VELVET CHAIR EXPERIENCE AT THE SYMPHONY!

 "THE ULTIMATE SHARED EXPERIENCE!"

(Chattanooga, Tennessee)--There are moments when you can feel something special taking shape… and last night the stars were aligned.

I had the privilege of sitting in on the dress rehearsal for the 4th-season opener of The Velvet Chair Experience, and this time, Karen Collins has elevated the vision to new heights.

Hearing classics like “Unforgettable” with the full power of the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra… it honestly brought me to tears.

Karen Collins, this is what it looks like to believe the dream all the way through. And tonight, you’re giving Chattanooga the ultimate shared experience!

Tennessee Valley, don't miss out on this enchanted evening!

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

   

              

TOP OF THE CLASS- SOULSVILLE CHARTER SCHOOL "COLLEGE BOUND!"

                                 Tim Sampson, Soulsville Foundation

(Memphis, TN.)--It's a school with soul and it's at the "top of the class!" The first ever graduating class of The Soulsville Charter School in Memphis, Tennessee is gaining a lot of national attention this week.  All 51 graduating seniors,  (that's right 100 percent) are college bound!  Graduation Thursday night included a lot of "pomp and circumstance" along with more than 3.6 million dollars in scholarship money.

Varion Walton discovers a huge part of the success was using music as a hook!  The students never had to look any further than their front door for a connection to Memphis' rich musical heritage because Stax Museum is located next door!      



CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION:
http://www.soulsvillecharterschool.org/