by Brian Malone | Dec 8, 2016 | CMG News
Inaugural Trailblazer Awards Presented by the City of Memphis
Yesterday the City of Memphis and the Division of Housing and Community Development paid tribute to 28 individuals with the Memphis Heritage Trailblazer award. This first time event honored Memphians for advancing civil and human rights and for carrying the torch to uphold African-American history and culture. The program also provided an overview of the Memphis Heritage Trail’s plan that has projected opportunities of an economic development impact of more than 1,000 new jobs and $84 million in additional tourism revenue.
“We are extremely excited about the Memphis Heritage Trail project and it has been eight years of planning to get us where we are today,” said Felicia Harris, Manager, Planning and Development, City of Memphis. “It is important for us to pay homage to those individuals who have fought and continue to fight for civil and human rights. Memphis reaps the benefits of their labor and we honored that today.”
The Memphis Heritage Trail is a historic 60-block redevelopment area in downtown Memphis. The project has been in the works since 2008 and includes the area bordered by Beale Street on the north, Main Street on the west, Crump Boulevard on the south and Walnut Street on the east. Community assets within the area are: Clayborn Temple, Mason Temple, Universal Life Building and the National Civil Rights Museum. It is considered the epicenter of African-American history, heritage and culture and will include a walking trail with historical markers.
“Society has so much to thank these individuals for,” said Jim Strickland, Mayor of Memphis. “These recipients come from all walks of life and have sacrificed to make a better Memphis for us all.”
The awards program was held at the Halloran Centre in downtown Memphis.
Here is a list of the Memphis Heritage Trailblazer Award Honorees:
Recipients:
Yvonne & David Acey Robert Lipscomb Judge Russell Sugarmon
Ekundayo Bandele Marion Mitchell Calvin Taylor
Joyce Blackmon Dr. James Netters Henry Turley
Ruby Bright Attorney Charlie Newman Elaine Lee Turner
Attorney Mike Cody O C Pleasant Rosalind Withers
Erma Clanton Diane Rudner Jocelyn Wurzburg, J.D.
Fred Davis James D’eke Pope Jan Young/Assisi Foundation
Bishop William Graves Beverly Robertson
Rev. LaSimba Gray Dr. Coby Smith
Happy Jones Mark Stansbury
About MHT
Memphis Heritage Trail is an expansive plan to celebrate the rich business, culture and musical heritage of African-American achievements in Memphis. The project brings historical tourism, urban redevelopment and city-wide pride to important public spaces. For more information visit http://memphisheritagetrail.com/.
by Brian Malone | Nov 8, 2016 | CMG News
Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis is offering a grant of up to $5,000 for nonprofit organizations. The Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis has one annual grant cycle per year. Eligible applicants have a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt designation from the Internal Revenue Service and are located within Shelby County. Winners from previous years may apply, but must provide written results of the grant awarded.
“It is our responsibility to give back to the community that has given us so much,” said Mary McDaniels, President of Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis.
Grants awarded by Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis support economic self-sufficiency. In particular, those that include but are not limited to: Career Development, Education, Entrepreneurship, Scholarship and Health.
Grants awarded by Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis does not support: Individuals, For-profit organizations, churches or programs that promote religious activities, projects which take place before the completion of the grant-making process, projects inconsistent with federal, state and local non-discrimination ordinances regarding equal employment opportunity and campaigns to elect public officials
The applications became available on the Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis’ website on November 1. The deadline for applications will be January 31, 2017. The grants will be reviewed and recommendations will be made by February 28, and will be approved by March 31. The award luncheon will be held May 1, 2017. For more details on the Grant and the application process, visit the website at http://pbwmemphis.org/
About Philanthropic Black Women.
Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis (PBWM) is a group of nine progressive and civic minded women, committed to giving back to the community. PBWM was founded in January 2005. Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis is a private organization with funding currently being provided by the membership.
by Brian Malone | Oct 27, 2016 | CMG News
Congregations tracking omega-3 levels throughout the year for heart health
Memphis-area church congregations are taking care of their spiritual hearts and their physical hearts when they take part in Healthy Heart Sunday on October 30. That is the day they begin their Alpha and Omega-3 Journey to track their omega-3 levels from October 2016-17.
There are currently nine churches participating in the journey. Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) is sponsoring the program and works year round to encourage Americans to eat at least two servings of seafood per week.
“SNP Memphis is looking forward to working with these congregations,” said SNP Director Deidre Malone. “Unfortunately, Memphis struggles as being ranked as one of the most unhealthy and obese cities in the United States. At SNP, we want to encourage Memphians to choose seafood as a healthy protein to eat. Our hope is as their omega-3 levels rise, their cholesterol, blood pressure and weight will fall.”
Omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood are known to reduce the risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S. The average American should have an omega-3 level of 7-8 percent in their blood, but, in the Mid-South, those levels hover around 2-3 percent.
Participants in the program will first sign the Healthy Heart Pledge, a commitment to eat at least two servings of seafood per week. At that time their starting omega-3 level will be tested and continue to be checked until October 2017.
Each participating church will have periodic meetings with omega-3 testing for the participants. The meetings are coordinated by the individual churches and can include recipe swaps, discussions of effective cooking tips and fitness sessions.
SNP encourages all Memphians to take the Healthy Heart Pledge stating their commitment to eat two servings of seafood a week. To date, more than 2,000 Memphians have signed the pledge. For each pledge signed, a can of seafood is donated to the Mid-South Food Bank. Visit: www.seafoodnutrition.org to sign the pledge.
“Our congregation is really excited about this program,” said Rev. Henry Jackson, pastor of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church. “Churches focus on spiritual health. This gives our members an opportunity to be more physically fit in addition to our spiritual health.”
For more information on the Alpha and Omega-3 Journey or how you or your church can participate, contact Dawn Carter at jdcarter@cmgpr.com or 901-278-0881.
About SNP
The Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit whose mission is to inspire a healthier America through partnerships that raise awareness about essential nutritional benefits of eating seafood. SNP, a member of the Non-Communicable
Diseases Roundtable, leads education efforts to help Americans gain the skills to select, order and prepare fish and shellfish, and to inspire a healthier America by promoting a nutrient-rich diet that includes seafood. For more information, visit
seafoodnutrition.org
by Brian Malone | Oct 10, 2016 | CMG News
Glassman, Wyatt, Tuttle and Cox, P.C. Attorney Lauran Glassman Stimac has been appointed by Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland to the Memphis and Shelby County Sports Authority Board. She was confirmed by the City Council and will serve a six-year term through 2022.
“The FedEx Forum is a gem in our community,” Stimac said. “I look forward to working with the other board members of the Sports Authority to maintain it and enhance the athletic events in the area.”
The Sports Authority Board is comprised of residents from Memphis and Shelby County. It is charged to develop a master sports plan and to manage the debt and capital improvement requirements for the FedEx Forum.
Stimac received her bachelor’s and Juris Doctorate from the University of Richmond and is licensed to practice in Tennessee, Virginia and Mississippi. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Memphis Area Legal Services and serves as the sponsorship chair for their inaugural Justice for All Ball.
About Glassman, Wyatt, Tuttle & Cox, P.C. Glassman, Wyatt, Tuttle & Cox is a boutique law firm engaging only in civil trial litigation in courts primarily around the Mid-South, including in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky and Alabama. Our lawyers focus their talents on helping clients achieve the best possible results in their trial and arbitration matters both inside and outside the courtroom. The firm is renowned for its ability to handle the most difficult legal situations with targeted and steadfast intensity. Representing clients on both sides of the docket gives us unique insights into what motivates our opponents in court and during settlement negotiations.
by Brian Malone | Sep 29, 2016 | CMG News
THE GOAL IS TO INFORM MEMPHIANS OF THE BENEFITS OF A SEAFOOD-RICH DIET
October is National Seafood Month and the Memphis Coalition of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) is kicking it off with the Healthy Heart Summit. The event is Saturday, October 1 at St. Andrew A.M.E. Church Community Life Center, located at 1472 Mississippi Blvd, Memphis, TN, 38106 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. The summit will showcase the health benefits, including a reduced risk of heart disease, of seafood-rich diet.
The panelists include Cardiologist Dr. Claro Diaz, Internist Dr. Patrick Malone, and Roshun Austin, CEO of The Works, will be on hand to discuss the health benefits of a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Chef Ayanna Johnson will demonstrate how easy it is to prepare low-cost seafood dishes at home. She also will mention overall seafood awareness, including how to buy it and which time of year seafood is the freshest. Fitness expert Rodrick Walls will provide cardio workout demonstrations for a healthy heart and discuss cardio fitness.
“Sadly, Mid-southerners are ranked as some of the most unhealthy and obese residents in the United States,” said Deidre Malone, Memphis Director, SNP. “Through the Seafood Nutrition Partnership, we are able to educate our residents on the health benefits associated with omega-3 fatty acids. We are also able to teach them how to cook and buy seafood cost effectively.”
National Seafood Month events in Memphis focus on encouraging Mid-Southerners to eat at least two servings of seafood per week according to the guidelines set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture. They sign a Healthy Heart Pledge stating their commitment to do so, and to date, nearly 2,000 Memphians have signed the pledge.
Other events during National Seafood Month in Memphis are:
Former NBA All-Star Detlef Schrempf will visit Memphis and hold a news conference on October 3. Schrempf serves on the board of directors for SNP.
Health Fair at Abundant Grace Fellowship Church on October 8, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Restaurant Week during October 17-21 featuring participating Memphis-area
restaurants that serve seafood on their menus.
Councilwoman Patrice Robinson Town Hall meeting on October 13, 6-7:30 p.m.
at The Healing Center.
Healthy Heart Sunday, a collaboration of the faith community to encourage
members to sign the Healthy Heart Pledge on October 30.
About SNP
The Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit whose mission is to
inspire a healthier America through partnerships that raise awareness about essential
nutritional benefits of eating seafood. SNP, a member of the Non-Communicable
Diseases Roundtable, leads education efforts to help Americans gain the skills to select,
order and prepare fish and shellfish, and to inspire a healthier America by promoting a
nutrient-rich diet that includes seafood. For more information, visit
seafoodnutrition.org.
by Brian Malone | Sep 23, 2016 | CMG News
Campaign aims to raise $12 million
Robert Cox, shareholder with Glassman, Wyatt, Tuttle and Cox, P.C., has been named Co-Chair of the Fundraising Committee for Planned Parenthood of the Greater Memphis Region. The Memphis chapter announced a $12 million fundraising campaign, titled the “Now Campaign,” and has already secured $9.8 million in gifts and pledges.
The money raised by the campaign will be used for increased patient care, including a second Memphis location. Funds also will be utilized to enhance the education, advocacy and sustainability goals of the organization.
Cox received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Notre Dame and bachelor’s degree from Princeton University. The Memphis native, is a member of the Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas Bar Associations and Board Member of the Orpheum Theater.
About Glassman, Wyatt, Tuttle & Cox, P.C.
Glassman, Wyatt, Tuttle & Cox is a boutique law firm engaging only in civil trial litigation in courts primarily around the Mid-South, including in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky and Alabama. Our lawyers focus their talents on helping clients achieve the best possible results in their trial and arbitration matters both inside and outside the courtroom. The firm is renowned for its ability to handle the most difficult legal situations with targeted and steadfast intensity. Representing clients on both sides of the docket gives us unique insights into what motivates our opponents in court and during settlement negotiations.
by Brian Malone | Sep 21, 2016 | CMG News
Personal items of the late Bishop G.E. Patterson will be on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) when the museum opens this Saturday, September 24, at the National Mall in Washington D.C.
More than 20 items were donated to the museum by the Bishop’s widow, Louise Patterson, and will be part of the Cultural Experience Exhibit located on the fourth floor. Two items are currently on display, Bishop Patterson’s collar and crucifix. A video excerpt from one of Bishop Patterson’s sermons can be seen as a part of the exhibit.
A leader in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) denomination, Bishop Patterson was the founder of Bountiful Blessings Ministries and served as Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle of COGIC from 2000 until his death in 2007.
Current Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake shares his thoughts on this important tribute. “The Church of God in Christ is honored that our former Presiding Bishop G.E. Patterson, will have items displayed at the new Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture,” said Blake. “Bishop Patterson was an incredible leader and friend who loved the Church of God in Christ, what a great way to honor his memory.”
Mrs. Willie Mae Rivers, COGIC International General Supervisor for the Women’s Department remembers Bishop Patterson fondly. “The legacy and ministry of Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson will forever live in the hearts of COGIC,” said Rivers. “I was blessed to serve with him during his entire term as Presiding Bishop and it was a joyous time to serve with such an awesome leader. This honor means so much to those of us who knew him and loved him.”
“I am speechless that my husband’s life accomplishments are recognized in this way,” said Louise Patterson. “It is truly an honor to have his work for the Lord enshrined in a Smithsonian museum for generations to see.”
The NMAAHC will open this Saturday and include a dedication ceremony with President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama. Visit https://nmaahc.si.edu for more information on the grand opening. This is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history and culture and houses more than 40,000 artifacts.
About Bountiful Blessings Inc.
Bountiful Blessings Inc., founded by Bishop G.E. Patterson in 1967, has been a beacon of hope and light for many in our global community for more than 35 years. The organization strives to provide individuals and families from all walks of life with resources and Godly principals to live healthy and abundant lives. Since Patterson’s passing, his wife, evangelist Louise Patterson, has continued his work with the same emphasis. For more information about Bountiful Blessings, please call 1-800-544-3571 or visit www.bbless.org.
by Brian Malone | Sep 6, 2016 | CMG News
Personal items of the late Bishop G.E. Patterson will be on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) when the museum opens to the public on September 24 at the National Mall in Washington D.C.
The items were donated to the museum by the Bishop’s widow, Louise Patterson, and will be part of the Cultural Experience Exhibit located on the fourth floor.
“I am speechless that the Bishop’s life accomplishments are recognized in this way,” said Louise Patterson. “It is truly an honor to have his work for the Lord enshrined in a Smithsonian museum for generations to see.”
The grand opening of the NMAAHC will be a weekend-long event beginning on September 23 with a music festival, Freedom Sounds: A Community Celebration, on the Washington Monument grounds. Saturday will include the museum’s dedication ceremony with extended hours for the crowds. Multiple outdoor viewing areas with large screens will be available to help accommodate the large crowds view the ceremony. Visit https://nmaahc.si.edu for more information on the grand opening.
A leader in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) denomination, Bishop Patterson was the founder of Bountiful Blessings Ministries and served as presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle of COGIC from 2000 until his death in 2007.
The NMAAHC is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history and culture and houses more than 37,000 artifacts. It will be the 19th and newest museum of the Smithsonian Institution when it opens in September.
About Bountiful Blessings Inc.
Bountiful Blessings Inc., founded by Bishop G.E. Patterson in 1967, has been a beacon of hope and light for many in our global community for more than 35 years. The organization strives to provide individuals and families from all walks of life with resources and Godly principals to live healthy and abundant lives. Since Patterson’s passing, his wife, evangelist Louise Patterson, has continued his work with the same emphasis. For more information about Bountiful Blessings, please call 1-800-544-3571 or visit www.bbless.org
by Brian Malone | Aug 17, 2016 | CMG News
“And Justice For All” Was The Spark of Thought-Provoking Artistry
Poets from age 14 to 35 shared their perspectives at the National Civil Rights Museum” Drop the Mic Poetry Slam. This year’s theme was “And Justice For All.” There were 32 contestants that participated in the third year of this event held on Saturday, August 13 at the museum.
“This event showed that the abundance of injustice that exists has truly captured the attention of all ages,” said Terri Freeman, President, National Civil Rights Museum. “We were fortunate to be in the presence of great poets who did an excellent job in turning that pain and frustration into hope and unforgettable art.”
The winners in each category are the following:
| |
14-17 Age Group |
18-25 Age Group |
26-35 Age Group |
| 1st Place |
Kyla Lewis |
Shawne McCoy |
Yolanda Gates |
| 2nd Place |
Marquavious Moore |
Jeshaun Powell |
Carin Malone |
The grand prize winner in each category received $1,000 and a museum family membership and the runner up in each category received $750 and a museum family membership. The judges this year were Emmy Award winner and 3 time individual World Poetry Slam champion Ed Mabrey, 2014 NCRM Drop The Mic Poetry Slam winner Markuitta Washington, University of Memphis Professor of African American Studies Dr. Verner Mitchell, poet Sebastian Carson, and, NCRM Historian Ryan Jones,
About The National Civil Rights Museum
The NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM, located at the historic Lorraine Motel where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, is the only Museum of its kind in the country that gives a comprehensive overview of the American Civil Rights Movement from 1619 to the present. The Museum is intended to bring the movement to life, place the events in a historical perspective and provide a focus of national remembrance. Since the Museum opened in 1991, close to 5 million visitors from around the world have come, including more than 60,000 students annually. Recognized as a center for civil rights and social change, the Museum is steadfast in its mission to share the culture and lessons from the Movement and explore how this significant era continues to shape equality and freedom globally.
Through interactive exhibits, historic collections, storytelling, dynamic speakers and events, the museum offers visitors a chance to walk through history and learn more about a tumultuous and inspiring period of change. Then, invites you to Join the Movement, take a stand and share your voice on issues that impact our society.
An internationally acclaimed cultural institution, the Museum was recognized as USA Today’s Top 10 Best American Iconic Attractions; Top 10 Best Historical Spots in the U.S. by TLC’s Family Travel; Must See by the Age of 15 by Budget Travel and Kids; Top 10, American Treasures by USA Today; and Best Memphis Attraction by The Commercial Appeal and Memphis Business Journal.
www.civilrightsmuseum.org
by Brian Malone | Aug 8, 2016 | CMG News
Glassman, Wyatt, Tuttle & Cox, PC is pleased to announce that Richard Glassman, the Senior Shareholder of Glassman, Wyatt, Tuttle & Cox, P.C., is the new President of the University of Memphis School of Law Alumni Association. His term began July 1, 2016.
Glassman graduated from both the University of Memphis and the University of Memphis School of Law. He was also the recipient of the University of Memphis 2012 Distinguished Alumnus Award made to the Outstanding Alumnus of the University of Memphis (Memphis State University) in the year of the 100th Anniversary of the University.
“This is a personal accomplishment that truly means so much to me,” said Glassman. “Anyone who knows me knows how much I love this city and truly support the University of Memphis. To be chosen as President of such a prestigious alumni association is an honor.”
Glassman, a lifelong Memphian, is the Senior Shareholder and President of Glassman, Wyatt, Tuttle & Cox, P. C. Since 1972, he has represented clients throughout the State of Tennessee and beyond. He has consistently earned honors among his peers as one of the region’s finest trial lawyers, having tried more than 250 jury trials across the southeast. He has achieved a multitude of accomplishments over his career spanning more than four decades, including being AV-rated, a Board Certified Pretrial and Trial Specialist and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and a 2014 Memphis Magazine Top Lawyers of the Mid-South, as chosen by other attorneys.
Richard is also a Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America (a by-invitation association of less than 1/2 of 1% of lawyers in the United States to promote superior advocacy and ethical standards) and previously served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Memphis School of Law where he taught a course on Insurance Law.
About Glassman, Wyatt, Tuttle & Cox:
Glassman, Wyatt, Tuttle & Cox is a boutique law firm engaging only in civil trial litigation in courts primarily around the Mid-South, including in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky and Alabama. Our lawyers focus their talents on helping clients achieve the best possible results in their trial and arbitration matters both inside and outside the courtroom. The firm is renowned for its ability to handle the most difficult legal situations with targeted and steadfast intensity.
