Demolition of Foote Homes |
Demolition of Foote HomesInsight News Reporter: Kristin Rodgers
November 20, 2012 Residents and community members are fighting to save the last housing projects in Memphis. Foote Homes has been a hot button issue for many Memphians for years now. The fight to tear down the housing units been met with opposition from residents as well as community leaders. From demonstrations, city council meetings, and even the attempt at having Foote Homes added to the national register list of historic homes, supporters of keeping residents where they are have been very vocal about their beliefs. As of now, the city is planning to move forward with the demolition. They have reassured residents that the mishandling of past public housing residents in Memphis, will not repeat itself. Residents can expect to receive any and every available means provided to them. |
Demolition of Foote Homes (VSV)
Voter Requirements
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Voter RequirementsThe push to get people registered to vote is one that many organizations take seriously. Groups such as Memphis' AFL-CIO Labor Council participated in the National Voter Registration Day held on September 25, 2012. Their goal was to get as many people registered before the 2012 Presidential election this November. Virginia Faye Strickland a member of the United Steel Workers of America, which is an affiliate of the MLC says, "We're here to get people registered. It's very important that we utilize that right to vote. We have a lot at stake this year."
Ms. Strickland confirmed that there are new requirements for voters this election year. Registered voters are now required to have a valid form of identification upon arrival at the voting polls. A new law was passed in recent years that could make it harder for individuals to vote. The state of Tennessee adopted this new law along with others. One must present a state or government issued photo ID in order to cast their vote. Election Commission websites throughout the country have an entire list of what is and is not accepted at polling stations. Those in Shelby County can visit ShelbyVote.com for a complete rundown on what to expect this year. Memphis mayor AC Wharton tried to no avail to have library cards with a photo added to the new list. This along with college issued IDs will not be accepted. |
Voter Requirements (VSV)
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Hattiloo Theatre
Hattiloo Theatre (VSV) |
Hattiloo Theatre Founder: Ekundayo BandeleKristin Rodgers
Nov 13, 2012 Hattiloo theatre got its start as a cultural arts center. Founder Ekundayo Bandele wanted it to be a place where artists could come and showcase their talent. He described the center in its early stages, as a place where "people were coming in doing spoken word concerts. Comedy concerts. We would have listening parties." He then goes on to say that after about 2 to 3 years of being open, they made the decision to turn into a theatre. Hattiloo is set to break ground on a new theatre in 2013. The new theatre will be built in Overton Square and will seat 150-175 people. Bandele hopes that the new theatre will encourage African-Americans to feel empowered and that it will help them become more active in the community. For more information on the new theatre visit www.hattiloo.org. |