Guest Speaker's Perspective

Welcome to the 2nd blog by Jordan Ridenour. Today in journalism class 315, we had a guest speaker by the name of Chris Woodhull. Chris is a Knoxville City Councilman and founded Tribe One. Tribe One, founded by Woodhull and the late Danny Mayfield, is an inner-city Christian ministry that encourages young men and women to get out of gangs and destructive lifestyles and into productive lives. A little history on Woodhull. He went to three different high schools and graduated from Sewanee College with a degree in english. Woodhull moved to Mechanicsville 18 years ago. Woodhull decided to run for city council in 2003 and won over heavily favored Jean Teague. Woodhull grew up in a strong republican family, but now says, "When I moved to Mechanicsville, I tended to vote both republican and democrat, and even more democrat." One of Woodhull's complaints about politicians across the board is that, "They only talk about surface turbulation instead of what's underneath." One popular issue that Woodhull feels strongly about is the relocation of the homeless population in Knoxville. Knoxvill'e major goal is to end chronic homelessness in 10 years. The current proposal is to relocate them from 5th and Broadway to a house in the Lakeshore park. WOodhull is very involved in his Tribe One ministry. Woodhull preaches at Remedy Coffee House and while Tribe One is not necessarily a bible study, it is a good way to get youth back on track and provide inspirational messages about God that can relate to everyday life. To put my personal touch on this message would be to support local ministries whether it be a church or local group. It's good to support youth who are changing their life, especially in a religious aspect.