by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Oct 27, 2013 | CMG News
The Freedom Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions in civil rights and have laid the foundation for present and future leaders in the battle for human rights
Today the National Civil Rights Museum announced that the 2013 Freedom Award will be presented to three individuals whose work spans decades and continues to speak to current education, economic and political concerns in the U.S. and globally. The honorees are Mary Robinson, first female president of Ireland and human rights champion; Geoffrey Canada, CEO and president of Harlem Children’s Zone and a leading advocate for education reform and equality; and Earl Graves, founder and publisher of Black Enterprise Magazine, activist for black consumer and black business power.
Themed “Shaping a Culture; Building a Nation,” the Freedom Award is scheduled for Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, followed by the Gala Dinner at the Memphis Cook Convention Center.
“In their careers, each of the honorees has been engaged in shaping a culture and ultimately defining important aspects that drove change,“ said Beverly Robertson, president of the National Civil Rights Museum. “It is particularly timely to honor and hear from Geoffrey Canada who has instituted a new model for educating inner city youth that’s being emulated nationwide. We all could stand to listen and learn from the extraordinary lives of our honorees and the examples they have set.”
Mary Robinson, International Freedom Award honoree, is the President of the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice. She served as President of Ireland from 1990-1997 and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997-2002. She is a member of the Elders and the Club of Madrid and the recipient of numerous honors and awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the President of the United States Barack Obama. She is a member of the Lead Group of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement. In March 2013 Mary was appointed the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region of Africa.
A former President of the International Commission of Jurists and former chair of the Council of Women World Leaders she was President and founder of Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative from 2002-2010 and served as Honorary President of Oxfam International from 2002-2012.
Mary Robinson serves as Patron of the Board of the Institute of Human Rights and Business in addition to being a board member of several organizations including the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and the European Climate Foundation. Mary is the Chancellor of the University of Dublin since 1998. Mary’s memoir, Everybody Matters, was published in March 2013.
Geoffrey Canada, National Freedom Award honoree, has dedicated much of his life to community outreach with a special focus on education and providing resources to poor families. His passion for education and inner-city youth directly tie back to his own experience growing up in “rough” South Bronx, New York.
The educator and president of the Harlem Children’s Zone, a nonprofit organization that provides education and support to local children and their families, has become a “shining example for how to save America’s failing public schools.” In the grim public education documentary “Waiting for Superman,” Canada stands out as the singular voice of hope in a film that paints the nation’s public school system as suffering and struggling.
Canada’s Harlem Children’s Zone model, which is now being replicated by other communities across the country, has expanded its reach to more than 20 sites throughout Central Harlem and continues to affect the lives of more than 12,300 children and 12,400 adults.
Earl Graves, Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, recognized early the importance of Black consumer power, as well as the need for more Black businesses. Considered by many to be the “Black Business Bible,” Graves’ Black Enterprise Magazine, has remained steadfast to its mission of educating and empowering entrepreneurship in the Black community. The business has grown immensely, and so has its reach. Now formally titled Earl G. Graves Limited, the company is now home to programs and events such as the Wealth for Life Initiative, the Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit, the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo and more. Broadcast programs such as Black Enterprise Business Report and Our World with Black Enterprise also reach out to an array of Black entrepreneurs, corporate executives, investors and innovators.
Earl G. Graves’ lifetime commitment to empowering Black business and the economic of the Black community has forever changed how the community and the world perceive Black businesses. He taught us to never underestimate black consumer power, nor to underestimate the power we each have to create our own success. He leads by example and serves as a reminder of our ability not only to succeed, but also to thrive.
Sponsors of the Freedom Award include the International Paper, Nike, Hyde Family Foundations, First Tennessee Foundation, Ford Motor Company and FedEx.
Freedom Award activities on Wednesday, November 6 include the following:
10:00 a.m. Public Forum Temple of Deliverance (369 G.E.Patterson)
6:30 p.m. Award Ceremony Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
8:00 p.m. Gala Dinner Memphis Cook Convention Center
The Public Forum is free and open to the public. Visit www.civilrightsmuseum.org or call
(901) 526-1813 for more information.
The Freedom Award is an annual event presented by the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis TN. Since 1991, the Freedom Award has served as a symbol of the ongoing fight for human rights both in America and worldwide. Recipients are celebrated for their tireless contributions in civil and human rights, education, the arts, sports & community service, justice and for their dedication to creating opportunity for the disenfranchised. The Public Forum is an event focused on area youth and features remarks from Freedom Award honorees. The Keepers of the Dream award is given to six local youth who have demonstrated acts of compassion, leadership, courage and service.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Sep 30, 2013 | CMG News
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee announced today its Health Insurance Marketplace rates received final approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, offering the lowest rates available in most plan levels across the state.
As a Qualified Health Plan issuer in the Health Insurance Marketplace, BlueCross will offer:
• A total of 54 plans
• The lowest rates for most plan options
• Plans in all 95 counties, not just select areas
• Zero-deductible plans
“We are focused on helping individuals access affordable, quality health insurance coverage through the Marketplace,” said Henry Smith, chief marketing officer for BlueCross. “We’ve positioned our rates to be very competitive, and we feel that, between our affordable pricing and high-value physician networks that we are the best choice for Tennesseans looking for insurance.”
For example, a 35-year-old person with a 34-year-old spouse and two children living in the Nashville area, making 250 percent of the poverty level, or about $58,875 annually, would pay $373 a month for coverage with a Silver plan on Network E. Rates vary by network, coverage selections and region. (See attachment for regional rates.)
BlueCross’ new website – BCBST.com/KnowNow – will serve as a resource to those who are shopping for insurance for the first time or have questions about new benefits and options for individual coverage. It will help guide shoppers through applying for financial assistance and selecting the right benefits for themselves and their families.
“We’re the only health plan to offer product choices statewide,” Smith said. “This is part of fulfilling our mission to serve Tennesseans with affordable coverage. We realize this is a complex process and people have a lot questions. This is just one of the ways we’re working to educate these potential customers about their options.”
Other statewide outreach and educational efforts for Marketplace plans will include:
• Multichannel advertising campaign
• Community advocate outreach
• Speaking engagements
• College displays/outreach
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Sep 24, 2013 | CMG News
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) awarded a construction contract to Dement Construction Company, LLC to complete infrastructure improvements on the I-40/I-240 interchange in Memphis from Sycamore View to the east, White Station to the west, Walnut Grove to the south and Covington Pike to the north. The contract was awarded on Friday, September 20, 2013.
Dement Construction, headquartered in Jackson, TN., submitted the lowest bid of $109,341,000 for bridge work and heavy construction. “This award is the largest single contract TDOT has ever bid,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. “This is a large and complicated project, but it will provide great benefits to Memphis and the entire region. We look forward to getting the work underway and completed on time and on budget.” The project is scheduled to begin this fall and will be complete by the summer of 2017.
Continued growth on the east side of Memphis has created congestion at the I-40/I-240 interchange. The construction of new ramps and the widening of I-240 will improve traffic flow not only on I-240 and I-40, but also on local roads that feed into the interstate system. The project includes a four-level interchange, the first of its kind in West Tennessee. Once completed, the fourth level structure will rise more than 70 feet above Sam Cooper Boulevard, which will be completely rebuilt with an additional lane in each direction.
For more information on TDOT construction project activity visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway/. Travelers can also dial 511 from any landline or cellular phone for travel information or can follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel information or www.twitter.com/Memphis511 for traffic information in the Memphis area.
Android and iPhone users can download TDOT’s SmartWay Mobile App to assist them in navigating Tennessee highways. The app provides up-to-the-minute customized traffic information and enables the user to access TDOT’s SmartWay cameras, messages displayed on overhead Dynamic Message Signs, and information on construction related lane closures and incidents on interstates and state routes. The TDOT SmartWay App is free and available for download in the Apple App Store and Play Store for Android.
As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for their destination. Drivers should never tweet, text or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Sep 20, 2013 | CMG News
As opening day to the Mid-South Fair approaches, the excitement continues to build with events leading up to the 157th annual Fair. The Mid-South Fair hosted the Miss Mid-South Fair Pageant and Youth Personality Contest on Saturday, September 14.
Thea Wilkens-Reed, 16, was crowned Miss Mid-South Fair 2013, at Saturday’s pageant. Wilkens-Reed is a 10th grade homeschooled student whose hobbies include tap dance and theatre.
Wilkens-Reed shared her enthusiasm about winning this year’s title, “It’s an honor to be crowned Miss-Mid South Fair and be a part of a longstanding tradition in the Mid-South community.”
The Mid-South Fair also crowned Allison Marcom, 16, Miss Youth Personality 2013. Marcom is a junior at Houston High School and founder of the “I AM BEAUTIFUL pageant,” a pageant fundraiser for children with special needs.
In addition to crowning this year’s Miss Mid-South Fair winners, officials have released the Main Stage lineup which includes various Mid-South performers and nationally acclaimed musicians.
This year’s main stage performers include Two Mule Plow, Blind Mississippi Morris, Overton Rock Band, Nick Boddington, Micaelyn Oby, New Era, Shekinah, Zealous, Flight 2, Jack Rowell Jr. & Triplethret, Memphis Allstars, Navy Band Mid-South, Erek Stone & The Fabulous Steeler Band, New Era Funk, North Mississippi Allstars Los Cantodores & Friends, Tierra Mestizi Dance Company, Maggie Thorn, The Original Riverbluff Clan, Papa Don McMinn & B3GB and Kris Thomas.
All shows on the main stage are free with general admission to the Fair.
For the complete main stage lineup and schedule of appearances, visit the Mid-South Fair website at www.midsouthfair.com or call 901-274-8800.
About the Mid-South Fair
The original and still the best, the Mid-South Fair has entertained families since 1856. As a non-profit organization, we exist to create a cultural and entertainment experience that exposes people in our community to items and events they might not otherwise encounter. The Fair is governed by a board of directors, operated by a full-time staff and funded by sponsorships and donations. Since 2001, the Fair has given out $64,000 in educational scholarships for excellence in Youth Talent, Creative Arts, and Agriculture. For more information about the Mid-South Fair visit our website at www.midsouthfair.com
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Sep 12, 2013 | CMG News
Preserver Partners Anticipates and Plan for Substantial Growth
Preserver Partners, LLC opened its doors in July 2009 in Memphis, Tennessee. Floyd Tyler, Ph.D., the company’s founder and current President and Chief Investment Officer, had a vision of a firm with experienced fund management and entrepreneurial professionals that would help investors grow their capital with relatively low risk, and it’s exactly what he has built today.
The firm is 100% employee-owned with principals with over 50 years of combined experience in fund management, research, accounting, and compliance. “Our investment approach is different and effective,” said Tyler. “We focus on low risk, diversifying investments primarily in equities, opportunistic credit, alternative income, and real estate debt and equity strategies.”
Many businesses close before their 5th year, but Preserver Partners has experienced growth and anticipates significant expansion over the next few years. “We feel good about our footprint in Memphis and are looking forward to developing opportunities across Tennessee and other markets,” said Dana Pointer, Controller and Chief Compliance Officer.
Preserver Partners has consistently ranked in the Top 10 of the Diversified Category for Fund of Funds by BarclayHedge. It is the first and only African-American-owned alternative asset management firm in Tennessee.
About Preserver Partners
Preserver Partners, LLC is based in Memphis, Tennessee and is an alternative asset management firm that manages private funds for accredited investors including public and corporate pension funds, foundations, corporations, and individual investors.
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by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Sep 11, 2013 | CMG News
Today the Achievement School District (ASD) announced a list of nine new Memphis area schools eligible to join the ASD next school year, asking parents, teachers and community members to participate in a “school matching” process that will last from now until December. Eight of the nine schools announced will join the ASD next school year. All of the elementary and middle schools on the list will join the ASD, and two out of three of the high schools will be selected.
The eight schools will be run by local and national charters that were authorized by the ASD in June after a rigorous application process. “We are excited to announce this next round of ASD schools” said Chris Barbic, ASD superintendent. “In June we authorized a world-class group of charters to run Priority schools in 2014, and now we’re going to take our time over the next few months to hear from the community and get feedback on which charters make the best match for each of these schools.”
Schools joining the ASD next year
Elementary:
• Coleman, Denver, Springhill, Westwood
Middle:
• South Side, Wooddale
High (NOTE: Only two of these three high schools will join the ASD):
• Carver, Fairley, Frayser
Why these schools were chosen
The ASD’s mission is to move the bottom 5% of schools in Tennessee—called Priority Schools— to the top 25% in five years. The ASD selects schools for the matching process based on several criteria. These include performance (the lowest achieving Priority Schools), feeder pattern (high concentrations of Priority Schools in areas where elementary, middle and high schools are clustered together), enrollment, and charter operator models and preference.
What Happens Next: Community Engagement
The ASD is asking parents, teachers, and community members to participate in a school matching process between now and December, when the Priority schools selected will be matched with charters next year. The engagement process—led by a volunteer 25-member Achievement Advisory Council (“AAC”)—will connect the charters with school communities through a series of meetings,
surveys, and visits. The AAC encourages parents, teachers and community members to contact them at aacmemphis@gmail.com.
First up is a series of community meetings next week. Parents and community members are invited to attend meetings from 5:30-7:00 at these locations next Monday and Tuesday:
Monday Tuesday
Coleman Elementary
(Springhill ES/Coleman ES)
South Side Middle
Carver High
Denver Elementary
(Denver ES/Frayser HS)
Wooddale Middle
Westwood Elementary
(Westwood ES/Fairley HS)
The ASD
The Achievement School District—a state-created school district formed 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 charter schools. There are currently 16 schools in the ASD—15 in Memphis and 1 in Nashville serving over 4,500 students in grades Pre-K through 9th.
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by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Aug 16, 2013 | CMG News
The Mid-South Fair held a press conference Friday, August 16, 2013 at the Landers Center in Southaven, Miss. Mid-South Fair board president, Michael Doyle announced this year’s fair dates, new attractions and returning attractions including the Miss Mid-South Fair Pageant.
“The Fair has been a tradition in the Mid-South for 157 years. This year it will be bigger and better with the addition of several new activities,” said Doyle. New activities for the 157th Mid-South Fair include basketball and dodge ball tournaments and a Greek step show with trophies and cash prizes for the winners.
In addition to new attractions, Fair board members and staff have planned to reintroduce traditional attractions including rides, games and contests.
Mid-South Fair Executive Director, Jesse Johnson said, “We’ve listened to and incorporated feedback from previous years to create a great experience for fair-goers. A new thing we’re doing this year is having wristband days every day of the fair. We will also bring back some old favorites like the cooking contests and live animals.”
The 2013 Mid-South Fair will be held at the Landers Center (formerly The Desoto Civic Center) in Southaven, Miss. from September 20th through the 29th. For more information about this year’s fair and ticket information, visit the Mid-South Fair website at www.midsouthfair.com
About The Mid-South Fair
The original and still the best, the Mid-South Fair has entertained families since 1856. As a non-profit organization, we exist to create a cultural and entertainment experience that exposes people in our community to items and events they might not otherwise encounter. The Fair is governed by a board of directors, operated by a full-time staff and funded by sponsorships and donations. Since 2001, the Fair has given out $64,000 in educational scholarships for excellence in Youth Talent, Creative Arts, and Agriculture. For more information about the Mid-South Fair visit our website at www.midsouthfair.com
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Aug 12, 2013 | CMG News
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) unanimously voted to elect Cato Johnson as their new chairman of the commission. Johnson served as vice-chairman last year. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission serves as the public policy coordinating body for the Tennessee public higher education system.
“I want to thank Cato for his work on the Tennessee Higher Education Commission,” Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam said. “I look forward to working with him as chair, and I appreciate his willingness to serve Tennessee in this new capacity.”
THEC consists of nine universities, thirteen community colleges and twenty seven Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology throughout the state and approximately 252,000 students attend each year. The commission responsibilities include making higher education budget recommendations for over $1.2 billion in state funding as well as a current capital budget of approximately $400 million.
“Tennesseans need and deserve citizens who step up for their best interests, and understand how important education is to the well-being of our state,” Richard Rhoda, THEC Executive Director said. “Cato Johnson provides that understanding and the leadership to do just that. He will be an outstanding chair of the commission.”
“I’m delighted and honored to be named to this role because higher education is such an important issue for our state especially during these challenging times. I look forward to helping the commission reach its goal of increasing the educational attainment beyond high school so that more Tennesseans with college degrees can make positive contributions to our workforce needs,” said Johnson. He has served on THEC for five years.
He is the new chairman of the 15 member board, which includes Memphis Mayor A C Wharton, TN State Secretary David Lillard and Secretary of State Tre Hargett.
Johnson is the Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and lives in Bartlett, Tennessee.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Aug 5, 2013 | CMG News
Students and parents continue to be the focal point as Aspire Public Schools opensits first school outside of California in Memphis on Monday, August 5, 2103. Students will receive the star treatment as they enter Hanley Elementary School on a red carpet flanked with balloon arches as they start the school year.
The official start of school is Monday, however, parents may still register their students for school. All students who register at Hanley will receive a free uniform shirt.
“This is our inaugural school year in Memphis,” said James Willcox, Chief Executive Officer, Aspire Public Schools. “Our team has been planning for this day for over a year and is excited about bringing our educational model to the students here in Memphis.”
Hanley Elementary is the first school assigned to the national charter management organization as a part of the Achievement School District. “What is unique about Aspire is our co-principal structure that allows our teachers to receive more support from the principal,” said Allison Leslie, Executive Director Memphis, Aspire Public Schools. The principals are Nikita Reed from Memphis and Barbara Harris, from Aspire Public Schools in Los Angeles.
Each principal will be responsible for leading their team of kindergarten through 5th grade classes. The students will begin every day with a motivating morning assembly led by the principals.
“Our focus is preparing students for college,” said Harris. “We will determine our students’ greatest needs and tailor the curriculum to ensure they receive a quality education that will result in their success.”
As a native Memphian and former assistant principal at Hanley, Reed is optimistic about the new school year and what opportunities are ahead for the students. “I decided to work for Aspire because it gave me a chance to return to Orange Mound and serve the students and families here,” said Reed. “Being able to return as a principal and enhance the students’ education played a big role in my decision to join Aspire. I anticipate greatness this school year.”
In addition to serving students in grades K-5, the Hanley campus will also house two Pre-K classrooms under the leadership of Porter-Leath.
About Aspire Public Schools
Aspire Public Schools is a national nonprofit organization that currently operates 37 high-performing, public charter schools serving 13,000 students in underserved communities across California and in Tennessee. 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 percent of graduating Aspire seniors being accepted to four year colleges or universities in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. Aspire offers a high-quality education in six cities throughout California: Los Angeles, Oakland, Stockton, Sacramento, Modesto and East Palo Alto and one school in Memphis, Tennessee. Visit Aspire Public Schools at www.aspirepublicschools.org.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jul 28, 2013 | CMG News
For more than 40 years, Lois M. DeBerry served the citizens of the 91st District of Tennessee and the entire State. Today, she passed comfortably surrounded by family and friends. Representative DeBerry represented this community with passion and dedication across the nation and world. For her, there was no greater cause than serving. Children, her community, and most importantly her family, were her passions.
Her husband, Charles Traughber, son, Michael Boyer and other members of the Traughber/DeBerry family, have shared her for so many years with the world and ask for privacy at this time.
Arrangements are pending and will be announced when they are finalized.
About Rep. Lois M. DeBerry
Representative DeBerry grew up in Memphis and graduated from Hamilton High School and LeMoyne – Owen College. She was the first African-American female elected to the State Legislature from Memphis and Shelby County in 1972, and began her service in 1973. She was the longest serving member of the Tennessee House of Representatives. Representative DeBerry was the first female Speaker Pro-Tempore and the only African-American to serve in that capacity to date.
In addition to her son, she was a surrogate mother and mentor to many.
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