Page 127 – Chattanooga News Chronicle

Blacks In Tech Needed For Paid Cohort Program

Josh Evans

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August 4, 2022

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Blacks In Tech Needed For Paid Cohort Program

Rob Taylor Jr.

– Courier Staff Writer

The tech field, which was, a decade ago, overwhelmingly White, is becoming more diverse.

But only at a snail’s pace.

According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates and the U.S. Equal Economic Opportunity Commission’s Diversity in Tech Report from 2019, African Americans now account for seven percent of all employees in the tech field. Years prior, it was even less.

But in Pittsburgh, there are African Americans in the tech field trying to get more of their people through the hard-to-break doors.

Lindsay Powell is the latest.

Powell, a 2019 New Pittsburgh Courier “Fab 40” member, is the new director of workforce strategies/development for InnovatePGH, an Oakland-based nonprofit which works to embed the Pittsburgh region’s research-oriented university assets, high-growth firms, tech talent and creative start-ups into economic growth strategies.

With the help of Jewish Family and Community Services, Powell created the “Innovation District Skills Alliance,” which aims to create career pathways for African Americans and other ethnicities. Powell is urging community members ages 18 and up to apply now for the program’s first cohort, a three-week paid position as an animal care technician at the University of Pittsburgh. Lab care technicians are instrumental in the work of helping Pitt researchers develop the medicine to help society solve some of the biggest medical ailments in the world, including cancer.

Powell said it’s a perfect way for more African Americans to get involved in the tech scene in Pittsburgh, as the stipend paid to cohort members is up to $600. Cohort participants also receive transportation stipends, and a laptop computer that the participant gets to keep.

“As the tech economy and the innovation economy (in Pittsburgh) grows,” Powell told the Courier, July 15, “We can make sure that it’s more inclusive.”

Powell said following the conclusion of the first cohort, more cohorts and job opportunities will be announced in August and into September.

“Tech continues to be a burgeoning field,” Powell said. “Obviously, Mayor (Ed) Gainey has been all-hands-in on trying to make it more inclusive, and there are programs in Pittsburgh that exist and are growing to make sure that Black people have a space in the innovation economy.”

Reps. Lee, Waters, Jeffries, Clarke Introduce Bill to Honor Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm with the Congressional Gold Medal

National

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August 4, 2022

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Reps. Lee, Waters, Jeffries, Clarke Introduce Bill to Honor Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm with the Congressional Gold Medal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Barbara Lee (CA-13), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), and Yvette Clarke (NY-09) introduced HR 8535, legislation to award the Honorable Shirley Chisholm with the Congressional Gold Medal.

Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman to the United States Congress. In 1968, the Congresswoman took her seat as the Representative for New York’s 12th Congressional District—a post that she would hold for seven terms. During her tenure in Congress, Chisholm focused on tackling issues of food insecurity and economic justice. She was a fearless advocate for American families and also served as a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Chisholm’s presidential candidacy as the first African American and first woman to run for President.

“Shirley Chisholm has cemented her place in history as a trailblazer. As a champion of the poor and marginalized, a tireless worker for American families, and a role model to me and other women in politics, Congresswoman Chisholm has served courageously in the face of adversity and systematic racism,” said Rep. Lee. “In the 50 years since her presidential candidacy, we elected our first African American female Vice President and confirmed the first Asian American and African American female Supreme Court Justices, among many other firsts. Shirley Chisholm’s legacy shows that women need to be represented in every level of government. The Congressional Gold Medal serves as the expression of our nation’s deepest gratitude and respect in recognition of bravery, achievement, and outstanding service. It is without a doubt that Chisholm is deserving of Congress’ highest honor.“

“Shirley Chisholm’s more than fifty-year legacy continues to inspire and pave the way for generations of Black women leaders, including myself and so many other women of color that sit here in Congress today,” said Rep. Waters. “Chisholm was a trailblazer, a proud Barbadian-American from Brooklyn and the first woman of color to seek the presidential nomination from a major political party. In April I led a congressional delegation to Barbados where Members of Congress met with Caribbean leaders to discuss issues of financial access and inclusion. Shirley Chisholm’s trailblazing legacy was raised by Caribbean leaders and she is remembered as a national hero. That is because Chisholm spoke truth to power, no matter how unpopular it was, and refused to sit idly by as our communities suffered and were relegated to second-class citizenship. Her bold, progressive vision helped low-income families, hungry school children and struggling families get the support they needed, and her voice has helped to shape the politics of today. I carry the spirit and tenacity of Chisholm, whose shoulders we all stand on, and I am so incredibly pleased to join my colleagues, Representative Lee, Jeffries, and Clarke on this bill honoring Shirley Chisholm with the Congressional Gold Medal.“ 

“Shirley Chisholm was a groundbreaking icon who paved the way for future generations to run for office,” said Rep. Jeffries. “Growing up in Crown Heights, she was my representative in the House. It’s a privilege to now serve many of the same central Brooklyn communities she once represented in Congress. As we mark the 50-year anniversary of her historic presidential run, I am honored to join Reps. Lee, Waters and Clarke in introducing a bill to award her with the highest Congressional honor.”

“Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm was a woman who dared to be a catalyst for change. At a time when oppression and racism were not just systemic, but celebrated, she persisted past every obstacle in her way to shatter ceilings and unlock opportunities for the women and girls who followed her,” said Rep. Clarke. “Her achievements did not happen by accident. They took passion, perseverance and dedication to the betterment of her community, her country, and the lives of all who called both home. For her remarkable, trailblazing life, ‘Fighting Shirley’ deserves the highest honor of Congress.”

Endorsing organizations: Delta Sigma Theta, Shirley Chisholm Institute, National Urban League, National Education Association. 

Original co-sponsors (114): Wilson, Maloney, DeLauro, Holmes Norton, Barragan, Quigley, Dean, Peters, Jackson Lee, Deutch, Sanchez, Adams, Kelly, Gonzalez, Blumenauer, Bonamici, Garcia, Gallego, Titus, Higgins, Garamendi, Wild, McGovern, Cicilline, Moore, Pressley, Ruiz, Underwood, Cleaver, McCollum, Plaskett, Payne, Trone, Takano, Kaptur, Ocasio-Cortez, Schakowsky, Evans, Davis, Carter, Casten, Suozzi, Tlaib, Johnson, Espaillat, McNerney, Lawson, Bass, Lynch, Schiff, Foster, Torres, Watson Coleman, Cardenas, Blunt Rochester, Rush, Carson, Pappas, DelBene, Johnson, Bishop, Welch, Shontel Brown, Omar, Cherfilus-McCormick, Sewell, Clark, Costa, Butterfield, Price, Raskin, Sablan, Jayapal, Defazio, Rice, Mfume, Thompson, Larsen, Horsford, Jones, Lowenthal, Beyer, Pingree, Matsui, Velazquez, Green, Bustos, Stansbury, Meeks, Ruppersberger, Bush, Raskin, Kildee, Hayes, Trahan, Susie Lee, Frankel, Sherman, Cooper, Tonko, Wexton, Kilmer, Bera, Jacobs, Speier, Dingell, Doggett, Bowman, Napolitano, Scott, Grijalva, Newman. 

National Civil Rights Museum Statement Regarding the Passing of Bill Russell

CNC Staff

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August 4, 2022

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National Civil Rights Museum Statement Regarding the Passing of Bill Russell

Memphis, TN, July 31, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The National Civil Rights Museum mourns the passing of 2011 Freedom Award honoree and sports pioneer, William Felton Russell. Following baseball legend Jackie Robinson’s example, Bill Russell believed it was his responsibility as a celebrity to use his platform to stand up for positive social change.

Bill Russell was an outspoken advocate for civil rights. He was one of the first celebrities to proudly call himself “Black,” when “Negro” was still the accepted and polite term. At least twice, he refused to play a scheduled game when his black teammates were given inferior accommodations.

Russell participated in the March on Washington but refused to take the platform in deference to the veteran organizers who worked toward that historical moment. Living by his convictions, he established an off-season sports training camp open to kids of any color in 1963.

In 1967, still playing for the Celtics, Russell became the coach and the first Black coach of a major league professional sports team. The next season he became the first Black coach to win an NBA championship. In his thirteen-year NBA playing career, his Boston Celtics won eleven championships, a winning record unmatched by any player in any sport. In 2011 Russell was honored with the Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, a fitting tribute to the man who continued to be a trailblazer and inspiration for many on and off the court.  He was a man who cut to the chase, told it like it was, and did the right thing…because it was the right thing to do. He was not only an Olympic gold medalist and champion in the world of professional basketball, but also a forever champion in the game of life.

Salvation Army Kicks Off Love Beyond Hunger Campaign

Local

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August 4, 2022

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Salvation Army Kicks Off Love Beyond Hunger Campaign

Non-profit seeks to address urgent need

The Salvation Army’s Chattanooga Area Command will kick off its regional Love Beyond Hunger campaign at the Walmart Supercenters in Fort Oglethorpe and Hixson. The campaign serves as an invitation to employees, donors, volunteers, and anyone who wishes to lend aid to join the mission of providing love, care and assistance to all who need it. The Salvation Army hopes to inspire people to help one another in long-lasting, meaningful ways that transcend difficult situations and address unfortunate circumstances.

Locally, The Salvation Army is in urgent need of in-kind food donations for the Blessing Place, which opened last year and provides the homeless with a food shopping experience at no cost to them. They are also in need of food donations for their Social Services Food Pantry.

There are multiple ways for the community to make food donations:

August (all month long): Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Salvation Army Area Command in Chattanooga (food items are tax-free in Tennessee throughout August)

Items Needed Include:

Canned goods (meats, soups, fruits, and vegetables)
Peanut butter and jelly
Grains
Individually wrapped snack items
Waters and sports drinks

WHEN Aug. 1-31, 2022 – Area Command

WHERE The Salvation Army Area Command
822 McCallie Ave.

Chattanooga, TN 37403

To see a complete list of items needed, please visit www.csarmy.org/in-kind-needs.

SPLASH Summer Arts Festival Set for Saturday, August 20 in Miller Park

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August 4, 2022

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SPLASH Summer Arts Festival Set for Saturday, August 20 in Miller Park

Chattanooga, Tenn. (August 1, 2022) – SPLASH Youth Arts Workshop, a nonprofit that provides year-round art workshops to Chattanooga youth at no charge, is hosting a Summer Arts Festival on Saturday, August 20 from 10 am – 3 pm in Miller Park. This family-friendly festival is free and will feature live music performances, amazing food, and works of regional artists. Festival goers can try their hand at free art activities throughout the day from various vendors.

“We are unbelievably excited to host Splash Summer Arts Festival in Chattanooga – the city where I was born and continues to inspire me daily,” said Charlie Newton, internationally acclaimed artist and co-founder of Splash Youth Arts Workshop. ”We designed the festival to be inclusive whereby any and everyone no matter the age or ethnic background will be engaged and entertained. Come help us celebrate Chattanooga’s rich and diverse arts community for a fun cultural experience in Miller Park!”

The current Splash Summer Arts Festival schedule at Miller Park includes the following stage performances between 10 am – 3 pm:

10:10 am – Performance by Brainerd High School Pantherettes

10:45 am – Spoken word by Rhyme “N’ Chatt

11:00 am – Music performance by Ryan Oyer

11:30 am – Music performance by Tryezz

12:00 pm – Performance by Chattanooga Boys Choir

12:30 pm – Musical Performance by Swayyvo

1:00 pm — Musical Performance by Jasmine Le Shea

1:30 pm – Performance by Chattanooga Ballet

2:00 pm – Performance by T-RAN

For information about Splash Summer Arts Festival, visit www.splashyouthartsworkshop.org or follow Splash Youth Arts Workshop on Facebook and Instagram.

WTCI-PBS Announces Partnership with Chattanooga Hip-Hop Summit

Local

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August 4, 2022

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August 2, 2022 Chattanooga, TN

WTCI-PBS is excited to announce a media partnership with the Chattanooga Hip-Hop Summit.

This year, the Summit is preceded by Chattanooga Hip-Hop Week, October 9-15, which kicks

off on Sunday, October 9th at Miller Park with Family Day, featuring food, family-friendly live

music, dancers, a DJ battle, games, and more.

As part of Chattanooga Hip-Hop Week, WTCI will air programs like Love & Respect with Killer Mike, premiering in September, and airing through the end of hip-hop week. WTCI will also be

sponsoring the poetry slam event, as well as the local artists showcase on the Monday and

Tuesday of Chattanooga Hip-Hop Week.

“We’re excited to have organizations like WTCI investing in the hip-hop community and

showcasing the many positive aspects of the music and culture, “ said Micah Chapman, Co-

Founder of the Chattanooga Hip-Hop Summit.

Chattanooga Hip-Hop Week culminates in the Hip-Hop Summit, an event that is free to the

public and celebrates the history of hip-hop, discusses its future, and allows participants the

chance to hear from influencers in the hip-hop industry about their path to success. Panelists

will include Wendy Day, Kim Osorio, Starlito, Bigga Rankin, DJ Chuck T, and more.

Focused on helping artists and entrepreneurs to improve their craft, the conference will consist

of panels and workshops designed to assist hip-hop artists, managers, producers, and

entrepreneurs to develop their knowledge and skills. Last year, panel topics included women in

hip-hop, digital strategy, marketing and branding, and using hip-hop for social good.

“WTCI is thrilled to partner with the Chattanooga Hip-Hop Summit. The event uplifts storytelling

that centers cultural identity and engagement, highlights powerful voices in our community, and

brings an energy to storytelling that we can all learn from,” said Bob Culkeen WTCI,

President/CEO.

Hip-Hop artists have long been powerful storytellers, producing a wide range of music that

reflects the diversity within America, while documenting and provoking conversations about the

collective black experience. More information about the Chattanooga Hip-Hop Summit can be

found at https://www.chahiphopsummit.com/.

Chattanooga Chamber Leadership Development Director

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August 4, 2022

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Chattanooga Chamber Leadership Development Director

The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce announced today that Toya Moore, M.Ed., has been named incoming Director of Leadership Development.

“Serving as Leadership Development Director, Toya Moore will have a unique opportunity to oversee programs that help to grow and advance the leadership acumen of talent throughout the greater Chattanooga community,” said Sybil Topel, VP, Marketing & Engagement, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.

“As a proven leader who has worked in the private sector and for esteemed institutions of higher education, Toya brings fresh insight and perspectives to our team as well as deep experience in training today’s and tomorrow’s leaders. Her work in Washington, D.C., and Nashville, as well as her many years in Chattanooga, will greatly benefit future graduates and participants of the Chattanooga Chamber’s diverse suite of programs to retain and engage top talent.”

In her new role, Moore will direct the administration of the Chattanooga Chamber Foundation’s suite of programs: Leadership Chattanooga, Young Professionals of Chattanooga, Protégé Chattanooga, the Leadership Chattanooga Alumni Association, and ChattaNewbies. Moore’s work will focus on professional development and civic engagement among early career, mid-career, and established professionals. Leadership Chattanooga alone has graduated almost 1,900 individuals since its 1984 inception.

Moore comes to the Chattanooga Chamber from LBMC where she served as Talent Development Advisor, directing their two flagship programs for leadership development, as well as an executive-coaching program. LBMC is one of the largest professional-services firms in the Southeastern U.S. Moore holds extended certification in DiSC, a widely renowned personality and behavioral assessment tool used to improve teamwork, communication, and productivity.

Originally from Cleveland, Tenn., Moore served as Director of The Acorn School at Vanderbilt University and as an Instructional Specialist for the District of Columbia Public Schools. She has also worked with the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Chattanooga State Community College, Signal Centers, Inc., and the United Way of Greater Chattanooga.

Moore earned her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership as well as a B.S. in Applied Human Science from East Tennessee State University. In 2020 she was honored with the Vanderbilt Division of Administration Service Champion Award.

Moore joins the Chattanooga Chamber’s Marketing & Engagement team, which includes Leadership Development, Events and Member Engagement, and Marketing Communications.

Bipartisan Bill To Establish Memorial Commemorating Efforts Of Women On The Home Front During WWII Clears Senate Committee

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August 4, 2022

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Bipartisan Bill To Establish Memorial Commemorating Efforts Of Women On The Home Front During WWII Clears Senate Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) along with Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and House Sponsor Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) introduced legislation that would establish a new memorial in Washington, D.C. The legislation, which passed out of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee last week, will create a new memorial to honor the contributions of the estimated 18 million women who helped keep our nation’s economy and society running during World War II by working as pilots, engineers, taxi drivers, letter carriers, and code breakers.

“There are more than 160 monuments in Washington, D.C., but not a single one celebrates the 18 million women that worked on the home front during World War II,” said Senator Blackburn. “Their sacrifice and trailblazing work must not be forgotten. The bipartisan legislation I joined with Senator Duckworth to recognize their efforts is now one step closer to becoming law.”

“It’s long past time we recognize the contributions hardworking women made during World War II—they rolled up their sleeves and took whatever job was necessary to keep the country they loved moving forward,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m pleased this bipartisan legislation that will honor their efforts and help ensure better representation for women in the cherished, world-renowned memorials in our nation’s capital passed out of committee, and I hope the full Senate passes it swiftly as well.”

“Women displayed strong leadership and played a vital role in keeping America running by taking on responsibilities previously held by men during World War II,” said Senator Braun. “Officially honoring their hard work and sacrifice is overdue.”

“Women have largely been ignored in the memorials on federal land in the nation’s capital, even though they played key roles in World War II,” Congresswoman Norton said. “My constituent Raya Kenney, the founder of the Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation, came up with the idea to honor these brave women who supported the World War II effort, and I am pleased the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources passed the bill. Thank you to Senator Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran and Purple Heart recipient herself, for leading this effort in the Senate.”

The Women Who Worked on the Home Front World War II Memorial Act would also recognize the important role these women played in expanding economic opportunity for future generations of women. Between 1941 and 1945, the female portion of the U.S. workforce increased from 27 percent to nearly 37 percent.

THIS WEEK IN AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY HORACE W. BIVINS (1862-1937)

African American History

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August 4, 2022

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THIS WEEK IN AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY HORACE W. BIVINS (1862-1937)

POSTED ON JANUARY 14, 2011. CONTRIBUTED BY: HOWARD CABIAO

Horace Waymon Bivins, a Buffalo Soldier, was born on May 8, 1862, in Accomack County, Virginia. His father Severn S. Bivins and his mother Elizabeth Bivins were free black farmers on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. His parents taught Bivins to farm, and at the age of fifteen, he was in charge of an eight-horse farm near Keller Station, Virginia.

Bivins, however, yearned for a life away from farming, and at seventeen, he entered Hampton Institute in Virginia, where he was first introduced to military training.  In 1887, Bivins joined the U.S. Army as a private. He was ordered to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri and assigned to Troop E, 10th U.S. Cavalry. Bivins was eventually stationed with the regiment at Fort Grant in Arizona Territory. There he took part in the campaign against Geronimo during the final days of the Apache Wars in the Southwest.  An expert marksman, Bivins won eight medals and badges given by the War Department in shooting competitions between 1892 and 1894

During the Spanish-American War, Corporal Bivins served as a gunner with the 10th Cavalry in Cuba. During the Battle of Santiago on July 1, 1898, Bivins operated a three-man Hotchkiss mountain gun alone and suffered a head wound as his fellow soldiers were pinned down under fire.  Commended for his bravery, Bivins became a hero of the war as his actions were described in both military and civilian newspapers.  In 1899, he wrote of his Cuban experiences which appeared in the book Under the Fire with Tenth Cavalry, one of the earliest and most popular Spanish-American War accounts written by participating soldiers.

Bivins was promoted to sergeant and served six months in the Philippines in 1901, often leading patrols against the forces of Emilio Aguinaldo.  He left the Philippines in July 1901 and was stationed at a series of military posts in Montana, California, Wyoming, New York, and Vermont. He retired from the U.S. Army on July 19, 1913 and settled in Billings, Montana.

In 1917, Bivins proposed organizing a unit of volunteers in Virginia for the U.S. Army as it prepared to embark for France to fight in World War I.  The Army turned down his proposal but it did make the 55-year-old former soldier a captain in the infantry.  For six months he served on active duty at Camp Dix, New Jersey before retiring again and returning to Billings, Montana.  Horace Bivins passed away in Billings in 1937 at the age of 75.

TNStars celebrates 10 years by giving $10,000 in scholarships!

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August 4, 2022

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TNStars celebrates 10 years by giving $10,000 in scholarships!

NASHVILLE –The TNStars College Savings 529 Program is celebrating 10 years of helping families save and invest for college by giving 10 Tennessee children $1,000 scholarships into a TNStars account.

Tennessee residents 21 and older can enter to win at TNStars.com/Scholarship now through August 31 on behalf of a child 10 or younger. One entry is good for the entire contest period. The $1,000 prize can be used by each winning beneficiary to cover future post-secondary education expenses ranging from tuition and housing to books, computers, and more. Winners will be invited to a special scholarship presentation during the TNStars 10th Birthday Celebration in September.

The TNStars College Savings 529 Program was launched in September 2012 to encourage Tennessee families to save and invest for the future cost of higher education in a tax-advantaged way. Families can open an account with as little as $25 to start. Over the past 10 years, TNStars has helped Tennessee families save more than $250 million for college in over 23,000 accounts.

“As Treasurer, I wanted to be sure Tennessee had a low-cost way to save for college,” said Tennessee Treasurer David H. Lillard, Jr., first elected in 2009. “We are proud of the exceptional growth TNStars has seen in the past decade and pleased to provide Tennesseans an easy way to save and invest for higher education.”

TNStars is designed to give Tennessee families high-quality investment options at a low cost to help them put aside money for higher education expenses. Families can invest directly with the program and money can be withdrawn tax-free from a TNStars account as long as it is used for qualified post-secondary education expenses.

To enter the scholarship giveaway or to get more information on the program, visit TNStars.com. All contest entries and winners are subject to the Official Rules of the “10 Years, 10 Kids, $10,000 Scholarship Giveaway.”