BusinessTN

Black Enterprise magazine recently placed both Nashville (#4) and Memphis (#8) on its list of the 10 “Top Cities for African Americans,” making Tennessee the only state to have multiple cities highlighted in the survey. The rankings offer considerable reason to boast. Criteria cited in the selection of the cities included income earning potential, cost of living, housing prices and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Business Tennessee’s study of the most powerful African Americans in the state makes clear that even if Nashville does outpace Memphis as a good place for African Americans to live and work, the Bluff City remains light years ahead of the Music City when it comes to having African Americans in positions of power. Nearly half of the 50 individuals spotlighted on this list hail from 60%-black Memphis, where 47% of the state’s total black population resides. Consider that Memphis recently reelected its black mayor to his fourth term in office. Nashville, meanwhile, took until 2002 to elect its first black vice mayor.

In fashioning this list, Business Tennessee holistically balances an individual’s political, religious, social and business power against that of his or her peers. Power of celebrity, perceived power and power resulting from wealth also are taken into account. An individual’s power and influence in the black community is added to the mix, as is a person’s power and influence over the majority population. Titles alone don’t qualify a person to be on the list. Selected individuals also share a common trait in that they all exert their power, they don’t sit on it. All these variables are weighed and compared until a final subjective determination is made about who makes the list, and in what order.

Black Enterprise magazine’s favorable July coverage could well inspire African American college graduates and entrepreneurs to seek out the Volunteer State as a land of opportunity equal to Atlanta or Washington. The power brokers on this list, then, are well positioned to shepherd that promise of entrepreneurial, corporate and social expansion in the African American community in Tennessee that will justify its high ranking in the future.

1|Harold Ford Jr.
U.S. Congressman
Arguably one of the 50 most powerful African Americans in the nation, not just the state. A steadily rising national Democratic Party star who someday could run for president. Plays against type as a moderate African-American Democratic politician representing an urban constituency. His pragmatic views and non-racially divisive style contrast with some members of his family of politicians, including father, ex-Rep. Harold Ford Sr., an icon in Memphis politics. Ford Jr. is expected to run for the Senate in 2006. Might well have been presidential candidate John Kerry’s choice as vice president had he been a year older and met the 35-year-old age requirement for the position. A national co-chair for the Kerry campaign and a very early vocal supporter who could conceivably join a Kerry cabinet.

2|Willie Herenton
Mayor of Memphis
Memphis’ first-ever African-American mayor now in his fourth term. Unafraid to take unwavering stands on tough issues like promoting city-county consolidation. Former 12-year Memphis city schools superintendent, first African American in the position. Controversial and often out of favor with elected council, the former boxer is nevertheless a dominant force who wins far more battles than he loses.

3|Gilbert E. Patterson
Presiding Bishop of Church of God in Christ
Leads Memphis-based COGIC with 5.5 million members in 50 countries worldwide. Patterson’s television ministry is one of BET Network’s most popular programs. His Temple of Deliverance church boasts 13,000 members (a 400-member choir) and pumps an estimated $80 million annually into city coffers. Hosts the city’s largest convention with 50,000 attendees. Under his threat of moving it out of Memphis, city recently waived $60,000 cost of renting Pyramid.

4|Lois DeBerry
Speaker Pro Tempore of Tennessee House of Representatives
The most powerful African-American and the most powerful woman in state politics. First African-American woman from Memphis elected to state House. First African-American woman to be House Speaker pro tempore. Devastatingly effective lawmaker (and Democratic campaigner) through her blend of charm, wit and force of personality.

5|Carol Johnson
Memphis Superintendent of Schools
Oversees not just 185 schools and 16,500 employees but the futures of Memphis youth. Change agent heading 118,000-student Memphis system, the largest in Tennessee and 18th largest in the nation. Since arrival in fall of 2003 has purged district of problem administrators and laid groundwork for much needed improvement.

6|Maxine Smith
Civil Rights Pioneer
An icon. National board, NAACP. For 33 years, head of the Memphis NAACP, the largest in the South. A force in business and social circles, black and white communities. Conscience of the Tennessee Board of Regents. Key to the success of so many in Memphis, including Mayor Herenton, whom she convinced not to leave Memphis to become school superintendent in Atlanta. Husband Vasco Smith was the first African American elected at-large commissioner in Shelby County.

7|Lawrence Jackson
President & COO of Dollar General Corp.
The most powerful African-American corporate officeholder in Tennessee. Oversees thousands of employees, thousands of stores, which frequently serve African-American neighborhoods similar to the one in which Jackson grew up in Wash- ington, D.C. Listed among Fortune magazine’s 50 most powerful black executives in America in 2001 while at Safeway. Increasingly plugged in to Nashville’s social and civic scene since 2003 arrival.

8|T.B. Boyd III
Publisher & Banker
Heads family’s 108-year old religious publishing company as well as the oldest continuously operating black-owned bank in America (Citizens Savings Bank & Trust). Employs about 300 people. Generates over 15 million books and printed materials annually. Conducts business in over 40 countries. By far the wealthiest African American in Nashville not wearing a Titans jersey. Planning an African-American museum for Nashville.

9|Calvin Anderson
VP of Federal & Community elations for BlueCross BlueShield Tennessee
BC/BS’s top Tennessee lobbyist. Behind-the-scenes political kingmaker, extremely active in local, state and federal politics, both personally and professionally. Chair-man, Tennes- see Election Commission—thus everybody serving on the election commission of a county in West Tennessee has been appointed by him. Executive committee member, Tennessee Democratic Party. Former field rep for Sen. Jim Sasser. Close friend and ally of Al Gore. Trusted advisor to then President Bill Clinton. Board member Memphis Chamber and Memphis NAACP.

10|Greg Duckett
Senior VP of Baptist Memorial Healthcare
Top executive, legal and government relations person for 17-hospital system in Tennes- see, Mississippi and Arkansas. Chairman, Shelby County Election Commission. Former top city administrator under then Memphis mayor Dick Hackett. Former staffer for Al Gore and Harold Ford Sr. Like Anderson (no. 8), sought out by political aspirants for support and campaign input. Boards include National Civil Rights Museum and Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Recently departed member of the state’s powerful Health Services and Development Agency, which controls the certificates of need (CON) process.

11|Mark Gwyn
Director of Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
McMinnville native recently appointed by Gov. Phil Bredesen as the top law enforcement officer in Tennessee. Former head of TBI’s forensic services division, now first African American to lead the state’s primary criminal investigation agency. Point man in state’s efforts to stamp out rampant methamphetamine problem. Promises to modernize the technology-challenged agency comprised of 424 employees, six regional offices and a $50 million annual budget.

12|Fred Jones
Promoter/Business Owner/Minority Owner of Memphis Grizzlies
(See article: Owning a Piece of the Rock)

12|Charles Ewing
Entrepreneur/Minority Owner of Memphis Grizzlies
(See article: Owning a Piece of the Rock)

14|AC Wharton Jr.
Mayor of Shelby County
Elected by a landslide in 2002. Smooth, eloquent former public defender remembered for courtroom brilliance. Leading a county government $1 billion in debt and seeking remedies. Spear- heading local decision on fate of the Pyramid. Two-time director of Mayor Herenton’s campaigns. Former chairman, Tennessee Higher Education Commis- sion (THEC), the first African American in that position.

15|John Maupin
President of Meharry Medical College
Equally as influential on Nashville’s Jefferson Street as at the Swan Ball, Nashville’s swankiest blueblood affair. Effectively straddles Nashville’s black and white communities, maintaining credibility in both. Revered leader of Nashville-based college for African-American doctors, dentists and biomedical scientists. A stable presence among the three historically black institutions in Nashville who has helped secure his college’s future through significant fundraising and partnerships with neighboring institutions.

16|Joseph Warren Walker
Pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church
A political force waiting to happen. Leads 14,000-member plus Nashville congregation (which he took over in 1992 with 175 members). Now owns multiple locations around town, including a reconfigured shopping center where the church leases out adjacent space. Still in his thirties, Walker’s future upside as a political, social and spiritual force in the city and the state is incalculable. An advisor to Gov. Phil Bredesen and has strong ties to Vanderbilt University.

17|Ben Hooks
Civil Rights pioneer
Still wields a lot of influence though he is no longer as active day-to-day. When he speaks, people listen. Former 15-year president of the national NAACP with a reach that remains national if he gets behind an issue. First African American appointed to Federal Communication Commission. In recent years, established the Hooks Institute for Social Change at University of Memphis.

18|Willie Gregory
Dir. of Community & Business Relations for Nike
A product of the Memphis housing projects who ensures Nike, which employs 5,000 Memphians, is a good corporate citizen in the hometown he loves. Global apparel company’s top community relations person. CEO Phil Knight has repeatedly asked Gregory to move to Oregon headquarters to no avail. A coveted prospective employee recruited by the Grizzlies and others but Nike always counters the offer. A coveted board member. Chairman, Memphis and Shelby County Sports Authority. Board member, National Civil Rights Museum.

19|Joseph Lee
Director of Memphis Gas Light Water
Recently appointed by Mayor Herenton after much Council turmoil. Former Memphis finance director now helms the largest three-service utility company in the country with 2,700 employees and 500,000 customers.

20|Hallorin Hilton Hill
Talk Show Host with WNOX-Knoxville
Rules Knoxville’s radio airwaves with his uplifting brand of compassionate conservative political talk radio. Led the radio war against the state income tax in East Tennessee. Power stems from a combination of celebrity, platform and charisma. Also hosts a television show. Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter for Whitney Houston. On numerous boards in Knoxville.

21|Thelma Harper
State Senator
By far the most popular African-American elected official from Nash- ville. The first African-American female ever elected to the 33-member Tennessee State Senate. Former Nashville councilperson and role model for area black youth. Chairs Senate Government Operative Committee deciding when state agencies get phased out. Has used committee to jeopardize agency extensions, including Board of Regents, following its perceived rough treatment of Tennessee State University President Jim Hefner.

22|David Williams
Vice Chancellor of Vanderbilt University
First-ever African-American vice chancellor at Vanderbilt and Gordon Gee’s right arm. Over student life charged with diversifying student population. Also the university’s chief legal counsel who successfully fought off Daughters of the Confederacy in court case to remove “Confederate” moniker from campus dorm. For all intents and purposes, also the athletic director at Vanderbilt. A much-in-demand board member who is treasurer of the new $75 million Symphony Hall project.

23|Joe Armstrong
State Representative
The go-to-guy on state legislative matters for Knoxvillians. The strongest legi- slative ally in the state for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s biggest business. Not flamboyant or a lightning rod but effective for constituency. Tight with House leadership. Democratic Caucus vice chair. Chairman, Health and Human Resources Committee. Chairman, Con- sumer and Employee Affairs Committee. Former Knox County commissioner.

24|Hazel O’Leary
President of Fisk University
Holds in her hands the power and the responsibility to save Fisk University with her ability to use network of national contacts to increase fundraising. Former U.S. Department of Energy secretary under President Bill Clinton, named Fisk’s 14th president this summer. Despite Fisk’s financial woes and low enrollment, it remains the top historically black college in Tennessee based on relevance and high-profile alums, including O’Leary.

25|John Ford
State Senator
The only man on Capitol Hill more feared than investigative reporter Phil Williams. Extraordinarily smart and savvy politician, though mercurial and willing to savage the opposition. Cannot be bluffed by state bureaucrats who contend with him. Knows the state’s finances—specifically the Tenn-Care program—as well or better than any other person in state government. Influential voice on powerful Senate Finance Committee. Member of Ford family political machine who can flat out get out the vote. Occasional antics and the sporadic allegations of unethical behavior are balanced against his sheer effectiveness in getting things done.

26|Sam Anderson
Sr. Dir. of Community & Neighborhood Services for the City of Knoxville
Chairman, Knox County school board. The first African-American department head in the history of Knoxville. Named Parks and Recreation director under former mayor Victor Ashe. Recently elevated by Mayor Bill Haslam to a broader post over not just parks and recreation but also codes, public works, public transportation and community development. Legendary former football coach at Austin East High School who won multiple state championships. Longtime school board member.

27|Herb Hilliard
Exec. VP of Risk Management for First Horizon National
The heartbeat of First Tennessee bank. Senior officer and manager of government relations who decides who the company supports and in what amount on the local, state and federal levels. First-ever African-American basketball player at the University of Memphis. With First Tennessee since the ‘60s, knows the banking business inside and out, from branches to the corporate level. Knows everybody and everybody knows him. Member, former chairman, Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority.

28|Paul Montgomery
Dir. of Corporate Relations for Eastman Chemical
Well-regarded steady riser within Eastman ranks. Active in Kingsport community. Current chair Tri-Cities Tennessee/Virginia Reg- ional Partnership, a consortium of 17 counties. Former elected school board member in 98%-white Sullivan County. Recently departed president, Greater Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, where he once led the group in a lawsuit against Dollywood for un-approved use of a Chamber-registered festival trademark. Consensus builder who is among the most respected business leaders in the Tri-Cities area.

29|Jim Hill
Retired Businessman
Longtime DuPont executive. Former president, The Lupton Co. Formerly ran the Tennessee Aquarium. One of original seven board members of the Tennessee Education Lottery Corp. Oversaw the personnel aspect of the startup that dealt with the hiring of Rebecca Paul and bonus incentives—the source of much statewide controversy. One of the most respected figures in Southern business, though not well-known outside of Chattanooga. Retired Army lieutenant colonel. Involved in numerous civic activities through the years including Chattanooga’s downtown redevelopment effort and Memorial Hospital Board.

30|Frances Guess
Exec. VP of The Danner Co.
The one individual with the corporate and social clout (and personal willingness) to bear down on issues like minority hiring with top white CEOs in Nashville. Accrues power via a favor bank, which he dispenses judiciously and to great effect. Helps run for Ray Danner (of Shoney’s fame) one of the largest private companies in the state. Danner’s person on the ground across the state, nation and globe—making decisions, making inroads and making introductions. Former state commissioner.

31|Sidney McPhee
President of Middle Tennessee State University
Titular head of the second largest public uni- versity in the state, the oldest and largest in the Tennessee Board of Regents system, with over 21,000 students. Former executive vice chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents and former senior vice provost at the Univer- sity of Memphis. Serves on National Council for Humanities, one of 23 citizens selected by President Bush, which disperses $89 million in federal funds.

32|Steve McNair
Quarterback of the Tennessee Titans
Co-MVP of NFL in 2003 who brings a lot of attention to the state with his on-the-field combination of iron man and magician. With Eddie George gone to Dallas, McNair is now everyone’s favorite Titan, regardless of race or class. His #9 jersey is worn as much by trust fund babies as kids from inner city schools. The team’s playoff and Super Bowl hopes lie squarely on his shoulder pads.

33|Shane Battier
Swingman with the Memphis Grizzlies
Though Lorenzon Wright, a native Memph- ian and University of Memphis star, is the Grizzly with whom locals feel most connected, Battier is the most visible Grizzly in the greater community and the player who best leverages his celebrity status for civic and personal gain. Recently signed 6-year, $37 million contract, a testament to the value the team places on his on- and off-the-field behavior. Bright, personable guy with several local endorsement deals, including as a spokesperson for First Tennessee, where he serves on company’s advisory board. Board member, Memphis Zoo.

34|Richard Lewis
Chief Officer of African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church
Runs the 5,000-congregation organization—the world’s second largest black membership faith—from his Nashville offices. Travels the world representing the church. Has global influence among bankers and businesspeople. A former Nashville banker who bought back the funeral home his father started. Owns multiple other businesses in Nashville, including a food concessions business at Nashville International Airport.

35|Alvin Nance
President & CEO of Knoxville Community Development Corp.
Former vice president of SunTrust Bank turned head of KCDC, the public housing authority and redevelopment agency for Knoxville. KCDC is the third largest such public agency in Tennessee and among the top 10% in size nationwide, with over 4,000 low-income rental units. Currently overseeing the $46 million redevelopment of Mechanicsville, tearing down public housing and building back 255 homes to match the remaining historic neighborhood. Shepherds 320 employees and a $40 million annual budget. Often mentioned as a future mayoral candidate.

36|Ron Loving
Sr. VP of Tennessee Valley Authority
Responsible for improving the eight-state utility’s outage performance. TVA’s highest ranking African American (officer since 1994). Represented the company as lobbyist to the 104th Congress and administration. With utility 31 years, Loving has at one time or another served on the boards of the chambers of commerce in Memphis, Jackson and Knoxville. Headed TVA’s annual fund-raising drive among more than 9,000 federal employees in 2003. Still relatively new to Chatta- nooga (he’s better known in Knoxville and Washington, D.C.), now receiving top appointments from Mayor Bob Corker.

37|Bruce Bledsoe
Businessman
Owner of second generation funeral home in Jackson. Recently departed chairman, Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, only the second African American in history to hold that post following dentist and state school board member Melvin Wright. Current member of the five-member board of West Tennessee Healthcare, a sprawling company with dominant market share in health care in the Jackson region. Should assume the chairmanship of the 1,147-bed, $900 million hospital giant within the next two years.

38|Kevin Lavender
State Commissioner of Financial Institutions
The man responsible for the regulation of the banking system in Tennessee. A close friend and ally of Gov. Phil Bredesen, for whom he served as personal banker when the native New Englander first moved to Nashville. Former SunTrust Banks vice president. Co-founder, Medi- Sphere, a specialty surgical hospital company. Serves on the boards of Ardent Health Services, Nashville Sports Authority, Country Music Hall of Fame and Meharry Medical College, among others.

39|David Porter
Songwriter/Businessman
Famous songwriting partner of Isaac Hayes. Penned classics such as “Soul Man” and “Hold On I’m Coming.” Now owns music production and publishing companies, a record company, a live music club in the Memphis Inter- national Airport and partner status in B.B. King’s Blues Clubs. Enjoys strong business relationships, transcending the typically insular nature of the artist community. Sits on many local boards, including the Bank of Bartlett. Behind-the-scenes counselor to many in corporate Memphis. A man who can’t outlive his royalties and whose wealth affords him unfettered access to powerbrokers.

40|Alice Randall
Novelist/Songwriter
The most successful black female novelist in Tennessee. The most successful black female songwriter in the history of Music Row. Gives African Americans a voice. Takes on tough subjects that often make people black and white equally uncomfortable. Stood up to the estate of Gone With the Wind author Margaret Mitchell to defend her right to parody in her New York Times best selling first novel, The Wind Done Gone.

41|Ron Corbin
Reg. Field VP of Operations for Allstate Insurance
Runs all operations for AllState, the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, in Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi, which equates to thousands of employees. Past chairman, 100 Black Men of Middle Ten- nessee. Dollars & Sense magazine once identified Corbin as one of America’s best and brightest business and professional young men.

42|Winston Gipson
Contractor
Runs massive mechanical systems, HVAC and plumbing company in Memphis that for two decades has gotten a piece of nearly every major commercial project in Memphis. Behind-the-scenes philanthropist and big contributor to local elections, tied to numerous elected officials. Gets things done. Exerts considerable influence with the right people such as local and state politicians who will go to bat for him.

43|Bobby O’Jay
Disc jockey/Program Director with WDIA
What O’Jay says on the radio in the morning, his self-proclaimed “Bobby-ology,” is what many people in Memphis’ African-American community are talking about that afternoon. According to one Memphis politico, O’Jay is so influential as an opinion-maker that “if he told his listeners not to vote, many of them probably wouldn’t.” O’Jay’s power is tied not to political heft or corporate wealth but to his ability to modify behavior. Even people who don’t like O’Jay or what he stands for admit he’s a powerhouse.

44|Roland Dykes
Mayor of Newport, Tenn.
The first African-American mayor of 92% white Newport, population 7,100, a fairly remarkable achievement that speaks to the racial tolerance of Cocke County. Outspoken advocate of racial harmony who people really like. Gracefully dealt with the staging of a KKK rally in Newport in 2001, quelling what could have been a spectacle with his cool-headed approach to doing business, even after the hate group burned a cross on his front yard.

45|Mark Brown
Vice Mayor of Knoxville
District representative elected by the nine-member Knoxville Council to be its leader. Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam’s relations with the Council hinge more on his relationship with Brown than any other councilman. Past president and CEO of Knoxville Area Urban League. Past chairman of Knox County Election Commission. Lawyer, former special judge to the Knox County General Sessions Court. Appointed by Tennessee Supreme Court to Racial and Ethnic Fairness Commission. Recent finalist for Tennessee Court of Appeals Eastern Section vacancy. Oft-mentioned mayoral candidate.

46|Sidney Chism
Political Activist
Former Memphis Teamsters leader and ex-Shelby County Democratic Party chairman who even in retirement can still flex and turn out the vote for elections at all levels. Makes things happen when he picks up the phone. Anything that happens relating to Democrats in Memphis/ Shelby County involves Chism. When top national Democrats, including former presidents, come to Memphis, they go to Chism. An ally of Mayor Herenton.

47|Beverly Robertson
Exec. Dir. of the National Civil Rights Museum
Has run since 1997 what USA Today once described as a top ten national treasure. Former marketing communications director for Holiday Inn Worldwide credited with refashioning museum’s status as a shrine and marketing it as an attraction, upping its popularity and traffic. It’s now one of the most visited sites in the city after Beale Street and Graceland. Owns with husband, Howard, Trust Marketing, a public relations company.

48|Art Gilliam
Businessman
Since 1977, Gilliam has owned WLOK, one of two heritage stations for African Americans in Memphis and the only one that’s black-owned. Tennessee recognizes WLOK as the first African-American-owned electronic media outlet. Gospel in format but has talk shows each afternoon. Gilliam, the first African-American op-ed writer in the history of the Commercial Appeal, offers up daily commentaries. (Gilliam was also the city’s first African-American television newscaster.) Hosts annual Stone Soul Picnic—a free outdoor event attended by 30,000.

49|A.A. Birch
Tennessee Supreme Court Justice
Became in 1993 the first black chief justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court. Elected in 1994 and 1998. Thus, arguably the only African American ever to win a statewide race in Tennessee (justices are voted in or out in Tennessee elections—they do not face an opponent). A mentor to innumerable black lawyers. Ill-health has forced Judge Birch to step down temporarily as he undergoes cancer treatments.

50|Wanda Young Wilson
Exec. VP & General Counsel of the Tennessee Lottery
The new state lottery’s number two person under CEO Rebecca Paul. On paper, arguably the most high-profile female lawyer in Nashville. One of the highest compensated African-American female corporate execs in Nashville—and possibly the state—with a salary of $180,000 plus unspecified but steep incentives. Worked in the same capacity for Paul at the Georgia lottery. Former associate general counsel to the Chicago Housing Authority and general counsel to the Housing Authority of Atlanta.