A testament to diversity: The Tennessee Tribune store opens at Nashville Airport

USA. Skyport Hospitality and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) owner/operator Jennifer Winchester has unveiled the first of two The Tennessee Tribune retail stores at the Nashville International Airport.

Sited between concourses C and D, the 1,893sq ft store focuses on promoting and supporting local vendors. The retail venture is named after Tennessee’s prominent African-American newspaper, founded by Rosetta Miller-Perry, a US Navy veteran, entrepreneur and lifelong supporter of diversity.

Sense of Place: The new store is packed with a diverse range of offerings from homegrown Tennessee brands

The varied retail mix includes apparel, packaged coffee and tea, spirits, HBCU collegiate apparel, jewellery, works by local authors, sports memorabilia, collectibles and offerings from local food and drink brands.

Well-known local brands include Winfrey Family Foods, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, Kandles by Kierra, Kernels Popcorn Nashville, Maggie Allen Candy and Smokin’ Joe’s Food.

Nashville International Airport President and CEO Doug Kreulen said: “BNA welcomes The Tennessee Tribune shop and the rich diversity of talented vendors it brings to travellers.

Pictured at the official opening are, left to right, American Baptist College President Forrest E. Harris Sr; Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) Vice President, Procurement & Business Diversity Davita Taylor; Michael Hooks; Janet Hooks; Wanda Miller-Benson (Rosetta Miller Perry’s daughter); Rosetta Miller-Perry; MNAA Board of Commissioners Chairman Bill Freeman; MNAA President and CEO Doug Kreulen; Fraport Tennessee Vice President Matt Jennings; TRNA Nashville ACDBE Partner Jennifer Winchester; Steve Benson; and The Tennessee Tribune’s Juney June

“We thank our business partners Jennifer Winchester and Skyport Hospitality, and we honour the vision and longstanding commitment to the African-American community from Mrs. Rosetta Miller-Perry.”

Fraport Tennessee Vice President Matt Jennings said: “This new concept honours the work of founder and publisher/CEO Mrs. Rosetta Miller-Perry and the 30-year legacy she has built by serving the community and caring for others. The Tennessee Tribune’s insightful coverage positively impacts the community.”

He added: “With a growing presence at BNA, visitors can learn about her tremendous contributions to African-Americans and the community overall, while experiencing Middle Tennessee’s diverse cultural offerings.”

The second outlet for The Tennessee Tribune, in 1,200sq ft of space, will open in Nashville International’s pre-security area in Spring 2022.

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