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

hashtaghashtag

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

                                                                        # # #. 

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

Remembering Actor Chadwick Boseman

42 IS BACK IN THEATERS LABOR DAY WEEKEND: Actor Chadwick Boseman's death shocked moviegoers, and left "Black Panther" fans all over the world heartbroken. Boseman who had been waging a private battle against colon cancer died at the age of 43. The beloved actors' star and popularity transcends the silver screen. In addition to some of his most iconic movies being back in theaters, Varion Walton shows us one of Chadwick's authentic connections to the Tennessee Valley.  She also fills us in on a new "call to action" for self care, plus open and honest dialogue about raising the awareness of this silent killer.