Erica R. Williams
As Election Day looms, ‘She Took Justice’ author reminds women of their political influence
It’s been two years since author and civil rights attorney Gloria J. Browne-Marshall penned the book, “She Took Justice: The Black Woman, Law, and Power – 1619 to 1969”. The book contains dozens of carefully researched and crafted stories, supporting Browne-Marshall’s notion that “the...
New Ode app taps into Black radio legacy
Black radio always has been important and, in some cases, life changing.
Programs explicitly targeted to Black audiences brought together their music, stories, and culture, propelling Black artists into the mainstream while broadcasting news of the ever-growing civil rights movement.
It's during the Civil Rights era...
Memphis gains eye of minority-owned investment firm
Financial investment momentum is building in Memphis as more developers look to plant their flags in the Bluff City.
One minority-owned equity firm is joining the anticipated progression, with plans to invest hundreds of millions in the city they consider a "diamond in the rough."
FTP...
From ‘broken girl’ to ‘broken adult’ to pitching positive thinking
Narissa Watson credits affirmations for changing her life.
The motivational speaker and founder of Make Me Beautiful – a wellness and self-love organization – said she was a "broken girl who eventually became a broken adult" until she was introduced to the power of positive...
Tackling blight to ‘build a better Memphis’
Michael O. Harris, the new executive director of Blight Authority of Memphis has a vision to transform communities through redevelopment.
Since announcing his new role on Aug. 3, Harris has spent much of his time strategizing how to conduct an audacious vision to “build a...
Mulroy convinces voters to end Amy Weirich’s run as DA
In one of Shelby County’s most contentious races, University of Memphis law professor and criminal law attorney Steve Mulroy declared victory over Republican incumbent Amy Weirich in the race for Shelby County District Attorney General on Thursday.
With all 142 precincts reported, unofficial vote totals...
Chamber moves to ‘lead out front’ with STEM Teacher Externship program
Black workers are underrepresented in careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); but the Greater Memphis Chamber is working to change this by preparing local teachers with the tools needed to get more students involved in STEM. By diversifying the workforce with more...
Beverly Robertson chooses ‘now’ to move on from Greater Memphis Chamber
Beverly Robertson, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Memphis Chamber, knows “when it’s time to say when.”
And for the first Black female president of the 184-year-old organization, that time is now.
Robertson recently announced she would be stepping down from her role as...
Memphis-born Kelis Rowe debuts in young-adult genre with ‘Finding Jupiter’
New literary author Kelis Rowe fondly recalls the days as a young girl walking to Crystal Palace, the once-popular Whitehaven-area skating rink that closed in 2017.
That same roller rink would serve as the backdrop of her debut novel, “Finding Jupiter,” a young adult fiction...
For new Sen. London Lamar, a trio of issues remain the priority
Former State Rep. London Lamar (D-Memphis) is settling into her new role after assuming the District 33 senate seat as the youngest woman and African American to serve in the Tennessee Senate.
The former District 91 representative was sworn into the interim senator role on...