by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jul 19, 2022 | CMG News, News
(Memphis, Tenn.) — The Tennessee Innocence Project (TIP) formed as a statewide non-profit in 2019. Since its founding the organization has exonerated four individuals, who spent a total of 95 years in prison, wrongfully imprisoned. On Thursday, September 22, 2022, the organization will host its first event in Memphis to shine a spotlight on wrongful convictions. The guest speaker will be Mr. Anthony Ray Hinton and the event will be held at the National Civil Rights Museum.
In 1985, Anthony Ray Hinton, was mowing his front yard in Birmingham, Alabama when police arrested him, charging the then, 29-year old black man with two counts of murder, crimes he did not commit. He survived on death row for nearly 30 years before finally being exonerated in 2015. Since his release, Hinton has traveled the world sharing his story and discussing the changes that need to be made to prevent similar injustices from happening to others.
According to the National Registry of Exonerations, there have been more than 3,100 wrongful convictions since 1989. Tennessee has seen only 30 exonerations – five from Shelby County. Jessica Van Dyke is the Executive Director and Lead Counsel for the Tennessee Innocence Project. “We are proud of our successes, but we know there is still significant work to be done across the state, and especially in Shelby County,” said Van Dyke. “For our current clients, as well as their families, we often represent their last hope for regaining the life that was taken due to a wrongful conviction.”
The event will include a 45-minute presentation in which Hinton will share his journey to exoneration and freedom, followed by a 15-minute question and answer session. In 2018, Hinton published, “The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row,” which was selected for Oprah’s Book Club and is a New York Times bestseller. Copies of Hinton’s book will be available for purchase from the Museum’s store. The presentation is free and open to the public and starts at 7 p.m.
The Tennessee Innocence Project will also host a meet & greet reception before Hinton’s presentation at 6 p.m. The organization does not charge clients for their services and depends on funds from community support to support this important mission. Tickets to the reception are $100, and the ticket holder will receive reserved priority seating for the presentation and a signed copy of Hinton’s memoir. This event is supported by Horizon Companies, JustCity, The Carter Malone Group, LLC, The Downtown Commission, Lee Investigative Services, LLC and Josie Holland. Sponsorship opportunities for the event are still available. Tickets are sold online, and RSVPs for the presentation are highly encouraged at www.tninnocence.org/events.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Apr 21, 2022 | CMG News, News
MEMPHIS, TENN. (April 20, 2022) –Spirit Airlines has launched its inaugural service at Memphis International Airport (MEM), with daily flights between MEM and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) starting today. Tickets are on sale at www.spirit.com.
Headquartered in Miramar, Florida, Spirit Airlines becomes the ninth airline serving MEM. The airline will operate 182-seat Airbus 320 aircraft for its flights.
“It feels great to be back in a city I loved living in earlier in my career and come back to celebrate our new, nonstop service that will make it easier for travelers to discover all the culture, music, and history Memphis has to offer,” said Ted Christie, President and CEO of Spirit Airlines. “Growing our presence in Tennessee also means more high-value travel options for our new Memphis Guests looking for convenient flights to some of the nation’s most popular leisure destinations.”
“This is a great day for MEM’s passengers, as Spirit will provide daily nonstop options to two very popular destinations,” said Michael Keeney, Chairman of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority Board of Commissioners. “We are excited about the potential for Spirit’s long-term growth at MEM.”
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Mar 25, 2022 | CMG News, News
(Memphis, Tenn. – March 15, 2022) On Saturday, March 26, 2022, area faith-based leaders will convene at Pentecostal Temple Church of God In Christ for a panel discussion on “Ministry Today & Beyond – Where Are We Now and How Will We Be Effective in the Future?” The Bishop Charles Harrison Mason Patterson, Sr. Symposium is sponsoring the event that is free and open to the faith-based community and the general public. Masks are required for attendees.
The panel of dynamic religious leaders include the following: Pastor Keith Norman, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church-Broad; Pastor Bartholomew Orr, Senior Pastor, Brown Missionary Baptist; Bishop Linwood E. Dillard, Senior Pastor and Evangelist LaShun Dillard Berry, Citadel of Deliverance Church of God in Christ; Bishop Ed Stephens, Senior Pastor, Golden Gate Cathedral and Bishop Darryl D. Woodson, Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Churches of Christ and Pastor of Mount Gilead the Cathedral of El-Shaddai.
Some of the topics the panel will tackle include:
- How to manage the lack of confidence in the church?
- How to meet our congregations where they are since the pandemic?
- How do faith-leaders re-establish church relevance in their communities?
The religious leaders participating in this discussion were brought together by Bishop Patterson to have a candid discussion around what the church and their members need in this new environment.
“I look forward to this discussion with this great woman and men of God as we explore how to be more effective leaders to the church and the communities we serve,” said Bishop Patterson.
The symposium will begin at 9 a.m. on March 26, 2022 and will be held at Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ at 229 South Danny Thomas Blvd, Memphis, TN, 38126. For more information about the symposium call 901.527.9202
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Dec 10, 2021 | CMG News, News
MEMPHIS, TN – It’s home for the holidays for some of the former residents of South City in zip code 38126 as they join the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) during the Annual South City Holiday Celebration.
The event is Thursday, December 9 from 2-6 p.m. at Emmanuel Center, 604 St. Paul Ave.
Hosted by the Memphis Housing Authority, Urban Strategies, Inc. and the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis, the by invitation-only event will be a walk-through celebration for more than 300 current and former residents of South City.
To spread some holiday cheer, each head of household will receive a gift card and holiday bag with essential supplies. Door prizes and giveaways will be provided for adults and children.
This celebration is special, particularly for those who once lived in the former public housing development, Foote Homes and have returned to a revitalized vibrant community. The housing development closed in 2016 and is being redeveloped with the first phase opening in September 2019 as Foote Park at South City. Foote Homes was 75 years old and had 420 units. Foote Park at South City is a mixed-income community that will have a total of 712 units once completed.
Sponsors and volunteers for this year’s event includes FedEx, Nike, Kroger, the Memphis Grizzlies, Memphis Housing Authority, SCORE CDC, Urban Strategies, Inc. and the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis.
About the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis
For more than 26 years, the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) has been uniting women and helping break the cycle of poverty through philanthropy, leadership and collaboration. The mission of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis is to encourage philanthropy, foster leadership among women and support programs that enable women and children to reach their full potential. wfgm.org
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Dec 3, 2021 | CMG News, News
(MEMPHIS, TENN – December 2, 2021) Journey Community Schools has been awarded a $30,000 grant from International Paper’s Memphis Mill and the International Paper Foundation. As the adoptive partner of the International Paper, Coleman School will be awarded $10,000 of the grant and the remaining will benefit Journey Community Schools. The funds will support literacy interventions and high-quality learning materials that address literacy deficits. The check presentation will be held at Coleman School, 3210 Raleigh Millington Rd. Memphis, TN 38128 on Friday, December 3, 2021, at 8:15 a.m.
Journey Community Schools has an ambitious goal to ensure that all students are reading on or above grade level by the end of third grade. This grant will provide high-quality literacy materials and training for teachers. The rigorous interventions and programming allow all teachers to meet students where they are to address learning loss through direct small groups and individualized instruction.
“We are thrilled that International Paper continues to invest in education and students in Memphis,” said Dr. Nickalous Manning, Executive Director of Journey Community School. “Third grade is a crucial year where students transition from learning to read to reading to learn. Therefore, it is our duty to ensure that students are equipped with all of the skills, training, and materials to be successful. We are truly grateful for International Paper’s generosity.”
The International Paper Foundation is one of the ways International Paper strives to reach its vision to be among the most successful, sustainable and responsible companies in the world. Started in 1952, the foundation annually provides millions in grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to address critical needs in the communities where its employees live and work. Funding priority is given to programs related to its signature causes: education, hunger, health & wellness, disaster relief, and initiatives that improve the planet. For more information, visit ipgiving.com.
About Journey Community School
Journey Community Schools works to develop a community of lifelong learners who excel in all areas of life. We engage families and community partners in our scholars’ learning journey; cultivate a safe, positive and joyous learning environment; and empower teachers and leaders with support to deliver an inclusive, innovative and rigorous education.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jun 22, 2021 | CMG News, News
MEMPHIS, TENN. (June 22, 2021) – Frontier Airlines has announced that it will begin nonstop flights between Memphis International Airport (MEM) and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) starting August 12. The service will run twice weekly, on Thursday and Sunday. The airline will utilize a 186-seat Airbus 320 aircraft for the flight.
Tickets are now on sale at www.flyfrontier.com. Frontier previously offered Memphis-Las Vegas service from August 2017 until January 2019. Las Vegas will become Frontier’s third Memphis route, joining Denver and Orlando.
“We at MEM are excited to add another option to a destination as popular as Las Vegas,” said Pace Cooper, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority. “Frontier’s expansion of its Memphis service is a clear indicator that the Memphis market is making progress in rebounding from the pandemic.”
“We’re excited to announce new nonstop flights from Memphis International Airport to Las Vegas beginning this August, joining Frontier’s nonstop service from MEM to Denver and Orlando,” said Tyri Squyres, vice president of marketing, Frontier Airlines. “Frontier is focused on ‘Low Fares Done Right’ and this new service will provide an affordable and convenient option for local residents to visit one of the top entertainment destinations in the world.”
Schedule (subject to change):
Memphis to Las Vegas
- Departs: 10:18 pm (CT)
- Arrives: 11:51 pm (PT)
Las Vegas to Memphis
- Departs: 9 am (PT)
- Arrives: 2:25 pm (CT)
For more information about these and other flights, visit http://www.flymemphis.com/flights.
by Brian Malone | May 20, 2021 | CMG News, News
MEMPHIS, TENN. (May 20, 2021) – Starting on Wednesday, May 26, all airlines at Memphis International Airport will conduct baggage operations in the B baggage lobby. American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines will all move baggage service offices to the B area on that date. All other airlines already utilize the B baggage area. The move is taking place ahead of the anticipated opening of the modernized B Concourse later this year, which is now targeted for this fall.
United’s baggage service office will be located next to the Delta Air Lines baggage office, while both American Airlines and United Airlines will have offices near carousel 4. For passengers, the changes will result in all inbound baggage being claimed in the B baggage lobby. Airlines, rather than the airport, handle all aspects of baggage operations.
Other highlights of the consolidation:
- Carousels in the B area are newer and larger and are less prone to jamming.
- Signage will now direct all arriving passengers to the B baggage area.
- The A concourse exit lane will be closed.
- The C concourse exit lane will be closed unless the C security checkpoint is open.
- While baggage operations will not be conducted in the A and C areas, the areas will be available as backup if needed. The curbs outside A and C baggage will also remain open for passenger pickup.
- With the expected increase in vehicle traffic outside the B baggage area, passengers are encouraged to utilize the cell phone waiting lot before picking up passengers. The cell phone lot features a real-time flight information display. To avoid traffic congestion, the baggage level curbside lane will be available for immediate active pickup only. Vehicles will no longer be able to park outside the baggage area and wait on arriving passengers.
Other MEM Updates:
- Federal mask mandate still in effect until September 13: Federal law requires passengers over the age of 2 (with limited exceptions) to wear a mask when traveling through U.S. airports, including MEM. More information about this and other COVID-19 related operations can be found at www.flymemphis.com/covid-19.
- Passenger growth: Last week (Sunday-Saturday) was the busiest week at MEM since the first week of March 2020, with nearly 43,000 screened at the security checkpoint. While that number is down by more than 24% compared to the same time period in 2019, MEM continues to recover at a faster rate than the national average (the average US airport was down by 34.5% last week compared to 2019).
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Apr 12, 2021 | News
(Memphis, TN – April 5, 2021) Vintage901® celebrates its 5th Anniversary by bringing the “Grand Tasting” to the Levitt Shell on May 15, 2021. This will be a special event featuring incredible wine, wine education, Memphis music, and great chefs. Tickets are on sale now at www.vintage901.org.
This year the Grand Tasting is an outdoor event where participants can practice social distancing and still have a great time. This one-day event will have two opportunities for participation – an event from noon-3 p.m. and one from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Supporters can purchase V.I.P. tickets and have an opportunity to learn from sommeliers, who will educate attendees on the best choice of wine to go with a favorite meal. Local chefs include Chef Tamra Patterson “Chef Tam” and Chef Jimmy Gentry. Food trucks will also be present and offering delicious food selections.
“The Vintage 901 Family invites you to come celebrate life and each other in the city that we all love,” said Vintage901 founder Stephanie Ferreira. “Let’s safely reconnect with old friends, meet new ones and reflect on all that is good in our city.”
Vintage901® is partnering with ArtsMemphis for this event to provide the best local entertainment. Proceeds from the Grand Tasting will also benefit ArtsMemphis.
“We are honored to partner with Vintage901® to support the Memphis arts community. The arts bridge our differences, impact youth, drive our economy, and enhance quality of life through healing and connection,” said ArtsMemphis President & CEO Elizabeth Rouse. “We are grateful to Vintage901 for playing a role to ensure the arts remain a vital component of Mid-South culture and daily life.”
There are also opportunities for families and friends to sit together and enjoy the Vintage901® Grand Tasting event. General admission, V.I.P., and Duo tickets are available for purchase at www.vintage901.org. Vintage901® is committed to producing safe events and will abide by all Covid-19 rules and regulations and in compliance with state and local guidelines.
About Vintage901®
Vintage901® is a 501(c) 3 organization that cares about the Memphis community and supports local nonprofits in strengthening our city. Our mission is to enhance community experiences and cultural awareness for diverse audiences in unique and intentional spaces. Vintage901 events are designed to highlight artisanal wines and cuisine, alongside the cultural richness of Memphis with its long music history.
About ArtsMemphis
ArtsMemphis is the primary arts funder for Memphis and Shelby County, generating and infusing over $80 million in financial support for the arts since its inception nearly 60-years ago. With a mission to sustain Memphis’ world-renowned cultural vitality and strengthen local communities through the arts, ArtsMemphis distributes $2.5-$3 million annually to 70+ organizations and also individual artists. During the COVID pandemic, ArtsMemphis has elevated its role as convener and connector helping the arts sector recover, reimagine, and continue as a critical economic driver to ensure the arts remain a vital component of Mid-South culture and daily life. Learn more at https://www.artsmemphis.org/
by Carter Malone Group | Jun 9, 2020 | News
River City Capital Investment (RCC), an affiliate of Community Lift, was awarded $225,000 from the U. S. Department of Treasury as a part of their community development financial institution (CDFI) Fund.
“This is flexible, no-cost capital that RCC can use to increase the volume of its products and services,” said Babacar Thiaw, Lending Executive in Residence at River City Capital. “This is great not only for us as an organization, but also for the city of Memphis. We go beyond traditional lending, and this is an opportunity for us to help people in underserved communities.”
The award is intended to expand economic opportunities via CDFIs in economically distressed and underserved areas. RCC plans to use the funds to help businesses in Whitehaven along with other communities in the city. As such, they have been working with organizations like the Greater Whitehaven Economic Redevelopment Corporation (GWERC) to identify businesses that may benefit from their services.
“Economic opportunities like RCC helps GWERC to remain true to our commitment of helping the Whitehaven community to reach its full potential through the revitalization and redevelopment of businesses and the promotion of economic development in the area,” said Trey McKnight, Executive Director, GWERC.
For more information about River City Capital Investments, visit www.RiverCityCapital.org.
About River City Capital Investment:
River City Capital Investment Corp., an affiliate of Community LIFT, is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Our mission is to increase economic development in underserved neighborhoods by attracting and leveraging investment capital for community revitalization.
by Carter Malone Group | May 25, 2020 | News
Today, Aspire Public Schools Chief Executive Officer Carolyn Hack announced the appointment of Nickalous Manning, Ed.D. as the new Memphis Area Superintendent. He has been with the organization since 2012, serving as an Associate Superintendent, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Principal of Hanley Elementary and Memphis Community Outreach and Partnerships Manager.
“Nick brings a wealth of experience to his role, as both an Aspire principal and regional leader,” said Hack. “His unwavering commitment to his hometown, deep love for Aspire and its vision, and inspiring leadership style make him the right choice to lead Aspire Memphis.” Aspire currently has three schools under the Achievement School District and one under Shelby County Schools. More than 1,600 students attend the Memphis Aspire School District.
“I look forward to serving children and families in my hometown,” said Manning. “I believe in our mission and vision for our schools and our scholars. I am proud of what our team at Aspire has accomplished already and I look forward to working with our Aspire teammates to improve outcomes for children. I will work hard every day to achieve that goal.”
Prior to joining Aspire, Manning worked in the Memphis City School system as a teacher, assistant principal, New Leader Resident Principal and a principal. He holds a BS in Secondary Education with a concentration in Economics from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Ed.D in Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University.
Manning becomes Aspire’s second Memphis Superintendent replacing Allison Leslie who announced her departure in May. Leslie is thrilled for Manning. “I am looking forward to seeing Dr. Manning continue the great work we started together and make it even better. He believes in the importance of academic excellence for all of our scholars and it shows in the work he has done to date.”
About Aspire Public Schools
Aspire Public Schools operates 40 high-performing, college-preparatory public charter schools serving 16,600 students in underserved communities across California and Memphis, Tennessee. Founded in 1998, Aspire is one of the nation’s largest open-enrollment public charter school systems serving predominantly low-income students, delivering a rigorous College for Certain education across grades TK-12. Currently in its 19th academic year, Aspire is one of the nation’s first charter school systems. Visit Aspire Public Schools at www.aspirepublicschools.org.
