by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jun 20, 2023 | CMG News, News
(MEMPHIS, TN – June 20, 2023) Local non-profit Families Matter, Inc. and Shelby County Juvenile Court are partnering to bring more fathers into AFIRM. AFIRM, which is an acronym for A Father’s Involvement Really Matters, is a free program that helps low-income fathers learn parenting tools and skills, find jobs and better manage child support orders. AFIRM is led by Families Matter, Inc., which is working closely with Maximus, a leading employer and worldwide provider of government services. AFIRM is funded by the Tennessee Department of Human Services’ Tennessee Opportunity Act.
AFIRM is currently recruiting low-income fathers from Shelby County between the ages of 18 and 40 who are connected to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which helps low-income families provide basic necessities for their children, or who have a recent child support order.
Shelby County Juvenile Court magistrates are the officials who hand down child support orders to parents. The magistrates have agreed to support the efforts of Families Matter, Inc. by encouraging low-income fathers with recent or established child support orders to take part in the AFIRM program.
“Low-income fathers who are not part of their children’s primary household can sometimes feel isolated and unable to provide the emotional and financial support their children need,” said Carol Jackson, Executive Director of Families Matter, Inc. “We believe that AFIRM can help these fathers become the best dads they can be.”
AFIRM has three main goals:
- Develop healthy parenting tools and skills to strengthen father/child bonds
- Increase fathers’ ability to earn more over time
- Improve fathers’ ability to consistently pay child support
AFIRM focuses on three main needs:
- Fatherhood coaching and parenting support
- Career building and job placement
- Help with managing child support orders
AFIRM Fatherhood Facilitators help dads throughout their time in the program. The facilitators are teachers, trainers, and expert group leaders. The magistrates wanted the Fatherhood Facilitators to be the first point of contact for fathers they send to the AFIRM program. Families Matter, Inc. agreed to make this happen.
“By sending fathers to this program, our magistrates can help strengthen families and father/child bonds for thousands of Shelby County families,” said Shelby County Juvenile Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon. “A father is an essential part of a child’s life, and we want to give these fathers the support they need to become great dads.”
To contact a Fatherhood Facilitator, fathers can call 901-679-2863, 901-213-6036, or 662-931-0888.
About Families Matter, Inc.
Founded in 2004, Families Matter, Inc. is a non-profit organization and resource center that serves families via schools, churches, hospitals, and a variety of community partners to educate, enhance, and encourage our clients to become their best selves. Their educational offerings include workshops for couples and single parents and offerings for youth and a parenting boot camp for new dads. They also can connect individuals and couples to counseling services around their area. To learn more about Families Matter, Inc., visit www.familiesmattermemphis.org.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jun 12, 2023 | CMG News, News
(MEMPHIS, TN – June 12, 2023) Families Matter, Inc. is partnering with Mt. Vernon Baptist Church to host The Fatherhood Walk on Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, located at 620 Parkrose Avenue, Memphis, TN 38109.
On-site registration is free and will begin at 9:00 a.m. The walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. and there will be food and fellowship from 10:45 a.m. to noon immediately after the walk.
“We are excited to partner with Mt. Vernon Baptist Church as we celebrate fathers in our community,” said Carol Jackson, Executive Director of Families Matter, Inc. “The purpose of this walk is to promote fatherhood, the importance of families, and peace, love, unity, and non-violence in my community.”
Several community vendors will be on-site to provide resources for our attendees. Memphis Police Department will provide free gun locks, Baptist Memorial Hospital and Health Care Services will provide free blood pressure screenings, and the RISE Foundation will provide financial literacy resources.
Representatives from Families Matter’s pilot program, A Father’s Involvement Really Matters (AFIRM), will also be in attendance to help attendees register for the program. Funded by the Tennessee Department of Human Services’ Tennessee Opportunity Act, AFIRM is designed to assist low-income fathers, ages 18–40 in Memphis and Shelby County, by connecting them to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or assistance with a recent child support order.
“Fathers are the backbone of families and our community and we must do all we can to show our appreciation to them,” said Melvin Watkins, Senior Pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. “We are thrilled and appreciative of this great partnership with Families Matter, Inc. as we celebrate fathers in Memphis and Shelby County.
For more information or if you would like to interview someone about the walk, contact Jennifer Sharp, The Carter Malone Group, LLC, at 901.278.0881 or jsharp@cmgpr.com.
About Families Matter, Inc.
Founded in 2004, Families Matter, Inc. is a non-profit organization and resource center that serves families via schools, churches, hospitals, and a variety of community partners to educate, enhance, and encourage our clients to become their best selves. Their educational offerings include workshops for couples and single parents and offerings for youth and a parenting boot camp for new dads. They also can connect individuals and couples to counseling services around their area. To learn more about Families Matter, Inc., visit www.familiesmattermemphis.org.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | May 27, 2023 | CMG News, News
(MEMPHIS, TN – May 26, 2023) The Tarik Black Foundation (TBF) will host its Girls Life Academy Memphis (GLAM!) FEST on June 2-3, 2023 at Mount Olive Cathedral CME Church, located at 538 Martin L. King Jr. Avenue. GLAM, a Tarik Black Foundation (TBF) program kicks off the summer with this two-day event of self-discovery for teen girls ages 12 and up.
On the first day, girls will depart from Mt. Olive Cathedral CME Church at 8:00 a.m. to Malco Powerhouse Cinema Grill & MXT for a special screening of Disney’s new adaption of The Little Mermaid. After the screening, conference attendees will return to Mt. Olive for the rest of the conference, which covers various topics including fitness and nutrition, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) careers, and feminine care.
GLAM! FEST organizers have invited a range of local and national subject-matter experts to lead discussions. Session leaders during this two-day conference include Gabrielle Harris, nationally recognized motivational speaker and spokesperson for people with disabilities; Jean Jackson, a production team member of The Last of Us on HBO; Shaylon Scott, founder of Book Mecca in Dallas, TX; Sable Otey, former Olympic Bobsled competitor; and Bruque Argaw, an engineer for General Motors.
Registration is $5.00 and is open to 150 girls. Registration includes the movie screening, entrance to conference sessions, and lunch for both days.
“GLAM! FEST has been one of TBF’s programs since 2018,” said Judith Black Moore, president and co-founder of TBF. “However, we have changed the format this year from a six-weeks camp for 20 girls to a festival-like conference for up to 150 girls.”
Corporate sponsors for GLAM! FEST are Lemon Perfect, True Moringa, ServiceMaster Clean, the National Basketball Players Association, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Baptist Memorial Healthcare, The Carter Malone Group, Mt. Olive Cathedral CME Church, and Moore Communications.
Parents and youth can register online at www.tarikblackfoundation.org/events. For information, call (901) 497-6634.
About The Tarik Black Foundation (TBF)
The Tarik Black Foundation was founded by former NBA player now international basketball player Tarik Black. The Memphis native, who graduated from Ridgeway High School, received his undergraduate degree from the University of Memphis and his master’s degree from the University of Kansas. The Tarik Black Foundation, headquartered in Black’s hometown, Memphis, TN, provides programs and recognizes causes that offer to help bring about positive change in communities. The foundation is managed by Tarik’s mother Judith Black Moore who serves as president and oversees day-to-day operations. For more information on the organization, visit www.TarikBlackFoundation.org.
About Girls Life Academy Memphis (GLAM)
GLAM, or Girls Life Academy Memphis, is a TBF program. Our mission is to elevate understanding in the areas of Global Diversity, Wealth Creation, Healthy Habits, and the Impact of Technology by providing youth access to practical information through exposure to the real world.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | May 24, 2023 | CMG News, News
The Carter Malone Group (CMG) is looking for a Social Media Coordinator to work with our team. CMG is a public relations, marketing, advertising and government relations firm. Reports to the President/CEO. This is a full-time position.
Social Media Coordinator Job Responsibilities:
- Execute a results-driven social media strategy.
- Develop and curate engaging content for social media platforms.
- Assist in the creation and editing of written, video, and photo content.
- Attend events and produce live social media content.
- Maintain unified brand voice across different social media channels.
- Collaborate with marketing team to create a social media calendar.
- Monitor social media channels for industry trends.
- Interact with users and respond to social media messages, inquiries, and comments.
- Review analytics and create reports on key metrics.
- Assist in the development and management of social media marketing and influencer marketing strategy.
The Carter Malone Group offers health, dental and vision insurance and a 401K.The work hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., some after hours and weekends.
Social Media Coordinator Qualifications / Skills:
- Passion for social media and proficiency with major social media platforms and social media management tools
- Proficiency with video and photo editing tools, digital media formats, and HTML
- Excellent social listening skills
- Ability to understand historical, current, and future trends in the digital content and social media space
- Strong copywriting and copy-editing skills
- Top-notch oral and verbal communication skills
- Impeccable time management skills with the ability to multitask
- Detail-oriented approach with ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related field
- 1-3 years experience with B2C social media marketing or content development
- Direct experience using social media management tools (Hootsuite, Sprinklr)
- Experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook)
- Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Premier Pro) or equivalent digital media editing tools a plus
Salary range – negotiable
Serious candidates should send a resume and cover letter to info@cmgpr.com to the attention of Brittany Malone.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | May 24, 2023 | CMG News
(MEMPHIS, TN – May 22, 2023) The Carter Malone Group, LLC (CMG), headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee with a satellite office in Jackson, Mississippi, is celebrating 20 years in the communications industry.
Founded in May 2003, the full-service public relations, marketing, advertising and government relations firm will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. at the Museum of Science and History at 3050 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111.
“I am both humbled and grateful to have operated a successful communications and marketing firm for 20 years,” said Deidre Malone, President and CEO of The Carter Malone Group. “I opened CMG because I wanted to share my expertise with people and organizations who wanted to tell their stories. We are so grateful for our past, present, and future clients who have decided to work with a driven, trusted, and proven firm like CMG.”
As one of the Mid-South’s largest minority- and woman-owned public relations agencies, the award-winning firm has worked with a variety of local and national organizations and currently has a roster of more than 30 clients including the City of Memphis, Comcast, Ford, Bank of America, Tennessee Valley Authority, and the Memphis International Airport.
“The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) congratulates The Carter Malone Group on 20 years of continued success,” said Scott Brockman, MSCAA President and CEO. “CMG has been a trusted partner since October 2019 and has been instrumental in taking our marketing efforts to greater heights.”
In 2022, The Carter Malone Group received national recognition as they were named the Minority Marketing and Communications Firm of the Year by the U.S. Department of Commerce and Minority Business Development Agency.
“As a member of The Mid-South Minority Business Continuum, I have seen Deidre and her team go the extra mile for their clients and continue to strive for success,” said Jozelle Booker, operator of the Tennessee MBDA Business Center and President/CEO of The MMBC Continuum. “We are so proud of our member and Business Center client and cannot wait to celebrate the firm’s 20 years of business.”
To learn more about The Carter Malone Group, visit www.CMGPR.com.
About The Carter Malone Group
The Carter Malone Group, LLC is a full-service public relations, marketing, advertising and government relations firm located in Memphis, Tenn. The award-winning firm is known for creating integrated marketing communications campaigns that yield measurable results. For more information on the firm, visit www.CMGPR.com.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | May 24, 2023 | CMG News, News
(MEMPHIS, TN – May 12, 2023) MVP3 Entertainment Group CEO/Founder Marie Pizano is bringing Hollywood to Memphis. At a news conference today, MVP3 announces the development of three films and two documentary projects, a partnership with World Wide Radio, the launch of MVP3 TV Network and the MVP3 Foundation focus.
“We are proud to announce MVP3 will produce the film ‘Hillbilly Bible’ and two documentaries ‘The Walter Bailey Story: The Man, The Icon and the Law’ and ‘A Society in Crisis: A Family Divided,’” said Pizano. “Our team is also launching a partnership with World Wide Radio on May 5th to air MVP3 radio programs. The station will also play the Top 40 hits from around the world. Our station will focus on all genres of music.”
Actor John Amos and his son, writer/director/producer K.C. Amos, participated in the news conference and shared their excitement over the projects. John Amos will act and narrate, and K.C. Amos will serve as a director on all three projects.
MVP3 Network is a new over-the-top (OTT) social video and multi-channel streaming network that launches Tuesday, May 30, 2023. There are no subscription fees. This is a pay-per-view platform. This network is fueled by ENDAVO, a video distribution automation platform. The categories include: food, science and technology, home and garden, music, radio, finance, community, international, medical, news and live streaming events, and more.
“I believe in Memphis and Shelby County and giving back to this community is important to me,” said Pizano. “I created the MVP3 Foundation as a way to create programs that will help educate, train and create job opportunities for students and provide assistance for those in need.”
To learn more about MVP3 Entertainment visit the website at www.mvp3entertainmentgroupllc.com
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Mar 22, 2023 | CMG News, News
Memphis, Tenn. (March 21, 2023) – Most fathers want to be great dads. Low-income fathers sometimes feel isolated and unable to provide the emotional and financial support their children need. The AFIRM Program can change that.
AFIRM – A Father’s Involvement Really Matters – is a new program led by local non-profit Families Matter, working closely with Maximus, a leading employer and worldwide provider of government services. AFIRM is currently recruiting low-income fathers from Shelby County between the ages of 18 and 40, who are connected to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or who have a recent child support order.
AFIRM has three main goals:
- Increase economic mobility – how much low-income dads earn over time – so they can support themselves and their families.
- Increase capacity for healthy parenting so low-income dads are emotionally connected to their children.
- Improve support for low-income dads so they can pay child support consistently.
AFIRM meets these goals by offering fathers a program focused on three main needs:
- Career Building and Job Placement
Fathers can gain skills in a target industry sector that leads to high-wage careers. Along with training, the AFIRM Program offer internships, job placement and support for keeping jobs over time.
- Fatherhood Coaching and Parenting Support
Fathers will learn healthy parenting skills in a Fatherhood workshop, a co-parenting workshop and a peer support group (by fathers, for fathers).
- Help With Managing Child Support
The AFIRM program dispels myths and help fathers gain a fact-based understanding of what to expect in the child support system. It offers support for managing the process. It also helps fathers develop visitation plans, so they can see their children regularly.
Low-income fathers in Shelby County who want to learn more about the AFIRM Program should call 901-445-0115 or visit www.afirmmemphis.com.
AFIRM is funded by the Tennessee Department of Human Services, TANF Opportunity Act.
Transforming Tennessee Together (T3) is an initiative brought forth by the TANF Opportunity Act. This initiative will help individuals, families, and the state of Tennessee by creating a new vision for Tennessee’s social safety net and is dedicated to helping low-income families grow beyond their vulnerabilities. The T3 initiative empowers all Tennesseans by partnering with local organizations to reach deep into their communities and work shoulder to shoulder with individuals and families, growing their capacity to take on life’s challenges and reducing their dependence on the social safety net.
Media contact: Deidre Malone, The Carter Malone Group, LLC, 901.409.9899 or dmalone@cmgpr.com
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Mar 22, 2023 | CMG News, News
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (March 15, 2023) – For the Kingdom (FTK) is pleased to announce it is one of 31 non-profits across the nation to receive a grant from the NBA Foundation. FTK is a 100-acre camp, conference, and retreat center in the Raleigh area of Memphis. The gift is a multi-year investment to fund FTK’s Operation 38128 program.
Operation 38128 has established its LEAD Academy initiative, a cutting-edge program aimed at empowering young people aged 16-19 in the Raleigh community to become successful industry professionals. The initiative seeks to provide education, experiences, and opportunities that will equip them to live sustainable and independent lives. The apprenticeship pathways offer Culinary Arts, Agriculture, Cosmetology & Barbering, Construction, Multimedia Production, Entrepreneurship, Hospitality, and Coding. LEAD Academy will provide its students with long-term job placement opportunities with local businesses.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the NBA Foundation,” said Torrey Bates, Executive Director of For the Kingdom. “Preparing the youth of Memphis with skills, career readiness, and personal development that will last them a lifetime is vital. We are grateful to the NBA Foundation and the Grizzlies Foundation for their support which helps us expand our reach to serve more young people.”
“The purpose of LEAD Academy is to bring education and experience into alignment so that it can give students access to sustainable opportunities. Our primary focus is to develop these young people at their core internally so they can achieve success externally. We strive to enhance their abilities, prepare them for employment, and equip them with the skills to navigate life’s challenges“ said Summerjoy Scott, Leader of LEAD Academy.
Interested high school students can find program requirements and apply to join LEAD Academy in person or online at www.ftkmemphis.org. Applications will be accepted March 10-29 and the first term lasts from April-June.
For more information about For the Kingdom, Operation 38128, and LEAD Academy please visit www.ftkmemphis.org.
About For the Kingdom
For The Kingdom (FTK) is a 501 c(3) non-profit that has a 100-acre camp, conference, and retreat center set aside to represent God’s kingdom on Earth. For the Kingdom provides for self-development and life skills training for youth, preparing students with certifications and career opportunities. We seek to be a place where God’s shalom resides and where all can find a place of prayer, adventure, laughter, bonding, unity, and retreat from the storms of life. For information about FTK, please visit www.ftkmemphis.org.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Mar 22, 2023 | CMG News, News
Memphis, Tenn. (March 21, 2023) – The United States Football League (USFL) will host its first Memphis Youth Skills Camp on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. The camp is from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and participants will have an opportunity to learn from the experienced coaching staff and players from the Memphis Showboats and the Houston Gamblers.
Participants will learn how to incorporate individual and team drills into offensive and defensive strategies. This camp is about football, character development and honing leadership skills for youth.
Registration for the camp is open now through Eventbrite. Space is limited to only 250 campers this year. All participants must register through that platform. Parents/Guardians are responsible for transportation to and from the skills camp. The deadline to sign-up is Thursday, March 23 by 5 p.m. Space is limited.
The Eventbrite Link to register for the camp is bit.ly/3Lr0DkG.
For more information or if you would like to interview someone about the camp, contact
Brian Malone, The Carter Malone Group, LLC, 901.834.2847 or bmalone@cmgpr.com or Deidre Malone at 901.278.0881.
About the United States Football League (USFL)
Fun, fast, and physical, the USFL is a fan-first, stand-alone major professional spring football league. Run by experienced football leaders, the USFL’s successful first season finished July 3, 2022, at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Ohio, with the Birmingham Stallions winning the championship by defeating the Philadelphia Stars, 33-30. FOX Sports and NBC Sports are official media partners, presenting all 43 regular- and postseason games for the eight-team league. Former NFL Dallas Cowboys player and current FOX NFL analyst Daryl Johnston is USFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations. Former NFL Vice President of Officiating and current FOX NFL analyst Mike Pereira is USFL Head of Officiating. “United By Football” for fans of America’s favorite sport, USFL Season 2 kicks-off April 15, 2023. For scheduling and ticketing information, visit theUSFL.com and follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
by Brian Malone | Feb 8, 2023 | CMG News
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 7, 2023) – The Tennessee Titans have chosen Joyce Watkins as their NFL Inspire Change Changemaker Award winner for the 2022-23 football season. In January 2022, after tenacious work by the Tennessee Innocence Project, 74-year-old Watkins was exonerated after spending almost three decades in prison for a crime she did not commit. Now, Watkins serves as a spokesperson and activist, bringing awareness to wrongful convictions.
For this football season, the NFL established the new Inspire Change Changemaker Award. Each NFL team selected a “changemaker” who is making a difference in their community through social justice work, either as an individual or along with a non-profit organization. As part of this award, the Tennessee Titans will donate $10,000 to the Tennessee Innocence Project. The Titans will also give Watkins an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the Super Bowl this weekend.
Watkins was also named the Wesley Mortgage Community Hero in December by the Tennessee Titans. She received 14 tickets to the Christmas Eve Titans game in Nashville. They shared her story on the big screen to educate the crowd and help others who are still in prison because of wrongful convictions.
“Joyce’s heartbreaking story of strength and perseverance is something everyone needs to hear,” said Jessica Van Dyke, Executive Director and Lead Counsel for the Tennessee Innocence Project. “There is no better gift in life than helping someone get their life back. We are so pleased that the Tennessee Titans chose to honor Joyce, and their monetary gift will help us free other innocent men and women currently in prison.”
Watkins is the first Black woman to ever be exonerated in the state and only the third woman in Tennessee history. Senior Legal Counsel Jason Gichner led the Tennessee Innocence Project team, which collaborated with the Davidson County District Attorney’s Conviction Review Unit, to pursue justice in this case.
Watkins and her boyfriend, Charlie Dunn, were wrongfully convicted of aggravated rape and felony murder in the 1987 death of her 4-year-old great niece. An investigation by the Tennessee Innocence Project and a report on the case from the District Attorney’s Conviction Review Unit brought the case back to court. Last January, both Watkins and Dunn were exonerated, cleared of all charges, and declared innocent. Watkins spent 27 years in prison and was released on probation in October 2015. Dunn died of cancer in prison after learning he was going to be released on parole. He never saw his name cleared.
Watkins said: “I always knew that one day I would get out. I would pray and ask God to put somebody in my life to help me prove my innocence, and it, too, came to pass.” She credits the Tennessee Innocence Project with her exoneration, especially Gichner, her lead legal counsel.
Titan videos of Ms. Watkins.
https://twitter.com/Titans/status/1607768392596963361
https://www.facebook.com/titans/videos/872232013919481/
