There are 9 article(s) tagged J. Lawrence Turner:

• June 2025

  • Historically Black medical college coming to Memphis

    Meharry’s expansion to Memphis is the first step in Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church’s $310 million, mixed-use development.

    By Bill Dries June 10, 2025

  • Mississippi Boulevard church announces $310M redevelopment plan

    The century-old congregation would move from its current sanctuary to a new church at the corner of Poplar Avenue. 

    By Bill Dries June 09, 2025

  • The Blvd’s pastor talks ‘community-informed’ master plan

    As it stands now, the Temple Israel building will come down to make way for Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church’s new church home.

    By Bill Dries June 05, 2025

• October 2022

  • Political Roundup: Emancipation Sunday urges voters to remove slavery from state constitution

    Several churches rallied in support of a proposed amendment that would ban slavery in all forms in the state. A coalition of political groups is also urging voters to choose a hand-marked paper ballot.

    By Bill Dries October 17, 2022

• April 2022

  • Judge denies bid to open additional early voting locations Wednesday

    The ruling on a motion Monday, April 11, means early voting in advance of the May 3 election day opens Wednesday at a single Downtown site. The other 25 early voting sites open the Monday after Easter Sunday.

    By Bill Dries April 11, 2022

• March 2022

  • Coalition says limiting first days of early voting to one site is unfair

    The Election Commission’s decision not to open early-voting sites at churches during the Easter weekend is renewing charges of voter suppression.

    By Bill Dries March 09, 2022

• September 2020

  • Mississippi Blvd. pastor calls for ‘clear, identifiable shifts’ in policing

    The pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church thinks the first part of Mayor Jim Strickland’s effort to reform the Memphis Police Department didn’t go far enough.

    By Bill Dries September 06, 2020

• July 2020

  • Black clergy oppose police residency referendum as insufficient

    African American clergy call for residency requirement for public safety to be taken off the November ballot. They don't think the measure will help bring about the police reform for which they are pushing. 

    By Yolanda Jones July 07, 2020

• January 2019

  • Strickland cites gains, challenges at year’s end

    Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said on New Year's Eve the city is making progress on poverty, but there are remaining challenges as he called for the improving local economy to include all Memphians.

    By Bill Dries January 01, 2019