Smoketown Community Land Trust breaking the barriers to help enrich the lives of its residents

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Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg will participate in the community celebration

(Louisville, KY) The Smoketown Community Land Trust, (SCLT) invites you to its launch and official introduction to the community on Saturday, December 2nd at 1:00 p.m. at the Camp Edwards Community Center located at 701 S. Hancock Street. 

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, SCLT board members, dignitaries and community leaders will be in attendance and will speak during the program. 

SCLT was developed to empower Smoketown residents and to preserve the rich heritage of the historical Smoketown community when Blacks moved into the community.  In the 1800s post-civil war, freed African Americans migrated to the area seeking economic opportunities, housing, building churches and schools. The community thrived for many years and the Smoketown Community Land Trust will centralize services to better serve the community.   

The SCLT board was created to work with residents and give them space to make direct contributions to plan, design and build sustainable affordable housing ensuring the longevity of the community, creating pathways to homeownership, revitalize community pride and its rich history. 

We would like to thank our partners: Louisville Metro Government, REBOUND, Bates Community Development Corporation, River City Housing, Community Foundation of Louisville, Center for Neighborhoods and Grounded Solutions Network. Representatives from each organization will be present for the launch. 

The program will begin around 1:30 p.m. With the introduction of Mayor Greenberg. Also, during the program the official logo will be unveiled. There will be opportunities to see how people can get involved, learn about its mission. The celebration is free to the public with food, fun, raffles, and entertainment. 

If you would like to setup an interview prior to the event, please contact Theresa Boyd with River City Housing at 502-587-6763 or VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com. 

MEDIA NOTE:  We know that you have a lot of events and/or games to cover on December 2nd.  If you need our team to pull representatives when you arrive for interviews, we will be happy to accommodate your requests.  We feel this is an important initiative that the community needs to be made aware of and its benefits to help the community. 

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MELANnaire Marketplace holiday marketplace preparing for ‘Black Friday’ and ‘Small Business Saturday’

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(Louisville, KY) As we prepare for Thanksgiving, the MELANnaire Marketplace Holiday Market team is working to get ready for one of the busiest days for consumers and that’s ‘Black Friday’ and the following day dedicated for small business which we refer to as ‘Black-owned Saturday’. 

The MELANnaire Marketplace Holiday Market is in third week at Mall St. Matthews and have welcomed so many friends, family, neighbors, and supporters into the storefront where dozens of Black-owned businesses sell and promote their products and/or services. 

“Now with two of the busiest shopping days ahead of us, vendors are stocking up with the anticipation and excited that they have an opportunity to participate at this level.  In a mall, a storefront, and the assistance of the MELANnaire team.  We are inviting shoppers to stop by our retail space to see the wonderful and unique gift ideas.  You will find yourself with an arm full of merchandise.  It’s basically a mall within a mall because except few feet a new business is represented says Nachand Trabue, founder of MELANnaire Marketplace. 

The holiday market displays dozens of local minority businesses all in one space so holiday shoppers can get an opportunity to support multiple small businesses at one large retail space. Featuring products- clothing apparel, handcrafted jewelry, signature cotton candy, popcorn books, toys, candles plus
much more.

The MELANnaire Marketplace Holiday Market will be open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until January 2, 2024.  Our store hours are open on the same schedule as Mall St. Matthews.

The marketplace is located near the entrance of El Napal and Women’s Dillards on the backside of the mall. 

If you would like to be a vendor and/or be a sponsor, please contact MELANnaire Marketplace at www.melannaire.com. 
 

Please announce and/or post on your community calendars.  If you have any questions or would like to interview Nachand Trabue, please contact VIPP Communications at 502-341-7306.

“Where Black Businesses Matter”

Follow us on social media and take photos using the following hashtags so we
can share your experience #MELANnairesLou, #BLACKbusinessesMatterLOU
& #MELANnaireMarketplace.

Instagram:  @melannairemarketplace

The new Miss Black Kentucky USA is crowned this evening in Louisville

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The new Miss Black Kentucky USA is crowned this evening in Louisville

This afternoon, family friends and supporters gathered at the Women’s Club of Louisville to see Sophia Crowder of Louisville be crowned Miss Black Kentucky USA.  In the Talented Teen division Helena Gordon of Louisville competed and won and Ciara Johnson of Louisville won in the Ms. Division.  All three winners will represent Kentucky in the Miss Black USA in 2024.

The Queen Mother Foundation will oversee their various appearances and opportunities over the next year so the community will get to know Miss Crowder, Ms. Ciara Johnson, and Talented Teen Helena Gordon. 

Also, this evening we currents queens got an opportunity to thank everyone for the opportunities they received over the past year. 

This afternoon we had a lot to celebrate.  Last year’s winner in the Miss division, Miss Ariel Thompson went on to win Miss Black USA in Washington, DC and will reign for the next 12 months.

Dr. Ashley Anderson, Executive Director of Miss Black Kentucky USA says “Contestants had a great opportunity to showcase their talents and be their authentic selves.  I found twenty wonderful ladies who worked hard to get to this point. When they walked across the stage I, along with family and friends felt a sense of pride.  It’s more than winning a crown and a title but it begins a service of volunteerism, scholarship, and pride of who you are.  This was a special evening for us all and I can’t wait to see what the royal court will do today and beyond.”

To set up an interview to meet the new Miss, Ms., and Talented Teen Miss Black Kentucky USA and/or Dr. Anderson to see how you can be a part of Miss Black Kentucky USA 2024, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.

Here’s this year’s participants:

Talented Teens

  1. Sanaia Rae’Patterson
  2. Bria Byrd
  3. Aliyah Parker
  4. Kelyse Greer
  5. Helena Gordon-WINNER

Miss

  • Sophia Crowder-WINNER
  • Seryn Bentley
  • JayLa Hudson
  • Jade Spaulding
  • Aya Tennyson
  • Jada Turley

Ms.

  1. Princess K Cureton
  2. Shikira Tunstill
  3. Ciara Johnson-WINNER
  4. Kenisha Watkins
  5. Chanson Calhoun
  6. LaShandra Logan
  7. Sherae Thompson
  8. Deara Porter
  9. Crissa Candler

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The new Miss Black Kentucky USA will be crowned this Sunday in Louisville

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Twenty ladies will compete for the titles of Miss, Ms., and Talented Teen Miss Black Kentucky USA this weekend in Louisville

Queen Mother Foundation is excited to announce the date of Miss Black Kentucky USA. On Sunday, October 29th, at 3:00 pm at The Women’s Club of Louisville, 1320 South Fourth Street our community will witness the crowning of three women who will represent Kentucky in Miss Black USA 2024.

After a successful restart in 2022, Kentucky will have five (5) in the talented teen division, six (6) in the Miss. division and nine (9) in the Ms. division competing for the crown. Each looking forward to the experience along with the activities leading up to the October 15th event.

Tickets are now on sale, and you can purchase them on Eventbrite. We have provided a link for promotion. Miss Black Kentucky 2023.

Last year’s winner in the Miss division, Miss Ariel Thompson went on to win Miss Black USA in Washington, DC and will reign for the next 12 months.

Dr. Ashley Anderson, Executive Director of Miss Black Kentucky USA says “I am so happy to give women of color the opportunity. It is more than just a pageant but a chance for these young ladies to showcase themselves. This is something the community can be proud of because we are helping prepare our future leaders. The contestants are free to be who they are as they embrace their heritage. I invite you to come out and support them as they compete for scholarships which will help with their future career goals.” 

To be a sponsor and/or if you would like to set up an interview with Dr. Anderson and/or last year’s winners please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.

Here’s this year’s participants:

Talented Teens

  1. Sanaia Rae’Patterson
  2. Bria Byrd
  3. Aliyah Parker
  4. Kelyse Greer
  5. Helena Gordon

Miss

  • Sophia Crowder
  • Seryn Bentley
  • JayLa Hudson
  • Jade Spaulding
  • Aya Tennyson
  • Jada Turley

Ms.

  1. Princess K Cureton
  2. Shikira Tunstill
  3. Ciara Johnson
  4. Kenisha Watkins
  5. Chanson Calhoun
  6. LaShandra Logan
  7. Sherae Thompson
  8. Deara Porter
  9. Crissa Candler

Twenty-seven ladies will compete for titles of Miss, Ms., and Talented Teen Miss Black Kentucky USA

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Photo Credit: Terrence Humphrey

United Crown Productions is excited to announce the date of Miss Black Kentucky USA. On
Sunday, October 15th, at 3:00 pm at Memorial Auditorium our community will witness the
crowning of three women who will represent Kentucky in Miss Black USA 2024.

After a successful restart in 2022, Kentucky will have six (6) in the talented teen division, eight (8)
in the Miss. division and thirteen (13) in the Ms. division competing for the crown. Each looking
forward to the experience along with the activities leading up to the October 15th event.

Tickets are now on sale, and you can purchase them on Eventbrite. We have provided a link for
promotion. Miss Black Kentucky 2023.

Last year’s winner in the Miss division, Miss Ariel Thompson went on to win Miss Black USA in
Washington, DC and will reign for the next 12 months.

Dr. Ashley Anderson, Executive Director of Miss Black Kentucky USA says “I am so happy to give
women of color the opportunity. It is more than just a pageant but a chance for these young ladies
to showcase themselves. This is something the community can be proud of because we are
helping prepare our future leaders. The contestants are free to be who they are as they embrace
their heritage. I invite you to come out and support them as they compete for scholarships which
will help with their future career goals.”

To be a sponsor and/or if you would like to set up an interview with Dr. Anderson and/or last
year’s winners please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.
Stay tuned for additional information and the names of the contestants and the counties and/or
cities they represent.

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Louisville native Miss Ariel Thompson crowned Miss Black USA

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August 6, 2023

MEDIA ALERT

(Washington, DC) Tonight, in Washington the Miss Black USA crowned a winner.  Louisville, Kentucky native Ariel Thompson will represent the scholarship pageant. Her reign begins this evening and Thompson will hold the title for one year. 

Thompson will return to Louisville later this week.  To set up an interview contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com or by calling 502.341.7306. 

For the first time in more than ten years, Kentucky was represented in the pageant.  Miss Ariel Thompson, Ms. Dominique Joy Thompson and Nia Franklin all travelled to Washington to compete. 

We would like to congratulate Miss Talented Teen Nia Franklin.  This evening, she placed first runner-up.  Ms. Dominique Joy Thompson won the fitness competition in the Ms. Division. 

Dr. Ashley Anderson says “I’m so excited about Ariel’s win.  She earned this great honor, and we are celebrating this huge accomplishment.  I’m excited for all three of our delegates.  Nia and Joy represented their divisions and gave us momentum heading into this year’s Miss Black Kentucky.  It’s a great feeling.  This was a great evening.  To hear the audience cheering for the young ladies brought tears to my eyes. These ladies have worked hard and represented this pageant in a grand way.”

The birth of the Miss Black Kentucky USA franchise is one that will have an impact on young women of Kentucky for generations to come. Beyond the scholarships that will be awarded in Miss, Ms., and Teen divisions, the life skills programming will be sure to elevate the minds and lives of all participants. It will groom leaders, shed light on issues of concern in the community, and meaningfully fund the educational pursuits of Black women in Kentucky. It is my intent that this program becomes the largest scholarship funding source for young women of color across Kentucky.

Again, to set up an interview with any of our Kentucky delegates, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com. 

A mental health expert offers some insight and how she’s helping break the stigma

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I sat down with Gail Bibb a psychotherapist a few months ago and she gave some valuable information that I wanted to share. This story was originally written during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Mental illness doesn’t choose who is affected by it, but culture, race and gender can affect access to treatment, support and quality of care. July is Minority Health Awareness Month. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five people experience a mental health condition. I sit down with a psychotherapist Gail Bibb who is working to get rid of the stigma of seeking help. 

Bibb says “Anytime that anybody has a big change in their moods, it’s an indicator that something’s wrong.”

She explains some of the warning signs when you may need a mental health checkup.  “People are excessively worrying, extreme mood changes, highs or lows, avoiding social interactions with other people having thoughts about suicide, or really difficulty connecting in social settings could be indicators that there is something wrong” according to Bibb.

There’s several ways to treat patients. Bibb explains her method.  “So, I use a holistic approach. It’s just a modality that encompasses the mental, emotional, psychological, social impacts of a person and their well-being.” Bibb talks about how major life changes or maybe something in your past unresolved resurfaces.  She says “Triggers are just unhealed wounds from your past. And so anything in the environment can trigger it a smell, somebody’s personality, something that someone can say to you can trigger an emotional response.”

Bibb explains why so many African Americans are so apprehensive about seeking help. “I think historically, there’s been a mistrust in the medical field, with getting services getting adequate care that you need. Generally, I think a lot of African Americans have used the church as their provider for mental health. Particularly growing up for me, it was always whatever happened in the house stayed in the house.”

Bibb has obtained three masters degrees not just because of the science but her personal connection.  She says “I think more so experientially, for me, I grew up and I didn’t really have a relationship with my biological parents. And one of the reasons is because my biological mother was diagnosed with bipolar and schizophrenic. And so I think that my interest was sparked because of my own traumas that I’ve grew up with.”  She also explains why many Blacks chose their faith to help them instead of medical assistance. “I think faith particularly in the African American community is so important, because it has been the outlet that we have had with no stigma. And so it’s always been something that we could go kind of cry with no shame, shout, right and really have emotional expression that wasn’t demonize in our community” says Bibb.

She tells her clients of faith that its okay to seek medical help. “Absolutely. Prayer is a weapon. But therapy is a strategy and we need both to be the very best versions of ourselves. And I think that when you really lean in on your faith, it really gives you a level of resiliency. And therapy gives you that opportunity to co regulate with someone else that could be safe, and we can heal in safe and trusted relationships.” Bibb wants to reassure people that her business and businesses like hers is a safe place for mental, physical and spiritual health. 

If you need help you can contact Gail Bibb and other psychotherapists in this community.  If you need immediate help call the suicide hotline by texting LOU to 741741. 

Bibb is the co-owner of Revive Counseling.  They offer mental health therapy, life coaching and nutrition and wellness coaching plus much more.  Go to revivecounselingwellness.com for additional information. 

To see the video of my story click the link: https://wwwhttps://www.whas11.com/video/news/community/moments-that-matter/erasing-the-stigma-of-mental-health-in-the-african-american-community/417-becfb1dc-fa8b-4395-a538-66372b5c98a5

Kentucky Native Announces A Scholarship Fund To Help Aspiring Artists

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ERICKA NICOLE MALONE ENTERTAINMENT WILL AWARD FOUR SCHOLARSHIPS TO KENTUCKY STUDENTS INTERESTED IN THE ARTS

(Los Angeles, California) Louisville, native and 2023 NAACP Image Award winner Ericka Nicole Malone of Ericka Nicole Malone Entertainment, LLC, announces the creation of the Ericka Nicole Malone Essay Writing Mentorship which includes four scholarships ranging from $250 to $5000. The scholarships are for high school seniors and current college level students majoring and/or minoring in arts in a Kentucky accredited school.

Ericka Nicole Malone says “I am excited to announce this opportunity. It is important that I give back to my hometown and the first people to believe in my writing ability which has given me so many chances to create produce and direct films you can see today.  Kentucky has a lot of hidden gems and I honestly believe that there is so many creative writers in the community that just need a chance.  With these scholarships, someone wanting to follow their dreams will now have a chance to fulfill them and that is what made me create this initiative so I can follow them along their career.” 

The Ericka Nicole Malone Scholarship can be used for tuition, school fees, books, housing, and food. To be eligible for the scholarship individuals must reside in Kentucky, have at least a 2.5 grade point average, (GPA), on a 4.0 grading scale, already enrolled in the College of Arts and/or accepted into an accredited college institution, performing arts school, trade or vocational school that has an arts program.

As part of the consideration process. You need to submit an essay, (up to one thousand words) on what you want to pursue in the arts and why this scholarship is important. Submit your essay to info@vippcommunications.com. Your deadline is August 4, 2023. Recipients will be announced on August 22, 2023.

Malone attended the Youth Performing Arts School, (YPAS), graduate of Manual High, a JCPS school is a successful writer, director, and executive producer. He latest award-winning project is “Remember ME: The Mahalia Jackson Story” starring Ledisi, Columbus Short, Janet Hubert, Keith David, Wendy Raquel Robinson, and Keith Robinson.

ERICKA NICOLE MALONE ENTERTAINMENT is a production company focused on the development, production/co-production and distribution of film, television, and animated projects nationwide. 

To setup an interview via phone and/or zoom, contact Sherlene Shanklin at VIPP Communications at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com or by calling 502.341-7306.  To read learn more on the Ericka Nicole Malone Entertainment go to www.erickanicolemalone.com.      

KCAAH unveils a portrait of the man behind the name of Louisville’s only HBCU

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Unveiling of the William J. Simmons Portrait

at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage

The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage (Heritage Center), in partnership with Simmons College of Kentucky, invites the press and public to the unveiling of the William J. Simmons portrait on Monday, June 26, 2023, at 10 a.m. at 1701 West Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, Kentucky. Simmons’ portrait will be a permanent installation joining other life-sized portraits in the Heritage Center’s Brown-Forman Great Hall Gallery, depicting African American leaders in the arts, civil rights, education, innovation, media, military, and sports. 

Dr. Rev. William J. Simmons (June 29, 1849 – October 30, 1890) went from enslavement to becoming Simmons College of Kentucky’s second president from 1880–1890, for whom the school was eventually named. Simmons College was the first school for higher education established for African Americans in Kentucky. The college was the vision of 12 formerly enslaved Africans who were members of the General Association of Baptists within the state. Their tenacity was fueled by their understanding of the importance of education for the sons and daughters who were formerly enslaved. 

Simmons developed multiple programs, including the teacher education program and one of the few Black medical schools at a Black college. Additionally, Simmons produced Kentucky’s first black medical doctor, Artishia Gilbert. In addition, he was a writer, journalist, and educator. In 1886 he became President of the American National Baptist Convention, one of the organizations that would merge to form the National Baptist Convention, USA. He was elected President of the Colored Press Association for his work as editor of the American Baptist, a newspaper in Louisville, Kentucky.

Simmons is best known for his 1887 work, Men of Mark: Eminent, Progressive, and Rising. The book compiled brief biographies of one hundred seventy-seven prominent African American men across the United States. Men of Mark was a best seller and the most extensive collection of African American biographies.

Aukram Burton, Executive Director at the Heritage Center, says:

“The time is overdue for Dr. Rev. William J. Simmons’ portrait to be a permanent installation at the Heritage Center to ensure that visitors will learn about Simmons’ accomplishments as a transformational leader who built a rigorous and inclusive learning environment that promoted academic excellence during an era that denied African Americans the liberties they should have enjoyed as U.S. citizens.

Media inquiries: VIPP Communications at info at vippcommunications dot com or by calling KCAAH at 502-583-4100.

KCAAH announces 2023 Juneteenth Weekend Heritage Experience

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Louisville, KY–The Heritage Center invites you to celebrate with us during the 2023 Juneteenth Weekend Heritage Experience, featuring “The Fannie Lou Hamer Story,” doors open at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, and the Juneteenth and Father’s Day Jazz Brunch featuring the Ansyn Banks Legacy Quintet with guest vocalist Karen Chavis and host Marjorie Marshall at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 18 at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage (KCAAH), 1701 W. Muhammad Ali. 

The Fannie Lou Hamer Story is an award-winning 90-minute one-woman stage play performed by Mzuri Moyo Aimbaye. The play is riveting storytelling, celebrating an unsung hero who became a catalyst for the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

General admission for The Fannie Lou Hamer Story $25.00/Limited V.I.P. Seating ($30.00). 

KCAAH Executive Director Aukram Burton believes: “When we think about Juneteenth, it must be remembered as a moment of clarity about our struggles and how far we have come. That is why the Heritage Center is proud to showcase a play about the life of voting rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer. Now is the time to truly examine the challenges we face as Black voters, and Fannie Lou Hamer was a powerful and passionate voice that needs to resonate, even today.”

In addition, the weekend experience will feature Ansyn Banks Legacy Quintet with Ansyn Banks (Trumpet), Dave Clark (Saxophone), Gabe Evens (Piano), Tyrone Wheeler (Bass), & Jonathan Higgins (Drums). Marjorie Marshall will host the performance and guest vocalist Karen Chavis will be invited to grace the stage with her angelic voice. General admission for the Juneteenth and Father’s Day Jazz Brunch is $40.00/Limited V.I.P. Seating ($45.00). 

Visit WWW.KCAAH.ORG to purchase tickets. For more information, contact Marjorie Marshall at 502-271-9228.

To setup an interview contact VIPP Communications at  booking@vippcommunications.com.

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Roots 101 African American Museum gets rave reviews for music legend Static Major exhibit

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(Louisville, KY) Roots 101 welcomed during Kentucky Derby weekend the long-awaited tribute to the ‘King of Kentucky” the late Stephen “Static Major” Garrett.  The exhibit will take you through the legendary music career of the musical genius.  The Louisville, Kentucky native was a singer, songwriter, and record producer.  Born on November 11, 1974, and died on February 23, 2008.  He was a member of the R&B trio Playa that went on to have hits like “Cheers 2 U” and  “Don’t Stop the Music”.  This is their 25th anniversary of the group’s formation. 

Static Major has produced with some of the biggest artists in R&B and Hip-Hop from Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Nicole Wray, Pretty Ricky to Lil Wayne.  Proceeding Garrett’s death, in 2018, hip-hop superstar Drake featured Garrett in his hit song “After Dark”.  Then in 2020, Louisville native Jack Harlow hit. “Luv Is Dro”, which was a song of Garrett reworked by Harlow. 

You can see the temporary exhibit through July 8th. 

Avonti Garrett, the widow and mother of his two children remembers not only the artist but the family man.  “Stephen Ellis Garrett aka Static Major was a special one-of-a-kind person.  He not only was a talented singer, songwriter, and producer, he was a good husband, father, son, and friend.  He was a family man who was generous to all.  Static had a way of leaving a memorable impression with everyone he encountered.  The love that he generously displayed made all of us feel special to him.  His timeless music still has a great influence over the music industry.  Static Major is and will forever be a true legend.  The Goat!!! By age 33.  His family, friends, and I appreciate the love and we are truly grateful for the honoring of his legacy.  He is greatly missed by all. “

Lamont Collins, Founder of Roots 101 shares his excitement about having the exhibit at his museum.  He says, “It’s so important to document and preserve our history.  Stephen “Static Major” Garrett played and still plays a vital role in the entertainment industry.  This was a long time in the making, this should have happened a long time ago. We are happy that Roots 101 in Garrett’s hometown was able to make it happen.  We invite you to come see the temporary exhibit.  We hope it will have a permanent home someday, but it is an honor to be the first to display his life and superstar career.  Legacies matter and Roots 101 continues to chronicle history of African Americans in our community and the outstanding contributions made not only to Kentucky but the world.” 

To setup an interview contact VIPP Communications at  booking@vippcommunications.com. 

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CEO of Family & Children’s Place to Retire in 2024

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Louisville, Ky. – This week Family & Children’s Place, one of the oldest nonprofits in the city of Louisville, announced their CEO and President Pam Darnall will retire in November 2024. The Board of Directors for the agency was told by Darnall back in November of 2022 of her retirement plan to allow the board plenty of time to find her successor.

“It has been my honor to serve in various roles with FCP since 1994. I am eternally grateful to my predecessors, who were patient and supportive role models as I learned what leadership is truly about,” Darnall said in an email to her staff after their team meeting, where Darnall announced her upcoming retirement.

Darnall began working at what was then called Family Place in 1994 as a program director and in 2001, she became the agency’s executive director. At a meeting with the CEO of Family & Children First Dan Fox, the two discussed the possibility of their organizations merging. In 2008, the two leaders created what is now known as Family & Children’s Place.

In 2016, Darnall was named an Enterprising Woman Making a Difference honoree. In 2021, she was listed as one of Business First’s Most Admired CEOs.

Celebrating their 140th anniversary in the community, Family & Children’s Place protects and heals family and children from child abuse and neglect. Their five programs (HANDS, Greater Louisville Head Start, Counseling, Child Advocacy Center, and School-Based Services) help establish healthy and safe environments for children and their families. Since 1994, Darnall has played a huge role in making the organization the staple it is in the community.

“For nearly 30 years, Pam has been a steadfast force at Family & Children’s Place, and she leaves big shoes to fill. We are grateful for her longtime dedication to the families and children who turn to Family & Children’s Place for the support and care they desperately need,” Family & Children’s Place Board of Directors Chair Richard Garner said in the same email sent to the staff following their team meeting.

The Board of Directors has formed a search committee and are working with Ashley|Rountree and Associates, a local firm specializing in nonprofit growth and sustainability, to determine the skills and abilities they are looking for in their next leader and identify high quality candidates.

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For more than 140 years, Family & Children’s Place has been a critical presence in Louisville, helping our most vulnerable citizens — children, that have experience physical and sexual abuse and neglect. We believe that every child deserves a happy, healthy childhood free from abuse and that every family should have the tools and resources to maintain self-sufficiency.

Our mission: We protect and heal children and families.

Music Legend Static Major exhibit opens at Roots 101 during Kentucky Derby weekend

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(Louisville, KY) On Monday, May 8th, Roots 101 welcomes the long awaited tribute to the ‘King of Kentucky” the late Stephen “Static Major” Garrett.  The exhibit will take you through the legendary music career of the musical genius.  The Louisville, Kentucky native was a singer, songwriter, and record producer.  Born on November 11, 1974, and died on February 23, 2008.  He was a member of the R&B trio Playa that went on to have hits like “Cheers 2 U” and  “Don’t Stop the Music”.  This is their 25th anniversary of the group’s formation. 

Static Major has produced with some of the biggest artists in R&B and Hip-Hop from Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Nicole Wray, Pretty Ricky to Lil Wayne.  Proceeding Garrett’s death, in 2018, hip-hop superstar Drake featured Garrett in his hit song “After Dark”.  Then in 2020, Louisville native Jack Harlow hit. “Luv Is Dro”, which was a song of Garrett reworked by Harlow. 

Prior to the public exhibit opening, which will be in Roots 101 from May 8th thru July 8th.  (With a possibility of a longer run).  There will be a private event on Sunday, May 7th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  The Music Is Like Breathing Brunch will give family, friends, and special guests an opportunity to get the first look at the exhibit and share special stories of the talented Kentucky native who was ahead of his time. 

Avonti Garrett, the widow and mother of his two children remembers not only the artist but the family man.  “Stephen Ellis Garrett aka Static Major was a special one-of-a-kind person.  He not only was a talented singer, songwriter, and producer, he was a good husband, father, son, and friend.  He was a family man who was generous to all.  Static had a way of leaving a memorable impression with everyone he encountered.  The love that he generously displayed made all of us feel special to him.  His timeless music still has a great influence over the music industry.  Static Major is and will forever be a true legend.  The Goat!!! By age 33.  His family, friends, and I appreciate the love and we are truly grateful for the honoring of his legacy.  He is greatly missed by all. “

Lamont Collins, Founder of Roots 101 shares his excitement about having the exhibit at his museum.  He says, “It’s so important to document and preserve our history.  Stephen “Static Major” Garrett played and still plays a vital role in the entertainment industry.  This was a long time in the making, this should have happened a long time ago. We are happy that Roots 101 in Garrett’s hometown was able to make it happen.  We invite you to come see the temporary exhibit.  We hope it will have a permanent home someday, but it is an honor to be the first to display his life and superstar career.  Legacies matter and Roots 101 continues to chronicle history of African Americans in our community and the outstanding contributions made not only to Kentucky but the world.” 

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Media Contact:

VIPP Communications is a full-service public relation, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand.  Our clientele ranges from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes.  Contact one of our team members to see how we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com.  www.vippcommunications.com

Slutty Vegan will hold a pop-up in Louisville at The Palm Room later today

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Official News Release

April 8, 2023

(Louisville, KY) Slutty Vegan, known as one of the top vegan restaurants in U.S. hits the road for a pop-up and Louisville is their next destination.

This Saturday, April 8th from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the parking lot of The Palm Room located at 1821 W. Jefferson Street in Louisville, KY you will see the Slutty Vegan Food Truck. If you follow them on social, you know that lines will form to savor the plant-based food alternatives especially their signature burgers that the Slutty Vegan team will put together right here in West Louisville.

The Palm Room owner Donnie Adkins says, “Louisville has been wanting this opportunity and I’m so proud that our team was able to get this scheduled.  Entrepreneurs helping one another is how we survive. Helping Black-owned businesses is vital for growth.  Everyone can’t travel to Atlanta, so we are bringing Atlanta to Louisville.  Every city they have travelled to has had people standing in long lines just to try the food.  We are going to make this an event, an experience. I hope you come out and support. We are planning events throughout the year so stay tuned.”

Along with the Slutty Vegan Food Truck, The Palm Room will provide music with a DJ, our guest Slutty Vegan will also sell merchandise and The Palm Room will be open for guests to purchase drinks and take a tour of the live music restaurant and bar.

Again, they are expecting a large turnout and we would love for you to cover our event. We are introducing the residents to healthy alternatives to things they eat every day.

To learn more about Joe’s Palm Room and Slutty Vegan we have attached their websites.  https://www.joespalmroomlounge.com & http://sluttyveganatl.com/

If you get calls that there’s a large crowd on Jefferson Street on Saturday. Follow the people heading to The Palm Room and look for the yellow food truck. 

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About Slutty Vegan:

Founded by CEO and visionary Pinky Cole, Slutty Vegan is an Atlanta-based, nationally acclaimed burger joint offering bangin’ 100% vegan comfort food. Slutty Vegan’s crave-worthy, indulgent menus and joyful customer interactions draw locals and visitors to eagerly wait in now-famous lines down the block for a vegan burger, with sluttified fans including celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Jermaine Dupri, Taraji P. Henson, Tyler Perry, and Queen Latifah. Slutty Vegan has ten existing brick-and-mortar locations, including metro-Atlanta stores in the Edgewood, Jonesboro, Duluth and West View neighborhoods, on-campus at Georgia Tech, and inside Truist Park, plus outposts in Athens, Georgia, Birmingham, AL and Harlem and Brooklyn, New York. In addition, the brand’s “Big Ol’ Slut” food truck tours the country popping up in neighborhoods across the region.

VIPP Communications is a full-service public relation, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand.  Our clientele ranges from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes.  Contact one of our team members to see how we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com.  www.vippcommunications.com

Child Abuse Prevention Month brings awareness to the community about abuse and/or neglect

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April is Child Abuse Prevention Month; it gives Family & Children’s Place an opportunity to bring awareness to a very serious problem in which Kentucky and Indiana both face. 

Kentucky ranks 6th and in Indiana they rank 11th when it comes to child abuse and/or neglect. 

Pam Darnall, President/CEO for Family & Children’s Place is available for interviews to discuss the latest Child Fatality & Near Fatality Report, services provided by the organization and how the community can identify signs of child abuse and neglect. 

Darnall can also share information on our upcoming event, Champions for Children Breakfast.  It will take place on Thursday, April 20th at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage at 8:00 am. 

To setup an interview, contact VIPP Communications at 502-341-7306 or by emailing us at info@vippcommunications.com.  We would be happy to arrange your request. 

To learn more about Family & Children’s Place by visiting their website www.familyandchildrensplace.org.  You can also follow on our social media platforms @famchilplace. 

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 For more than 140 years, Family & Children’s Place has been a critical presence in Louisville, helping our most vulnerable citizens — children, that have experience physical and sexual abuse and neglect. We believe that every child deserves a happy, healthy childhood free from abuse and that every family should have the tools and resources to maintain self-sufficiency.

 Our Mission: We protect and heal children and families.

Reckoning Inc. and the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage partner to host a workshop on how to use Catholic church records to find enslaved ancestors

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(Louisville, KY) Reckoning Inc. will present Using Catholic Church Records to Find Ancestors on Saturday, April 8 at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, located at 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This workshop will focus on how to use an online database of Catholic baptismal records recently created by local non-profit organization Reckoning, Inc. to find enslaved ancestors. This workshop will be conducted by Reckoning, Inc. Research Director Abby Posey. The workshop is free and open to the public.

To date, Reckoning, Inc. has digitized the records for over 2,100 enslaved children who were baptized at ten Louisville-area Catholic churches in three counties: Jefferson, Nelson, and Marion. This includes the Cathedral of the Assumption in Louisville and the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral in Bardstown. These records have been placed in a database that can be searched, both by children’s and enslaver’s names, and browsed by church and by county. It can be found at www.reckoningradio.org/enslaved-church-records-database. This is an ongoing project that, if funding permits, will eventually expand to include records from Catholic and Protestant churches across Kentucky.

For more information about the workshop, visit www.kcaah.org/events. To learn more about Reckoning, Inc., visit www.reckoninginc.org. If you would like to setup an interview with Reckoning, Inc. Research Director Abby Posey, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications,.com or call 502-341-7306. 

Reckoning, Inc. receives funding from the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, Gheens Foundation, Community Foundation of Louisville, LG&E and KU Foundation, David A. Jones, Jr., and Mary Gwen Wheeler, Hardscuffle Inc., Metro United Way, National Endowment for the Humanities, American Historical Association, and the Owsley Brown III Philanthropic Foundation.

Family & Children’s Place will hold a Rally to End Child Abuse

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Immediate Release 

Updated: March 28, 2023

Family & Children’s Place will hold a Rally to End Child Abuse on Thursday, March 30th at 10:00 a.m. in the parking lot of our headquarters located at 525 Zane Street.

April is the designated start of Child Abuse Prevention Month but anyone who works and/or advocates for children understand it’s a 365 24/7 obligation. 

In 2022, the Child Fatality & Near Fatality Report says that 67% of all cases reviewed involved a child four years of age or younger. 

The report also says that one in seven Kentucky high school students reported having seriously considered suicide within a 12-month period.  One in five of Kentucky middle school students reported having seriously considered suicide at some point in their lives.

Pam Darnall, CEO of Family & Children’s Place says, “As you can see in the report, it affects all ages.  There’s not one targeted group that we need to focus on.  We need to help every child so that they do not become a statistic. We can do better. We must do better.”

Child Abuse Prevention Month brings awareness to those in the community unaware of how serious the problem is in Kentuckiana. According to the latest national report of Child Maltreatment, Kentucky has dropped in the ranking from fifth, to sixth in the rate of child abuse/neglect.  Indiana remains at #11 with their rate of child abuse/neglect. 

The following have confirmed their participation as speakers for the March 30th rally:

  • Pam Darnall, President/CEO, Family & Children’s Place
  • Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman
  • Vic Maddox, Deputy Attorney General
  • Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg
  • KY State Senator Julie Raque Adams
  • Roz Welch from the office of Keturah Herron, State Representative
  • Eric Friedlander, KY DCBS Secretary
  • Jeremy Mull, Clark County Prosecuting Attorney
  • Barry Dunn, Kosair Charities
  • Dr. Terry Brooks, KYA

We will also acknowledge a group of individuals who have supported our organization over the years.  The following have confirmed their attendance for the rally:

  • Tom Wine, Commonwealth Attorney
  • Mike O’Connell, County Attorney
  • Caroline Ruschell, KY CAC Executive Director
  • Emily Bonistall, Marsy’s Law
  • Barbara Sexton Smith, Louisville Deputy Mayor
  • Nicole George, Deputy Mayor of Public Health and Services
  • David James, Deputy Mayor of Emergency Services
  • Dana Mayton, Deputy Mayor of Operations and Budget 
  • Phillip Baker, City Councilman District 6

We hope you will cover our rally.  As you can see by our prestigious list of attendees, we have a lot of support and would like to have your cover our event to further educate your viewers about the staggering statistics in this community and things they can do to help stop child abuse. 

If you have any questions and/or would like to setup an interview, please contact us by calling 502-341-7306 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com. 

To learn more about Family & Children’s Place visit our site at www.familyandchildrensplace.org. 

WHO:                   Family & Children’s Place

WHAT:                 Rally kicking off Child Abuse Prevention Month

WHEN:                 Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. (In-person)

WHERE:               Family & Children’s Place, 525 Zane St, Louisville, KY 40203

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For more than 140 years, Family & Children’s Place has been a critical presence in Louisville, helping our most vulnerable citizens — children, that have experience physical and sexual abuse and neglect. We believe that every child deserves a happy, healthy childhood free from abuse and that every family should have the tools and resources to maintain self-sufficiency.

Our Mission: We protect and heal children and families.

Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards Ceremony Returns Post Pandemic

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The in-person ceremony will celebrate those who assist to make the equable for people with disabilities

(Louisville, KY) The Metro Disability Coalition cordially invites you to attend their 21st Annual Breaking Barriers Spotlight Awards on Friday, March 31st from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at the Rudd Heart & Lung Center located at 201 Abraham Flexner Way.

There will be a reception prior to the ceremony for special guests, honorees and those participating in the program. We will also honor our 2020 recipients. Due to the pandemic, we were unable to celebrate them previously. 

This year’s guest speaker is April Bridgeman Morrow.  Currently, she is a substitute teacher for Jefferson County Public Schools as she completes her doctorate degree in K-12 leadership.  The former ‘Outstanding Teacher of the Year’ by the East Chicago, Indiana Public School District. Morrow is a graduate of Valparaiso University. Her career spans over 30 years in education. She even founded a private Christian school with grades K though 6th in Merrillville, Indiana that quickly grew to 12th grade.  As a music teacher, Morrow’s students have performed all over the U.S. from contests in the Midwest to Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida.   

The awards ceremony is for the community’s unsung heroes and community leaders in their various fields from service workers, educators to youth who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist those in need. We are excited to announce this year’s honorees several of which are from Jefferson County Public Schools, (JCPS).    

Here is a list of this year’s Breaking Barriers Spotlight Award honorees:

 Leslie Jones

Lifetime Achievement Award

Theo Hamilton

Merit Award

Mary Payton

George McEwing

Teri Kiper

Cathy Spalding

Joann Orr

Certificate of Merit

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity

Community Honoree

Breaking Barriers Spotlight Student & Teacher Awards recipients: 

Students

Jayden Hernandez Mendoza

Hazelwood Elementary

De’Von Jones

Kammerer Middle School

Michael Washington-Cox

Waggener High School

Teachers

Deedra Njuguna

Special Education Teacher

Binet School (Elementary)

Julie Fox

MSD Teacher

Lassiter Middle School

Tara Conner

MSD Teacher

Doss High School

Please post announce and/or post our event on your media platforms. If you would like to setup an interview, please contact VIPP Communications at booking@vippcommunications.com.

Family & Children’s Place will hold a rally to kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month

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Official News Release

Family & Children’s Place will hold an in-person rally on Thursday, March 30th at 10:00 a.m. in the parking lot of our headquarters located at 525 Zane Street.

April is the designated start of Child Abuse Prevention Month but anyone who works and/or advocates for children understand it’s a 365 24/7 obligation.  Educating children on their right for being safe in hopes of strengthen families across Kentucky and Southern Indiana.    The month also brings awareness to those in the community unaware of how serious the problem is in Kentuckiana.

According to the latest national report of Child Maltreatment, Kentucky has dropped in the ranking from fifth, to sixth in the rate of child abuse/neglect. That’s 14.7 victims per 1,000 children. Indiana remains at #11 with their rate of child abuse/neglect at 13.6 victims per 1,000 children.

In response to those startling statistics and to bring awareness, Family & Children’s Place will have dignitaries, community leaders and advocates talking about child abuse, violence, exploitation, neglect, prevention, intervention, and restoration efforts for children and families.

The following have confirmed their participation as speakers for the March 30th rally:

  • Pam Darnall, President/CEO, Family & Children’s Place
  • Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman
  • Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg
  • KY State Senator Julie Raque Adams
  • Keturah Herron, State Representative
  • Eric Friedlander, KY DCBS Secretary
  • Barry Dunn, Kosair Charities
  • Dr. Terry Brooks, KYA

We have additional invited guests.  As they confirm their participation, we will update our release and social media platforms. 

We will also acknowledge a group of individuals who have supported our organization over the years.  The following have confirmed their attendance for the rally:

  • Louisville Deputy Mayor David James
  • Tom Wine, Commonwealth Attorney
  • Mike O’Connell, County Attorney
  • Jeremy Mull, Clark County Prosecuting Attorney
  • Caroline Ruschell, KY CAC Executive Director
  • Emily Bonistall, Marsy’s Law
  • Nicole George, Deputy Mayor
  • Dana Mayton, Deputy Mayor
  • Phillip Baker, City Councilman District 6

Please announce and/or post our event.  If you have any questions and/or would like to setup an interview, please contact us by calling 502-341-7306 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com. 

To learn more about Family & Children’s Place visit our site at www.familyandchildrensplace.org. 

WHO:                   Family & Children’s Place

WHAT:                 Rally kicking off Child Abuse Prevention Month

WHEN:                 Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. (In-person)

WHERE:               Family & Children’s Place, 525 Zane St, Louisville, KY 40203

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For more than 140 years, Family & Children’s Place has been a critical presence in Louisville, helping our most vulnerable citizens — children, that have experience physical and sexual abuse and neglect. We believe that every child deserves a happy, healthy childhood free from abuse and that every family should have the tools and resources to maintain self-sufficiency.

Reckoning Inc. and the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage partner to host a workshop to help people find their ancestors who were enslaved in the state of Kentucky  

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Official news release

(Louisville, KY) Reckoning Inc. will present Finding Enslaved Kentucky Ancestors workshop on Saturday, March 11th at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, located at 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This workshop will focus on how someone can locate an enslaved Kentucky descendant by using free online resources created by Reckoning, Inc. The workshop will be conducted by Denyce Peyton, a professional genealogist with over 25 years of experience who is currently project director for Reckoning, Inc.’s Kentucky U.S. Colored Troops Project. The workshop is free and open to the public.

For more information about the workshop, visit www.kcaah.org/events. For more information about Reckoning, Inc., visit www.reckoninginc.org

If you would like to setup an interview with African American genealogist Denyce Peyton and/or schedule your church or organization for the free workshop, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications,.com or call 502-341-7306. 

Reckoning, Inc. is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to examine the legacy of slavery in America, and to create ways for communities to engage with this information through research projects, media productions, educational curricula, online content, and other means.

Reckoning, Inc. receives funding from the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, Gheens Foundation, Community Foundation of Louisville, LG&E and KU Foundation, David A. Jones, Jr., and Mary Gwen Wheeler, Hardscuffle Inc., Metro United Way, National Endowment for the Humanities, American Historical Association, and the Owsley Brown III Philanthropic Foundation.

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Reckoning Inc. will present an African American Genealogy Workshop during Black History Month to help citizens trace their family tree

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(Louisville, KY) Reckoning Inc. will present an Introduction to African American Genealogy workshop on Saturday, February 25h at the St. Stephen Family Life Center, located at 1508 W. Kentucky Street in the Multi-Purpose Room #1 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

This workshop is intended for anyone seeking to begin the process of building a family tree—no previous genealogical experience is required. Just come with any information you possess about all known elders in your family. It will be conducted by Denyce Peyton, a professional genealogist with over 25 years of experience who is currently project director for Reckoning, Inc.’s Kentucky U.S. Colored Troops Project. The workshop is free and open to the public.

For more information about Reckoning, Inc., visit www.reckoninginc.org

If you would like to setup an interview with African American genealogist Denyce Peyton, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications,.com or call 502-341-7306. 

Reckoning, Inc. is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to examine the legacy of slavery in America, and to create ways for communities to engage with this information through research projects, media productions, educational curricula, online content, and other means.

Reckoning, Inc. receives funding from the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, Gheens Foundation, Community Foundation of Louisville, LG&E and KU Foundation, David A. Jones, Jr., and Mary Gwen Wheeler, Hardscuffle Inc., Metro United Way, National Endowment for the Humanities, American Historical Association, and the Owsley Brown III Philanthropic Foundation.

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Family & Children’s Place announce Champions for Children Breakfast

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Official announcement

WHO:             Family & Children’s Place

WHEN:            Thursday, April 20, 2023

WHAT:             Hosting Champions for Children Breakfast

                         7:30 a.m. Networking

                         8:00 a.m. Program

WHERE:          Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd.

WHY:               Benefitting Family & Children’s Place program

To register, go to www.familyandchildrensplace.org/championsforchildren/. 

We would like to thank HealthTrackRX for being this year’s presenting sponsor. 

If you would like to be a sponsor, contact Kristen Millwood, Director of Development at 502-

855-6154.

Please announce and/or post our event.  If you have any questions and/or would like to setup an

interview, please contact us by calling 502-341-7306 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com. 

To learn more about Family & Children’s Place visit our site at www.familyandchildrensplace.org. 

Reckoning Inc. will present an African American Genealogy Workshop during Black History Month to help citizens trace their family tree

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(Louisville, KY) Reckoning Inc. will present an Introduction to African American Genealogy workshop on Saturday, February 11th at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, located at 1701 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This workshop is intended for anyone seeking to begin the process of building a family tree—no previous genealogical experience is required. Just come with any information you possess about all known elders in your family. It will be conducted by Denyce Peyton, a professional genealogist with over 25 years of experience who is currently project director for Reckoning, Inc.’s Kentucky U.S. Colored Troops Project. The workshop is free and open to the public.

For more information about the workshop, visit www.kcaah.org/events. For more information about Reckoning, Inc., visit www.reckoninginc.org

If you would like to setup an interview with African American genealogist Denyce Peyton, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications,.com or call 502-341-7306. 

Reckoning, Inc. is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to examine the legacy of slavery in America, and to create ways for communities to engage with this information through research projects, media productions, educational curricula, online content, and other means.

Reckoning, Inc. receives funding from the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, Gheens Foundation, Community Foundation of Louisville, LG&E and KU Foundation, David A. Jones, Jr., and Mary Gwen Wheeler, Hardscuffle Inc., Metro United Way, National Endowment for the Humanities, American Historical Association, and the Owsley Brown III Philanthropic Foundation.

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Reckoning, Inc. to participate in Frazier History Museum event, Help Me Find My People

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(Louisville, KY) On Wednesday, February 8th, Louisville-based non-profit organization Reckoning Inc. will participate in an event at the Frazier History Museum entitled Help Me Find My People: How Archival Documents Can Connect African Americans to Enslaved Ancestors.  The event will be held from 6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m at the Frazier History Museum, 829 W. Main Street.

For African Americans researching their ancestry, it is a huge challenge to find information about ancestors who lived prior to 1870, the first year that formerly-enslaved Black people appeared by name in the U.S. Census. At the Frazier Museum event, Reckoning, Inc. will discuss a huge breakthrough that is unlocking information and helping Black families to find their enslaved ancestors, thanks to a new collaboration between Nelson County historian Charles Lemons and Reckoning, Inc.  Lemons is the former curator of the Patton Museum at Ft. Knox.

For the past 12 years, Lemons has traveled across the state visiting county courthouses and other archives seeking the names and family relationships of Black people who were enslaved in Kentucky. In 2022, Reckoning, Inc. learned of Lemons’ activities and approached him about publishing his work online and collaborating on future research, built upon Reckoning’s previous research into Kentucky’s Black Civil War soldiers. Thanks to a grant from the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, Reckoning, Inc. has begun the process of publishing his research on its website, reckoninginc.org, and using it to further its mission to explore the lives of Kentucky’s enslaved people and their descendants.

At this event, Charles Lemons, along with staff and volunteers of Reckoning Inc., will discuss the research they have done so far and how it will help African Americans to break through the “brick wall” of 1870 and learn the identities of their enslaved ancestors. 

Dan Gediman, Executive Director of Reckoning Inc. says “We have worked for the last several years working to connect the dots.  We are now ready to introduce to the public what we have been able to find.  It gives African Americans, particularly those here in Kentucky, a way to connect back to their loved ones. We invite you to come out, learn, and ask questions in hopes of your family being able to connect the dots.”

Rachel Platt, Director of Community Engagement says “We are thrilled to partner with Reckoning, Inc. on this program, and highlight this ongoing research.  It’s information that can be life-changing for thousands of families by opening doors about their ancestry.  It dovetails perfectly into our programming entitled, Bridging the Divide.”

The panel of guests include:

Dan Gediman, Executive Director, Reckoning, Inc.

Abby Posey, Research Director, Reckoning, Inc.

Jackie Burrell, Volunteer Genealogical Researcher, Reckoning, Inc.

Charles Lemons, Military Historian

To register for the program, go to https://www.fraziermuseum.org/calendar/help-me-find-my-people

To learn more about Reckoning Inc go to www.reckoninginc.org. 

If you would like to setup an interview and/or cover the event contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications,.com or call 502-341-7306. 

Reckoning, Inc. is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to examine the legacy of slavery in America, and to create ways for communities to engage with this information through research projects, media productions, educational curricula, online content, and other means.

Reckoning, Inc. receives funding from the Kentucky African American Heritage Commission, Gheens Foundation, Community Foundation of Louisville, LG&E and KU Foundation, David A. Jones, Jr., and Mary Gwen Wheeler, Hardscuffle Inc., Metro United Way, National Endowment for the Humanities, American Historical Association, and the Owsley Brown III Philanthropic Foundation.

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Statement: Former UofL & NFL star Jamon Brown talks about the hiring of Jeff Brohm:

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December 8, 2022

“I feel the University is sending a strong statement to the city!  That it feels what the community feels, what the university feels!  This says the University will satisfy the needs to put the program in the best position to be the best in the country!

Jeff’s a hire I think that everyone can appreciate and respect! And he has the done a lot of great things in his time as a coach! Just look at what he has done for Purdue!

Now it’s time to get behind him, support his culture! To Jeff, welcome back make the city, the university, our alma mater proud! Go Cards!”

Jamon Brown

Statement from Nikki R. Lanier, DEI executive on the announcement of the University of Louisville’s new president

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December 1, 2022

Releasing a statement regarding the University of Louisville’s new president announcement:

“Given Dr. Schatzel’s demonstrative commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion both as a matter of her leadership practices in higher education governance, and in her personal life, this is a wildly consequential appointment for the University. Dr. Bendapudi, prior to her exit, declared profoundly, (albeit aspirationally), that the University of Louisville will become an anti-racist institution. Seemingly Dr. Schatzel’s possesses the panache, experience, fortitude, and desire to make that declaration a reality. Louisville, a segregated city, still languishing in the aftermath of very public and blatant scars regarding our own race-based struggles, needs the University of Louisville to illustrate and inspire a greater region-wide commitment to advancing racial equity. Given our town and gown relationship, their modeling and leading in this crucial area will be important.”

Nikki R. Lanier

CEO

Harper Slade Racial Equity Advisory

If you would like to setup an interview with Lanier, please contact VIPP Communications at 502-341-7306 or by email at info@vippcommunications.com. 

To learn more about Nikki R. Lanier and Harper Slade here’s a link to their website, www.harperslade.com

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Reckoning Inc. and Roots 101 collaborate to honor Kentucky’s Black Civil War soldiers

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(Louisville, KY) Reckoning Inc. is partnering with the Roots 101 African American Museum for a photographic exhibit entitled We Fought for Our Freedom: Kentucky’s African American Civil War Soldiers. It will open with a press conference at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 10 and will remain at the Roots 101 museum through the end of 2022.

The photos in the exhibit are all of soldiers who served in the Union Army’s 108th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment, which
was mustered in Louisville in June 1864. The regiment consisted predominantly of formerly enslaved men from Kentucky
and served with distinction guarding Confederate prisoners of war at the Rock Island military prison in Illinois.

For Black men in Kentucky, enlisting in the Union Army was a difficult and often dangerous proposition. Kentucky was
the last state in the Union to allow Black men to join the Army, whether enslaved or free. And even after it became legal
in the summer of 1864, it was still a deeply unpopular policy among many white Kentuckians, with some using deadly
force to keep enslaved men from enlisting. It was also treacherous for enslaved men to travel through the state to
enlistment sites, as they could be caught by “slave catchers” who were paid bounties to return enslaved people to their
enslavers.

And yet, nearly 24,000 Black men from Kentucky braved these challenges and joined the Union Army, with over 44% of
eligible Black men enlisting, the highest percentage of any state. This represented roughly 13% of the 186,000 U.S.
Colored Troops who served in the Civil War, and one-quarter of all the soldiers who served in the Union Army from
Kentucky.

For More Information
To explore the research Reckoning, Inc. has done into the lives of the Kentucky’s Black Civil War soldiers, including
archival documents and detailed family trees, please visit their project website at KYUSCT.org.

Reckoning, Inc. is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to examine the legacy of slavery in America, and to
create ways for communities to engage with this information through research projects, media productions, educational
curricula, online content, and other means.

The Kentucky U.S. Colored Troops Project is made possible by grants from the Gheens Foundation, J. Graham Brown
Foundation, Humana Foundation, Community Foundation of Louisville, Brown-Forman, LG&E and KU Foundation, David
A. Jones, Jr. and Mary Gwen Wheeler, Hardscuffle, Inc., Sociable Weaver Foundation, Snowy Owl Foundation, Kentucky
Humanities, Kentucky Arts Council, Brooke Brown Barzun and Matthew Barzun, American Historical Association, and the
Owsley Brown III Philanthropic Foundation.

We’ve attached our media kit for your review.  Also, attached are photos from the exhibit.  Plus, a google drive link is provided for additional photos. 

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NMn-cX7BOFOeR1RFhpJf8lJ578EfDNqw?usp=share_link

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Contact: VIPP Communications
info at vippcommunications dot com

VIPP Communications is a full service public relations, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand.  Our clientele range from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes.  Contact one of our team members to see how we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com.  www.vippcommunications.com

News conference announcement: Reckoning Inc. and Roots 101 will hold a news conference to announce a new exhibit just before Veterans Day

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Media Advisory

(Louisville, KY) Reckoning Inc. and Roots 101 African American Museum will hold a news conference to announce a photographic exhibit entitled We Fought for Our Freedom: Kentucky’s African American Civil War Soldiers.

WHAT: We will officially open the photographic exhibit, which will remain at the museum through December 31, 2022. We will also explain that the soldiers featured in the exhibit were all enslaved men from Kentucky who joined the Union Army’s 108th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment, which was founded in Louisville. The regiment was assigned to a military prison in Rock Island, IL, guarding Confederate prisoners.

WHEN: Thursday, November 10th at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Roots 101 African American Museum, located at 124 N. 1st Street, Louisville, KY 40202

WHO:

  • Dan Gediman, Executive Director, Reckoning, Inc.
  • Denyce Peyton, Kentucky U.S. Colored Troops Project Director, Reckoning, Inc.
  • Lamont Collins, Founder/CEO, Roots 101 African American Museum
  • Descendants of Harrison Mudd, a member of the 123trd U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment, also founded in Louisville.

VISUALS: We will have a power point during the program, and you will have an opportunity to tour the exhibit

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit our website reckoninginc.org

Reckoning, Inc. is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to examine the legacy of slavery in America, and to create ways for communities to engage with this information through research projects, media productions, educational curricula, online content, and other means.

The Kentucky U.S. Colored Troops Project is made possible by grants from the Gheens Foundation, J. Graham Brown Foundation, Humana Foundation, Community Foundation of Louisville, Brown-Forman, LG&E and KU Foundation, David A. Jones, Jr. and Mary Gwen Wheeler, Hardscuffle, Inc., Sociable Weaver Foundation, Snowy Owl Foundation, Kentucky Humanities, Kentucky Arts Council, Brooke Brown Barzun and Matthew Barzun, American Historical Association, and the Owsley Brown III Philanthropic Foundation.

West Louisville Performing Arts Academy celebrate 33 years of helping youth through arts

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WLPAA will be in concert and honor community leaders

(Louisville, KY) The West Louisville Performing Arts Academy (WLPAA) will host its 33rd Hope Awards Dinner Concert at6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 12th at the Galt House Hotel, 140 North Fourth Street in the Grand Ballroom.

This year’s McDaniel Bluitt Hope Award recipient and keynote speaker will be Dr. Teresa Reed, Dean for the School of Music at the University of Louisville.

Additional awards will be presented during the program to recognizes community leaders who support WLPAA.

McDaniel Bluitt, Executive Director says “We are really excited to be in-person this year. It is so important to keep our youth motivated. This awards dinner gives them a chance to highlight their talent in front of a room full of people who are there to support them. We were one of very few organizations that were able to keep our youth engaged during the pandemic with the generous support of sponsors as we continued to meet and help our youth during such a challenging time. We cannot wait to dress up and have them share what they have been working on for the last two years. We hope you come out and support us” 

Tickets are $100.00 for adults and $50.00 for students. Tickets are available on Eventbrite and/or by contacting WLPAA by email at wlbc_wlgc@yahoo.com.

We would like to thank our supporters over the 33 years and this year’s donors; LG&E, PNC Bank, Gheen’s Foundation, Direct Relief, and the Fund for the Arts.

To arrange an interview with McDaniel Bluitt, founder of the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy, contact: info@vippcommunications.com or http://www.westlouisvilleperformjngarts.org.

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History

West Louisville Boys Choir began in November 1990. The choir is directed by McDaniel Bluitt, a retired vocal music teacher with twenty-nine (29) years of experience. He received his B. M. ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music and a Masters in Counseling from Western Kentucky University. The Boys Choir has performed throughout the commonwealth, for mayors, governors’ other national dignitaries. The Boys Choir’s first European Tour established international prominence in Paris, France and London, England. They received a superior rating during their first international music competition in the Bahamas. They were also awarded first place in the Music Festival at Sea.

The West Louisville Girls Choir made its debut in November 2002. The choir is directed by Mrs. Mamie Bluitt who received her B.M.ED. from the University of Louisville School of Music. The Girls Choir is also a performing choir. Some of its more notable performances are Governor Patton’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Frankfort, Kentucky, ECHO, Women for Women Conference and at Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Their first Southwestern Tour to Texas was held in 2010.

News Conference Announcement: Reckoning Inc. and Roots 101 will announce a new exhibit remembering some of Kentucky’s Black soldiers prior to Veterans Day

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(Louisville, KY) Reckoning Inc. and Roots 101 African American Museum will hold a news conference to announce a photographic exhibit entitled We Fought for Our Freedom: Kentucky’s African American Civil War Soldiers.

WHAT: We will officially open the photographic exhibit, which will remain at the museum through December 31, 2022. We will also explain that the soldiers featured in the exhibit were all enslaved men from Kentucky who joined the Union Army’s 108th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment, which was founded in Louisville. The regiment was assigned to a military prison in Rock Island, IL, guarding Confederate prisoners.

WHEN: Thursday, November 10th at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Roots 101 African American Museum, located at 124 N. 1st Street, Louisville, KY 40202

WHO:

  • Dan Gediman, Executive Director, Reckoning, Inc.
  • Denyce Peyton, Kentucky U.S. Colored Troops Project Director, Reckoning, Inc.
  • Lamont Collins, Executive Director, Roots 101 African American Museum
  • Descendants of Charles Mudd, a member of the 108th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment (he is one of five brothers who all served in the Union Army)

VISUALS: We will have a power point during the program, and you will have an opportunity to tour the exhibit

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit our website reckoninginc.org

Reckoning, Inc. is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to examine the legacy of slavery in America, and to create ways for communities to engage with this information through research projects, media productions, educational curricula, online content, and other means.

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Kentucky native is racking up awards at film festivals across the country

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Ericka Nicole Malone

ERICKA NICOLE MALONE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES HULU DEAL

Official Release

(Los Angeles, California) Louisville, native, former Western Kentucky University, (WKU) student, Ericka Nicole Malone of Ericka Nicole Malone Entertainment, LLC, is available for interviews. The Youth Performing Arts School, (YPAS), graduate of Manual High, a JCPS school is a successful writer, director, and executive producer. He latest award-winning project is “Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story” starring Ledisi, Columbus Short, Janet Hubert, Keith David, Wendy Raquel Robinson, and Keith Robinson.

Malone says “I am so excited about this latest project; we took this film to various film festivals receiving so much attention. I am so excited to announce that this project you can now see the film on Hulu. This is a major deal for film and my production company. I am so proud of my Kentucky roots and every opportunity I get I acknowledge my home state.”

ERICKA NICOLE MALONE ENTERTAINMENT is a production company focused on the development, production/co-production and distribution of film, television, and animated projects nationwide. 

To setup an interview via phone and/or zoom, contact Sherlene Shanklin at VIPP Communications at sshanklin@vippcommunications.com or by calling 502.341-7306.

To read learn more on the Ericka Nicole Malone Entertainment go to www.erickanicolemalone.com.

To see the official trailer https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=remember+me+the+mahalia+jackson+story&docid=608026812518581063&mid=FE5AFC0CF9B3F0B12F5EFE5AFC0CF9B3F0B12F5E&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

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VIPP Communications is a full-service, public relations, event management and production firm headquartered in Louisville, KY with clients and/or projects all over the U.S. We can create, maintain and sustain your brand.  Our clientele ranges from small businesses, non-profits, corporate leaders, entertainment to current and retired professional athletes.  Contact one of our team members to see how we can assist you at info at vippcommunications dot com.  www.vippcommunications.com

TheVIPPReport: Miss Black Kentucky USA announces this year’s participants

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WINNER WILL BE CROWNED IN LOUISVILLE IN OCTOBER

(Louisville, KY) Miss Black Kentucky USA and United Crown Productions announce this year’s participants.  Each young woman of color will get the opportunity to experience a pageant format, showcase their talent and earn scholarships to assist them with their educational endeavors. 

Here is a list of this year’s contestants in the Teen, Miss and Ms. categories:

Nia Franklin (Teen)- Louisville 

Bria Byrd (Teen) Elizabethtown 

Alyesse Coonrod (Miss) Lexington

Jada Outten (Miss) – Louisville

Jade Spaulding (Miss) – Louisville

Lanisha Porter (Miss) – Louisville

Sherae Brackens (Miss)- Louisville

Bianca Blakely (Miss) – Louisville

Arielle Thompson (Miss) – Louisville

Taylor Dudley (Ms)- Maysville 

Andrea Johnson (Ms) – Louisville

Mandy Lemond (Ms) – Lexington

Dominique Joy Thompson (Ms)- Louisville

Mashayla Hays (Ms) – Louisville

Shekinah Armstrong (Ms)- Louisville

The pageant will be held October 9th in Louisville, Kentucky at Memorial Auditorium.

Dr. Ashley Anderson, Executive Director of Miss Black Kentucky USA says, “We have a fantastic group of women.  I had the opportunity to meet with them in August, and this is going to be a great pageant but judges will have the tough duty of selecting the young woman to represent the state of Kentucky.  This group has set the bar high for our inaugural return.  I hope you will come out and support these women as they compete for the title but also scholarships to help further their dreams and aspirations.”

The birth of the Miss Black Kentucky USA franchise is one that will have an impact on young women of Kentucky for generations to come.  Beyond the scholarships that will be awarded in Miss, Ms., and Teen divisions, the life skills programming will be sure to elevate the minds and lives of all participants. It will groom leaders, shed light on issues of concern in the community, and meaningfully fund the educational pursuits of black women in Kentucky.  It is my intent that this program becomes the largest scholarship funding source for young women of color across Kentucky.

If you would like to be a sponsor and/or place an advertisement in the program, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.

To set up an interview with Dr. Anderson contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.

Stay tuned for additional information and announcements as it becomes available for the return of Miss Black Kentucky USA.    

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TheVIPPReport: Miss Black Kentucky USA adds a new category for women between the ages 28 to 35

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Entry deadline is extended to give potential participants a chance to sign up

United Crowns Productions announces the return of Miss Black Kentucky USA.  Giving young women of color an opportunity to experience a pageant format, showcase their talent and scholarship to assist them with their educational endeavors.  The pageant will be held October 7th-9th in Louisville, Kentucky in Memorial Auditorium.

Due to the overwhelming response we needed to extend the entry deadline to August 20th to help give perspective participants an opportunity to sign up.  Plus, we have added a new division.  It will cater to women between the ages of 28 to 35 years of age. 

Black women from all over the state of Kentucky will be in Louisville not only to compete for the crown but to learn about their heritage, meet and hear influential community leaders, network amongst fellow contestants and to win prize money that will help them further their education. United Crown Productions mission is to encourage all women to embrace their beauty and empower them with confidence and leadership skills.     

Dr. Ashley Anderson, Executive Director of Miss Black Kentucky USA is excited to announce its return, her past involvement while encouraging the community to embrace these young ladies as they pursue their dreams. “When I competed in the Miss Black USA scholarship pageant in 2010, I dreamed of one day starting a preliminary program in Kentucky.  The birth of the Miss Black Kentucky USA franchise is one that will have an impact on young women of Kentucky for generations to come.  Beyond the scholarships that will be awarded in both Miss and Teen divisions, the life skills programming will be sure to elevate the minds and lives of all participants. It will groom leaders, shed light on issues of concerns in the community, and meaningfully fund the educational pursuits of black women in Kentucky.  It is my intent that this program becomes the largest scholarship funding source for young women of color across Kentucky.  Additionally, creating a space for women of color to unapologetically celebrate their culture, beauty and identity is necessary and extremely important to me.” 

If you would like to be a contestant, Please go to www.unitedcrownproductions.com to check eligibility.

To be a sponsor and/or if you would like to setup an interview with Dr. Anderson contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com. 

Stay tuned for additional information and announcements as it becomes available for the return of Miss Black Kentucky USA.    

TheVIPPReport: A memorial book release to be held for late journalist and Louisville native Bruce Johnson

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Special Report by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11, ABC, Louisville

He had a career spanning 40 plus year in the broadcast industry.

Louisville native Bruce Johnson had quite the resume – 22 Emmy Awards and a recipient of the Edward R. Murrow award, one of the highest a journalist can achieve just a few of his many accolades.

Johnson was born in 1950 and attended Shawnee High School, later studying at Kentucky State University and Northern Kentucky University where he earned a degree in political science. He would go on to earn a master’s in public affairs from the University of Cincinnati.

One of his first summer jobs was at WLOU Radio. Johnson spent much of his journalism career at WUSA (formerly WTOP-TV) in Washington D.C.

Johnson would work 44 years as a reporter, working his way up the ladder to become an evening news anchor. He covered stories all over the world.

Johnson was also a writer and released three books. His current book, “Surviving Deep Waters: A Legendary Reporter’s Story of Overcoming Poverty, Race, Violence and his Mother’s Deepest Secret” was released back in February.

He was supposed to go on a tour to support the book’s release but died on April 3 at the age of 71.

To remember the life of Johnson, a memorial book release and reception will be held on Aug. 11 at the Muhammad Ali Center at 5:30 p.m.

Organizer and former classmate Janis Carter Miller said, “I was proud of my friend and classmate’s accomplishments. He was my classmate at Shawnee and KSU. He was elegant and eloquent! His character and his carriage were distinguished and sophisticated! Bruce’s tone of voice and articulation was eloquent. Facilitating a 45-year career in journalism. I was honored that he has entrusted the coordination of his book signing now since his untimely passing, to me and my goal is to pay special tribute to his accomplishments.”

Miller said Johnson was raised on Grand Avenue down the street from Muhammad Ali in the Chickasaw neighborhood.

I remember when Johnson returned to Louisville to cover Ali’s funeral in 2016. He helped WHAS11’s News team with coverage that week, bringing a personal angle to the coverage.

https://38907008b3ea5753962fdb5334a33db6.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html The memorial book release and reception is an opportunity for family and friends he grew up with, former classmates, members of his fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi and fellow journalists of the Louisville Black Association of Journalists a chance to gather and share memories.

The husband, father, grandfather, and journalist always recognized that he was from Louisville.  Raised by a single mother, he experienced hardships as a youth but overcoming many obstacles to become one of the most respected anchors in his field.

The event is open to the public.

https://www.whas11.com/article/news/local/memorial-book-release-bruce-johnson-journalist-wusa-louisville-muhammad-ali-center/417-d9933264-14a6-42f2-b36a-f5ca8aeea428

 ►Contact WHAS11’s Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@whas11.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

TheVIPPReport: Revive Counseling & Wellness Grand Opening

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(Louisville, KY) Minority businesswoman Gail Bibb is launching her private practice Mental health facility. Revive Counseling and Wellness invites you to the Grand Opening & Open House on Saturday, August 13, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. We are located at 308 Evergreen Road, Suite 140.  Conveniently located just off Shelbyville Road.  

When you walk into the office, you will feel a sense of calmness in this safe place where you can receive mental health therapy, life coaching, nutrition & wellness coaching, and fitness coaching plus much more.  We serve individual adults, couples, teens, & families where specific therapy disciplines warrant. We invite you on a tour so you can witness the office atmosphere and speak to the owner Gail Bibb & her staff. 

Revive’s owner Gail Bibb says “We are working to erase the stigma of therapy & mental health services in general. We will use a holistic method and I invite you to come and see what we have to offer.  Mental health controls your total health so we go on a journey to heal the whole person. You can’t fix one piece and think everything is okay.  My goal is to give you the tools to be a better you.”

If you would like to setup an interview prior to August 13th, please contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com.   

We hope you will be able to cover our event.  If you are unable to attend but would like photos for publication and/or air.  We will be happy to provide upon request.    

To learn more about Revive Counseling and Wellness visit www.revivecounselingwellness.com.

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TheVIPPReport: Louisville Native George T. French, Jr., President of Clark Atlanta University, to speak at the Louisville UNCF Luncheon honoring Alice and Wade Houston and give a full scholarship to a high school senior in Louisville

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George T. French, Jr., graduate of Trinity High School and the University of Louisville and now the President of Clark Atlanta University is coming to Louisville to help Mayor Fischer honoring Wade and Alice Houston for all their years of dedicated service to the UNCF (United Negro College Fund).

To help celebrate the event and especially the Houstons, President French will provide a full scholarship to Clark Atlanta University for the Fall 2023.

For upcoming high school seniors, please submit a one pager (no more than 500 words) on why you want to attend Clark Atlanta University and why community service is so important to your educational experience.

The HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), Clark Atlanta University initiatives include:

·Innovative research to help cure prostate cancer and Alzheimer’s

·Create new solutions in cybersecurity

·Accelerate new avenues of entrepreneurship

·Opportunities in finding new ways to eradicate social and racial injustices 

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) was the nation’s first institution to award graduate degrees to African Americans and was the nation’s first four-year liberal arts college to serve a primarily African American student population. Today, with over 4000 students, representing 9 countries, CAU is the largest of the four institutions (CAU, Morehouse College, Spelman College and Morehouse School of Medicine) that comprise the Atlanta University Center Consortium. Clark Atlanta University is also the largest of the 37-member United Negro College Fund (UNCF) institutions.

Clark Atlanta University continues a 150-year legacy rooted in African American tradition while focusing on the future through global innovation, transformative educational experiences and high-value engagement.

CAU Programs Include:

•The only Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development of its kind

•A Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development

•An Institute for Civic Engagement, Social Justice & Leadership Institute

•The W.E.B. Du Bois Southern Center for Studies in Public Policy

•A Center for Workforce Development

•A program in Cyber Physical Systems

•39 undergraduate programs, 28 graduate programs, 9 doctoral programs

“I am proud of my Louisville legacy – being born and raised with my sisters, graduating from Trinity High School and then from the crown jewel of the city – the University of Louisville. Now, as the President of the largest College Fund school – Clark Atlanta University, I want to provide an opportunity for a 2023 high school graduate – a future innovator, entrepreneur, C-Suite Executive through a full scholarship to Clark Atlanta University.”

For upcoming high school seniors, please submit a one pager (no more than 500 words) on why you want to attend Clark Atlanta University and why community service is so important to your educational experience.

For interviews with President French: sshanklin@vippcommunications.com

Please send your 500-word essay to: Rohena@nichemktg.com

TheVIPPReport: STARS Youth Enrichment Program travels to Louisville, KY empowering future leaders both on and off the basketball court

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(Dayton, OH) The S.T.A.R.S. Youth Enrichment Program, (STARS YEP) will be at Louisville’s Doss High School, 7601 St. Andrews Church Road on August 19th and 20th for a life skills and basketball camp along with a coaches clinic.

 On Friday, August 19th, NBA scout and evaluator Don Sellers will lead The Sellers Interactive Coaches Clinic. The respected professional will instruct coaching staffs how to celebrate their togetherness of the sport. In addition to learning from each other so they can work as a cohesive team. Sellers travels across the country demonstrating that all positions are vital for the success of a program. Working with organizations like the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzles, Portland Trailblazers to the San Antonio Spurs. The Louisville workshop is open to any basketball coach at any level interested in growing their basketball knowledge and networking with their peers. Registration begins at 5:00 pm and the clinic begins at 5:30pm to 9:00 pm (EST).

Then on Saturday, August 20th, it is the S.T.A.R.S. YEP Life Skills & Basketball Camp for youth between the ages of 8 to 15 years of age. This free camp will give campers a vast array of experience when it comes to basketball knowledge and skill set that translate into discipline, work ethic and respect for themselves and others off the court. The camp is structured after Coach Mike Jarvis’ ‘Skills for Life’ book which focuses on modules that give players life skills that can sustain after the sport.   Jarvis along with former NBA star Dale Ellis will be in Louisville and will be facilitators of the basketball sessions.  WesBanco will facilitate the youth literacy programming as part of the life skills curriculum.    

We must limit our skill’s camp to the first one hundred applicants and pre-registration ends on July 30th. Check-in will be from 6:30 am to 7:30 am. Then the camp opens at 9:00 am which will include breakfast, lunch, and snacks. To conclude their day, there will be a keynote speaker and an awards ceremony at 5:00 pm.

Due to the generous support of our program partner, WesBanco the camp and coaches clinic will be free. We would like to thank them for collaborating with us to help make the camp a wonderful experience for everyone involved. Jody Gump, WesBanco’s AVP & BCM Business Development says “WesBanco is proud to partner with the S.T.A.R.S. Youth Enrichment Program. The values the program is instilling on the youth aligns with our pledge to serve the local communities.” 

To obtain an application go to https://starsyep.org/camp-application/. To setup an interview, contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com or by calling 502-341-7306. Please add our announcement to your events calendar. We will be adding additional coaches and special guests in the coming weeks so stay tuned for those announcements.

S.T.A.R.S. Youth Enrichment Program (Skills, Talent, Action, Results, and Success) is a unique program that supports and mentors’ youth ages 8-15. And a certified 501 ©(3) non-profit organization.

Follow us on social: Twitter: @starsyep; LinkedIn: starsyep-org & Facebook: SHININGSTARSYEP

TheVIPPReport: The face and shirt behind the Louisville Fairness Ordinance

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Special Report by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11, ABC Louisville

I sat down with the person who helped change the landscape for ‘fairness’ in Louisville.  

It all started with this t-shirt. Creating a cultural shift in the Louisville community.

“I always wanted too. If I was gonna get in this, I was in this for the fight. Because I knew it wasn’t just my fight. It was a fight for lots of people.” Says Alicia Pedreira.

Pedreira was thrust into the spotlight after thousands of people saw this photo at the Kentucky Star Fair in 1998.  It led to her firing from the Kentucky Baptist Homes for Children Inc… where she had worked for six months.

She says “So, I had two interviews and on the second one when I thought it was serious that they were going to actually perhaps hire me, that’s when I told them on the second interview that I was gay, and that if that was a problem, not to hire me.”

She was hired and loved the job. So, when the photo of her and her then partner Nance was taken she had no idea of the repercussions.  Her lawsuit against the company pushed her into the forefront of a movement that she was not expecting.  

Pedreira says “Absolutely not! No, I was a volunteer. As a matter of fact, I think Nance at the time was a volunteer coordinator for the fairness campaign. And I volunteered but neither one of us would have imagined.”

So, how did the t-shirt come into play and when did she wear it? She says “This was a walk for AIDS and it was at the Belvedere.  And that was my then girlfriend, Nance Goodman was her name then her name has since changed and we were waiting for the festivities to start because it was kind of like a party before they needed the walk or whatever… I remember a photographer came by and I’m kind of a ham and so we just smiled at the camera and he took his picture went on his way and that was it.”

Out of the lawsuit, the Louisville Fairness Ordinance went into effect after three attempts on January 26, 1999.  Giving legal protection in the workplace and the right to live anywhere you want. That was a pivotal moment.  Pedreira agreed saying “Yes, yes. I mean, for I think it was a cultural shift for the queer community, because we live in fear that if someone were to find out, then they could throw you out of your home. I actually didn’t live in fear.  I wasn’t put in that situation when it all came out. I was renting a house and my lovely landlords called me up and said, We don’t care. You guys are great. We love you and we stand by you don’t have to worry about that.”

Fast forward twenty years later, Pedreira finally got some type of closure in the court system but not in a monetary way.  “Well, I didn’t get a settlement, because that usually sounds like I got money. I didn’t get a dime ever. As a matter of fact, I signed with the ACLU not too settle because those attorneys all wanted to change law. They wanted it for everyone.”

So, this shirt, won as a door prize in a local bar becomes a conversation piece. Starting a conversation of change. But with all of the heartache, setbacks and years in litigation was worth it? She say “Honestly, I want to say yes,  and if it isn’t my fight, then it’ll be somebody else’s.”

►Contact WHAS11’s Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@whas11.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. 

Here’s the link to my story: https://www.whas11.com/article/news/community/moments-that-matter/pride-louisville-fairness-ordinance-creation-lgbtq-issues-local/417-47beae98-fdcd-4959-a409-baa2c88df3a2

TheVIPPReport: Have you ever wanted to make the call? Now you can become an officiate

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(Louisville, KY) The Kentuckiana Football Officials Association, (KFOA) are looking for men and women who are interested in participating as officials for high school football.   If you are interested in officiating, you have until July 7th to submit your name for this season.   Training is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, July 13th.  

If you are unable to attend one of the meetings but interested in learning more about KFOA and how to officiate, call 502-419-8814 for your next steps to help area student athletes.

KFOA is one of the premier high school football officiating associations in the nation.  Currently, members of KFOA officiate every level of high school (Varsity, Junior Varsity and Freshman) in Metro Louisville.  Members will also have opportunities to officiate youth leagues.  

We are proud to acknowledge that we have officials that have gone on to be officials on the collegiate and professional football leagues.

The Kentuckiana Football Officials Association holds regular membership meetings each Wednesday evening in July through the first week of October.

To learn more about KFOA and how you can join, visit our site at kfoa.info.  To setup interviews contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com or by calling 502-341-7306.

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The VIPP Report: The AKAs build beds for children in the community as they celebrate 100 years of service in Louisville

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By Sherlene Shanklin

The Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® celebrates their 100th year chapter anniversary by participating in the Build-A-Bed project. 

The Hortense B. Perry Foundation in Collaboration with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Eta Omega Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.®, Alpha Lambda Chapter, Jefferson County Public School, (JCPS) Office of Community Support Services, and Foresters Financial teamed up to ensure that JCPS children would have a better night’s sleep. 

On June 11th the organizations teamed up to participate in the Build-A-Bed project, an initiative designed to enhance the lives of school age children in the Louisville community.  The project is designed to provide beds for children who do not have beds in their homes or do not have beds at all. The goal was to build 25 beds.  From cutting and sanding wood beds to furnishing pillows, linens, and blankets.  Plus, books, and snacks as an added treat along with sone stuffed animals. The build took place at the Maude Brown Porter Center for Excellence located on South Crums Lane, in Louisville.

Lynetta Crawford, President of the Eta Omega Chapter says “It is very concerning that 1.5 to 2 million kids in America sleep on the floor each night,”  She goes on to say, “This is a very impactful service project that will fulfill a basic need for children in the Louisville community. We can truly make a difference in a child’s life by giving them a place to lay their heads.” The goal is to promote healthy bedtime rituals, improve the quality of sleep, and create happier days, brighter dreams, and more opportunities for a lifetime of success.

Ben Langley of the JCPS Office of Community Support Services gave an alarming local statistic. “More than 10,000 children are homeless during each school year in Jefferson County,” Langley adds “When family circumstances improve enough to enable the family to secure a place to call home, most of them start from scratch. For most children, this means either sleeping on a couch or, more often, on the floor. Having a bed to sleep in can give a stronger sense of stability and can help children get the rest they need in order to attend school and achieve academic success.”

The Hortense B. Perry Foundation mission is to provide resources and services within the community with focus on education, health, leadership development, economic empowerment, and the visual and performing arts. Our top priorities are: Education, Health, and Economic Empowerment.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Eta Omega Chapter was established in 1922 and is the first graduate chapter of the international organization to be chartered in the Louisville area. The chapter’s commitment to education and the advancement of individuals is pivotal to the foundational belief of service to all mankind.

They will have various events and activities throughout the year to celebrate their centennial celebration. 

***Reporter’s note*** I have been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated for 26 years.

The VIPP Report: Have you ever wanted to make the call? Now you can. Become an officiate.

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(Louisville, KY) The Kentuckiana Football Officials Association, (KFOA) are looking for men and women who are interested in participating as officials for high school football.   KFOA will conduct two orientation meetings to explain what it takes to officiate a game.  The first meeting will be held on Thursday, June 16th and Monday, June 20th. 

Both meetings will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Waggener High School, 330 S. Hubbards Lane.  Then training is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, July 13th.   

If you are unable to attend one of the meetings but interested in learning more about KFOA and how to officiate, call 502-419-8814 for your next steps to help area student athletes. 

KFOA is one of the premier high school football officiating associations in the nation.  Currently, members of KFOA officiate every level of high school (Varsity, Junior Varsity and Freshman) in Metro Louisville.  Members will also have opportunities to officiate youth leagues.   

We are proud to acknowledge that we have officials that have gone on to be officials on the collegiate and professional football leagues. 

The Kentuckiana Football Officials Association holds regular membership meetings each Wednesday evening in July through the first week of October. 

To learn more about KFOA and how you can join, visit our site at kfoa.info.  To setup interviews contact VIPP Communications at info@vippcommunications.com or by calling 502-341-7306.

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TheVIPPReport: Meet the leader behind the MOLO Village

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Dr. Jamesetta Ferguson is building back her community one block at a time

Special Report by Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 ABC Louisville

Kentuckiana has so many fascinating women leaders working for the betterment of the community.  Dr. Jamesetta Ferguson had a vision that takes up a whole block. I spoke to the visionary in today’s Moments that Matter. 

Ferguson spent a lot of time just across the street in Beecher Terrace at her aunt’s when her mother was at work. Not knowing as a little girl that someday she would be able to turn the parking lot into a block of desperately needed resources.  But before she had the vision Dr. Ferguson also fondly known as Pastor  J travelled to Africa on a mission trip where her vision became clear.   

Ferguson says “I visited a young woman who had, who was taking the anti-viral drug. She had HIV. She had a young son and the mission that I went there for working with people infected or effected by HIV and AIDS because reckoning race and reconciliation. So when we went to this young woman’s house. I came into her house  and she grab me and starting weeping  and started saying MOLO momma MOLO and learned that meant ‘welcome home’.” 

While in Africa. Ferguson spoke to a minister with a large congregation. He shared his success and how to be resourceful. The minister said to Ferguson, “I used what I got! I use what I got! I had the mindset prior to that, that we had this historical building next door but we were not using the entire building.” She went on to say “So when I came back. We changed our attitudes  to use what we got . God would not bless us more until we start using what God had provided for us already.” 

She had a shift in her mindset. Her faithful team started serving about a thousand people a week.  Plus, providing a long list of resources and services.  “We had the clothes ministry,  we had recovery ministry, we had Dare to Care ministry, Senior ministry, We had Youth ministry. We had everything in that building. We no longer worried about the condition of the building.  It wasn’t that it was falling down  it just needed some repair.” 

Early, 2006, Dr. Ferguson was welcomed to church but not with some opposition but later being named pastor of the congregation.  She says “And at that point there were 15 German-American senior adults at the church of that 15, one left cause he did not want to worship with a person that look like me. 

Even though she could not speak German but she had an appreciation of their culture because her father. Ferguson says “My father actually was the first student at Louisville Municipal College which was the Black portion of the University of Louisville to major in German.” 

They went into planning, and creating partnerships of how to utilize the city block they owned. They started the process to resurrect the community.  “We decided to take the east parking lot of the church and develop the Village of West Jefferson. Being in a community one without for such a long period of time.  This facility here is the first new construction on Jefferson Street of West Jefferson Street in over 30 years.” 

Dr. Ferguson tells me she’s far from being done. She has a lot more work to do. Her next big undertaking will be in the renovation of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ. 

The MOLO Village is located at 1219 W. Jefferson Street in West Louisville. 

►Contact WHAS11’s Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@whas11.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. 

To see the television of the story, just click the link provided: https://www.whas11.com/article/news/community/moments-that-matter/molo-village-jamesetta-ferguson-west-jefferson-russell-outreach-ministry-africa/417-0abc671e-f2b2-47cd-8007-af312c638a74

TheVIPPReport: Surekha Kulkarni talks to me about why she moved her family from India to Louisville

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Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month

Special Report–Sherlene Shanklin, WHAS11 Television ABC Louisville

Surekha Kulkarni and her husband moved their family from India in 1986 to Louisville to make sure her young son had every opportunity to be the best he could be. She tells me why she made the sacrifice. “We did not move here for money or fame or fortune we came here because of a school.” Her young son was in kindergarten and she had learned he was dyslexic needed additional educational instruction which the de Paul School in Louisville, Kentucky provided.

We felt it was not a choice really, so we moved a family of four. With no job, no way of knowing but the school was there. And it was actually a totally different experience for me. She says “After moving here, I have experienced so much! I’ve done so much.”

Kulkarni says a recession was going on and all the degrees and experience her husband had still did not help him get a job at first. She says “When he couldn’t get a job. We decided to buy a grocery store so that way we could get food.” They owned and operated the store for years at Oak and Swan Streets called the 828 with no previous experience. She goes on to say that the community embraced and supported them. “They just accepted me but They could not pronounce our names so they changed it I became Sue and Suhas  became Sam. So Sue and Sam of the store.”

When not working in the store Kulkarni volunteered at the school. Kulkarni says “So my son started school from day one and we appreciate and let so grateful, I started working in library as a volunteer just a way to give back. That might be what started, my beginnings of volunteering career.”

Within three years, the family was on track which gave her the confidence to say you can do whatever you want. She went to India for a stay and decided to take a jewelry class in her free time. “So, I took this class and I enjoyed it so much that I haven’t stopped” Kulkarni says.

Then The Beaded Treasures Project was created. She volunteered with the Kentucky Refuge Ministries. Where she says, “I found that I really enjoyed it and loved teaching and connecting. It was amazing to see the transformation. Because in the beginning, these women came from various countries, like Iraq, and the Congo. All faced terrible ravages. They were traumatized.”

Beaded Treasures not only generated wealth but generated self-esteem, a sense of purpose and self-sufficiency. Kulkarni says “I saw that not only were they making jewelry, and selling it at the events, five of them started working full time, three of them started working on their education. Some had finished high school and some had a couple of years of college. One of them now has gone back to Nepal. To start a school because growing there was no school in her village.”

In 2019, Beaded Treasures became a part of Volunteers of America. “This was way more that I expected. Quite amazing like. I had somehow became a part of their transformation. Transformation from diffident to confident, and dependent to independent.

I wanted to know what she wanted to remember her by. She says “That I tried! I want people to know that if you just step out of your comfort zone there’s no stopping you. I’m the perfect example of that. We are the ones that hold ourselves back. And we can make a difference. Each one of us can make a difference. Look at me!”

Kulkarni has a new project “Empowering Beads”. It will be a pop-up shop this summer on the weekends in Norton Commons.

►Contact WHAS11’s Sherlene Shanklin at sshanklin@whas11.com or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

To see the television version of my story, click the link provided:

https://www.whas11.com/article/news/community/moments-that-matter/surekha-kulkarni-beaded-treasures-project-community-women-empowerment-inspiration/417-3e873a14-d190-4191-84cf-66a5868e79ef

TheVIPPReport: Jamey Aebersold shares his love for jazz

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Jamey Aebersold

Tucked away on a New Albany street named after his family. Jazz master Jamey Aebersold has been playing music for most of his life. I caught up with him in his studio which is covered with some 15 thousand vinyl albums, thousands of photos which he calls the Smithsonian Jazz Institute of the Midwest. He talks to me about how he was introduced to jazz.  He says “Jazz is the coming thing. When I was young, I got my driver’s license at 16. I got me a 35 dollar car.  I drove to Louisville, in westend where jazz was playing. Every club had jazz. Rock-n-roll had not been invented yet.  Country western wasn’t popular so jazz was basically everywhere. I would go to those places and listen to them.  I would wonder what was going on in their minds.

He never liked to stick to the traditional format. Aebersold says “My dad like Dixieland music. I bought some records. Yeah, I liked it but then when I heard Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, I kinda went that way.” As he hand gestured.   

He goes on to say “It was years later, I would realize that was the foundation that I needed those scales and cords and the fingering of it, so forth…because that would allow me to play what I heard in my head.  (as he hummed a tune) then add a cord to it. That’s how I got started.” 

Jamey told me that he was not a good student and the teacher actually returned his money because he just didn’t have the patience to play the standard scales and cords. In his mind, he was just copying what he saw in the music book.  He wanted to play what was in his head which we know today as improvisation.  When he got older he did receive his formal training and we talked about it.  He said, “I went to Indiana University and they didn’t have saxophone but they put me on the woodwind degree. So, I had to take lessons in oboe the flute, the basson, clarinet, and I don’t think I took saxophone lessons from anyone but the second year a guy was getting his graduate degree and they let him give me lessons. I played the first jazz recital at Indiana University which was a big deal back then 1960/61.” He talked about the audience giving his a standing ovation for that performance.   

Aebersold was very humble, knowledgeable, and full wisdom that we could of literally stayed with him all day and still would not of been able to cover everything he’s accomplished.  He  Performing in the all over the world and receiving so many accolades along the way.  From receiving the National Endowment for the Arts which is the highest honor given to jazz musicians in the U.S. to receiving the Indiana Governor’s Arts Award by Mitch Daniels. He had a table full of awards, even a letter from the White House from President Barack Obama.   

I wanted to know if he thought jazz was a lost art. He responded quickly by saying “No, no, no. I tell you why. When people play jazz they use their imagination. They are very creative and its coming from here to the fingers and that’s not going to stop.”

He says anyone can improvise. He says, “Too many don’t even try because they feel like they are not good enough”. 

I wanted to know what would be his legacy.  He says there’s to much to do now to worry about the future.  There’s still so much to do now.  He gave some good advice that he hopes more people would apply to their life and that was to be nice to people. 

To learn more about Jamey Aebersold and his Jazz Play-A-Longs, go to jazzbooks.com.  you may even see him a classroom if you attend Bellarmine, I-U, or U of L.     

Contact Sherlene Shanklin at sherlene@sherleneshanklin.com or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

To see the television version of the story. Click the link provided: https://www.whas11.com/article/news/community/moments-that-matter/jamey-aebersold-new-albany-jazz-muscian-beallarmine-uofl-indiana-university-teacher-music/417-c14b168b-979e-430c-b9e6-198f5d81fe57

TheVIPPReport: A look at retired Capt. Carol Hickman’s career

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When she signed up to be a Jefferson County Police officer, Carol Hickman said she wanted to make a difference. Hickman is a retired captain and was the first woman and African American officer to lead a district for the county. She said she started out as a clerk typist. 

“The police department didn’t have any women, and in 1972 I went to school and became an officer,” she explained. Hickman climbed the ranks from sergeant to lieutenant to captain. Because of her rising within the ranks, she said someone told her no one would listen to her because she’s a woman.

“I thanked him, and ironically, the chief, he retired then came back as interim chief. When he came back, he was the person I made major,” she said.

She said within Jefferson County Police, the chief appoints majors within the department. Whenever a new chief is selected, they have the option to change who has the major rank. It is not a demotion she said, only a change in title.

Hickman talked about the difficulties working in a predominantly male profession.

She said, “I can’t say so much of being a woman of color as being a woman. We would go out on cases and people would ask us to go to the back door but when the white officers came they would go through the front door. I didn’t particularly like it but it was a job I had to do and I did it.”

Then one day, Hickman said she had enough and walked through the front door.

She recalled reminding the person they had called them for help. The homeowner allegedly wasn’t happy and called Hickman’s district to complain.

All these years, Hickman said she never forgot the incident and so many others.

Hickman’s first case was the Valley Drive-Ins.

“I was working in missing persons. We got the reports of the soldier and young lady that was missing from the ticket booth at the Valley Drive-In,” she said.

She explained the department were getting leads, but it was pushing them to a second possible case.

“The person who abducted the first people also had abducted this young lady,” Hickman said. “Well, I got the young lady back.”

Another case that stood out to Hickman was Danny Tetrick’s. As of right now, he’s still serving a life sentence at the Kentucky State Penitentiary.

She said in her free time she coached little league baseball for both boys and girls. She also volunteered for Black Achievers for many years and served as a liaison for community and police relations.

She has one son and her late husband, Charles Hickman, was with the Louisville Metro Police Department.

Click the link to see the story: https://www.whas11.com/article/news/community/moments-that-matter/louisville-kentucky-police-captain-first-african-american-officer/417-9e8d013b-c980-4916-9283-d9808bcac8c4

Contact Sherlene Shanklin at sherlene@sherleneshanklin.com or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

TheVIPPReport: Vincent James Sr, Dare to Care’s new president

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Vincent James Sr. works “faithfully” in the community. Once the Chief of Community Building for Metro Louisville, and pastor of Elim Baptist Church, to now… President and CEO of the fourth largest non-profit in Louisville.

James says “I went to Stephen Foster Elementary School, Gutermuth Elementary School because bussing had started at that time and graduated from elementary school went to Southern Middle/High at the time the middle school and high school were actually in the same facility.”

James graduated from Atherton High and got a finance degree from UofL with hopes of becoming a Wall Street investment banker, but he told his church, his purpose in life shifted.  
He said “We are going to be involved and engaged in the community and pretty much we were doing things in isolation as many churches do.”

Then violence renewed his purpose.  He will never forget. “It was a life changing moment.  May 17, 2012 there was a triple homicide outside my church. I was there.  I actually arrived when the first responders arrived.  I saw two young men who had shot at each other and had killed each other and that was devastating to me. And then a couple of hours later a couple of ladies with 60 police officers, detectives and news reporters shot another young lady shot her that was traumatic for the community, myself. I said whatever I need to do I’m going to do it.”

Then Mayor Fischer put James in the forefront.  James says “I know I made a change. When I look at not as much as I want too but when I look at the response of the community. How our community was hurting.  Things in terms of the administration was in. what was happening across the country one of the things I intentionally did as a pastor and chief of community building was how do we begin to build healing in our community.”

 James believes he laid the ground work for the office, and now he plans to nourish the community after being named President and CEO of Dare to Care. “I’m excited! I can’t tell you enough how excited I am about Dare to Care Food Bank.  It’s an incredible organization. Dare to Care’s mission is to led the community feed the hungry and ending the cycle of need.”

 James has found his mission in life.   “I’m walking in my purpose.  I get excited every morning when I wake up and I get to live out my dream in terms of helping people.”

Contact Sherlene Shanklin at sherlene@sherleneshanklin.com or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

To see the story, click the link https://www.whas11.com/article/news/community/vincent-james-sr-dare-to-care-elim-baptist-church-chief-community-building/417-53813831-6c28-4de9-8933-38f1551bb636