Tag Archives: Gwen McKenzie

Big fun and big changes at Knoxville Botanical Garden

I don’t know what it is about a garden, but parties in them always seem to be fun! It’s almost like you can’t NOT have a good time when you are gathered for food, drink, and camaraderie in a beautiful … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Historic preservation | 3 Comments

Symphony Ball ‘springs’ into success!

Through a combination of luck and nimbleness on the part of organizers, the Knoxville Symphony League just pulled off one of its most successful Symphony Balls ever. Set for March 25, the important fundraiser originally was scheduled to be held … Continue reading

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Phyllis Nichols retires on top of her game

It’s been a big couple of weeks for Phyllis Y. Nichols, the longtime president and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League. Nichols, who announced last June that she would retire in the fall, has been the longest-serving CEO of … Continue reading

Filed under: Business, Events, Knoxville | 4 Comments

Kids get shoes, school supplies — and smiles!

About 6,000 people packed Caswell Park on Saturday for the Knoxville Area Urban League’s annual “Shoes for School” event, which provided local children with new shoes and school supplies and connected families with valuable community resources. The back-to-school bash — … Continue reading

Filed under: Downtown, Knoxville, Media | 5 Comments

What to buy an 80-year-old minister for his birthday?

Rev. Harold Middlebrook, a beloved Knoxville minister who was an icon of the civil rights movement, turned 80 earlier this month and his friends and family threw him a party. Daughter LaKenya Middlebrook, the city of Knoxville’s community safety director, … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Knoxville | 5 Comments

UT Coach Josh Heupel and Athletics Director Danny White charm crowd at welcome event as season kicks off

Well, football season has started with the team producing a win on the field, thank goodness. We witnessed another win, as well. Both Tennessee Head Football Coach Josh Heupel and Director of Athletics Danny White absolutely charmed a crowd of … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Uncategorized, UT sports | 2 Comments

Gwen McKenzie kicks off re-election bid with food, fun!

A good-natured and diverse crowd gathered in the sweltering  heat last Thursday to eat, dance, pray and pick up signs at the kickoff of Vice Mayor Gwen McKenzie’s re-election campaign for her 6th District City Council seat. According to food … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Knoxville, Politics | 6 Comments

Ijams cancels ‘Symphony in the Park’ after 35 years; KSO seeks new outdoor partner for September event

From the “All Good Things Must Come to an End” Department, comes word that Ijams Nature Center is pulling the plug on one of my all-time favorite fundraising events, “Symphony in the Park.” The fun outdoor evening — which has … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Knoxville, Music | 16 Comments

Clinton 12 honored for high school heroism

Another Urban League Equal Opportunity Awards Gala has come and gone. Yes, the music, decorations, camaraderie and dancing were fun. But, the real hit of the evening? The presence of two members of “The Clinton 12,” who received the Whitney … Continue reading

Filed under: Downtown, Events, Knoxville, Music | 2 Comments

After 50 years, Urban League lets loose with After 7

The Knoxville Area Urban League is 50 years old this year and, to celebrate, the civil rights organization last week brought in popular R&B group After 7 for its annual awards gala. And it recognized its eight previous Whitney M. … Continue reading

Filed under: Downtown, Events, Knoxville, Music | 10 Comments