![Agape Child & Family Services Hosts Agape Fest Saturday, April 5 [NEW LOCATION DETAILS]](https://cmgpr.com/wp-content/uploads/FFFD2024-1080x675.jpg)
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Feb 21, 2025 | CMG News
WHO: Agape Child & Family Services
WHAT: Agape Fest
WHEN: Saturday, April 5, 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
WHERE: (NEW LOCATION) Sycamore View Church of Christ, 1910 Sycamore View Rd, Memphis, TN 38134
On Saturday, April 5 from 1 to 5 p.m., Agape Child & Family Services will bring the Memphis community together for Agape Fest 2025, a celebration of family and unity.
Due to the impending inclement weather, Agape has moved the location of the festival indoors to Sycamore View Church of Christ, located at 1910 Sycamore View Rd, Memphis, TN 38134.
Formerly known as the Faith Family Fun Festival, Agape Fest has evolved into one of the city’s most anticipated spring events. It offers a diverse lineup of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, local food vendors and community-focused programming designed to strengthen families and foster unity. Dozens of local churches from all denominations will come together to participate in Agape Fest.This year’s festival will be hosted by iHeart Radio personality Stan Bell, who will also be on the 1’s and 2’s, and speaker and author Monique Scrip. The festival will also feature:
- Live performances from local musicians:
- Agape Children and Youth Choir
- Bluff City Praise
- Cordova High School Choir
- Highland Youth Group (HYG) Student Worship Team
- Julian Cross
- Kooler Kids
- Perfecting Gifts
- Princeton James Productions
- United Voice Worship
- Young Actors Guild
- Yung Titan with Corey Curtis and B-Radical
- Interactive games, crafts and giveaways for families
- A variety of local vendors
Agape Fest is proudly sponsored by BluSky Restoration Contractors.
Notable speakers and attendees include:
- David Jordan, President and CEO, Agape Child & Family Services
- Stephen Green, Chief Development Officer, Agape Child & Family Services
- Lance Villio, Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
- Pastor/Colonel James Kirkwood, Community Outreach Programs Manager, Memphis Police Department and Board Member, Agape Child & Family Services
- Pastor Josh Ross, Sycamore View Church
- Pastor Myron Thomas, Innovation Church
- Pastor Sean Lucas, Independent Presbyterian Church
- Pastor Rolando Rostro, Iglesia Nueva Vida
Media Opportunities:
This event is free and open to the public. Media representatives are invited to cover this event. Interview opportunities with Agape leadership.
To learn more about Agape Child & Family Services, visit www.agapemeanslove.org.
About Agape Child & Family Services:
Agape Child & Family Services is a Christian-based organization providing children and families with healthy homes throughout the Mid-South. Through support and wrap-around services, Agape seeks to promote community restoration. Agape’s services include homeless services, foster care, adoption, maternity services and counseling, school-based initiatives, and community support and referrals. Agape serves more than 10,000 children, adults and families each year through its services and partnerships. For more information on Agape Child & Family Services or to find out how you can become part of the effort to adopt, foster and support the children and families in our community, visit www.agapemeanslove.org.
Media Contact: Jennifer Sharp, The Carter Malone Group LLC, 901.278.0881 and jsharp@cmgpr.com.
Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_RXfZptkoQy59DDnCiNI8hJA6mBDWZP5/view?usp=share_link
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Feb 20, 2025 | CMG News, News
(MEMPHIS, Tenn. – February 20, 2025) Modern performing arts venue Hattiloo Theatre is currently selling tickets for its upcoming production “Thoughts of a Colored Man.” The production will run from Friday, March 14, until Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Hattiloo Theatre, 37 South Cooper St., Memphis, TN 38104.
Written by playwright, poet, actor, director and producer Keenan Scott II and directed by Lawrence Blackwell, “Thoughts of a Colored Man” tells the individual stories of seven Black, multi-generational men, who live in the same Brooklyn neighborhood, through slam poetry, prose and song. This show made history in 2021 as the first Broadway play written, directed, starring and produced by Black men.
“’Thoughts of a Colored Man’ is a testament to the richness and depth of Black storytelling, and we are honored to bring this compelling work to the Hattiloo stage,” said Ekundayo Bandele, founder and CEO of Hattiloo Theatre.
Cast members for “Thoughts of a Colored Man” include:
- P.A. Bomani as Wisdom
- Adrian Lee as Happiness
- Emmanuel McKinney as Passion
- Matthew “Esteis” Marseille as Anger
- Robrecus Parker as Lust
- Rodney Saulsberry II as Love
- Timothy Woods as Depression
To learn more about “Thoughts of a Colored Man” and to purchase tickets, visit www.hattiloo.org/season-18.
About Hattiloo Theatre:
Founded in 2006 by Ekundayo Bandele and named in honor of his two daughters—Hatshepsut (Hatti) Bandele and Oluremi (Loo) Bandele—Hattiloo Theatre is the largest Black theatre in the Mid-South and one of three free-standing Black theatres in the country. The performing arts theatre produces shows and programs that depict Black life and give audiences an authentically cultural experience. To learn more about Hattiloo Theatre, visit www.hattiloo.org.
For more information or if you would like to interview someone from Hattiloo Theatre, contact Jennifer Sharp, The Carter Malone Group LLC, at 901.278.0881 or jsharp@cmgpr.com.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jan 30, 2025 | CMG News, News
(February 20, 2025 – Memphis, TN) The City of Memphis Safety Action Plan seeks to improve local roadway safety by significantly reducing or eliminating roadway fatalities and serious injuries through recommendations focused on all road users. This plan needs public input from all Memphis road users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, commercial vehicle operators and personal conveyance and micro-mobility users.
You can take part by:
Attending public engagement meetings:
- Monday, February 24, 2025, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Benjamin Hooks Library, Meeting Room C, 3030 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38111
- Send your RSVP to Regina Jones at rhjones@cmgpr.com
- Monday, March 3, 2025, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Food will be provided for the community meeting. Check the website for information.
Visit MemphisSafetyActionPlan.com to:
- Provide your valuable input
- Learn more about the plan
- Explore recent crash data statistics
Memphis residents are invited to attend one of the public meetings or visit the website and provide critical input.
“It’s important that we hear from individuals who can share their concerns about streets and roadways they view as unsafe in Memphis,” said Douglas Swett, PE, RSP1, Kimley-Horn.
Through a multifaceted approach, the plan aims to address various factors contributing to accidents, prioritize interventions based on data-driven insights, involve the community in decision-making processes, identify specific projects to enhance safety, and secure support from leadership to ensure effective implementation and long-term sustainability.
The Memphis Safety Action Plan can play a crucial role in improving road safety for all people in the City. Since the Memphis Safety Action Plan is focused on local roadway safety, interstates and expressways will not be considered in the plan’s development. This plan is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program and will meet all requirements established in that program.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jan 6, 2025 | CMG News, News
We’re looking for a creative and dedicated individual to join our team.
The Carter Malone Group is looking for a full-time graphic designer to assist clients build their brands across physical and digital platforms, connecting people to products and services that enrich their lives.
The successful candidate would be part of a design team that works with local and national brands on a diverse range of projects—from websites and visual identities to physical print pieces.
Who You Are:
• Enjoy working in a team environment.
• Positive attitude and genuine desire to understand and serve our clients.
• Great at establishing, developing and communicating your ideas.
• Highly creative and versatile—able to produce effective design solutions for diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to work well in a fast-paced environment and can handle multiple projects.
Knowledge & Skills:
• Excellent working knowledge of graphic design fundamentals and communications.
• Extensive experience in Adobe XD, InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Critical thinking mindset and keen attention to detail.
• Degree or diploma in graphic design or similar program.
• Basic understanding of HTML, CSS and web development considered an asset.
• Experience in animation, videography and photography considered an asset.
We have a relaxed and positive atmosphere, a bright and open office environment, continually invest in training opportunities and technology, and provide healthcare & benefits package.
Please email your resume and portfolio stating why you would be a great teammate to: Brittany Malone, Vice President of Business Operations, at bsmalone@cmgpr.com by January 17, 2025
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $20.00-$25.00 per hour
Schedule:
• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
Experience:
• Graphic design: 3 years (required)
Application deadline: start date: 1/6/2025
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Oct 16, 2024 | CMG News, News
(MONTGOMERY, AL – October 3, 2024) The Successful Living Center will host their Caring & Sharing Workshop on Friday, October 18, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Beulah Baptist Church at 3703 Rosa L. Parks Ave., Montgomery, AL 36105. Registration is required and is available via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/caring-sharing-workshop-hosted-by-the-successful-living-center-tickets-1008421023427
The speakers for the workshop include:
• Probate Court Judge JC Love III will discuss conservatorship, guardianship and wills and trust
• Dr. Kwandra Andrews Brinson will discuss focusing on a healthy mind and healthy life
• Isaac Pena will discuss turning hopelessness into hope
• Corporal LyTonya Haywood will share resources and support for those in need
“This is our 3rd Caring & Sharing workshop and we are excited to hear from these great speakers during this event,” said Veronica McKenzie, executive director of the Successful Living Center. “This event is for caregivers and family members who want to learn more about resources that are available for individuals who have dementias.”
The Successful Living Center is an adult day care center that provides services to elderly adults with early to moderate Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Their goal is to provide flexible daycare and respite services that allow families to sustain employment or manage other responsibilities more freely.
The structured adult daycare provides a viable alternative to full-time assisted living or nursing home care.
For more information or if you would like to interview someone about the event, contact Deidre Malone, The Carter Malone Group, LLC, at 901.278.0881 or dmalone@cmgpr.com.
About Successful Living Center
Successful Living Center’s staff is committed to enhancing the quality of life for the families that they serve. They provide quality daycare services that include daily activities like arts and crafts, physical exercise, caregiver dementia-care resource and memory enhancement. To learn more about Successful Living Center, visit www.successfullivingcenter.org.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Sep 5, 2024 | CMG News, News
(Memphis, Tenn. – September 3, 2024) Polished Consulting LLC is thrilled to announce the appointment of Roquita Coleman-Williams as our new President & Managing Partner. With a rich career spanning 27 years, Coleman-Williams brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of transforming challenges into strategic opportunities, fostering inclusive work environments, and spearheading innovative growth initiatives.
Coleman-Williams joins Polished Consulting LLC following her most recent role as Vice President of Sales and Operations at Coyote Logistics, a division of UPS. There, she successfully led complex operations and sales initiatives, driving significant profitability and operational efficiency. Her leadership was instrumental in navigating Coyote Logistics through periods of substantial change, ensuring sustainable growth and a strengthened market position. Before her tenure at Coyote Logistics, Coleman-Williams held multiple strategic growth roles with CN Rail and UPS Capital. At CN Rail, she was pivotal in executing growth strategies that expanded the company’s market reach and enhanced its operational capabilities. At UPS Capital, Coleman-Williams’ leadership in sales and operations contributed to a substantial increase in market penetration and customer satisfaction.
Coleman-Williams’ extensive experience as a business leader in complex operations has seen her navigate multinational organizations through periods of significant change, driving profitability and sustainable growth. Her leadership philosophy, centered on P&L management, commercial expansion, and the transformative power of inclusive leadership, aligns perfectly with Polished Consulting’s mission and values.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Roquita Coleman-Williams to the Polished Consulting team,” said Sherica Hymes CEO and Founder of Polished Consulting LLC. “Her strategic vision, coupled with her ability to inspire high-performance teams and turn underperforming operations into profitable ventures, makes her the perfect fit for our organization. Roquita’s leadership will be invaluable as we continue to scale Polished Consulting to new heights.”
Commenting on her new role, Coleman-Williams said, “I am honored to join Polished Consulting LLC and look forward to helping companies drive business growth through their most important asset—their people. I believe that by fostering inclusive leadership and creating environments where every individual can thrive, we can unlock extraordinary business potential. I am excited to bring my experience to Polished Consulting and to work with a team that shares my commitment to excellence and innovation.” Coleman-Williams excels in making critical, strategic decisions at the speed of change, leveraging advanced technology and business intelligence to drive innovation and create industry-shifting solutions. Her approach involves solving immediate challenges, anticipating future trends, and preparing the organization to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving market landscape.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Coleman-Williams is deeply invested in promoting social responsibility and economic equity. She serves on various corporate, municipal, and non-profit boards, leveraging her expertise to make meaningful contributions to the communities she serves. A highlight of her board service includes strategic planning and redevelopment initiatives with Tennessee’s largest metropolitan transit agency, where her efforts were instrumental in the historical redevelopment of Central Station.
Coleman-Williams’ appointment as President & Managing Partner marks an exciting new chapter for Polished Consulting LLC. Her strategic vision, inclusive leadership, and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly drive the firm to new levels of success.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jun 5, 2024 | CMG News, News
(HOUSTON, Texas – June 5, 2024) Tarris Marie worked for 15 years in corporate America before she was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a genetic condition that caused her to become legally blind. Not long after her diagnosis, she lost her job. Over 40, recently disabled and out of work, she turned her senses toward her passion for writing.
“After becoming legally blind and jobless, I was at the lowest place of my life,” said Marie. “While I was depressed and lying on my bathroom floor, God said to me, ‘Get up and write a book.’ On Juneteenth 2020, I started writing and haven’t stopped since.”
Having written four books so far, Marie crafts strong but flawed female characters as a means for self-healing and inspiring others.
In September 2023, Marie released her debut novel Blaque Pearle, which tells the story of an aspiring actress from Compton named Pearle Monalise Brown who resorts to her beauty and acting skills to swindle money and expensive jewels. She meets a handsome gentleman named Blaque, and together they become passionately entangled in a whirlwind romance as they try to outsmart their enemies.
“Blaque Pearle is a riveting page-turner, fueled by complex characters, erotic energy, and high-stakes action. I couldn’t put it down,” said Tanisha C. Ford, author of Dressed in Dreams: A Black Girl’s Love Letter to the Power of Fashion. “Tarris Marie is a fresh voice on the literary scene who is reimagining the urban crime and suspense genres. I’m excited to see what she writes next. She’s definitely one to watch.”
In January 2025, Marie will release her second novel, Empress Creed. Marie’s new book follows two outlaw lovers from opposite sides of the war who face off. Their second chance at happily ever after comes at a cost only one crime king and one queen pin are willing to pay.
Marie hopes to take readers on captivating adventures in Blaque Pearle and Empress Creed, and she hopes her real-life triumphant testimony encourages others to follow their dreams.
“Whether it is through writing or acting, I use my characters and storytelling as a means for self-healing and to be an inspiration to others,” said Marie. “I hope that my story and books inspire other women to overcome their adversities and pursue their passions.”
Blaque Pearle is available in paperback, Kindle and Audible on Amazon and wherever books are sold. Empress Creed, which will be released January 21, 2025, is now available for pre-order on Amazon and Target’s website.
To learn more about Tarris Marie and her projects, visit www.tarrismarie.com.
About Tarris Marie:
Tarris Marie is proudly a Midwestern girl of the ’90s, born and raised in Gary, Indiana. After 15 years in corporate America, Tarris lost her central vision and eventually her six-figure career in a battle with Stargardt disease, a genetic condition that caused her legal blindness. In addition to being a novelist, Tarris is a screenwriter and actress who uses slivers of her life-experienced pie to create vivid characters and roller coaster journeys to inspire and entertain others. Tarris received a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and business administration from Indiana University, where she also became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Marie currently resides in the great city of starships known as Houston, Texas, with her husband and two children. For more information, visit www.tarrismarie.com, or connect with the author on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @tarrismarie.
For more information or if you would like to interview Tarris Marie, contact Jennifer Sharp, The Carter Malone Group, LLC, at 901.278.0881 or jsharp@cmgpr.com.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Apr 22, 2024 | CMG News, News
The Carter Malone Group is looking for a part-time public affairs professional. This position is for 25 hours a week and will assist with government relations and community outreach projects for a major CMG client. Those interested in being considered for this position, please email resumes to Brittany Malone at Bsmalone@cmgpr.com.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Apr 5, 2024 | CMG News, News
(MEMPHIS, Tenn. – April 5, 2024) The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is currently recruiting sheriff patrol officers to join their team.
Applicants must be 21 or older, have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to pass the agility and written test. Applicants must also meet other criteria regarding the hiring process including a background check and psychological evaluation.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office offers a wide range of benefits, including competitive pay with increases, health benefits, retirement and college incentives. Recruits will also receive training from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
“We’re looking for applicants who are ready to take on the challenge of serving their community and starting a career in law enforcement,” said Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner. “It takes all of us to crack down on crime. Working with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office can be a challenging, purposeful and rewarding experience.”
Thanks to approval by our Shelby County Commissioners, we have waived the residency requirement so anyone inside and outside of Shelby County can apply.
The duties and responsibilities of sheriff patrol officers include, but are limited to:
• Executing and returning process orders of the courts of record,
• Aiding and attending the courts as assigned,
• Taking charge of custody of prisoners in the Shelby County jail and
• Making initial investigations in response to dispatched calls.
Interested applicants can apply at www.scsocareers.com.
About the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office:
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service law enforcement agency and the pre-trial custodial keeper of those charged with crimes. Led by Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr., the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office’s mission is to protect the lives and property of the citizens of Shelby County, Tennessee; to preserve the peace; to maintain a safe and secure jail; and to prevent crime and disorder while constantly guarding personal liberties as prescribed by law. To learn more about the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, visit www.shelby-sheriff.org.
For more information or if you would like to interview someone from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, contact Jennifer Sharp, The Carter Malone Group, LLC, at 901.278.0881 or jsharp@cmgpr.com.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Feb 22, 2024 | CMG News, News
(MEMPHIS, Tenn. – February 22, 2024) Vintage901® will host its 8th Annual Wine, Food and Music Spring Festival Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21.
The festival consists of two events:
- The Grand Tasting: Saturday, April 20, 6–9 p.m. at The Medicine Factory, 85 W. Virginia Ave.
- The Sparkling Brunch: Sunday, April 21, noon–2 p.m. at the FedEx Event Center, 415 Great View Dr. East, Suite 103, in Shelby Farms.
The Grand Tasting, Vintage901’s flagship event, will feature an array of wine vendors from numerous Old World and New World wine producers and a series of classes curated for guests to learn about wine and food pairings. Guests will also have an opportunity to talk directly with wine and food professionals. Chef demonstrations and Memphis music will be part of this event.
Sommelier Laurie Forster will host a VIP reception during The Grand Tasting for VIP guests. She is the author of the award-winning book The Sipping Point: A Crash Course in Wine. VIP guests will also receive a signature cocktail and wines, swag bags with a wineyard and a pairings tutorial.
The Sparkling Brunch, a relaxing, laid-back event for the weekend, will feature wines paired with delectable culinary dishes. Sommelier Laurie Forster will serve as the host.
“We’re excited to work with wine expert Laurie Forster and our sponsors and partners to provide a unique food and wine experience for our guests,” said Stephanie Ferreira, founder and CEO of Vintage901. “We look forward to bringing our community another wine and food event that combines education, culture and fun with a purpose.”
Early bird tickets are available until March 15. Proceeds will go to the Vintage901 Wine + Food Scholarship to support students seeking careers in the culinary arts, oenology and viticulture.
Tickets for the Vintage901 8th Annual Wine, Food and Music Spring Festival can be purchased at www.vintage901.org/events.
About Vintage901:
Vintage901 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes access to the culinary arts through education, enrichment and engagement with their community. Vintage901 hosts thoughtfully curated events that blend classic and modern culinary experiences and appeal to the connoisseur and the curious. Its largest event is a two-day Vintage901 Wine, Food and Music Spring Festival. To learn more, visit www.vintage901.org.
For more information or if you would like to interview someone from Vintage901, contact Jennifer Sharp, The Carter Malone Group, LLC, at 901.278.0881 or jsharp@cmgpr.com.
