Should You Rent, or Should You Buy in Nashville

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Should You Rent, or Should You Buy in Nashville

By Justin Chandler

Seeing that more and more people are moving to Nashville, one of the common questions that arise is the question of housing. So, should you rent or should you buy in Nashville? Well, since this is a somewhat complicated subject, we’ve decided to use this article to explore it. It should give you a better idea of whether you should rent or buy in Nashville.

Should you rent, or should you buy in Nashville – what to consider?

If we want to answer this question correctly, we need to consider two aspects. First, you need to understand the pros and cons of both buying and renting. These will give you a good idea of what each decision brings and how it will impact your life. Secondly, you need to consider Nashville as a whole and what it, as a city, can provide. Once you combine these two aspects, you can come to a rational decision that stands to satisfy your housing needs. So, without further ado, let’s start tackling the first aspect.

The pros and cons of buying

On paper, owning a home sounds like a terrific idea. You get a piece of real estate that you can call your own and alter it as you see fit. No landlords, no rent dues… No worries, right? Well, the ownership of a home isn’t much of a problem. It is the process of buying one that is. For most people, buying a home is the most significant investment of their lives. Unless you are pretty well-off, you will need to get a loan from a bank to pay for a home. And seeing that an average home cost in Nashville is $362,443, that loan stands to be substantial.

People considering taking a loan to buy a home.
Keep in mind that the current home values in Nashville have increased by 17.7% over the past year. (Photo by: Anthony Shkraba from Pexels).

If you plan on living in Nashville for the foreseeable future, then buying a home makes sense. But, what if you get a job opportunity in some other area, and you are stuck with your loan. You can try renting out your home. But that comes with its own set of difficulties. In this scenario, it would be much easier to relocate if you were renting.

Cost of ownership

Apart from buying a home, you will also have to invest in repairing and maintaining it. Not all homes are sold in prime condition, as some require structural improvements for proper use. Reroofing a home or changing the flooring will require you to look for contractors and find a budget to cover the expenses. And these project can be pretty costly, even if you can find cost-effective professionals to help you. And finding them is something you ought to do as soon as possible, as maintenance will be an ongoing task for you as a homeowner.

Besides these extra costs, you need to be aware of taxes.  In Nashville, the residential property tax is 25% of the appraised value. Therefore, know that buying a home and owning a home aren’t the same financial concepts. To sum things up:

Pros:

  • Not having to deal with landlords.
  • Not having to pay rents.
  • Long-term financial benefit.
  • A feeling of freedom and coziness.

Cons:

  • High investment.
  • Cost of taxes and maintenance.
  • Not being able to quickly relocate out of Nashville.

The pros and cons of renting

The main benefit of renting is that you have the freedom to leave whenever you want. You have loan payments to worry about or residential home taxes to take care of. If you think that moving to Nashville was a bad idea, you can simply pack up your things and relocate. This type of freedom can be quite valuable for job hunting, as you are not tied down. Furthermore, if you grow dissatisfied with your current neighborhood, you can quickly leave it. So, all things considered, you avoid a lot of long-term stress, and you don’t have to worry about job availability or local changes.

People smiling while planning their relocation.
Try to keep relocation in mind when you begin pondering the question: Should you rent or should you buy in Nashville. (Photo by: Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels).

Landlords and rent

On the other hand, you will have to deal with landlords and rent payments. In general, landlords tend to be decent people. Their main goal is to get as much rent money from you while investing as little time and energy into their real estate as possible. Understand that, and you will know how to deal with pretty much any landlord. Some landlords will give you the freedom to alter your apartment as you see fit. But most will put strict rules to abide by, especially if you have difficult neighbors.

Unfortunately, no matter how good your landlord is, you will have to pay rent each month. In the case of Nashville, this means paying $1,581 on average. So, if you spend two years living here, you will give $37,944 in rent. Once you do these long-term calculations, you’ll see that renting isn’t as cheap as it’s cracked out to be. Sure, you don’t need to have a considerable upfront investment. But, in the long run, you can end up spending quite a bit. So, to sum up:

Pros:

  • Freedom to relocate whenever you want.
  • Freedom to pursue your dream job, regardless of relocation.
  • No need for a substantial upfront investment.

Cons:

  • Dealing with landlords.
  • The accumulated money you spend on rent.
  • Limited freedom to alter your living space.

Living in Nashville

So, what is the final verdict? Should you rent or should you buy in Nashville? To reach the verdict, you need to understand what living here is like. Namely, Nashville can be an excellent place for both professionals and growing families. Modern Nashville home buyers are both young people and family people. It all depends on whether you plan on staying here permanently or whether Nashville is just a temporary stop.

A photo of Nashville showing what you need to consider when facing the question: should you rent or should you buy in Nashville?
When considering your life in Nashville, try to focus on a single neighborhood. (Photo by: Shane Raynor from Pexels).

An important aspect to consider is the neighborhoods, as they can greatly impact your quality of life. For instance, neighborhoods like Belmont-Hillsboro or Buena Vista are ideally suited for families. In contrast, the Gulch and Downtown are more suited for young, single professionals. Consider your lifestyle, and consider what your neighborhood has to offer. By doing so, you will easily determine whether you plan on permanently living there. And therefore, the answer to the “should you rent or should you buy in Nashville” question will become clear.

About the writer:

Justin Chandler worked as a real estate agent and a moving coordinator for over 20 years. He now works as a consultant for Spyder Moving and creates helpful articles on topics of relocation, home purchasing, selling properties, and more.

Shelly Finkel: Deontay Wilder Will Knock Out WBC Champion Tyson Fury Within Six Rounds On Oct. 9

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Shelly Finkel: Deontay Wilder Will Knock Out WBC Champion Tyson Fury Within Six Rounds On Oct. 9

By Lem Satterfield

Deontay Wilder will stop Tyson Fury in the first half of their third fight on Oct. 9, according to Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel.

Wilder will “conclusively” regain his WBC heavyweight title from Fury said Finkel, who considers “The Bronze Bomber” to be “on that level” with four other champions he’s guided — Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson and the Klitschko brothers, Wladimir and Vitali.

“I believe Deontay is going to knock him out in under six rounds,” said Finkel, 77.  “There won’t be any reason for a fourth fight. I think you’re going to see a very dominant performance from Deontay, and I think he will end the fight conclusively, and then we can move on.”

The 6-foot-7 Wilder (42–1–1, 41 KOs) is facing the 6-foot-9 Fury (30–0–1, 21 KOs) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on ESPN+/Fox joint pay-per-view, having battled “The Gypsy King” to a draw in a December 2018 defense of his crown before being knocked out and dethroned via seventh-round TKO in their February 2020 rematch.

“In the last fight, Deontay got a little bit arrogant, thought he could just do this or that, and he’s learned from it,” Finkel said. “He’s told me that it may be among the greatest experiences he’s ever had and needed. I think Deontay is going to knock out Tyson Fury within the first six rounds.”

Wilder dropped Fury once each in the ninth and 12th rounds of their first fight, but was floored himself in the third and fifth rounds of his loss to Fury.

“Tyson is working on putting more power in the right hand and actually in both hands,” Fury’s trainer, Javan “Sugar” Hill-Steward, said exclusively to Zenger on Thursday.

“It’s to the point where he’s become a fighter who has one-punch knockout power. The first fight went 12 rounds, and the second fight went seven, so I want to start this fight like it’s round No. 20.”

Deontay Wilder (left) “was losing big-time” to Luis Ortiz in their rematch in November 2019 “but he knocked him out,” said Wilder’s manager, Shelly Finkel. “When that happens, you can have the puncher’s curse. You feel like you can always bail it out. But Deontay has not cut corners” for his third bout with Tyson Fury on Oct. 9. (Premier Boxing Champions)

Finkel said Wilder has learned from mistakes made against Fury as well as in his pair of victories over Cuban southpaw Luis Ortiz, whom he led by one point en route to a two-knockdown, 10th-round TKO in March 2018.

Wilder was losing to Ortiz during his come-from-behind one-knockdown, seventh-round knockout in November 2019.

“Before the loss, he was able to do whatever he wanted to do. In the second Ortiz fight, for example, if he didn’t knock him out, he was losing, big-time. But he knocked him out, and when that happens, you can have the puncher’s curse. You feel like you can always bail it out,” Finkel said.

“In some ways, I feel that Deontay had developed the puncher’s curse in that he singularly depended on his punches. Like Deontay used to say: They need 12 rounds, I need two seconds. So then you start to depend on that, and you start to cut corners. But Deontay has not cut corners this time.”

Wilder’s new trainer, Malik Scott, said “The Bronze Bomber” has improved his “speed, strength and physicality on the inside,” and will stop Fury “inside five rounds,” or “can win a 12-round decision.”

“Deontay is not going to be bullied or pushed around like he was in the last fight,” Finkel said. “I believe that Deontay knows what he’s got to do to control this fight. You’re talking about a fighter who is 6-foot-7, and he’s like a big Tommy Hearns.”

“Deontay is a much different fighter. Much heavier, and he has trained much harder,” Finkel added. “His bench-pressing has improved to around 350 pounds. Deontay is going to surprise people with his physique and how solid he looks. If Deontay can’t beat Tyson Fury this time, then it’s just that he can’t beat Fury.”

Deontay Wilder retained his WBC heavyweight title with a draw against Tyson Fury in December 2018, was bloodied and dethroned via seventh-round TKO in February 2020 and has a third bout with “The Gypsy King” on Oct. 9. “Deontay is not going to be bullied … like he was in the last fight,” said Wilder’s manager Shelly Finkel. (Premier Boxing Champions)

Wilder, who bled from his left ear during the rematch, at one point stated that Fury had cheated by adjusting and manipulating his gloves to the point where his fingernails were exposed enough to cut him.

“Everyone knows what it is about the gloves,” Wilder exclusively told Zenger, regarding videos that were circulated on social media and Youtube.com. “We’re going to make sure nothing like that happens in this next fight.”

Said Finkel: “There was doubt about the gloves and [Fury] doing things, but we’ll be more careful than we were before, and I don’t think that will matter in this fight.”

Fury retorted during a virtual press conference on Wednesday in Las Vegas.

“I don’t really make much of the excuses that were flying around for so long. I think they just made him a weaker character and less of a man and less of a fighter because when you get beat, you get beat,” Fury said.

“I hope he brings a better fight because [our] last fight was disappointing, to say the least. I trained for an absolute war, and it was a one-sided beatdown, so hopefully he can give me a challenge.”

Twice named Manager Of The Year by The Boxing Writers Association Of America, Finkel said Wilder looks “better than I’ve seen in the 14 years I’ve been associated with him,” comparing him favorably with four-time heavyweight champion Holyfield, 58, former champion Tyson, 55, and the former champion Klitschko siblings, Wladimir, 45, and Vitali, 50, who reigned simultaneously for two years, five months and 13 days between 2008 and 2012.

“Deontay is on that level in terms of size, strength and power, and he’s actually learning more now that he’s lost,” Finkel said. “In the 14 years or so that I’ve been with Deontay Wilder, I’ve never seen him train like this. He’s the best I’ve ever seen him to be, physically and mentally.”

Edited by Stan Chrapowicki and Matthew B. Hall



The post Shelly Finkel: Deontay Wilder Will Knock Out WBC Champion Tyson Fury Within Six Rounds On Oct. 9 appeared first on Zenger News.

Prickly Pear Cactus Supplies Eco-Friendly Option For Solar Backpack

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Prickly Pear Cactus Supplies Eco-Friendly Option For Solar Backpack

By Julio Guzmán

MEXICO CITY — The prickly pear cactus isn’t just a national symbol of Mexico. It’s also key to a new energy technology.

The plant, ubiquitous in the country, is part of Mexico’s coat of arms — as well as the main ingredient in several dishes since pre-Hispanic times. Now, it has a new environmental and social use.

Aselus, a Mexican tech company, has launched a solar backpack made from prickly pear skin. It provides power to students in rural areas where there is no electricity.

Moisés Venegas, an agricultural and mechanical engineer with a degree from the Autonomous University of Chapingo in the State of Mexico, is Aselus’ creator.

Venegas believes that natural materials can replace recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and provide an eco-friendly option for many products.

“We have always been concerned with integrating sustainability and technology in the Mexican style. This backpack combines them all,” Venegas told Zenger. “We developed our own model.

“The backpack has a built-in premium solar panel with a seven-year lifespan and a two-year warranty. It has an energy efficiency rating of 20 percent, and it’s very light,” he said.

The energy-efficiency rating measures how much of the energy hitting the panel will turn into actual power. Solar panels usually have average ratings ranging from 15 to 18 percent.

Putting together four backpacks, students can provide power and Internet connection to a complete classroom. (Julio Guzmán/Zenger)

Venegas says the 10-watt solar panel built into his backpack allows users to fully charge a cell phone or tablet in an hour or two. In addition, it is waterproof and suitable for heavy duty.

“Using clean energy, one contributes to the planet. It seems like an excellent option. I actually charge cell phones and speakers here. It has the advantage that you can move it around. You don’t need to be in an office or where there is power to charge your devices,” Anabel Romo, a user of the product, told Zenger.

Aselus offers three versions of the solar backpack. The first is made of nylon and costs $150, while the price of the prickly-pear-skin backpack is $400. Both include a power bank.

“With the nylon version, we seek to make the consumer understand it is important to have energy at all times. Later, we want to make people recognize the need to use more sustainable materials,” said Venegas.

Aselus will donate the third version of the solar backpack to students from communities with energy lags. Putting together four backpacks, students can provide power and an Internet connection to a classroom.

“The more children [in the classroom], the more energy we are going to have,” he said.

In addition to the backpack, Aselus has a terminal and a modem. Called Adara, the modem helps regulate the power and Internet connection at a school. A sad or happy emoji on the modem screen will show if solar backpacks are in the classroom.

“We intend that students realize, via technology, the education of others depends on them. You hold them accountable. When many children do not come, [the emoji on the modem] gets sad, and the terminal does not load,” Venegas said.

Students can charge their phones within two hours using a backpack. (Julio Guzmán/Zenger)

For every 20 backpacks sold — regardless of the model — Venegas donates one to students. He hopes his project helps the Mexican authorities solve the educational gap that faces communities with fewer resources.

“It is important to make alliances. We are trying to solve the [same] problem; we are offering a solution. Many times, students do not have power and other basic needs. We believe if they can study, it allows the country to develop,” he said. Once these children finish their education, they will be able “to look after their own community.” 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Moises Venegas (@aselusmex)

With this type of project, Aselus, founded in 2016, seeks to remain in the market.

“There are currently many startups, which almost always die in the early stages, due to lack of support. The beginning is hard. It is important not to give up. We have faith in this project,” Rocío Lizbeth López, an Aselus member, told Zenger. “We are giving energy and time, hoping that everything will turn out well.”

Translated and edited by Gabriela Olmos. Edited by Melanie Slone and Fern Siegel. 

 



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Raider Nation Musician Mixes Business With Pleasure 

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Raider Nation Musician Mixes Business With Pleasure 

By Percy Lovell Crawford

Mixing business with pleasure is often a tightrope act. But music engineer Shaleef Perkins has found a way to incorporate his musical talents with his vocal support of the Las Vegas Raiders. The Californian says his favorite NFL team’s move to Sin City was an adjustment for him.

As an avid Raider Nation member, the move did not deter him from supporting the team he has backed since the early ‘70s.

Known for creating music that motivates Raiders fans by promoting their legends and making fun of their rivals, Perkins has solidified his status in the Raider Nation.

The Raiders currently are 3-0 in their division ahead of facing 2-1 Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night, giving fans a boost during this early part of the season.

Zenger News caught up with Perkins and found out why he still loves the Raiders, despite their move east.

Percy Crawford interviewed Shaleef Perkins for Zenger.

Zenger: Your Raiders are 3-0, so I’m sure you are a happy man.

Perkins: You know I am.

Zenger: How do you feel about the team?

Perkins: I kind of expected it. [Head coach John] Gruden has been there for… I think this is his fifth year. Some of those young talents that you watched in preseason are starting to show up. We had offense already; it was all about getting our defense right. That secondary is really young, besides [Casey] Hayward from San Diego. I knew if we got that speed together in the secondary, we would be alright.

Percy Crawford interviewed Shaleef Perkins for Zenger. (Heidi Malone/Zenger)

Zenger: How long have you been a Raiders fan?

Perkins: Since 1972.

Zenger: You are from Long Beach, California. How did it change your feelings toward the team when they moved to Las Vegas?

Perkins: It’s always an adjustment, it’s always a little sadness, but if you’re Raider, you’re just going to go where they go. They left Oakland [in 1982] to go to LA. I’m from out here. I was sad when they left, but they went back to Oakland [in 1995], and Oakland is so unique. I was really sad when they left Oakland again. Oakland is just really fun. The people are great. It’s like a melting pot. Everybody gets along. I have been around some stars, [former linebacker] Rod Martin — flew on a plane with him. I know for a fact that, before [former owner] Al Davis died, he wanted a nice stadium for his players. He tried it in LA, it didn’t work. And that’s what his son, Mark Davis, did in moving the team to Allegiant Stadium in Vegas.

Zenger: How were you able to incorporate your music with your love for the Raiders?

Perkins: It starts with a cat named Smiley. He is from “Raider Nation IV Life Car Club,” which is where I’m really from based out in LA. He asked me and my partner to do Raider music, and we got down. We did one song called “Raider Nation,” and it was good. He gave us the idea. He said, “Do a song for Gorilla. Do a song for The Violator. Do a song for Jim Otto.” That’s where it went to. Now, as we go out through these Raider chapters all over the United States, we see things, and we make songs. Some of our songs are from ideas people give us. If you’re there, you’re going to get ideas. And there are some people who have been reppin so hard and for so long, you want to make sure that they get credit.

Zenger: I am a “Who Dat” New Orleans Saints fan, and we have a special fan base. That Raider Nation is serious as well. What makes you guys so special?

Perkins: I respect New Orleans. I love that place. That said, the special and unique part about the Raider Nation is, no matter how awful the team is, we’re not going nowhere. Our rudeness is going to be at the top level of screaming and yelling, and the supporters are going to be there. No matter who comes or who goes, once a Raider always a Raider. It’s just “Win Baby!”

Zenger: On the music side of things, how did you get involved in the rap game?

Perkins: I went to engineering school, but the person that really came around when I was growing up was my uncle. And my uncle’s name is “Mooseman.” His real name is Lloyd Roberts. He went to Crenshaw with Ice T. That was his buddy. He always wrote music with Ice T. Later on, when Ice T made Body Count, which is a black rock group, my uncle was the original bass player in that band. They sold a million copies. I have a gold plaque on my wall right now. My uncle was killed some years back while he was playing with Iggy Pop. That was his second journey. That guy really inspired me. He told me to stay in school and said, when I graduated from engineering school, I was going to go with him. He was going to fly me around. That didn’t work out, but the Raiders did.

I have Greenleaf Productions. I record music, I mix music, I rap, I mix tracks, I do computer graphics, I edit videos. I’m super independent. And having quality stuff to put out. Some of the stuff when I was growing up, the artwork wasn’t good, but the mixing was good. And then the mastering wasn’t good, but the videos were good. I’ve reached a peak now where I’m pretty good at it all.

Shaleef Perkins, whose all-time favorite Raider is former QB Kenny Stabler, represents 4Dub Raider Nation. (Nicholas Perkins)

Zenger: The American dream is to get paid to do what you love. You seem to be living that dream.

Perkins: This has been the ultimate experience. When you first start, it’s a little frustrating. You’re trying to get your craft right. Just to see it all come together and get the respect from everybody. People will come up and say, “I love your music.” And then they may say a line in front of you, and it’s like, “Whoa!” You may be rapping on stage; you look in the crowd, and they are saying it with you word for word.

That stuff is just unbelievable. That didn’t happen in the beginning. The more you see it, you understand that you are really doing something. We have to stay positive, and we have to always try to touch people with positive messages. Never mislead because you know that’s a sin anyway. The more people we meet the better we have to be.

Zenger: You guys have the LA Chargers and the Denver Broncos coming up in the next couple of weeks.  What are those rivalries like?

Perkins: Let’s go! Man… you know how it goes, before they [the Chargers] left San Diego, that was our stadium. It was 85 percent Raiders when we went up there. They never had a shot. Although, the Chargers with their defense and this quarterback [Justin Herbert], it’s going to be hard. That team is really good. As far as the Broncos, it’s the team I despise the most… matter of fact, they just booked us to do a show there. We have a song called “Denver Broncos Suck,” that’s been out nearly 10 years now, and it still reigns. That’s what it was made for. Those are the worst fans I have ever met. I have been to that stadium, horrible. October 16-17, we’re back up there, at their tailgates. We’re going to do our 4Dub stuff, rep the Raiders, and then fly home.

Zenger: Who is your all-time favorite Raider player?

Perkins: My all-time favorite Raider is Kenny Stabler. In 1972, I was only 4 years old. My grandad lived right next door. I would come up on the porch and ask him, “What are you watching?” He would always go, “the Raiders” in a real aggressive voice. I just started sitting on his lap watching it. I remember one time I asked him, “Who is that old man?” I saw gray hair hanging out of his helmet. My grandad said, “He’s not old, that’s ‘The Snake.’” I just started watching them and I never stopped watching them.  If you watched Ken Stabler, that dude was super tough. He’s from New Orleans, buddy.

Zenger: Yes sir! We got him late in his career for a few years. To meet the players, and they know who you are, what is that like for you?

Perkins: That’s probably the ultimate honor. We made a song for, Jim Otto, and then we met Jim Otto. Jim Otto comes in with Mark Van Eeghen. We called him “White Chocolate,” he was a running back for the LA Raiders. They are real tight. They hang out together. When you get around these guys, you just wanna kick back and hear all these stories. You just listen with a big smile.

Phil Villapiano is incredibly funny. They’re all characters and good people. The crazy thing about Oakland Coliseum, and I’m pretty sure Vegas is like this too, when you come out of Oakland Coliseum, you were liable to see Fred Biletnikoff just leaning on his car, and pro baseball player Rickey Henderson just chilling. They were so reachable. “Can I take a picture?” “Yeah, come on!” I don’t think any fan base had it like that with the players.

Zenger: What type of season are you expecting?

Perkins: Of course, my hope is the Super Bowl. What do I expect? I expect to go deep in the playoffs and upset somebody. I feel like the KC Chiefs is about to be out of here early if they run into the Raiders. The Pittsburgh Steelers don’t want none. And the Cleveland Browns better watch out. It’s going down!

Edited by Matthew B. Hall and Judith Isacoff



The post Raider Nation Musician Mixes Business With Pleasure  appeared first on Zenger News.

Life Expectancy Gap Between Black And White Americans Closes By Nearly 50 Percent In 30 Years

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Life Expectancy Gap Between Black And White Americans Closes By Nearly 50 Percent In 30 Years

By Martin M Barillas

Improved health among black Americans has narrowed the life expectancy gap between white and black Americans by 50 percent over the last 30 years. Even so, a reversal in both groups’ mortality rates since 2012 remains unresolved.

Researchers at Princeton University analyzed data from 1990 to 2018, comparing mortality rates between black and white populations based on location. In their paper, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, they also compared the United States to Europe.

“It is important to recognize the very real gains that have occurred over the past 30 years and to understand the reasons for them,” said Janet Currie of Princeton’s Center for Health and Wellbeing. “Improved access to healthcare and safety-net programs all contributed to improvements in life expectancy among Black Americans. Yet there is [a] perplexing reversal of the positive trends for all groups since 2012 that we need to better understand.”

“If improvements had continued at the 1990–2012 rate, the racial gap in life expectancy would have closed by 2036. European life expectancy also stalled after 2014. Still, the comparison with Europe suggests that mortality rates of both Black and White Americans could fall much further across all ages and in both rich and poor areas,” the authors said in the study.

The life expectancy gap between Black and White Americans closed by nearly 50 percent between 1990 and 2018 and was on track to close entirely by 2036 when life expectancies stalled after 2012. (Janet Currie, Princeton University)

The researchers quantified these life-expectancy differences and trends for the years before COVID using data from the National Vital Statistics System and the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In 1990, black Americans’ lives were on average seven years shorter than those of white Americans. That gap narrowed to 3.6 years by 2018. Improvements in life expectancy for black Americans living in the poorest counties were especially notable in closing the gap. Deaths among black Americans due to homicide, cancer, HIV and fetal and neonatal conditions declined, which was an important contributor to life-expectancy improvement.

Although deaths due to opioid abuse are linked to the overall life-expectancy decline in the United States, the authors believe other factors should also be examined.

The scientists ranked U.S. counties based on poverty rates and categorized them in groups of fixed population size to determine whether life-expectancy differences according to race evolved differently in richer and poorer areas. This allowed the authors to analyze trends across age and race in places with similar poverty rates.

The researchers worked with their peers in multiple European countries to determine whether life expectancy in richer areas of the United States resembled that of Europe or whether rich and poor Americans both lag behind European life expectancy rates.

The study reported that white Americans’ life expectancy has increasingly fallen behind that of Europeans over the last 30 years. Since 2012, this gap has been tentatively linked to deaths due to opioid abuse. Even relatively poor countries such as Portugal had caught up with their richer European neighbors by 2018 in terms of life expectancy. Although life expectancy among black Americans started far below both Europeans and white Americans in 1990, the rate for black Americans has improved faster than for Europeans since then.

European life expectancy stalled after 2014, as it has for the United States, with the study’s authors attributing the cause to rising rates of cardiovascular disease in both regions.

Meanwhile, life expectancy has improved for all infants and children, especially among black Americans. Medicaid, food stamps, earned income tax credit and lower pollution levels in poor areas all contributed to the improvement, according to the authors.

Edited by Siân Speakman and Kristen Butler



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Rapper On A Quest To Put His Bronx Neighborhood On The Map 

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Rapper On A Quest To Put His Bronx Neighborhood On The Map 

By Percy Lovell Crawford

Well aware of his shortcomings, a mature Delateni has come to understand the influence he can have on a neighborhood where it is difficult to survive.

Edenwald in the Bronx borough of New York City can be a concrete jungle without the proper guidance. That’s a lesson Delateni learned after serving time.

Delateni, 40, acknowledges that as a youngster, he looked up to drug dealers. Now he wants to give the current generation a more positive figure than he had. Rap is his outlet, and being from one of the places where hip hop originated, he uses his location as fuel to keep the torch lit in his borough.

Co-signed by one of Brooklyn’s best voices, R&B vocalist Sharissa, Delateni says his support system has been solid and the positive reaction to his latest project, “Eden,” has been a pleasant surprise. Influenced by rappers from all regions, you can hear it in Delateni’s delivery. His style is multidimensional, and he plans to provide his fans with plenty of content.

Zenger talked to Delateni about the tough streets of Edenwald, projects he’s working on, and why it’s “go time” for him.

Percy Crawford interviewed Delateni for Zenger.

Zenger: Anyone that my homegirl Sharissa co-signs gets my attention. How are you feeling about your album?

Delateni: I wasn’t expecting this, but it’s overwhelming. It’s like, “Wow! That’s how y’all feel?” I’ve been doing music forever, putting out mix tapes and things like that. My man Big Dre came up with a plan like, “Why don’t we do an Edenwald album?” We wound up doing just that. We put the album on Datpiff, and after it came out, Sharissa and some other people were like, “Where are we going to go with this music? Why we didn’t put it on platforms?” I felt like we were late in the game to sit there and wait on every individual.

Percy Crawford interviewed Delateni for Zenger. (Heidi Malone/Zenger)

We got 20 artists on the album, to sit there and wait on them to get their BMI rights, so we just used that as an ID card, and it’s go time. I took that literally. I ended up doing a video for “Champion’s Only,” which is on the Edenwald project. Nobody followed up.  Nobody was moving. I’m 40 years old now. Let me try something I’ve never tried before. I did all original beats. … I did an EP. The EP led to doing a radio interview. Then I started working on the album. I completed it, I mastered it, and I put it out there, and it’s getting mad momentum right now.

Zenger: How important was it for you to move forward and not wait on anyone else to do your thing?

Delateni: It was very important. Me and my partner Bliz [Blizo Tha Hotman] was brainstorming on the phone, and right now looking back at it, I’m glad I did it that way. I’m glad the project is out there and people are receiving it the way they are receiving it. It means the world to me. That’s my baby, and I’m going to push it.

Zenger: You mentioned being 40. I think the beauty of the Verzuz battles is to show that emcees can still be great on the mic at an age where they used to be written off. Fat Joe and Ja Rule proved that. With you being from the Bronx, I’m sure you appreciated their Verzuz?

Delateni: That’s an accurate statement. I spoke on this recently. Shout out to Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, Jadakiss for doing what he did when they battled Dipset. That opens that lane up for that real talk, where you can paint pictures. People who been through the trenches — that lane is there now. I’m all for it. I thought what Fat Joe and Ja Rule did was lovely.

Delateni released his “Eden” album on Sept. 12. (Courtesy of Delateni)

Zenger: Walk us through Edenwald.

Delateni: Coming up in Edenwald was… ugh, that’s a story within itself. I’ve been through a lot there, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Being in the streets, beefin’, doing time through conspiracies and stuff like that. I missed some years out of my life for things I didn’t do. With Drake bringing that to our attention in his song, “Get It Together,” we should come together as one. It was dope that we were able to do that.

Zenger: Being through what you have been through, how much do you appreciate your status now?

Delateni: I’m honored and blessed to still be here. A lot of people was rooting for me. I don’t want to let them down. I wanna give the kids or people that look up to me something that they have never seen before. When we were coming up, we were idolizing the people that were out here in the ‘80s and ’90s selling drugs. I don’t want to be known for that. I want to switch it up and be known for instilling motivation. I want to show them that they can make it out in another way.

Zenger: On your track, “E-Dubb,” you give Sharissa a shout out. What type of impact has she had on your career?

Delateni: Sharissa is amazing. That’s my big sister. That’s one of my bro’s older sisters, so she’s been around forever. She saw me grow up from a boy to a man. She always supported. I was doing music back in ’99 and 2000; we opened up for her when we were doing the “Eden Rock” project. She gave us that lane to open up for her. She’s always been there. She’s on board and I appreciate Sharissa and love big sis forever, man.

Delateni, center, in red shirt is surrounded by his Edenwald friends. (Courtesy of Delateni)

Zenger: We hear the New York influence in your sound, but your sound also resonates in the South and the West Coast. Who influenced that sound?

Delateni: It’s a long list. KRS-One, Kool G Rap, Scarface, Eazy-E. I’m still stuck in the ’90s. Biggie Smalls, Nas is still on my playlist. I love what’s happening now as far as music coming around full circle.

Zenger: The Bronx is viewed as the mecca of hip hop to a degree. Does that add pressure on you to represent the Bronx or just fuel your fire?

Delateni: I use it as fuel. Knowing the battles that came before us, like when KRS-One was going back and forth with Queensbridge’s MC Shan in the 1980s, knowing that we mothered and fathered this music thing, we use that as a chip on our shoulder.

Zenger: Sharissa put me on to your “Eden” album which you released Sept. 12. Loved it. What was the process of creating that?

Delateni: I appreciate you taking the time to listen. No matter who passes our music along, some people still won’t listen. The feedback I’m getting now is amazing. I didn’t think the masses were going to receive it the way that they are. But the process was dope. I was keeping the music to myself. Going to the studio without anyone knowing I was at the studio. I wish that I recorded everything… I just wish I would have documented the process that I was going through. I’m a little upset about that.

Everything is basically what I’ve been through.  “Games We Play” is about being incarcerated, and my baby mom’s choice to leave. “E-Dubb” is just walking through the hood and picking up the momentum from the Edenwald project. Preacher Earl… meeting up with him on the Fourth of July and asking him would he even get on the project. For him to say, “Yeah” and”‘Garden Of Eden” coming out the way it came out is a blessing.

Zenger: I appreciate the time. Congratulations on the success of “Eden.” Is there anything you would like to add?

Delateni: I’m ready for the world. I created this monster and it’s growing legs. Me being on the phone with you is something big that’s happening. Every day moving forward, I want to accomplish something. Whether it’s an interview, a phone call, a video, an idea. I’m not taking my foot off the gas. I hope the world is ready. I hope people are paying attention. Thank you for the opportunity. I appreciate being on your platform. It means a lot.

Edited by Matthew B. Hall and Judith Isacoff



The post Rapper On A Quest To Put His Bronx Neighborhood On The Map  appeared first on Zenger News.

The Belcourt Theatre brings back Strong Leads, a free virtual after-school film seminar for high school girls, for four sessions on Mondays, Oct. 25 through Nov. 15, 4:30–5:30 p.m.

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The Belcourt Theatre brings back Strong Leads, a free virtual after-school film seminar for high school girls, for four sessions on Mondays, Oct. 25 through Nov. 15, 4:30–5:30 p.m.

Nashville, TENN. — This fall, the Belcourt brings back Strong Leads A Film Seminar for High School Girls, its free after-school program spotlighting films by and about women. Designed for 10th, 11th, and 12th girls of all identities and now in its fifth year, Strong Leads explores gender representation in cinema, in the Hollywood establishment, and in film discourse.

A presentation of the Belcourt’s education and engagement program, Strong Leads participation is by application only. Applications are available at belcourt.org/strongleads — and are due Oct. 20. Applicants will be confirmed and notified on Oct. 21.

Students will watch films on their own and meet virtually on Mondays, Oct. 25 to Nov. 15, 4:30-5:30 p.m., to discuss with their peers. All films are available to stream for free via Tubitv.com (with ads) or a private link from the Belcourt. Students need an internet connection to view films and join the Zoom meetings.

The seminar is facilitated by Allison Inman, the Belcourt’s education and engagement director, and Jessie Griffith, the Belcourt’s theatre operations director and education associate.

“I couldn’t be more excited about this slate of films from four directors from different parts of the world. From a Quebec Innu community to a French high school to a Hollywood red carpet to a remote Turkish village, these are outstanding films with unique storylines that I think are also relatable to girls everywhere, said Inman. “The most consistent feedback we receive from Strong Leads students is ‘I appreciate seeing films that I never would’ve found before,’ and that’s really the most gratifying part of all. I’m so looking forward to meeting another virtual group till we’re back in person again.”

Strong Leads features high-quality films designed to spark conversation about important issues. Because of that, some films contain adult situations, profanity, drug/alcohol use, nudity, sexual situations, and violence.

Films included in the Fall 2021 Strong Leads seminar:

Mon, Oct 25 | KUESSIPAN (Dir. Miryam Verreault | Canada | 2019 | 117min | G

Mon, Nov 1 | BREATHE (Dir. Mélanie Laurent | France | 2014 | 91min | Not Rated

Mon, Nov 8 | BEYOND THE LIGHTS (Dir. Gina Prince-Bythewood | USA | 2014 | 116min | PG-13

Mon, Nov 15 | MUSTANG (Dir. Deniz Gamze Ergüven | Turkey | 2015 | 94min | Not Rated

KUESSIPAN
Adapted from Naomi Fontaine’s acclaimed novel, KUESSIPAN is Myriam Verreault’s first narrative feature. In a Quebec Innu community, Mikuan (Sharon Fontaine-Ishpatao) and Shaniss (Yamie Grégoire) struggle to maintain their close friendship when they clash over their diverging ambitions. When Mikuan falls in love with a white boy and starts to consider a life beyond their tiny reserve, her bond with Shaniss and her family are put to the test. A coming-of-age story told with humour, tenderness, and heartbreak, KUESSIPAN is a poignant exploration of evolving friendship and dreams, and the bonds that will forever root us in our culture. KUESSIPAN is told through an Indigenous lens yet remains relevant to us all as we discover the power of community — along with the individual strength it takes to follow our own path.

BREATHE
Charlie (Joséphine Japy) is seventeen and bored. Her estranged parents are too involved in their own drama to pay her much attention. School holds no surprises either, and Charlie grows tired of her staid friends. Enter Sarah (Lou de Laâge), a confident and charismatic transfer student who brings with her an alluring air of boldness and danger. In her second directorial outing, internationally acclaimed actress Mélanie Laurent (INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS) offers a compelling, superbly acted portrait of adolescent friendship perched on the brink of obsession that unfolds with equal amounts of tenderness and terror, suggesting a chaste BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR by way of SINGLE WHITE FEMALE. Laurent applies a sure, sensitive hand to tonally tricky material. She trusts her gifted young stars with challenging long takes and they reward her faith in abundance. BREATHE was the hit of the Critics’ Week at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.

BEYOND THE LIGHTS
From acclaimed filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood (LOVE & BASKETBALL, THE OLD GUARD), BEYOND THE LIGHTS is the story of Noni (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), the music world’s latest superstar. Despite her success, all is not what it seems, and the pressures of fame and an overbearing mother (Minnie Driver) have Noni on the edge – until she meets Kaz Nicol (Nate Parker), a young cop and aspiring politician who’s been assigned to her detail. Drawn to each other, Noni and Kaz fall fast and hard, despite the protests of those around them who urge them to put their career ambitions ahead of their romance.

MUSTANG
The feature debut of Turkish filmmaker Deniz Gamze Ergüven is a sensitive and powerful portrait of sisterhood and burgeoning sexuality. Early summer in a village in Northern Turkey, five free-spirited teenaged sisters splash about on the beach with their male classmates. Though their games are merely innocent fun, a neighbor passes by and reports what she considers to be illicit behavior to the girls’ family. The family overreacts, removing all “instruments of corruption,” like cell phones and computers, and essentially imprisoning the girls, subjecting them to endless lessons in housework in preparation for them to become brides. As the eldest sisters are subjected to virginity tests and married off one by one, the younger sisters look on in fear and resolve not to succumb to the same fate. MUSTANG was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2016 Academy Awards.

Chief Deputy Joseph P. Day to Run for Circuit Court Clerk

Jason Luntz
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Chief Deputy Joseph P. Day to Run for Circuit Court Clerk

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Joseph P. Day, the current Chief Deputy for the Circuit Court Clerk’s office is running for Davidson County Circuit Court Clerk as current Circuit Court Clerk Richard R. Rooker decides to not seek another term. Rooker completes nearly 30 years of service and dedication to the Metro Government of Nashville, Davidson County. “I am extremely excited for Joseph to bring his vision, leadership skills, and years of experience to this position,” said Rooker. “He was a rising star in the organization and many of the great things that have transpired in the clerk’s office over the last few years can be traced back to his ideas and vision for the office.”

Joseph P. Day is currently the Chief Deputy of Public Relations and Employee Development for the Circuit Court Clerk of Davidson County. He is a dedicated public servant and has a wide range of experience from working in various roles for the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office since 2001. Day was one of the project leads on the implementation of the electronic filing system in the offices of the Circuit Court Clerk. He represents the offices of the clerk within the community and maintains quality working relationships with governmental, legal, business, and professional organizations. He also fosters employee development programs for the organization and promotes its various public information activities.

“I enjoy my role as a public servant and look forward to becoming the next Circuit Court Clerk of Nashville, Davidson County. I am passionate about servant leadership and confident that my 20 years of institutional knowledge, education, and hands-on experience have prepared me for this next chapter. It has always been a dream of mine to one day be elected to the office that I began working for as a summer employee in 1997. To start at the bottom of an organization and now have an opportunity to be the leader is a true example that hard work pays off. It is indeed a new day for the Circuit Court Clerk’s office and every step in my career as a public servant has led me to this moment. I am ready to serve in this new capacity and continue to provide service, integrity, and innovation to the citizens of Nashville, Davidson County, and the legal community,” said Day. “I aim to employ a diverse workforce, utilize technology to continually enhance customer service, provide creative solutions to the challenges of change and make the office more transparent to the public.”

Day was born in Nashville and raised in the Bordeaux community. He attended Metro Public Schools for his K-12 education beginning at Cumberland Elementary to Joelton Middle and graduated from Whites Creek High School in 1997. Day went on to attend Tennessee State University and began working for the Traffic Violation Bureau –Traffic Warrant Division as a summer intern. After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree, he went on to secure full-time employment as a deputy clerk in the Traffic Warrant Division. After 5 years, he was promoted to the training coordinator and later became Business Manager in 2008. Day went on to further his education and obtained a Master of Science in Public Service Management degree from Cumberland University in 2011 and was awarded the Certified Public Administrator designation from the University of Tennessee Institute of Public Service in 2012. Day is a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. and is involved in various community organizations. He attends Richland Creek Church of Christ and resides in Goodlettsville with his wife Tomesia and their sons Jared and Jaden, who attend Metro Nashville Public Schools

At Her Father’s Side: Public Health Expert Finds Herself Facing Real Life Crisis

Guest Writer
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At Her Father’s Side: Public Health Expert Finds Herself Facing Real Life Crisis

By Hazel Trice Edney

Since she was a little girl, Thometta Cozart has looked up to her father as hard-working, humble and soft-spoken; yet a fun-loving man who is often the life of the party.

“He’s always been the center of our family for events, parties and celebrations,” she recalls. “And he gives to his detriment,” she said, describing his generosity and self-sacrificing nature.

Named partially after him, Thomas, and her mother, Loretta, Thometta is their only child. She recalls him working long hours on construction sites to install electric poles and lines. In her mind, he a pillar of strength and hard work.

But in May of 2019, their relationship changed forever when he suffered a hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke. In a sense, they drew closer with the uncertain prognosis. Would he face long-term paralysis? Would his speech be slurred? How much would this debilitating stroke affect the future of a man who has served as a surrogate father to so many?

Because of her job as multicultural outreach and health equity director of the Epilepsy Foundation, Thometta Cozart knew how to prepare for potentially the worst outcomes. With proper nutrition, intense physical therapy, cardiac care and medication, her father had a fighting chance to recover and live a good life. Because he decided to put his health first for a change, Mr. Cozart, now 67, is still progressing.

“My dad experienced some cognitive delays, slurred speech, and a weakening of his limbs, which caused him to need physical, speech and cognitive therapy afterwards. After the stroke, he retired from his job and went on Disability. With therapy, he regained his strength to take care of himself and speak clearly. His memory has also improved. But he does need some things to be explained to him multiple times or slowly explained to him.”

A realist who often leans on her faith, she also knew that the kind of stroke that her father had suffered – the ischemic stroke caused by blood clots- increased the chances that he might experience seizures in the future.

Seventeen months later, on Oct. 10, 2020, her fears were realized. Thomas Cozart, with no history of seizures or epilepsy, had a seizure while at home watching TV with a friend who noticed that his eyes had rolled to the back of his head, he had begun to convulse and was in a state of confusion. His friend called an ambulance and was able to recall the seizure first-aid resources Thometta had offered her family.

Once again, her education and experience kicked in. Because she knew that strokes are a major contributor to how African Americans develop epilepsy, as her father’s chief medical advocate, she had to make sure that he had a neurologist, who was knowledgeable about seizures, on his medical team.
Although his doctors did not directly attribute the seizure to the stroke, the implication was clear, she said. “His doctors advised that he more than likely had a seizure as a result of his stroke.”

In addition, there were still issues with managing his blood pressure, and there was atrial fibrillation (Afib), she said, which is a quivering of the heart or irregular heartbeat, which may have also contributed to him having additional seizures if he hadn’t seen a neurologist right away.

He was given Keppra, an anti-epileptic medication known as the first line of defense against seizures. Largely because of that, she said, not only has he not had another seizure nearly a year later, but neither does he have epilepsy.

Thomas Cozart is fortunate that his daughter’s profession has empowered her with the knowledge that has gone miles to help her with his care and health advocacy. But millions of people around the nation know little about the connection between seizures and stroke. And health disparities among African-Americans are sometimes due to a lack of knowledge about how to prevent a stroke; much less the seizures that might result from one.

“I do this work every day – talking about inequities and injustices in the health care system,” she said. Studying notes and charts, she has learned much. “But, this situation has caused me to have to live it,” she said. “There is a bias in the health care system where if you don’t have people advocating and holding people accountable, the patient may not get adequate care.” This is due to various factors, she points out. “But it’s often because of race and implicit bias of some healthcare providers.”

On World Heart Day September 29, 2021, the statistics remain clear:

“Nearly one in 10 stroke survivors will experience a seizure, which is why the Epilepsy Foundation and the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, have teamed up to educate stroke caregivers and their loved ones about how to recognize both stroke and seizures as medical emergencies and what to do in these situations,” says a press release announcing the first-time collaboration. A Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification training on World Heart Day will occur as part of the collaboration between the Foundation and Association.

“Epilepsy and strokes are two significant public health issues that have serious risks, yet lack awareness,” said Brandy Fureman, Ph.D., chief outcomes officer, Epilepsy Foundation. “Our collaboration with the American Stroke Association is important to provide stroke survivors, particularly older adults, with the tools they need to improve their quality of life, as well as educate their loved ones on Seizure First Aid.”

Like most health disparities, racial and ethnic individuals living with epilepsy may experience poorer health outcomes. A survey by the National Health Interview Survey (2017) and National Survey for Children’s’ Health (2018-2019), concludes that more than 578,000 Black Americans have been diagnosed as having epilepsy or a seizure disorder. The Epilepsy Foundation estimates that over 25,000 Black Americans are diagnosed with seizure disorders or epilepsy each year. As published in the Epilepsia Journal, stroke is the cause for around 11 percent of adult epilepsy cases, and nearly 45 percent of new epilepsy cases are in those 60 and older. Stroke is one of the leading causes of epilepsy in adults.

To remember the warning signs of a stroke, remember F.A.S.T. That stands for Face drooping. Arm weakness. Speech difficulty. Time to call 911.

Would you know what to do if your loved one had a post-stroke seizure? Remember: Stay.Safe.Side. STAY with the person and start timing the seizure. Keep the person SAFE. Turn the person onto their SIDE if they are not awake and aware.

For African-Americans, there are often specific ways to prevent stroke and heart disease. For example, Mr. Cozart made lifestyle changes that have improved his heart and life astronomically.
“My father no longer drinks alcohol, he reduced his consumption of pork and high sodium foods, and his retirement helped him to not work as hard or be as stressed,” Thometta says. “However, ultimately, my dad needed an ablation procedure to address his Afib heart condition, which he finally received on March 30, 2021.”

She adds, “All African-Americans who have a history of strokes in their family and/or a stroke survivor should be advised about seizures immediately after their stroke and should be offered Seizure First Aid Training, along with their families and caregivers.”

Finally, “We are making sure that he has routine and preventative care which a lot of Black men don’t do.”
Otherwise, “He’s doing really good now,” says Thometta. “He has been weaned off of home health care. Our family realizes his situation definitely could have been another way.”

Yay Yay’s on Jefferson Celebrates Grand Opening of Event Space and Coffee Bar in North Nashville

The Nashville Voice
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Yay Yay’s on Jefferson Celebrates Grand Opening of Event Space and Coffee Bar in North Nashville

NASHVILLE, TN – Celebrated Chef Charlotte Miller and business partner Jason Luntz* today announced the launch of their new culinary venture, ‘Yay Yay’s on Jefferson’, marking the ongoing rebirth and revitalization of one of Nashville’s most storied commercial districts and cultural centers – Jefferson Street.

“It is very important to me as a native Nashvillian and Black woman from the South, that as we continue to see so many changes in North Nashville, we do not forget what Jefferson Street has meant to this neighborhood and the Black community. It was a safe place that allowed our community to enjoy the best in music, food, and drinks,” said Chef Charlotte Miller, owner, and CEO of Yay Yay’s on Jefferson. “Yay Yay’s is about honoring the community that has been here and giving the new community that is growing here a fresh and inclusive place to do that again – a place where people can gather, nourish both their mind and body and indulge Nashville’s rich culinary history.”

Yay Yay’s on Jefferson is a coffee bar during the day that specializes in alcohol-infused coffee drinks and Chef Charlotte’s world-famous homemade biscuits, which were recently ranked as a runner-up by Style Blueprint voters for the best biscuit in the South. Located at 1821 Jefferson Street near the D.B. Todd Jr. Blvd. intersection, Yay Yay’s on Jefferson opens from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will soon become the perfect breakfast and lunch grab-and-go spot for students and workers from Fisk University, Meharry Medical College and Tennessee State University, as well as the surrounding community of workers and businesspeople. In the evenings and on weekends, the location transforms into a bespoke event space perfect for hosting intimate dinner parties, brunches, networking events, live music performances, corporate meetings, and a variety of family functions, including baby and wedding showers, rehearsal dinners, and anniversary parties.

“During the day, we envision Yay Yay’s as a place that local college students and neighborhood entrepreneurs can use as a space to gather and work with access to a delicious menu of food and drinks,” explained Jason Luntz, partner and director of sales and marketing for Yay Yay’s on Jefferson. “As a rental space, we will curate the customer’s desired event experience, all while providing an affordable and beautiful event location.”

The daily menu at Yay Yay’s on Jefferson includes many Southern staples, as well as some unexpected twists on traditional Southern fare. The “Usual Suspects” include homemade biscuits starting at $2 with your choice of sausage, bacon, country ham, fried chicken, and other toppings. Chef Charlotte puts a modern spin on the traditional biscuit with such offerings as shakshuka with poached eggs served over biscuits and sweet treats like fruit and sweet biscuit parfaits served with Greek yogurt and granola.

Yay Yay’s also offers a specialized catering menu that focuses on Mediterranean and North African flavors. The menu was designed to enhance a variety of private events that can be hosted at the venue.

Visit www.yayyaynashville.com for Yay Yay’s on Jefferson’s for their complete coffee bar and catering menus. For more information about Yay Yay’s on Jefferson – or to book the venue for an upcoming event – please contact Jason Luntz at jluntz@yayyaynashville.com, or visit www.yayyaynashville.com/event-inquiry.

*Editors Note: Jason Luntz is the managing editor and publisher of The Nashville Voice.

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