by Corey | Jan 16, 2018 | Client News
As one of Nashville’s oldest and longest existing organizations, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (N.A.A.C.P.) Nashville Branch is pleased to announce Dwight Lewis, retired journalist and columnist for The Tennessean, as the keynote speaker for their annual pre-march reception. The event celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and will be held January 15, 2018 at branch headquarters (1308 Jefferson St.) with doors opening at 7 a.m. and the program beginning at 8 a.m. Following the reception, participants will join other groups for the march to Tennessee State University hosted by the Interdenominational Ministers Fellowship.
Pioneer journalist at The Tennessean, Dwight Lewis used his pen for over four decades to heighten public awareness of civil liberties and civil rights issues. From his start, as a campus correspondent at Tennessee State University, to presiding over the editorial page at The Tennessean, Lewis worked tirelessly to bring to light and educate the public on injustices inflicted by those in power.
“Dwight Lewis is a trailblazer for the Nashville community as a whole,” said N.A.A.C.P. – Nashville Branch president Luyde N. Wallace. “If it were not for his, and the late John Seigenthaler’s, courage to tackle the tough stories of civil rights, many would not truly understand the oppression against black communities. This MLK Day, it is an honor to have the ability to listen to and ask questions of the man who brought our fight and concerns to the public, through print.”
Annecia Donigan, Ludye N. Wallace, Mary Carver Patrick, Makalya McCree, Bruce Wood and William Moorman
About the NAACP Nashville Branch
The Nashville Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (N.A.A.C.P.) is proud to be one of the many units of the nation’s oldest and largest civil and human rights organizations. Established in 1909 nationally, the NAACP Nashville Branch was chartered in 1919 and as a not-for-profit organization implements the Association’s national agenda to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.
by perri | Dec 11, 2017 | Blog, Client News
Nashville, TN – SEPTEMBER 17: Minister Richard Smallwood performs during an Evening with Richard Smallwood and Yolanda Adams benefiting The National Museum Of African American Music at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on September 17, 2017 in Whites Creek, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NMAAM)
Our clients, Watson Grove Missionary Baptist Church and Pastor John R. Faison, Sr. recently participated in (and launched) The National Faith Initiative (NFI) in support of The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM). The Grove has been GROWING at a rapid pace, and with this growth, more opportunities for the church to be involved in the community – like NFI – have occurred.
Pastor Faison leads a dedicated group of faith leaders with NFI, actively recruiting other pastors to support NMAAM. The goal of the initiative is to rally support from the faith community for NMAAM, which broke ground in 2017 and is scheduled to open in 2019. The museum will be home to the “Oh! Happy Day” exhibit that will show the genealogy of Gospel music and its influence on other genres. The National Faith Initiative’s main objective is to unite the faith and show support for NMAAM. Thanks to Watson Grove, Pastor Faison and NFI, the museum has been able to raise nearly $200k in annual commitments to support NMAAM, so far with additional work toward raising $2 million in commitments by the end of 2018.
NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 17: (L-R) President and CEO, NMAAM, H. Beecher Hicks, Bishop Jerry Maynard and Initiative Leader and Pastor John Faison attend an Evening with Richard Smallwood and Yolanda Adams benefiting The National Museum Of African American Music at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on September 17, 2017 in Whites Creek, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for NMAAM)
Their role includes a financial pledge and cultivating other pastors and congregations, around the country, to participate with an annual financial contribution. The goal is to cultivate $2 million dollars over five (5) years, from members of the faith community to preserve and protect the history of Gospel music. It is important for the church – and people of God, to understand how important NMAAM is locally and nationally.
Local Pastors Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III (Mt. Zion), Bishop Jerry L. Maynard, Sr. (Cathedral of Praise), Pastor Jerry Maynard, II (Southside Community) and Pastor William Green (Tabernacle of Glory) united to launch the initiative with a concert and choir workshop. The choir workshop, led by Richard Smallwood, prepared all participating churches’ music ministries for the kickoff concert. Over 20 churches, two community organizations and Austin Peay State University sent representatives to attend the choir workshop, led by Smallwood.
The kickoff concert, which was held on Sept. 16th at Mt. Zion Old Hickory Boulevard, featured Dr. Bobby Jones, Richard Smallwood and Gospel powerhouse Yolanda Adams, joined by the Nashville Super Choir. The night was filled with great performances of some of the most revered Gospel songs, including ‘The Battle is the Lord’s, Total Praise and Open My Heart – in support of NMAAM. Both Richard Smallwood and Yolanda Adams shared their excitement for the museum.
As Watson Grove and Pastor Faison look forward to National Faith Day in 2018 we are excited to continue supporting them and NMAAM. Pastor Faison has been making strides in North Carolina and Virginia garnering support from 20 new faith leaders in the area. We are thrilled to see Pastor Faison continue his efforts in leading this initiative.
Media coverage:
Stay On the Go Magazine: http://nashville.stayonthego.com/smallwood-adams-nmaam-concert/
The Tennessee Tribune: http://tntribune.com/religion/local-religion/6523/
by Corey | Nov 8, 2017 | Blog
Johnson City Ridership Survey Provides East Tennessee View and Community Engagement with Ridership Survey for JCT
With our offices in downtown Nashville, it’s an amazing change of scenery for team members to work in the foothills of the Appalachian Trail. In mid-September, a couple a dGCers took to I-40 and headed East to Johnson City, Tennessee to lead the public involvement efforts for a comprehensive operational analysis of the Johnson City Transit (JCT) system. Alongside JCT, our boots-on-the-ground (and newest members of the dGC team), as well as other team members – AECOM 
and Transit Insight – we gathered data, from current ridership. This process assists in developing analysis and engaging the public through 
survey administration and strategic communications.
And WOW…we would like to take a moment and give a big SHOUT OUT to the community of Johnson City. The engagement level from your community was outstanding! We hit our survey goals by mid-week, and far exceeded that goal by over 500% – this made the end result even better (and our client happy)! dGC was instrumental in not only the survey process and community engagement, but as well, we pitched the local transit reporter, Zach Vance, and were able to secure a front-page, feature in the The Johnson City Press. Zach was able to experience the survey process first-hand by accompanying our administrators on the bus routes themselves! Read his article here.
From everyone at dGC, we would like to thank JCT and the Johnson City community, it was truly a pleasure to be able to immerse ourselves and build relationships in East Tennessee and with your riders. Transit really rocks!
Read about the free ride week or read about the launch of the survey.
by perri | Nov 1, 2017 | Client News
J.U.M.P. Hosts Nashville MTA/RTA’s Announcement of Extended Music City Circuit Service in North Nashville and Announces 2018 Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival
The Jefferson Street United Merchants Partnership (J.U.M.P.) announced next year’s dates for the 18th Annual Jefferson St. Jazz and Blues Festival (JJBF) at the Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority’s (MTA) launch event and press conference for the Music City Circuit route expansion. JJBF will be held June 15-16, 2018 at the Bicentennial Mall.
“It was an honor to be a part of the MTA launch event,” said Sharon Hurt, president and CEO of J.U.M.P.. “There used to be a trolley that ran right down the middle of Jefferson Street…having this new route will support commerce and provide transportation, while solving a community need. This corridor was once a bloodline to the heart of our city and now with the expansion of the Music City Circuit, the community of North Nashville will have the opportunity to once again feel connected to their Music City.”
During Hurt’s remarks, she acknowledged Leonard Morton Sr. as the Grand Marshall for next year’s festival and will bestow the honor, along with a Jeffersonian Award, to him at the organization’s Annual Luncheon, held on December 7, 2017. His son, Leonard Morton, Jr., along with The Total Eclipse Band, performed before and after the press conference.
by Corey | Oct 31, 2017 | Client News, Media Advisory
NAACP Forward Allows Nation’s Premier Civil Rights Organization to Hear Feedback from Members, Leadership and Supporters on Strategies for Retooling in the Trump Era
NASHVILLE (October 31, 2017) – The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will visit Nashville as part of its multi-city listening tour, NAACP Forward: Today, Tomorrow & Always, on Monday, November 6, 2017. NAACP National Chairman Leon Russell, President Derrick Johnson and TN State President Gloria Sweet-Love will attend this meeting.
NAACP Forward is part of the organization’s strategic plan to enhance its vision and mission, and to renew its commitment to the fight for civil rights amid a swirling climate of political hostility, voter suppression, income inequality, mass incarceration, police brutality and anti-immigrant sentiment. NAACP Forward will convene local membership, supporters and partners to offer their guidance on how the NAACP can retool itself to combat 21st century threats.
Along with these public meetings, NAACP Forward in Nashville will also include smaller discussions in the city to better understand the perspective of its membership, local community leaders, activists and others. Over the last few months, NAACP leadership have visited several other cities and towns across the country including Detroit, Buffalo, Los Angeles. They will also visit Des Moines, San Antonio and Washington D.C in the next few weeks.
For media interested in covering the NAACP’s listening tour stop in Nashville, please send credentials to communications@naacpnet.org
WHAT: NAACP Forward: Today, Tomorrow & Always, Nashville
WHO: Derrick Johnson – President & CEO, NAACP
Leon W. Russell – Chairman, NAACP Board of Director
Gloria Sweet-Love – NAACP National Board member
Tennessee members, branch presidents, youth and college leaders from across the state
WHEN: Monday, November 6, 2017 – 6 – 8 pm CT
WHERE: Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church
2334 Herman St, Nashville TN 37208
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by perri | Sep 30, 2017 | Client News
SUCCESSFUL ‘COMING TOGETHER…UNITY IN ACTION’ LIFE MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON BRINGS OVER 300 ATTENDEES AND 150 NEW MEMBERS FOR NAACP NASHVILLE BRANCH
Community celebrates local leaders at an event designed to unify all of Music City
The Nashville Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) solidified their effort, to show unity across multiple generations and backgrounds, by hosting the ‘Coming Together…Unity in Action’ Life Membership Luncheon at the Cal Turner Family Center at Meharry Medical College. During the event, local leaders were recognized for their significant commitment to unifying the Nashville community.
“Seeing everyone, today, demonstrated that Nashville has the heart and desire to be a unified city,” said Ludye N. Wallace, president of the NAACP Nashville Branch. “With multiple generations represented, we heard how important it is that we speak truth to one another and that we encourage our youth to continue the fight for the advancement of all people. We stood together, today, in what is the first of several actionable steps towards a unified Nashville.”
Recognitions included four (4) President’s Award (Nancy Nichols, Don Majors, Dr. Blondell Strong Kimbrough and Gordon Larkins), four (4) Legacy Awards (Rosetta Miller Petty, Walter Searcy, Ben Rechter and Isaac Addae) and one (1) Dr. Charles E. Kimbrough Medal of Honor (Judge Richard Dinkins).
President’s Award: This award is presented to a member of the Nashville Branch who has gone above and beyond to support and perpetuate the work of the organization, in the past year.
Legacy Award: An individual who creates positive, impactful change and a measurable difference within the greater Nashville community. This individual should exemplify the tenets of the NAACP – to ensure political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.
Dr. Charles E. Kimbrough Medal of Honor: An individual who has an established history of dedication to the protection, advancement and/or promotion of all people, while exhibiting leadership and providing inspiration to those around them, within a specific organization or the community at-large. Presented to Judge Richard H. Dinkins
The program included performances by Watson Grove Missionary Baptist Church’s Praise Team, Mr. Miles Slay and Ms. Tyler Samuel.
The event garnered significant support from the community. Sponsors included Belmont University, the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation, Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), Meharry Medical College, Drs. James & Phyllis Hildreth, Nashville Chamber of Commerce, Vice Mayor David Briley, Giarratana Nashville, duGard Communications, R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation, Nashville General Hospital, DVL Seigenthaler, Bill Freeman, Citizens Bank and American Baptist College.
About the NAACP Nashville Branch
The Nashville Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is proud to be one of the many units of the nation’s oldest and largest civil and human rights organizations. Established in 1909 nationally, the NAACP Nashville Branch was chartered in 1919 and as a not-for-profit organization implements the Association’s national agenda to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.
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High Resolution Photos Available here.
Left to right: Ludye N. Wallace, Dr. Charles E. Kimbrough, Judge Richard Dinkins – recipient of the Dr. Charles E. Kimbrough Medal of Honor and Rep. Brenda Gilmore
Left to right: Butch Spyridon, CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation, Dr. James Hildreth, President, Meharry Medical College, LaDonna Boyd, COO, R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation, Ludye N. Wallace, President, NAACP – Nashville Branch, Dr. Bob Fisher, President, Belmont University, Rep. Brenda Gilmore, First Vice President & Luncheon Chair, NAACP – Nashville Branch, Dr. Deborah A. Cole, President/CEO, Citizens Bank and Dr. Forrest Harris, President, American Baptist College
by perri | Sep 18, 2017 | Client News
Hop On And Ride for Free September 18-23 2018
Johnson City Transit is offering citizens a chance to ride public transportation for free! All fixed-route fares will be waived from 6:15 a.m.-11 p.m. through Saturday (Sept. 23).
Also this week, passengers may be asked to complete an anonymous survey about Transit services. Everyone who completes a survey will receive a voucher for 10 free rides!
Please visit www.johnsoncitytransit.org for route information or plan your trip with Google Trip Planner.
by perri | Sep 5, 2017 | Client News
Public transportation use survey will allow organization an opportunity to hear and learn from passengers.
Johnson City, Tenn. – (Sept. 5, 2017) – Johnson City Transit System (JCT) will conduct an on-board ridership survey the week of September 18-23, 2017 to learn more about public transit use and how to improve services. The goal is to gather data on current and potential transit usage from riders. The results of the survey will assist consultants from AECOM who are working on a comprehensive operational analysis of JCT. This in-depth study will identify strengths as well as 
opportunities for improvement to the overall system’s performance.
JCT has partnered with duGard Communications to conduct surveys through a one-on-one interview process. Surveyors will ride JCT buses, routes, and be available in the lobby of the Transit Center alongside passengers and complete a tablet-based survey. Riders also have the option to fill out a paper form to return to JCT.
“We are looking for passenger characteristics and travel patterns,” said Bradley Osborne, Transit Planner of Johnson City Transit. “The more riders who fill out the survey, the better we can prepare for future services.”
JCT operates public fixed route services (including ETSU BUCSHOT), paratransit services for disabled patrons, and various demand-response call-in services. For more information visit http://johnsoncitytransit.org.
by Corey | Jul 22, 2017 | Media Advisory, News
Strategic Communications & PR firm makes a splash with 3 awards.
Nashville, Tenn. (May, 2017) – duGard Communications (dGC) took home two Parthenon awards and an Award of Merit Public Relations Society of America, Nashville Chapter’s 31st Annual Parthenon Awards.
dGC won its first Parthenon Award in the category of Reputation/Brand Management for its program built for the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) regarding “My Music Matters: A Celebration of Legends Luncheon” and week of events. The second Parthenon of the evening was in the Media Relations – News Conferences category in recognition of the press conference dGC designed for NMAAM to announce the organization’s National Chairpersons, Board Members and a significant financial donation from the State of Tennessee. Darius Rucker led the press conference where he announced CeCe Winans, India.Arie and Keb’ Mo were also joining as National Chairs of NMAAM.
dGC received an Award of Merit in the Special Events category for the strategic execution, public and media relations of Nashville’s 10-Year Anniversary of the Chief Justice A.A. Birch Building and Commemorative Statue Unveiling, Ribbon Cutting, Award Celebration and Reception.
“All of this would not be possible without our amazing clients and the dedicated, hard-working staff of duGard Communications” said Perri duGard Owens, President and CEO. “Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to all we will accomplish in dGC’s future.”
About duGard Communications
duGard Communications (dGC) is an award-winning, strategic communications firm specializing in public relations, marketing and business development services to a broad range of brands, companies and non-profit organizations. dGC has developed a highly successful track record of building strategies tailored for individual clients that articulate key value, enhance growth and improve business success. Our clients appreciate dGC’s expertise and experience because we provide focused results coupled with creativity, agility and a commitment to accelerate client goals.
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by Andrew Harrill | Jun 30, 2017 | Client News
Historical Impact of Jazz and Blues Celebrated During 2-day Festival in Music City
Jefferson Street United Merchants Partnership (J.U.M.P), welcomed more than 4,000 people to the 17th annual Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival (JJBF) weekend. The fun kicked off with the “Bridging the Gap: New Face, New Place” Mixer and Block Party in downtown Nashville on 5th Avenue South on Friday, June 16. Festivities continued on Saturday, June 17 with the main event hosted at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, featuring some of Nashville’s favorite local artists as well as national recording artists Shirley Murdock and Rose Royce.
“This is where downtown Nashville meets uptown Jefferson Street,” explained Sharon Hurt, president and CEO of the J.U.M.P. “Our mission, with this festival, is to bring the community together, strengthen and provide economic impact, as well as bolster awareness and exposure to the historical importance of the north Nashville corridor. Jefferson Street is Nashville’s original music district, where it all took place.”
A venue change for this year’s 15th annual “Bridging the Gap Mixer: New Face, New Place” created a SoBro Block Party atmosphere that included performances from local favorites—William Davenport and Wendell “Bizz” Bigsby-Church & Everyday People—as well as two djs, live music, and a variety of food and retail vendors. Nearly 1,500 people danced in the streets, many of them new faces spilling out from the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Omni Hotel, all excited to join the party that gave them an alternative to country music-themed events usually hosted in the area. Also new to the Friday event was the inaugural JJBF Hot Chicken Contest, judged by the honorable Howard Gentry and acclaimed chef Darryl Dinning, who named Erica’s Touch of Taste Food Truck as the contest’s winner.
Jazz and Blues Kicked-off the Event, Smooth R&B Closed-out the Show
Saturday’s main event at Bicentennial Mall kicked off with a high energy performance from Rahsaan Barber and included Bayou & the Degradables, Herschel Bailey and Paula Chavis.
“Good food, good music, good music, good people, for a good time. People came from all over…and we continue to experience increases in attendance each year,” said Hurt.
The annual event garners much support from the community. Sponsors included the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation, United Healthcare, Coca-Cola Consolidated, TN State Department of Tourism, HCA/TriStar, Ajax Turner/Budweiser, Xfinity, Kroger, Lyft, Citizen’s Bank, AT&T, U-Know Catering, Don Hardin Group, Hall Strategies, Davidson County Sheriff’s Department, Workforce Development, and BSU Roofing.
“It is the one event you can depend on to bring Nashville together to enjoy great music and a good time. My 92 year old mother still comes out with my 8 year old and we all have fun,” said Criminal Court Clerk, Howard Gentry. “People come from all over Middle Tennessee to this event that represents the spirit of Jefferson Street. That’s the core and that is what makes it so great!”
615-823-4020 
