News from the South - Tennessee News Feed
The Memphis church pivotal in Martin Luther King Jr.’s final days suffers a devastating fire
SUMMARY: A historic Black church in downtown Memphis, Clayborn Temple, which was central to Martin Luther King Jr.’s final campaign supporting striking sanitation workers in 1968, caught fire early Monday, causing severe interior damage. The fire, reported at 1:39 a.m., is under investigation by local authorities and federal agents. Clayborn Temple, built in 1892 and crucial to the civil rights movement, was undergoing a $25 million restoration to preserve its architecture and promote community revitalization. Memphis Mayor Paul Young called it “sacred ground” and pledged city support to rebuild. Architect Jimmie Tucker expressed hope based on past restoration successes in Memphis.
The post The Memphis church pivotal in Martin Luther King Jr.’s final days suffers a devastating fire appeared first on wpln.org
News from the South - Tennessee News Feed
The miracle they prayed for: Family reunited with missing son nearly 25 years after disappearance
SUMMARY: After nearly 25 years of searching for their missing son Matthew, the Rosen family’s hope and faith were finally rewarded. Matthew disappeared in his 20s while struggling with mental health issues, leaving the family in ongoing grief and uncertainty. Their quest spanned multiple cities and ended 4,000 miles away in Fairbanks, Alaska, where they found Matthew living in the woods. The reunion was heartfelt, with Matthew apologizing for the pain caused and his family offering forgiveness. The Rosens, who founded Hold On to Hope to support others seeking loved ones, look forward to seeing Matthew in person this Thanksgiving, cherishing renewed family bonds.

For almost 25 years, the Rosen family never stopped searching for Matthew, their missing son and brother. They were finally reunited this month.
News from the South - Tennessee News Feed
Grieving family puts up billboards to honor murdered son
SUMMARY: A grieving family in Columbia has put up three billboards to honor their murdered son, BJ Gisham, whose death last September in Murray County left them devastated. BJ was shot in the back of the head by Michael Van Dobs, who is now jailed. BJ’s father, Harold Gisham, wants justice and feels investigators aren’t doing enough, noting missing personal belongings, including a sentimental watch meant for BJ’s daughter. Van Dobs, with a lengthy criminal record, is awaiting trial. The family hopes the billboards raise awareness and ensure Van Dobs remains behind bars, while prosecutors seek to schedule a trial date.

Three billboards have been put up throughout Columbia.
News from the South - Tennessee News Feed
Fourth Annual Oratorical Contest Proves F.H. Jenkins Students Are Game Changers – The Tennessee Tribune
SUMMARY: Fisk University’s Jubilee Hall hosted the 4th Annual Oratorical Contest on May 8, 2025, featuring a spirited competition between F.H. Jenkins Preparatory School and the team “They Say.” F.H. Jenkins students, coached by LaShiante Phillips and others, delivered powerful speeches from figures like Amanda Gorman, Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X, James Baldwin, and Shirley Chisholm. The contest highlighted themes of confidence, courage, and content, with Jenkins’ team showcasing original writings on social issues. Their dynamic performance, skillfully blending oratory and teamwork, led to a decisive victory, proving the strength and talent of these young student freedom fighters.
The post Fourth Annual Oratorical Contest Proves F.H. Jenkins Students Are Game Changers – The Tennessee Tribune appeared first on tntribune.com
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