Local NAACP Leader Said Jackson Leaves Behind Legacy
Cookeville-Putnam County NAACP Leaders said Reverend Jesse Jackson leaves behind a legacy of fighting for those in need. The Civil Rights leader and former presidential candidate passed away Tuesday. Cookeville-Putnam County NAACP President Tom Savage said Jackson worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and later founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition to advocate for racial and […]
Putnam NAACP Hosting Lewis Rally Wednesday
The Cookeville-Putnam County NACCP Chapter will honor the life of former congressman John Lewis Wednesday. The long-time civil rights activist became a congressman in 1986. NACCP Assistant Secretary Carol Fleetwood said Lewis was an honorable man who fought for voting rights and the rally is designed to continue his fight. “He highlighted not only black […]
Putnam County Juneteenth Food Drive This Week
Putnam County Democratic Party, Cookeville-Putnam NAACP, and Helping Hands of Putnam County have teamed up for a Juneteenth food drive this week. Helping Hands will be taking donations of canned food goods through Friday. Helping Hands of Putnam County Director Becca Duncan said the food drive will help them donate more to families in need. […]
Cookeville NAACP Working With Caucus On Legislative Agenda
School vouchers, juvenile justice, and maternal health, among the issues that the Black Caucus and the Cookeville Putnam NAACP focused on the legislature begins its second month of work. NAACP Branch President Tom Savage said keeping the public informed about state legislation is key to helping the Congressional Black Caucus. He said the Cookeville NAACP […]
Cookeville-Putnam County NAACP Hosting Kwanzaa Celebration January 1
The Cookeville-Putnam County NAACP will host its first-ever Kwanzaa celebration on New Year’s Day to commemorate the week-long holiday. The holiday began in the 1960s as a way to celebrate African American culture. President Tom Savage said a key part of the holiday is honoring the seven principles of Kwanzaa, which include unity and self-determination. […]
Juneteenth Helping Hands Food Drive Assists County’s Vulnerable
Putnam County Democrats and NAACP collect through Friday for Helping Hands Annual Juneteenth Food Drive. NAACP Legal Redress Chair Anne Austin said the Juneteenth Food Drive had been going on for at least three years. Austin said that while they commemorate the Proclamation that finally freed the slaves two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, they […]
Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant Empowers and Highlights Youth of Color
This weekend’s Second Annual Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant offers educational funding and skill development for future leaders. Director Johnnie Wheeler said she was excited that the pageant was adding two more classes this year to give opportunities and experience to more young women. Wheeler said the scholarship pageant focuses more on character than appearance. “And to […]
Civic Engagement Headlines Cookeville Juneteenth Event
The Cookeville-Putnam County NAACP will gather at West End Park in honor of Juneteenth tomorrow. President Thomas Savage said they will gather for the 5th time from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Savage said while Juneteenth should be a platform to engage the black community in today’s issues. “They will have voter registration, they will […]
Community Partners Collecting Commodities To Celebrate Juneteenth
The Putnam County Democratic Party and the local NAACP have partnered for a commodity drive celebrating Juneteenth. Coordinator Anne Austin said commodities will be distributed through Helping Hands. Austin said from 8:00 AM-6:00 PM through Thursday, anyone can donate money or goods to support those struggling in the community. “Without economic freedom, you’re not a […]
Cookeville-Putnam NAACP Setting Up Office On Whitney Avenue
The Cookeville-Putnam County NAACP has a property it can call home and start expanding its work. President Thomas Savage said they will be moving into the old Putnam County labor temple on Whitney Avenue. Savage said having an office opens the door to start conversations and meet in a formal location with like-minded organizations. “We […]
