Campaign to Reduce Vaccine Hesitancy Offers Up-to-Date Medical Information from Trusted Local Providers in Spanish and English
Nashville, TN (date) – Meharry Medical College and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital announced today launch of an online portal (YourCovidVaxFacts.com) that provides up-to-date information on vaccine safety. The website offers answers to common COVID-19 vaccine questions in both English and Spanish. In Tennessee 54% of residents are fully vaccinated, below the national average, while only 11.6% of Black residents and 5.4% of Hispanic/Latino residents are fully vaccinated. In Davidson County, 444,861 residents are fully vaccinated, 65% of the population.
Development of YourCovidVaxFacts.com was led by Dr. Jennifer Cunningham-Erves, Meharry Medical College; Dr. Jamaine Davis, Meharry Medical College; Maureen Sanderson, Meharry Medical College; and Dr. Heather Brandt, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The team partnered with key stakeholders to ensure community views guided development of the online resources and outreach campaign targeting underserved populations.
Questions answered on the bilingual website include vaccine development concerns, safety concerns impacting a variety of diverse populations, and the effectiveness of the three and four-shot vaccine regiment. YourCovidVaxFacts.com visitors do not enter any personal information to use the website, ensuring protection of personal information.
Bilingual, culturally appropriate advertising supporting the launch of YourCovidVaxFacts.com is now running on Middle Tennessee print, radio, TV, and outdoor advertising channels. In addition, direct mail and door hanger outreach, combined with digital marketing strategies, targets underserved populations throughout the area. Outdoor advertising can be seen at locations around the community.
Dr. Cunningham-Erves is an award-winning behavioral scientist who studies parent and adult views on COVID-19 vaccines while developing programs to promote informed decision-making. Dr. Davis is a scientist currently studying how and why some people develop diseases. Through his training in infectious diseases, he recognizes the need to quell confusion and convey essential information to help alleviate concerns around COVID-19 vaccines. Ms. Sanderson is behavioral epidemiologist with 25 years of experience conducting intervention studies among underserved populations. Dr. Brandt is a social and behavioral scientist who seeks to apply innovative approaches developed in partnership with diverse communities to address disparities.
“We are honored to receive a small business grant designed to help African American, women-owned small businesses weather the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Perri duGard Owens, founder and CEO of duGard Communications. “Many of the clients we serve are small businesses themselves and while we have had the opportunity to assist them respond to new challenges over the past year, we too have had to ensure our own sustainability and continue to grow the business and serve clients across the country.”
duGard Communications was founded in 2013 by Nashville-native Perri duGard Owens. The firm provides strategic communications focusing on public relations, media relations, marketing, branding, public outreach and engagement on behalf of a diverse client base. A range of clients include serving entities like Getaway Society, East Chop Capital, TDOT, MNAA/BNA, Street Works, Jefferson Street United Merchants Partnership (J.U.M.P), National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), Amazon, HCA, along with many others.
“We know owning and operating a business creates wealth and a legacy,” said Stefanie Steward-Young, chief corporate social responsibility officer at Fifth Third Bank. “Yet Black-owned business owners often face challenges securing capital to start and maintain their business – even more so during these challenging times. This initiative couldn’t be more vital for Black communities in metropolitan areas like Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Detroit, Louisville, Nashville and Orlando. We are glad to have been a force behind this initiative.”
The Innovation Meets Main Street programfills a critical need in the economies of Black communities and for the small business community. Studies show that 41% of Black-owned businesses have been shuttered during the pandemic. To date, over sixty Black women have received funding or technical assistance to help them remain open. The partnership between Local Initiatives Support Corporation and the Association for Enterprise Opportunity is part of a $8.75 million pledge from Fifth Third to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this program, LISC received $1 million from the Fifth Third Foundation, with $630,000 in grant funding awarded to 63 small businesses and $250,000 for an investment in the Fearless Fund. Additionally, AEO received $200,000 to provide business owners access to MainStreet RISE, a suite of critical tech-enabled tools and resources to keep businesses open and selling during and after the pandemic.
“This is extremely important and special to us, here at dGC, because I fondly recall Kevin Lavender, now executive vice president of Fifth Third Bank, coming to speak to me and my fellow assertive (and eager), then high school peers during INROADS/Nashville’s infamous (but extremely beneficial) Saturday sessions,” said duGard Owens. “His personal impact on the fabric of so many current leaders, makes receiving this grant even more special. While he had no involvement in our application or acceptance to this program, it’s his commitment (then and now) to shaping individuals, small businesses and corporations that makes this important to us and we’re honored to be chosen by the Fifth Third Foundation.”
Planning for the 20th Annual Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival (JJBF) began after the conclusion of the 2019 festival. Jefferson United Merchant Partnership’s (J.U.M.P) Executive Director Sharon W. Hurt shared with duGard Communications (dGC) that she planned for the festival to return to Jefferson Street in its 20th year. With that thought as a driving force, dGC began its planning with the selection of the 2019 Jeffersonian awardees. Each year, the Jeffersonian winner plays a role in the festival, and with the 20th year on the horizon, we wanted to continue that tradition.
By March 2020, we secured After 7 to headline and were prepared to announce this news and the plan to return to Jefferson St. Those plans were halted as the world began to enter into the first stages of Quarantine. Without a clear vision of whether JJBF would be able to happen as it normally does, J.U.M.P & dGC decided to take advantage of the changing virtual landscape.
J.U.M.P celebrating 20 years of hosting JJBF is a significant feat for a festival that we wanted to convey through the celebratory tone of this virtual event. The festival was originally scheduled for June 19 – 20 with a return to Jefferson St. on Saturday the 20th. However, dGC recommended utilizing the date, 06/20/20, to celebrate the festival’s history and potentially announce plans for an in-person festival in September 2020.
One of the greatest things about the festival each year is the energy that comes from the performers and the crowds. Grasping that energy and converting it virtually was the essence of what we planned to celebrate the 20th year. We planned energetic conversations that shined a light on the festival’s 20-year history and would fuel the fire as we planned for 2021.
Sponsors, partners, past performers and planning team members joined us to talk about the energy that is created yearly for JJBF and how to maximize the festival’s exposure. The Nashville Scene deemed JJBF the “Essence Festival of Tennessee.” As the interviewer, Sharon took the opportunity to turn this statement into a question for guests to answer that inspires ways to make this festival just as popular.
After researching the best production options for the festival, we landed on Black-owned media company 353 Media to produce the final product. Using a formal production team allowed the organization the chance to brand the virtual event with graphics & video overlays that would give room to highlight sponsors & partners.
The final two-hour broadcast was viewed by more than 7,200 people from across 10 states and raised over $20,000 in support of the North Nashville Tornado Relief Fund and businesses affected by COVID-19. Despite day-of technical difficulties, other key results for the video include 141 peak simultaneous viewership, 463 reactions (love, like or cares), 264 shares and over 200 comments. The initial weekend successes inspired a performance-only encore of the festival. The encore featured Bizz & Everyday People was viewed more than 1,500 times during the weekend it aired.
Adjusting to this virtual strategy for the 20th year has inspired dGC to plan ways to keep the momentum from this year going as we (hopefully) head back to Jefferson Street in 2021. Read the blogs on J.U.M.P & JJBF’s website and stay tuned for more information on the upcoming JJBF events.
J.U.M.P.’s 20th Anniversary Event Honored Black Music Month in Support of Nashville Businesses Impacted by Tornados
Nashville, Tenn., (June 22, 2020) – The historic 20th anniversary of Nashville’s Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival was celebrated online this weekend, raising more than $20,000 in donations from individuals and sponsors to support the Jefferson Street United Merchants Partnership (J.U.M.P.) and businesses along the Jefferson Street corridor devastated by tornado damage earlier this year.
For the first time in its 20-year history, the event was broadcast free online via Facebook Live. The annual festival was converted to a virtual celebration in response to health and safety guidelines related to the spread of COVID-19. The event featured live music performances honoring the impact of diverse music history in Music City and celebrating Black Music Month. Local jazz musician and saxophonist Joe Johnson kicked off the event with a performance. Upbeat R&B band Bizz & Everyday People also performed live.
The concert also featured interviews with past festival participants and industry leaders. Hosted by Sharon W. Hurt, Nashville councilmember and president and CEO of J.U.M.P, the interviews included Nashville Convention & Visitor Center’s Butch Spyridon, Lovenoise’s Eric Holt, famed performer Jimmy Church, singer Kim Porter and Nashville Jazz Workshop’s Lori Meacham.
“Many businesses along the Jefferson Street corridor are still trying to determine next steps and how to recover from the tornado,” said Hurt. “Economic disparities, coupled with COVID-19, has impacted so many, with several businesses trying to decide whether to re-open or not. Mary’s Barbecue and Sliver Sands sustained roof damage, Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church had extensive damage and of course Music City Cleaners, The Lab, J.U.M.P., and StreetWorks no longer have access to what are now our former offices.”
During the live event, viewers could donate to support J.U.M.P., whose office was condemned after the March 3 tornado, as well as other businesses on Jefferson Street affected by the devastating weather earlier this year. More than $20,000 in donations and sponsorships was raised.
Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival showcases the rich music history of Nashville’s Jefferson Street. The two-day event brings community members together to experience blues, jazz, R&B and hip-hop performances, genres with deep roots in the history of Music City. For more information visit www.nashvillejazzandbluesfest.com, or visit JJBF on Facebook @JeffersonStreetJazzandBluesFestival
Jefferson Street United Merchants Partnership
The Jefferson Street United Merchants Partnership (JUMP) is a non-profit organization with the mission to develop, foster and promote cooperative economic development through revitalization, acquisition, education and public safety programs in North Nashville. More than 200 individuals and organizations make up JUMP’s active membership under the common goal of keeping Jefferson Street alive and thriving. For more information visit www.jumptojefferson.com visit J.U.M.P. on Facebook @JUMPNashville.
Community Feedback Will Shape Future of First of Twenty New Transit Centers Identified in the nMotion Strategy
Nashville, Tenn., (May 13, 2020) – Community members are invited to meet the WeGo Public Transit team, learn more about the North Nashville Transit Center project, and provide feedback at a community meeting on May 22. The event will include discussion on the impact of public transit, how community members would like to interact with new planned services, and how WeGo Public Transit can best serve Nashville residents now and in the future.
The planned North Nashville Transit Center will be a safe and friendly location for community residents and transit passengers to access transit and to comfortably and conveniently transfer between routes and modes. It includes pedestrian and bike access, car and van pool pick-up, and car and bike sharing options. The new neighborhood mobility center is designed specifically to create and enhance multimodal transportation options and connections in North Nashville, improving access to jobs, health care and other services. Nearly 22 percent of residents live in zero-vehicle households; the highest percentage of transit-dependent residents in the Nashville MSA and substantially higher than the U.S. average of 7.9 percent.
The North Nashville Transit Center will be the first of over twenty Nashville locations identified in the nMotion strategy. Learn more about the event here: https://www.facebook.com/WeGoTransit. Can’t make it? Share your comments, concerns, and commendations at WeGoTransit@nashville.gov or 615-862-5950.
What: Community Meeting – North Nashville Transit Center
Who: WeGo Transit
When: May 22, 11 AM – 1 PM CST
Where: 2501 Clarksville Pike, Nashville, TN 37208
WeGo Transit connects people to their lives and communities with comprehensive service to Nashville’s neighborhoods. The RTA of Middle Tennessee provides regional transit through nine commuter bus routes and the WeGo Star commuter rail.
About WeGo Public Transit
Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority (Nashville MTA) and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) are operating bodies of WeGo Public Transit, which serves 26 local bus routes, eight regional bus routes, and one train serving Davidson and Wilson Counties.
Editor’s Note: To request this info in an alternative format, call 615-862-5950 for the ADA Coordinator.
Team dGC is proud to announce Watson Grove’s “Chips & Chatter” event was a success. The event, led by author Kimberly “Brownie” Vaughn, was an opportunity for women to become more self-aware and vigilant of the red flags of a possibly abusive relationship that could escalate to a domestic violence situation.
Women from the Nashville community gathered in late November to discuss a topic that is generally avoided in the Christian community. The Grove’s Congregational Care ministry made an intentional effort to provide a safe platform for faith-based discussion on things like Domestic Violence Awareness and offer peace of mind to those who attend.
One of The Grove’s core values is Relationship, and the holiday season is a great time to renew healthy relationship habits. The women in attendance left inspired and committed to looking at the woman in the mirror and being confident in who they are before committing to a relationship. Brownie describes this as, “investing in the me before the we.” The evening ended with prayer, anointing and a declaration of confidence.
South Nashville church hosts “Chips N’ Chatter” an event designed to provide a comfortable environment to discuss the hard topic of domestic violence
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 19, 2019) – Watson Grove Missionary Baptist Church (The Grove) will host “Chips N’ Chatter” an intimate conversation about domestic violence awareness, in a comfortable environment, led by author Kimberly “Brownie” Vaughn on Friday, November 22nd at The Grove (1415 Horton Ave. Nashville, TN. 37212). This event for women places an emphasis on defining healthy relationships, evaluating self-esteem and self-worth, and how these respectively impact relationships. Vaughn has a unique process to cultivate spaces where women enjoy a program filled with conversation, music and healing. The evening will end with prayer, anointing and a declaration of confidence.
“We have a unique outreach opportunity to open up the floor for women of the church and nurture the concept of a healthy relationship,” said Congregational Care ministry leader, Rev. Della Bacote. “Domestic violence is a very touchy subject even outside of the church walls, so we hope that this intimate setting will offer clarity through Christ in dealing with domestic violence.”
“Chips N’ Chatter” is an opportunity for women to become more self-aware and vigilant of the “red flags” or signs of a possibly abusive relationship that could escalate to a domestic violence situation. Although October is generally touted as Domestic Violence Awareness month, what we see heading into the holiday season is that the number of cases typically do not increase, but reported cases become more violent, based on several studies.
Conversations like “Chips N’ Chatter” embrace The Grove’s Core Value of “Relationship.” While the subject is widely avoided in the faith-based community, The Grove’s Congregational Care ministry makes an intentional effort to provide a safe platform for Christians to discuss topics like Domestic Violence Awareness and offer peace of mind to those who attend.
About Watson Grove Missionary Baptist Church (“The Grove”) Watson Grove Missionary Baptist Church or “The Grove” is a Christ-centered, Bible-based, Spirit-led body of believers that serves as fertile ground for the growth of God’s people in south Nashville and beyond. We facilitate this process by engaging in the Biblical functions of the Lord’s Church: pure fellowship, purposeful ministry, powerful evangelism and missions, passionate worship and persistent discipleship. In this environment, God develops Kingdom Citizens who impact the community, the culture, and the world for His glory. Celebrating serving, for over 130 years, you can learn more about The Grove on our website www.thegrovenash.org.
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Click here to read the full press release. Read more about the event in Client News.
NASHVILLE ─ Nashville International Airport (BNA) will host an open house on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019, to discuss preliminary findings and recommendations from its Master Plan Update and Noise Exposure Map Update.
WHO: BNA officials and members of the public interested in future plans for BNA
WHAT: BNA Master Plan/Noise Exposure Map Update – Public Information Open House
WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
WHERE: One Century Place Conference Center 26 Century Blvd. Nashville, TN 37214
The public is welcome to come by at any time. The meeting will be held in an open house format where attendees can review materials, ask questions and leave comments. The Master Plan Update identifies facilities needed to support future aviation activity at BNA in a safe, secure and environmentally responsible and sustainable manner. More information about the Master Plan Update is available at https://www.flynashville.com/about/Pages/MasterPlan.aspx.
BNA’s Noise Exposure Maps are being updated to depict aircraft noise exposure levels graphically in the vicinity of BNA for current (2019) and forecast (2024) conditions. More information about the Noise Exposure Map (NEM) Update is available at: https://www.flynashville.com/about/Pages/noise-information.aspx
Team dGC is always on the hunt for fresh, unique minds. Young people are the cornerstone of this industry and the future leaders of the PR world. This Fall we’re thrilled to host two interns, one of which is Darrin M Woods Jr.
Meet Darrin M Woods Jr.: a Bahamian native, current graduate student pursuing an MBA with an Accounting focus at Tennessee State University. He has Undergraduate degrees from Lee University with a Bachelors in both Accounting and Spanish. We sat down with Darrin to learn more about his background, insights and goals.
What is your favorite part of PR, so far?
My favorite part so far was getting to accompany Mrs. Owens
on a pitch meeting to a client. Being able to see how she strategically mapped
out her pitch to the client, not so much as telling them why dGC should be
hired but showing them why they needed the company was a very interesting
experience.
What have you applied from the classroom into your
internship experience?
Because of my accounting background, I am more of a logical
thinker than creative. I work better with spreadsheets than I do creative work
so I’ve been more comfortable with researching the information needed to pass
on for the creatives to do their job.
How often do you catch yourself dreaming about strategy
or content?
I try to think of anyway that something I may have
seen/heard could help with anything going on in the office. I am actively
trying to stretch myself with this intern to grow that creative side of me.
What is your ideal position you’d like to attain, upon
graduation?
I would love to attain an accounting position in a private
firm that would allow me to work my way up to my goal of being a Forensic
Accountant.
PR types are always passionate about what we do. What
have you become excited about (learning or developing) during your internship?
I have become passionate about learning how to operate in
the PR world. This is a totally different sphere than I am used to, but I think
it is a great opportunity to see the business world from another perspective
than that of a ‘numbers guy.’
Favorite color:
I have two colors that I love: Red and Black.
Favorite quote to live by:
“Life doesn’t require that we be the best, only that we try
our best.” – H. Jackson Brown Jr. This quote speaks to me because I am an
advocate of living life by your own standards. I do not believe in comparing my
version of success to another person’s ideal.
Wildest thing you’ve ever done that is/isn’t related to
your interest in PR:
I am very much a play it safe kind of individual. I wouldn’t
call what I’ve done wild but I am taking a big chance on pursuing a PR
internship. This realm of the business world is well outside of my comfort zone,
but I am excited to absorb everything I can during this process.
Person you admire most (not including Oprah or your
Mom/Parents):
A person that I admire is Tyler Perry. His story of
overcoming his circumstances and his persistence is admirable. Especially with
the news that now he is the first African American to own a major movie studio.
He never allowed his current situation to derail his vision and dream and that
is the mentality that I strive to emulate.
Team dGC is always on the hunt for fresh, unique minds. Young people are the cornerstone of this industry and the future leaders of the PR world. This Fall we’re thrilled to host two interns, one of which is Dominique Davis.
Meet Dominique Davis: a Junior at the illustrious Tennessee State University. Her major is Business Administration with a concentration in Supply Chain Management and a double minor in Entrepreneurship and Marketing. We sat down with Dominique to learn more about her background, insights and goals.
What is your favorite part of PR, so far?
My favorite part of Public Relations is having to truly tap into my creativity thinking. As I complete my fourth week of working for duGard Communications, I’ve realized each client is completely different causing each strategy plan to be uniquely structured to satisfy the client’s desires for their project. This aspect of Public Relations truly keeps me interested.
What have you applied from the classroom into your internship experience?
How to utilize context clues. The deeper I get into my major, the more I realize the work is becoming more challenging. Same goes toward any internship I’ve acquired outside of the classroom. The answers will not always be easily accessible but with the help of context clues, it makes the work slightly easier and as well as getting the job done.
How often do you catch yourself dreaming about strategy or content?
I am constantly thinking of ways to improve already existing strategy plans or ways to implement new strategy plans. There is always something that can be improved, and I strive to have the best possible version.
What is your ideal position you’d like to attain, upon graduation?
Upon graduation, I plan to work for an organization in their marketing and/or supply chain department. My ultimate goal is to create my very own Public Charter School built on the foundation of public policy awareness, civic activism, entrepreneurship, and public service.
PR types are always passionate about what we do. What have you become excited about (learning or developing) during your internship?
I am most excited about learning how to strategically create marketing plans for our clients as well as learning how to effectively pitch an idea to a prospective client.
Favorite color:
I don’t have a favorite color but I do prefer neutral colors instead of vibrant colors.
Favorite quote to live by:
“Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” This quote is a constant reminder that growth cannot coexist in the same space of comfort. Lack of growth, results in minimal progress.
Wildest thing you’ve ever done that is/isn’t related to your interest in PR:
The wildest thing I’ve ever experienced was when I had the opportunity to travel 21 hours across the world to visit the western coast of Africa. Returning to the motherland was an experience I will never forget. It not only helped widen my perspective but it encouraged me to continue to work hard to ensure the vision I have for my international friends come to fruition.
Person you admire most (not including Oprah or your Mom/Parents):
The person I admire most is Beyonce. Many may view Beyonce as just an artist, but she is more than that. Throughout Beyonce’s career, she has made it a goal to deliver more than “music content” to her fan base and the black community. She’s worked with a number of charities and has helped bring awareness to certain causes like Black Lives Matter, gender equality, and marriage equality. She has donated millions to various organizations to help aid individuals who were affected by life crisis events, etc. Beyonce has been extremely selfless by constantly using her platform to bring awareness and solutions to real life problems. Her energy and work ethic is unmatched. She inspires me daily to never give up and if I fail, to fail forward!
Nashville, TN (date) – Meharry Medical College and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital announced today launch of an online portal (YourCovidVaxFacts.com) that provides up-to-date information on vaccine safety. The website offers answers to common COVID-19 vaccine questions in both English and Spanish. In Tennessee 54% of residents are fully vaccinated, below the national average, while only 11.6% of Black residents and 5.4% of Hispanic/Latino residents are fully vaccinated. In Davidson County, 444,861 residents are fully vaccinated, 65% of the population.
Sponsors, partners, past performers and planning team members joined us to talk about the energy that is created yearly for JJBF and how to maximize the festival’s exposure. The Nashville Scene deemed JJBF the “Essence Festival of Tennessee.” As the interviewer, Sharon took the opportunity to turn this statement into a question for guests to answer that inspires ways to make this festival just as popular.
For the first time in its 20-year history, the event was broadcast free online via Facebook Live. The annual festival was converted to a virtual celebration in response to health and safety guidelines related to the spread of COVID-19. The event featured live music performances honoring the impact of diverse music history in Music City and celebrating Black Music Month. Local jazz musician and saxophonist Joe Johnson kicked off the event with a performance. Upbeat R&B band Bizz & Everyday People also performed live.
Nashville, Tenn., (May 13, 2020) – Community members are invited to meet the WeGo Public Transit team, learn more about the North Nashville Transit Center project, and provide feedback at a community meeting on May 22. The event will include discussion on the impact of public transit, how community members would like to interact with new planned services, and how WeGo Public Transit can best serve Nashville residents now and in the future.
615-823-4020 
