Montee Lopez
#PositiveWhilePOZitive: The purpose behind the project
Thanks to The New Tri-State Defender for allowing me to embark on this special project – “Positive While POZitive.” It highlights the lives of a few African-American Memphians who are living with HIV/AIDS while embracing the goal of living his/her life to the fullest.
Why...
Proposed ordinance would tighten rules for parades, demonstrations
A proposed ordinance introduced by Memphis City Council member Reid Hedgepeth could put tough restrictions on the way public assemblies are held in Memphis.
On Tuesday, members of the Memphis Coalition of Concerned Citizens held a press conference outside City Hall where those against the...
Seething: Activists angered by move to regulate public demonstrations
A proposed ordinance before the Memphis City Council would change the way parades and public demonstrations are governed.
The proposed ordinance, brought forth by Councilman Reid Hedgepeth, seeks to amend city law dealing with parades and public assemblies - making a clear distinction between them....
There is a plan to remove the statues. But…
A while back the Memphis City Council gave an early embrace to a proposed ordinance directing Mayor Jim Strickland’s administration to come up with a plan to immediately get the statues of Nathan Bedford Forrest and Jefferson Davis out of two city parks.
The Council...
What’s up with this talk about raising utility bills?
Memphis City Council members on Tuesday put a lot of energy into the question of whether your utility bill should go up.
“I am not for any rate increase of any kind,” Council Chairman Berlin Boyd said. “Neither are my constituents. Let’s look at possible...
Council mulls how to fund pre-K programs in Memphis
Hotel stays in Memphis could be a bit pricier if the Memphis City Council increases the hotel tax to fund prekindergarten programs in the city.
That possibility was part of a pre-K discussion that unfolded during the council’s executive session on Tuesday
“We got out of...
Council votes to end Beale Street entry fee
The Memphis City Council voted Tuesday to stop the Beale Street Bucks program – bringing an end to the controversial fee after years of debate.
The motion, proposed by council member Jamita Swearengen (District 4), came during a discussion about the cover charge to enter...
City Council opposition to instant runoff voting inches forward
When Memphis City Council members meet on Tuesday, the work before them will include consideration of a proposed referendum to derail a change in the way councilmembers are elected.
The City of Memphis is on course to try Instant Runoff Voting (IRV) for the first...
PREDICTABLE: State historical commission thumbs down city’s statue waiver request
OK, so the Tennessee Historical Commission is what many in Memphis thought it was - a body that would reject the City of Memphis’ request for a waiver to move the statue of Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest from Health Sciences Park.
And while the...