RISE CHATTANOOGA HONORS A DEDICATED JOURNALIST!

Greg Funderburg Honored as he bids Farewell to Chattanooga!

(Chattanooga, TN)--As journalists we move from city to city, assignment to assignment. With that, how many of us can truly say we are "anchored to the communities" we call home? Greg Funderburg, though you're clearly moving on, you've earned this honor and many others in the coming months in spades.

Rise Chattanooga, you not only made a way for the public to bid farewell to this beloved anchorman, but you're taking it a step further by influencing the "NEXT GENERATION" of digital journalists.

For the next three years,  your commitment to giving an aspiring, young journalist a 2-thousand dollar scholarship in Greg Funderburg's name ensures his legacy will linger long after he's left the airwaves in The Scenic City.

Greg, as you set your sites on the "NEXT ASSIGNMENT' in another city,  the entire Tennessee Valley wish you much success on all of your future endeavors.  You will truly be missed.

 

OWN TV: THE FINAL SEASON OF "QUEEN SUGAR" STARTS SEPT. 6TH

 

(New Orleans, LA.) It's an insanely popular drama series capturing the hearts of fans around the world. 

Five years ago we had the good fortune of sitting down exclusively with famed Director Ava DuVernay as she introduced the brand new series.  She told Varion Walton about this great cast made up of newcomers during Essence Music Festival 2017.

Ava predicted the OWN Television series derived from the novel "Queen Sugar" would turn heads, but nothing could have prepared us for what was to come.  

Before we bid farewell to The Bordelons this fall, first, a look back at the interview that started it all. Check out this VISIONVOICEVARION Exclusive!!!

"QUITE THE IMPRESSION!"

REMEMBERING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SAM GOODEN

(Chattanooga, TN.)---What a privilege living among "musical giants!" One of my early memories of relocating to Chattanooga was all of the interviews, street signs, plaques, and endless accolades connecting The Legendary Impressions to the "Choo Choo City!

Sam Gooden was always proud to share stories of his humble beginnings with his musical partners Fred Cash and Curtis Mayfield. Mr. Gooden reminded music fans young and old how nothing more than sheer grit, determination, and God's Grace helped them travel the globe, performing before "Kings and Presidents!" The same sound that resonated from the bathroom acoustics at Howard High School in Chattanooga in the 50's is the same sound that ultimately led to his induction into the covenant "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."

He spent a lot of time at The Bessie Smith Cultural Center, an African American art museum that bears many pictures and memoribila of the "golden years." His warm, infectious smile is what I remember most anytime he was visited "The Bessie!" Somehow he took great pleasure in being among Chattanooga's legendary music scene. 

Sam Gooden loved his hometown, and Chattanooga loved him right back. Thanks for the music and the memories, Mr. Gooden, you will truly be missed. #ALifeWellLived

RISING STAR: PRESIDENT AUSTIN JOINS THE CAST OF "HOUSE OF PAYNE!"

 

(ATLANTA, GEORGIA)--The Dream is possible, and Alabama's own Super Hero, Austin Perine, aka President Austin is showing us how "givers gain," with his big break on BET's House of Pain. For more than 3 years Austin has made national headlines for his caring heart and charity work in his native Birmingham and beyond.     

New this week Austin makes his debut on Tyler Perry's hit sitcom "House of Pain," Wednesday, March 30th at 8p CST/9 EST. It's commendable to see hit filmmaker tap into the "Next Generation" of child stars with ties to the state of Alabama.  Set your DVRs, mark you calendar, spread the word, this is going to be awesome for this Birmingham native.

For more information on Austin Perine, visit: https://www.al.com/living/2018/06/president_austin_might_be_cute.html

Get Fit With Greg Family Fun Day--Chattanooga

NEXT LEVEL SUCCESS: After more than a decade on-air, Chattanooga Anchor Man is now known as Television Personality and now Author! Greg Funderburg is taking the phrase "March Madness" to another level as he spends the entire month promoting a healthy lifestyle, and promoting his first children’s book, Jeremiah's New Beginning Book Signing (Chattanooga). PRESS PLAY, and CHECK OUT highlights from The “Get Fit with Greg Family Fun Day” recently in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Get your copy of Jeremiah’s New Beginning on Amazon, Books A Million and www.gregfunderburg.com. (I don’t own the rights of this music). #rocktheriverfront #BookTour #Chattanooga #fitnesschallenge2022