Several weeks ago, I relocated from Northern Virginia to Phoenix with my two kids in tow. While I had previously lived on the West Coast (including PHX) one thing I forgot – it’s xxxx hot! We’re not talking that great for your curls humid heat, but that forever feeling of dry mouth heat.
Naturally, the daily average temp of 110+ degrees put a damper on all the outdoor activities I had planned for my little ones including: hiking, biking, lounging by the pool, etc. So, in an effort to better protect my children (as they are far more susceptible to heat exhaustion than adults), I visited a local public health center to get a better grasp on the warning signs, symptoms and treatment for heat exhaustion and stroke.
Normal reactions to hot weather may include:
Heavy sweating
Redness of the face
Heavy breathing
Thirst
Muscle cramps
Signs of overexertion and possibly heat exhaustion may look a little something like this:
Dizziness, weakness
Beet-red skin and looking miserable
Clamminess
Fatigue
Fainting
Nausea or vomiting
Headache
Lack of sweat
While even the hottest day may feel comfortable enough for play, according to Weather Guidelines for Children:
80° or below is considered comfortable
90° beginning to feel uncomfortable
100° uncomfortable and may be hazardous
110° considered dangerous
With that said, pay attention to the signs. In the event any of the above symptoms occur, quickly find some shade or GO INSIDE.
Next, loosen his/her clothing and have them drink plenty of water — infants and toddlers may be given an over-the-counter rehydrating solution, like Pedialyte.
If symptoms don’t improve within the hour, or your child begins to exhibit signs they’re confused, has trouble breathing or develops a rapid pulse, seek medical help immediately.
In the future, encourage water and shade breaks every 15 minutes or so to prevent further episodes. Heat exhaustion and stroke are very serious conditions and should not be taken lightly. (Source: Blackdoctor.org)
Vice President Kamala Harris, Ghana’s President, and Others Receive Awards
Tennessee State Representative Barbara Ward Cooper, who is 92 years old, stands next to NBCSL President Billy Mitchell after she received NBCSL’s Living Legend Award. Also pictured are members of the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators.
Washington, D.C. — Over 500 Black State Legislators from across the United States left the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) Annual Legislative Conference last weekend recommitted to addressing voting rights, health care, education, and other important issues that are impacting African American communities.
Presently, more than 20 states have passed laws that will make it harder for millions of Americans to vote. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris prepared recorded remarks that were shown during the Annual Awards Ceremony for the conference attendees.
“We have a White House that looks like America,’ said President Biden. In her remarks, Vice President Harris said, “We must have a national baseline for voting rights.” “Georgia is ground zero for voter suppression,” said NBCSL President Billy Mitchell (GA). “One of NBCSL’s goals is to ensure that we support and provide the framework needed for Black Legislators to better represent their communities, which is a major reason why we’re creating a Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI),” he said.
The Institute will represent the nation’s only nonpartisan think tank dedicated to providing evidenced-based public policy research to state legislators with a focus on issues concerning the Black community.
“In addition, PPRI will provide leadership development and training for legislators to assist them in constructing and analyzing new public policy,” said President Mitchell. Vice President Harris was presented with the David P. Richardson Jr. National Nation Builder Award for her significant contributions and for laying the foundation for political progress of African Americans.
The inaugural 2021 International Nation Builder Award was presented to Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana.
“President Akufo-Addo’s leadership demonstrates his commitment to public service, the Republic of Ghana, and the global African community,” said Mitchell. “He advocates guaranteeing the rights of Ghanian citizens and is a champion for justice, freedom, and democracy.” Darnella Frazier, the Minneapolis, Minnesota teenager who recorded the video of George Floyd’s arrest and death in 2020, received the Senator Regis F. Groff Youth Award for her courage and being the catalyst for demonstrations and a worldwide movement to admonish racial and social injustice.
The late Congressman John Lewis was posthumously honored with NBCSL’s Nation Award for his years of service as a civil rights leader and politician, while 92 year-old recently elected Tennessee State Representative Barbara Ward Cooperreceived the Living Legend Award for her decades – long dedication to youth and the Black community in Memphis. Visitnbcsl.orgto learn more.
Live Performance to Benefit the Mary Walker Foundation
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The 19th annual Tri-Octaves Christmas Concert, featuring former Impressions member Willie Kitchens Jr., will be held on December 17 at 7 p.m. and December 18 at 7 p.m., at Hope City Church, located at 7 N. Tuxedo Avenue in Chattanooga. This event is sponsored by the Chattanooga News Chronicle.
The Tri-Octaves, a group formed of Tennessee natives and lifelong musicians Willie Kitchens, Jr., Doug Richesin, and Michael Rodgers, each mastering a different genre of music. Their voices combined create a unique harmony celebrated by audiences across all musical tastes.
Concert admission is a $25 donation benefitting The Mary Walker Foundation, a 501(c)3 with a mission to help bring social and economic justice for all Chattanooga citizens through literacy.
Space is limited. Attendees may RSVP on the Chattanooga News Chronicle and Mary Walker Foundation Facebook Pages and on Eventbrite.com. The event will be simulcast via Facebook Live on the Chattanooga News Chronicle and Mary Walker Facebook Pages with donations kindly requested.
Event sponsors are welcomed, and interested organizations may contact john@chattnewschronicle.com or call (423) 267-2313 to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
As a community, we are deeply saddened by the reports surrounding Chattanooga Prep At this time, it is imperative that we do what is in the best interests of the students, many of whom have performed ably and admirably in their pursuit of academic excellence and find themselves adversely affected by this unfortunate circumstance through no fault of their own.
All students deserve to receive a high-quality education, and it is our responsibility to ensure that this commitment is maintained.
Additionally, we believe it is vital that the senior class at Chattanooga Prep be provided with a clear pathway to graduation, enabling them to continue to pursue every available level of educational achievement, attainment, and opportunity, they might hope to pursue and endeavor.
This is a systemic failure. Jitu Brown, the great public education advocate, has often noted, “Our schools are not failing; we, as a public, have been failed.” Therefore, it’s up to us to come together and make sure that we do right by these students and their future.
Lastly, let us say that there were many concerns raised over the subject of accountability during the most recent special session about voucher expansion, which resulted in the adoption of the Education Freedom Act. For this very reason, we have voiced our opposition to SB1310/HB1332, which is making its way through the General Assembly because it would further strip authority away from Local Education Agencies and the democratically elected school boards.
We firmly believe that prior to any consideration for a new charter school, they must first demonstrate that they meet three criteria:
Mission: Why do you want to do this?
Model: How and what are you going to do?
Metrics: How will you evaluate and analyze what you’ve done? What are the benchmarks for success, and what are the measurements to track progress toward those benchmarks?
We must continue to stand with our children and ensure that they have every opportunity possible to be successful. It is our collective responsibility to protect their future and provide them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. Their success is not just an individual accomplishment, it is a reflection of our commitment to a stronger, more equitable and just, educational system for all.
History confirms that the Moors ruled in Europe — primarily Spain and Portugal — for almost 700 years. They were known for their influence in European culture, but not many people know that the Moors were actually Europeans of African descent.
Moors were usually depicted as being “mostly black or very swarthy, and hence the word is often used for negro,” according to the Oxford English Dictionary. Several written works at the time also confirm that. The 16th century English playwrights William Shakespeare used the word Moor as a synonym for African and Christopher Marlowe used Moor and African interchangeably. Author and historian Chancellor Williams said, “the original Moors, like the original Egyptians, were black Africans.” An Arab chronicler also described Moorish Emperor Yusuf ben-Tachfin as “a brown man with wooly hair.” In European Art, Moors are also often shown with African features: pitch black, frizzled hair, flat and wide face, flat-nosed, and thick lips. The Drake Jewel, a rare documented piece of jewel from the 16th century, seemed to show a profile of a Black king dominating the profile of a white woman. Moreover, Moors were known to have contributed in areas of mathematics, astronomy, art, cuisine, medicine, and agriculture that helped develop Europe and bring them from the Dark Ages into the Renaissance.
Generations of Spanish rulers have allegedly tried to abolish this era from the historical record. But recent archaeology determined that Moors indeed ruled in Al-Andalus for more than 700 years — from 711 A.D. to 1492.
Here’s a different approach to celebrating Women’s History Month before it ends up on the chopping block by the Trump administration joining African American and other cultural celebrations.
Now whereas the mind immediately goes to “past” when it conjures up the word “history,” or perhaps “history makers” in the future, my angle in this narrative is to zero in on current history, not celebratory but an apology to six women and, by extension, to scores of other women across the nation who have been similarly treated.
So, my apology is to you “Bernice,” “Rita,” “Evelyn,” “Francine,” “Rosa,” “Alexzandria,” your loved ones and others who depend on you emotionally, spiritually and financially for the devastation that’s interrupted your lives.
I’m sorry, deeply sorry. I’m also embarrassed. I’m also enraged.
Forgive me ladies, but I hope you don’t mind my calling you out under these unimaginable circumstances. Although I did not receive one myself, my disgust at that awful message you received recently – over the weekend for heaven’s sake – telling you to list your five major accomplishments over the past week and risk termination of your employment if you fail to comply, in no way compares with yours.
It was tough not to look at those gut-wrenching images of you walking out of your former places of employment with packed boxes in hand. Even worse were those of you who calmy stopped by probing TV cameras to share your feelings to the American public and those who chose to look away in shame. When we saw you straining to smile or wiping away tears, our hearts sank to unprecedented lows.
So, although it won’t make much of a difference, here’s what I need to say to each of you:
To “Bernice” in Washington, I’m sorry for the anguished look on your face when you, packed boxes in hand, passed the paparazzi-like TV camera shoved into your face because you had nothing to say and no other way to get to your car.
To “Rita” in Michigan, I’m sorry for the dour expression on your dark brown face as you waved off that reporter having just telling her that your dream job was snatched out from underneath you a week after you started, and after years of working several low-paying jobs just to make ends meet.
To “Evelyn” in west Texas (with your infant wrapped up in lap), I’m sorry to listen to you speak, haltingly, to us in Spanish through a translator about your husband’s being fired from his federal job with parks & recreation, and the ever-haunting specter of being snatched up one night by the authorities and deported to a southern border near you.
To “Francine” in Virginia, I’m sorry that you left your job in Connecticut to take a federal one in Richmond only to be fired two weeks after your relocation to be near your ailing mom.
To “Rita” in Washington, DC, I’m sorry for witnessing you tearfully exchange hugs with former co-workers outside the Reagan building after you all were fired from the U.S.A.I.D.
To “Alexzandria” in Massachusetts, I’m sorry that you learned you’d been fired when you were abruptly locked out of the computer system at a VA Medical Center.
Now although it’s unlikely that we’ll ever meet in person, I couldn’t let another day go by without speaking to you in this space, albeit vicariously. You see, over the past few weeks, I, like many who watched on our TV screens, a safe distance from the humiliation you’ve experienced, want you to know that millions of us felt helpless yet marveled at your courage in the face of something so inhumane, so callous, so unthinkable.
And even more heart-stopping is how hard it is for us to fantom those difficult conversations you had with your family, trying to explain to your young ones the need to cancel vacation plans, scrap summer camps, ballet lessons and shopping sprees for new clothes for school. We buried thoughts of those uncomfortable conversations you may have had in the back of our minds to make sure that they didn’t get in the way of our undivided attention to the glitz and glamor of the recent Oscar Awards program.
Now adding to all this are images of a president jetting off to another round of golf on the sunny course in Mar A Lago, a vice president and family heading for a ski trip in the mountains of Vermont, or a chainsaw swing, sunglass wearing individual dancing like the proverbial third grade class clown across a stage during a conference.
As I said and worth repeating, the words in this letter are unlikely to bring you much solace in the face of all that’s been placed on your shoulders. But they are nonetheless words I needed to say. And please know that I represent tens of millions of similarly outraged, broken-hearted, grieving and angry people who will continue to support you with our prayers, voices and personal actions within our circles of influence.
So, yes, we’re dabbing at the tears on our cheeks and squirming in our seats, strapped with this nagging question: what have we become as a nation and how does this new reality square with what we’re supposed to be?
I wish I could say to you that we’re better than this, but right now I’m no longer sure.
But somehow and in some way, you’ll get on the other side of this because, as Pulitzer Prize winning columnist Leonard Pitts once wrote in the aftermath of the devastation wreaked on New Orleans by hurricane Katrina because, he wrote, “that’s what human always do. Climb out, assess the damage, adapt to a new reality, start to put things right and find a way to live through this.”
My hope, strong ladies, is that one day in the not-too-distant future our paths will cross somehow in some way and under much better circumstances.
In closing and in parting, I wish I could say a lot more, but forgive me because I’m just too drained, too sickened….and too outraged!
Terry Howard is an award-winning writer. He is a contributing writer with the Chattanooga News Chronicle, The American Diversity Report, The Douglas County Sentinel, Blackmarket.com, The Augusta County Historical Bulletin and recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award, and third place winner of the Georgia Press Award.
Chattanooga, TN – One Family Financial, a trusted name in annuities and life insurance since 2001, is entering a new era—expanding its services to help clients protect and grow their wealth. Under the leadership of Steve Kurtz, a financial advisor with over 40 years of experience, the firm is evolving into a comprehensive wealth management provider while staying true to its core mission: helping clients secure what they’ve worked hard to build.
A Legacy of Trust, A Future of Growth For over two decades, Ron and Christie Adams built One Family Financial into a respected insurance agency, managing over $80 million in annuities and life insurance while prioritizing long-term security for their clients. Upon their retirement, the firm’s legacy is being entrusted to Steve Kurtz, who has spent the past nine years advising One Family Financial clients on balancing growth and protection.
“I’ve built my career around one simple goal: helping people protect what they’ve earned,” said Kurtz. “Most of our clients have spent a lifetime doing the right things—working hard, saving diligently, and planning for the future. My mission is to make sure that effort doesn’t go to waste. I want to help them keep what they have, grow it safely, and ensure their nest egg stays intact.”
Steve’s approach is rooted in personalized financial planning that prioritizes both security and growth.
“It’s not just about where you put your money; it’s about making sure those plans are solid and leak-proof. Every dollar should be working with purpose and protected from unnecessary risk. My goal is to help people feel confident that their finances are secure, no matter what life or the markets bring.”
Investing in the Future “The last two years have delivered strong returns across stocks, bonds, real estate, and cash investments,” Kurtz added. “But protecting those gains is just as important as earning them. We’re entering a time where market trends can shift quickly, and I want our clients to be prepared. It’s about making smart, sustainable choices that secure long-term wealth.”
Expanded Services To better meet the evolving needs of clients, One Family Financial now offers an expanded suite of investment options designed to help clients grow and protect their wealth, including: • Managed Portfolios • Fixed Index Annuities • Mutual Funds • Variable Annuities • Unit Trusts • Life Insurance
Contact Us: Whether you’re planning for retirement, protecting your family’s future, or looking to grow your investments, we invite you to connect with us and see how we can help secure your financial goals.
One Family Financial is located 1335 Mackey Branch Drive, Suite 103, Chattanooga, TN 37421. Phone: (423) 710-2009 – Email: steve@onefamilyfinancial.com
Ruth Williams-Brinkley, Retired Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic Regional President For her decades of healthcare leadership, the Chattanooga News Chronicle celebrates Ruth Williams-Brinkley, (actively) retired, also former Memorial Healthcare CEO, during Women’s History Month.
Ruth Williams-Brinkley’s Journey of Leadership and Change Celebrated
As Women’s History Month unfolds, the Chattanooga News Chronicle celebrates the extraordinary career of Ruth Williams-Brinkley, a healthcare leader whose impact extends far beyond her years of service.
For over four decades, Williams-Brinkley championed health equity, tirelessly working to dismantle disparities rooted in race, economics, and environment. Her journey, marked by executive leadership roles across prestigious healthcare systems, culminated in her recent retirement from Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic as regional president.
Chattanooga holds a special place in her heart. In 2002, she was appointed interim CEO of Memorial Healthcare System, and her leadership quickly solidified her as the permanent choice, a position she held until 2008.
“I miss the beauty, the physical beauty of Chattanooga,” Williams-Brinkley, who now lives in Virginia, said in a recent phone interview.
Chattanooga is such a beautiful place. I miss that. But I think also, so you can be in a beautiful place with unbeautiful people. But the people in Chattanooga were so nice to me, and always are. It feels like home to me.”
She continued, “I like the beauty, but I would say that I love the people first of all. I would put that as number one. And, you know it feels to me, I don’t know how it is now–but it feels to me that people try to work together across racial and ethnic groups. That may not be the way it is now, but that’s how I felt. There was a lot more cooperation, and so that was always nice. Those are the things I miss about Chattanooga. But I think what I miss most of all is the people.”
During her tenure at Memorial, she led the organization to significant achievements, including state recognition as one of the Best Places to Work in Tennessee for two consecutive years and national recognition for high-quality patient care, excellence in cardiac care, and patient safety goals for three consecutive years. She also secured a Certificate of Need for a $320 million renovation and expansion project in the Glenwood community.
Williams-Brinkley’s extensive community involvement in Chattanooga included serving as past chair of the Chattanooga Area Hospital District of the Tennessee Hospital Association, and serving on the boards of the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce; SunTrust Bank; Chattem, Inc.; The Women’s Leadership Institute; and United Way.
Her illustrious career is punctuated by accolades, including multiple appearances on Modern Healthcare’s “Top 25 Women in Healthcare” and “Top 25 Minority Executives in Healthcare” lists, and being named one of “2020’s 100 Most Influential People.”
Though she stepped away from formal leadership roles, retirement hasn’t slowed Williams-Brinkley down. She’s still active with her “passion projects,” including a year of extensive travel.
“I did some travel last year,” she recalled, “a U.S. road trip, Mexico, and then Africa.” She’s also turned her attention to mentoring and innovation, becoming an executive coach and consulting with healthcare startups on AI implementation.
“I really believe in giving back to the younger generation of leaders,” she shared.
This commitment to others is balanced by her focus on personal health and well-being.
“I’ve started on a serious health improvement journey,” she explained. “You know, when you’re working, it’s hard to prioritize your own health. Sometimes we let our own health go to the wayside. And I did that.”
Retirement has allowed her to fully embrace the benefits of regular exercise and healthy eating, resulting in a marked improvement in her overall well-being.
“I feel better,” she said. “I have more energy. So all that stuff they say about exercise and so forth really does work.”
Maintaining a consistent routine has become a priority for her, a change that came with leaving full-time work.
“I try to go to the gym three times a week, and I try to walk about 10,000 steps every day,” she said. “I don’t get it in every day, but I try to get it in most days. And that’s not something I could do when I was working. I guess I could have, if I had put my mind to it, but it would have required a longer day than I could handle.”
Understanding life’s fragility is central to Williams-Brinkley’s philosophy.
“Life is not promised,” she reflected. “I lost my husband. Many people have lost their spouses, or they’ve lost family members, or loved ones. So you have to make every day matter.”
By Camm Ashford
Tennessee Tribune founder and CEO Rosetta Miller-Perry
Journalism Trailblazer Rosetta Miller-Perry honored during Women’s History Month
During this 2025 Women’s History Month, the Chattanooga News Chronicle proudly honors a trailblazer in journalism and civil rights, Rosetta Miller-Perry, the unofficially deemed “Mother of the Black Press.” With a career spanning decades, Miller-Perry has profoundly impacted the African American community through her work as a journalist, publisher, entrepreneur and civil rights advocate.
In 1990, she founded Perry and Perry Associates and launched Contempora magazine. The following year, she established The Tennessee Tribune, an African American newspaper focused on issues often neglected by mainstream media, such as health, education and voter registration. Her passion for truth and representation led to the publication becoming a trusted voice for the Black community in Tennessee and beyond.
Miller-Perry’s commitment to journalism extends beyond publishing. She established the Anthony J. Cebrun Journalism Center in 1998 to train and mentor young Black journalists, ensuring that future generations would continue telling their own stories.
In November 2021, Miller-Perry made history once again when The Tennessee Tribune, in partnership with Skyport Hospitality and ACDBE owner/operator Jennifer Winchester, opened two retail stores at Nashville International Airport (BNA). The Tribune Stores, located in Southwest Airlines’ hub, serve as a marketplace for over 120 small and minority-owned businesses, offering a wide array of products from apparel to fine art and locally produced foods.
Tennessee Tribune founder and CEO Rosetta Miller-Perry cuts the ribbon at The Tennessee Tribune News and Gifts store at Nashville International Airport on Nov. 19, 2021. The store features products from more than 40 minority-owned vendors from Tennessee, including Winfrey Family Foods and Uncle Nearest Whiskey.
Competing with major brands, the Tribune Stores have been a success, ranking among the top 10 performers in sales at BNA. This groundbreaking initiative reflects Miller-Perry’s dedication to economic empowerment and diversity, providing a national platform for Black entrepreneurs.
Born Rosetta Irvin in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, on July 7, 1934, Miller-Perry spent her early childhood living on her aunt’s houseboat.
Graduating from Coraopolis Senior High School in 1952, she continued her education at Howard University and Herzl Community College (now Malcolm X College, a City Colleges of Chicago campus specializing in healthcare) before receiving a B.S. in chemistry from the University of Memphis.
In 1958, while working at Southern Funeral Home in Nashville, Miller-Perry attended Tennessee State University before pursuing nursing training at Meharry Medical College.
Her early career included serving in the U.S. Navy and later working with the U.S. Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). During the 1960s, she worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), witnessing and documenting key moments in the Civil Rights Movement, including the Memphis Garbage Strike and the tragic aftermath of Dr. King’s assassination.
A lifetime of dedication has earned Miller-Perry numerous accolades, including induction into the Tennessee Women’s Hall of Fame and the National Newspaper Publishers Association Award. Her contributions to education and the arts are immortalized through the Rosetta I. Miller Scholarship at Memphis State University and the Rosetta Miller-Perry Award for Best Film by a Black Filmmaker at the Nashville Film Festival.
At 90 years old, Miller-Perry remains actively involved with The Tennessee Tribune, working both from the office and her home. Her motto, “Things Get Better With Time,” reflects her steadfast belief in progress and justice.
From civil rights activism to entrepreneurship, Miller-Perry’s life exemplifies perseverance, vision and commitment to community empowerment. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, the Chattanooga News Chronicle salutes her groundbreaking contributions that have forever changed the landscape of Black journalism and business.
By Camm Ashford
During Women’s History Month, the Chattanooga News Chronicle celebrates Dr. Tiundra L. Love, a physician and community leader.
Dr. Tiundra Love’s Passion for Service Recognized During Women’s History Month
In honor of Women’s History Month, the Chattanooga News Chronicle shines a spotlight on Dr. Tiundra L. Love, a dedicated physician and community leader whose contributions are making a significant impact on the region.
Dr. Love’s extensive career showcases a commitment to both medicine and community service.
She received her Osteopathic Medical Degree from the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in 2009. Furthering her training, she completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Erlanger in 2012.
Her medical experience spans various roles, including her current position as an Internal Medicine specialist. Previously, she served as the Department Chair of Internal Medicine and Assistant Professor at Auburn-VCOM, overseeing clinical education and curriculum development. Dr. Love also dedicated several years as an Internal Medicine Primary Care Physician at the Chattanooga Veterans Administration Clinic, serving U.S. military veterans with preventative and chronic disease management.
She also holds multiple certifications, including Board Certified Internal Medicine (ABIM) and Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with the American National Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Dr. Love’s dedication extends beyond clinical practice. She is the founder of C.A.R.E.A.M.O.R. Wellness, an annual event that provides free health services to the communities in the 37403, 37404 and 37405 zip codes.
“I have never thought of anything other than just wanting to have an indelible mark to serve,” Dr. Love explained. “I just love helping where and when I can.”
C.A.R.E.A.M.O.R. stands for Committed to Access, Research, and Education while Advocating and Mentoring for Opportunities and Resources. This entity has been providing services for eight years, and will be celebrating its 8th anniversary in December of 2025.
In 2023, Dr. Love received the “Woman of Zeal” award from the Gamma Iota Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, recognizing her community and civic-minded efforts, her dedication to social justice and her commitment to improving the well-being of others. This award was presented during the sorority’s “Tea with Z” event, honoring the life and contributions of Zora Neale Hurston.
Dr. Love is also actively involved in numerous organizations, including The Links, Incorporated; the National Coalition of 100 Black Women; and the United Way of Greater Chattanooga Advisory Board.
By Camm Ashford
Marsha J. Drake, Ed.D.
Marsha J. Drake, Ed.D. – Writing “Herstory”
Leadership borne from a passion, a skillset that transcends careers which includes time management and a mindset to learn and grow, along with personal resilience, more often known as grit in the south, Dr. Marsha Drake is a Chattanooga woman making history.
Grandiose? No. She’s writing her own story for her personal legacy, her family, her community, and our good. Good communities come when people are devoted to causes bigger than themselves and require working together with others to make the good happen.
Dr. Marsha Drake currently leads as the Chief Equity Officer of Hamilton County Public Schools.
Working is such a capacity guarantees the skills needed to communicate effectively, clearly, and in a collaborative manner across all sorts of titles, job descriptions, and personalities in the second largest employer in Hamilton County. The Hamilton County Department of Education has 5,781 employees according the Chattanooga Chamber’s 12/31/24 directory.
Being a hometown success, Dr. Drake was gracious to give of her time for an interview with the Chattanooga News Chronicle (CNC). The working mom who has devoted 28 years to educational leadership and excellence offers great advice to all on her personal success. Gleaning the best practices of others is a secret to any achiever. Enjoy!
CNC: What would you say to women aspiring for their own success in careers and professional pursuits while being a wife, mom, significant other, and good neighbor?
Dr. Drake: Balancing these roles successfully requires strong leadership, time management, and personal resilience.
As an Educator & Chief of Equity and Advocacy, I’d advise specific focus:
• Vision & Strategy – Stay focused on long-term goals while addressing immediate challenges. • Effective Communication – Foster open dialogue with teachers, co-workers, students, and parents. Build strong relationships and trust across all people. • Adaptability & Innovation – Education is constantly evolving. Stay informed about best practices and be open to implementing new strategies for student learning and district operations. • Empowerment & Delegation – Support your team and trust them to execute. Encourage professional development and autonomy across all school leaders. • Work-Life Boundaries – As a leader, it’s easy to get caught up in work. Set boundaries to ensure you don’t burn out and can bring your best self to all aspects of your life. As a Wife & Mother • Quality Over Quantity – You may not always have a lot of time, but making the time you do have meaningful matters more. Prioritize family rituals/traditions, even small ones. • Teamwork & Communication – A strong partnership with your spouse means clear expectations, shared responsibilities, and mutual support. • Intentional Presence – When you’re with your family, be fully present. Put the phone down, engage, and create lasting memories. • Self-Care & Grace – Don’t neglect your well-being. A strong, healthy, and happy you benefits both your family and your career. • Flexibility & Letting Go of Perfection – Things won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. Learn to pivot and embrace the journey.
CNC: Are there non-negotiables you’ve found to your success journey?
Dr. Drake: Two. You must be your own biggest advocate—whether in the boardroom, the classroom, or at home. Set clear boundaries to protect your time, energy, and priorities. Second, remember, no one succeeds alone. Build and lean on a diverse network of mentors, colleagues, friends, and family who support, uplift, and respectfully call you out.
CNC: What are potential pitfalls or trials you had to navigate that you would warn others of in their own pursuits as a woman seeking her greatest opportunities?
Dr. Drake: There are several that I would like to caution other women of, but I will focus on two:
• Avoid overcommitting and thinking that you have to please everyone, feeling the need to prove yourself by saying yes to everything (extra projects, responsibilities, duties, etc.) Prioritizing tasks that align with your goals, learning to say “NO” with confidence and without any guilt. • Beware of the impostor syndrome – doubting your abilities and feeling like you don’t belong even though you have earned the degree/degrees and have the years of work experience required. Instead, see that in fact, you’re overqualified. Own your expertise. I encourage you to keep a “success journal” with your achievements to remind yourself of your value.
Each woman writes her own story. Dr. Marsha Drake still has her pen in hand and is making “Herstory” in the Chattanooga community. Let’s keep cheering her on, encourage others to do the same, and dare to pick up the pen. That’s when our communities gain strength and we’re our best selves.
By Robin Smith
Amanda Jelks, Esq.
AMANDA JELKS……Writing Her Story and Inspiring Others
But then…”
This phrase was used by Amanda (Ray) Jelks in her self-talk as a teenage mother at 15 years young. She desired to have ready and rehearsed the “But then” response when asked about his birth and her circumstances by her newborn son who would eventually grow up. She wanted to pivot the focus of any question he might ask or anyone else for that matter to the “but then” of her life from the decisions made to look forward and not back, to move on, to sacrifice, work hard, and give him better than she knew or desired as a young girl.
Amanda Jelks is a self-made, God favored woman whose passions drive her, just like the fuel from the naysayers scattered through her life.
Chattanooga News Chronicle (CNC) was blessed to have time with Ms. Jelks, with her 13-year-old daughter watching life in action, to gather a few words of inspiration for all women of Chattanooga to read during Women’s History Month.
Take in these exchanges framed by the imagery of a successful woman speaking with passion, intellect, and compassion.
CNC: Please share a few keys to your own success that others might apply in their pursuits of personal attainment.
Ms. Jelks: Be willing to sacrifice for your goals. Be willing to put your head down, work hard, and keep telling yourself to “Keep going!” I grew up hearing that all you had to do was to work hard to get what you wanted. In large part, that’s true. It was my decision, and the success rested with me. I had to have the mindset and put in the work…even with a baby.
As I accomplished personal goals and earned by Bachelors in Science, some were surprised I kept wanting to grow and achieve. When I entertained law school as 21-year-old single parent, I was questioned. I knew and said to others, “In three years, I’ll be 24 years old whether I go to law school or not. Those three years will pass either way. Why not keep going?!”
If you’re going to work for a specific goal, you have to have a persistent mindset. You have to persevere.
CNC: What a few absolutes or “must do’s” you’d recommend to women looking to achieve more in whatever pursuits they’re chasing?
Ms. Jelks: Work for and be known for a reputation of integrity. I define that to be one who has the confidence and courage to do what you say, has the confidence and courage to own your own missteps and mistakes, has the confidence and courage to say, “I’m sorry” and ask for forgiveness, and has the confidence and courage to believe in yourself to do more.
Another thing. Don’t settle for something less if you believe in yourself. I heard often, “Well, it’s better than it used to be.” Well, that’s not always good or the best for you or the best of you.
CNC: Speaking from your experiences, what warnings might you offer women, who characteristically have so many roles – wife, mother, caregiver, breadwinner, friend, volunteer, and the list goes on?
Ms. Jelks: Learn to say, “No.” Every person has to set priorities. The word “No” comes easier to people who are focused on their priorities. With a little grace and Southern charm, we can make that a gentle, friendly “No.” But your goals often fall to the wayside when you’re carrying the loads of others.
A big one for me was in dealing with naysayers as I made efforts to accomplish my goals. Who were they? They were the people who knew me longest and best. Many were family. The naysayers first told me that I’d never finish high school. I did. Then I was told that was good enough. I wouldn’t complete college. I did. I was asked why I thought that wasn’t enough and even questioned if I could be a good mother in the future by pursuing law school and a demanding career. I heard their words, but I listened louder to my own heart. I heard the same fear-laced questions when I launched my own firm after leaving the security of a large law firm.
Know yourself. Know your purpose. Then keep going. Do it in love, but keep going.
CNC: Is there a slogan, motto, or inspirational verse you turn to or would assign as a life verse?
Ms. Jelks: Yes. When I found myself completely dependent upon others with a newborn baby at 15 years old, I had a desire for my son, now 24 years old, to have all that I never did. I wanted him, and now my other two children, to have unlimited opportunities and encouragement. I knew I’d be more accountable as a mother for choices I made with a son who depended upon me. That’s when I found my relationship with Jesus. In reading more of His word, I found Proverbs 27:7 at 17 years old. I understood that to mean one whose soul is complete and at rest is satisfied and full; one whose soul is starving and incomplete will settle for even the bitter.
In the Passion Translation Ms. Jelk’s life verse declares, “When your soul is full, you turn down even the sweetest honey. But when your soul is starving, every bitter thing becomes sweet.” These words were explained as a woman-in-the-making was listening to the interview, Ms. Jelks’ 13-year-old daughter.
CNC gave her the final word. “My mom is very kind. She works very hard. She teaches me through her work and even lets me work with her.”
Two women writing their stories as women of Chattanooga creating their best futures.
Nikwonn Robinson-Cooke made history on March 8, becoming the first Black woman elected chair of the Hamilton County Democratic Party (HCDP).
Nearly 300 supporters attended the landmark election at the party’s biennial Reorganization Convention, held on the fourth floor of the Chattanooga Public Library. The event, coinciding with International Women’s Day, began at noon after registration opened at 11 a.m.
“I’m excited,” said Robinson-Cooke, fighting back tears after her victory. “But also, it’s just really eye-opening to know that the first Black chair is elected in 2025.”
Robinson-Cooke secured a decisive victory in a three-way race, defeating former school board member and state House candidate Kathy Lennon and Aaliyah Hakeem, daughter of state Rep. Yusuf Hakeem. The final tally was 153 votes for Robinson-Cooke, 109 for Lennon, and 10 for Hakeem.
While the party has previously had Black chairs step into the role, Robinson-Cooke marks the first to be directly elected to the position. The 47-year-old Ooltewah-Collegedale resident brings considerable experience as a training and leadership development professional. She has applied these skills to organize various political campaigns, most recently serving as a field organizer for state Rep. Gloria Johnson’s U.S. Senate campaign against Republican incumbent Marsha Blackburn.
“The work ahead of us is not easy,” Robinson-Cooke told attendees, “but I stand before you today ready to fight, to mobilize and to win.” Her priorities include early recruitment of candidates for the 2026 election cycle, intensifying fundraising efforts, and bringing new tools and resources to support candidates. She also plans to form committees within the party to delegate responsibilities to those who want to be engaged but aren’t elected party officers.
“I am committed to bringing them closer to the party and letting them know they have a seat at the table. Their voices will not be silenced. I am here to not just listen to their voices, but to amplify them,” Robinson-Cooke stated.
The convention also elected Kathy Lennon as Vice Chair, Matt Adams as Secretary, and Montrell Besley as Treasurer; Besley, of Alton Park, previously challenged Joe Graham (R-Lookout Valley) for the District 11 county commission seat in 2022, losing by 20 votes.
All officers will serve two-year terms.
The strong turnout of nearly 300 attendees marked a significant increase from the previous reorganization in 2023, which drew only 59 people.
Former HCDP Chair Rachel Campbell, who recently became Chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party, did not seek reelection to lead the county party.
She emphasized the importance of the convention, stating, “This is a critical moment for our party as we prepare for a pivotal 2026 election cycle. We have real opportunities to turn Hamilton County blue, and the work we do at this convention will lay the foundation for electoral success.”
The Hamilton County Democratic Party headquarters is located at 1089 Bailey Ave., Chattanooga.
By Daniel Pastula, Professor of Neurology, Medicine (Infectious Diseases), and Epidemiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
On Feb. 26, 2025, Texas health officials announced the death of a child in a measles outbreak – the first measles death in the United States since 2015. The outbreak was first identified in early February in Gaines County, Texas, where just 82% of kindergartners are vaccinated against measles, compared with 93% on average across the country. As of Feb. 27, there were at least 124 confirmed cases in Texas and nearby towns in New Mexico.
In an interview with The Conversation U.S. associate health editor Alla Katsnelson, neurologist and medical epidemiologist Daniel Pastula explains why measles is so dangerous and how people and communities can protect themselves from the virus.
(The CONVERSATION) What is measles, and where does it come from?
Measles is an ancient disease caused by a virus that probably evolved in cattle and jumped into humans around 500 B.C. One of the first written accounts of it comes from a Persian physician named Rhazes in the ninth century C.E., and measles epidemics were described in medieval Europe and western Asia regularly beginning around 1100-1200. The virus got brought over to the Americas in the 1500s, and it wiped out large populations of native people as Europeans colonized the continent.
By the 1950s in the United States, there were 500,000 reported cases of measles each year – though the true number was probably closer to 4 million . It was so contagious, every kid was thought to have gotten measles by age 15. At that time, measles caused close to 50,000 hospitalizations annually and about 500 deaths, usually in children. It also caused over 1,000 cases of severe brain inflammation every year.
The first measles vaccine became available in 1963, and scientists improved it over the following decades, causing the number of cases to plummet. In 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the U.S.
Since then, there have been occasional minor flare-ups, usually brought in by international travelers, but by and large, measles outbreaks have been rare. No one had died of it in the United States in nearly a decade.
Today, measles infections in the U.S. are almost completely preventable with vaccination.
How does measles spread?
Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases on the planet. The virus is so infectious that if you are in a room with an infected person and you are not vaccinated and have never had measles before, you have a 90% chance of becoming infected.
The measles virus is transmitted by droplets released into the air by infected people when they cough, sneeze or simply breathe. Virus particles can survive suspended in the air or on indoor surfaces for up to two hours, so people can get infected by touching a surface carrying virus particles and then touching their face.
Who should get the measles vaccine, and how effective is it?
The vaccine for measles has historically been called the MMR vaccine because it has been bundled with vaccines for two other diseases – mumps and rubella. Most children in the U.S. receive it as a two-dose regimen, which is 97% effective against measles.
Children generally get the first dose of the vaccine at 12-15 months old and the second dose when they are 4-6 years old. Infants who haven’t reached their first birthday generally do not receive it since their immune system is not yet fully developed and they do not develop quite as robust of an immune response. In an emergency, though, babies as young as 6 to 9 months old can be vaccinated. If an infant’s mother previously received the MMR vaccine or had been infected herself as a child, her transferred antibodies probably offer some protection, but this wanes in the months after birth.
People born before 1957 are considered immune without getting the vaccine because measles was so widespread at that time that everyone was presumed to have been infected. However, certain people in this age group, such as some health care workers, may wish to discuss vaccination with their providers. And some people who had the original version of the vaccine in the 1960s may need to get revaccinated, as the original vaccine was not as effective as the later versions.
What measures can protect communities from measles outbreaks?
Vaccination is the best way to protect individuals and communities from measles. It’s also the most effective way to curb an ongoing outbreak.
High rates of vaccination are important because of a phenomenon called herd immunity. When people who are vaccinated do not get infected, it essentially stops the spread of the virus, thereby protecting those who are most susceptible to getting sick. When herd immunity wanes, the risk of infection rises for everyone – and especially for the most vulnerable, such as young children and people who are immunocompromised.
Because measles is so contagious, estimates suggest that 95% of the population must be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity. Once vaccine coverage falls below that percentage, outbreaks are possible. (The CONVERSATION)
Nationwide — DeKalb County Police Chief Mirtha Ramos, an African American woman who made history as the county’s first female police chief, says that she was placed on administrative leave and given an ultimatum to either resign or face termination. She now seeks to clarify the circumstances of her departure.
Ramos, who has led the department in Georgia’s fourth most populated county since 2019, said she was given 21 days to make the decision. “If I don’t resign, they’ll terminate me,” Ramos told WSB-TV. “I want people to know that I didn’t just step down voluntarily. I would not have just left without saying goodbye to our community and our officers.”
Although Ramos was placed on administrative leave, she insisted she did nothing wrong, though being placed on leave made it seem otherwise. She acknowledged that if she made any mistakes, they were unintentional.
Under her leadership, DeKalb County saw a significant drop in crime. In 2023, violent and property crimes fell by 13%, though rapes and homicides slightly increased. So far in 2024, homicides have dropped by 77%, a statistic Ramos considers a major achievement.
She also addressed the county’s police staffing issues. With only 527 officers, the department is nearly 300 officers short of its budgeted numbers. However, she noted that the decline in officers started before her arrival in 2014 and continued each year, except for 2019 and 2020.
Meanwhile, DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson declined to comment on Ramos’ leadership. On the other hand, Ramos expressed support for the recent pay and benefits increases for officers, calling them long overdue and necessary for retention.
Ramos said her biggest accomplishment was strengthening community engagement, which a national report recognized. She also credited her recommendation of triple overtime to then-CEO Michael Thurmond for keeping enough officers on duty despite staffing shortages.
Although she is no longer chief, Ramos remains proud of her work and optimistic about what comes next. “I have faith that I will be directed to where I need to go. I have faith that I have done everything that I could for this department,” Ramos said. “I lived and breathed for this department for five years.”
Maria Louise Baldwin, a pioneering educator, made history in 1881 by becoming a teacher at the Louis Agassiz School, an all-white school for the children of Harvard University professors and white citizens of Cambridge, Massachusetts. She supervised 12 white teachers and educated over 500 white students. By 2004, the Cambridge School Committee renamed the Agassiz School, the Maria L. Baldwin School, a fitting tribute to her enduring impact. The Baldwin School became a National Landmark in 1976 and was regarded as one of the best schools in New England.
Born free in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on September 13, 1856, Baldwin was the eldest daughter of three children born to highly respected and financially secure parents, Peter L. Baldwin and Mary E. Baldwin. Her father was a postal worker. Baldwin attended Cambridge public schools and graduated from Cambridge High School in 1874. A year later, she received a teaching certificate from the Cambridge Training and Teaching program.
By 1889, at 25, Baldwin became the school’s first African American principal. She was later promoted to Headmaster, one of only two women in the history of the Cambridge school system to hold this title. Baldwin’s school was elite and the first to introduce advanced mathematics, art instruction classes, and open-air classrooms to provide fresh, clean air for students with respiratory problems. She also appointed a school nurse.
In 1893, Baldwin became a founding member of the Black Women’s Era, the predecessor organization to the National Association of Colored Women (NACW), a Black women’s suffragist organization that addressed lynching, segregation, and inequality for Black women. She and her inner circle worked tirelessly for full equality and justice for all African Americans who lived under sanctioned inequality in the Jim Crow North and South, where rampant racial oppression and violence existed.
Maria Baldwin was also a member of the Niagara Movement, the predecessor to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In 1897, Baldwin, a renowned lecturer, became the first woman and African American woman to give the Brooklyn Institute of Arts lecture on Harriet Beecher Stowe for the Annual George Washington Birthday Celebration.
Over her long instructional career, Baldwin also taught at Hampton Institute in Virginia and the Institute for Colored Youth (ICY) in Cheyney, Pennsylvania. In 1903, Baldwin was elected President of the Boston Literary and Historical Association. Baldwin never married nor had children. On January 22, 1922, at the age of 65, while delivering a speech at the Robert Gould Shaw House Association, she collapsed after suffering a heart attack and died. Baldwin is buried at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. (Contributed by: Karika Ann Parker)
