SouthernSoul IT DOES MORE.
IT COSTS LESS.. IT'S THAT SIMPLE‌
July 2015 | Volume 2, No. 7
Change & Hope for Felons Memphis & Shelby County Office of Re-Entry
SMART METERS Myths vs. Reality
Technology Opportunities for Adult Learners
TECHNOLOGY
Jobs in the technological field are on the rise. Advance your career by obtaining your degree or certification. Let us help you find the degree program that works for you. Visit us in the College Resource Center today! Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library graduatememphis.org 901.415.2774
You know your shoe size, dress size, favorite color, breast density …
wait, what? Forty percent of women have dense breasts, but most don’t know it. Unfortunately, dense breast tissue increases a woman’s risk of breast cancer and makes early detection more difficult. Baptist Women’s Health Center is the only facility in the Mid-South to offer advanced ABUS cancer screening, designed specifically for women with dense breasts. To find out more, visit baptistonline.org/density.
Get Better.
Southern Soul l July 2015
womens.baptistonline.org
901-227-PINK
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CELEBRITY SUNSET
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Food bank LeMoyne-owen College August 21 RaCe TiMe: 7:00 pM Pre-Registration: $20/person thru August 19 Race Day Registration: $25 per person Register online by August 20 at loc.edu
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Celebrity golf Tournament – Monday, aug. 17 Celebrity Sports breakfast – Saturday, aug. 22 45th unCf benefit gala Concert – Saturday, aug. 22
SouthernSoul PUBLISHER/CEO Chris Boyd
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Toni Blount Harvey
EXECUTIVE EDITOR B. Henderson
ART DIRECTOR Detric Stanciel
SALES/MARKETING DIRECTOR Shirley P. Cobbins
PHOTOGRAPHY Jay Adkins Bryant Reddick
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Fabiola Cervantes Tyrone Chester John Doyle Lynn Gayden, M.D. Pastor Timothy Jackson, Jr. Kathy Kirk-Johnson Eliza King Myron Mays Meghan Stuthard LaTina Epps Thomas Rev. J. Lawrence Turner Van D. Turner, Jr., Esq.
Southern Soul Magazine™ is a monthly publication of MAAC Media Group, LLC and is distributed in locations throughout the Memphis/Mid-South area. Annual subscriptions are available for $40.00 (twelve issues). Readership: 70,000 ©2015 by MAAC Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials and does not return unsolicited materials to sender. Photography and images obtained for editorial usage is owned by Southern Soul Magazine and may not be released for commercial use such as in advertisements. Reproduction in whole or in part without the publisher’s consent is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the positions or views of the editor or publisher. The publication of any advertisement in this issue does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s products or services by this publication. Southern Soul Magazine™ is a trademark belonging to MAAC Media Group, LLC.
MAAC Media Group, LLC | PO Box 18100 | Memphis, TN 38181 Phone 901.366.SOUL (7685) www.thesouthernsoul.com Southern Soul l July 2015
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Contributors Fabiola Cervantes
Fabiola Cervantes is the communications and outreach coordinator at Latino Memphis. She has a degree in journalism and has been working in the nonprofit sector for four years. Fabiola enjoys writing, taking photographs, traveling and trying new foods.
John Doyle
John Doyle, a native Memphian, is the Executive Director of both the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum at FedEx Forum (rocknsoul.org) and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame (memphismusichalloffame.com). A graduate of Rhodes College, he worked in radio promotions and marketing prior to opening his own advertising agency and, then, working as Vice President of Programming for Memphis in May. He and his wife, Lynn, have one son, Bennett, who now also works in Memphis radio.
Kathy Kirk-Johnson
Kathy Kirk Johnson is an Attorney and Lifestyle Expert with an innate affinity for good food and stylish entertaining. She lives in in Cordova, Tennessee with her husband and two sons. Get more lifestyle tips from her website tastelifewithkat.com.
Eliza King
A native Memphian, Eliza King, is the Smart Meter Special Projects Manager for Memphis Light, Gas and Water. A graduate of LeMoyne-Owen College, prior to joining MLGW, Eliza worked at Tri-State Bank of Memphis. Beginning her tenure at MLGW as a window teller in billing, she has held several supervisory positions until 2008, when she was named manager of customer metering and billing.
Myron Mays
Native Memphian, Myron Mays began broadcasting in 1994 at 20 years young playing Gospel during the week in Senatobia and playing R&B on weekends at WKRA-FM in Holly Springs. In 1995, Myron landed his first large market radio position at the legendary Gospel station WLOK-AM in Memphis. Over the years, Myron has dominated the airwaves with The Myron Mays Radio Show, delivering a mix of Soul Classics and Todays R&B, peppered with entertainment news and his own brand of hilarious commentary. Myron can be heard weekly on Sunday, 2-4 p.m. on the What’s Happening Myron Radio Show, on AM990 KWAM. Myron also writes a weekly entertainment column at The New Tri-State Defender, Memphis’ only African American newspaper publication.
LaTina Epps Thomas
LaTina Epps Thomas is a Certified Vinyasa Yoga Instructor specializing in Corporate, Group and Private Yoga Instruction and Stress Management Seminars. She is also a Lifevantage Independent Distributor and is currently pursuing the profession Naturopathic Doctor. In her spare time, she and her husband, Darrell, like to travel. For more information about yoga or naturopathic remedies contact her at www.facebook.com/justbeyoga or justbeyoga@outlook.com. 4|
Southern Soul l July 2015
FEATURES JULY 2015
V O LU M E 2 • N O 7
IN the SOUL 41 TECHNOLOGY
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADULT LEARNERS
45 BREAK-THROUGH
MAMMOGRAM SCREENING TECHNOLOGY Baptist Women’s Health Center’s ABUS
51 SMART METERS
MLGW Myths vs. Reality
54 CHANGE & HOPE FOR FELONS Memphis & Shelby County Office of Re-Entry
63 HOTTER THAN JULY A Summertime Sunset Barbeque
photography by JAY ADKINS
54 Southern Soul l July 2015
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CONTENTS
27
JULY 2015
35
23
63
Editor’s Letter p.8 • Taste Life With Kat p.63 • Fashion p.72
Departments 10
Soul Seeds
31
Digital Distractions 15
Technology
Latin Soul
Latino Memphis
19
The Law & Technology
23
27
61
Celebrate Independence
More Than Just A Cigar
Tips For A Stressless Travel
48
Technology
61
Lifestyles
72
Southern Style
Celebrate Independence
Correction:
In June issue, we incorrectly spelled the names of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s grandchildren. The correct spelling is Kala and Zoe.
Rodd Bland
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retroSOUL
Pay-Back From Your Smartphone
Just Saying... Fitness
35
A Musical Genius!
Legal View
Emanuel's Lesson
Hey Mryon!
Dating Through
Southern Soul l July 2015
Fashion Red, White & Blue
ROBINSON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 3
VOTE ROBINSON
PATRICE JORDAN
CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 3
THE EXPERIENCED VOICE OF REASON
VEN A P R OD E R LEA IT COMM
TED
TO LENCE E EXC L
PLATFORM FOR PROGRESS
Promotes safe neighborhoods Supports reasonable taxes for city services Encourages a balanced approach to funding our communities Supports economic development to include living wages
www.patricejrobinson.com Paid for by Friends to Elect Patrice Robinson, Mark Walls, Treasurer
To volunteer, call 901.262.9952
L Editor’s Letter
Last month, one of my favorite cousins retired after dedicating the bulk of her adult life to her profession. At her retirement reception, I asked her what she planned with her newly found free time. She responded, “Whatever I want. Sit down, relax, enjoy my days, travel, read, have a glass of wine or two.” I’m not sure whether she actually planned July as the start of her relaxed life – but what a perfect month to do so. July is the month to catch your breath. Families gather for family reunions. Kids are getting the hang of summer camp and outdoor activities. It’s the month that Hollywood drops its biggest blockbusters and employers prepare for a slower work environment because most vacations take place in July. We just, without thinking, accept July as a less stress month. July begins with fireworks and celebration! We all celebrate the nation’s independence and proudly display our red, white, and blue. This month, we too, join the celebration. We have red, white, and blue fashion, cocktails, and Kat has prepared a sizzling sunset dinner menu for you to try. We also thought July is a good month to think about technology. Most of us are mired in the technology world and don’t give its use a second thought. Pastor Jackson gives us a look at the technology we all use during church and MLGW answers technology myths around our home or coming to a home near you soon. Baptist Women’s Hospital gives us insight on its latest technology to improve diagnosis of women with dense breast and Graduate Memphis gives us insight on our Technology Education Opportunities for Adults.
Toni Blount Harvey Editor-In-Chief
Whether you are engulfed in today’s technology or just enjoying fun in the sun that July brings, we’re sure you’ll enjoy this issue each turn of the page. Look forward to our Education issue next month as we prepare for back to school. editor@thesouthernsoul.com
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riverfront
Come visit our n Frayser Health Center
Hours of operation: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 8 am - 5pm Tuesday, 8 am - 8 pm • Friday, 8 am - Noon Make an appointment today (901) 701-2540
Soul Seeds
Dr. Timothy Jackson, Jr.
D
r. Timothy Jackson, Jr. is the proud husband of Ashiqua Jackson, father of three beautiful children, Ava MaeRee, and twins Timothy III and Avery Juliette. He serves as Senior Pastor of New Hickory Hill Missionary Baptist Church, located in the Hickory Hill community. Embodying the church’s mission, “Building the Community by Building People, as Senior Pastor, Dr. Jackson’s ministry has witnessed tremendous growth, adopted two schools, and increased the Church’s community engagement. He is committed to the building of people so they may likewise build their families and communities. Pastor Jackson, a Memphis native and graduate of Whitehaven High School, attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Biology and became a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. In 2012, he obtained a Master of Christian Studies from Union University and earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Pastor Jackson authored an online devotional ministry, Talk to Me God, which has reached international readership blessing thousands of people around the globe.
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Soul Seeds
Digital Distractions by DR. TIMOTHY JACKSON, JR.
I
t is no secret technology has made and continues to make incredible advancements. Just when we think it has reached its peak, another innovation arrives on the scene. Technology has shifted society from the use of paper maps to the ability to (with the click of a button) obtain detailed directions from one destination to another. Because of technology, we now have the capability to view a television show from a small screen on one’s lap or even one’s mobile device. Because of technology, we are able to experience virtual face-to-face communication in real time with people across the globe by way of FaceTime, Skype, and other methods. The list of examples is infinite. We appreciate the
their fingers to locate the biblical text for the day. Because of technology, today’s believers have the Bible literally at their fingertips. Nevertheless, despite the convenience of the Bible, statistics suggest that the biblical literacy of today’s believers has waned significantly over time. A fairly recent article in Christianity Today, Ed Stetzer writes: Study after study in the last quarter-century has revealed that American Christians increasingly don't read their Bibles, don't engage their Bibles, and don't know their Bibles. It's obvious: We are living in a post-biblically literate culture. This is nothing short of amazing yet disappointing considering the technological advancements in our society. It seems technology has become
“But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul (Deut. 4:29).” advancements that have made life easier for us, however, it seems that technological advancements have had an adverse effect on today’s believers. The reality of how technology has impacted today’s believers struck me during worship one Sunday morning. As a precursor to the sermonic moment, congregants are asked to stand in honor of the Word of God. One Sunday after mentioning the biblical reference, I scanned the sanctuary to find many congregants viewing their phones rather than a hardcopy of a Bible. As I listened to the rustling of pages for some, I noticed that many simply used
digital distractions for many. The ability to access the Bible, commentaries, devotionals, and other books is boundless—all at no cost. In light of the internet, phone applications, audio books, etc., one could deduce that today’s believers would be more biblically astute and spiritually mature than previous generations who were not privy to such conveniences. However, the opposite is true. As technology continues to progress, today’s believers biblical and spiritual maturity continues to regress. Interestingly, the English language Bible continues to be the most popular book among Southern Soul l July 2015
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Soul Seeds
Americans! One would be hard-pressed not to find at least one Bible in the home of most American Christians. All believers desire spiritual growth, but we fail to do what is necessary to attain the growth we desire. The grim reality is that American Christians are simply more interested in other things. More specifically, social media dominates our society. Virtually everything has a social media connection, be it Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or all three. It has been said that Facebook is visited 13.8 times during the day for 2 minutes and 22 seconds each time! That equates to over 30 minutes dedicated to Facebook alone on a daily basis, with little to no time spent focusing on one’s spiritual growth. A quote from James Merritt says, “The primary purpose of reading the Bible is not to know the Bible, but to know God.” By no means is this article a treatise to speak against technology, its advancements, and/or social media. This is simply an article of reflection I hope will cause readers to analyze priorities and assess the impact technology has on one’s spiritual growth. While we embrace Facebook, we must not neglect to keep our face in the Book. Twitter is awesome but becomes a problem when it prevents us from being true to God and what He has called us to do.
I scanned the sanctuary to find many congregants viewing their phones
Instagram is awesome as long as it does not inhibit our instant pursuit of God. We live in an age where technology has allowed us access to an abundance of resources helping us in deepening our relationship with God and increasing our knowledge of The Word all at our fingertips. Therefore, technology should not be a distraction to where we know less, but we should take full advantage of the resources available to us to know God better. §
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urban leg
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crescent
Latino Memphis
Latin Soul
The Reach of Technology by FABIOLA CERVANTES
T
Technology has changed how we communicate and interact with others. In the nonprofit sector, technology is a vital asset in fulfilling an organization’s mission. Technology allows supporter, volunteer and donor engagement in a way that wasn’t possible a couple of years ago, and also allows organizations a way to make an impact through a venue most people use every day. For Latino Memphis, a nonprofit that assists Latinos by connecting, collaborating for health education and justice, technology (especially social media) is a tool that can make an unbelievable impact. Many of our clients do not own a desktop computer, but most own a smartphone, and many have a Facebook
account. According to the Pew Research Center, “Latinos own smartphones, go online from a mobile device and use social networking sites at similar—and sometimes higher—rates than do other groups of Americans” and that 84% of Latinos ages 18 to 29 use social media sites.
SIXTY-EIGHT PERCENT OF LATINOS ARE ON SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES Sixty-eight percent of Latinos are on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. This makes social Southern Soul l July 2015
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Latin Soul media involvement an essential tool for us to reach a wider community. Local students in our college access and success program, Abriendo Puertas, use social media groups to connect with other students and share scholarship, job, and volunteer opportunities. According to Pew Research Center.
Memphis via social media after he had not heard from his mother in a couple of days, which was odd because she usually called every day. Thanks to technology and the ease of communication it provides, we were able to assist him in contacting his mother. Technology helps us communicate in a direct way, which is convenient whether the other person is many miles away or in the same city.
Ninety percent of text messages are read within the first three minutes El Centro, a program of Latino Memphis that connects clients with resources and services, makes 4500 referrals a year, but, not everyone receiving assistance comes in through our doors. On average, we assist approximately
200 people a month via social media, telephone and text message. Our social media sites receives messages on a daily basis ranging from questions regarding their next consulate visit to inquiries regarding school registration dates and times. Recently, a young gentleman in Peru, despite being more than three-thousand miles away, reached out to Latino
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Technology has transformed the way supporters and donors engage with nonprofits. Organizations can use different marketing tools such as crowd funding which makes the donation process easy, interactive and appealing. Another great tool nonprofits cannot ignore are text messages. Who doesn’t text? Ninety percent of text messages are read within the first three minutes. Depending on the message your organization wants to send, there is a combination of communication channels you can use to make your message effective. Whether it be email, text message, an interactive website, or social media, staying connected and relevant is significant for nonprofits. At Latino Memphis, we use all the tools available to reach the community. Whether it is an email about an upcoming event, circulating job opportunities on social media, reaching out to volunteers or providing key information on our website for current and future funders. To connect with Latino Memphis visit Latinomemphis. org, call 901-366-5882 or follow Latino Memphis on Facebook: Latino Memphis and Twitter @ LatinoMemphis. §
rev ray Join Us For Worship Service
Monday, July 6th 7:00pm – Dr. Jasper Williams Tuesday, July 7th 7:00pm – Dr. Arthur Jackson Wednesday, July 8th 7:00pm- Dr. Jamal Bryant Thursday, July 9th 7:00pm Preaching Preachers Rally Rev. Charles Tate, Dr. Tolan Morgan & Dr. Tellous Chapman Noon Day – Dr. John Adolph Free & Open to the public
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EDF 2015 AUGUST 25 - 27
THE MMBC CONTINUUM | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM
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make a year’s worth of business connections over 2 days must-attend seminars: Corporate Insight: Winning Strategies for Successful Suppliers Panelists include top executives from: Medtronics, Inc., Regional One Health, First Tennessee Bank
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Our Annual premiere Event: CEO/Presidents Roundtable: Rebuilding America’s Infrastructure: An Avenue of Growth for Minority Businesses Facilitated by: John Schroer, Commissioner of Transportation, TDOT
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6/15/15 5:07 PM
The Law & Technology
Legal View
In the 21st Century
T
by VAN D. TURNER, JR., ESQ.
Thomas Jefferson said in 1816, “Laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the new human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths disclosed, and manners and opinions change with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also, and keep pace with the times.” Amazingly, President Jefferson’s observation made almost 200 years ago still holds true today. The daunting issue is how and will the law keep pace with the seemingly daily advances in technology. When one looks to free speech, privacy and copyright laws, our courts should prepare for cases which will likely create new laws to guide technology and the law in the 21st Century. The courts have ruled that First Amendment rights apply to online usage; but these rights, like all free-speech rights, are subject to the same limitations as in person and in print restrictions. In other words, a web user is still subject to claims for defamation, libel and slander. Stefanie Olsen, in her New York Times article (Upfront, Vol. 143, September 6, 2010), goes even further to suggest that online users may be easier targets since comments and images on websites and social network sites are permanently published. We also can’t ignore the recent reports of high profile cyberbullying cases in which individuals were harassed
The Fourth Amendment provides in part: “The right of the people to be secure, in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures . . . .” We are all well-aware of the congressional tug of war on Capitol Hill as federal legislators attempt to balance protecting the country and crossing the individual privacy line. This
HOW AND WILL THE LAW KEEP PACE WITH THE SEEMINGLY DAILY ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY online and committed suicide as a result of the harassment and a trend that is surfacing where state legislative bodies are passing anti-cyberbullying laws to address this issue. Tennessee has had anti-cyberbullying laws on the books since 2009.
balance continues to be challenged in all walks of society. In one federal case, the court ruled it was lawful for a school administrator to confiscate a student’s cellphone, but the act violated the student’s Fourth Amendment rights when that same administrator searched through the student’s stored text Southern Soul l July 2015
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Legal View messages, voicemail and contact list. Similar to the rights and limitations of free speech, it appears the courts are willing to uphold and protect our First and Fourth Amendment rights online, but will also apply reasonable limitations. As a teenager growing-up in the Whitehaven community in Memphis, I fondly remember visiting record stores to purchase the latest and greatest cassette tape. Those days are long gone and for the most part, more and more listeners are now downloading music from web. As seen with the well-known Napster case involving free file-
a few songs for his or her own personal use and enjoyment. Based on past rulings in First and Fourth Amendment right cases, it appears that the courts will continue to enforce copyright laws but apply some restraint when the download is for personal use and not for commercial sale or pirating. In the final analysis, although we know President Jefferson’s visionary words are playing out today, right before our eyes and that institutions must keep pace with the times -- how we get there may not be so clear-cut. We want to enjoy a free web with unlimited access; but we also want our personal information secure, and we don’t want online abusers
A web user is still subject to claims for defamation, libel and slander sharing websites, the question now becomes when do courts draw the line between commercial pirates making millions of dollars in direct violation of copyright laws, and the high school student downloading
Van D. Turner, Jr., Esq. practices law in the areas of family, business litigation, business transactions, government relations, municipal law, and estate planning with the law firm Hagler Bruce & Turner. Prior to joining Hagler Bruce & Turner, Attorney Turner served as of counsel at Butler, Snow, O’Mara, Cannada & Stevens, PLLC; Associate General Counsel for the Board of Education of the Memphis City Schools and as judicial law clerk for the Honorable Samuel Hardy Mays, Jr., federal judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. An active advocate for his community, Mr. Turner serves the county and his constituents as a Shelby County Commissioner representing District 12 and is an active member of several professional, civic and community organizations. He has also served
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uncontrollably preying on victims with no recourse. No matter what, it will certainly be interesting to watch these developments take shape in the next coming years. §
on the Board of Directors of several legal professional organizations as well as the NAACP, Memphis Branch. Mr. Turner was Chairman, Shelby County Democratic Party, 2009-2013, and has received numerous notable honors including Memphis Business Journal, 2007 “Top Forty Under 40”, Super Lawyer Magazine, Mid-South Rising Stars, and White House Intern in the Office of Presidential Personnel during the Clinton Administration. Mr. Turner is a graduate of Morehouse College receiving his B.A. with Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude distinctions and received his law degree from University of Tennessee College of Law. Mr. Turner is licensed to practice law in Tennessee and Mississippi.
It All Depends on Your Perspective Goals change, markets fluctuate. Investment results vary over time. Most financial experts agree that you’re better off taking a long-term perspective when evaluating your investments and how much they match your life’s goals. A financial advisor can provide the assistance you need to set strategies and take action toward your specific needs and aspirations. Call your Waddell & Reed financial advisor today and ask about creating your personal financial plan.
Investing. With a plan. Waddell & Reed, Inc. 11866 (06/15)
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$10 per person, includes light hors d’oeuvres Your chance to ask a panel of experts the questions you want answered
Moderated by Bank of Bartlett Founder and President, Harold Byrd.
901-684-1010
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Save the Date
Anniversary Celebration & Benefit Gala Creating Independence‌ Supporting Literacy
Saturday, October 17, 2015 12:00 p.m Holiday Inn - University of Memphis 3700 Central Ave., Memphis, TN 38111 For more information call 901-327-2473 or visit www.thearcmidsouth.org/gala2015
Extending
Just Saying . . .
GRACE
A Lesson (And Legacy) From Emanuel
S
by REVEREND J. LAWRENCE TURNER
Seven hundred miles from Memphis in the coastal South Carolinian city of Charleston sits Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church (Emanuel). Mother Emanuel is, in fact, more than a church. This is a place of worship founded by African-Americans seeking liberty. This is a church one burned to the ground because its worshippers worked to end slavery. When laws existed banning all-black church gatherings, Emanuel conducted services in secret. When the nonviolent movement brought our country closer in line with our highest ideals, some of our brightest leaders spoke and led marches from Emanuel’s steps. Emanuel, a sacred place in the history of Charleston and in the history of America. On June 17, 2015, a dozen church members gathered as usual around a table in the basement of Mother Emanuel for their routine Wednesday night Bible study. The church was their refuge, as it had been for their ancestors, until a disillusioned young man opened fire on those gathered and ended the life of 9 innocent worshippers. Ironically, the Wednesday Bible Study theme “Is There Something Missing In Your Life? . . . We Look Forward to Seeing You . . .” now speaks volumes of Emanuel’s open arms greeting all and turning away none, including a visitor - Dylann Roof. Since that day our nation has mourned the tragic deaths of those we now call, “Emanuel 9”. But through our tears, we cannot help but begin to peel back the layers of a rotten onion in our nation called racism. With one deadly act, the shooter, Dylann Roof, changed the lives of hundreds of people who are now without their mothers, sisters, daughters, fathers, brothers, sons and friends. Roof singlehandedly shook our nation as we once again awakened to the terrible truth that the evil of racism still pulses in the hearts of some Americans and that it can drive some to do horrible things. Although we would like to see this as an isolated incident, more often than not, people of color are the victims of systemic and militaristic racism and the causalities of our problematic history.
In the face of unimaginable atrocities, people of faith cannot sink and stay in despair, or simply find themselves caught in a vicious cycle that begins with a demand for justice, but is soon forgotten because of the next hot topic in the media. We must resolve to move forward as people of faith, and as members of the Global human family. As Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is noted to have said, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.” As we go forward, we must stand in support of governmental policies to have greater gun control in this country. Such policy is not aimed at denying the right to bear arms, rather it is aimed at restricting domestic
WE MUST RESOLVE TO MOVE FORWARD AS PEOPLE OF FAITH terrorist and menaces to society from possessing guns. The fact is we are the only highly developed nation that has astronomically high deaths resulting from gun violence. Gun control regulations and mandatory background checks are necessary if we are to stop the bloodshed. Southern Soul l July 2015
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Just Saying . . .
As the world mourns, let us continue to pray for the Charleston Community and especially the family and friends of the Emanuel 9
Further, as a nation, we must have a courageous reckoning with ourselves. The question that America needs to ask itself is not, ‘Who’ killed these 9 people’, but we must ask ourselves, ‘What’ killed them?’ If we are ever to live together in the brother and sisterhood of humanity, we must be intentional about dealing with our troublesome history so that it will not continue to haunt our future together. Nevertheless, you and I have an active responsibility in this. We cannot surrender to the temptation to hate nor can we be afraid to challenge the powers and principalities of spiritual wickedness in high places. Now more than ever, those of us who believe in the Resurrected Lord must be courageous and vigilant. We must be open and even initiate conversations of truth and be willing to extend grace if we are to reconcile with others. We cannot be afraid to name discrimination, name untruthful revisions of history and condemn acts that do more to separate us than unite us within the human family. Our greatest weapon is love, for only love can eradicate the hatred that keeps us from living together in peace and harmony.
Clementa Pinckney, 41, Senior Pastor, Emanuel AME Church & South Carolina State Senator
Sharonda Coleman- Singleton, 45, Assistant Pastor Emanuel AME Church
We must be intentional about dealing with our troublesome history
Our consolation in the face of persistent aggression fed by racial bigotry is that God placed the ultimate clue to our reconciliation and healing at the scene of the crime in Charleston. Whenever what has happened in Charleston is mentioned and whenever we call the name of Emanuel AME Church, it proclaims to us that in the darkest of tragedies and in the abyss of our despair GOD IS WITH US as we mourn, seek understanding and trust God’s purposes for humanity. But not only is God with us, God is also for us. Therefore, as Scripture raises the triumphant rhetorical query, let us be encouraged to know that, “If God is for us, who can be against us”? §
Rev. J. Lawrence Turner, Senior Pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) since March of 2013, is an alum of Fisk University, Yale University Divinity School and currently pursuing the Doctor of Ministry in Transformative Leadership at Colgate Rochester Divinity School. Rev. Turner is committed to advancing the Gospel through justice and community initiatives, most recently through The BLVD Cares community service movement. He is happily married to Attorney Bridgett Turner. They are the proud parents of Josiah Lawrence and Savannah Grace Turner. 24 |
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Rev. Daniel L. Simmons, Sr., 74
Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, 49
Cynthia Hurd, 54
Susie Jackson, 87
Ethel Lance, 70
Tywanza Sanders, 26
Myra Thompson, 59
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Fitness
s For A Stressless Travel p i T Return with a Peace of Mind by LATINA EPPS THOMAS
Tip 1: Don’t Leave Home Unprepared For Stress.
S
Summer is here and many of us are either vacationing or getting ready for vacations. Travel can bring out the best in us, expanding our world and inspiring our lives. We can take time out from our busy lives and become more in tune with ourselves. But, travel can also bring out the worst in us. Interrupted sleep, unknown cuisine, language barriers, transportation delays, and simply just away from our daily routines can make travel feel never-ending and exhausting. If you have ever felt you are racing or agonizing through your vacation when you should be enjoying it, you have experienced travel stress. Despite the craziness of days spent traveling and away from home, there are moments that can be, and should be, set aside just for you. Moments that you can stop, take deep breaths, practice mindfulness meditation, practice yoga, and reconnect with yourself. In my travels, I've discovered a few tips that have helped me deal with the inevitable travel stress.
Sometimes, vacations run into a travel hiccup such as a flight cancellation turning your fun travel to stress travel. When this happens, the first thing I do is practice Mindfulness Meditation. Mindfulness meditation is the practice of bringing your full attention to the present moment, wherever you are and whatever you are doing. "It is purposefully accepting and releasing your expectations and judgments, and opening to the present reality." It can also be beneficial in helping you find a solution to the sudden hiccup! And, even if you are unable to change the setback, mindfulness meditation can help you accept what is happening with more peace and ease. Many people completely miss their vacations because they are unable to stop worrying about home or work. Mindfulness meditation while traveling helps you actively be a part of the moment – rather than allowing your mind to drift back to the office or the house. It helps you experience and appreciate your vacation. Southern Soul l July 2015
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Fitness
Tip 2: Practice Mindfulness Meditation. The first step in practicing mindfulness is with "conscious observation." Bring your attention to the present moment, and absorb the sights, sounds, and sensations you are experiencing. Next, focus on breathing deeply, making sure to inhale fully into the belly and exhaling fully and completely out not rushing any part of the breath. This type of breathing called diaphragmatic breathing will help relax the mind and nervous system. Then, direct your focus and attention to the present moment. This means observing the sensations in your body, experiencing what is happening in the world around you, and fully engaging in any activity you might be involved in. Taking everything in with acceptance, and appreciation for the moment. That’s it! Quite simple to explain and yet it can take your entire life to master. 28 |
Tip 3: Pack Your Yoga Gear. Another thing that helps me deal with travel stress is yoga. Chances are, whether traveling by plane, train, bus, car, across the state line or across the world, you will be sitting for long periods of time. Long periods of sitting can take a toll on your body, and can cause severe issues in your hips, back, neck, and shoulders. Yoga uses movement to increase circulation and movability in your entire body. Practice yoga wherever you can, and especially soon after you stop sitting. This can really help release the physical tension you may feel in your hips, back, neck or shoulders. Even while in- flight, you can practice yoga in your seat. Start by clasping your hands together then turning them so that the palms are facing the ceiling and then stretch with palms up. You can also do shoulder rolls by bringing your shoulders up by your ears then rolling them back and down toward your body. You can sit with one ankle crossed over your knee, then lean forward (folding over your legs) and extend your hands to the floor to stretch out your hips. Most importantly practicing yoga can help you handle changes and challenges with calmness. On even well-planned trips, there may be delays and aggravations. There may be a thousand reasons for you to lose your patience. But if you are practicing yoga throughout your trip, you are more likely to be calm and centered. By practicing yoga you may find it decreases stress levels, so you are less likely to stress about minor things, and it also has been shown to increase critical thinking and problem solving skills – so you can turn disasters and misfortunes into opportunities. Travel can be challenging and stressful, and often not at all what is expected. These are just a few of the many reasons practicing mindfulness meditation and yoga can help make your entire trip more enjoyable, more comfortable, and healthier for your body and mind. It will help make sure you don’t arrive back home needing a vacation from your vacation! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at justbeyoga@outlook.com or www.facebook.com/JustBeyoga. §
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Hey Myron!
DATING Through Technology SMART Online Dating Tips
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by MYRON MAYS
photography by DARIUS B WILLIAMS
I’m often asked, “Myron, what are the best online dating sites?” It’s tough to answer that kind of question because I’ve never actually been on one. And now being married, I hope to never have to sign up for one. However, if it helps any, I actually met my wife on Facebook. And thankfully for the both of us, we are happily married and neither of us ended up being ax murderers. I know…Facebook is not a dating site. However, there are billions of people on Facebook and I’m sure a lot of relationships have started as Facebook friendships. But realistically speaking I’m also sure that a lot of relationships have ended as a result of Facebook as well. Meeting someone online is just like going out on a blind date that’s pretty much set up by YOU. You can actually interact with a person online for as long as you want before actually meeting
who they openly interact with. You can learn a lot about a person from these things. Of course just like the real world, the online world isn’t a perfect place either. It also has its pitfalls. In an age where more people meet each other online than in person, this particular platform gives people the freedom to “be whoever they want to be”. And in a lot of cases, those people aren’t always who they say they are when you meet them in person. And considering the billions of people online, this happens quite often. Other than that, social media sites are pretty much just like meeting new people in real life. You just have to be smart about what you do and careful about who you meet.
Online dating is actually a lot like shopping for new products. them in person. This is not a bad thing. Also, in the best of cases, you also get the chance to see multiple pictures of the person you’re interacting with, what their thoughts are periodically and
Online dating is actually a lot like shopping for new products. Whether buying a new car or just a few groceries, a smart shopper considers a lot of things. For instance, they always have a list of things they need to fit their lifestyles. They always know where the best stores are. And most importantly, they always plan the shopping process. And not only are they smart with their Southern Soul l July 2015
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Hey Myron! money, they are also smart with their time. Just like browsing through the grocery store, a smart shopper is gonna take their time and observe the products. You don’t wanna just grab anything. It’s all about the quality of the products you choose. Read the labels. Know exactly what you’re getting! A Smart Shopper Never Shops while Hungry: A smart shopper knows that they should never go shopping while hungry. Trust me…this is a bad idea. You’ll end up leaving the store with all kinds of stuff you don’t need, not to mention a ton of stuff that’s not good for you. If you’re feeling lonely, don’t go perusing online dating sites. You’re not likely to make good choices. A Smart Shopper always reads the Labels: A good way to know what you are getting is to read the labels. Every consumable product sold is required by the FDA to list its ingredients on the label. A smart shopper not only knows this, but also pays attention to the amount of contents in the package to make sure they are getting a fair amount of product for the price. Ever broke open a bag of chips, only to discover that it contained more “air” than chips? Well, there’s a word for that…it’s called deception. Personally, I can’t think of many things more disappointing. When online dating, always read the labels carefully. That way, you won’t end up with a bag of hot air. A Smart Shopper never gets caught up in “Pretty” Packaging Just because a product has spectacular packaging doesn’t mean it’s the most spectacular product. Ever bought something because the picture on the package was big neat and pretty, but when you got home and opened it, it looked like they made a mistake down at the packaging plant? Sometimes, we just can’t go by the packaging.
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The real product lies within. If you discover the packaging and the contents don’t match put it back on the shelf and keep moving. In other words, if it seems a little too good to be true, it just might be. A Smart Shopper Always Gets a Test Drive There’s a ton of automobile types. That’s why when purchasing a new or preowned car, it’s always a good idea to get a test drive. You don’t have to sign a contract on the first thing you like on the lot. A smart shopper never buys a car without at least kicking the tires or looking under the hood… at whatever it is people look for under the hood. In other words, you don’t have to settle down and plan your future with the first person you meet online…or the second, third or fourth for that matter. Go meet people. Develop friendships. If that first person you meet doesn’t do it for you, try again. You might even decide that online dating is not the thing for you. However, it all starts with a click and a peck, right? So when you’re browsing online dating sites or any social media sites, always proceed with caution. Be a smart shopper! Do your homework! Ask the right questions and pay attention to everything. That way, you’ll keep it safe and fun! The last thing you want to do is get home, unpack everything and discover that you picked up a lot of things you didn’t really need. “Shoppers Remorse” is not a really good feeling when buying merchandise. It’s really not a good feeling when you’ve gotten involved with the wrong person. §
If you’re nely, o l g n i l e fe don’t go online perusing es. t dating si
Redd
http://tunein.com/get-tunein
wlrm
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www.Blues1380.com FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION: 901.849.7714 Southern Soul l July 2015
A Musical Genius!
retroSOUL
Rufus Thomas by JOHN DOYLE
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Rufus Thomas performing the infamous “Funky Chicken”
I’ve heard this story a million times. I don’t know if your family is like my family… however. We gather for large meals at holidays and special occasions. Lucky for me, the past three decades now, that has also included an extended family thanks to being married to Lynn for thirty years. Conversation is always great over Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter dinners… and always predictable. Despite being one of the greatest octogenarians to ever walk the face of the Earth, my mother repeats stories. Not because she has become forgetful, let me clarify (she is also one of the most mentally sharp individuals I know)… she just repeats stories.
Rufus Thomas, 1954
Let me tell you this brief story about me, my brother and our family’s musical talents. I’ll only tell it once. You can keep this issue of Southern Soul Magazine (maybe pack it away with the family china) and then re-read it, out loud, at every single Southern Soul l July 2015
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retroSOUL
Rufus & The Rolling Stones
holiday meal. Then you, too, will hear it every year. For full effect, let me quote my dear mother (I can do this from memory). “Jim (that’s my slightly older brother) played first chair trumpet in the high school band (notice her italicized emphasis on “first chair”). John played drums, not because he liked band; he just wanted to get out of taking gym” (it’s nice being bullied by your mother… and sorry for so many parentheses, but remember, I’ve had almost forty years of this!). I won’t bore you, but she would tell you (and will do so again this
NOTHING BUT PURE COSMIC (AND COMIC) FUNK Thanksgiving) how I was so unmusical when I graduated, I totally left the snare drum behind. Abandoned it. And, yes, she is, was telling the truth (for the eightieth time), I hated playing the drums. Al Jackson, Jr. I was not. And a musical family we were not. Let’s move ahead ten years to a much better time. First, I was happily married. Secondly, two days after my marriage, I started a job with WHRK, K97 radio, which was sister station to the legendary WDIA-AM. And let’s talk about a different musical family. Yes, even more musical than mine.
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Despite being on the FM side, I had the unique opportunity of witnessing the legendary Rufus Thomas still, after 30 years, arriving at WDIA, broadcasting his radio show, and continuing his groundbreaking radio and performing career. Imagine being 26 years old, enjoying your first radio job, and each week passing Rufus Thomas in the hallway. Just like my stellar drumming career, however, Rufus Thomas, in my opinion, has never earned the praise he deserves. In a city, unlike any other on Earth, which can boast legions of musical icons who totally changed the face of modern music… you don’t earn an exclusive parking space on Beale Street by being a lightweight. And Rufus Thomas was no lightweight. In fact, he has one of the most interesting, unique and varied stories in all of Memphis music. If you are as naive today as I was thirty years ago passing Rufus Thomas in the halls of WDIA, not fully realizing his full impact on soul, rock, Memphis and world music… be prepared to be amazed. In fact, just to touch on the “wow” moments of his career (not the full list of biographical points, just the facts that make your jaw drop… the facts worthy of annual Thanksgiving discussions) I can really only punch them in brief paragraphs, less this article runs way too long and forces those recipe pages straight out of the back pages of this month’s Southern Soul. Here are some gems: Rufus Thomas attended Booker T. Washington High School. Professor Nat D. Williams, who would later become WDIA’s and Memphis’ first black DJ, was his
retroSOUL Elvis to the huge black audience at the 1956 WDIA Goodwill Review. “When he did that little wiggle that they wouldn’t let him do on television, the crowd just went crazy!” After that, Rufus recalls, “We were allowed to play Elvis.” In 1960, a country and rockabilly recording studio, looking for some business space, purchased a closed theater near South Memphis… into Rufus’ neighborhood. He convinced Jim Stewart, co-owner of Satellite Records (soon to be renamed Stax Records) to try a new sound. Just as he had at Sun Records, Rufus also handed Stax its first money-making record, a duet recorded with his 18-year-old daughter Carla. Stax was born.
Eddie Floyd, Rance Allen, Johnny Taylor, Rufus Thomas 11-26-1973
history teacher. Williams brought Rufus to be his sidekick hosting Amateur Night at the Palace Theater on Beale Street. When Nat D. quit, Rufus became host, and often led talent shows there, and is credited with helping Junior Parker, Bobby Blue Bland and B.B. King get started. Rufus later followed Nat D. to WDIA. In 1950, when Sam Phillips opened Memphis Recording Service (we call it Sun Studios today), Rufus was one of the first to show up at his door. In 1953, Rufus recorded Sun Records first hit, “Bear Cat.” Many never realized that the official name on the Sun label was “Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog)” and was actually an answer record to Big Mama Thornton’s popular hit, later recorded at Sun by Elvis Presley. Sam Phillips actually started Elvis out on one of Rufus Thomas’ songs, “Tiger Man,” which Elvis continued to perform during his Las Vegas years. At WDIA from 1953 until 1956, deejays were forbidden from playing Elvis because, in Rufus’ words, “They said blacks wouldn’t listen to Elvis.” Rufus ignored them and became the first to play Elvis on WDIA. He would later introduce
Most are familiar with “Do the Funky Chicken,” “Walk the Dog,” and “Do the Push and Pull,” all Rufus Thomas hits, each of which was accompanied by a culture-changing dance. Are you, however, familiar with “The Preacher and the Bear” (1970), “Do the Funky Penguin” (1971), “Funky Robot” (1973), “Do the Double Bump” (1975) and “Funky Hot Grits” (2002)? Not to mention the obvious succession of “The Dog” (1963), “Do the Dog” (1974), “Can Your Monkey Do the Dog” (1964), and the sad conclusion “Somebody Stole My Dog” (1964). Rufus usually recorded his songs in just one or two takes; usually recorded live. In 1997, for his 80th birthday, the City of Memphis renamed a section of Hernando Street at the intersection of Beale Street as Rufus Thomas Boulevard. They also gave him an honorary reserved parking space, in which he often parked (and once received a parking ticket). And if you think Rufus was popular in Memphis…Well, in the 1990s, Rufus performed at the Porretta Sweet Soul Music Festival in Emilia Romagna in Italy. The park was later renamed Rufus Thomas Park. Everywhere he went throughout Porretta, he was greeted by the shouts of “Rufalone!” The festival and the park are still popular today. On their debut album, The Rolling Stones performed a remake of “Walking
Rufus-stage
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retroSOUL After a while I said, “Send him home, I can’t use a guitar player who plays like that.’” That guitar player was Jimi Hendrix. Now back to the musical family (the Thomas family, not mine). As mentioned, Rufus was the father of Carla Thomas, star of Stax Records and hit-maker of such classics as “Gee Whiz,” “B-A-B-Y” and more than eighteen other charting singles. She followed her father into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. Son Marvell is an iconic keyboardist who was Stax’ first pianist. He has played on recordings for William Bell, the aforementioned Rufus and Carla Thomas hit, Wilson Pickett, The Staple Singers, Little Milton, Albert King, Etta James and many others, in addition to co-producing the multi-platinum Isaac Hayes album Hot Buttered Soul. Daughter Vaneese carried her talents to New York where she’s a singer, songwriter, producer and actor. She has performed with Michael Jackson, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton and others. She has produced recordings and written songs for Patti Austin, Freddy Jackson, Melba Moore and Diana Ross. Beginning to see the difference between their holiday table discussions and mine? The great music writer Peter Guralnick, who penned Rufus Thomas’ bio for the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, wrote, “His music – blues and Louis Jordan-influenced jump to start off with, then nothing but pure cosmic (and comic) funk – brought a great deal of joy to the world, but his personality brought even more, conveying a message of grit, determination, indomitability, above all a bottomless appreciation for the human comedy that left little room for the drab or the dreary in his presence.” And just think, I actually got to pass this musical genius in the hallway of WDIA!
Rufus and Al Green 1976
the Dog.” Even more incredible, and from Rufus’ own mouth… early in his career while performing at a club in Covington, Tennessee (the same club in which he wrote and first performed “Do the Funky Chicken”) he performed with two guitar players. One, Rufus recalls, “Was a young guy, playin’ just terrible, loud, out of tune, all over the place.
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And, now… since it’s too hot to exercise outside, your retroSOUL assignment for July provides some great cardio calorie burn… in the cool indoors, thanks to Mr. Rufus Thomas. Go to iTunes (Android folks, you do whatever it is you do… I’m a writer and a museum guy, not an IT advisor!). Search the iTunes Store for Rufus Thomas. The first three songs listed are “Walk the Dog,” “Do the Funky Chicken” and “(Do The) Push and Pull, Pt. 1.” Practice, perform, and record your rendition of one of those three famous Rufus dances. Don’t just use the 29 second iTunes sample, purchase the dang song! It’s $1.29 and the Thomas family receives well-deserved royalties (quit trying to cheat our legendary musicians!). Post it and tweet it… #RufusThomasDance. We’ll be watching, and the best one wins a whole bunch of Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum swag (and I’ll talk about you in August)! This should be fun.§
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China & Silverware Glassware | Tables & Linens Tents | Archways | Fountains And much more for a memorable event. 2197 Central Ave. Memphis, TN 38104 901.276.7368 partyconcepts.net
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Community
Technology Opportunities
FOR ADULT LEARNERS by MEGHAN STUTHARD
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Graduate Memphis is an action initiative of Leadership Memphis with the unique mission to help adults find a pathway to return to a post-secondary education. One of Graduate Memphis’ main focuses is making adults aware of the numerous options outside a traditional 4-year degree. With many corporations and employers seeking employees in the rising technology industry and its niche specializations, it’s an ideal way for an adult learner to maximize his or her opportunity for career placement and increased earning potential after graduating. The ever-evolving world of technology consistently demands proficiency in new areas of study along with post-secondary education requirements.
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hrough its education partnerships with over 20 area post-secondary institutions, Graduate Memphis offers returning adult learners a worry-free, seamless entry into a post-secondary education. Upon registering with Graduate Memphis, via phone, email, in-person, or online, a Graduate Memphis advisor will contact the adult learner and discuss options that best fit his/her current job, family situation, finances, and work schedule. This allows the adult learner to continue working and supporting a family while completing their degree. Graduate Memphis also provides information and resources to assist with loans; financial aid; scholarships; financial literacy; and information for solutions on defaulted student loans which often prevent returning to school. A technical school education is often a cheaper, quicker, and useful pathway for adult learners to earn a degree. Technical programs can range from as few as 12 months or as long as 36 months; offer a lower cost per credit than 4-year schools; and some classes can be completed online. Most adults seeking to obtain a post-secondary degree are most likely working on a fast-track timeline. While it’s never too late to return to school, adults feel pressured to get in and get out just as quickly as possible. While 4-year degrees offer a great wealth of general knowledge, technical degrees focus primarily on what adults need in a specialized field, bypassing both the cost of general education requirements and the time it takes to complete them. Technical schools, through their certificate
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programs, offer the opportunity for adults to continue their education in even less time and with less money. Adults who are already enjoying a rewarding career can use a certificate program in order to master a new skill, beef up a resume, or command a higher salary. Memphis boasts several technical schools such as Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology; EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University; Southwest Tennessee Community College; and, William R. Moore College of Technology, better known as Moore Tech. In recognition of these schools’ outstanding commitment to technological programs, Graduate Memphis offers a glimpse inside their programs. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), located in east Memphis, is primarily an aviation and aerospace education program, but also offers degrees in engineering, technical management, and maintenance, among many others. While ERAU offers both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, it also offer quicker Associate’s degrees both on campus and online. ERAU’s online degree programs are invaluable to many and is an especially viable A technical school option for military or former education is military personnel because they can take advantage of advancing often a cheaper, their education and career while
quicker, and useful pathway for adult learners to earn a degree.
Community
overseas through the online program. Through ERAU’s partnerships with other schools, it accepts transfer credits and admission from other institutions. The Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT), of which there are 27 in Tennessee, offers daytime programs in multiple areas such as aircraft mechanics, automotive technology, graphics design, drafting and CAD technology, welding, and HVAC.
Through the Tennessee Reconnect program, TCAT offers last-dollar grants to adults to afford the opportunity to attend school for free. The processing deadline dates for enrollment are November 1 for fall enrollment, March 1 for spring and May 15 for summer enrollment. Southwest Tennessee Community College (Southwest), with multiple locations around the Memphis area, offers academic certificates, technical certificates, and Associate’s degrees. Technical certificates include studies in electronics, industrial computer fundamentals, lab technology, and many more technological paths. Southwest also offers dual enrollment for high school students and child care for
parents while they attend classes. Classes are offered daily, evening, and during the weekends. Southwest graduates are automatically guaranteed admission to the University of Memphis, should they choose to pursue a Bachelor’s degree. Moore Tech, located in midtown Memphis, offers six programs for adults. Adults must have a high school diploma or GED; complete an admissions exam; and, possess at minimum a 10th grade reading and math level. Though Moore Tech doesn’t require an ACT score, applicants with an ACT minimum score of 18 are exempt from the admissions exam. Moore Tech’s study programs include welding; machining technology; air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration; industrial electricity and plant maintenance; plumbing; and, property maintenance. “At this point in time, most jobs Moore Tech touts a pay well enough to make a 95% placement rate; career out of technical studies an 82% graduation rate; and offers lifetime or course work.” Skip Redmond, career placement. President of Moore Tech tells of Not only do current two recent graduates from their graduates have access industrial electricity program to career placement,
who started out making nearly 4 times the minimum wage.
Community
but all past grads seeking new employment. Moore Tech operates 11 months each year divided into three trimesters. Students of the daytime programs receive a diploma, while night school students complete less hours in coursework and earn a certificate. Currently, there is a weekend welding program. Future plans are to expand the studies to only 2-3 year programs for all students. Tuition is $1,995 per trimester. Because Moore Tech is a non-profit institution, it does not offer student loans. However, both Pell and VA benefit grants are accepted and usually covers tuition for most adult students. Moore Tech offers payment plans over the course of the trimester and, because they do not accept loans, allows a student to graduate debt-free.
s more Tuition i and le affordab be y some ma ut ay o able to p t of pocke
Graduate Memphis is able to discuss all of the above programs and opportunities with adult learners. The advising staff is committed to finding adults the best choice for a useful and rewarding degree. Constant technological breakthroughs demand educated adults to do these fruitful jobs. In the Memphis area, there are over 200,000 adults who began a degree program but never finished, creating missed earning potential and career advancement for Memphians. Associate’s degrees and technical certificates are obtainable in some of the most indemand technological fields, including electrical technology, industrial engineering technology, and aerospace engineering, all with a median annual salary between $55,000-74,999 per the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Adults interested in becoming future graduates can contact the Graduate Memphis College Resource Center in the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, 901.415.2774 or at graduatememphis.org. §
The costs of TCAT, Moore Tech, and Southwest are oftentimes only slightly more than the cost of a single course at a university, which sometimes include other student fees which you will not find at a technical school. With the lower costs of technical and trade schools, tuition is more affordable and some may be able to pay out of pocket, thus not increasing an adult’s student loan debt. Should adults seek assistance with financial literacy in order to get out of default with their federal loans, Graduate Memphis is available to assist. 44 |
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Meghan Stuthard serves as the Communications Coordinator for Graduate Memphis. After graduating from the University of Tennessee with degrees in Spanish and International Business, she moved to Memphis, where she has been for the past 10 years. She enjoys working in nonprofit where talented and creative individuals can work towards helping the community and its citizens."
Technology
Break-Through Mammogram Screening Technolog Baptist Women’s Health Center’s ABUS by LYNN GAYDEN, M.D.
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Thanks to a generous Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation grant, the Baptist Women’s Health Center recently became the first and only breast center in the Memphis area to offer patients the Invenia Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS), an FDA-approved screening technology designed specifically for women with dense breast tissue. Women with dense breast tissue have a twofold problem. Dense breast tissue increases a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer, and it also makes it a lot harder to find breast cancer. Cancer can be hidden by the dense breast tissue. The ABUS does not replace
traditional mammography; it is an adjunct to mammography, just one more tool in their arsenal against breast cancer. Breasts are made of fat and glandular tissue. Approximately 40 percent of women have dense breasts, or an abundance of glandular tissue compared to fat. Dense breasts are more likely to hide masses and lumps when analyzed with a standard mammogram, and women who have dense breast tissue have a four to six times
WOMEN WITH DENSE BREAST TISSUE HAVE A TWO-FOLD PROBLEM.
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Technology
greater risk of developing breast cancer than women who do not. In mammography, breast cancer can appear many different ways. One of the common ways it can appear is as a lump. And if you have really dense breast tissue, your mammogram is going to look white. It has been described as looking for a snowball in a snowstorm.
Breast cancer can appear many different ways
Unlike a standard mammogram, which uses radiation to look for abnormalities in the breasts, the Invenia ABUS uses sonic waves to create a 3D picture of the breasts. The exam takes approximately 30 minutes and provides doctors with clear 3D ultrasound images. Physicians review patients’ ABUS screening images in addition to their mammograms. According to Beth Turner, RN, administrative director of the Baptist Women’s Health Center, the Breast Cancer Prevention Act, which started officially in Tennessee on Jan. 1, 2014, requires the following statement to appear on the mammogram reports of women with dense breast tissue: Your mammogram shows that your breast tissue is dense. Dense breast tissue is common and not abnormal. However, 46 |
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dense breast tissue can make it harder to evaluate the results of your mammogram and may also be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. This information about the results of your mammogram is given to you to raise your awareness and inform your conversations with your doctor. Together, you can decide which screening options are right for you.
The American Cancer Society recommends that, beginning at age 35-40, women should receive a baseline mammogram and then subsequent mammograms once a year. Women who are at higher risk for breast cancer, either through family history or other factors, should consult their physician about getting annual mammograms much sooner. For more information about ABUS, please call the Baptist Women’s Health Center at 901-227-PINK or visit baptistonline.org/density. §
LYNN GAYDEN, M.D.
ad
Thursday, October 15, 2015
6:00 p.m. Memphis Botanic Garden
Black The
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Dress Event
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Technology
Pay-BackFromYourSmartphone Apps That Offset Your Smartphone Bill by TYRONE CHESTER
Smartphone Apps that Pay You Back The average smartphone bill rings in around $80 and some even higher. Finding ways to save money while using your smartphone can come in handy. There are apps that pay
RECEIPT HOG
The Receipt Hog app rewards you for doing what you already do every day: Shop. Simply download the Receipt Hog app, take photos of your receipts and send them in. Receipts from virtually any type of store – from convenience stores and drug stores to major retailers and department stores – can be used. Receipt Hog rewards users with virtual coins that can be redeemed for gift cards at Amazon.com or turned into cash through PayPal. In exchange, Receipt Hog uses the data it collects to create market research reports it then sells to companies.
GIGWALK
GigWalk is a must-have smartphone app for any city dweller. GigWalk rewards users for completing certain tasks, things like verifying street signs and roads, finding geographic landmarks and evaluating transportation options. Simply download the GigWalk app, signup and check out the available tasks. You can choose the tasks you want and complete them at your leisure. GigWalk is available in a growing number of cities, but check your location before you download the app.
IBOTTA
VIGGLE
This is the perfect app for smartphone users who love to watch TV or listen to music on their devices. The Viggle app is available for both Android and iPhone users, and it awards points for watching TV and listening to music. Users earn points for the things they watch and listen to, plus additional points for answering questions and engaging with content creators. The points can then be redeemed for merchandise from major retailers such as Footlocker, Best Buy, Starbucks and more. 48 |
for comparison-shopping, taking surveys and other simple activities that a smartphone owner can save some money and help offset the high cost of modern technology. Here are a few simple moneymaking smartphone apps.
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The Ibotta app has long been a favorite of both Android and iPhone users, and it is easy to see why. This simple app rewards you for shopping at the stores you already frequent. The rewards are in the form of cash back, and you can earn even more by referring others to the service. Just download the Ibotta app, shop like you always do and take photos of your receipt after checkout. Upon verification, Ibotta will credit you with a specified amount of cash back. Payments are made through PayPal.
SHOPKICK
The ShopKick app is one of the best rewards programs on the smartphone market, and it is available for both Android and iPhone users. Once you download the ShopKick app to your phone, you automatically earn rewards, or kicks, when you walk into stores like Target, Old Navy, Macy’s, Exxon and more. You can earn even more rewards by scanning specified bar codes, referring others to the app or browsing through electronic catalogs. You can exchange the kicks you earn for gift cards from stores such as Target, Starbucks and Old Navy, or redeem for clothing, electronics and other goodies. The ShopKick app is simple to use and potentially very rewarding.
SURVEYS TO GO
Surveys On The Go is a mobile market research tool that pays users for their opinions about various topics and issues. You can opt in to categories such as business, politics, entertainment, news, sports, media and technology. After you download the application and sign up, you’ll want to complete the demographic surveys that are available. You will be notified (similar to a text message alert) when surveys become available. Once you reach US $10.00 you can cash out using your PayPal account. Occasionally, surveys will appear in your inbox without an alert, so check in from time to time.
Technology
CHECKPOINTS
When you're out shopping, use CheckPoints in your favorite stores to scan barcodes on products like Coca-Cola, Vick's and Olay, and earn points toward great prizes and rewards. When you're anywhere else, you can try new Apps, watch videos, play games for even more chances to earn points.
ESPN'S - STREAK FOR THE CASH
A challenging game that puts your sports prediction talents to the ultimate test. The objective of the game is to accumulate the longest winning streak by selecting the winning team (or player) in advance of an ongoing variety of matchups. All participants start at zero. Your streak is measured by the number of consecutive matchups you select the correct winner. The entrant who accumulates the longest streak during the Monthly Challenge will be considered a Monthly Prize winner. The winner will be announced on the first day of the next month.
APP TRAILERS
Watch high quality streaming videos of App Trailers in the App Store. The only place you can see a movie preview of an App and get rewarded for it. Points can be redeemed via PayPal cash or at the Amazon store.
NPOLLS
Become part of a global voice and be rewarded! Earn money, share your opinion, view results and be informed of the latest news! Create your own questions to the world! NPolls has released their second version giving all users the opportunity to create their own polls! It now offers the opportunity to answer polls and make money, as well as create polls to have the world answer!
GYM-PACT
Getting fit and staying healthy is hard. Gym-Pact uses cash stakes to help you achieve your health goals, week after week. Make a weekly Pact to exercise more or eat healthier. Set what you’ll pay other Pact members if you don’t reach it. Use the Pact app to track your progress. Earn real cash for living healthy, paid by the members who don’t!
PERK
Earn points you can redeem for real gift cards while you play fun trivia games such as Disney, Family Guy, Food, Pop Culture, Movie Quotes & more! New games & exclusive giveaways are added each week. The more answers you get correct, the more points you earn!
EASYSHIFT FIELD AGENT
You can browse for jobs in map view or see a list of available jobs near you. Accept a job (like a survey or a price-check on a product) and complete it within a 2-hour time frame, submit your work for verification of accuracy and approval and get paid securely via PayPal.
LOCKET
Locket is free and pays users just for having ads on their lock screen. With one swipe, you can either open the ad or unlock the phone the way you always do. No matter what, you get paid.
Get paid to shop, eat, and explore your city. Take photos of products, check prices, and review promotions. It’s as easy as shopping.
These apps can help you earn cash back, gift cards and other rewards while simply going through your daily routine. You have your smartphone in your pocket anyway, so why not let it pay you back? § Southern Soul l July 2015
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Technology
SmartMeters MLGW’s Latest Consumer Protection by ELIZA KING | photography by LILLIAN JOHNSON
Recently, there’s been a lot of talk about smart meters. Do they benefit the community or are they just another “cha-ching” for the utility company? Do they really help communities use power more efficiently, conserving energy and thus reducing costs? Are smart meters hazardous to human health, emitting dangerous high frequency radio waves that can cause illness and disease?
Close-up shot of an electric smart meter. A smart meter measures how much energy your household uses. The meters have built-in two-way communication with MLGW. Once the information is received, MLGW can help customers manage their utility bills better. It also lets the utility company know when people are tampering with meters or if a household is experiencing high consumption which may mean an unreported water leak.
U
nfortunately, these questions take flight and become a source of conflicting and confusing information leaving consumers confused about whether to embrace smart meters or protest their installation. But, before you run out to buy paint for your protest sign, here are some facts, myths and reality for your review.
About 40 percent of the homes in the U.S. have smart meters now. Only five percent of Memphians do. Over the next five years, Memphis Light, Gas and Water hopes to join millions of current users when it buys 1.1 million smart meters.
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Technology MLGW Smart Meter FAQ Who? Vendor: Elster Solutions, LLC, of Raleigh, N.C. The utility metering company supplied electric, gas and water meters for MLGW's Phase 1 (55,000 meters) installation in 2014. What? 1.14 million meters Cost? $240 million over a period of five years When? Once the Phase 2 project gets final approval from the City Council, plans call for installing roughly 50,000 meters each quarter for the next five years until 2020. Where? Workers must first put in place a countywide telecommunications infrastructure on existing utility poles. Once that is finished, MLGW will finalize exactly which areas will get smart meters first. As workers move into a new area, customers will be notified by letter 30 days in advance. If a customer wants one, no action is required. If they don’t, they can opt-out. Opt-out instructions will be explained in the notification letter. Background: MLGW first ran a three-year test pilot program that ended in 2012 with about 1,000 electric smart meters. Once that proved successful, MLGW bought 60,000 meters and systems for $14.1 million in 2013 from Elster that are now installed outside the homes of 24,000 customers. About 3.6 percent of 24,000 customers opted out of the program.
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Edward Boone, MLGW electric meter field technician, takes photo of old analog meter before installing a new electric smart meter. (Home in Southeast Shelby County near Hickory Hill.)
SMART METER MYTHS & REALITIES Myth: Smart meters will spy on me. Reality: Like your existing utility meters, smart meters only measure how much electricity, gas or water has been used. It sends that information to MLGW. That’s it. A smart meter doesn’t know which room you are in or when your toaster is on. Myth: MLGW will share my smart meter data without my knowledge or consent. Reality: Tennessee state law doesn’t allow it. Only MLGW and contracted vendors who provide data analysis will have access to that information. Myth: Hackers can steal my meter data and use it for criminal purposes. Reality: Meter manufacturers use proprietary meter and radio frequency transmission protocols to defend against such illegal access. It is virtually impossible to match meter readings to an individual account. Myth: Thieves will use my smart meter signals to know when I’m not home. Reality: Even if someone hacks into MLGW’s system, it doesn’t make your home any more vulnerable than when a thief cases your house, a stranger knocks at your unanswered door, you turn on your cell phone’s GPS feature or you post vacation plans on social media.
Myth: Smart meters can be altered to change my meter reading. Reality: With smart meters, MLGW is alerted within minutes if someone is tampering with your meter. Myth: Smart meters cause health problems due to wireless communication signals. Reality: Like millions of devices in today’s techdriven world—including cell or cordless phones, microwaves and wireless routers—smart meters use radio frequency (RF) signals to communicate. Smart meters operate well within the allowable RF emission standards and in no way do they cause health problems. Myth: Smart meters are less accurate than old dialfaced meters. Reality: Analog or dial-faced meters are far more likely to be inaccurate, as they slow down over their lifetime. Myth: Smart meters cause fires. Reality: Poor electrical connectivity causes fires — not smart meters. When lights flicker or fade, it is often the result of a building owner’s electric socket. Smart meters are an asset because they send an alert when temperatures or voltage reach certain levels. MLGW has and will continue to send crews to investigate to keep customers safe.
Wearing leather gloves, Boone installs the new smart meter in a few minutes.
Myth: MLGW will use a smart meter to control how much utilities I use and to turn off service if they think I'm using too much. Reality: MLGW does not monitor smart meter data in realtime, nor does it control or allot how much electricity, gas or water a household uses. §
Myth: MLGW will use smart meters to raise my rates and charge me more. Reality: Smart meters will allow new rate options, such as the optional and voluntary electric Timeof-Use (TOU) rates. Customers with TOU rates pay less during low demand periods (weekends) and more during high demand periods (weekday afternoons). This gives customers more control over their utility bill and provides the customers with a real opportunity to save a substantial amount of money. Myth: Smart meters eliminate jobs. Reality: About 175 positions will be eliminated through attrition. Some workers are currently being retrained for other jobs. MLGW will continue to retrain displaced employees. Eliminating positions through attrition will substantially reduce operating costs.
Smiling after finishing the task, Boone snaps a photo of the new smart meter complying with MLGW’s installation process. Southern Soul l July 2015
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Change Hope
Community
&
for
FELONS
Memphis & Shelby County Office of Re-Entry
G
photography by JAY ADKINS
Growing up, many of us were punished by our parents if we did something wrong. An extra chore or perhaps banned from a favorite activity for two weeks – and at the end of the two weeks, you moved on with your life. We think of punishment as a one-time event for that one-time act. Then, we cruise along on Main Street pushing a speed ten miles over the limit and we get a speeding ticket. Most of us pay the ticket and move on with life. Then, next year your insurance rate increases because of the ticket and there goes your vacation with that extra 30 dollars increase. That’s about the only time us straight and narrow folks think about a double whammy punishment. But, for felons, the stark reality is that a felon’s punishment is an ever-evolving experience. Felons serve time in prison as punishment for their crime. Most are released into society with no money, no place to live, no transportation, no job, expired identification documents, and, often no family support. Having no money, the immediate challenges are where do I live and how do I make money to get a place to live? I can’t get a job until I have proper identification. I can’t get proper identification until I get a copy of my birth certificate. I can’t get my birth certificate because I don’t have the money. I can scrounge up the money for the certificate, but I don’t have transportation; and, if I am one of the few that has all of the above – when applying for a job, as soon as I check the felon box, I don’t get hired. These are just a few of the initial challenges a felon faces upon release. There are additional major obstacles that hinder a successful reentry to society. Families and employers aren’t welcoming. On
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top of that, employers are seeking specific job skills. In 2012, the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission’s Operations Safe Community developed an initiative to assist a positive felon re-entry and eradicate felony recidivism. From that initiative, the Memphis & Shelby County Office of Re-entry (MSCOR) was created to offer felons a seamless and successful path to reenter society. Through MSCOR’s numerous services, felons are offered assistance in becoming successful with re-entry and are provided the tools necessary to avoid the revolving door back to prison. MSCOR’s Executive Director, Phyllis Fickling sums its mission as “This all started with Operations Safe Community and developing a solution to deliver a safer environment to our communities. Out of the strategy sessions, our local government determined there was a great need to address recurring felons and the effect the recidivism cycle has on the community. They saw a need to consolidate efforts towards adult re-entry and channeling felons into becoming productive members of the community. From those strategies, it became clear that the most effective answer was a central a hub to coordinate the re-entry process. A one-stop shop that touched those individuals who had felony records, those who had been incarcerated, and even those who had been released years ago and needed re-entry assistance. There are several agencies and services that offer assistance with re-entry, but the services are fragmented and sometimes unaware what the other delivers. Some of those agencies are
Community even set up to do what we do better than we do. But, our one-stop-shop puts all the services under one roof and makes for a seamless effort. In Shelby County, there are over 10,000 individuals already under parole supervision and the statistics indicate another 7,000 will be released each year into Shelby County. That astounding number does not include the people who are released and no longer on parole. We don’t know what those numbers are because the various agencies either don’t collect recidivism data or track re-entry data.” Ms. Fickling oversees MSCOR’s administration, operations, strategies, policies, and procedures. But, this awesome task could not be accomplished without her two power hitters, Patricia Melton and Jatasha Haralson. Ms. Melton is Manager of Grants and Re-Entry Services and Ms. Haralson is Program Manager. Although managing opposite sides of the house, their roles intertwine and overlap to assure the operations run smoothly and that services are delivered at the highest standards. Both are passionate about their role and dedicated to MSCOR’s success. When asked what was the best part of the job, Ms. Melton quickly responded, “To see someone walk through the door looking for assistance. I know that is a hard first step to take. First, they have to overcome their lack of trust for the government. They know there are probation officers in the building. So voluntarily walking through our doors is a big deal. Of course, we do have individuals who come as a parole condition and seeing them gain a successful re-entry is just as rewarding. For me, the best part is the smile when they get that needed document, or a bus pass to get to a job interview, or you see a glimmer of hope in their eyes, and to know I have been a part of their re-entry.” Ms. Melton is known as the no-nonsense ‘let’s just do it’ person in the office. As Manager of Grants, she is often the liaison between partnerships, funding and the felon. Recently, she was successful in getting a partner to conduct forklift certification, which offered another avenue in MSCOR’s training program, and resulted with about a 50% placement rate for those receiving the certificate. She is constantly seeking new programs, program funding and community partnerships. When Ms. Haralson was asked the best of her job, her response was spontaneous, “Initially, my position was heart wrenching. I visited several prisons in west Tennessee and it broke my heart to see so many young men incarcerated. I have a 21-year-old son and I thought ‘this could be him.’ So, my first reaction was, I have to do something. I have to make a difference! I have to change the way this ship is sailing. Well, I have not calmed down
The immediate challenges are where do I live and how do I make money to get a place to live Southern Soul l July 2015
Phyllis Fickling, Executive Director
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L to R Jatasha Haralson, Phyllis Fickling and Patricia Melton yet. The ship is still sailing and I am still trying to turn it around. My prayer every day is “Let me make a difference in these young people’s lives so they can make a change.
accessibility. In fact, MSCOR is the only facility with this capacity and is currently a beta site for others in the state and nation.
But to answer your question, the best part of my job is having someone come back to my office and say they have scheduled an interview or they just got a job! This does it for me in two ways. First, that together, we were successful and second the fact that they know we actually care and they include us in who they want to share the good news. I can tell you so many stories about guys who are homeless or have to bring their children with them when they come in or don’t know how to read . . . and to help them – I get to make a difference.”
Although MSCOR’s plate is at capacity, it is also undertaking legislature and is an avid advocate for changing policies affecting possible re-entry. For example, a valid driver’s license is a requisite for general life activities. Often those seeking re-entry are released facing a backlog of traffic fines, fees, and court costs that must be paid before driving privileges are reinstated. MSCOR is seeking a mitigation circumstance change, which will consider waiver of the fees.
Voluntarily walking through our doors is a big deal.
Ms. Fickling explained one of the largest challenges is collecting data to understand the re-entry big picture. Before our office, agencies did not track or report recidivism electronically. If reporting was done at all, it was primarily prepared with spreadsheets and logs. There is no hub providing a full data snapshot of the re-entry process because the process has so many aspects. There are countless aspects of the re-entry process. Individuals seeking re-entry need ten key elements: Housing, Employment, Education & Training; Benefits Reconnection; ID Replacement; Physical Wellness; Mental (and Medical) Health Support; Transportation; Community Engagement; and, Family Reunification. MSCOR is a single source entity attempting to close the gap between the ten elements and stitch them together under one roof with one-stop56 |
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Before we left the Three Titans of Re-Entry, Ms. Fickling gave us this parting word, “You know one of the things to hear is when somebody says, “I came in for one thing, I didn’t get it, but what I left with was hope.” We may not give everybody everything that they want but we can give them something, and when they leave if they feel like they have hope to keep going and they’re encouraged to work that plan that we’ve given them, then we are complete. At the end of the day, just seeing folks not going back to jail answers our prayer” MSCOR is an important initiative for the entire community. It benefits the entire community because, in the long run, productive, healthy, employed citizens are the core of a community. When individuals return to society with no money, no home, numerous institutionalized obstacles, and little hope – the temptation of committing another crime is forever looming. If we are able to eliminate some of the reasons individuals return to crime, we are able to build a stronger safer community. §
Community
DAVEYFLOYD Speaks About Memphis & Shelby County Office of Re-Entry photography by BRYANT REDDICK
After our visit with the Memphis & Shelby County Office of ReEntry, we were fortunate to meet Davey Floyd, a Re-entry program participant. Greeting us with a smile, he candidly shared his experiences. SS: Let’s start with a bit of your history. Tell us why you were incarcerated. DF: I was incarcerated for aggravated robbery, drug charges, and gun possession. I’ve been back and forth dealing with incarcerations all my life. I started out living in “the fast life.” I went into the streets at a very young age. I was first arrested at age 10 for shoplifting or “boosting” and arrested again at age 12 for drug possession, selling marijuana in junior high school. Between the ages of 12-15, I was arrested for numerous things, from trespassing, disorderly conduct, several drug possession cases, and theft of property. At the age of 16, I was arrested for 7 counts of aggravated robbery, drug and, gun charges. I stayed incarcerated from the age 16 to 21. The reason I did so much time is because I was part of a click from Binghampton and we robbed people. We were a big thing on the streets. So, when I got sentenced, a stipulation as part of my plea agreement was that I stay incarcerated until I was 21 because of my history and how violent our click was. I’m 34 years old now. SS: When you were incarcerated at age 16, were you charged as a juvenile or as an adult? DF: Both. They adjudicated me as an adult and stipulated I couldn’t be released until after emancipation. When I was released, Southern Soul l July 2015
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Community I went right back to the same lifestyle, selling drugs, robbing, toting guns, and fighting. I was rearrested at age 24 and stayed incarcerated from May 18, 2005 to March 9, 2015 . . . ten years. But this time, it took a toll on me. I was stabbed 13 times in one fight while incarcerated. SS: Did you fear for your life during this incarceration? DF: Yes, I lost my eye and one of the knives went through the back of my arm and came out the front. I have a long scar from the top of my chest to the bottom of my stomach. So, going through those injuries with the frustration of my past and just maturing as a person, I decided to make a change in my life and make a difference. SS: How were you able to change? DF: I wanted to change of my own accord. I heard about Memphis Shelby County Office of Re-Entry program while I was inside. I took a class, a pro social life skills class, and it’s mainly a life coaching class. You know, writing résumés, job readiness, typing, comprehensive skills; just plain life lessons. One part of the class is they bring in counselors and case managers to give us info about their programs, so when I heard about it, I thought it’d be a positive to have within my life. So, I decided to enroll in this program because I was told that it was a good program, which it is. I voluntarily enrolled March 9th. SS: Did your family support you throughout your incarceration? I’m asking because I want to ask about the impact this has had on your family. DF: My mother. That’s the only person I’ve ever had. My father was doing time with the feds most of my time in. SS: So tell me what the program means to you. DF: The program means a lot because it actually is making a difference for felons in getting the necessities they need when they are released. You know normally, when you get out, it’s like they are just letting you out and throwing you back into the jungle. When you make parole, they give you 35 dollars and send you back to whatever address the parole board approves with no thought about job readiness or getting a job or the ability to be mobile and things like that. So you get thrown back to the wolves, and if you want to make a difference in your life, it is extremely hard being that you come out thinking you want a certain lifestyle. Now you are out with nothing, so, it’s easy to go back to your old lifestyle because when your back is against the wall, you’re willing to do anything to survive. The program is making a difference because offer job opportunities and financial assistance. They helped me
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get identification; my birth certificate, and social security card. They help with public transportation by providing bus cards to ride the bus and get back and forth to job interviews so you’re able to see the people necessary to make it. So, you have a start with the necessities like food, transportation, and things like that when you get out. It also helps being around a positive environment. All the counselors are positive and put forth positive energy. Those are the two things I truly believe a person must have when trying to make a difference in another person’s life. You need positive energy and education. SS: What would be the first three things you would tell someone sitting in prison where you once sat? DF: Get as much education as you can and when I say education, I don’t just mean books or the status quo of education. I mean an education on life: mentally; physically; emotionally; spiritually; and, financially. Because you have to prepare yourself in all of those areas before you come out and work with people. Next would be to change your mentality or whatever negative energy you have within yourself to a positive energy. If you come out with negative energy within yourself and its lingering, it can fester and it’s like a seed and you don’t want any seeds of negativity within you. Third, be willing to make whatever sacrifices or whatever is necessary to make it. Be open to whatever--no matter what you have to do-- because there are certain things you may feel like you don’t want to do or you shouldn’t have to do. But, if you truly want to change and you truly want to stay out and be a good positive productive person and member of society then sometimes you have to do things that you normally wouldn’t do as a person or change something that you normally wouldn’t want to change. So all the stubbornness and being set in your ways have to go out the window.
Community
I decided to make a change in my life and make a difference.
SS: How do you plan to make a difference in your community? DF: I want to go out in the community and tell my story and make a change. It’s one thing for the youth to hear from a 40 year old guy who didn’t come from the hood, or who hasn’t lived that life, or who hasn’t been through the things that you’ve been through; and he is trying to tell you something. It makes a difference when you have someone who has struggled like you’ve struggled, and knows what you’ve been through and you can relate to them. That’s what I want to do, that’s my dream to be able to start some type of program or youth outreach thing where I could speak and give back because I know a lot of the guys that’s in the system that could be used. SS: What would you like the community to know about MSCOR? DF: Basically, it’s going to take all of us. To me, right now, MSCOR is at a minimum stage because it has so much
to offer and people don’t know about it. I think with a community effort and with the city having a dialog about what can be added to the program plus letting the community know they can participate in the program, or that it takes the whole community effort to get behind this program, it could change everything. Because the potential for what MSCOR has to offer can change the dynamic of this city. You see, there are still a lot of guys who are in prison that are gang related and has influence on what goes on in the city. I know this from a personal standpoint. The influence is still there with anything from drugs, guns, prostitution, robbery, or whatever; they still have influence on the outside. I believe that there are more guys inside who want to make a difference because they don’t want their family or others to go the same route as them. So with a community effort, the resources of MSCOR and working with the Tennessee Department of Correction, anything is possible and it can make a difference. We can change the dynamics of this city for the youth and all stakeholders. That’s what I think MSCOR can do. § Southern Soul l July 2015
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Whatever the Occasion... we are
cocktails ad Licensed Bartenders Taking Your Event to the Next Level! Angela Johnson (901) 484-5325 www.CocktailCuties901.com
Lifestyles
Celebrate Independence by ANGELA JOHNSON, COCKTAIL CUTIES | photography BRYANT REDDICK
SANGRIA 他 Cup of Peach Schnapps 1 Bottle (750 ml) of Chilled Moscato 1 Liter of White Peach Seltzer Water 2-3 White Peaches (may vary by size) Mix all ingredients together and chill. Southern Soul l July 2015
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Lifestyles
MARTINI 1 Oz. Vodka 2 Oz. Blue Curacao 1/8 Oz. Lemon Juice
Combine all ingredients in a shaker, drain and serve. Add cherries (with stems) as garnish.
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Lifestyles
HotterThan July
A Summertime Sunset Barbeque by KATHY KIRK-JOHNSON photography by HERMAN WILLIAMS & APRIL TOLBERT
M
emphis barbeque is hotter than July. Most native Memphians are barbeque snobs because we have tasted some of the best barbeque in our own back yard, or down the street at a friend’s cookout. Cookouts are best when eaten with the company of family and friends. It is even better when friends pitch in. Last summer my taste-buds were tantalized at an impromptu pool party with an out-of-this-world smoked pulled chicken. As a self-proclaimed barbeque
snob, I had to find the cook and shake his hand. It was THAT good. Turns out, the cook was an awardwinning Grill Master, Reginald Manning. This month, I enlisted Reggie’s expertise to create an unforgettable poolside dining experience, featuring BBQ shrimp, smoked mac and cheese and homemade peach-blueberry cobbler. I hope these tips from an award-winning Grill Master (and my own twists) will inspire you to create your own spread for a summertime sunset barbeque. Enjoy! Southern Soul l July 2015
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Lifestyles
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Lifestyles
Smoked Macaroni and Cheese 1- 12 Oz. Bag of Elbow Macaroni 2 Tsp. Salt 2 Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese 2 Cups Casserole Cheese 2 ½ Cups Heavy Whipping Cream 1 Cup Evaporated Milk 3 Eggs ½ Stick Salted Butter 1 Tsp. Sugar
Preheat grill to 350 degrees. Cook pasta according to package directions. Be sure to add salt to season the pasta. Without salt, the macaroni will taste bland and alter the flavor. Whisk together heavy cream, evaporated milk, eggs and sugar. Spray a large ceramic casserole dish (or foil pan) with non-stick spray then layer pasta. Next generously layer cheese, alternating with layers of pasta and cheese. * Make the top layer cheese. Use a rubber spatula to poke holes then pour milk mixture into dish until it almost covers the top layer, then pour melted butter and slightly shake the pan so all the flavors get to know each other. Cook until golden and bubbly, about 30-40 minutes. *Be creative with the cheeses by substituting 1 cup of cheese with Gouda, Muenster, Smoked Mozzarella or Smoked Cheddar.
Peel and Eat BBQ Shrimp
1 Pound of Large Shrimp (Raw, Heads Removed) 1½ Tbs. Smoked Paprika 1 Tsp. Seasoned Salt 1 Tbs. Sugar 1 Tbs. Worcestershire Sauce 6 Garlic Cloves (Minced) 1 Tbs. Butter Combine seasonings in small bowl and set aside. Place shrimp in a large bowl. Add Worcestershire Sauce and garlic. Then, generously sprinkle the dry seasonings over the shrimp. Be sure to use all the seasonings. Rub spices into the shrimp until well coated. Place a pat of butter on top and cover. A plastic bag may be used as well. Marinate in refrigerator at least 3 hours. Pour shrimp and marinade into a medium cast iron skillet. Place on grill and cook until the shrimp has turned pink, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a large platter and serve immediately. Southern Soul l July 2015
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Lifestyles
Peach-Blueberry Cobbler 2 Rolls - Refrigerated Piecrust 12 Ripe Peaches ½ Cup Blueberries 1 Cup of Sugar (Or Less)* 1 Tbs. Flour ½ Tsp. of Apple Pie Spice ¼ Tsp. of Cinnamon 1 Tsp. Lemon Juice 1 Stick of Butter (Melted)
Peal and section peaches and place in a large mixing bowl. Add sugar, flour, spices, lemon juice, and melted butter and stir until well combined. Fold in blueberries and set aside. Spray a small casserole pan with nonstick spray and place 1 piecrust in the pan, covering the bottom and half of the side. Pour peach mixture over the bottom piecrust. Cut the second piecrust into inch-wide strips. Weave strips into a lattice over peaches. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar. Bake cobbler for 35 to 40 minutes, or until top crust is golden brown. * Start with 1/3 cup of sugar and sweeten to taste. The amount of sugar really depends on how ripe and sweet the peaches are. If more sugar is needed, then add. You should not need more than 1 cup of sugar.
Sangria
1 Magnum of Quality Red Wine 1½ Cups of Premium Orange Liqueur 1 Cup of Brandy 2 Limes 2 Oranges 2 Lemons Sugar To Taste Combine wine, orange liqueur and brandy. Add juice from one lime, one lemon and one orange. Slice the remaining fruit. Sweeten with sugar to taste. Add remaining sliced fruit and serve.
Lifestyles
Kathy’s Tips:
Steak and Chicken Kabobs
Keep it Spicy:
Make your own rub utilizing a variety of spices such as paprika, ancho chili powder, creole seasoning, cumin, adobo, sazon, garlic and onion powders, sugar and salt. Create a killer combination experimenting with these flavors. Although I am not an expert griller, I created a tasty spice rub for grilled vegetables using kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, garlic and onion powders, and sugar.
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Kathy’s Tips:
Grilled Vegetables w/ Garlic and Herb Compound Butter (spice rub and butter recipe) Butter Me Up: Make a compound butter (1 ½ stick softened butter, 1/8
Tsp. pesto, 1 Tbs. minced fresh garlic, smoked salt and scallions) and place it in different sections of the vegetable platter. This allows guests to control butter theySoul wantl on their 68 | how much Southern Julyveggies. 2015
Reggie’s Grilling Tips:
Pork Loin Utilize lump hardwood made into charcoal and cherry wood chips to impart a unique flavor. Invest in a ceramic grill that distributes heat evenly and allows the ability to cook with direct or indirect heat. Wrap your meat in foil immediately after removing from the grill to break down the meat and redistribute the juices. It will melt in your mouth! Southern Soul l July 2015
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britanie
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Owned/Operated by Carolyn Bolden-Carter
Conveniently Located at: 8348-B Macon Road • Cordova 38018
901.758.5545 Hours of Operation Southern Soul l July 2015 Tuesday - Friday • 8:00 am - 5:30 pm & Saturday • 5:00 am - 12:00 pm
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Fashion
SouthernStyle photography by BRYANT REDDICK Clothing & Accessories provided by The Limited, Wolfchase Galleria Stylists: Stephanie Chalmers | Model: Stephanie Jones
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Southern Soul l July 2015
1, No. 3 November 2014 | Volume
Events
Are there Southern Soul Experiences We Should Cover? December 201Let 4 | Vous lumeknow! 1, No. 4 events@thesouthernsoul.com
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Soul Pics
See someone with soul? Januar y 2015 | Volu Or, spot Southern Soul me 2, N o. 1 somewhere? Send us a pic! photos@thesouthernsoul.com
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Hey Myron!
Got a Relationship question? Email thoughts and questions to: myron@thesouthernsoul.com
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Summer is no vacation for hungry children.
During the hot days of summer, struggling families miss the meals provided to their children through the school breakfast and lunch programs. Help us make sure the food they need is available during the summer. 901.527.0841 | Visit www.midsouthfoodbank.org to make a donation today.