by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Oct 15, 2026 | CMG News, News
(MEMPHIS, Tenn. – October 15, 2026) Premier leadership organization Leadership Memphis, in partnership with Vista Data, will host its AI Leadership Institute November 9-11 in Oxford, Mississippi.
The three-day program is designed to equip executives and senior leaders with practical tools to identify opportunities, apply real-world solutions and develop strategies for responsible AI adoption across their organizations.
“Leadership Memphis has always been about preparing leaders to serve this community well. We have a responsibility to do our part to ensure leaders know when and how to use this emerging technology responsibly,” said Dr. Reginald Porter Jr., president and CEO of Leadership Memphis. “AI is now one of the most important questions those leaders face, and this Institute gives them a place to work through it together, with the right guidance and the right peers.”
Participants will leave with three practical outputs to support their organization’s next AI initiative.
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Day 1 – November 9 | AI Opportunities and Risks: Participants will develop an AI opportunity brief. Facilitators will demonstrate AI-assisted research, briefing and analysis. Participants will examine common errors, data privacy risks and the need for human review. Participants will also assess potential uses against business value, data needs and risk.
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Day 2 – November 10 | Workflow Design and Testing: Participants will develop reusable prompts and a sequence of steps using approved or de-identified sample information. Participants will also test sample outputs for accuracy, usefulness and consistency.
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Day 3 – November 11 | Governance and Adoption: Participants will learn to identify who will use, oversee and approve their proposed pilot. Participants will also draft a phased plan with an owner, milestones and success measures. Peer discussion will help them refine the first steps, required approvals and review points before taking the plan back to their teams.
“Memphis has the talent and the ambition to lead in the AI era. When our region’s leaders are equipped to adopt AI thoughtfully, the benefits reach well beyond a single boardroom,” said Reggie Manning, CEO and co-founder of Vista Data. “Working with Leadership Memphis showed us how hungry the city’s leaders are for practical, hands-on AI learning. The AI Leadership Institute builds on that, and we’re proud to do it alongside a partner so rooted in this community.”
Applications are due Friday, October 30, 2026. Tuition includes guided AI Action Labs, peer learning and adoption planning. To learn more about the AI Leadership Institute and to apply or become a sponsor, visit www.leadershipmemphis.org/programs.
About Leadership Memphis
Leadership Memphis develops, connects and mobilizes leaders to create positive change across Memphis. Through signature programs including Executive, FastTrack and the College Internship Program, Leadership Memphis equips leaders at every career stage with the knowledge, networks and experiences to drive impact in their organizations and communities. Since 1979, Leadership Memphis has been connecting, preparing and mobilizing more than 4,500 leaders and volunteers in service for the good of Memphis. To learn more about Leadership Memphis, visit www.leadershipmemphis.org.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Oct 7, 2026 | CMG News, News
(MEMPHIS, Tenn – October 6, 2026) The City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development in partnership with the CityStart Initiative is hosting three community meetings to create a blueprint for advancing wealth and financial empowerment for Memphians.
These community meetings will focus on housing availability and what does wealth accumulation look like for residents. Community and stakeholder feedback is critical to the successful of the proposed blueprint.
The community meetings begin at 6 p.m. on:
- Monday, October 12th at RedZone Ministries, 2855 Park Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38114
- Tuesday, October 13th at Bethlehem M.B. Church, 918 Looney, Memphis, TN, 38107
- Wednesday, October 14th at Hickory Hill Community Center, 3910 Ridgeway Road, Memphis, TN 38115
The purpose of these community meetings is to help the City create a municipal Financial Empowerment Blueprint, that will outline a strategic plan for financial empowerment programs and policies based on stakeholder and community engagement.
Dr. Lawrence T. Brown, college professor, founder of the Black Butterfly Dream Lab and Urban Cipher board game will participate in the meetings. Brown will help unpack how government can work with the community and stakeholders to build an equitable city and make urban neighborhoods matter.
The meetings are free and open to the public. Refreshments and childcare services will be available at the community meetings.
The Memphis Blueprint for Advancing Wealth and Financial Empowerment is funded by the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund.
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.
