platform has launched this month in Memphis, TN, targeting consumers with financial goals for key moments in their lives. The Mo app is a financial empowerment tool that allows consumers to save, invite others to contribute and set goals towards a key financial goal.
“This is not a crowdfunding app, but a CrowdSavings™ app,” said James Shaheen, CEO and founder of Mo. “This app puts the consumer who has a financial goal in charge of inviting family, friends and supporters to help them reach a special funding goal, a ‘moment’ or ‘milestone’ that is important to them.”
The way Mo works is that a consumer downloads the app to start a moment with a financial goal in mind. The goal could be to save for a home, a car, a high school graduation or a dream vacation. The consumer invites members to contribute to that moment. The consumer creates personal video messages and develops a timeline and plan for their special moment, with an end date in mind.
Some families incur major debt and high interest rates for milestone events. A Memphis native, Shaheen decided to have his team develop a low-access, collaborative financial planning tool as a way to support individuals and families who need or want support to reach their financial goals.
“Mo was developed to turn small, monthly contributions into life’s biggest moments,” said Shaheen. “We are launching the app this month and will have a major announcement of an exciting partnership specific to Memphis soon, around the Mo app. Stay tuned.”
Mo is available to download from Google Play and the App Store. To learn more, visit letsmo.com.
Sizzle Reel: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gEzOVrpGi2GdY1vZ77HkWnDOIZGYPZsd/view?usp=sharing
About Mo
Mo is an app that allows users to save money by inviting friends and family to contribute towards their financial goals. Built on a new CrowdSaving™ milestone economy where saving is social, progress is shared and every deposit tells a story, Mo is innovating for life’s biggest moments. From weddings to first homes, tuition to new beginnings, Mo helps people save smarter, together. Learn more and create your own moment at LetsMo.com.
For more information or if you would like to interview someone from Mo, contact Jennifer Sharp, The Carter Malone Group, LLC, at 901.278.0881 or jsharp@cmgpr.com.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jul 17, 2026 | CMG News, News
(MEMPHIS, TN – June 4, 2026) A powerful new community-centered event is preparing to take the stage in Memphis with a mission to celebrate the men who quietly shape futures every single day.
The UNC Awards, which will be held Sunday, June 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Avenue Downtown Event Center, is an event that recognizes mentors, mentorship programs, and everyday men who exemplify leadership, service and a commitment to uplifting others throughout the community.
“UNC” is short for uncle, which is traditionally a relative who is connected by blood or marriage. But in the context of this event, “UNC” has evolved into someone who loves like a parent, advises like a friend and shows up right when it matters most. He is a guide, a protector, a voice of wisdom and often the steady presence young people need to thrive.
“Mentorship is one of those quiet superpowers,” said Antonio Jones, event organizer. “It builds confidence, creates opportunity and shapes futures. The UNC Awards was created to shine a very loud spotlight on the individuals who have been doing this work with heart, consistency and purpose.”
The event will begin with a cocktail hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., The award ceremony will start at 6:15 p.m. WREG News Channel 3’s sports anchor Colin Cody will serve as the host, and R&B artist Adria Glenn will be performing.
The UNC Awards will honor:
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Individual mentors making a direct impact
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Structured mentorship programs serving local youth
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Community leaders who embody the UNC spirit
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Every day men who consistently show up for the next generation
By celebrating these role models, the UNC Awards aims to elevate the culture of mentorship and inspire more men to step into leadership roles within their communities.
Tickets are available at theuncawards.eventbrite.com, and the dress code is casual to semi-formal. The UNC Awards is sponsored by Downtown Memphis Commission, Old Dominick Distilery, Choose901 and Rough Feathers Clothing.
For more information or if you would like to interview someone from the UNC Awards team, contact Jennifer Sharp, The Carter Malone Group, LLC, at 901.278.0881 or jsharp@cmgpr.com.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jul 17, 2026 | CMG News, News
WHAT: Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can receive FREE general admission to cultural attractions on the first full weekend of each month. BofA has partnered with the National Civil Rights Museum to offer free admission to Memphis cardholders on the first Sunday of each month. Patrons can visit the museum to enjoy various exhibits and galleries including “A Culture of Resistance: Slavery in America 1619–1861,” “Standing Up by Sitting Down: Student Sit-Ins 1960” and “The Year They Walked: Montgomery Bus Boycott 1955-1956.”
WHEN: Sunday, June 7 (+ the first Sunday of each month)
WHERE: Learn something new this month with a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum, located at 450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN 38103.
WHY: Bank of America believes the arts have a unique ability to connect people and communities and help local economies thrive. Through Museums on Us, Bank of America provides its cardholders with free access during the first full weekend of every month to artistic and cultural experiences in Memphis at celebrated institutions ranging from art, children’s and history museums to aquariums, botanical gardens, and science centers. This is one example of how the bank strengthens the local communities it serves in, creates greater cultural understanding, and expands accessibility to the arts.
HOW: Use the bank’s location finder tool to search for participating cultural attractions. Please check with our partners directly for current operating hours and admission guidelines. Present your Bank of America, Merrill or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit card along with a photo ID to gain free general admission to any participating institution during the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of each month. Cardholders only; guests are not eligible for free admission. Program excludes fundraising events, special exhibitions, and ticketed shows. Not to be combined with other offers. Museum participation varies.
Bank of America offers cardholders new ways to get out and learn about the world around them, with free general admission to local cultural attractions with Museums on Us. The program provides bank credit and debit cardholders free general admission to some of America’s favorite museums and cultural institutions. As part of Museums on Us, more than 225 of the country’s most prominent cultural institutions, across 123 cities in 35 states, welcome bank cardholders in for free on the first full weekend of each month. For more information about Museums on Us, including access to a full list and locations of participating museums while on-the-go, please click here. Register for email notifications about Bank of America’s Arts & Culture programs here.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jul 17, 2026 | CMG News, News
(MEMPHIS, Tenn. – June 29, 2026) The Tri-State Defender will host its next TSD in the Community Forum, focusing on education and education policy. The forum is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, at 6 p.m. at Alpha Memphis Education Foundation (AMEF), located at 4122 Barton Dr, Memphis, TN 38116.
This free, public event will invite the community to hear from educators, school board members and education policy professionals.
The event is free and open to the public, and registration is required through Eventbrite: www.tri-statedefender.com/community
“Education is one of the most important issues shaping the future of Memphis and Shelby County, impacting not only our students, but also our workforce, economy and quality of life,” said Stephanie Jones, editor of the Tri-State Defender. “Through this forum, we are creating a space for parents, educators, policymakers and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue about the opportunities and challenges facing public education. We invite the community to join us for this important conversation and be part of the discussion on how we can work together to support student success and strengthen our schools.”
The panel will include:
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Cardell Orrin, Executive Director, Stand for Children Tennessee
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Tomeka Hart Wigginton, President & CEO, United Way of the Mid-South
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Sable Otey, School Board Commissioner, Shelby County Board of Education
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Dr. Derek King, Principal, Craigmont High School
Lori Spicer Robertson will lead the discussion.
TSD in the Community is sponsored by the Tri-State Defender, Google and the Alpha Memphis Education Foundation.
About The Tri-State Defender
The Tri-State Defender (TSD) is one of the longest, continuously published newspapers in the South that caters to the news and information needs of the African American community. In January 2024, TSD transitioned to a digital format to keep readers informed quickly as news hits that affect the community. First published on November 1, 1951, the weekly newspaper has been an anchor element in the multi-platform delivery of news and information. TSDMemphis.com is now the primary source for news, along with the TSD Daily Digital and social media platforms. To learn more about The Tri-State Defender, visit www.tri-statedefender.com.
For more information or if you would like to interview someone from The Tri-State Defender, contact Jennifer Sharp, The Carter Malone Group LLC, at 901.278.0881 or jsharp@cmgpr.com.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jul 17, 2026 | CMG News, News
Tyrin Johnson should be making preparations to return to Tennessee State University this week. However, he will not return to school because his precious life was taken by two Tennessee National Guard members who were likely not trained to patrol or handle issues in an urban community.
Our hearts go out to the Johnson family, but we are committed to more than just thoughts and prayers. We call for a full transparent investigation. We call for the immediate release of all bodycam and surveillance footage. We also call for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to immediately announce an expedited timeline in which they will handle this investigation. Time is of the essence.
This should be a priority for everyone. The NAACP will stay engaged, and we are committed to seeing this process through until the end.
Kermit Moore
President, NAACP Memphis Branch
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Apr 24, 2026 | CMG News, News
(Memphis, TN – April 24, 2026) The family of Tennessee State Representative Goffrey
(“G.A.) Hardaway, Sr. announce his passing this morning at 5:22 a.m. after a brief
illness, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, in Nashville, TN.
Rep. Hardaway represented TN House District 93 and has served as a state legislator
for 19 years with honor and distinction. He served as the Chair of the Shelby County
Legislative Democratic Caucus and former Chair of the Tennessee Black Caucus of
State Legislators.
The family requests privacy at this time and will announce services as soon as they are
finalized.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Apr 18, 2026 | CMG News, News
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (April 17, 2026) – The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) will welcome nationally recognized journalist, producer, and philanthropist Soledad O’Brien as the keynote speaker for its 2026 Annual Tribute Luncheon, on Thursday, April 23, at 11:30 a.m. at the Renasant Convention Center. The sold-out event will bring together more than 1,400 of Memphis’ business, civic, nonprofit, and philanthropic communities.
This year’s luncheon will spotlight the power of bold vision, strong partnerships, and strategic community investment to create meaningful, measurable progress for women and families across Memphis. Centered on the theme Vision. Collaboration. Impact., the event reflects WFGM’s belief that stronger communities are built when philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration work in alignment to expand social and economic mobility and improve outcomes for future generations.
O’Brien, an award-winning journalist and co-founder of the PowHERful Foundation, is a leading voice in advancing access to higher education for young women from underserved communities. Through scholarships, mentorship, and support, her work closely mirrors WFGM’s mission to invest early, strategically, and collectively in women and families.
FedEx, a dedicated supporter of WFGM for more than 21 years, serves as the Presenting Sponsor of the Annual Tribute Luncheon—the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser.
Since 1995, WFGM has invested more than $39 million in over 185 local nonprofits, along with key advocacy and research initiatives. In 2026, the Foundation will invest $1.9 million through 36 nonprofit grantee partners delivering high-impact programs that create pathways to opportunity for women and families across Memphis.
“The Annual Tribute Luncheon is a celebration of what becomes possible when vision is matched with action and collaboration is backed by meaningful investment,” said Shante K. Avant, President and CEO of WFGM. “This year’s theme reflects our shared commitment to building a stronger Memphis by investing in women and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing solutions that create sustained progress for generations to come.”
The event will also highlight the essential role of community leadership—from corporate and philanthropic partners to grassroots organizations working every day to create pathways to opportunity. As WFGM looks ahead, the organization remains focused on mobilizing resources, elevating partnerships, and supporting proven strategies that strengthen families and communities across the region.
“Strong communities are built through shared vision and collective action,” said Joanna Crangle, Market President and Publisher, Memphis Business Journal, and Ann Marie Wallace Peoples, System Community Involvement Senior Coordinator, Baptist Memorial Health Care, WFGM Board Co-Chairs. “When we invest together and work in partnership, we open doors of opportunity that move women, families, and our community forward.”
Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase the 2026 Signature Scarf, an exclusive annual design by renowned fashion designer Hilton Hollis, sponsored by Independent Bank. Preorders are available at www.wfgm.org.
Proceeds from the event directly support the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis’ programs and strategic initiatives focused on advancing economic security, expanding opportunity, and strengthening outcomes for women and families across Memphis.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: Soledad O’Brien will be available for a 15-minute interview at 11 a.m. in Room 204.
About The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis
For over three decades, the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) has played a major role as a backbone organization, aligning people and resources and coordinating community-based services through the two-generation approach to reduce poverty. WFGM is an organization of women helping women break the cycle of poverty through philanthropy, leadership and collaboration.
Philanthropy. Since its inception, WFGM has awarded $39 million to more than 668 programs involving more than 185 local non-profits, including investments in advocacy and research.
For more information, visit: https://wfgm.org/.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Apr 14, 2026 | CMG News, News
(PHILADELPHIA, PA. – April 14, 2026) The Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. will host its annual Scholarship Gala, themed “Resilience in Red,” on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Springfield Country Club, located at 400 W Sproul Rd, Springfield, PA 19064.
The event will celebrate the legacy and achievements of the Tuskegee Airmen while recognizing scholarship recipients pursuing careers in aviation, engineering, education, medicine and leadership. The afternoon will bring together community leaders, supporters and families to honor history while investing in the next generation.
“‘Resilience in Red’ represents both a tribute to the courage and excellence of the Tuskegee Airmen and a commitment to uplifting future leaders,” said Mel Payne, president of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. “Through scholarships and programming, we continue to create pathways for young people to pursue careers in aviation, STEM and beyond.”
Proceeds from the gala will support scholarships and programs that align with the organization’s three-fold mission: sustaining the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, providing STEM-based training opportunities and supporting youth development through educational initiatives.
The Greater Philadelphia Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the men and women who served in the Tuskegee Experience from 1941 to 1946. The chapter continues this legacy by encouraging young people to pursue excellence, particularly in aviation, technology and aerospace fields.
“Our annual Scholarship Gala serves as both a celebration and a call to action, ensuring that the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen continues to inspire future generations to lead with purpose, resilience and excellence,” said Payne.
Additional information and tickets are available at www.phillyredtails.org.
About the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen:
Founded in 1974, the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen is composed of individuals committed to preserving the legacy of the men and women who supported military aviation both in the air and on the ground during World War II, including fighter pilots, navigator/bombardiers, instructors, maintenance and support staff, and other personnel who served at Tuskegee Army Air Field and across designated units through the inactivation of the 332nd Fighter Wing.
The chapter’s mission is to honor the accomplishments and perpetuate the history of those from Pennsylvania and the Greater Philadelphia area who contributed to the Tuskegee Experience while inspiring the next generation to pursue excellence, particularly in aviation and aerospace fields. To learn more, visit www.phillyredtails.org.
For more information or to request interviews, contact Ramon Johnson and Jennifer Sharp, The Carter Malone Group, at 901.278.0881 or rjohnson@cmgpr.com.
