Genma Holmes featured in StyleBlue Print

Genma Holmes: FACES of Nashville

StyleBluePrint

Genma Holmes is her own force of nature. Her laugh alone can completely change the mood of anyone around her, as her enthusiasm is completely infectious! And in case you run into Genma, her name is pronounced Jon-ma. But she’ll answer to any pronunciation, with a smile and a laugh. Find out more about this writer, radio host, entrepreneur, actor, model, volunteer, mother, grandmother and more!

 Thank you Liza Graves for the great write up and thank you Ashley Hylbert for the beautiful photographs. See more of Ashley's work at ashleyhylbert.com.

Read the full story here!

Willie Stevenson Glanton: Tennessee State University Alum and Human and Civil Rights Trailblazer

Rep. Willie Stevenson Glanton

On July 6, 2017, Rep. Willie Stevenson Glanton, Iowa’s first Black female legislator died at 95. A Humanitarian and Civil Rights legend, Rep. Glanton, had many ties to the Nashville community. She and her husband, Judge Luther T. Glanton, were graduates of Tennessee State University. According to TSU’s yearbook, Ayeni, Rep. Glanton graduated in 1942 and her husband, Judge Glanton, graduated in 1939. The Glantons were aunt and uncle to 1980 TSU alum and local attorney, Luvell Glanton. He credits them for being role models to him as well as other members of the Glanton family.

In the Ole South, when Black folks were still drinking from colored only water fountains, could not enter the front door of many establishments, or even marry outside their race; Rep. Glanton was blazing trails as a woman and a person of color. She was the first woman elected to the Iowa General Assembly; the first woman to become assistant Polk County attorney; the first woman and first Black person elected president of the Iowa Chapter of the Federal Bar Association; the first Back attorney at the U.S. Small Business Administration in 1966 and the first Black member of the Des Moines City Council in 1985.

Rep. Glanton, a native of Hot Springs, Arkansas, was raised by her father and mother, a businessman and a teacher, who were very active in voter registration education with the Negro Civic League. Her early childhood educators were influencers who encouraged her to attend college.  Her abilities to speak and write well led her to TSU. While at TSU, Rep. Glanton was an excellent student and was a member of several clubs and collegiate organizations; Personality Torch Bearers, Alba Rosa Club, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Secretary of Forensic Society, Student Christian Association, Alpha Iota Business Fraternity, History Study Club and Miss Arkansas 1941. After graduating with a B.S. in business, Rep. Glanton spent seven years “having a great time getting to know Washington, D. C.” where she met leaders like Mary McCloud Bethune. She earned her law degree from Robert H. Terrell Law School and started working with the U. S. War Department. 

Judge Glanton takes the Oath of Office

In 1942, when Rep. Glanton was graduating from TSU, her future husband, Judge Glanton, was graduating from Drake Law School, where he was the first Black Student. Following his graduation, Judge Glanton joined the U. S. Army and served as an intelligence officer during World War II. After the war, he served on the staff of U.S. chief prosecutor, Robert Jackson, at the Nuremberg trials, which prosecuted prominent members of Nazi Germany who had participated in executing millions of Jews during the Holocaust. Judge Glanton remained active in the U.S. Army Reserves for many years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He later became Iowa's first Black judge in 1959.

When the Glantons started their legal careers after TSU, segregation was deeply woven into the fabric of America. In 1939, when Judge Glanton graduated, World War II was beginning. In 1942, when Rep. Glanton graduated and Judge Glanton from Drake University, Blacks were being lynched throughout the South. In 1948, President Truman outlawed segregation in the military that Judge Glanton had already served in for six year. By then, Judge Glanton had helped take to trial the Nazis who started WW II.

The Glantons were married in 1951. One year after Rep. Glanton passed the bar in Iowa in 1953, she became the first woman assistant attorney in Polk County, Iowa. Judge Glanton was the first Black assistant county attorney in 1951. In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court Ruled on Brown v. Board of Topeka Kansas. In August 1955, Emmett Till was murdered in Mississippi for allegedly whistling at a white woman. And, in December 1955, the Montgomery Bus Boycott started. As the Glantons were setting up their offices and would eventual become a legal power couple, our country was bursting at the seams with the desperate need for legal minds to fight segregation and racism in the courtrooms at the local, state, and federal levels. The Glantons fought segregation and racism on all fronts, at home and abroad.

The Montgomery Bus Boycott

In 1964, when Rep. Glanton ran for office for the Iowa General Assembly, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act, declaring discrimination based on race illegal. The 24th Amendment abolished the poll tax, which originally had been established in the South after Reconstruction to make it difficult for poor blacks to vote. Even though those gains were momentous, the fight for equality was met with violence and indifference. During that same year, three civil rights workers, Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner, disappeared in Mississippi. They were found buried six weeks later.

At the time she decided to run for public office, Rep. Glanton knew her race would play a major factor in her bid. Nevertheless, it did not stop her. In a statement to the Carrol Times on July 11, 1964, she stated, “I am a Negro and I think anyone would be conscious of this.” The paper goes on to state that she deplored the inevitable speculation that she may be running just to prove a Negro can be elected. “I think the only way to combat,” she stopped and began again, “I would hope that the substance of what I had to say would take care of that.” 

She won, of course. And made headline news around the world.

Luvell Glanton, TSU '80

When Luvell Glanton was asked about his rich, family’s legacy and the gains they championed for Human and Civil Rights vs. today’s racial climate of our country, he stated, “My uncle and aunt would be having a fit! However, they would not be sitting on the sidelines laying down. They would be actively protesting and helping to make changes by challenging the injustices that we are seeing. We are not fighting anymore. We are allowing what we are seeing to happen.” He further stated, “I attended Drake University because of my uncle who was then a board trustee. He pushed me and made me do what I needed to do to become successful. We are a family of lawyers and doctors. My son, Luvell, Jr. is a M.D., and my nieces, Jerice Glanton and Syeta Glanton, are lawyers. They followed their examples as well. My uncle and aunt were very well connected throughout their careers. Many are not aware of this but Attorney General Robert Kennedy wanted him to serve in his administration had he lived and won.”

According to Des Moines University website: 

Rep. Willie Stevenson Glanton and Judge Luther T. Glanton circa mid '80s.

 In 2004, to honor the Glantons’ leadership, service and commitment to justice and education, Des Moines University established the Luther T. Glanton Jr. and Willie Stevenson Glanton Fund. With donor contributions, the fund provides scholarships for minority students, under-represented in health care, and supports programming that helps all DMU students become more culturally competent health professionals. DMU’s annual Glanton Dinner has since become a signature event that brings together hundreds of people representing civic, business and nonprofit organizations.

 Rep. Willlie Stevenson Glanton and Dr. Angela Walker Franklin, 15th President DMU

The Nashville ties with the Glantons do not stop with family or TSU. Meharry has a connection as well. Judge Glanton joined the DMU Board of Trustees in 1979; when he died in 1991, Rep. Glanton took his place on the board and became its chair in 1999 and served until 2012. When former executive Vice President and provost of Meharry Medical College, Dr. Angela Walker Franklin, became the 15^th president of DMU in spring 2011, a close friendship developed between the two women. On the passing of Rep. Glanton, Dr. Franklin stated, “Mrs. Glanton was an inspiration to so many. She was a trailblazer, an innovator, a champion for women and minorities, and all around friend and mentor. She meant so much to me as I assumed my role at DMU. I am there for many reasons. One in particular is because she was there on the board, an encouraging and supportive spirit.”

Rep. Glanton was very involved in her church and many civic organizations. She  received numerous awards over her lifetime and was inducted into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame in 1986 and chosen as on of Des Moines Registers' "10 most influential Black Iowans of the 20th Century."

A wake will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 14, with tributes starting at 5:30. The memorial service will start at 11 a.m. July 15 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4114 Allison Ave.,  Des Moines, Iowa followed by burial at McLarens Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.

Sources: Newspapers.com, Carrol Times, TSU’s Ayeni, American Bar Association, Des Moines Register and DMU.

               

Gone Too Soon: Derek D. Young

After missing a few frantic calls from my girlfriend, Veronica, I called her back Monday morning to hear that Derek Young had passed suddenly on Sunday. Abruptly, I cut my Christmas Military visits short to fly back to Nashville. After speaking briefly to Dee, his sister, I knew I could not stay another day on the road. I needed to see her, right away. I caught the first flight back to Nashville.

Derek D. Young

Derek was not just a dearly loved member of the Nashville Community but he was my maid of honor's only brother and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Young who were like surrogate parents to me. Mr. Young walked me down the aisle many moons ago and Mrs. Young encouraged me as a young wife and mom for years until she joined God's roster of Angels in heaven. 

The Youngs in the 80's.

The Youngs have been fixtures in our lives for over 30 years. Deirdre, affectionately known as Dee to me, babysat my crew, and was there for milestones in the lives of my children, the good and the bad. 'Aunt Dee's' brother, Derek, was part of the package of love that came when you are friends with anyone from the Young Clan. You love one, you WILL get to know and love them all! You got two for one and rejoiced that you knew them both. Derek was the life of any one's party and had premium seats at every Holmes' TSU tailgate. He enjoyed my daughter's delicacies and he did not hold back praise for the Bug man's culinary skills. He knew my love of all things Christmas and was not shy of sending me messages saying "do you and do it well." My children often stated, "Mr. Derek was sharp as a tack and cleaner than Clorox."  

Mr. Clean!

Derek and Deidre were the finest examples we could show our kids of how siblings take care of each other and did we drum that point home often. As recently as three weeks ago, we mentioned them as an example of pooling resources to make a dollar triple in value with two of the Holmes. "Work together," I said. "Look at Derek and Deirdre, be like them," with the firmness of mama who was not accepting of anything less.

Deirdre and Derek

As so many of us are trying accept the reality of Derek's untimely death, let us hold deep in our hearts the wonderful memories that many made with him through the years. Derek's love for his family, his adopted families, his church, his community and his fraternity will be with all of us forever. And ever! Like Derek, let us be committed to living life to the fullest and be intentional about helping others because it is not only right and pleasing to God but because it is a blessing to be a blessing to others! Derek believed with all his heart and soul in being a blessing to others. With purple and gold running through his veins and his trademark infectious smile, Derek will be missed. Dearly. 

Derek D. Young's Obituary 

Baby Derek, 1961

Christmas 1963

Derek Dexter Young was born on November 17, 1960 to Robert A. Young and the late Claudine H. Young. He departed this life suddenly on December 4, 2016. 

Derek’s early education began in the Wilson and Rutherford County schools and was completed upon his graduation from Oakland High School. After receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Middle Tennessee State University, Derek began his professional career as a manager for Kroger in 1985.  While at Kroger, he built friendships that lasted his lifetime. Often, Derek spoke of the good times he shared with the “Covington Crew.” In 2001, Derek began working at Suntrust Bank, where he matriculated to the position held at his death, an Officer Bank Support Specialist.

From November 2005-2012, Derek was united in marriage to Granvisse Earl.  

In April 2000, Derek was initiated into the brotherhood of the Gamma Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. Being a lifetime member of his beloved fraternity was a major accomplishment to Derek. 

Mr. Young and "the Aunties," Christmas 2015

Derek was known for his love of family! He put great effort into staying connected with his loved ones and never missed family events and special occasions.  Whether it was a gathering with the Young Clan or a party for a member of his second family, The Blacks, everyone depended on Derek to be there. His devotion to his parents was known far and wide. He was big brother extraordinaire to baby sister, Deidre. And he was a beloved nephew to “the Aunties.” He made every effort to attend to their needs (and occasional wants). Every Saturday morning at 9am, Derek would talk to his favorite cousin, Jackie, to catch up on the week’s events.  Derek loved attending the football games of his godson, Tyler Black, and he was overjoyed when he learned that Tyler committed to play football at Tennessee State University! Knowing that Tyler was on the TSU team made his season ticket subscription that much more special.

 

New Year, New Attitude!

In his youth, Derek attended St. John United Methodist Church. He was currently a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where he served as a dedicated member of the Mt. Zion Antioch Finance Team for over 13 years. 
 

Nashville's Best Dressed!

Derek had a keen sense of style that he attributed to his Mother and Aunt Annie. He would always say, “My Momma and Aunt Annie always kept me dressed.”  No matter the occasion, you could count on Derek being fashion forward from head to toe.  His great attention to detail and quality was not only apparent in his attire, but also in his home and his vehicles.  He enjoyed nice things and took great care of what he worked so hard to obtain.  

Deirdre and Veronica

Phil 1:3

Derek will be lovingly remembered by his father, Robert A. Young; his sister, Deirdre D. Young; his Aunts, Lillian Harding, Jeanetta I. Young, Helen M. Young, and Ida F. Hicks; his godson, Tyler Black; a host of cousins and friends. 

Family visitation: Friday, December 9th at HELLUM FUNERAL CHAPEL at 611 South Highland Avenue, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Homegoing Services: Saturday, December 10th at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Antioch location at 2261 Murfreesboro Road, Nashville, TN 37217. Family visitation from 10:00 to 10:45 with the Omega Omega Service commencing at 10:45 AM with funeral to follow at 11 AM. Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III eulogist. Interment Mt. Lebanon Memorial Gardens, Lebanon, Tn.

Photo Credits: Keith Layden, Todd Boston, and the Young Family.

Congressional Gold Medal Recipient And Montford Marine, Ambassdor Theodore R. Britton, Jr. to Speak at Nashville Rotary Club

The Honorable Ambassador Theodore R. Birtton Jr. is distinguished among his fellow Montford Point Marines by his presidential appoint as U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. The former Chief of Mission to Barbados and to the State of Grenada, hails from Augusta, South Carolina, where his early upbringing in good manners prepared him for global achievement as "Ambassador For Peace."

From 1974 to 1977 Britton served as Ambassador, (Chief of Mission) to Barbados and the State of Grenada, while simultaneously serving as the U.S. Special Representative to the States of Antigua, Dominica, St. Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla, St. Lucia and St. Vincent.

 Ambassador Britton has maintained a life-long interest in diplomatic affairs and international activities from 1971 as shown by his extensive participation in US Information Agency programs and the Paris based Group on Urban Affairs. He has served as Co-chair of the US-China Agreement on Housing and Planning and Executive Secretary to similar agreements with Mexico, Canada, Japan, and the former Soviet Union (USSR) Longtime Vice-Chair.

His degrees in banking and finance enabled him to serve as an officer and director in the savings and commercial banking arenas. He earned a B.S. degree and graduate diploma from New York University and from the American Savings and Loan Institute, respectively.  And as a specialist in housing and finance, his civilian service also includes a career at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

After a career in banking, Ambassador Britton was elected president of the American Baptist Management Corporation. Then later, entering into Government Service, his housing expertise was put to use as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology. His mission was to improve the production of housing and the delivery of housing services.

A veteran of World War II and Korea, The Ambassador offers a historically unique perspective on health, housing, education and veteran's affairs. He is a Life Member of the Second Marine Division Association, the Association of former Intelligence Officers (AFIO), and the Montford Point Marines. He is an advisor to the Hampton University Minority Men's Health Initiative and the Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, in Atlanta, Georgia. He is the ranking recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal, which honors 20,000 African American Marines who trained at the segregated Montford Point boot camp in North Carolina from 1942-1949.

Ambassador Britton is married to the former Vernell Elizabeth Stewart of Jacksonville, Florida. They live Atlanta, Georgia.

Ambassador Britton will speak at the Nashville Rotary Club on October 31, 2016 for the club's annual Veterans Day Program beginning at noon. Rotarians are welcome to attend. Members of the public luncheon fee is 35.00.

All Things Marine Week on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes as we profile organizations, leaders, and volunteers who lead by example. With extraordinary acts of kindness and charitable giving that help countless lives daily, these organizations, leaders, and volunteers  embody, "Be the change you want to see in the world."

Join us Saturday, September 10, 2016, to hear from behind the scenes during #MarineWeek in Nashville. Hear from active duty Marines who are on the front line serving our country. They will sharing amazing stories about planning an event that has captivated not only Nashville and the Middle Tennessee Region but thousands who have traveled to see the world's strongest military force engaging with the community and glimpses of a day in the life of The Few, Proud.

The five-day free, public event kicked off with an opening ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 7 at Public Square Park in Nashville. Mayor Megan Barry, daughter of a Marine, gave opening remarks. There were also performances by Darryl Worley, Mike Corrado, Marine Band San Diego and the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. The crowds were mesmerized!

Tune in to hear 1st Lt. Johnny Henderson share his Marine story. Listen to why Nashville was chosen to host this wonderful event. We will hear highlights from this week and the exciting scheduled slated for Saturday, September 10 and Sunday's 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. 


· Wreath-Laying Ceremony from 9–9:30 a.m. at John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
· Mural Unveiling Ceremony, 9:30–10:30 a.m., Douglas Corner Cafe'
· Dragon Boat Festival, 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Cumberland River
· Vanderbilt Universityt vs. Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Football Game, 3 p.m., Vanderbilt Stadium
· Marine Band San Diego’s “Sound Strike” at the Tin Roof Broadway, Marine Week Nashville 2016, 7–10 p.m.
· The Frist Center for the Visual Arts exhibition Bellissima! The Italian Automotive Renaissance 1945-1975. Museum's Saturday hours are 10:00 a.m-5:30 p.m. Special recognition for World War II Montford Point Marine, Mark H McCann Sr.

Bellissima! The Italian Automotive Renaissance 1

We will also hear a musical tribute performed live in the studio from Belmont University Senior, Jason Earley!

 Living Your Best Life is heard on 760AM in the Nashville-Middle TN Region, Inspirational Networks, in military homes, and Ustream.TV worldwide.

More about #MarineWeek in Nashville!

Marine Week, hosted by the United States Marine Corps in one city per year, is a celebration of Community, Country and Corps – providing the American public the experience of directly connecting with hundreds of Marines.

From Sept. 7–11, Marine Week Nashville will feature hands-on static displays, live demonstrations, time-honored Marine Corps traditions, musical performances and other events to showcase the history, military capabilities and community involvement of the Corps. 

More about United States Marine Corps:

The United States Marine Corps was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Nov. 10, 1775, and has been America’s expeditionary force in readiness since. Marines are forward-deployed to respond swiftly and aggressively in times of crisis from the air, land and sea.

There are approximately 182,000 Marines actively serving today, with another 38,900 Marines in the Reserves.

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