Amer-I-Can Breaks Ground in Tennessee

Amer-I-Can got a taste of Southern hospitality during Jim Brown’s four-day visit to the ‘Volunteer’ state.  Murfreesboro, Tennessee native, Bobby Glanton Smith (Managing Editor of the Amer-I-Can Community News & World Report newspaper) arranged a series of appearances and fundraising events with the support of a diverse range of local residents.  The following individuals contributed mightily to the success of Amer-I-Can’s foray into Tennessee: Pierre Lyons (Oakland High School Coach and Teacher); Butch Vaughn (Principal at Oakland High School);  State Senator Jim Tracy (R), Shelbyville, Tennessee; Pastor Vinnie Windrow (Olive Branch Baptist Church – which sponsored a community presentation and made a $2,000 donation to the Peacemakers); Dr. Michael & Sharon Seibert (hosted very successful fundraiser at their home – more than $6,200 was invested in the Peacemakers) and Charles Treece (provided ground transportation for the four days).

Jim Brown met with the Governor of Tennessee; addressed the State Legislature; was interviewed by all local television stations (ABC, NBC and CBS affiliates) and conducted radio interviews as well.  He addressed more than 1700 students at Oakland High School, which will be the site of the pilot program in Tennessee; spoke to a rapt audience in the gang-war torn part of Murfreesboro to local residents while saluting a legendary educator, the late Myrtle Glanton Lord.  That event was attended by the Mayor of Murfreesboro and the entire City Council.  The trip culminated with a dedication ceremony for a Indoor Training Facility named after former Oakland High School Principal, the late John Swafford.

“I look forward to returning to Murfreesboro for the launch of our pilot program at Oakland High School.  I’m also encouraged by the legislative support Senator Tracy is spearheading; Dr. Michael Seibert and his wife Sharon raised the bar for community support – and so did Pastor Vinnie Windrow.  I’m confident that what happened in Murfreesboro can be replicated in other communities across the country as we endeavor to save and change lives by stopping the violence and educating young minds,” Brown said.