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.

 

"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

MISS TENNESSEE PREPARES TO COMPETE IN MISS AMERICA PAGEANT

CROWNING GLORY: ROAD TO MISS AMERICA 

(Chattanooga, TN.)---The excitement is in the air! It’s hard to believe in less than 2 weeks Brianna Mason, Miss Tennessee will be competing for the covenant title of Miss America.  

Brianna of Murfreesboro has strong ties to The Scenic City. Her grandparents call Chattanooga home. Unfortunately they will not be able travel to Uncasville, Connecticut be with her, but The Bessie Smith Cultural Center is stepping up with an Official Miss America “WATCH PARTY” in The Scenic City.  It’s FREE to the Public. 

Additionally, Miss Tennessee has a unique connection to The Bessie Smith Cultural Center. She has served as a judge and emcee for Chattanooga’s own Miss Bessie Smith Pageant. 

The night of the Miss America Pageant all Miss Bessie Smith contestants, past and present are expected to be at The BSCC to cheer on our beloved Miss Tennessee.  

Many of the young women of Hamilton County, Tennessee including Kaiya Moore, Miss Bessie Smith 2018 consider the state title holder a big sister.  Briana has coached and assisted Kaiya and the reigning Miss Bessie Smith 2019, Anya Nelson with their own quest to earn scholarship money offered in other pageants.

Anya Nelson, Miss Bessie Smith 2019 and Miss Tennessee, Brianna Mason

The VisionVoiceVarion crew is also gearing up for this historic night.  Brianna is reaching out to our magazine and other Tennessee news outlets, staying interactive with every step to the covenant title. Brianna is encouraging Tennessee residents, especially Chattanooga folks to send her a message of encouragement leading up to the December 19th competition.  

www.facebook.com/briannamason    

Send Brianna a Message Before the Competition December 19, 2019

NBC and NBC.COM will broadcast The Miss America Pageant LIVE at 8pm from The Mohegan Sun Arena in UCASVILLE, Connecticut