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Union Row developer rolls out pledge for 28 percent MWBE participation
NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER — A massive $990 million development is taking shape in Downtown Memphis that promises opportunity and innovation for the entire city. On Thursday night during an event at 341 Union Avenue, developer Big River Partners, along with Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, announced Phase I plans for Union Row, the largest mixed-use development transformation in Memphis.
By Dena S. Owens
A massive $990 million development is taking shape in Downtown Memphis that promises opportunity and innovation for the entire city.
On Thursday night during an event at 341 Union Avenue, developer Big River Partners, along with Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, announced Phase I plans for Union Row, the largest mixed-use development transformation in Memphis.
Nearly 500 guests gathered for details in the space that was once a Cadillac dealership – organizers showcased vintage Cadillac cars in the building for the occasion.
Union Row, which covers 29 acres in the city’s gateway, is bounded by Union Avenue and Beale Street on the north and south, and Danny Thomas and Fourth Street on the east and west.
Phase I site plans include two new hotels, two apartment buildings with attached parking garages and 100,000 square feet of space for retail, office and lab use. The site will also include a grocery store. Mammoth site drawings were hung along a wall at the event.
Phase I also contains a comprehensive strategy to include Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) with the goal of 28 percent participation. A representative from the city’s Office of Business Diversity & Compliance was on hand to assist interested MWBEs.
Big River Partners recruited long-time businessman Carl Person to lead MWBE inclusion over the life of the project.
“I’m taking this personally,” says Person. “We’re developing a strategic plan on the front-end to keep minority businesses in the planning from the beginning.”
StartCo, a business developer and start-up accelerator, is assigned as Innovation Partner to assist small, medium and large startups with access to capital and other resources that increase capacity.
“We’ll guide entrepreneurs to capital resources and ensure that diversity and inclusion are weaved into the practice of innovation,” stated StartCo president, Andre Fowlkes.
StartCo will also provide direction to growing startups at Union Row so that they can remain sustainable and create hundreds of new jobs.
“I’m so excited I could pinch myself,” says Kevin Adams, Big River Partners’ managing partner.
Adams is leading redevelopment of the blighted area, which will increase density through high-rise housing. Union Row will unfold with construction of the parking garages followed by 711 residential units. Among mid-range and luxury-level units, Union Row will provide 20 percent affordable apartments, according to Adams.
Next, the hotels will be built — the brands may be announced as early as next week.
Phase I is expected exceed $500 million of the total $990 million price tag.
“We couldn’t do this without our partners and financial incentives,” says Adams. “The biggest obstacle to overcome was pulling together the land.”
Union Row Phase 1 is supported by $100 million in tax increment financing (TIF) dollars from Shelby County and a $50 million loan from the Downtown Memphis Commission for parking garages. The State of Tennessee approved a modification to extend the TIF for 30 years.
Big River Partners is also seeking New Market Tax Credits, a federal program to spur business and real estate investment in low-income communities across the U.S. Adams noted that he’s collaborating with partners to consider future redevelopment in parts of Whitehaven and North Memphis, and is finalizing a plan for new senior living units in East Memphis.
“This will be something great that all of Memphis will be proud of,” Strickland said of Union Row. “The City Council and County Commission are equal partners … none of this could happen without them.”
At the close of the event, Strickland invited local and out-of-town financiers to invest dollars in Memphis during its economic development renaissance.
(For more information about Union Row, visit URMemphis.com.)
This article originally appeared in the New Tri-State Defender
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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me
NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.
Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.
A Familiar Disappointment
I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.
In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.
The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough
On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.
I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?
Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.
One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.
A Call for Action Beyond Words
White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.
If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.
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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health
The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]
The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for connection, marking a significant step toward creating a more inclusive parenting community.
The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.
“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”
To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.
Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.
“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”
For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org
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Election Night on The Yard at Howard University
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