In this episode of "Hub City Now with Tyrone Tony Reed Jr.", the host interviews participants of the Jackson Madison County African American Chamber of Commerce’s Follow Me into Business program.

Tyrone begins the show interviewing JMCAACC Executive Director Don A. McCorry about the JMCAACC, its history, who it serves and about its programs, especially its Follow Me into Business program. Participants (their name, their age and the school they attend) interviewed in this episode include:  Kenyon Manning, 17, Liberty Tech; Dana Jones, 15, Madison Academic; A’dereon Blalark, 13, North Parkway; Ashton Hart, 15, Madison Academic; Bray’lon Klyce, 14, Early-College High, and tony Billingsley, III, 13, West Bemis.

JMCAACC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a three-fold mission: The Growth and Development of  Member Businesses, Youth Entrepreneurial Development and Community  and  Economic Development in West Tennessee and particularly in Jackson  Madison County.

According to the organization’s website: “As the resource for African American business owners, partnerships and corporations in Rural West Tennessee, our objective is to help new and existing businesses reach their potential by using its resources to connect them with major corporations, community leaders, and other business owners so that they learn, grow and network for greater economic development and success. The strength of the businesses determines the strength of our communities and families. Our watchword is focus.”

The organization’s website also said: “In keeping with that mission, the organization highlights outstanding contemporary and historical business owners through our Annual Jewel Awards Banquet.  We train and educate young people, ages 12-18, for success in business (and in life) through our Follow Me Into Business® youth workforce development program that offers soft skills training, shadowing, mentoring and internships or paid summer jobs.  As part of the eight-week summer program, we also offer a tour of government offices and provide community service opportunities. We provide support for business owners with workshops and our latest effort is a new small business conference, the West Tennessee Business Showcase and Economic Development Conference.”

It also offers a morning of golf in fun with its Follow Me Celebrity Golf Classic held the second Tuesday in September.

For more information about JMCAACC, its programs, how to join and how to donate, visit jmcaacc.org.

In this episode of Hub City Now with Tyrone Tony Reed Jr., the host interviews the three leading actresses in The Ned's upcoming production of "Dreamgirls": Ebony Taylor (who is portraying Effie), Lonita McClellan-Dickerson (who is portraying Deena), and Shamaiya Flagg (who is portraying Lorrel).

This production of Dreamgirls is based off the book and lyrics by Tom Eyen, music by Henry Krieger, the original Broadway Production directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett and orchestrations by Harold Wheeler.

In this episode of "Hub City Now with Tyrone Tony Reed Jr.", the host interviews Fred McKinnie, Executive Director of Area Relief Ministries (ARM).

Area Relief Ministries is a faith-based non-profit organization that seeks to strengthen the community by alleviating suffering, promoting dignity, and fostering hope with those in need as an ongoing expression of the ministry of Jesus Christ.

McKinnie spoke about what lead him to Area Relief Ministries, his nearly 15-year journey through different positions and departments in the non-profit organization and being appointed executive director of the organization this year.

McKinnie also spoke about the upcoming ARM fundraiser: its annual Salt & Light Banquet Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 5 p.m. at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, 400 South Highland Avenue, Jackson, Tennessee.

"Hub City Now with Tyrone Tony Reed Jr." is a talk show that features people who are making a difference in the community, organizations that are helping to uplift others and important, everyday topics. The radio show version of "Hub City Now" airs Sundays at 6:15 a.m. on JJ 97.7 FM. (For those not in the area, you can also listen to it online at www.radio731.com).

For more information on McKinnie, Area Relief Ministries and how you can help, donate or to purchase tickets to the banquet, visit www.areareliefministries.org, visit ARM (located at 108 South Church St., Jackson, Tenn., 38301), call (731) 423.9257 or email ARM at info@areareliefministries.org.