Saturday Covington will celebrate one of its natives with the annual Isaac Hayes Day. It was an idea born on Facebook, organizer John Edwards, a Covington alderman, told The Leader in 2017. "A guy was talking about how Isaac Hayes was the coolest guy to come through Memphis. I told him that he was probably the most famous person to come out of Covington. He replied, … [Read more...] about Annual Isaac Hayes Day in the Park set for Saturday
Black History
Black Farmers talk about collaboration, paradigm shift amid Blue Oval City eminent domain worries
At a press conference Monday, the importance of collaboration between Black farmers and incorporation of their farms was emphasized as a means to unlock economic opportunities for the minority community as Blue Oval City makes its home in the region. The meeting, organized by the Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association, aimed to address challenges faced by Black … [Read more...] about Black Farmers talk about collaboration, paradigm shift amid Blue Oval City eminent domain worries
Covington grad Jordan Ross to represent US in World Driving Championships
Jordan Ross received a call to represent the US in the World Driving Championship in August. He becomes the first African-American competitor for the country. “At first it was shocking,” Ross stated when reflecting on the moment he heard the news, “just kind of like a day-by-day, it’s been exciting like I’ve been very hyped about it and very excited to go over there and see … [Read more...] about Covington grad Jordan Ross to represent US in World Driving Championships
Congressman Cohen introduces act to study, recognize massacre of Black soldiers at Ft. Pillow
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today introduced the Fort Pillow National Battlefield Park Study Act, legislation that would direct the Department of the Interior to conduct a resource study to determine whether the location of an infamous massacre of Black Union soldiers in the waning months of the Civil War qualify it as a National Park Service site. Ft. Pillow … [Read more...] about Congressman Cohen introduces act to study, recognize massacre of Black soldiers at Ft. Pillow
Mother, daughter at the helm of Barlow Funeral Home as it nears the century mark
As one of its oldest businesses, and the oldest Black-owned business, Barlow Funeral Home is a staple in Tipton County. Founded by Major Barlow in 1925, the funeral home is nearing a full century of service by generations of Barlow family members. It is currently operated by Shelia and Brittany Barlow, the widow and daughter of well-known operator Quincy Barlow. A family … [Read more...] about Mother, daughter at the helm of Barlow Funeral Home as it nears the century mark
From Dreams to Reality: Chris Brent serves his community in numerous areas
In the early ‘80s, a 12-year-old Chris Brent was intrigued with the NAACP’s involvement in his hometown, Covington. He was also a fan of election commissioner Joe Sneed who was the only black board member during that time. Brent began dreaming of being involved in the two areas, so he began to pray and asked the Lord to fulfill his wishes. “One day, I would like to be a … [Read more...] about From Dreams to Reality: Chris Brent serves his community in numerous areas
Atoka named today Josephine Smith Hicks Day in honor of its newest centenarian
Josephine Smith Hicks got more and more emotional the more the mayor went on. “Isn’t this something?” she said as mayor Barry Akin said she’d officially become a centenarian. Born Feb. 22, 1923, she was being honored by the Town of Atoka for reaching her 100th birthday. “[I want to] thank God,” she told Akin Tuesday night. “Thank you, thank you all so much.” Her parents were … [Read more...] about Atoka named today Josephine Smith Hicks Day in honor of its newest centenarian
Marcus Heaston serves students, community through workforce development
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.” Proverbs Framed on Marcus Heaston’s office wall, this Bible verse signifies what his family stands on: a firm foundation in Christ and stewarding their last name. “They’ve always stressed to us, ‘Don’t do anything to embarrass your family. Don’t do anything to embarrass yourself. … [Read more...] about Marcus Heaston serves students, community through workforce development
