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NCBW Fashion Show 2022

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NCBW Fashion Show 2022

National Coalition of 100 Black Women Chattanooga Chapter, Inc. presents

Fashion of Fall

Fashion Show & Day Party

Saturday, September 17th

Chattanooga Convention Center

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

$65

Doors Open at 10:30 a.m.

Fashion Show, Vendor Showcase & Entertainment

Tickets available for purchase at Chic Beauty Salon, 3715 Brainerd Road online at eventbrite or see any NCBW Member

In accordance with CDC recommendations and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. mandate pertaining to COVID-19, all guests must show proof of vaccination face safety masks are required for entry.

NCBW is a 501 (C)(3) tax-exempt organization

Save the Date: Chattanooga Scenic City Historically Black College and University Football Classic

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Save the Date: Chattanooga Scenic City Historically Black College and University Football Classic

CHATTANOOGA, get ready for a gridiron showdown between the Kentucky State University Thorobreds Football Team vs. the Fort Valley State University Wildcats Football Team in the inaugural Chattanooga Scenic City HBCU Football Classic.  The Gridiron match-up and showdown will be held on Sunday, September 11, at W. Max Finley Stadium at 3:00 pm.

And then…there’s an after party.  Immediately following the game, another showdown begins, “The Often Imitated, Never Duplicated Original Battle of the Bands.”  This fan-favorite will showcase Chattanooga’s absolute best high school marching bands and best community dance teams, with special performances by the Fort Valley State University Blue Machine Marching Band and the Kentucky State University Mighty Marching Thorobreds.

The event will be produced by the Milestone Marketing and Distribution Group and Black College Football Classic Series.

Tickets for the Chattanooga Scenic City Historically Black College and University Football Classic are available at www.sceniccityclassic.com and range from $25.00 to $35.00.

CPD Chief Celeste Murphy Reassigns 10 Officers After They “Misrepresented the Truth or Filed a False Report”

Camm Ashford
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CPD Chief Celeste Murphy Reassigns 10 Officers After They “Misrepresented the Truth or Filed a False Report”

By Camm Ashford 

Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy last Wednesday announced the reassignment of 10 officers after they “misrepresented the truth or filed a false report.”

The officers have been reassigned to non-enforcement positions and will no longer be allowed to testify in court.

Chief Murphy said previous department policies treated falsehoods differently than misrepresentations. But going forward, all persistent allegations related to falsehoods will be subject to “immediate termination.”

Chief Murphy said in a statement, “Chattanooga residents, our fellow CPD (Chattanooga Police Department) officers, as well as the state and federal prosecutors who present these cases should have full confidence that officers who investigate crimes, apprehend suspects, and testify in court uphold the highest standards of integrity. It is unacceptable that a case could be jeopardized due to an integrity issue with an officer who was found to have previously misrepresented the truth or filed a false report.”

The reassignments came after the U.S. Attorney’s office requested a list from CPD of officers with allegations of misrepresentation or untruthfulness. CPD said Chief Murphy complied with the request and a list of the  officers was given to federal and state prosecutors.

“The internal affairs investigations at issue were related to internal policy violations, and none of the affected officers are accused of misrepresentation in a court of law,” Chief Murphy said. “However, whenever an internal affairs investigation finds that an officer has, in the course of their duties, been less than truthful, it can call into question the integrity of their testimony in court, jeopardizing a prosecutor’s ability to obtain a conviction. Because of the sensitivity of this matter and out of respect for our officers, we will have no further comment on this issue.”

CPD did not name the officers involved or what they were specifically accused of, but it could be as simple as a typo or as serious as withholding information from prosecutors.

Chief Murphy said the 10 officers she reassigned were already subject to internal investigations finding them guilty of misrepresentation or untruthfulness, but they remained on the force. However, she explained that none of the officers were accused of misrepresentation in court.

“These officers have not been terminated or demoted,” Chief Murphy said in a news release from department spokesperson, Assistant Chief Jerri Sutton.

At press time, local community activists and a handful of police unions and nonprofit advocacy organizations have pushed back on Chief Murphy’s decision. 

Urban League of Greater Chattanooga 7th Annual Entrepreneur Power Luncheon

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Urban League of Greater Chattanooga 7th Annual Entrepreneur Power Luncheon
ULGC New Business of the Year Award, was awarded to The Peach Cobbler Factory, owner Londie Price, in recognition of hard work, resilience and aptitude for taking on new challenges to launch and grow a successful business in the Chattanooga region.Photo: from left, Michael Mathis, Chattanooga Pinnacle Bank President; Londie Price; ULGC President/CEO Candy Johnson; and Megan Flynn, TVA Vice President of Talent & Culture.

Last week the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga hosted its 7th Annual Entrepreneur Power Luncheon incelebration of National Black Business month and to raise awareness of the Urban League’s economic empowerment efforts, and the success of minority-owned businesses connected to the Urban League movement. ULGC has a long history of fighting for the success of Black and other minority-owned businesses, and we continue to work tirelessly to fully implement our new and more responsive Center for Economic and African American Business Success (CEAABS).

This new empowerment center at the Urban League aims to provide a culturally responsive ecosystem of support for African American and other minority- owned businesses to accelerate growth, expand networks, access, and knowledge for sustained business success.

During the celebration nearly $20,000 were awarded to Black-owned businesses and two awards were given. The event underwriter was Pinnacle Bank and other top sponsors were: Tennessee Valley Authority, Unum, Regions Bank and Enterprise Holdings.

EPB & TVA Complete 600th Home Uplift Energy Renovation & Announce Additional Program Funding for People in Need

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EPB & TVA Complete 600th Home Uplift Energy Renovation & Announce Additional Program Funding for People in Need

As global energy markets push up local electric bills, EPB and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) have completed their 600th Home Uplift energy renovation for people in need. Additionally, the two organizations have announced the investment of another $1,068,146 to keep the program going strong during this critical time.

Through Home Uplift, the EPB Energy ProsSM and TVA EnergyRight® work with neighbors in need to provide substantial home energy upgrades at no charge to reduce their energy bills and improve the air quality. Both homeowners and renters (with consent from their landlord) can apply for the program.

Through the Home Uplift partnership, the EPB’s Energy Pros provided Joyce Threat with a new HVAC to replace her propane furnace along with complete insulation, air sealing throughout her home and more. According to Threat, the program saved her thousands of dollars when the price of propane spiked last winter with the likelihood of even higher prices during the next cold season. 

“I got my Home Uplift just in time,” said Threat. “I’m very happy with the job they did and the service they gave me. My daughter has asthma, and she doesn’t cough anymore when she visits me.”

Eligible Home Uplift participants may receive duct replacement, water heater and pipe insulation, wall insulation, HVAC clean and tune, windows and door replacement, and replacing heat pumps, water heaters and refrigerators. On average, EPB’s Home Uplift participants save more than $400 on their energy costs each year, with those who have the highest energy burden saving much more.

“As global forces drive up local energy bills, EPB is placing a priority on supporting our community through our EPB Energy Pros programs which include Home Uplift, free EPB Home Energy CheckupsSM for all EPB customers and other offerings designed to help our neighbors get the most value for the energy they use,” said David Wade, president & CEO of EPB.

EPB and TVA first partnered in 2015 to provide high-impact home energy upgrades to qualified homeowners with the goal of helping them enhance the energy efficiency of their residence. Those who qualify receive home improvements at no cost to help them dramatically reduce their power bills. Since then, EPB, TVA, the city of Chattanooga and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) have invested a total of $7.4 million locally. Across the Tennessee Valley, TVA has invested more than $21.68 million in the program.

“Some Hamilton County residents have to make difficult decisions about what bills they can afford to pay, a harsh reality for more people as energy costs remain high,” said Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger. “Home Uplift gives families the peace of mind and better quality of life that comes from being able to address their needs.”

“By lowering energy bills for some of our most vulnerable residents, Home Uplift is helping people stay in their homes, while also improving their health and reducing our greenhouse-gas emissions,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. “As Chattanooga continues to grow, programs like Home Uplift are key to preserving affordable housing and ensuring a more sustainable future for our city.”

In addition to joining other partners in funding the program, EPB also staffs Home Uplift with EPB Energy Pros who work with eligible Home Uplift participants to identify the home energy renovations that will provide them with the best cost-savings on their monthly bills.

EPB Energy Pros can also provide guidance to help customers plan solar installations, install EV chargers and make home energy renovations. They’ll even inspect the contractor’s work when the project is done to ensure optimal customer benefit. 

In addition, EPB Energy Pros are available for phone consultations on all home energy related topics from questions about buying major appliances, what kind of insulation will provide the most cost-effective savings, to whether it’s time to buy a new hot water heater.

Customers can call EPB Energy Pros at 423-648-1372 or book an appointment at EPB.com/energypros.

To apply now for Home Uplift go to: epb.com/homeuplift. 

Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation.

EPB Launches America’s First Community-wide 25 Gig Internet Service

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EPB Launches America’s First Community-wide 25 Gig Internet Service

Continuing the focus on delivering the world’s fastest internet speeds that led Chattanooga’s municipal utility to launch America’s first comprehensively available Gig-speed internet service (2010) and the first 10-Gig internet service (2015), EPB has launched the nation’s first community-wide 25 gigabits per second (25,000 Mbps) internet service to be available to all residential and commercial customers over a 100% fiber optic network with symmetrical upload and download speeds.

Through a partnership with Hamilton County and the City of Chattanooga, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Convention Center is EPB’s first 25 Gig customer, making it the first convention center worldwide to offer such blazingly fast speeds over a broadband network.

With this technology, the Convention Center will be able to simultaneously provide high bandwidth connectivity to thousands of smart devices to draw business conferences, e-gaming competitions, live streaming events and more.

“EPB is keeping Chattanooga on the cutting edge,” said Vicky Gregg, EPB Board Chair. “We are once again breaking the typical approach for internet service providers by proactively upgrading to the latest technologies in anticipation of future needs. Our goal is to enable new frontiers for technical innovation and job creation for our customers to the benefit of our whole community.”   

Hamilton County and the City of Chattanooga have each dedicated $151,000 in infrastructure funding for a total of $302,000 to cover the cost of installing new networking equipment and Wi-Fi access points throughout the convention center as well as much of the cost of providing multi-gig connectivity for the next five years. Once the new equipment is installed, visitors will be able to benefit from high-speed connectivity throughout the facility.

“The new 25 Gig internet service gives our Convention Center a major competitive advantage in drawing business conferences, conventions, e-gaming competitions and other events that bring tens of thousands of visitors and many millions of dollars in spending into our local economy,” said Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger.“

“EPB has continuously pushed the boundaries of what a utility can do for a city, and by launching 25-gigabit per second internet service community-wide, we have solidified Chattanooga’s competitive advantage as the premier destination for the country’s emerging knowledge innovation economy,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. “This new, incredible resource will not only attract businesses, entrepreneurs, and top talent from across the globe, it will also increase quality of life for the tens of thousands of Chattanoogans who rely on high quality, top-speed internet for remote work. Simply said, this is an unprecedented boon for our local economy.”

The launch of the new internet service is made possible by EPB’s on-going, multi-year effort to upgrade the whole community-wide network from core to the optical networking equipment at customer locations with the latest optical signaling technology along with the deployment of Nokia’s ground-breaking symmetrical 25G PON (Passive Optical Network) fiber broadband technology. 

In launching the 25 Gig internet service, EPB is also continuing to partner with Arista Networks, which is providing the equipment to upgrade the convention space to Wi-Fi 6 with multi-gig PoE campus switching platform. 

EPB launched its community-wide Gig-speed internet service in September 2010, quickly earning Chattanooga a reputation as “Gig City.” Today’s 25 Gig enhancement follows a 2015 upgrade which made Chattanooga the first to offer 10 Gig internet service accessible by everyone across a community. 

EPB’s Gig-Speed internet has helped the Chattanooga region earn many prestigious accolades while boosting the community’s rank among tech hot spots. Chattanooga was ranked number 36 in Inc.’s Surge Cities list of best cities in the country to start a business and was recognized as one of the top five growth markets for the meetings industry by Knowland and one of the South’s Best Cities on the Rise by Southern Living Magazine.  

“Connectivity continues to be a top priority for conventions because you need a great deal of bandwidth to support thousands of people using their smart devices at the same time,” said Mike Shuford, Executive Director of the Chattanooga Convention Center. “We’re also seeing an increased focus on hybrid virtual and in-person events, e-gaming and live streaming. Offering 25 Gig internet service will make Chattanooga stand out to conference planners and will eliminate the frustration of trying to communicate at a crowded convention or special event.”

Because nothing is faster than the speed of light and fiber optic lines are very durable, EPB was able to upgrade the optical networking equipment to deliver even faster internet speeds without having to replace the fiber optic lines which make up the bulk of the expense and construction effort for the initial deployment.

To learn more about EPB’s new 25 Gig internet service go to epb.com/gig25.

City Reaches Resolution with CPD Employee Groups on Assignment Process for Officers with Previous Violations Related to Truthfulness 

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City Reaches Resolution with CPD Employee Groups on Assignment Process for Officers with Previous Violations Related to Truthfulness 

Mayor Tim Kelly, Police Chief Celeste Murphy, and employee representative groups have collaboratively reached a resolution to review the assignments of all Chattanooga Police Department officers who have previously sustained allegations of being less than truthful.

As part of the review process, each affected officer’s assignment will be evaluated by an internal committee made up of sworn officers of diverse ranks and roles. The evaluation criteria are currently being finalized in partnership with employee groups, but they are expected to include factors such as age of the violation, severity of the violation, disciplinary record since the violation, and the circumstances of the violation as determined by internal affairs.

Once their evaluation is complete, the review committee will issue a recommendation to Chief Murphy with one of three possible outcomes for the affected officer: Permanent reassignment to a non-enforcement role; Restoration of responsibilities with special accommodations (for example, requiring the officer to wear a body camera at additional times or to team with an additional officer during patrol); or Restoration of full responsibilities without special accommodations. 

Review committee members are still being finalized. The final decision on the outcome for the affected officer will rest with Chief Murphy. 

This process will apply to all sworn officers who have had a sustained internal policy violation of being less than truthful prior to Aug. 16, 2022–a total of 15 officers, based on CPD’s final database audit of personnel records. 

All affected officers previously faced discipline for the internal policy violations at the time those allegations were sustained. As of Aug. 17, 2022, any untruthfulness violation that is sustained will result in immediate termination. 

“I fully support Chief Murphy’s decision to ensure the Chattanooga Police Department leads with integrity. I chose her for our Police Chief because she committed to me from the earliest part in the hiring process that she was going to set a high bar for professional standards in our department,” said Mayor Kelly. 

“I also believe that we can make tough decisions that protect public safety and include trusted employee groups. I’m grateful that we were able to work together to create a productive path forward for the department and the officers involved.”

“This is not a decision I made lightly, and I know these changes have been extremely impactful to our department, which is why collaborating to find meaningful resolutions is so important,” said Chief Murphy. “I’m dedicated to upholding the department’s integrity in the eyes of the public, the eyes of our courts, and in the eyes of the brave men and women who selflessly serve their community.”

Entire Police Force in Alabama Disbanded Because Officer Who Sent Racist Text Could Not Be Fired

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Entire Police Force in Alabama Disbanded Because Officer Who Sent Racist Text Could Not Be Fired

A small town in Alabama has disbanded its police force because it could not legally fire an officer who made a racist joke about slavery.

City councilors in Vincent, a town with a population of 1,982 about 35 miles southeast of Birmingham, voted unanimously last Thursday to “temporarily abolish” its police department of three officers, according to AL.com.

Vincent Mayor James Latimore on Thursday confirmed that Police Chief James Srygley and Assistant Chief John L. Goss had been dismissed. 

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office on Friday condemned the two officers’ actions and said it stands with the city “in providing emergency law enforcement related service to the citizens (of Vincent) at this time.”

Vincent mayor James Latimer said in a public meeting that this was “the only way” to stop paying the two officers involved in the incident due to a city policy that prevents any employee from being fired without two formal complaints and a verbal warning.

Both officers had already been placed on paid leave, and the third officer on the force had resigned, leaving the city without any active police officers yet still paying two of their salaries.

By abolishing the whole department, the city will technically be making the officers redundant rather than firing them. The decision will take effect this coming week, with the local county sheriff’s department policing Vincent until a new force can be established.

The racist joke was told via text messages apparently sent between officers in June. “What do y’all call a pregnant slave?” said one officer, before supplying the answer: “Buy one, get one free.”

Screenshots of the messages soon spread on social media, and police chief James Srygley’s declaration earlier this month that “appropriate disciplinary action” had been taken – without revealing the nature of that action or the name of the officer – did not quell the controversy.

“This has torn this community apart,” council member Corey Abrams said after the initial decision to try to fire the officers earlier this month. “It doesn’t matter what color we are as long as we do right by people.”

According to AL.com, one Black resident told other speakers at the public meeting last week: “You are not in our shoes. You’re not Black, and the joke was not on you, the joke was on us.”

Another Black resident, Erica Kelley, told local broadcaster WBRC 6: “I think it’ll be a great change to bring in some police officers who are actually true on the oath they took to protect and serve everyone in the community.”

However, Black retired welder Robert Franklin told AL.com that the city should find another way to get rid of the two officers involved instead of disbanding the whole force.

According to the 2020 US census, around 81 per cent of Vincent’s residents are white, while around 12 per cent are Black.

Airline Features All-black Female Crew in Historic Flight Honoring Aviation Pioneer Bessie Coleman

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Airline Features All-black Female Crew in Historic Flight Honoring Aviation Pioneer Bessie Coleman

By Robin Smith 

Are you aware that the lifespan of American adults is significantly impacted by something which has fallen out of our discussions, yet has grown more potent in recent months?

No. It’s not currently COVID, despite rising case counts as our social patterns of activity have increased over the summer. No. It’s not monekypox, the latest declared emergency that, interestingly, the World Health Organization has issued direct warnings to those living the homosexual lifestyle. 

CNBC published remarks by WHO’s monkeypox expert and WHO Smallpox Secretariat, Dr. Rosamund Lewis, noted that “men who have sex with men are the group for the highest risk of infection right now. About 99% of cases are among men, and at least 95% of those patients are men who have had sex with men.”

It’s increasing overdose deaths from fentanyl and a new class of synthetic opioids that are literally wiping out generations of Americans. This is due to addictions and ease of access obtaining illegal drugs flowing over open borders, as reported by CNN in February 2022. To fund international drug cartels that are lavishly wealthy from preying on Americans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that from February 2021 to February 2022, more than 108,000 Americans died of drug overdoses.

Almost three-fourths, or more than 70 for every 100 overdose deaths, were opioid-related.

What is fentanyl? It’s a powerful medication used appropriately for severely injured patients, or those dealing with terminal diseases, or who are under strict supervision of physicians. Why is it so deadly? Its potency is underestimated, but its impact on the respiratory system is greater than morphine and heroin.  

Stated plainly, fentanyl reduces both your rate of breathing and the volume of air moved. Its victims usually die. Fentanyl also lowers the heart rate and blood pressure. Obviously, if one’s heart is not beating sufficiently to move blood through your body and not giving breath, the outcome is clear – death.

Even in states where other drugs are legal, like Colorado, where marijuana was legalized back in 2012, an analysis of 2021 deaths in the “Rocky Mountain High” state revealed 48,284 deaths, 10,363 more than the pre-pandemic average.  Only 5,298 of those were caused by the COVID virus.  Coloradans are seeing a massive increase in overdose deaths in ages 25-44 years young. 

As International Overdose Day, August 31, approaches, talk to your family members and friends. Addictions are deadly and must be addressed through medical and behavioral interventions. Resources are available with professionals ready to assist when accessed. 

Be aware. Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroine, and 100 times more potent that morphine. A new synthetic class being smuggled into our streets is the nitazenes. These illicit drugs are 20 times more powerful than fentanyl. 

A Stanford-Lancet study this year predicts 1.2 million US deaths, with the greatest impact to the Black community, over the next decade due to opioids.

If you get medicine from your physicians, take it as prescribed and in consultation with your health team. Otherwise, beware of dangers. 

YOUR OPINIONS MATTER | Due Process … It’s Important to All

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YOUR OPINIONS MATTER | Due Process … It’s Important to All

The recent reassignment of Chattanooga Police Department Officers by Chief Celeste Murphy has drawn attention, criticism, support, and unanswered questions. The fact that has already been demonstrated by the turn of events is clear and simple: Due process is important to all.

As reported and affirmed through the actions of both the US Attorney’s Office and the response of Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy, cases tried, involving men and women standing as defendants for crimes alleged, have revealed a record of falsified reports or misrepresentations of the truth by at least 10 CPD Officers in court proceedings. 

The US Attorney’s Office specifically noted, the “paramount importance” that “defendants in federal criminal proceedings receive the due process required by the US Constitution.”  It was the initial request of the US Attorney’s Office to the Chattanooga Police Department which set in motion the movement of CPD Officers from enforcement duties to non-enforcement duties when it asked for “a list of names of officers who had been untruthful or misrepresented information in the past,” as reported by the Chattanooga Times-Free Press.

Complying with this request, Chief Murphy submitted a list of names that numbered 10 officers which apparently existed or was able to be generated due to activity in the past which established their alleged unreliable testimony in court. From the vantage point of the US Attorney’s Office, the need for accurate and truthful testimony and evidence is obvious. Equally, from the perspective of the Chattanooga Police Department, the efforts of Chief Murphy, a 25-year law enforcement veteran whose tenure with the Atlanta Police Department held a record of commendable service, to have men and women in enforcement positions that provide accurate and truthful testimony and evidence are justified.

The Chattanooga community has questions that seem to reflect both the Hamilton County Branch of the NAACP and the local Police Union. What is the due process for the Chattanooga Police Officers in question who allegedly made unreliable statements or filed falsified reports? What is the process for these individuals who were not terminated, yet have been reassigned since they, apparently, are no longer able to testify in federal court cases? Is this process the same for all officers and what training and standards are in place to ensure that all officers assigned enforcement duty, which includes court appearances, follow procedures and submit accurate testimony and evidence?

Defendants are due their day in court with facts as the tool to bring justice.  So should the due process for the Chattanooga Police Officers be known for the sake of the officers involved, the entire Chattanooga Police Department and all the officers, as well as the entire community.

Chattanoogans and Hamilton Countians expect and deserve a justice system, not just a legal system, that provides both law and order.

Madison McKenzie

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