by Brian Malone | Jul 29, 2016 | CMG News
Submission Deadline is Monday, August 1, 2016
This Year’s Theme is “And Justice for All!”
The National Civil Rights Museum (NCRM) is calling young poets and spoken word artists nationwide to compete in its 3rd Annual NCRM Drop the Mic Poetry Slam on Saturday, August 13, at 5 p.m. The slam will be held at the Memphis museum located at the historic Lorraine Motel, the site where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. last stood. The qualifying deadline to submit an all-original poem in a two-minute online video is Monday, August 1, at 5 pm CDT.
Poets in the age categories of 14 – 17, 18 – 25 and 26 – 35 can compete for two top cash prizes, $1,000 first place and $750 second place, in each age group. This year’s theme is “And Justice for All” with an emphasis on equality and justice. The Drop the Mic Poetry Slam is designed to engage a new generation in the fight for civil and human rights and to encourage them to creatively use their voices beyond social media. All ages are invited to attend the poetry slam. It is free and open to the public.
This year’s slam judges include: Ed Mabrey, who is a three-time Individual World Poetry Slam Champion, featured performer on Season 3 of Verses and Flow, featured performer on HBO All Def Digital, Emmy nominee and professional comedian who has opened shows for DL Hughley, Charlie Murphy and Rob Schneider; NCRM Poetry Slam 2014 winner Markuitta Washington; University of Memphis English professor, Verner Mitchell; one of Memphis’ own poetic genius, Ryan “Sebastian Carson,” who is behind the viral YouTube videos, “The Definition of a Black Man” and “Queens Be Like”; and Museum Educator, Ryan M. Jones.
“The Drop the Mic Poetry Slam was spectacular the first two years, each year surpassing the last in attendance, buzz, and creativity,” said Faith Morris, NCRM Chief Marketing and External Affairs Officer. “We hope that this year, with everything that has transpired in this country, our justice theme will bring out the passion in our young poets. The slam provides participants with a platform to artistically express themselves about important issues facing society.”
Submissions must be original works addressing the topic “And Justice for All!” Each entrant must submit a YouTube or Vimeo video link in their online entry form. Videos should be no longer than two minutes. Only one entry per person will be considered. All videos must be received by Monday, August 1, 2016 by 5pm.
Top finalists will be selected and must perform their submitted poem live in front of a panel of judges at the National Civil Rights Museum on Saturday, August 13, at 5pm in order to win. For more information and to enter visit http://civilrightsmuseum.org/dropthemic/.
The hashtags for this year’s Drop the Mic Poetry Slam are #JusticeForAll, #NCRMDropTheMic. Social media share are encouraged.
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, millions of visitors from around the world have come, including more than 70,000 students annually. Recognized as a center for civil rights and social change, the Museum examines today’s global civil and human rights issues, provokes thoughtful debate and serves as a catalyst for positive change.
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; TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for Top 25 U.S. Museums; and Best Memphis Attraction by The Commercial Appeal.
by Brian Malone | May 28, 2016 | CMG News
The event features free food, drinks and family-friendly entertainment
The Safe Summer Block Parties series gets started big on Memorial Day Weekend with the first ever Citywide Anti-Violence Block Party at Tiger Lane. The event, held on May 28 from 11 am to 5 pm, features national speakers, music and games, and will have free food, entertainment and drinks.
“We need peace in our community, so the importance of this is extreme,” said Artemis “Peppa“ Williams, the event organizer. “The crime problem in Memphis is out-of-control. This is an event where people can show how they want a stronger city, a safer community, and that ”
The event is well sponsored, with support coming from Shelby County Commissioners Justin Ford and Van Turner, Harold Collins and the Crime Commission, the Memphis Police Department C.O.P. (Community Outreach Program), City of Memphis – Youth Services, Shelby County Schools G.R.A.S.S.Y. (Gang Resistance for Saving Society’s Youth), Kroger, and former Tiger basketball and NBA star Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway’s Team Penny organization.
“This is a big thing,” Williams said. “We are always looking for something to do, but aren’t always making sure we’re thinking about our community while we do it. Here, we’ll be doing both. Everyone in the same place, enjoying the weather and the long weekend in our city’s best tailgating spot.”
Last fall, Williams produced an anti-violence rally in Whitehaven over fall break. The event attracted more than 2,500 students who participated in and came to promote the community message of nonviolence, and the event had zero incidents and spread the word that local communities are banding together to show they will not tolerate violence and crime.
The free Anti-Violence Block Party will take place on May 28 at Tiger Lane from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
About Mouth of the South Productions Mouth of the South, taken from the nickname for Artemis “Peppa” Williams, runs fun engaging events that interest young people in supporting safer, more responsible communities. The previous non-violent event attracted more than 2,500 students in Whitehaven, and was a peaceful, fun night. With strategic partnerships between local police, schools, and popular celebrities, Mouth of the South is able to run important, well-attended events that encourage responsibility and clean living.
by Brian Malone | May 13, 2016 | CMG News
Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon, Inc. (BWSC) along with The Carter Malone Group have launched a new website to provide information concerning the Black Bayou Basin area of the City of Memphis’ Drainage Master Plan Project storm water study.
The site, www.blackbayoubasin.com serves as a portal for residents and businesses in this area to see the plan for the study, know about key dates and deliverables, and fill out a resident survey, which is vital to the information gathering process.
“Our new site is a valuable tool for communicating with the communities in the Black Bayou Basin study area,” said Joe Lawson, project manager for BWSC. “It gives us an opportunity to present and gather essential information that will make our project more effective.”
The Black Bayou Basin study area stretches northeast from the I-240 and Lamar interchange, ending at Poplar Avenue in the north. It includes much of Audubon Park, some of eastern Orange Mound, the University of Memphis Athletic Complex and most of Rhodes and Kimball Avenue.
The Drainage Master Plan Project is part of an ongoing series of studies commissioned by the City of Memphis to improve drainage and water flow in several neighborhoods. The studies use collect field data and community input to create a computer model that informs the final mapping and analyzing steps. Once the studies are complete, recommendations for improvements are presented to the city.
About Barge Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc.
Barge Waggoner focuses on clients’ markets and industries and delivers a broad spectrum of architecture and engineering services to those markets. This market focus allows BWSC to align with clients and understand their needs. BWSC’s Business Unit Directors each bring a wealth of experience and knowledge in their specific market and lead efforts to be the architecture and engineering firm of choice.
by Brian Malone | May 2, 2016 | CMG News
15 EMMA AWARDS TO BE PRESENTED ON MAY 16, 2016 IN WASHINGTON DC
The National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC) will honor journalists and media outlets that have shown excellence in their media coverage on issues of importance to women and girls at the 2016 Exceptional Merit in Media Awards (EMMAs). The event will be held on Monday, May 16, 2016 at the American Foreign Association Building in Washington, D.C. beginning at 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The 2016 EMMAs will be emceed by TV host & comedian Dhaya Lakshminarayanan (http://www.dhayacomedy.com) and receipient of this year’s Liz Carpenter Political Humor Award. Along with eleven EMMA Award winners, the event will feature a keynote speech by former state representative, attorney & human rights activist Frances “Sissy” Farenthold, and will honor Director Robin Hauser Reynolds with a President’s Award for her groundbreaking documentary film Code: Debugging the Gender Gap. The EMMAs will present a Lifetime Achievement Award to veteran diplomat Marguerite Cooper for her work in the American Foreign Service.
“Our goal is to honor journalists and media outlets that are shining a light on vital issues facing women,” said Donna Lent, President, National Women’s Political Caucus. “The EMMAs is our chance to recognize and celebrate media-makers behind the headlines.”
Past award winners include Sheryl WuDunn and Nicholas Kristof for Half the Sky, Helen Benedict for Ms. Magazine, Anna Quindlen of The New York Times, Barbara Ehrenreich of Time, Carole Simpson of LIFETIME World News Tonight, Cokie Roberts of National Public Radio, Carole Zimmer of Bloomberg Radio, Lisa Guerrero of Inside Edition, and many more.
Tickets are available for $75 for non-members and $65 for NWPC members. The EMMA’s will also be livestreamed. For more information visit the website at www.nwpc.org/emmas and for tickets visit http:/nwpc.ticketleap.com/emmas2016/.
About the National Women’s Political Caucus
The NWPC, founded in 1971, is a national, multi-partisan, pro-choice grassroots membership organization dedicated to identifying, recruiting, training and supporting women candidates for elected and appointed office.To interview NWPC President Donna Lent call Deidre Malone, NWPC VP of Communications at 202.785.1100 or email at info@nwpc.org.
by Brian Malone | Apr 28, 2016 | CMG News
The Carter Malone Group, LLC President/CEO makes list again.
Deidre Malone, President and Chief Executive Officer for The Carter Malone Group, LLC is a Power Player 2016 for the Memphis Business Quarterly for the last 5 years. Malone is listed under the Public Relations and Advertising category. She founded the firm in May 2003 and it has grown into a full service public relations, marketing, advertising and government relations firm.
“I’m very proud to be listed as one of the MBQ Power Players again this year,” said Malone. “This honor really goes to my team at CMG for all the collaboration and quality work we produce on behalf of our clients.”
Malone is a former VP of Marketing Development for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Director of Public Relations for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She founded The Carter Malone Malone Group, an award-winning firm headquartered in Memphis, TN, in 2003.
by Brian Malone | Apr 28, 2016 | CMG News, Events
The National Women’s Political Caucus hosted a Train the Trainers Workshop in Seattle, Washington on April 23 and 24. The Carter Malone Group, LLC President /CEO Deidre Malone participated in the workshop and received certification as a trainer to recruit, educate, train, coach and build the confidence of women seeking elected or appointed office.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of the first graduating class of NWPC’s Train the Trainers workshop,” said Malone. “The instructor, Cathy Allen, provided the tools to set in motion the momentum needed to increase the number of women who successfully run for office and win. I’m looking forward to doing my part to advance more women in to leadership and elected and appointed positions.”
Joining Malone from Tennessee in receiving certification was Tennessee Democratic Party Executive Committeewoman and Memphis Women’s Political Caucus member Adrienne Pakis Gillon.
For organizations interested in learning more securing Deidre Malone for training, contact The Carter Malone Group at 901.278.0881 or email her at dmalone@cmgpr.com.
by Brian Malone | Apr 8, 2016 | CMG News
The event grows larger every year with special events and celebrity guests as MBX salutes Egypt this year.
More than 20,000 people will converge on Memphis this June for the Memphis Black Expo (MBX), held June 2nd through 6th. Now in its seventh year, the Memphis Black Expo continues to offer bigger, more varied and more exciting events across Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee. Special celebrity guests include syndicated columnist and TV host Roland Martin, civil rights activist, comedian and entrepreneur Dick Gregory and R & B superstar Ginuwine among many more.
Memphis Black Expo event highlights:
- Conscious Cinema & Panel Discussion at the Malco Paradiso with Dick Gregory
- Welcome to Memphis Reception at STAX Museum with Ginuwine and Grammy winner Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell
- Cultural Festival at Agricenter International – Memphis with Roland Martin,
8 Ball (of 8 Ball & MJG), Drumma Boy and Murphy Lee
- Visual Art and Fashion Party at 409 S. Main Street with TV personality Porsha Williams
With the varied celebrity appearances, bookings of top-flight venues, and big plate of events, this year’s expo has MBXX founder Viara Iyadunni incredibly excited. “My team and I continue to put together an expo that is relevant and different,” Iyadunni said. “This year we honor Egypt, and are even arranging a week-long trip there. I’m sure this will be our best expo to date.“ Ticket sales and vendor opportunities are available now. For ticket and vendor information visit the website www.MemphisBlackExpo.com.
Sponsors of Memphis Black Expo 2016 include Brinson Tax Service, Memphis Light Gas and Water, WMC-TV 5, iHeart Media, Controlalt Designs, MLE, GCA Services Group, ServiceMaster, Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, National Civil Rights Museum and Soulsville Foundation and Subroy Dance Studios.
About MBX
Memphis Black Expo (MBX) highlights small, black-owned businesses while raising cultural awareness and encouraging cultural curiosity and social consciousness. Founded by Viara Iyadunni in March of 2008, MBX, provides a unique experience that focuses on important and complex themes like cultural exchange and cooperative economics, while still being a fun and family-friendly atmosphere. The annual production is planned for more than one year, and has grown every year from its initial, 2008 attendance of 700 guests and 45 vendors.
Full Schedule of Events
June 2-6, 2016
THURSDAY | June 2
Black Expo Conscious Cinema & Panel Discussion
Thursday June 2, 2016
Location: Malco Paradiso
584 S Mendenhall Rd
Memphis, TN 38117
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Celebrity Guest Panelist: Dick Gregory
FRIDAY| June 3
Black Expo “Welcome to Memphis” Reception
An Evening with Ginuwine & Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell
Lifetime Achievement Award in Soulful Music
Friday June 3, 2016
STAX Museum of American Soul Music
926 E. McLemore Ave
Memphis, TN 38126
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
2016 Honoree: Ginuwine & Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell
Brought To You By: GCA Services & Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau
SATURDAY| June 4
Black Expo Cultural Festival & Black Business Showcase
Saturday June 4, 2016
Agricenter International
7777 Walnut Grove
Memphis, TN 38120
10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Celebrity Guest: Roland Martin, Murphy Lee, 8 Ball, Al Kapone, and Drumma Boy
SATURDAY| June 4
Black Expo Neo-Soul Food Festival
Saturday June 4, 2016
Agricenter International
7777 Walnut Grove
Memphis, TN 38120
10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Brought To You By: ServiceMaster
SATURDAY| June 4
Black Expo Youth Empowerment Conference
Saturday June 4, 2016
Agricenter International
7777 Walnut Grove
Memphis, TN 38120
Noon – 3:00 p.m.
SATURDAY| June 4
Black Expo After Party
Saturday June 4, 2016
Brinson’s Downtown
341 Madison Ave
Memphis, TN 38103
9:00 p.m.
SUNDAY | June 5
Black Expo “Art of Fashion”
Visual Art & Fashion Party
Sunday June 5, 2016
409 S. Main Street
Memphis, TN 38103
5:02 p.m. – 6:05 p.m. Moreno BHLV Mixer & Art Show
6:11 p.m. – 8:17 p.m. Fashion Party
MONDAY | June 6
Black Expo Closing Dinner
For Memphis Black Expo 2016 Sponsors & Vendors Only
Monday June 6, 2016
National Civil Rights Museum
450 Mulberry St
Memphis, TN 38103
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
**Sponsors & Vendors Must RSVP
Brought To You By: National Civil Rights Museum
Revelation Tour |
June 13-17
Monday, June 13- Friday, June17
Egypt (Memphis, Cairo and Luxor)
An annual week-long cultural and history trip. The trip is a continuation of the Memphis Black Expo and consists of a group of individuals dedicated to the exploration and spread of culture.
by Brian Malone | Mar 7, 2016 | CMG News
Benjamin L. Crump, the Florida civil rights attorney who has represented high-profile pro-bono cases such as the family of Trayvon Martin and the family of Michael Brown, both young men killed in racially charged cases, will be the featured speaker at the 2016 40th Anniversary Freedom Fund Luncheon hosted by the NAACP Memphis Branch. “Mr. Crump has taken a personal interest in protecting the downtrodden people of this country and using the law as it is supposed to work for everyone,” said Madeleine C. Taylor, executive director Memphis Branch NAACP. “His consistent and relentless work continues to shine spotlights on legal injustices, and we are thrilled to have him sharing his knowledge, experience, and insight at this event.” The work Crump has done while fighting to preserve justice has earned him recognition as one of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Lawyers, Ebony Magazine’s 100 Most influential African Americans, and the NAACP Thurgood Marshall Award. In addition to his legal work, Crump sits on the Board of the Innocence Project and the Equal Justice institute. He has served as General Counsel to the Florida State Conference of the NAACP and is a Life Member of the NAACP and Urban League. Crump’s article, “The Police Don’t Shoot a White Man in the Back; Representing Minorities in Police Brutality Cases,” brought attention and critical acclaim. His work and writings have also been featured in documentaries such as BET’s “I am Trayvon Martin: A family’s fight for Justice,” and NPR’s “How a Lawyer Got America Talking About Trayvon Martin.” “Issues of police brutality, justice, and the oppression of minorities are finally getting deserved attention,” Taylor said. “And Mr. Crump is at the forefront of these issues. We can’t wait to hear what he has to say.” About the Memphis Branch of the NAACP The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the nation’s oldest civil rights organization. The mission of the NAACP is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights for all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. The Memphis Branch is the largest branch in the organization.
by Brian Malone | Feb 25, 2016 | CMG News
“This Can’t Be Life” Speaks to the Reality of What’s Going on In America Today
Nationally recognized Hip-Hop artist, Tyke T, blends the slickest street sounds with conscious reflections of modern American society. “This Can’t Be Life,” a new single from the Tennessee native, is being released as a part of Black History month and as a way to draw attention to the plight of African-Americans in this country today.
“This Can’t Be Life” was my opportunity to artistically discuss what’s going on in our communities as well as the strong resolve African-American’s have as a people to rise from those situations,” said Tyke T. A skilled songwriter, Tyke T is able to fuse sincere lyrics with his unapologetically bold, infectious style. His music perfectly articulates the struggle many face trying to attain the American dream with humility, humor and an undercurrent of determination that belies his casual manner.
“In today’s music especially with commercial or urban platform you have to have somebody with a finished product,” said Devin Steel, DJ at K97 in Memphis. “You can take [Tyke-T’s] single on the radio and it competes with a Beyoncé, Chris Brown or Pharrell.”
“This Can’t Be Life” is available on drivenbymusic.net and at all major digital retailers.
In 2014 Tyke T was crowned the winner of Clear Channel Radio Station K-97’s Next Big Thing 6 contest and the 1st Memphis Grizzlies Showcase champion, in which he performed center court in front of over 17,000 fans. Tyke T was also a top-8 finalist in the VH1 Make a band famous competition.
For more information, click here to download a full media kit, or, to download a clean version of the song, click here (download for media, only). February 25, 2016. The Tyke-T website is www.Drivenbymusic.net, Facebook Page: Tyke T, Instagram is Tyke__T and Twitter Tyke__T.
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by Brian Malone | Feb 1, 2016 | CMG News
Retired City of Memphis HR Director Lands 2nd MD as their 1st Client
Quintin Robinson, retired City of Memphis Human Resources Director and former Walmart Corporate Human Resources executive, has launched the consulting firm Innovative Global Solutions, LLC (IGS). Robinson steered Memphis through its most recent employee and retiree medical plan reforms.
“IGS will have a core focus of helping private, public and nonprofit clients address rising healthcare costs by focusing on prevention, wellness and “innovative healthcare services that improve the wellbeing of their members,” said Robinson.” I am in the process of interviewing other consultants who will advise clients on other human resources specialties while I focus on healthcare and retirement plans. This is an exciting opportunity.”
IGS will help clients identify and introduce innovative solutions to help manage their cost trend by focusing on disease management, controlling pharmacy costs, wellness incentive programs, and those providing convenient access to the highest quality of care. Robinson believes there is a shift in the healthcare economy that will challenge providers to focus more on health and wellness outcomes.
His first client is 2nd.MD, a Houston-based healthcare technology company that provides access to expert medical specialists for personalized consults via video or phone. 2nd.MD members can see and speak to the top medical specialists in the country, without wait or travel, when they face a medical challenge such as a new diagnosis, possible surgery, chronic condition or change in medication. ally.
“I have studied this company for about a year. As the father of two children who have had life-threatening illnesses, it was comforting to me and my wife to know that we had access to world-class healthcare at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
“Both my children survived their life-threatening illnesses (cancer and bilateral pneumonia) because we had access to the best care. That’s why I am excited to be working with on 2nd.MD,” said Robinson.
With its network of expert physicians in every medical sub-specialty, they are able to ensure that employee groups and individuals have access to the best doctors in the world when they need them regardless of whether they live in rural Arkansas, Memphis or Boston.
2nd.MD was founded in 2011 to solve the frustrations that CEO Clint Phillips experienced when seeking medical advice for his daughter Gabi, who had a stroke shortly after birth. The uncertainty of choosing the right doctor, the many months of waiting for an appointment and the time spent traveling to see specialist after specialist were constant struggles. 2nd.MD’s guiding principle is that no family should have to struggle to get their medical questions answered. No insurance hassles, no waiting rooms, just answers to your questions…from the best doctors in America.
“Robinson serves as an Advisor to 2nd.MD, helping to position the company to offer its solution to large public and private sector organizations, globally,” said Jason Melton, Chief Financial Officer.
ABOUT INNOVIATIVE GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, LLC
Founded by Union University MBA grad Quintin Robinson, Innovative Global Solutions, LLC is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. The firm specializes in human resources services with an emphasis on employee and retiree benefits. Visit the website at www.igs-cs.com or call IGS at 901.610.3940.
