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/
by Deidre Malone | Feb 1, 2023 | CMG News, News
As a mother of two adult African-American sons and a grandson, I am saddened beyond words at the death of Mr. Tyre Nichols. I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Nichols. His mother, Mrs. Wells, has shown strength beyond measure as she fights for justice for her son. His senseless death is a reminder to all of us that real police reform is essential. For those who feel that police reform should be managed at the state level, I disagree. Passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act will provide a national standard that all police departments can follow. One aspect of the proposed bill creates a national registry, the National Police Misconduct Registry, to compile data on complaints and records of police misconduct. It also establishes new reporting requirements, including regulations on the use of force, officer misconduct, and routine policing practices.
I attended a church service on Sunday where the pastor referred to how events happening here in Memphis have forced us into the national and international spotlight. The first was the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King and now the brutal murder of Tyre Nichols. My hope and prayer is that through our grief, despair, and advocacy, finally federal laws are enacted to prevent another mother from grieving over the senseless murder of her child.
Rest in Peace Tyre.
Deidre Malone
President/CEO
The Carter Malone Group
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jan 4, 2023 | CMG News, News
(January 4, 2023 – Memphis, TN) The Board of Directors of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) is pleased to announce the selection of Shante K. Avant as its new President and CEO effective January 1, 2023. Avant, WFGM’s Vice President, will succeed Ruby Bright who retired on December 31, 2022, after leading the organization for 22 years.
“It goes without saying that after a five-month national search and interviewing many candidates, I and the members of our Board of Directors are absolutely thrilled that we determined that Shante was the most qualified candidate to serve as our new President and CEO,” said Marcia Bowden-Marche’, M.D., Co-Chair of the WFGM Board of Directors.
Avant has served the nonprofit sector for more than 26 years. She joined the Women’s Foundation as the Director of Grants and Programs in 2008. In 2011 she was promoted to Vice President and played a critical role in overseeing day-to-day operations, building relationships with community partners, and collaborating with local and national partners.
“In Shante K. Avant, we have chosen a proven leader with a deep understanding of how the Foundation operates and clear vision for the future. Shante possesses the qualifications and expertise to grow the Women’s Foundation into an even greater, more successful organization to create a lasting impact in the Memphis community,” said Gina Brewer, Co-Chair of the WFGM Board of Directors.
As President and CEO, Avant will oversee fundraising, operations and programming to ensure the organization is fulfilling its mission of encouraging philanthropy and fostering leadership among women while supporting programs that enable women and children to reach their full potential.
“I could not be more grateful to accept the position as President and CEO of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis. WFGM is an important resource for women and children in our community. We have supported thousands of Memphis residents and watched so many thrive. I am honored that I was chosen to lead this organization into the future,” said Avant. “Each morning, I wake up thinking about new ways to help the organization as we work towards ensuring economic securities for the women and families in Memphis. I am committed to working with our staff and board to take the organization to the next level.”
ABOUT SHANTE K. AVANT
Shante K. Avant is a native Memphian and holds a B.A. in Psychology and a M.S. in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is affiliated with the Women’s Funding Network, Ford Foundation Fellowship, and a member of the University of Memphis’ Social Work Community Advisory Board. Avant currently serves as a Shelby County Commissioner representing District 5. She previously served on the Memphis-Shelby County School Board for nine years and was elected board chairman in 2017.
ABOUT THE WOMEN’S FOUNDATION FOR A GREATER MEMPHIS
For more than 26 years, the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) has played a major role as a backbone organization aligning people, securing resources, and coordinating community-based services through a Two-Generation Approach to reduce poverty. The mission of WFGM is to encourage philanthropy and foster leadership among women and support programs that enable women and children to reach their full potential.
by Deidre Malone | Nov 21, 2022 | CMG News
MEMPHIS, TN – Mrs. Louise D. Patterson, wife of the late Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson, former presiding bishop of the Church Of God In Christ, Inc. (COGIC), died peacefully Sunday evening, November 20, 2022, at home.
Mrs. Patterson was a dedicated member and licensed evangelist with the COGIC denomination. As the first lady of the church Bishop G.E. Patterson founded, Temple of Deliverance COGIC, Evangelist Patterson recognized the international influence of her husband’s ministry. She was the founder of The Total Woman Women’s Conference, highlighting national crisis in the African American community. Her advocacy through this conference inspired women from across the country to take action against the social, physical and spiritual ills affecting our community.
“Mother Patterson, the beloved and highly-regarded widow of the late, former Presiding Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson, was a refined and saintly woman of God, who served as a faithful leader of Bountiful Blessings Ministries and on numerous platforms within our national church,” said COGIC Presiding Bishop Drew Sheard. “She made an indelible mark in Christendom as a first lady, an advisor and mentor to women, evangelists, authors, and most importantly, a complete champion of holiness. Mother Patterson faithfully supported her husband and pastor, Bishop G.E. Patterson, throughout his life’s ministry, with a poise and dignity matched by few. She was an elegant gem within the Church Of God In Christ family who will be greatly missed. Lady Karen and I personally appreciate Mother Patterson’s genuine endearment and support of our family. On behalf of the General Board and the entire Church Of God In Christ family, we earnestly pray for the Patterson Dowdy families and the Temple of Deliverance church during this time of reflection and mourning.”
As president and CEO of the Bountiful Blessings Ministries, Inc., Mrs. Patterson, served as the general manager of WBBP radio station, president of Podium Records, and author of the book “A Rare Pearl.”
Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Patterson are as follows:
- Thursday, December 1st
- Public Viewing, 9 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.
- Local Memorial Service, 7 p.m.
- Friday, December 2nd
- Visitation, 8 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
- National Homegoing Service, 10 a.m.
All funeral services will be held at Temple of Deliverance Church Of God In Christ, 369 G.E. Patterson Ave., Memphis, TN 38126. Her burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Interview opportunities:
Mia Vickers, Niece of Mrs. Patterson
Karon Phillips, Family Friend
Willie Brooks, Board Member, Bountiful Blessings Ministries, Inc.
Media badges required:
Media interested in attending one of the services are required to have media badges. Please email names of reporters, videographers and photographers to Shernice Catron at scatron@cmgpr.com. Thank you.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Nov 16, 2022 | CMG News, News
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis Urban League has been named a 2022 Bank of America Neighborhood Champion for their work in the Memphis community, removing economic barriers and advancing economic opportunity. Programs and services that are addressing Memphis’ workforce and economic development will expand, helping more people chart a path toward economic opportunity with help from a multi-year grant from Bank of America.
As a Neighborhood Champion, the Memphis Urban League will receive $50,000 in grant support and virtual leadership training delivered by experts in the nonprofit sector on topics like human capital management, increasing financial sustainability and storytelling.
“Nonprofits like the Memphis Urban League are the backbone of our community as they are on the ground working closely with individuals and families to understand the obstacles our community is facing and develop programs and services that will help alleviate or eliminate these barriers,” said Trevia Chatman, president, Bank of America Memphis. “It’s important that we direct not only capital but also the necessary resources and training to help position this nonprofit and their leadership team for long-term success.”
The Memphis Urban League’s mission is to assist African Americans, the underserved and economically disadvantaged, to expand economic opportunities and secure equality, power and civil rights. The Memphis Urban League provides direct services and features programs focusing on professional development and soft skills training.
One of their programs, Save Our Sons, is especially meaningful to Memphis Urban League’s President and CEO, Tonja Sesley-Fifer, after the passing of her brother. The Save Our Sons programs primarily targets African American males, ages 18 to 34, in Memphis and Shelby County. The purpose of the program is to advance workforce readiness by providing life skills, workforce training, financial literacy, family building, and health and wellness resources.
“The Memphis Urban League is grateful for Bank of America’s generosity in helping our organization to provide direct and wrap-around services through a variety of programs to those in need of our services,” said Sesley-Fifer. “We use a hands-on approach to meet people where they are, offering career counseling and trainings, while addressing barriers to employment. This grant from Bank of America supports our mission as we assist underserved and economically disadvantaged communities to expand economic opportunities and to continue our work of empowerment.”
In Memphis, three nonprofits have been selected as Neighborhood Champions since 2019, with the bank investing over $460,000 into these local organizations.
The invitation-only program is highly competitive, and organizations are selected by a committee comprised of community leaders and past Neighborhood Champion honorees.
The Neighborhood Champions program is an extension of the bank’s signature philanthropic initiative, Neighborhood Builders®, the largest corporate philanthropic investment in nonprofit leadership in the country. Through 2021, Bank of America has invested $6.3 million in 126 organizations within 42 communities through the Neighborhood Champions program.
Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 68 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,900 retail financial centers, approximately 16,000 ATMs and award-winning digital banking with approximately 56 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and approximately 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
