Candace A. Gray

As families  gather around the table and receive bounty, we can’t forget about food insecurity in our community. Knowledge Quest founder, Marlon Foster is doing all he can to combat food insecurity in South Memphis through the organization’s Green Leaf Learning Farm. “I’ve never had any...

Oscar-nominated actor Terrence Howard, travels to Memphis Wednesday (Nov. 8) for the world theatrical premiere of his latest film, “Showdown at the Grand.” But as is par for the course with the sometimes-controversial “Hustle and Flow” actor, this is no regular screening. The night will feature...

As our Black Music Month series comes to a close, a few themes have emerged: Memphis music is heaven sent and defies genres; all who sing and/or perform it are a rare breed; and the connection it begets keeps everyone coming back for more. These...

In a music-rich state like Tennessee, it’s mind-boggling that government resources for music and other arts programs have been slashed in recent years by state lawmakers. This is in keeping with a nationwide trend, resulting from education funding cuts that have put more focus on...

If you’ve ever been to a musical production in Memphis, or other cities and even some countries, you might have experienced the work of Kurt “KC” Clayton and Garry Goin. From choreographed productions to awards shows to world tours, Grizzlies games and more, these guys...

Forty-four years after then-President Jimmy Carter declared June Black Music Month, we pull back the curtain to share some of the behind-the-scenes inner workings that contribute to the ongoing success of Memphis singers, musicians, writers and more. After kicking off The New Tri-State Defender’s Black...

Joy Truly Brown, Orpheum’s director of Rentals & Events, and creator of the “Women of Soul” Series, wanted to run a hotel. She just knew her degree in Hospitality Management would prepare her to do so. What she didn’t know is, nearly 20-plus years later, after...

“Memphus, Memphis Tennessee…Memphus, looks so good to me…”  The inaugural Sunset Jazz @ Court Square Park concert, featuring the incomparable Joyce Cobb and her four-piece band, was ladened with memorable moments. But this song, which seemed somewhat freestyled at first, but clearly had been carefully crafted...

If there was a Bridge Builders poster child, it would be Mario Hendrix, vice president of programming for BRIDGES. He has been an employee at BRIDGES, a youth transformation organization, for 20-plus years, and affiliated with the nonprofit for more than 30 of its 35...

A year ago, The New Tri-State Defender introduced readers to Rose Marr (now Rose Marr Scott, after marrying fellow artist Carl Scott), who was on a mission to share the work of her mother (Mary “Mayfair” Matthews) with the world. And now…it’s HER turn. Marr happened...