Yasuke, a warrior during the 1500s who became the world’s first Black samurai, earned the title and rank while serving under the rule of Oda Nobunaga, a powerful leader in Japan in the 16th century. Yasuke’s origin, however, is uncertain because while historians agree that he was a slave, they can’t agree from which country he came from – Mozambique, Ethiopia, Sudan, or South Africa.
According to a credible book entitled African Samurai: The True Story of Yasuke, Yasuke was a retainer and a weapons bearer who had fought in many battles including the Battle of Tenmokunzan and the Honnō–Ji incident, an attempt to kill Nobunaga.
He met Nobunaga shortly after he arrived in Japan with an Italian Jesuit missionary named Alessandro Valignano on an inspection tour and had gotten along well with the feudal Lord cause he was a great conversationalist who already knew how to speak Japanese.
According to historian Lawrence Winkler, when Yasuke arrived in Kyoto the former capital of Japan in 1579, there was a great sensation, people climbed over one another just to get a glimpse of him leading to the death of some people. He was said to be 1.82m tall which is very unlikely for Japanese Citizens.
When they were ambushed by his general, Akechi Mitshuhide, Nobunaga committed a suicide ritual (also known as seppuku), but it was said that before he killed himself that he had asked Yasuke to decapitate him and take his head and sword to his son. As for Yasuke, some say he was exiled because he had refused to commit seppuku but instead surrendered his sword. Sadly, however, it’s still very uncertain how his legacy ended because of unverified records of his life after 1582.
The Hixson Elementary School Blues Week residency team, from left: music teacher Amanda Stawick, Arts-Based Collaborative (ABC) teaching artist Rick Rushing III, ABC teaching artist Jennifer Daniels and librarian Kierstyn Wallmarker.
As the colorful hues of spring paint the Scenic City, the Arts-Based Collaborative (ABC) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is adding its own artistic strokes to classrooms and communities.
Housed within the UTC College of Health, Education and Professional Studies, ABC has been a dynamic force this semester, fostering creativity and learning through innovative arts-based programs.
Angela Dittmar, ABC’s director of teaching artist residencies, aptly summarized the flurry of activity: “It’s been quite a semester.”
One of the spring’s most ambitious undertakings unfolded at Hixson Elementary School from April 28 to May 2. In a unique partnership between ABC, Hixson’s related arts teachers (covering art, music, library, and physical education), and local musicians Jennifer Daniels and Rick Rushing III, the entire student body immersed themselves in a week dedicated to the blues.
The program kicked off with an electrifying school wide concert featuring Daniels and Rushing. Over the following three days, the musicians moved through classrooms, guiding students in the creation of their own original blues lyrics. The week culminated in a second full-school concert where students proudly performed the songs they helped to write.
“This is the first time we’ve done something like this,” Dittmar explained, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the project. “It’s been exciting to see how the artists and the teachers worked together to build something really special. And I love that it’s customized. The related arts team really took the lead in shaping this.”
The seeds for Blues Week were sown through a connection between Hixson Elementary and the Northside Neighborhood House. Community educator Rose Denor, inspired by an ABC-facilitated summer teacher training session, secured a Tennessee Arts Commission Student Ticket Subsidy Grant to bring the program to fruition. While Denor is no longer directly involved, Dittmar acknowledged her pivotal role in initiating the project.
Beyond the blues, ABC’s spring outreach spans numerous other schools and centers, including East Brainerd Elementary, Hope City, Montessori Elementary at Highland Park, Battle Academy, Wallace A. Smith Elementary, Hardy Elementary, and various Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms.
These residencies focus on the crucial areas of early learning and arts integration within subjects like literacy, math, and social-emotional development.
Dittmar emphasized that many of these vital residencies are made possible through the generous support of grants and community partners, including Chattanooga 2.0, the City of Chattanooga, and the United Way of Greater Chattanooga.
ABC’s impact extends beyond individual schools through partnerships with organizations like WTCI-PBS for arts integration activities at East Chattanooga and Carver Community Centers. They also contribute to teacher development through the Partners in Education coalition, which includes ArtsBuild, WTCI, the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, and Hamilton County Schools.
“Students benefit so much from having teaching artists come into their classrooms,” Dittmar concluded. “It breaks up the routine, it brings joy and excitement, and it helps them learn in deeper, more meaningful ways.”
Founded in 1987 through a unique partnership involving the Getty Center for Education in the Arts, Chattanooga-based foundations, UTC, the state of Tennessee, and local school districts, ABC was initially one of six Getty-funded regional institutes dedicated to researching and promoting discipline-based visual art education.
Recognizing the broader potential, UTC and the Chattanooga community expanded the concept to encompass music, theatre, and dance education.
Nationwide — Max Jones, a 19-year-old African American teen from Richmond, Virginia, once lived in his car while finishing high school. With help from teachers and a local pastor, he is now set to graduate and has received full scholarship offers from several colleges. According to WDTV, Max grew up in North Carolina, where he faced constant financial hardship and unstable housing living with his mother and half-siblings. Wanting a better future, he decided to take a bus to Richmond and enrolled at George Wythe High School.
Without a permanent home, Max ended up living in his car. He had no access to basic needs like regular showers and consistent meals.
“I still wore the same clothes. They were never clean, they were never dirty. They were just wearing the same clothes. Like sweats, joggers, crocs,” he said. “I’m not able to take showers, I’m not able to eat.”
Despite these hardships, he kept going to school every day and working at a local restaurant. Teachers and mentors stepped in whenever they could, providing food and occasional hotel stays.
A turning point came when Pastor Robert Winfrey from New Life Deliverance Tabernacle visited Max’s school. After learning about Max’s situation, the pastor opened the church cottage to him, providing food, a clean bathroom, and a safe place to sleep.
“I wanted to make sure that he wasn’t completely dismantled because of his situation,” Winfrey said. “All he needed was that one push, and thank God so far he got that push.”
Now, Max is about to graduate from high school and has earned full scholarships to several colleges, including Paine College in Georgia, Virginia Union University, and Ohio State. He plans to give back to those who helped him and hopes to change the world.
“Maybe I might not be fully conscious of what I’m saying right now, but I’m going to change the world, and I’m going to give back to everybody that gave to me. Everybody,” he said. (BlackNews.com)
May 22, 2025 – Hamilton County Schools are full of outstanding seniors, and this year, one student is soaring higher than most, literally. Hevean Dunn, a senior who has now graduated from Brainerd High School, earned her high school diploma and pilot’s license.
While many students spend their senior year thinking about prom, senior trips, or just graduating, Hevean was spending her time learning to navigate the skies. She’s learned a lot and got many hours of training at Brainerd High School in the school’s Institute of Aviation. The curriculum includes learning the principles of flight, access to a flight simulator, the use of drones, engine work and repair, general maintenance, and larger problem-solving regarding engine work.
Hevean’s love for flying was discovered by accident. “My freshman year, I was actually put into the aviation class by mistake. I wanted to be in automotive or healthcare, but the class filled up so fast that I accidentally was put in the aviation class. The aviation teacher thought I would do well in the class, so I stayed.”
Flying is all about making adjustments. Heaven demonstrated her ability to adjust to any situation and thrive. “Although I resisted the class, I became his top student, and my teacher took me on an intro flight.”
When asked how it felt to be earning her diploma and having her license, she said, “It’s pretty cool. I want to be a pilot full-time.”
Now that she’s graduated, Hevean has her eyes set on college and a future in aviation. She plans to attend Middle Tennessee State University, and she is looking to gain certifications to become a commercial pilot.
Earning a pilot’s license is a feat, but accomplishing it while earning a diploma is amazing. Hevean’s mindset allows her to push herself beyond challenges. When asked what she liked most about flying, Hevean replied, “I would say doing challenging things because a lot of times people think you’re just flying, you know, just sitting in a cockpit playing on your phone. But really, we fly on a lot of tough and windy days.
She also shared some advice for younger students who never thought about being a pilot. “Don’t be scared to try something new. Even if it seems hard or different, go for it. You never know where it might take you.”
Hevean is proof that anything is possible with the right mix of hard work, passion, and support. Her story is one of courage, commitment, and rising above expectations. She’s leaving Brainerd High School as a graduate and a pilot, ready to take on the skies. Hamilton County Schools is proud of Hevean and all the seniors stepping into their futures. As Hevean put it, “This is just the beginning.”
The current assault on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the United States may dominate headlines, but it doesn’t define the future of inclusive leadership. DEI is not a political liability—it is a strategic necessity. And critically, it is not a uniquely American construct. As one of the architects of ISO 30415:2021 – Human Resource Management: Diversity and Inclusion, I can say with certainty: DEI is a global standard. Literally.
The current assault on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the United States may dominate headlines, but it doesn’t define the future of inclusive leadership. DEI is not a political liability—it is a strategic necessity. And critically, it is not a uniquely American construct. As one of the architects of ISO 30415:2021 – Human Resource Management: Diversity and Inclusion, I can say with certainty: DEI is a global standard. Literally.
While U.S. politicians fan the flames of culture wars, the rest of the world continues to build more inclusive, adaptive, and resilient institutions. As Paul Klein’s recent piece inForbes rightly underscores, companies in Europe, Asia, and beyond are doubling down on DEI—not abandoning it. The reason is simple: forward-thinking leaders across borders recognize that equity and inclusion are not just moral positions—they are business imperatives.
From U.S. Retrenchment to Global Resolve
Even as U.S. companies like Booz Allen react to Trump-era directives by gutting DEI programs, international firms such as L’Oréal, BMW, and Tech Mahindra remain steadfast. Their leaders understand what American politicians have willfully ignored: exclusion is expensive. In contrast, inclusion powers innovation, loyalty, market agility, and long-term value creation.
The backlash against DEI in the U.S. has sparked diplomatic pushback abroad. Nancy Levine Stearns points to European governments that swiftly rejected U.S. embassy efforts to discourage DEI programming. This echoes a powerful truth: you cannot export fear where justice is already taking root.
ISO 30415: Proof That the World Sees the Bigger Picture
The creation of ISO 30415:2021 marked a watershed moment: DEI principles are now embedded in the global business fabric. Developed by a multinational working group, the standard provides a consistent, practical framework for embedding diversity and inclusion into organizational governance, leadership, strategy, operations, and relationships.
It was not developed to appease regulators or activists. It emerged from a consensus among global business, labor, and human rights leaders that inclusion enhances performance, safety, innovation, and sustainability. It recognizes that DEI is not about guilt or grievance—it’s about balance, access, and unleashing full human potential.
A Shift in Narrative: From Compliance to Commitment
As the Forbes essay notes, leaders in Poland, Finland, and India are reimagining DEI through locally resonant language. They are shifting from performative checklists to strategic, values-driven engagement. They speak of belonging,barrier removal, and innovation, not just diversity quotas.
Their lesson to U.S. companies? Reframe. Reground. Recommit.
Start with why. DEI fails when it is a public relations veneer. It succeeds when rooted in purpose, values, and empathy.
Don’t chase consensus. Lead with conviction. As Adamska-Woźniak said, “Every DEI initiative seems like an act of courage.” That is precisely the point.
Globalize your lens. The world is not waiting for the U.S. to figure itself out. DEI is already thriving in cultures that see it as essential to their future.
The Real Threat Isn’t DEI—It’s American Exceptionalism
The danger in today’s U.S. DEI retreat lies not in its impact on the world, but in America’s self-imposed irrelevance. While some U.S. firms flinch, the global economy continues to evolve—faster, more diverse, and more interconnected. Companies unwilling to embrace equity and belonging will find themselves unable to recruit top global talent, reach emerging markets, or sustain innovation pipelines.
The dismantling of DEI in the U.S. is not a triumph of pragmatism—it’s a failure of imagination.
Conclusion: This Is Our Leadership Moment
As a global DEI standard-setter and practitioner, I’ve seen what’s possible when inclusion is treated not as a concession but as a catalyst. Let this be a call to action: to global companies with U.S. operations, to courageous leaders inside embattled institutions, and to DEI advocates feeling weary and isolated.
We are not alone. We are not losing. We are part of a larger, global movement. And the world is watching. Let us rise to meet this moment with clarity, commitment, and courage.
Chattanooga, TN – The Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Epsilon Xi Sigma Chapter is proud to host the Eddy L. Echols, Sr. Golf Classic on Friday, June 6, 2025 at Brown Acres Golf Course. The date is fast approaching and you still have time to participate in this scholarship fund raising effort as well as to highlight your golfing skills and possibly win $10,000 for making a “Hole in One”!
A Team of four is $600 and $150 for Individuals. There will be prizes for First, Second, and Third place Teams, additional prizes, and once again,…an awesome opportunity for the $10,000 Hole-in-One!! It will be an afternoon of fun and great golfing!
Brother Eddy L. Echols, Sr. is known for his unwavering commitment to his community and his profound faith. The life and service of Mr. Eddy L. Echols, Sr. is a testament to the values of compassion, dedication, and resilience. Brother Eddy L. Echols is a charter member of Epsilon Xi Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Chapter in Chattanooga. Brother Echols was the third president of Epsilon Xi Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma and served as president from 1977 through 1982. He also served as the chapter Treasurer for many years.
Brother Echols is a Life member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Life member of the NAACP, and is a member of The Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church of Chattanooga, where he serves as a deacon.
After graduating with a degree in education from Knoxville College, Mr. Echols relocated and taught in the Chattanooga school system at Orchard Knob Junior High School. While teaching at Orchard Knob Junior High School, Mr. Echols received his Master of Education degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. After teaching at Orchard Knob Junior High School, Mr. Echols accepted a job as the Director of The Chattanooga Youth Corps. After serving in that capacity for several years, Mr. Echols served as Director of Pre-Vocational Component Concentration Employment Program of Chattanooga; and later as Director of Adult Education and Extended Services. Before Mr. Echols retired, he served as Director of Employee Relations at The Chattanooga Public School System. Mr. Echols was appointed to The Erlanger Board of Trustees in Chattanooga in 1982 and became the first person of color to serve on the Board.
Despite his numerous commitments, Brother Echols always makes time for his family. He was a devoted husband to his late wife, Mrs. Barbara Echols, and is still a devoted father to his son, Doctor Eddy Echols, Jr. and daughter Yolanda Echols Mitchell who is practicing Law in Chattanooga.
Brother Echols will be present to meet and greet you at our fraternity’s very first Eddy L. Echols, Sr. Golf Classic. There will be fun, refreshments, prizesas we raise funds for scholarships for area high school students.
Contact Tournament Coordinators for additional information:
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The Leadership Conference said that for 75 years, it has helped secure every major federal civil rights law enacted in the United States. It warned that the same government systems used to advance justice are being weaponized to suppress it.
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights has launched “The Pact: A Civil Rights Coalition Unity Commitment,” a declaration of mutual support among dozens of major nonprofit organizations representing millions of people nationwide. The coalition said it’s responding directly to escalating threats and retaliatory actions by the White House and federal agencies targeting groups engaged in public service, advocacy, and civil rights work. The Leadership Conference said that for 75 years, it has helped secure every major federal civil rights law enacted in the United States. It warned that the same government systems used to advance justice are being weaponized to suppress it. “Today we face a campaign by the government to interrupt and intimidate the ability of those who represent the vulnerable, ensure people know their rights, have a voice to make demands of their government, organize unions and speak freely and have their rights protected,” the Pact states. “We will not be silent, divided, or stop serving the public or allow the people we serve to be harmed.”
The coalition cited specific government actions that it says are designed to dismantle public services, eliminate oversight, and undermine nonprofit organizations. These actions include the termination of grants without cause, politically motivated investigations into climate and civil rights groups, threats to tax-exempt status, and a chilling effect on pro bono legal support out of fear of retribution. “The administration has made clear it will attack organizations that speak truth to power, defend the vulnerable, petition and sue the government, preserve and share knowledge, and fight for our freedoms,” the Pact continues. “They want us to fight alone, hoping we’ll stay silent as others are targeted. Not us.” The Pact outlines a series of commitments among the signatories. If any organization is unjustly targeted, the others have pledged to stand with it. They will share knowledge and resources, refuse to censor their missions, and continue advocating for the communities they serve—regardless of political pressure.
The coalition includes organizations representing people who are Black, Latino, White, Asian, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, disabled, immigrant, working-class, and of all faiths and backgrounds. Together, they reaffirm their support for basic rights and services, including access to healthcare, quality education, legal representation, clean air and water, the right to vote, and protection from discrimination. The Leadership Conference said the government’s current actions seek to isolate and silence advocates while concentrating wealth and power in the hands of a few. “We will not be divided,” the Pact declares. “We will not be intimidated into silence or abandoning our communities.” More than 70 civil rights, labor, faith-based, and public interest organizations signed the Pact. Among them are the ACLU, National Urban League, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Unidos US, National Organization for Women, People for the American Way, and the League of Women Voters. “We have the right to assemble—and we will continue to do just that, and we will encourage and support people and allied organizations to do the same, uniting across communities, sectors, issue areas, and identities,” the coalition said. “We will not be silenced. We will continue to do the work that puts people over power.”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 27, 2025) – The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) today released preliminary enforcement results for the 2025 Memorial Day holiday period, an 84-hour initiative from 6 p.m. Friday, May 23, to 5:59 a.m. Tuesday, May 27. Troopers maintained a highly visible presence on Tennessee roadways, focusing on impaired driving, speeding and seat belt violations to ensure motorist safety.
During the holiday period, the THP investigated five fatal crashes, which resulted in eight fatalities. This marks a significant decrease compared to the 14 fatalities recorded during the 2024 Memorial Day holiday period.
Of the fatal crashes:
Four were single-vehicle incidents, while one involved multiple vehicles.
One (13%) of the fatalities was alcohol-related.
Six (75%) of those killed were motor vehicle occupants. All reportedly were wearing safety restraints.
No child passengers requiring a child restraint device were killed.
Two motorcyclists were killed; one was wearing a helmet.
No pedalcyclists or pedestrians were killed.
Tragically, there was a fatality every 5 hours and 30 minutes during the 2025 Memorial Day holiday period.
“While we are encouraged by the reduction in fatalities this Memorial Day weekend, any loss of life on our roads is a tragedy,” said Colonel Matt Perry, commander of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. “Our troopers worked hard to enforce traffic laws and assist motorists, and we are thankful for the public’s cooperation. We will continue our efforts to promote safe driving habits and ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.”
While specific data on the total number of traffic crashes and crashes with injuries is still being compiled, the THP expects to release a comprehensive report in the coming weeks. Troopers responded to numerous incidents across the state, diligently working to clear crash scenes and assist those involved.
In addition to enforcement, THP troopers provided a significant number of motorist assists throughout the busy weekend. These included helping stranded motorists with flat tires, mechanical issues and providing directions, underscoring the THP’s commitment to public service.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol reminds all motorists to drive sober, avoid distractions, obey speed limits and always wear a seat belt.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee and Holland & Associates PC filed a petition in Davidson County Chancery Court today challenging the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (TDSHS) refusal to issue accurate driver’s licenses and state identification documents to transgender Tennesseans.
“All people deserve the freedom to live their lives safely and with dignity,” said Lucas Cameron-Vaughn, ACLU-TN senior staff attorney. “Our clients need accurate identification documents in order to travel for work and family, to vote, and to engage in everyday life like everyone else. Forcing them to carry identification that contradicts who they are — or else withholding that identification altogether — is cruel, unfair and unlawful.”
Doe et al. v. Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security et al., originally filed on April 23, 2024, was brought on behalf of plaintiff “Jane Doe,” whose identity is being withheld out of concern for her safety. TDSHS’ refusal to issue accurate identification has caused significant harm to Doe, resulting in her life being severely disrupted and putting her at increased risk of discrimination, harassment, and potential violence.
A second transgender woman, Chrissy Miller, later joined the case as a plaintiff. Miller successfully changed the sex designation on her driver’s license. But several months later TDSHS told her that she must surrender her license or face cancellation of her driving privileges, a move that was later stopped by the Davidson County Chancery Court judge.
In September 2024, the court ordered TDSHS to evaluate its actions and determine whether the agency stood by them. A hearing was held in January 2025 before TDSHS, after which the agency affirmed its commitment to deny accurate identification documents to the plaintiffs in this case, as well as to all other transgender people in Tennessee. The plaintiffs then asked TDSHS to stop enforcing its rule while the court heard arguments about the issue. TDSHS refused, which resulted in court filing.
Individuals who have been prevented from getting a driver’s license with an accurate gender marker in Tennessee can contact ACLU-TN at: https://action.aclu.org/legal-intake/aclu-tn-legal-intake-form
