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.
by Brian Malone | Jan 6, 2016 | CMG News
Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis has been honored recognized for quality care by The Joint Commission and for patient safety by The Leapfrog Group.
The Joint Commission recognized Saint Francis as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures®. According to its 2015 annual report, Saint Francis was recognized for attaining and sustaining excellence in Total Joint Replacement – Hip and Knee, and for Stroke. The hospital was only one of 1,043 hospitals out of more than 3,300 eligible hospitals nationwide to achieve the 2014 Top Performer distinction.
The Leapfrog Group, an independent hospital industry watchdog, presented Saint Francis with its 8th straight “A” Hospital Safety Score. It was one of only two hospitals in the Memphis area to receive an “A” grade. Saint Francis was also recognized by The Leapfrog Group as a “Straight A” hospital for being one of just 133 hospitals nationwide to have achieved an “A” grade in every grading period since the Hospital Safety Score first launched in June 2012. To see how the Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis score compares nationally and locally, visit www.hospitalsafetyscore.org.
“Our physicians and employees are dedicated to providing our patients with high quality care in a safe environment,” said David Archer, Saint Francis Healthcare CEO. “We are proud to have earned both of these prestigious recognitions. They support our belief that Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis has a culture that is committed to excellence in quality care and one that makes patient safety its highest priority.”
The Joint Commission Top Performer program recognizes hospitals for improving performance on evidence-based interventions that increase the chances of healthy outcomes for patients with certain conditions. The performance measures used in the recognition program include heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care, children’s asthma, inpatient psychiatric services, stroke, venous thromboembolism, perinatal care, immunization, tobacco treatment and substance use. For more information about the Top Performer program, visit www.jointcommission.org/accreditation/topperformers.aspz.
The Hospital Safety Score was calculated under the guidance of the nation’s leading experts on patient safety and is administered by The Leapfrog Group. The Hospital Safety Score is designed to provide consumers with information they need when making decisions about a hospital stay.
by Brian Malone | Jan 6, 2016 | CMG News
Mobile consumer center also visiting Memphis in January
BlueCross is providing one-to-one assistance to members and those seeking insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace at the Church Health Center Jan. 6-8 and at the Blue of TennesseeSM mobile center through the end of Marketplace open enrollment on Jan. 31.
BlueCross insurance advisors will be available at the Church Health Center to help consumers understand health insurance options and eligibility for financial assistance, as well as assist them in enrolling in a Marketplace plan. Bilingual and sign language assistance is available.
Hours for the Church Health Center events are:
- Jan. 6, 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
- Jan. 7, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Jan. 8, noon-5 p.m.
Church Health Center is located at 1115 Union Avenue, Memphis.
The Blue of Tennessee mobile center will also be in Memphis from Jan. 9-31 providing enrollment assistance and a variety of services for BlueCross members such as finding a doctor, understanding benefits and ordering member ID cards. The mobile center is wheelchair accessible and also provides bilingual and sign language services.
The mobile center will be located at Ridgeway Trace Center (near Best Buy), 5959 Poplar Avenue, Memphis from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on these dates:
- Jan. 9
- Jan.11-16
- Jan. 18-23
- Jan. 25-31
by Deidre Malone | Oct 13, 2015 | CMG News
The Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) launches a three-year public health education campaign across the country to help the underserved and all Americans understand the nutritional benefits of eating seafood and the positive impact on improving heart health. Memphis was one of two pilot cities last year. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, taking the lives of more Americans prematurely than any other preventable disease. Memphis native and Food Network star Gina Neely is a national spokesperson and ambassador for SNP and cardiologist Claro Diaz, M.D. a local ambassador. The other cities include: Birmingham, Alabama; Charleston, West Virginia; Golden Isles, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Jacksonville, Florida; Lexington, Kentucky; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Toledo, Ohio.
The Memphis events include the following:
- October 11-17 Memphis Restaurant Week: These restaurants are SNP partners that are promoting eating seafood to educate citizens on some of the benefits like a healthier heart and life. The participating restaurants this week include: Tsunami, 928 South Cooper; Flying Fish, 102 South 2nd; Pearl’s Oyster House, 299 South Main; and the Trolley Stop Market, 704 Madison.
- October 24 “SNP Chat and Cook” at Sam’s Club with SNP Ambassadors Gina Neely and Chef Ayanna Johnson at Sam’s Club at 7475 Winchester. Chef Johnson will create a cost-effective seafood meal and Gina Neely will discuss the benefits of incorporating seafood into your diet twice a week. This event will be on Saturday, October 24 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- October 31 “SNP Memphis Healthy Heart Summit” will share information on the importance of eating seafood and the effects it has on your health, physical fitness and a cooking demonstration. Participants include: Cardiologist Claro Diaz M.D., a nutritionist, a fitness expert and a chef to demonstrate how to prepare a cost-effective seafood meal at the Church Health Center. This event is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 31.
About the 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 (NCD) 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 8, 2015 | CMG News
The City of Memphis, along with Black & Veatch, has launched a new website – www.SARP10.com. The website is a tool for keeping citizens informed and up to date on the progress and projects undertaken by the 10-year sewer assessment and rehabilitation program, known as SARP10. The program will improve the City’s sanitary sewer infrastructure system.
“The SARP10 website will keep Memphians informed about this project,” said Robert Knecht, Director of Public Works, City of Memphis. “The features on this site make it simple for community members to know what is going on and when.”
SARP10.com provides dates for scheduled community meetings, outlines current projects, and features an address locator application that allows community members to easily see what projects are underway near them. The site explains the SARP10 project, its necessity, and houses additional reference information.
The website is part of the larger SARP10 program implemented to assess and improve Memphis’ sewer infrastructure system. The system consists of approximately 2,400 miles of sewers. This program is funded using sewer fees. Although this represents a substantial commitment by Memphis to its infrastructure system, the city’s long-standing and aggressive maintenance program reduced this cost considerably when compared to other systems of similar size facing the same age-related issues.
The program will move from neighborhood to neighborhood assessing the sewer system. This website gives the public and vendors a chance to track the progress with SARP10 and learn about upcoming projects.
by Brian Malone | Jul 15, 2015 | CMG News
Memphis BikeFest 2015 Rolling In at High Speed Revealing Music Line Up and Onsite Activities
Memphis BikeFest 2015 announces plans for their five day Fest including their music line up and multiple on-site activities set to take place on Tiger Lane at the Liberty Bowl from July 22-26, 2015. The kick off to the event will feature a Wednesday evening parade from Beale Street to the Liberty Bowl in conjunction with both Memphis Mayor A C Wharton and Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell. Later that evening, bikers from all across the city will light a Unity Torch on the main stage on Tiger Lane.
Memphis Bikefest 2015 is a fundraising event for the 501C3 Non-profit “Bikers & Social Clubs for Change”, an affiliation of over 130 motorcycle and social clubs that promotes motorcycle safety, racial unity and community service. Preacha Chambers is the club president. “Our primary goal for the BikeFest is to raise money to assist “at-risk” youth who live in the most dangerous neighborhoods of Memphis with mentoring programs, education scholarships and safe-house resource centers,” said Chambers.
The BikeFest 2015 will feature the legendary band WAR on Saturday, July 25th. The classic funk-rock band has multiple classic songs such as “Low Rider”, and the question we are most asking at this year’s event, “Why Can’t We Be Friends”. Other musical performers include season eight “American Idol” winner Kris Allen on Friday, July 24th, as well as top ten finishers and native Memphians Lil Rounds, Alexis Grace, and numerous other local talent.
Daily activities include seven tons of sand for the first ever “Memphis Beach” with swimming pools and water slides, a motorcycle give-away, a “Ride for a Veteran” motorcycle ride including a Win $10,000 Basketball shot for the winner of the Ride, “Amazin’ Blazin” Buffalo Wild Wings Hot Wing Competition, Drag Racing, Ms. Bike Fest Queen competition, Motorcycle Safety Classes, Car & Bike Shows including a Parade of Lights contest, BBQ Contest, a wonderful photography exhibit by Ernest Withers, inflatables/bouncers for the kids, and much more!
This is a family friendly event with a variety of on-site food and merchandise vendors throughout, plus special dinners for other local charities, including two steak dinners prepared by the award winning Tuscany Italian Steakhouse of Olive Branch, MS. “American Idol” winner Kris Allen will be present Friday which benefits Birthright of Memphis. A repeat performance by Tuscany Italian Steakhouse for Saturday’s special steak dinner with headliner WAR will support “West Tennessee Veterans Home”.
Lasik at Southern Eye presents “Memphis Bikefest 2015” along with Title Sponsors FRS Powersports, Bumpus Harley Davidson, and Yarbrough’s Music. . Other sponsors include The Carter Malone Group, Buffalo Wild Wings, Domino’s, Tan-N-Go, Tuscany Italian Steakhouse, The Joint, TCBY, The Salvation Army Kroc Center, Hutch Entertainment, Control alt Designs, Tony’s Trophy Room, River City Pedaler’s, Sleepy ZZZ’s Mattresses and Champion Tee Shirts. For the full music line up, event activities, and ticket information please visit www.memphisbikefest.com
by Brian Malone | May 27, 2015 | CMG News
The City of Memphis is interested in hearing from Memphians about what they believe is the best use for the Memphis Fairgrounds. As a sponsor of the Roundhouse Revival on Saturday, May 23, 2015, the City of Memphis will be there, asking citizens to share their views on the future of the Fairgrounds by participating in an in-person or online survey and through social media. The City of Memphis is also hosting four community meetings giving the public even more opportunities to express their opinions. Two meetings will be held on June 1 & 2 across the city.
“It has been several years since the original meetings were held about the Fairgrounds’ future, and because of renewed public interest, we wanted to give the public new opportunities to weigh in with their ideas and opinions,” said Mayor A C Wharton Jr. “It’s a rare opportunity to create jobs and expand our economy without any tax dollars from city government, and we want to make sure we make the best decision possible. We can’t do that without the help of our citizens.”
Robert Lipscomb, director of City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development, said the meetings are part of a “new model for planning in Memphis.” “We have created a process that has never been used in Memphis,” he said. “Two national organizations with reputations for finding solutions for highly complex development opportunities across the U.S. — the NCI and Urban Land Institute— will lead a process that invites community input, evaluates ideas for development, and issues recommendations.
The public engagement meetings will be facilitated by NCI, which is nationally known for its programs to engage the public in the planning and design of major development projects.
Memphians are encouraged to participate in this very important public engagement information-gathering process.
At the meetings, Memphians will be asked for their opinions about the future of the Fairgrounds and also what citizens love about Memphis. The results of the public meetings will be forwarded to a special ULI team of national experts which will analyze scenarios for the future of the Fairgrounds and make its recommendations
The Roundhouse Revival is a free event on Saturday, May 23rd from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in front of the Mid-South Coliseum, 996 Early Maxwell. The community engagement meetings in June start at 5:30 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m.
Community Engagement Meetings
Monday, June 1 The Airways Professional Building
3385 Airways Blvd., Memphis, TN 38116
Bert Ferguson Community Center
8505 Trinity Road, Cordova, TN 38018
Tuesday, June 2 Memphis Kroc Center
800 E. Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104
Cunningham Community Center
3773 Old Allen Road
Memphis, TN 38128
In order to give every citizen the opportunity to voice their opinions, if they are not able to attend a community meeting, they can provide input through the website www.memphisfairgrounds.org, Facebook: Memphis Fairgrounds, Twitter #whatiloveaboutmemphis and #MemFairgrounds, or text to 9017307570.
