NAACP Juneteenth Celebration Highlights History And Health
The Cookeville-Putnam County NAACP hosting a Juneteenth celebration at Dogwood Park Friday to highlight Black history and address health disparities. Cookeville-Putnam County NAACP Branch President Thomas Savage said the event features a gospel hour to showcase the roots of the Black community. Savage said the event will also focus on specific health issues for Black […]
NAACP Vows Voter Mobilization After Redistricting Ruling
The NAACP plans a statewide voter mobilization effort to counter a recent redistricting decision that leadership describes as a racially motivated attempt to disenfranchise people of color. Cookeville Branch President Thomas Savage said the organization has already filed a lawsuit challenging the new maps. Savage said the strategy moving forward requires building a diverse coalition […]
Clock Ticking For Free Healthcare Coverage To People Laid Off
Upper Cumberland residents who have been laid off have 10 days left to enroll for free health care. Tennessee Healthcare Campaign Volunteer Outreach Coordinator Thomas Savage said if you collected unemployment for one week in 2021 you are eligible. Savage said people do not need to wait to decide on healthcare while the pandemic continues. […]
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 […]
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 […]
39 Speakers Sound Off On Memorial, Race Relations
A monument that several speakers admitted they never knew existed until this week brought impassioned pleas from local residents Thursday night. The Cookeville City Council heard from some 39 residents during more than 90 minutes of public comment. The council decided during a Monday night work session to place signage at the City Cemetery noting […]
Local NAACP Leader Says Bridge Needed To Young Protesters
Many of the faces for the Black Lives Matter movement are from a younger generation. Most of the protesters are also not one particular color. Putnam County NAACP President Thomas Savage said diversity through this movement is its strongest ally. “This group of people are front and center,” Savage said. “Their diversity is their strength. […]
