by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Mar 10, 2014 | CMG News
The National Civil Rights Museum Finalizing Renovation with
Grand Reopening April 5
New design, new exhibits, larger exhibit floor, more films, interactivity and automation
create an even more profound museum experience.
The National Civil Rights Museum’s $27.5 million renovation of the Lorraine Motel, is in its final stages. Grand reopening is slated for April 5, following a forum on the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and candlelight vigil the evening of April 4.
The National Civil Rights Museum, a renowned educational and cultural institution that chronicles the American Civil Rights Movement, has been fully transformed with new and renovated exhibits. The iconic elements will be retained — The Montgomery Bus, the Sit-in counter, the Freedom Rides Bus and the Memphis Sanitation Truck — but they engage the audience with archival films, touch screens and much more interactivity.
What’s new is the creation of immersive environments that vicariously transport visitors back in time. Visitors can crouch into the confined space of the ship in the A Culture of Resistance: Slavery in America 1619 – 1861
exhibit. They can sit in the courtroom and learn of the landmark Supreme Court Brown v. Board of Education decision. They can examine documents and materials used by grassroots organizers during the Mississippi Freedom Summer project in 1964. They can sing along with the protestors from the interior of an Albany, GA church and listen to music and poetry of the Black Power/Black Pride era of the mid 1960s through 1970.
There are 260 artifacts, more than 40 new films (including mini-documentaries highlighting unsung heroes and lesser known leaders of the movement), oral histories and interactive media (multi-touch, multi-user interactives), external listening posts and a contemporary design that will guide visitors through five centuries of history, from the beginning of the culture of resistance during slavery, through the Civil War and Reconstruction, through the rise of Jim Crow, and the seminal events of the late 20th century that inspired people around the world to stand up for their rights and the rights of others.
The renovation updates exhibition content and presents the “best and most recent scholarship on civil rights available today,” as attested to by scholar Dr. Clayborne Carson of Stanford University. Most importantly, it highlights important battles yet to be fought. The new museum will also add more tactile experiences and create a more poignant, powerful and transformative visitor experience.
“It’s been a long and challenging 18-month journey, but we can finally see the result of the hard work, long hours and tough choices that had to be made,” said Beverly Robertson, president, National Civil Rights Museum. “The Museum will be transformed into an even more compelling presentation of the iconic exhibits, oral histories of lesser-known civil rights foot soldiers and visceral, in the moment experiences. We’re counting the days to the opening when we showcase this new museum.”
THE RENOVATION PROJECT TEAM
The National Civil Rights Museum staff collaborated closely with their renovation design team and scholar review committee to provide holistic advice, counsel for the development of this new museum. The renovation project team is comprised of Howard + Revis Design Services, exhibition design and project management; 1220, exhibition fabrication and installation; Self Tucker Architects, architectural project management and design; Electrosonic, multimedia technical design and installation audio visual systems design and integration; Cortina Productions, media design and production; Second Story, media design and production; Flintco Constructive Solutions, building construction; and JPA, site design.
The 24-member National Scholar Review Committee was tasked with interpretive plan development and review of the exhibits’ content. Primary advising scholars were Dr. Stephanie Shaw, professor of History, Ohio State University, who specializes in 19th century and early 20th century history; Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries, associate professor of History, Ohio State University, late 20th century history specialist relating to the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements; Dr. Earnestine Jenkins, associate professor of Art History, University of Memphis; and Daniel Kiel, Law Professor, Cecil B. Humphreys School of Law, University of Memphis.
RENOVATION HIGHLIGHTS
New Lobby
The original 7,000 lb. bronze signature statue, Movement to Overcome, has been returned to the museum, prominently positioned in the new lobby in front of the new grand staircase. Sculptor Michael Pavlovsky was commissioned to create the statue for the museum’s opening in 1991 and it has been synonymous with the struggle since the beginning. The second floor is opened up to reveal the lobby below, and flooded with light from the skylight ceiling above. The retail shop has moved to the second floor and is visible from the lobby.
New Exhibits
Throughout the new exhibitions, visitors will learn about more individuals; ordinary people who accomplished extraordinary things. Visitors may see themselves in this history. Following are some of the new exhibitions:
A Culture of Resistance: Slavery in America 1619 – 1861
A graphic representation of the global impact of slavery. As visitors enter the circular gallery they walk on a floor map indicating North and South America, Europe and Africa. Illuminated channels in the floor provide statistics and information on the Atlantic slave trade — the massive number of people captured, goods cultivated and wealth created.
Rise of Jim Crow and I, Too, Am America: Combating Jim Crow 1896−1954
This exhibit includes a timeline of amendments and legislation that granted rights to African Americans, and then the sequence of laws and Supreme Court decisions that struck down these gains and established Separate but Equal as the law of the land. Visitors see, through historic photographs and text of segregation laws the vibrancy of the black community despite segregation. Oral histories provide first person accounts about life under Jim Crow.
Separate Is Not Equal: Brown v. Board of Education 1954
The battle for desegregation of public schools took place on two fronts: in the courtroom and the classroom. The exhibit examines the landmark Supreme Court decision, the long legal battle and the slow pace of desegregation in public education across the country. Features a multi-touch interactive “mapping desegregation” that explores how desegregation unfolded in states all over the country. Visitors learn about events in their home states.
The Year They Walked: Montgomery Bus Boycott 1955–1956
One of the original exhibits, it has audio that’s triggered by visitors entering the bus. New 3-dimensional figures are positioned on the sidewalk, indicating the significance of the women of Montgomery, who sustained the boycott. Dr. King is highlighted as an emerging leader of the movement, with an audio of his speech delivered the first night of the boycott.
Standing Up by Sitting Down: Student Sit-ins 1960
The original lunch counter is here, along with the 3-dimensional figures sitting in at the counter, with hecklers at their side. A film is projected behind the protestors, indicating their nonviolent direct action training and then the protests and conflicts that ensued. A multi-touch, multi-user interactive that engages visitors in boycott stories from across the country is intended to spark interaction among visitors. Reveals footage of non-violent training and sit-in protests.
Strategies for Change
This exhibit examines the role of Malcolm X, as a way to explore the varying philosophies, strategies and tactics employed by various leaders in the movement for change. Here, Malcolm X is seen debating other movement leaders participating interviews with detractors, and delivering his speeches that made his stance on self-defense clear.
We Are Prepared to Die: Freedom Rides 1961
After the 1947 Journey for Reconciliation, the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) is highlighted for initiating a new Freedom Ride in 1961 following a 1960 Supreme Court decision outlawing segregation in bus and train terminals. The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) steps in and takes over the rides, sending hundreds of young people into the south. The Kennedy administration’s reluctance to step into the conflict in this Cold War period is highlighted. Oral histories of six Freedom Riders who were imprisoned in Parchman Penitentiary in Mississippi are highlighted, telling of their experience in this notorious prison.
The Children Shall Lead Them: Birmingham 1963
The new exhibit includes immersive media. The original exhibit jail cell is enlarged for visitors to enter. An audio of Dr. King reading a portion of his Letter from a Birmingham Jail can be heard while the text appears on the cell wall. A multi-media wall illustrates the intense media coverage around the world and shows pivotal moments and speeches during the campaign, closing with President Kennedy calling for passage of a Civil Rights bill.
For Jobs and Freedom: The March on Washington
As visitors enter the March on Washington exhibit they are surrounded by large murals of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, with three-dimensional figures and signs to immerse them in the setting of the March. An excerpt from Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech is playing. Interactive tablets with audio of all the March participants can be heard by clicking the name of the presenter.
Is This America? Mississippi Summer Project 1964
A short documentary-style film interprets the many facets of the 1964 Mississippi Summer Project, from the recruitment of northern white college student volunteers; the murders of James Chaney, Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman; voter registration forms and handouts, passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act; and the efforts of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party to integrate the state delegation at the Democratic National Convention.
A Triumph for Democracy: The Voting Rights Act of 1965
The 1965 Voting Rights Act is celebrated in an expanded exhibition, utilizing previously unused space in the Lorraine Motel. Original research indicates the number of black elected officials at the state and federal levels peak soon after passage of the 15th amendment in 1870, then plunges and flatlines after Reconstruction, with incremental gains beginning in 1929. As numbers start declining in the early 21st century, the exhibit interprets President Obama’s historic election.
How Long? Not Long: Selma Voting Rights Campaign 1965
An interactive light box explains just what African Americans were risking when they registered to vote, from the safety of their families, their jobs, or their congregations. A phone conversation between President Lyndon Johnson and Dr. King allows visitors to listen in on their efforts to work together for passage of the Voting Rights Act. As visitors cross the Edmond Pettus Bridge, they walk into a monumental-sized screen of film on the Bloody Sunday attack on peaceful protestors. Then visitors successfully march from Selma to Montgomery culminating with Dr. King’s delivery of the “How Long, Not Long” speech from the Alabama state capitol steps.
I Am A Man: Memphis Sanitation Strike 1968
This gallery expands the story of the 1968 Memphis sanitation strike. New videos feature Rev. James Lawson and T.O. Jones who courageously waged the battle on behalf of striking sanitation workers. The iconic strikers with the
“I Am a Man” signs and the garbage truck from the original exhibition are here. The garbage truck has film documenting the sanitation strike projected on it. Also new is the Mountaintop Theatre where visitors view the powerful “Mountaintop,” the last speech Dr. King gave the evening before he died.
What Do We Want? Black Power
The “Black Power” exhibit tells the story of the rise and fall of one of the most influential, yet often misunderstood, movements in the civil rights struggle. Interpretation of the Black Power movement is expanded to explain it as a continuation of the Civil Rights Movement, rather than a radical new movement.
Say It Loud: Black Pride, 1966−1975
A new cultural renaissance is ushered in through the art, literature, poetry, music and fashion of the Black Arts Movement of the mid to late 1960s. Record bins allow visitors to flip through albums of the era, and listening stations provide ten tracks of music and poetry, including Amiri Baraka, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Staples Singers, and James Brown.
Join the Movement
Using Smart Table technology, visitors take a stand on various issues and explore how these issues are still relevant today. Six topics are presented for exploration: Nonviolence, Women’s Rights, War, Riots, Poverty, and Integration.
World in Transition
This video depicts the temper of the times and the dynamic changes taking place in America and around the world, such as the gay rights, women’s rights, and farm workers’ and American Indian movements and the Vietnam War protests.
About the National Civil Rights Museum
The National Civil Rights Museum located at the Lorraine Motel, the assassination site of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., chronicles key episodes of the American Civil Rights Movement and the legacy of this movement to inspire participation in civil and human rights efforts globally, through its collections, exhibitions and educational programs.
The Museum is located in the historic arts district of downtown Memphis, Tennessee.
An internationally acclaimed tourist attraction, the Museum was voted third among 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 and Top 10, American Treasures by USA Today.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Feb 24, 2014 | CMG News
Grant Applications Available Now Through March 31, 2014
The Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis (PBWM), an organization with a focus on supporting programs or projects geared towards economic self-sufficiency, is seeking grant applications. The deadline for submission is Monday, March 31, 2014.
The organization is accepting applications for programs focusing on, but not limited to, career development, education, entrepreneurship, scholarship and health. The application and requirement guidelines can be downloaded from the website at www.pbwmemphis.org.
“In this economy, budgets are being cut left and right. Our organization is determined to provide assistance to a few organizations that we believe are having an impact in the community.” ~ Mary McDaniel, Chairman, PBWM
Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis was founded in January 2005. The organization has nine members which include McDaniel, Debra Evans, Edith Kelly-Green, Carolyn Chism Hardy, Monice Moore Hagler, Deidre Malone, Belinda Watkins and Lashell Vaughn.
The 2013 recipients included The Boys and Girls Club of Memphis, The Girl Scouts Heart of the South, and the Soulsville Foundation. Past recipients include the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, DeNeuville, Blackhawks, Booker T. Washington High School Girls Basketball team, New Ballet Ensemble, College Bound of Memphis, Memphis Black Arts Alliance, Memphis Cultural Arts Enrichment Center, Amateur Athletic Union and the Watoto De Afrika.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Feb 4, 2014 | CMG News
The Carter Malone Group LLC, one of the largest female-owned public relations firms in the Mid-south, owned by Deidre Malone, will be hosting two free symposiums. This is the 2nd Annual Controlling How the Cookie Crumbles: Educating and Empowering Entrepreneurs Symposiums starting Saturday, February 22, 2014 at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church at 9:00 a.m. and on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at the Orange Mound Community Center.
This symposium is designed to target women and minorities who are interested in starting a business or are new business owners. Information will be shared about the staples any business needs to get off the ground including a strong business plan, industry benchmarking, utilizing resources within the community, marketing and much more.
Seasoned industry leaders will serve as speakers for this symposium including Dr. Floyd Tyler, Founder/President of Preserver Partners and Fred Jones, Founder/President of SMC Entertainment/the Southern Heritage Classic, Nita Black – MAP Momentum, Alandas Dobbins – Memphis Office of Resource Enterprise, Natasha Donerson – Success Unlimited, Cynthia Norwood with alt.Consulting and participants from last year’s seminars will give testimonials on how this helped their business.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at both events. Program begins at 9 a.m. and ends at noon.
“Last year was amazing and we look forward to more attendees learning from successful business owners and taking what they’ve learned back to their businesses or propelling them to start a business,” said Deidre Malone, President and CEO of The Carter Malone Group. “This series of symposiums is designed to help individuals learn from industry leaders and have an opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs in the area.”
A $1,500 grant and other benefits will be awarded in April to the person who submits the best business plan based on what they’ve learned at the symposium. Admission to the symposiums will be a donation for the Shelby County Rape Crisis Center. The center is in need of the following: sweat pants, sweat shirts, t-shirts and undergarments (sizes should vary for all.)
There is limited seating for these symposiums so registration is required.
For more information call, The Carter Malone Group (901) 278-0881.
To register for one of the events please click this link to register: REGISTER
Presentations from Speakers:
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jan 6, 2014 | CMG News
– Two leading Tennessee law firms –Thomason, Hendrix, Harvey, Johnson & Mitchell and Lewis, King, Krieg & Waldrop, P.C. – have merged to form one of the largest state-based firms in Tennessee.
The firm commenced joint operations on January 1, 2014, and will be known as Lewis Thomason. It will offer clients an expanded legal network and a statewide presence in Tennessee, with offices in Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville and Sevierville. The combined firm will continue to focus on all practice concentrations it offers across the state including its emphasis on litigation.
“This is a natural fit between our two well-known and highly respected law practices,” said Lisa Ramsay Cole, Lewis Thomason’s president and managing shareholder of the firm’s Nashville office. “Both firms are known for their commitment to client service, and both have solid reputations and strong identities in their respective legal communities. We plan to combine the best practices of both firms to better serve our clients.”
“Our cultures and practice areas are naturally complementary,” said Michael E. Keeney, managing shareholder of Lewis Thomason’s Memphis office. “This greatly facilitated a smooth transition to a unified organization that blends both firms and highlights their strengths. It also results in our having a statewide footprint that gives our clients access to a broader pool of experienced attorneys.”
Lewis King was founded in 1960 by brothers George W. Morton, Jr. and L. Clure Morton, with a primary focus on defense and commercial work. Since its founding, it has diversified significantly while growing to include 58 attorneys with locations in Knoxville, Nashville and Sevierville. In addition to a wide range of practice areas, the focus of the firm remains the representation of companies and individuals in litigation.
Thomason Hendrix was founded in 1967 by John Thomason, Frank Crawford and Roy Hendrix and is located in Memphis. It currently employs 33 attorneys who engage in a strong litigation practice emphasizing the representation of doctors, health care and other professionals and entities.
“Both of our firms have grown naturally over the years without prior mergers,” Keeney said. “We are now undertaking this collaboration because of its tremendous potential for our firms and, most importantly, for our clients. It’s truly a win-win situation for all concerned.”
“Both of our firms remain committed to offering exceptional representation at a reasonable cost,” said Cole. “Our overriding goal is to provide a high level of service that builds trust and establishes productive, long-term relationships with our clients.”
Lewis Thomason today has 91 attorneys in its four offices in Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville and Sevierville.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Dec 17, 2013 | CMG News
The National Civil Rights Museum is looking for young poets to share their creative thoughts at the museum’s first Drop the Mic Poetry Slam. The theme, ”My Freedom Is,” will be the basis for the original poetry performed during the competition to be held on Saturday, February 22, 2014, as a part of the museum’s grand reopening celebration.
Finalists will be chosen from spoken word artists in two age categories: 15-18 year olds and 19-25 year olds. The top three winners per category will compete for top prizes of $1,000, $750 and $500, an annual museum membership and branded gifts. The winners will be among the featured artists at the National Civil Rights Museum’s Community Day Kickoff event during the grand reopening celebration on Saturday, March 1.
“As we unveil our most significant renovation that integrates cutting-edge technology and interactive exhibits, we encourage young people to join us in a journey of discovery,” said Beverly Robertson, National Civil Rights Museum President. “Our exhibits portray stories in the voices of the men and women of the civil rights movement. With the Poetry Slam we will hear young poets tell us, in their own words, how the quest for freedom, justice and equality impacts their lives.”
Submissions must be original works based on each entrant’s perspective on the topic “My Freedom Is….” Each entrant must submit a video along with their online registration. Video should be no longer than two minutes and include name, email, hometown and age. Only one entry per person will be considered. All videos must be received by February 7, 2014. For more information on criteria and to become a contestant for the Drop the Mic Poetry Slam visit: poetryslam.civilrightsmuseum.org.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Dec 16, 2013 | CMG News
School matches, including two new high schools, made following three-month community engagement process
Today, following a three-month community engagement process, the Achievement School District (ASD) announced its 2014-15 school matches. The list includes two new high schools—Fairley High School and Frayser High School—three elementary schools, and a start-up middle school.
“The feedback we received from parents, teachers, and community members was incredibly helpful in making these matches, and we are excited to officially welcome these new schools into the ASD,” said Chris Barbic, ASD superintendent. “Over the last few months it’s been great to see our new charters— a mix of both local and national organizations, all led by amazing educators—deepen existing relationships and build new ones in communities across Memphis. Now that school matching decisions have been made, these educators are ready to continue the important work necessary to prepare for a terrific 2014-15 school year.”
Charter operators Aspire Public Schools, Freedom Preparatory Academy, Promise Academy, Frayser Community Schools, KIPP Memphis, and Green Dot Public Schools will be running new ASD schools next year. All but KIPP—which will have a “new start” school—were partnered with existing neighborhood Priority schools (in the bottom 5%) as part of this year’s school matching process. “Last year, we had our first 5 schools in Memphis, and next year, we will grow to serve 22,” said Barbic. “This translates into thousands more students in Memphis who were zoned to attend a Priority School now with an opportunity to attend a school that will better prepare them for success in college, careers, and life.”
For the second year in a row, the Achievement Advisory Council (AAC)—a group of twenty-five volunteers representing neighborhoods across Memphis—led the community engagement process that informed the school matches. “From September to this Monday, when we made our recommendations, we have been meeting and talking with community stakeholders and parents, and it’s clear how much they care about their neighborhood schools and want what’s best for kids,” said Katrice Peterson, an AAC member.
Schools joining the ASD next school year
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SCHOOL
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OPERATOR
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GRADES
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Coleman Elementary
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Aspire Public Schools
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pK-5
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Spring Hill Elementary
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Promise Academy
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pK-1
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Westwood Elementary
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Freedom Prep Academy
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pK-1
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Frayser High School
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Frayser Community Schools
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9-12
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Fairley High School
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Green Dot Public Schools
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9-12
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KIPP (new start)
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KIPP Memphis
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6
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Note: Pathways in Education—Memphis, an alternative school, will open this January and serve grades 7-12
About the ASD
The Achievement School District—a state-wide public school district formed in 2011 as part of Tennessee’s winning Race to the Top application—is dedicated to moving the bottom 5% of schools in the state (Priority Schools) to the top 25% in five years. The ASD is both an operator of schools—running six schools in Frayser in 2013-2014—and an authorizer of high quality public charter schools. This year, there are 16 schools in the ASD—15 in Memphis and 1 in Nashville—serving over 4,500 students in grades Pre-K through 9th.
About the 2014-15 charter operators
Freedom Preparatory Academy
Freedom Preparatory Academy is a local charter school serving students and families in the Whitehaven and Westwood neighborhoods of southwest Memphis. With a slogan of “Education is Freedom,” the mission of Freedom Prep is to prepare students for success in college and life. Freedom Prep currently serves a 100% minority student population, 86% of which qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. In 2012, Freedom Prep was the only charter school in the Memphis City School district to be honored with “Reward School” status by the state for academic proficiency and growth, and was recognized by SCORE as one of the best middle schools in the State. The charter school strives for results through rigorous academic expectations such as double blocks of math and reading, an extended school day and year, and required after school tutoring, intervention, and homework support. Alongside the academic culture, Freedom Prep also incorporates a set of five core values: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Excellence, and Community. The theory behind the Academy’s core values is that character development is essential to preparing all students to excel in education and the professional world. www.freedomprep.org
Green Dot Public Schools
Green Dot Public Schools is a non-profit public charter school network of 19 middle and high schools serving more than 10,000 students in the Los Angeles area. Green Dot schools are publicly funded, free to attend, and open to all students. Each Green Dot school shares the common mission of preparing students for “college, leadership and life.” Based on California’s Academic Performance Index – a comprehensive measurement of academic performance that includes attendance and graduation rates – Green Dot schools have shown sustained growth in student achievement exceeding comparable public schools in similar neighborhoods. Among Green Dot’s 14 high schools, the two- or four-year college acceptance rate of graduating seniors was 86% (compared to a 67.6% college enrollment rate of students in the same region of California). What makes Green Dot unique as a major charter management organization is the achievement of better student results with a statistically similar student population, lower funding than the surrounding district schools, and a unionized workforce. Green Dot has even led a turnaround of a high school with more than 3,000 students—the largest single-school turnaround in the country. www.greendot.org/results
Frayser Community Schools
Frayser Community Schools, launching Martin Luther King Jr. Preparatory (MLK Prep) in fall 2014, is seeking to reach high school students in the Frayser community of Memphis, TN. MLK Prep’s mission is to prepare students for success in college, careers, and their community through a rigorous academic program and an emphasis on discipline, character, and service. MLK Prep will use a small and supportive environment and extended school day and year to reach the students of Frayser. Leading the charge is Bobby White, Jr., a native of Frayser who has also served as a teacher and middle school principal in the neighborhood. In addition to his deep connections to and familiarity with the community, White is a current Senior Fellow of the Tennessee Charter School Incubator where he has gained experience in charter school management. www.fraysercs.org
Promise Academy
Promise Academy is a local K-5 charter school founded in 2005 on the north side of Memphis, TN. As one of the earliest charter schools in Memphis, Promise Academy was a leader in education and in the community. Open to any student, the charter school’s student population is 100% minority and 95% are eligible for free or reduced-priced lunch. The mission of Promise Academy is to teach and inspire the mind, body, and spirit of children so they can “rise above” the rest and succeed in any academic or cultural setting. The daily schedule allows for extended blocks of reading and math
instruction as well as time for reading intervention and test preparation. Promise Academy boasts a low student-to-teacher ratio along with daily interventions for students not meeting reading and math benchmarks. In 2012, 52% of Promise Academy students were at or above proficient on the math TCAP, 5% higher than the state average and 26% higher than Memphis City Schools’ average. http://promiseacademy.com/
Aspire Public Schools
Aspire Public Schools is a nonprofit organization that currently operates 37 high-performing, open-enrollment public charter schools serving 13,000 students in underserved communities across California and in Memphis. Aspire is one of the highest-performing public school systems in California, delivering a rigorous “College for Certain” education to students in grades K-12. An unrelenting focus on college preparedness led to 100% of graduating Aspire seniors being accepted to four year colleges or universities in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. Aspire currently operates two Pre-K through fifth grade schools at Hanley Elementary in Memphis. http://aspirepublicschools.org/
KIPP Memphis Collegiate Schools
KIPP Memphis Collegiate Schools (KMCS) exists so that ALL children may reach their potential and choose their own futures. We empower our students with the knowledge and the character traits necessary for success in college and life so that they will become lifelong students and good people that give back to their communities. We put learning first by building partnership among parents, students, and teachers. Our outstanding team builds a strong culture of achievement to help all students climb the mountain through college. http://www.kippmemphis.org/
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Dec 2, 2013 | CMG News
State legislators to convene in Memphis, TN with advocates, corporate executives, and public policy experts.
WHO: Black lawmakers from across the United States, advocates and community leaders, corporate executives, leading public policy experts, media personalities, and celebrities including U.S. Secretary of Labor, Thomas Perez; NBCSL President, Representative Joe Armstrong (TN); Emmy winner, Lynn Whitfield; Radio personality and author Michael Baisden; Grammy winner CeCe Winans; and Award-winning journalist and TV One Host, Roland Martin.
WHAT: The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) is holding its 37th Annual Legislative Conference in Memphis, TN. A primary focus will be the discussion and ratification of policy issues submitted by members of the organization with collaboration by community stakeholders. Those policies will be the foundation for state and federal legislation, the NBCSL policy platform for 2014, and collaboration with community-based organizations.
The closing plenary, Galvanizing A State Agenda on Civil Rights will be moderated by Mr. Martin with remarks by The Honorable Thomas Perez; Pulitzer Prize Winner, Doug Blackmon; Lucia McBath, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America; Tamika Mallory; Former Executive Director of the National Action Network, and Kim McCray, Executive Director, Trayvon Martin Foundation.
Members of the media are encouraged to attend. Credentials are mandatory for admission into events that are open to the media. Please pick-up media credentials daily in the Alonzo Locke Room at The Peabody Hotel.
WHERE: The Peabody Hotel, 149 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38103
WHEN: December 11-14, 2013
About the National Black Caucus of State Legislators The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) is a membership association representing more than 600 African-American state legislators hailing from 45 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. NBCSL members represent more than 50 million Americans of various racial backgrounds. NBCSL monitors federal and state activity and provides this information to its members through policy symposiums and conferences. Each year, NBCSL members pass policy resolutions that directly impact federal and state policy. The organization focuses on issues that directly impact U.S. domestic policy and is committed to policies that positively affect all Americans. Learn more at www.nbcsl.org.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Oct 31, 2013 | CMG News
Saint Francis Healthcare and its hospitals – Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis and Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett – today launched “Path to Health,” a community education and outreach initiative to raise awareness and understanding of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). “Path to Health” is designed to inform and educate the Mid-South’s uninsured population and others within the community on how the changes implemented in the healthcare law will impact them and what they need to do in order to secure affordable healthcare coverage.
“We’re excited to bring the ‘Path to Health’ campaign to the Mid-South and partner with local organizations to educate the community on what the opening of enrollment of health insurance exchanges mean for them and their families,” said David Archer, CEO, Saint Francis Healthcare. “We have always been committed to delivering safe, quality care in the communities we serve. As care givers, ensuring that our community and our patients understand all of the coverage options available to them is an extension of that mission.”
The “Path to Health” campaign will work with community partners and offer educational materials and resources around navigating the insurance exchanges and the ACA. The comprehensive campaign will break down the barriers of this complicated law, and provide user-friendly guidance and tips on what community members need to know in order to make sure they are prepared to choose the best coverage for themselves and their families.
For more information, visit www.pathtohealth.com or call Marilynn Robinson at (901) 765-1805.
About Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis
Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis is a 519-bed full service hospital located at 5959 Park Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee. The hospital has been recognized for excellence of care by United Healthcare, CIGNA, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Aetna. Offering a wide array of medical services, Saint Francis is noted for its many Centers of Excellence, including its Center for Surgical Weight Loss, Sleep Center, Chest Pain Emergency Center, Heart & Vascular Center, Surgical Services, Diabetes Center, and Women’s Center. The Knee and Hip Replacement program and Stroke Center have received special certification by The Joint Commission.
Saint Francis Hospital serves as an academic training site for University of Tennessee Surgical, Family Practice, and Psychiatric Residents. The hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency. To learn more about Saint Francis Hospital, visit www.saintfrancishosp.com.
About Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett
Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett is a 156-bed full service hospital located at 2986 Kate Bond Rd in Bartlett. Opened in 2004, the hospital provides an extensive offering of medical services including a 24 hour emergency room, critical care, cardiac care, The Women’s Center, neonatal intensive care, oncology, urology, physical therapy and a 16-bed Orthopedic/Spine Unit. Cigna has recognized Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett as a Center of Excellence for knee replacement. In addition, Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett has been honored with the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines–Heart Failure Gold Plus Achievement Award.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Oct 30, 2013 | CMG News
Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis today was named Top Performer on Key Quality Measures® by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health
Care organizations in America. Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis was recognized by The Joint Commission for exemplary performance in using evidence-based clinical processes that are shown to improve care for certain conditions. The clinical processes focus on care for heart attack, pneumonia, surgery, children’s asthma, stroke and venous thromboembolism, as well as inpatient psychiatric services. New this year is a category for immunization for pneumonia and influenza.
Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis is one of 1,099 hospitals in the U.S. earning the distinction of Top Performer on Key Quality Measures for attaining and sustaining excellence in accountability measure performance. Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis was recognized for its achievement on the following measure sets: Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Pneumonia, Surgical Care. The ratings are based on an aggregation of accountability measure data reported to The Joint Commission during the 2012 calendar year. The list of Top Performer organizations increased by 77 percent from last year and it represents 33 percent of all Joint Commission-accredited hospitals reporting accountability measure performance data for 2012.
Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis and each of the hospitals that were named as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures must: 1) achieve cumulative performance of 95 percent or above across all reported accountability measures; 2) achieve performance of 95 percent or above on each and every reported accountability measure where there are at least 30 denominator cases; and 3) have at least one core measure set that has a composite rate of 95 percent or above, and within that measure set all applicable individual accountability measures have a performance rate of 95 percent or above. A 95 percent score means a hospital provided an evidence-based practice 95 times out of 100 opportunities. Each accountability measure represents an evidence-based practice – examples include giving aspirin at arrival for heart attack patients, giving antibiotics on hour before surgery, or providing a home management plan of care for children with asthma.
“Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis and all the Top Performer hospitals have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to quality improvement and they should be proud of their achievement,” says Mark R. Chassin, MD, FACP, MPP, MPH, president and chief executive officer, The Joint Commission. “We have much to celebrate this year. Nearly half of our accredited hospitals have attained or nearly attained the Top Performer distinction. This truly shows that we are approaching a tipping point in hospital quality performance that will directly contribute to better health outcomes for patients.”
“We understand that what matters most to patients at Saint Francis Hospital–Memphis is safe, effective care. That’s why Saint Francis has made a commitment to accreditation and to positive patient outcomes through evidence-based care processes. Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis is proud to receive the distinction of being a Joint Commission Top Performer on Key Quality Measures,” says David Archer, CEO.
In addition to being included in today’s release of The Joint Commission’s “Improving America’s Hospitals” annual report, Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis will be recognized on The Joint Commission’s Quality Check website (www.qualitycheck.org). The Top Performer program will be featured in the December issues of The Joint Commission Perspectives and The Source.
About Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis
Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis is a 519-bed full service hospital located at 5959 Park Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee. The hospital has been recognized for excellence of care by United Healthcare, CIGNA, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Aetna. Offering a wide array of medical services, Saint Francis is noted for its many Centers of Excellence, including its Center for Surgical Weight Loss, Sleep Center, Chest Pain Emergency Center, Heart & Vascular Center, Surgical Services, Diabetes Center, and Women’s Center. The Knee and Hip Replacement program and Stroke Center have received special certification by The Joint Commission.
Saint Francis Hospital serves as an academic training site for University of Tennessee Surgical, Family Practice, and Psychiatric Residents. The hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency. To learn more about Saint Francis Hospital, visit www.saintfrancishosp.com.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Oct 29, 2013 | CMG News
Volunteers to educate minority populations on proper health care
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases publishes annual immunization rates for children between the ages of 19 and 35 months. Only 21% of African-American children and only 11% of Hispanic children in Tennessee received their recommended immunizations last year.
That’s why BlueCare Tennessee has set a goal of partnering with more than 1,000 faith-based institutions to reduce racial, ethnic and other health disparities throughout Tennessee with its “Lifting Our Members” health information toolkit. With the campaign in its third week, BlueCare has already partnered with more than 200 houses of worship.
“The faith leader’s voice can be powerful in promoting good health,’ said Rafielle Freeman, director of quality improvement for BlueCare. “Just as they encourage and lift their members’ spiritually, they can help us take those health disparity populations to higher levels of understanding about their role in better health.”
Examples of health care disparities include:
• African-American women are 34 percent more likely to die of breast cancer than white women.
• 64,431 of BlueCare members in Shelby County did not obtain appropriate preventative care screenings.
• 74 percent of non-Hispanic whites received flu shots during the 2009-2010 flu season, while only 61 percent of Hispanics and 58 percent of non-Hispanic blacks were immunized.
In 2013, BlueCare Tennessee formed a statewide Disparities Advisory Panel made up of local leaders across Tennessee who were already working to eliminate disparities in their own communities. Based upon the recommendation of this panel, BlueCare developed a faith-based toolkit to assist leaders of worship in addressing the health care disparities faced by their own congregations.
The “Lifting Our Members” toolkit includes a health care calendar, which focuses on important health issues each month, and a preventive health guide with flyers and information relevant to various health concerns faced by different population groups. The first phase of the initiative will target childhood immunizations among African-American, Hispanic, and rural white Tennesseans.
And to help distribute and train religious leaders in how to use the toolkits, more than 100 employee volunteers from BlueCare and its parent company, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, will hold training sessions onsite at various religious organizations throughout the state.
For more information about the “Lifting Our Members” toolkit initiative, and for the toolkit itself, visit bluecare.bcbst.com and search for faith-based toolkit.
About BlueCare Tennessee
BlueCare Tennessee is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. Founded in 1993, the Chattanooga-based company focuses on managing care and providing quality health care products, services, and information for government programs. BlueCare Tennessee currently serves more than 450,000 members.
