Diversity Summit helps Knoxville Start an Important Conversation

Scripps Networks is a market leader in demonstrating how diversity and inclusion make for a successful business. At last week’s Diversity Summit – hosted by Scripps in partnership with the Urban League and Knoxville Chamber – Scripps provided the opportunity to explore the dimension of diversity as an economic driver for community and business development. The Summit was stimulating and … Read More

Sitting around the table with Bill Gates

You may have noticed that it’s been a while since I last wrote a blog entry. I assure you that my absence from the blogosphere has nothing to do with lack of material. The past month has been a blur of activity, and I’ve been involved in some very interesting things. At the end of July, I attended the annual … Read More

Facing the Foreclosure Giant

A word from Phyllis Nichols, Knoxville Area Urban League President and CEO Today I started my day like most others, with a cup of coffee in one hand and the News Sentinel in the other. (I like the new format.) While reading the article, “Knoxville man caught in foreclosure maze,” I wanted to shout, “We could have helped you – … Read More

Brown v. Board: Is our nation’s education system equal?

A word from Phyllis Nichols, Knoxville Area Urban League President and CEO I recently attended a conference in Washington, DC aimed at reversing the dropout crisis and closing the achievement gap in minority communities. People from throughout the country were there – Hispanic, African American, Asian, Pacific Islanders and Native American. It was an amazing and informative conference that invigorated … Read More

Got Shoes?

A word from Phyllis Nichols, Knoxville Area Urban League President and CEO For most of us, we’ve never had to think about having decent shoes or school supplies. No big deal. They were simply there. But for kids who don’t have them, it’s a big deal! Last week, I talked about my love of reading and how important it is … Read More

In the words of Dr. Seuss, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.”

A word from Phyllis Nichols, Knoxville Area Urban League President and CEO Growing up, my favorite thing to do was read. In fact, when I hadn’t cleaned my room or done other chores around the house, my mother would spur me into action by saying, “You can’t read until you’ve…” You can fill in the blank. I was more than … Read More

Non-profits: How do they “profit” our community?

A word from Phyllis Nichols, Knoxville Area Urban League President and CEO Here in the Volunteer State, we’re known for our willingness to step up and help those in need. The longstanding success of the United Way of Greater Knoxville’s annual fundraising campaign and the solid individual and corporate support of our many area non-profits stand as testament to our … Read More

All Things Being Equal

Welcome to “All Things Being Equal,” our new blog. Why a blog? It’s simple, really. As President and Chief Executive Officer of the Knoxville Area Urban League, I meet and engage with many people in this community, in our state, and across the country. I often hear, “I’ve heard of the Urban League, but I’m not sure what you do.” … Read More