HerSTORY: CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

CHATTANOOGA'S FEMALE FIREFIGHTERS HONORED 

(Chattanooga, TN.)  They're fearless, feisty, and female firefighters.  Chi Memorial Hospital and The Chattanooga Fire Department teamed up to honor the pioneers and gatekeepers with CFD during Women's History Month.

"Flames of Courage" included an intimate chat about the struggles and challenges of being a black female firefighter in the Tennessee Valley.

This week's event was moderated by Chattanooga City Council Woman Raquetta Dotley. 

The City of Chattanooga and Chi-Memorial told the standing room only crowd they are committed to producing more events honoring and recognizing and raising the visibility of the fearless public servants.

Reception Hosted by Chi Memorial Hospital and 
The Chattanooga Fire Department

The reception was standing room only. Hosted by
The Common House supporters for to hear about 
the struggles and challenges of these "gender 
benders first hand. Many people attending were
surprised to hear how many of the women were
discouraged from even trying out to become a 
firefighter because they are also single mothers.

Pictured: Varion Walton, Nicole Brown, Captain Jenny
Funk,  FFS Glenda Wilson, and Retired Fire 
Captain Benita Owens

hashtagA huge thank you to Chi-Memorial Hospital, Nicole Brown, Chattanooga City Council and the CFD for profiling the stories of these extraordinary pioneers and trailblazers who are ready to 'influence the NEXT GENERATION" public servants.

LEDISI RELEASES NEW ALBUM-"THE CROWN!"

MEGA STAR LEDISI RELEASES NEW ALBUM: (Los Angeles, CA – March 19, 2025) – Grammy Award-winning artist Ledisi is set to reign supreme with the release of her highly anticipated 12th studio album, The Crown, arriving April 25 via Listen Back Entertainment/BMG.

The Crown features the chart-rising lead single, "Love You Too", a soulful and infectious track that’s quickly becoming a fan favorite. The album also includes the powerful anthem "BLKWMN" which has received widespread praise following Ledisi’s breathtaking performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at Super Bowl LIX.

Ledisi states, “With every album I sing LIFE and write songs geared towards the human experience.” She goes on to say, “The Crown is a metaphor for being in the spotlight and being of service to others. I hope people feel no matter how heavy or challenging life is we always choose to wear our crowns with grace and confidence. Always choosing love and the truth.”

In addition to the new album, Ledisi is gearing up to hit the road for her highly anticipated "Love You Too Tour," which will kick off May 28 in Baltimore, MD. Special guest Marsha Ambrosius will join on select dates. The tour will also make stops in New York, DC, Chicago, St. Louis, Cleveland, Toronto, and more.

With her unmatched vocals, undeniable stage presence, and a growing collection of powerful anthems, Ledisi is poised to make 2025 a year to remember.

For tour dates, album details, and ticket information, visit www.ledisi.com.

LOVE YOU TOO TOUR – DATES

(* = Marsha Ambrosius will not appear)

DATE CITY VENUE

May 28, 2025 Baltimore, MD Lyric Baltimore
May 30, 2025 Washington, D.C. The Theater at MGM National Harbor
May 31, 2025 Washington, D.C. The Theater at MGM National Harbor
June 1, 2025 Newark, NJ New Jersey Performing Arts Center
June 3, 2025 Virginia Beach, VA The Dome
June 4, 2025 Wilmington, NC Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College
June 6, 2025 Atlantic City, NJ Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars Atlantic City
June 7, 2025 Durham, NC Durham Performing Arts Center
June 8, 2025 Columbia, SC Township Auditorium
June 10, 2025 Louisville, KY The Louisville Palace
June 12, 2025 Chicago, IL The Chicago Theatre
June 13, 2025 Milwaukee, WI Riverside Theater
June 14, 2025 Detroit, MI* Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre (w/ Rahsaan Patterson)
June 16, 2025 Toronto, ON Massey Hall
June 17, 2025 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
June 19, 2025 St. Louis, MO Stifel Theatre
June 20, 2025 Florence, KY Turfway Park Event Center
June 21, 2025 Memphis, TN Orpheum Theatre
June 22, 2025 Huntsville, AL Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
June 24, 2025 Charlotte, NC Ovens Auditorium
June 25, 2025 Greenville, SC Peace Center - Concert Hall
June 27, 2025 Jacksonville, FL Florida Theatre
June 28, 2025 Stockbridge, GA* Stockbridge Amphitheater (w/ Kindred the Family Soul)
June 29, 2025 Savannah, GA Johnny Mercer Theatre

"VisionVoiceVarion" thanks "Strong Arm Media's" Tasha Stout for the information in this press release.

MERE MOTIVATION WITH JL ORR, FEATURING VARION WALTON

 

FULL EPISODE

(Huntsville, Alabama) There are a number of podcasts out on the World Wide Web, but only one can claim an intimate, candid conversation with our very own Varion Walton.

After more than 20 years in the game, this award-winning anchor and investigative reporter talks about current trending topics, plus what's truly been the "secret behind the sauce" since 1994.

Check out the full episode of "Mere Motivation" hosted by newcomer J.L. Orr, an accomplished scholar and author in her own right.  

VisionVoiceVarion and Mere Motivation...."stronger together!"

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CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS--FEATURING VISION VOICE VARION

IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH VARION WALTON

It isn’t everyday Varion Walton finds herself on the other side of the camera. In a crucial, candidate conversations with new podcast host, JL. Orr,  this 20-year news veteran talks candidly about the future of the news industry, artificial technology, bloggers vs journalists and much more.  Check out the trailer to this week’s “Mere Motivation” with JL Orr, exclusively on YouTube.

Visit: Mere Motivation Youtube Page 

NEW SHOW PREMIERING FEBRUARY 5th--"MERE MOTIVATION!"

  "New Year, New Perspective!" 

(Huntsville, Alabama)----Don't miss the premiere of Mere Motivation with host JL Orr, Wednesday, February 5th at 12noon. JL kicks off an informative fireside chat with Rodney Gordon, a social and civic leader based in North Alabama. Other guests include, Chattanooga's own Comedian Tresha Rutledge, followed by "VisionVoiceVarion" creator Varion Vee Walton later in the month. February is the month for "Love," and soon you'll have more of what you love, 24/7! Mere Motivation, exclusively on YouTube.

REMEMBERING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

 

(Atlanta, Georgia) --"Because he marched we can now run!"  Vision Voice Varion keeping The Dream alive as we honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.  #TheDreamer  #Visionary #TheDreamer

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2025 NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINEES

 "HOW TO SUE THE KLAN"

January 7, 2025

The NAACP Image Awards have long been a beacon for recognizing and celebrating the incredible contributions of Black artists, storytellers, and change makers.  this year's nominations are as inspiring as ever, and one documentary, in particular, has captured our attention.  "How to Sue The Klan," which has been nominated for Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film)(.  This powerful film shares the riveting story of five Black women in Chattanooga, Tennessee, who courageously fought and won a legal battle against the Ku Klux Klan.

Spotlight on “How To Sue The Klan”

WATCH:  The Announcement of The 2025 Nominees

Credit:  whenwespeaktv.com

“How To Sue The Klan“ is more than just a film—it’s a compelling chronicle of resilience and justice. Directed by John Beder and co-produced by Chattanooga's own Nicole Brown, the documentary reveals the untold story of how Fannie Mae Crumsey and four other brave women stood up to the Klan in a groundbreaking civil suit. The film, executive produced by renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump, sheds light on a critical but often overlooked chapter in history.

Nicole Brown, an independent filmmaker in her own right joined forces with famed Civil Rights Attorney Benjamin Crump, and Director John Beder in getting out the story of how the five Black women from Chattanooga, Tennessee used legal ingenuity to take on the Ku Klux Klan in a historic 1982 civil case. The film documents their sheer will to hold the Klan accountable for their crimes and bring justice to the community.  Their victory set a legal precedent that continues to inspire the ongoing fight against organized hate today.

For more information about this highly acclaimed independent film, visit: How to Sue the Klan Website

   

              

The First Bank Donates $75,000 to Bishop State Community College!

 

From left: The First Banks' Ira Bates, John Erwin, and C. Jerome Brown present a $75,000 donation to Bishop State President Olivier Charles, Bishop State Community College Foundation Chairman Clinton Johnson, Jr., and Dean of Students Dr. Carl Cunningham. 

(MOBILE, Alabama)

May 31, 2024 – The First Bank has donated $75,000 to Bishop State Community

College for scholarships and program support as part of a major giving campaign launched by the bank for historically black colleges and universities across the southeast.

The donation, accepted through the Bishop State Community College Foundation, will create The First Bank Endowed Scholarship, assist Bishop State’s Scholars Bowl program, as well as provide student services and athletics program support. “This significant level of investment will have far-reaching impacts on our students, enhancing their educational opportunities and college experience,” said Bishop State president, Olivier Charles. “We are deeply grateful to The First Bank for recognizing and supporting the contributions that HBCUs make across the nation.”

Bishop State dean of students, Dr. Carl Cunningham, said the donation will provide the Scholars Bowl program the resources it needs to excel. Bishop State hosts high school competitions and has its own team of college students who compete regionally. "Participating in the Scholars Bowl not only enriches academic knowledge and prepares students for future success, but it also fosters critical thinking, teamwork and confidence," said Cunningham.

The donation will also support Bishop State’s athletics programs and student services. Cunningham added that this support will further enrich the student experience and provide diversified opportunities for student engagement.

The new $20,000 endowed scholarship fund “will provide enduring support for our students, ensuring that generations to come can access quality education,” said Clinton Johnson, Jr., chairman of the Bishop State Community College Foundation. “These funds empower students to focus on their academic and personal growth, creating a lasting legacy of opportunity and success.”

As part of the philanthropic campaign, The First Bank awarded $1 million to 12 historically black colleges and universities across Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. “At The First Bank, we are proud to support higher education institutions like Bishop State Community College who are working diligently to provide equal access to educational opportunities and enrich the unique cultural heritage that forms the fabric of the culture in South Alabama,” said Jerome Brown, chief community officer for The First Bank. “By providing scholarships and enriching athletic programs and student services, more students will have the opportunity to pursue higher education, build financial security and engage with their peers.”

                                                

For more information, contact Courtney Steele, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. (Direct) 251-405-7135  Email: csteele@bishop.edu

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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!!!