VOL. 61, No. 2
One Section/Inserts
January 5 - 11, 2012
www.tristatedefender.com
75 Cents
Black farmers support group nets boost from clergy at rally
Cousins, coworkers and founders of Mo Money Taxes, Markey Granberry (left) and Derrick Robinson say they will be together to the end. (Photos by Larry Perry)
Special to the Tri-State Defender
Mo Money CEOs: It’s definitely back on!
The sentiments were pretty much the same: Each speaker at a January 2 rally at Temple Church of God in Christ did not shrink from explaining what they believe to be an injustice heaped upon African-American farmers who were discriminated against by the United States government. After years of litigation, a judge issued a Consent Decree in 1999 that settled a class action lawsuit that held the U.S. Department of Agriculture responsible for its role in discriminating against African-American farmers, and provided for them a $1.25 billion compensation package. However, not all African-American farmers have benefited, some speakers pointed out. Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church, de-
scribed the black farmers’ plight as a fight for freedom. “This is not a farmer’s fight. This is a fight for freedom,” said Porter, referring to a Bible story about Joshua’s call to the tribes to take land that was promised to them. “If we are going to have freedom, we must take the Promised Land.” Porter is part of the group of clergymen that banded together to support the Memphis-based Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association (BFAA), an advocacy organization, in its efforts to apprise black farmers of their rights after the landmark case, Timothy Pigford vs. Dan Glickman, United States Department of Agriculture, was settled and then reapportioned by the Obama adminisSEE FARMERS ON PAGE 2
Bishop David Allen Hall Sr., pastor of Temple Church of God in Christ and chairman of the Memphis Ecumenical Action Committee, leaves no doubt that he supports black farmers concerned about a recent settlement of a longstanding class-action discrimination lawsuit. (Photo by Wiley Henry)
Rapper Johnny C has ridden his Mo Money Taxes commercial fame to good times. Special to the Tri-State Defender
by Tony Jones
Ever since their first foray into television advertising back in 1995 made Mo Money Taxes a household name, a vast television audience has waited every year to see what they were going to do next to push the limit in their commercials. Owned by cousins Markey Granberry and Derrick Robinson, Mo Money Taxes became an overnight sensation with some of the smartest advertising ever created in the local market. Receiving two Telly Awards for their beyond-ludicrous style, the commercials offended a lot of people because its central character was a jolly white man who was like a hip-hop Kris Kringle on crack. Played by rapper Johnny C, the character showed mad love for the “ghetto style” that still is offensive to the mainstream, and the target
market responded in droves. Mo Money has several thousand employees in 19 states. But as deep as the Johnny C series was, it was the resounding political statement against the policies of then President George W. Bush that really rang a gong. At a mock press conference, the “Mo Money” men threw shoes at a mock Bush. People still talk about it to this day. And, as the co-CEOs later found out, in places they would have never dreamed. “Our success with the commercials is for the same reason that we started the company and have been successful with it,” Robinson said. “We know our people and that’s who we wanted to do business with from the beginning. It’s not rocket science. “We’re just regular people, worked around at all the warehouses like regular people and we SEE MO MONEY ON PAGE 12
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
H- 6 4o - L - 5 1o Su nny
H- 5 6o - L - 3 5o Few Sho wers
H- 5 2o - L - 3 6o Partl y Cl o udy
REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS
Friday H-67 L-51 H-61 L-49 H-69 L-49
Saturday H-56 L-36 H-55 L-34 H-64 L-47
Five economic predictions
Special to the Tri-State Defender
by Mike Green
Many creative African-American entrepreneurs joined millions of risktaking innovators racing into the startup frontier in 2011 with dreams of developing their passions into the next big marketplace disruption. Yet, African Americans face some unique economic challenges, which, ironically, could compel their competitive spirits in 2012. It’s early, but 2012 just may be the Year of the Urban Innovator. Here are five bold predictions I believe will change the economic landscape for Black and urban America
this year, contributing to an overall economic benefit for the nation.
Education equals access
The vast majority of African Americans do not attend college. The majority of those who do don’t graduate. The debt college students carry compounds the burden. That presents a problem when a college education is marketed as the Mike Green
SEE 2012 ON PAGE 6
- INSIDE -
MEMPHIS WEEKEND
FRIDAY
2012: ‘Year of the Urban Innovator’
• Men of character leave lessons and leadership legacies. See Opinion, page 4. • 10 questions to ask before tying the knot. See Business, page 5.
Sunday H-54 L-36 H-50 L-33 H-59 L-42
• Start your journey to healing with ‘baby steps.’ See Health, page 6.
Queen Latifah
• Queen Latifah: The ‘Joyful Noise’ take. See Arts & Leisure, page 11.
Thanks coach…
Legendary college basketball coach Gene Bartow lost his battle to stomach cancer on Tuesday (Jan. 3) at his home in Birmingham. Bartow, 81, coached the 1973 Tigers to the NCAA National Championship game. He was saluted at the Memphis-Tennessee game at the FedExForum on Wednesday night. (See Sports, page 14). (Photo by Warren Roseborough)
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The Memphis Ecumenical Action Committee announced support for the black farmers seeking a reasonable settlement from the U.S. government during a press conference on Dec. 30.(Photo by Wiley Henry)
FARMERS
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
tration in 2011. On Oct,, 27, 2011, Judge Paul L. Friedman of the United District Court for the District of Columbia granted final approval of the settlement that he had preliminarily approved in May 2011. The court order provided for the “Claim Submission Period” to begin on Nov. 14, 2011 and end on May 11, 2012. The National Black Farmers Association has been the driving force behind a settlement. John Boyd, head of the group, had not been reached for comment by the New Tri-State Defender’s press deadline Wednesday. However, Boyd has said that the greatest legacy of the case is a group of poor black farmers organizing to take on the government. “This case was filed just about in every state in the South. In Virginia, a judge asked the government to settle those cases individually. But we wanted a class,” Boyd said during a CNN interview. “We were lucky enough to get a judge that was fair. So in between there and legislation, all Judge Friedman had to do was say it was OK with him. The president had already signed it. Congress had approved it. This is one case where the lawyers can’t say they’ve done it. This was not a case tried out of court – this was a case tried in the public eye, in the halls of Congress, right up to the presidency.” Still, no less than 400 people attended the Memphis rally
NEWS
and listened intently to a few of the members comprising the recently formed Memphis Ecumenical Action Committee decry the government’s decision to move black farmers out of Pigford I into Pigford II and included women and other minorities claiming discrimination as part of the judgment. Dr. LaSimba Gray Jr., pastor of New Sardis Baptist Church, offered the audience a brief history lesson about his family. He traced his lineage back four generations, noting that his forebears were farmers and that he’s a descendent of slaves. “You’re never broke if you got some land,” he said. “We should have gotten our ’40 acres and a mule.’ Though you deny me, yet I will get my justice.” Although Dr. Dwight Montgomery, president of the local Southern Christian Leadership Conference and pastor of Annesdale Cherokee Baptist
January 5 - 11, 2012
Church, admitted not being up to snuff on the details of Pigford I and Pigford II, he said otherwise, “The black farmers deserve what God set forth for them to have.” He opined that the government was “robbing the ‘hood” – much like the fictitious character Robin Hood who stole from the rich to give to the poor – and forbade black farmers not to sign any documents that would deny them of their rights. The group is urging farmers not to sign the Pigford II compensation package – which was created for new or late claimants who failed to apply for relief under Pigford I – because, they argue, black farmers “may be forever barred from any compensatory cash compensation and forever barred against up to $2.5 million of injunctive relief.” Bishop David Allen Hall Sr., pastor of Temple COGIC and
chairman of the ecumenical group, made his point clear as the keynote speaker when he said, “We will stay the course. We will not be denied. There will be a reckoning for America and a reckoning for us.” He said the one billion dollar payoff has only been partially honored and likewise urged black farmers not to sign away their rights. “Your forebears didn’t sharecrop the land to see you sign it away,” he said forthrightly. He also put the President on notice, saying, “Barack, you messed up on this, but we’re going to take back our rights.” To the black farmers, he added, “We’re going to guarantee that you get due process. The powers that be need to know that we’re very much on the case.” (For more information on the black farmers, visit www.mybfaa.org.)
Tri-State Defender
NEWS
Tri-State Defender
American Dream Team Initiative takes root in Holly Springs
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. American Dream Team Initiative has made its way to Holly Springs, Miss., with a two-day conference on the horizon. The conference – Jan. 13-14 – will be the first meeting of the executive committee that Holly Springs Mayor André DeBerry has embraced to execute the “Holly Springs, MS Model City Plan.” According to organizers, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. American Dream Team Initiative is designed to “put life into the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. American Dream and create a more perfect union of municipalities in Mississippi, the American Nation and throughout the world.” The initiative’s “unique tool” is the Future America Office of Innovation, along with the “Science of Humaculture,” created by Dr. Nkosi K.M. Ajanaku, ESQ., and the scientists at the Future America Digitally Precise Basic Research Institute. The conference begins at 4 p.m. Jan. 13 at Annie’s Restaurant at 198 N. Memphis St. in Holly Springs and will continue on Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rust College Community Center at 155 Rust Ave. RSVP by Friday (Jan. 8) at 662-252-4280 or 240-3533483. For more information, call 1-800-605-4039, email modelhollysprings.ms@gmail. com or visit www.futureamericatoday.com.
Citizens for Better Service set program
Citizens for Better Service, a voluntary civic group, will host its 19th Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Awards program on Sunday, January 8, at 3 p.m. The theme is “I Am A Dreamer.” The program, which will honor outstanding city and county students who exemplifu the qualities (humility, persuasiveness, leadership and intelligence) of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will be held at Bloomfield Full Gospel Church, 123 South Parkway. The Rev. Ralph White is the host pastor. City Court Clerk Thomas Long will serve as the keynote speaker. Musical guests include the Christ Missionary Baptist Church Choir, and solo singers such as Jekalyn Carr and Barbara “Sissy” Ellison. Special musical guest will be The Gray Sisters of Decatur, Ala. Dr. Priscilla Williams, founder/director of Beacon of Light Outreach Ministries, will serve as the M.C. In addition to honoring outstanding students, Citizens For Better Service will present special awards to groups and citizens who have been role models for young people in Memphis and Shelby County. Among the groups and citizens to receive special awards: Michael Bates, Hamilton High School, Principal of the Year; Sarah Kennedy Harper, Northside High, Teacher of the Year; Gregory Buckhanon, Mitchell High, Student of the Year; Whitehaven High School Football Team, Sports Team of the Year; Geretta Sueing, Community Outreach Specialist, St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, Rosa Parks Award; Minister Stevenson Clark, radio personality, Man of Distinction Award; Nadia Matthews, director of Lilyroze Studios, Woman of Distinction Award; and The Gray Sisters Gospel Singers of Decatur, Ala., Best Traditional Gospel Group Award. For more information, call Johnnie Mosley, chairman, Citizens for Better Service, at 789-6463.
SCLC Memphis ready with Dr. King events
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference Memphis (SCLC) is sponsoring the following activities commemorating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: • Saturday, Jan. 14 – SCLC Memphis will sponsor a Youth Peace Summit from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Annesdale Cherokee Baptist Church located 2960 Kimball Avenue. Free clothing, food and refreshments will be provided for participating youth. There will be live music featuring performances by Dula, producer of positive rap music. The Youth Peace Summit will have presentations focusing on antigang, anti-crime, anti-drugs and anti-violence.
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January 5 - 11, 2012
DR. MLK HOLIDAY CALENDAR OF EVENTS
• Sunday, Jan: 15 – A Commemorative Program in honor of the actual birthday of Dr. King will be held at Annesdale Cherokee Missionary Baptist Church. starting at 11 a.m. National SCLC President, Isaac Farris of Atlanta, will be the guest speaker. Farris is the nephew of Dr. King. Music will be rendered by Joe Ligon, lead singer for the “Mighty Clouds of Joy” and the Men’s Choir of Annesdale Cherokee Missionary Baptist Church. • Monday, Jan: 16 (National Holiday) – SCLC Memphis will join the “Oc-
cupy Memphis” Rally for Economic Justice located on the City Civic Plaza downtown. For more information, contact the Rev. Dwight R. Montgomery, president of SCLC Memphis at 901-488-4798.
Lifeblood donors can Honor memory of Dr.
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Lifeblood is offering its donors two ways to learn more about the civil rights movement. Option 1: Lifeblood is hold-
ing a mobile blood drive from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on January 16 – Martin Luther King Jr., Day – at the National Civil Rights Museum, 450 Mulberry Street. Those who donate blood that day will be given a voucher that entitles the donor and three family members free admission to the museum through January 23. Those who choose to go on Jan. 16 will be allowed to advance to the front of the line. Option 2: Those who donate at any of Lifeblood’s donor centers from January 16-23 will be get a museum voucher
for the donor and three family members, good for use Jan. 1623. To locate a donor center, visit www.lifeblood.org or call 1-888-LIFEBLOOD. For more information, call 901-288-7946.
Rhodes sets MLK celebration events
Rhodes College will celebrate the life and work of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with various activities free and open to the public on Jan. 14.
The events calendar: 1 p.m. – Readings and stories about the life of Dr. King performed by Charles Holt, a Rhodes alumnus, vocalist and Broadway actor; 2 p.m. – Crafts for children; 3 p.m. – Concert by Memphis Neo Soul/R&B artists BDot & Experience; 3:45 p.m. – Birthday wishes and cake in honor of Dr. King. Rhodes students also will work at various service sites in Memphis. For more information, contact Sabrina Brown, Rhodes’ Office of the Multicultural Affairs, at browns@ rhodes.edu or 901-843-3529.
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John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)
The Mid-Southʼs Best Alternative Newspaper
A Real Times Newspaper
OPINION
Tri-State Defender
January 5 - 11, 2012
• Bernal E. Smith II President / Publisher • Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Executive Editor
Special men of character and courage leave lessons and leadership legacies
As I reflect on the year 2011, I can best characterize it as a year of transition. From the beginning to the very last day of the year, change, transition and great lessons abounded. My first full year as the President and Publisher of the New TriState Defender would also be a Bernal E. year of deep perSmith II sonal transition, with the loss of my father, Bernal E. Smith Sr., (one of the most humble humanitarians I’ve ever known) in January to a two-year battle with colon cancer. I consider myself blessed to have been his son and shared his name, but more importantly to have learned from and been mentored by him from a boy to a man. Among many, there were three very important lessons that my father taught me: 1. A man will be known by the company that he keeps. 2. Seek out and surround yourself with good friends and mentors from whom you can learn and grow. 3. You have two ears and one mouth; learn to use them in that same proportion. As a youngster, I can’t say that I always took his sage wisdom to heart, but as I grew older I appreciated it more and more. I certainly learned how important that was as an adult as I began seeking to build a way and a name for myself. My father’s three concepts have been a blessing in bringing into my life many truly special individuals that have had a tremendous impact on my life in many unique ways. My experiences have shown that it’s not always the quantity of time spent but the quality of the interaction, and that the quality is generally driven by a willingness of those involved to listen and learn while appreciating the unique gifts offered in the other person. I consider myself fortunate to have met and known two men who personify this concept; two men that I didn’t share extensive amounts of time with, but was deeply enriched nonetheless. Sam Logan (Publisher, Michigan Chronicle) was a lifelong Detroiter with many travels along the way, while John T. Fisher was a lifelong Memphian with an equally significant life journey. Both men lived their lives making a positive difference in the lives of others and more importantly in making the quality of life better for all those that lived in their perspective communities. Logan and Fisher loved their cities and had a unique sense of purpose and a great passion for people, all people. They understood the need to stand where others might cower and to stand for those who in many cases couldn’t stand for themselves. They both passed during the final week of 2011, making their transition from labor to reward within days of one another. Sam was 78, John T., 77. Sam spent 55 years as a “newspaper man,” business and community/civic leader; and John T. as a “car man,” business and civic/community leader. Sam was a small-statured African American who always stood tall when the voice of leadership was needed, while John T. was a tall and sleek Caucasian brother who never cowered from situations of adversity and challenge. These two men had so many differences and lived miles apart yet shared so many similarities and commonalities. One of those commonalities was
Sam Logan
Bernal E. Smith Sr.
John T. Fisher
the impact that they both had on my life during the brief time I was fortunate enough to share with them. I met John T. Fisher about seven years ago during my tenure with the Greater Memphis Chamber. I met him at one of several meetings with the leadership of The Med Foundation and found him to be one of the most engaging and genuinely nice persons I’ve ever had an opportunity to meet. I would see him a number of times over the years in various settings and he always had kind words of advice for me and insight about how to make Memphis a better city. It would be sometimes before I learned of John T.’s legacy as a pioneer businessman and leader for racial reconciliation at a time when he stood in the vast minority. He was someone who truly led by example. His unique understanding and leadership on what it takes to make Memphis into a great city for all its citizens remains a stellar example, even in 2012. It is my hope that others – even those that didn’t have an opportunity to know the man – will be inspired by his life’s story and legacy of leadership in a city where racial disparity and discord remains a paramount challenge to its opportunity at greatness. As the youngest publisher in the Real Times Media family and a newcomer to the newspaper industry, Sam Logan was one of my first mentors in the business. He initially was a little skeptical about this young guy with all the new ideas, but we quickly found common ground and common respect for one another. Sam became a mentor and teacher, and a respected friend. I appreciated and admired his candor, quick wit and long-term success as a publisher based on a deep understanding of the numbers but more importantly of people. It was his ability to relate to people that gave him a unique ability to “walk with kings and not lose the common touch” and ultimately was the basis for his success. I am glad to have known, learned from and worked with Sam during the last two years. I am a better publisher and person because of it. I am blessed to have known both of these men and to have shared quality time learning from them. Despite the immediacy and pain of their loss, it is the contributions that they made and the legacy of how they lived their lives that will allow lessons to be learned by future generations toward improving the cities they loved.
Enough is enough; back off Clean Air Act attacks
As the NAACP State Conference President for Tennessee I am responsible for hearing and addressing all types of concerns. In Tennessee, far too many of the complaints I hear relate to deprivation of what should be a basic human right for all: the right to breathe clean air. The racial disparities in air quality lead to disparities in health and quality of life. An African American making $50,000 per year is more likely to live in an area cited for bad air pollution than a white American making $15,000 per year. Arsenic, dioxins, lead, mercury and other pollutants are spewed daily from various industrial facilities such as incinerators, power plants, factories, etc., putting people at risk across the country. For example, a Clean Air Taskforce report on power plant pollution found that emissions from all power plants in the U.S. are responsible for 30,000 premature deaths, 7,000 asthma-related emergency room visits, and 18,000 cases of chronic bronchitis each year. When opponents denounce safeguards against pollution, such as the Clean Air Act and associated regulations with labels such as “job killing,” they disregard the high monetary cost of inaction and who is paying those costs. Consumers are already paying for the less-publicized costs of toxic air quality: mounting health expenses, lost days of school to care for sick kids, poor performance for lead exposed kids who have learning challenges, lost days of work due to illness and trips to take children to the doctor, etc. Currently, regulations under the Clean Air Act, such as the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule and the Mercury and Air Toxics Rule, which aim to reduce pollution in our air, are under attack by polluters and certain legislative initiatives in Congress aimed at blocking the functionality of the Clean Air Act. These rules are essential for sensible reductions in air pollution. Supporting these rules would save up to 1700 lives and will prevent heart attacks, hospitalizations, and ER visits in Tennessee every year. A constituent at a recent NAACP
town hall meeting stated that: “The American way of life is based on equal opportunity and there is nothing more basic than having the opportunity to breathe clean air. Clean air means a fair Gloria J. Sweet-Love shot at a healthy upbringing. Healthy families have better school attendance, better job performance and a greater quality of life If basic American values of equal opportunity are to persist the EPA must take aggressive action to reduce mercury and air toxics in African American and Latino communities across the country. “ Opposing the implementation of the Clean Air Act and its associated regulations would limit the EPA’s ability to enforce clean air standards that protect us from significant amounts of harmful air pollution. In July of this year, the NAACP 102nd Annual Convention delegates unanimously passed a resolution calling for affirmation of strong regulations to safeguard clean air. Our focus must be on retaining and strengthening safeguards which protect the health and wellbeing of the people living in communities affected by air pollution, who are over 50 percent of the U.S. public and disproportionately communities of color and low income communities. Enough is enough. We must maintain existing safeguards, as well as implement and strengthen standards that protect our communities. The NAACP Tennessee State Conference of Branches strongly urges our senators and representatives to support clean air safeguards and oppose proposed measures in Congress that put their constituents at risk. Let Tennessee lead the way to cleaner air. (Gloria J. Sweet-Love is president of the NAACP Tennessee State Conference.)
FLASHBACK: 2007
Tri-State Defender Platform
1. Racial prejudice worldwide must be destroyed. 2. Racially unrestricted membership in all jobs, public and private. 3. Equal employment opportunities on all jobs, public and private. 4. True representation in all U.S. police forces. 5. Complete cessation of all school segregation. 6. Federal intervention to protect civil rights in all instances where civil rights compliance at the state level breaks down
From our online readers at www.tristatedefender.com
Ron Paul: a history of documented racism Edition: Dec. 29-Jan. 5, 2011
(NNPA columnist George E. Curry weighs in on GOP Presidential hopeful Ron Paul’s “history of documented racism,” including controversial remarks published in various forprofit Ron Paul newsletters in the 1980s and 1990s.)
POST: Only neo-Nazis and ostriches support Ron Paul now. Who would pay to publish and mail a newsletter, in his own name, for 22 years, without ever even READING one of them? If that’s the way he runs a newsletter, God help us if he ever gets in the White House! It’s seldom that people are wrong about EVERYTHING. Ron Paul says a lot of things that make a lot of sense, and need to be heard. But, I would never, EVER vote for such a BIGOT!
POST: Where to start? First, you are quoting other articles without proper attribution. Second, some of those quotes are simply wrong. For instance, Ron Paul did not make a million on those newsletters. He was a partial owner in a corporation that put them out, so if they took in a million in revenue for newsletter subscriptions, he likely received very little of that million for himself, as much of it would have been spent on overhead of running the corporation and paying the other owners. Thirdly, these contentious comments appeared in approximately 1 percent of all the newsletters. During the time they were being published, Ron Paul was running a medical practice, so it is completely plausible that he never read the ones that had these comments in them. Fourth, Ron Paul did not abruptly end the interview with Gloria Borger. The actual interview lasted over 8 minutes, and it was coming to an end anyway. The unedited version of this interview is available on YouTube, and the telling part of it is not what is in it, but rather what was removed from it, in order to make Ron Paul appear frustrated and angry. Fifth, you need to be taken to task for your third and fourth paragraphs, in which you claim Paul wrote certain incendiary remarks. Only after making these claims do you then return to say that Paul says he did not write them. You are not being truthful in those two paragraphs, because you don’t know that Paul wrote them himself, and Paul himself claims that he didn’t write them. In other words, you have no proof for the claims you have made in paragraphs 3 and 4. You should at least have the journalistic integrity to remove your unsubstantiated claims. In summary, please do your homework and stop publishing unsubstantiated claims that you cannot back up with evidence.
POST: Be fair next time you write an article. How about Dr. MLK and Mrs. Rosa Parks were heros of Dr. Paul and Dr. Paul voted for the Dr. MLK holiday. (Gingrich voted no, I’m not sure about {Mitt} Romney) Also, so many black men and women have spoken up for Dr. Paul. Anyone who knows Dr. Paul knows that is not how he talks. He has defended the minorities against the racist drug war also. Shame on you George E. Curry.
(TSD President/ Publisher Bernal E. Smith II can be reached at besmith@tri-statedefender.com.)
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Mail subscriptions to the Tri-State Defender are available upon request. One Year, $30.00; Two Years, $55.00. Domestic subscriptions must be addressed to: Subscriptions, Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. Delivery may take one week. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. GENERAL INFORMATION: Any and all inquiries can be made in writing, by calling (901) 523-1818 or by e-mail. TELEPHONE: Editorial and Administration: (901) 523-1818. Display Advertising (901) 523-1818. Classified Advertising (901) 523-1818. Fax: (901) 578-5037. E-MAIL: Editorial e-mail (press releases, news, letters to editor, etc.): editorial@tristatedefender.com; Display advertising e-mail (ads, advertising price requests, etc.): advertising@tri-statedefender.com; Classified advertising e-mail (ads, advertising price requests, etc.): classifieds@tri-statedefender.com; Subscription/Circulation e-mail (subscriptions, subscription price requests, etc.): subscriptions@tri-statedefender.com; Production e-mail (technical questions/specs, etc.): production@tri-statedefender.com. The Tri-State Defender (USPS 780-220) is published weekly by Tri-State Defender Publishing Co., 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38103. Second Class postage paid at Memphis, TN.
WEB POSTS
DISTRIBUTION: Tri-State Defender is available at newsstands, street sales, store vendors, mail subscription and honor boxes throughout the Greater Memphis area. No person may, without prior written permission of the Tri-State Defender, reprint any part of or duplicate by electronic device any portion without written permission. Copyright 2012 by Tri-State Defender Publishing, Inc. Permission to Publisher, Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. Back copies can be obtained by calling the Tri-State Defender at (901) 523-1818, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Note from George E. Curry:
POST: I don’t usually reply to false comments about my columns, but I must respond to some readers who want to deny that Ron Paul has a racist past. Here is a link to an independent Fact Check article, written after mine was published, that further and fully documents the points made in my column: http://wapo.st/sWuqfx If you’re too ignorant to read, I can’t help you.
BUSINESS
Tri-State Defender
MONEY MATTERS
10 questions to ponder before tying the knot
Here are some basic questions that should be answered before couples tie the knot: Is there debt? And if so, how Charles much? The Sims Jr., CFP first money conversation should take place at a table with both sides showing their savings, investments and debt figures – all of it. Both should start the process of talking about how that debt should be paid off – by the person who accrued it, or by both potential spouses. Couples also need to decide how they will handle debt going forward – jointly or separately. Are there investments? If so, how will they be handled once the couple is married? Will they be held after the marriage in joint tenancy, and what will the process be to affect that? From a tax perspective, does it make sense to do anything specific with those assets before the wedding? And after the wedding – assuming debt is being dealt with – how will you maximize those investments? Where will we live? Many couples live together before marriage and stay right where they are. But the question of where you live shouldn’t pertain only to right now –couples need to discuss where they want to live two to five years from now, particularly if they’re going to have a family. And that means they’ll have to understand how to afford it. Generally, total house payments, including taxes and insurance, shouldn’t exceed 25 percent of any couple’s takehome pay. How will we handle the money? Couples need to understand how they’ll share accounts and pay bills. The most common option is to create one joint account. Others work with three accounts – one joint and then one for each individual. What about insurance? Life, health, home and disability – all insurance that couples have separately needs to be reviewed and consolidated to make sure they have enough coverage for their new life. What about estate issues? Marriages require wills and exact directives on who will get what – particularly when children from first marriages are involved. No matter how young the couple, there should be consideration of health directives as well. Is there a budget? Budgeting is a good exercise before the wedding because it sets specific goals for the big things – a house, kids, education and other big-ticket items. If the couple has to pay for their own wedding, a budget can determine whether a more modest ceremony might be appropriate. What about retirement? Retirement discussions go beyond money. Couples should decide how they want to live in retirement, whether they’ll continue to work and what will happen if one or both get sick. This is where a financial planner can help the most – on such distant goals. What about tax status? It makes sense for couples to consider their tax status before they marry – a tax expert is the best adviser to tell you how to file after reviewing your finances. Does there need to be a prenuptial agreement? Some couples believe that a prenup indicates they don’t have faith in their relationship, but if one spouse has more debt than the other or runs a business, such an agreement may make sense if only to limit the liability of the other spouse. These days, prenups aren’t just for rich people anymore. They can set the ground rules for a much healthier financial future. (Please send your questions to Carlee McCullough, Esq., at 777 South Main St., Suite 202, Memphis, Tenn., or email: wealthy@tri-statedefender.com.)
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January 5 - 11, 2012
ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY
Focus: Government contracting
The most basic characteristic of business is the never-ending search for opportunities. Some businesses focus on the public at large, while others concentrate on opportunities with other businesses whether large or small. However, a small group of companies have stumbled upon the many opportunities of government contracting. Since government has many layers, wading through them is not for the faint of heart. Nevertheless, if you are determined and have a product or service that is used by government agencies, you can work through the system and perhaps unearth another source of revenue. While government is composed of local, state and federal agencies, the first step is to research the agencies and identify if they are in need of your particular good or service. Many of the agencies have diversity business contracting programs designed for the benefit of local owned, small, minority and/or women businesses. This month, our focus will be government contracting on the local, state and federal levels. We will provide detailed information on how to get your foot in the door with City of Memphis, Shelby County Government, the State of Tennessee and the federal government. This week, we begin with a general overview of the diversity programs offered by the various levels of government.
City of Memphis
According to the City of Memphis
website, the Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) Program is designed to encourage minority-owned business enterprises (MBEs) and women-owned business enterprises (WBEs) to pursue business with Carlee McCullough the City. Administered by the Office of Contract Compliance, the program establishes specific diversity goals for various individual projects and specific lists of certified firms are provided to respondents to use in an effort to meet those goals. Additionally, the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program was created to promote commerce by encouraging SBEs to actively participate in the City’s procurement process. These firms must have their businesses in Memphis and are certified according to Small Business Administration standards. The City of Memphis has designated a goal of 25 percent of all contracting opportunities for the SBE Program. Certification for the various programs listed above is provided by the Uniform Certification Agency (MBE/WBE/SBE), Tennessee Minority Supplier Development Council (MBE), and/or the Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBE).
Shelby County Government
Shelby County government – according to its website – believes that a successful community is one where all levels of society and business are given equal opportunity to enjoy economic success and prosperity. The Locally-Owned Small Business Initiative was created with that in mind. It is overseen by the Shelby County Equal Opportunity Compliance (EOC) office, which also certifies these entities. The county considers a locally-owned small business to be one located within Shelby County, has gross annual sales of $5 million or less over the last three fiscal years and is majority owned, operated, and controlled by a Shelby County resident.
State of Tennessee
As indicated by the State of Tennessee’s website, the Governor’s Office of Diversity Business Enterprise (Go-DBE) is the central point of contact to attract and assist minorityowned, women-owned, service-disabled veteran owned and small business enterprises interested in competing for state contracting opportunities. The primary goal of the office is to increase the number of certified minority, women-owned, small business and service-disabled veteran owned businesses desiring to compete successfully in state procurement activity. Additionally, the website states that certification as a diversity business enterprise provides greater exposure for opportunities with the state of Ten-
nessee. The names of all certified businesses appear in the Go-DBE Directory for state agencies and departments to utilize in meeting their agency’s internal goals.
Federal government
The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) website has a wealth of information on federal government contracting. According to the website, the Office of Government Contracting (GC) works to create an environment for maximum practicable participation by small, disadvantaged, service-disabled veteran-owned, and womanowned small businesses in Federal government contract awards and large prime subcontract awards. GC advocates on behalf of small business in the federal procurement environment. The United States government spends hundreds of billions of dollars annually on goods and services purchased from the private sector. Overall, the prime contracting small business goal is 23 percent, which includes the specific goals of 5 percent to Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB), 3 percent to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVO) small businesses, 5 percent to small disadvantaged businesses, and 3 percent to HUBZone firms. Under the Small Business Act, federal agencies have procurement opportunities that are reserved exclusively for small business participation, which is frequently referred to as “small business set-asides.”
Page 6
HEALTH
January 5 - 11, 2012
CHEF TIMOTHY
Start your journey to healing with ‘baby steps’ by Chef Timothy Moore Ph.D, N.M.D, C.N. Special to the Tri-State Defender
Now that a new year has begun, it’s time to make some tough decisions to improve your health. Last year I put emphasis on eating more fruit and vegetables and making the necessary lifestyle changes to bring your body up to its optimum level. The message, of course, has not changed. Last year I penned 52 columns with helpful information and suggestions that were designed to make your life a little better. This year I hope to do the same thing with a goal in mind to assist you in any way I can as you journey to health and wellness. You may ask, “How do I begin my journey?” I’m glad you asked. Start with small baby steps, and then when you’re strong enough, take the giant leap, as you become accustomed to eating the right food and making strides in changing your lifestyle. Information is the key to reaching your goal. Search for the information that will help you make a conscious decision to right what’s wrong with your health. The Internet is a good place to start. However, it lacks a couple of things: It cannot provide basic support or any type of feedback. Since we live in an information society, most of us have to be guided or shown how to proceed forward in our quest for value-added information. The most common mistake that most people make is to rely on faulty information and other people’s opinions. I’m sure most people mean well when they offer advice, but my advice would be to seek an expert opinion. Getting the right information will take you farther along on your journey to good health. If you’re thinking about making a lifestyle change, why not start now? Start charting your course so you’ll reach your goal. If it’s a partner you need, go ahead and partner with him or her to help you reach your goal. You’ll be surprised when you’re able to conquer the problems of an unhealthy diet, ill health and over-eating. There will be some ups and downs, of course, and you’ll experience some good and bad days. If you fail, don’t fret. Try it again. All you need is the motivation to succeed, even if it means a cheer or a pat on the back. There is nothing like a little encouragement. I need some myself. It helps me as I strive to do better in life. And I’m encouraged when I’m able to encourage you to do better. Sometimes change isn’t evident until we look in the mirror. You should be the first to notice
2012
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
best method of access to opportunity in a capitalist society. In 2012, I predict STEM education (Science, technology, engineering and math) will become a major focus of investment in K-12. Instead of STEM being perceived as niche channels for “smart” or “gifted” students, it will become a necessary integral hub around which projectbased learning helps all students understand methods of applying classroom curricula to solve real world problems. STEM education in K-12 will help develop life-long learning skills that students can apply to myriad educational platforms that expand opportunities regardless of education credentials.
Entrepreneurship offers opportunity
The Kauffman Foundation proclaims nearly all net new jobs in America since 1980 are the result of companies five years old and younger. These high-growth startups are the nation’s economic engine and the best opportunity for economically disconnected black and urban Americans to compete. They are fueled by family, friends and risk capital investments from angel investors and venture capital. I predict in 2012 entrepreneurship will explode as the key to economic success in America’s 21st century “Innovation Economy.” Black and urban America will rush into the new innovation frontier. From elementary school through higher education, students will learn key entrepreneurial principals around which they can wrap knowledge of core curricula (English, math, science, history, etc.) along with their personal creativity and passions to introduce innovative ideas that offer productive solutions to community problems.
Investment Reaps Reward
In 2012, I predict investing in urban innovation will become a familiar mantra. African Americans and Hispanic Americans have suffered the highest unemployment and deepest Depression era-like economic paradigm throughout 2011 despite optimism over the overall jobless rate dipping. The gap between median wealth of white American and AfricanAmerican families is 20 times … and growing wider. Another growing disparity is the constant stream of angel investments flowing into new companies to spur innovation and job growth. More than $3.5 billion was targeted toward startup companies by angel investors alone in the first half of 2011. Few of those investors were African Americans. And few of those startup companies were led by African-American founders. Congress is seeking to lower the bar for angel investing and open the door for
you. Do you like what you see? Is the image in the mirror not as desirable as you’d want? Do you cringe when you look at yourself in the flesh? You can do something about it, you know. Change your diet, change your lifestyle, and exercise. Making small changes first is best if you’re trying Dr. Timothy to make over your life. What you see in the mirror Moore may require more work, but do it in incremental steps. Just imagine what you Making small changes first is looked like before you mistreated your body. Now I’m best if you’re well aware that most of us trying to make won’t be able to return to over your life. those days when we were What you see in slim, trimmed, toned and the mirror may buffed. But it wouldn’t hurt to try. require more If you’re taking medicawork, but do it tion, you’ll be surprised in incremental when the dosage is lowered as you continue to eat steps. ... I’m healthy and exercise. You’d well aware that surely lose weight, control most of us diabetes, reduce your chowon’t be able to lesterol and rid your body of return to those dangerous toxins – even dedays when we bilitating diseases. Whatever ails you can be were slim, controlled or totally eraditrimmed, toned cated. It’s a time to heal. If and buffed. But you’re trying to lose weight, it wouldn’t hurt there are so many weightloss programs being adverto try. tised on television. Some of them are misleading and misguided. If you eat healthy and exercise, you won’t need them anyway. If you think you won’t have the time or the energy to make the necessary lifestyle changes so you can live a wholesome life, you’ll be making a big mistake. You can do it one step at a time, but never concede to a sedentary lifestyle. It’s unhealthy. Just do what is healthy for you – and live.
(Dr. Timothy Moore teaches nutrition, heart disease and diabetes reversal through a plantbased lifestyle. He is a professional speaker, wellness coach and personal plant-based chef. He can be reached by email at cheftimothy@cheftimothymoore.com or visit him on the Web at http://www.cheftimothymoore.com or www.twitter.com/cheftimmoore; or text him at 33938 message Chef.) startup founders to raise capital via crowdfunding. In 2012, I predict crowdfunding will grow, along with interest in investing in urban innovators.
Initiating an economic movement
In 2012, I predict black and urban America will be inspired by a man who is destined to become a household name, Johnathan Holifield. Long before America heard the name Barack Obama, Johnathan Holifield was tilling the ground of technology in the Midwest, developing technology based learning centers, advising governors and mayors on the growing “Innovation Economy” (then called the “new economy”) and educating the Urban League leadership with a vision that was decades ahead of the in-house paradigm. George Fraser, a well-known advocate of building wealth in Black America, paid homage to Holifield when he heard him speak at Rutgers Business School on Nov. 16, 2011, during the first-ever “Gathering of Angels” Summit. Fraser characterized Holifield’s 45-minute speech as a “Harvard-level presentation.” Holifield is a co-founder of The America21 Project, a national nonprofit dedicated to changing the economic narrative in Black and Urban America and being a catalyst for an economic movement that will connect economically disconnected sectors of America with the fastpaced Innovation Economy.
Exponential economic impact
In 2012, I predict African-American journalists and media will become the storytellers of an economic movement in black and urban America. African-American journalists will turn their attention to gaining a better understanding of the Innovation Economy and its job growth and wealth generating processes. AfricanAmerican media will begin the process of educating black and urban communities about the Innovation Economy and channels of access and participation. There will be a resurgence of productivity as more of black and urban America understand the economic power inherent within Black America to invest in urban innovators, create jobs and expand the overall economy while reaping internal rewards. That revenue generated by high-growth black-owned businesses will move the needle of Black America’s contribution to the nation’s GDP above the 1 percent mark, which will be a historic impact. I predict Black America will start to compete across industry markets and the “Year of the Urban Innovator” will ignite a firestorm of urban entrepreneurial activity resulting in an exponential economic impact across America. (Mike Green is an award-winning journalist and blogger for The Huffington Post. Contact him at mike@blackinnovation.org.)
Tri-State Defender
COMMUNITY
Tri-State Defender
Page 7
January 5 - 11, 2012
BRIEFS & THINGS Housing, economic development and jobs draw conference focus
Banks, government officials and community leaders will participate in this weekend’s conference to help those facing foreclosure. Coordinated by Rep. G.A. Hardaway, the Home for the Holidays: Housing, Economic Development and Jobs Conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 7) on the Union Campus of Southwest Tennessee Community College, 737 Union Avenue, in the Verties Sails Gym and Building E. Special guests include Bill Hagerty, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development; Karla Davis, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development; and Ted Fellman, executive director of the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA). The trio will participate in the opening panel discussion, along with HCD deputy director Beverly Goines. Deidre Malone, Thomas Burrell, Dr. Doug Campbell, Darrell Cobbins, Alandas Dobbins, Debra Evans and Lucy Shaw will participate in a panel discussion on black economics beginning at 12:45 p.m. The free conference will be hosted by Rep. Hardaway, TriState Bank, the New Tri-State Defender (TSD), the Black Business Association of Memphis, Memphis Light, Gas & Water and Sen. Reginald Tate. Bank of America, SunTrust Bank and Wells Fargo Bank will provide mortgage counseling assistance for their customers. Citizens Bank and the TSD will present a church mortgage workshop for pastors and church leaders. In addition, there will be other panel discussions and roundtable talks on economics, labor and housing, as well as workshops, exhibitors and a job fair. Other participants include Bee Manufacturing, Best Nurses Inc., Binghampton CDC, City of Memphis Housing and Community Development, Community Alliance for the Homeless, First Tennessee Bank, Hope Mortgage/Hope Federal Credit Union, Memphis Branch NAACP, Memphis City Schools Displaced Student Services, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Tennessee Department of Veteran Affairs, United Housing Inc., U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Workforce Investment Network. For more information, call 901827-0836 or 615-741-5625. A complete schedule of events and speakers is available by emailing fhsecretshop@yahoo.com.
Goodbye past!...
On New Yearʼs Eve, members and guests of Pentecostal Temple Church of God Christ joined pastor Charles H. Mason Patterson Sr. in burying the weight of the past and celebrating the release. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)
His way…
Memphis City Council Chairman Myron Lowery sings “My Girl” with the Peacemakers during his annual New Yearʼs Eve brunch at the Memphis Airport Hilton. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)
Get those apps in for Mentoring Awards
The deadline is Jan. 11 for nominations for the Memphis Cares Mentoring Movement Mentoring Awards. The three categories of awards are: The AC and Ruby Wharton Mentoring Award established by the Black Rose Foundation for Children and Memphis Cares Mentoring Movement as an honor to the Whartons (Mayor A C Wharton Jr., and attorney Ruby Wharton, managing partner of The Wharton Law Firm. The Imani (Faith) Award presented to churches, organizations and/or institutions that have demonstrated strong commitment to mentoring Memphis-area children for at least one year. The Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) Award for individuals that have made outstanding contributions through mentoring for at least one year. For more information, email coordinator@memphis cares.org or call Dr. Sheila Flemming-Hunter at 901-844-3572. To download an application, visit www.blackrose foundation.org/apps.html
Tone setter… Committed to serve…
Guelel Kumba helped Kwanzaa participants tune into the vibes of the day during a Memphis Kwanzaa International celebration at the Memphis Botanic Gardens. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)
A C Wharton Jr. took the oath of office for his first fouryear term as Mayor of Memphis on January 1, with his wife, attorney Ruby Wharton, lending a hand. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)
Familiar faces set to serve for a good cause
Celebrity Waiters Night will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Jan. 12 at Buffalo Wild Wings (8385 Highway 64 in Bartlett) as a fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House. Patrons will be served by some of their favorite local celebrities, including: Rapper Lil’ P-Nut; Channel 3’s Claudia Barr, Markova Reed, and Austen Onek; Fox 13’s Tom Dees and “Good Morning Memphis” anchor Valerie Calhoun; ABC 24’s Cameron Harper; Action News 5’s Joe Birch; Mrs. Tennessee International 2011 Mary-Marsha Riley. The evening will include beer and wing specials, and a wing-eating contest. One hundred percent of the Celebrity Waiters’ tips will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities® Memphis and families with children battling cancer. In addition, the 21st Annual Ronald McDonald House® Radiothon will take place Feb. 9-10 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Jubilee Day…
The 31st Annual Jubilee Day celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation was held last Saturday (Dec. 31) at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church at 491 East McLemore, where the Rev. Dr. A. McKinley Royal is the host pastor. The celebration was sponsored by Prince Hall Masons, Order of Eastern Stars, with the Memphis Branch NAACP as special guest. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)
Partners in creativity…
Johari Kazana (aka Toni), operator of The Java Complex, and Ayanna Ruby Payne (right), president and CEO of MidSouth Kwanzaa Inc., helped celebrate Kuumba (Creativity) last Saturday (Dec 31) at the complex at 1423 Elvis Presley Blvd. (Tyrone P. Easley)
RELIGION
Page 8
Tri-State Defender
January 5 - 11, 2012
LIVING THE LIFE I LOVE
Soul-directed sights come into view when resistance is kicked to the curb
Dear Lucy: Last year I started wearing eyeglasses. I have had to have the prescription changed once this year to a stronger lens. The doctor says that I don’t have any kind of awful threat of going blind or anything like that, it’s just that I have reached a certain age. I really don’t like wearing glasses and I am always misplacing my glasses. It’s really getting annoying because I seem to be obsessed with this thing about my eyes. Any thoughts about this? – CY
Dear CY: It seems that during the past few weeks I have been having lots of thoughts about my own eyes and other people are talking to me about theirs! You are seeing a doctor and so you should deal with your doctor on what’s happening from a physical standpoint. I have mine checked right on schedule and recently renewed my prescription. My opinion, on the other hand is from a different perspective. When I think about the human faculties of seeing and hearing, this statement of Jesus
always comes up for me....“Let those with eyes to see, see and those with ears to hear, hear.” He was not talking about physical eyes and ears. Rather, he was referring to our spiritual sight and hearing. Lucy Here is what Shaw has been happening to me over the last two to three months. I let this slip by me until recently when some things started happening to make me stop and really consider. I have been wearing eyeglasses as a necessity for several years now. I really resisted wearing them. My baby sister had LASIK surgery at 40 years old after wearing glasses from the time she was a teen. She called me on her way from the surgery amazed at her new found capacity to see clearly without glasses. I am ten years older than her and at the time that I checked into the surgery, I
was told my eyes were “too old.” So, while I don’t receive this business about “old eyes” (or old anything!), I settled on wearing my eyeglasses. Now, I like to make life fun and interesting. So does my sister, Carole, who also wears glasses. So we buy prescription eyeglasses in different shapes, colors and styles just to entertain our vanity and maybe even make an occasional fashion statement while we use the gift of physical vision. That may seem expensive or extravagant to some, but it’s a choice between the glasses and some other thing to spend money on. We have also found an affordable means of doing this. And, it works for us. But, lately, I have been misplacing eyeglasses left and right! I mean flat out losing them and not being able to find them. This is a weird thing for me because I believe that nothing in God’s universe can be lost...temporarily misplaced, but not lost. I now have three pairs of missing eyeglasses. Here is what I am doing about it: One: I am affirming diligently that they are not lost.
AME Church in full get-ready mode for Nashville conference
Special to the Tri-State Defender
The Rev. Coleman Crawford Jr. has served as pastor of Grace Missionary Baptist Church for 50 years. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley) ception at the church to unveil a banner depicting momentous occasions of Rev. Crawford as pastor and to share gifts of love. Among those present were members who have been with Crawford for the 50 years. They were Joy Rogers Stout, Dr. Inetta F. Rogers, Loverta Rogers Dorris, Sandra Jackson Edwards, Carl Jefferson, and the Rev. Charles Liggins. Two charter members that remain active are Oscar Jackson and Mary Jackson. Timothy C. O. Stout, CDM, served as chair of the reception. Crawford’s ministerial accomplishments are evident on the local, state and national levels. On the local level, he has served as president of the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association, moderator and dean of the Union Progressive District Association and Dean in Congresses. On the state level, Crawford has served as state president of the North Mississippi Baptist Education Convention.
And on the national level, he is a member of National Baptist Convention Board of Directors. He said he has been blessed to impart knowledge by serving as an instructor in the local, state and national Congresses, the educational arm of the denomination. Crawford maintains his commitment to support his alma mater, The LeMoyne-Owen College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science. His pastorate resume also includes having served 43 years as pastor of Fredonia Baptist Church in Coldwater, Miss. and eight months at Middle Baptist Church – Whitehaven. A public celebration of Crawford’s service is scheduled for April 28 at the Hilton Hotel on Ridgelake Blvd. at 5 p.m. For more information, including tickets, call the church at 901-527-9144. The Rev. Dr. Inetta F. Rogers is chair and the Rev. Mack Holloway is co-chair of the 50th Anniversary Committee.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church will hold its General Conference at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville on June 27 through July 4. Approximately 30,000 attendees are expected to attend the 49th Quadrennial of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. With this summer’s conference looming, a forerunner event involving the General Conference Commission was held December 12-14 at the Opryland Resort, with 550-plus AME officials, delegates, observers and vendors in attendance. “I am pleased by the progress we are making and encouraged that the intricate facets, details and dynamics to have a flawless General Conference are being put in place,” said Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, chair of the Commission. “Even more, I salute the people, both professional and volunteers, who are stepping up to the plate to offer their time, talents, skills, and services to make a difference.” The Quadrennial of the General Conference occurs every four years in a predetermined city in the United States; in 2008, it was held in St. Louis. Presiding Prelate Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Bishop of the 13th Episcopal District (covering the states of Tennessee and Kentucky), will be the host bishop of the event. “I am honored to serve as host for this major event in Music City, USA, having lived and served this area for nearly eight years,” said
A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. — Ephesians 2:8
with these eyeglasses is making me think that I need to check my spiritual arrogance at the door and step up my game of obedience and willingness to see and hear using my spiritual faculties right along with my physical ones. So, I am giving thanks for both my physical and spiritual vision along with a willingness, intention and expectation for the highest and greatest outcome with both! Join me in this experiment. Using my eyes to see and my ears to hear, Lucy
Check out Lucy Shaw’s website at http://www.heartworks4u.com. You may send your questions to her by U.S. mail to: Heartworks4U, LLC; 4646 Poplar Ave. Ste 201, Memphis, TN 38117 or by e-mail to lucy@heartworks4u.com.) (For help with the feelings that get in the way of prayer and peace of mind, get Lucy’s new book, “BE NOT ANXIOUS.” Order it directly from her at 901-907-0260 or go to her web site www.heartworks4u.com.)
RELIGION BRIEFS
The love and labor of pastoring 50 years In January 1962, the Rev. Coleman Crawford Jr. was called to the pastorate of Grace Missionary Baptist Church. On January 1, 2012, designated as Celebration Sunday, members of Grace M. B. Church honored Crawford for serving as the pastor of the church for 50 years. During his New Year’s Day morning message, Crawford chose the theme “Hitherto, the Lord hath helped us” from the book of I Samuel. Traveling down spiritual memory lane, he gave thanks to God as he spoke of his fifty years as pastor. Crawford’s pastoral works have included baptizing hundreds who professed faith in Jesus Christ, receiving those who came by letter and Christian experience, eulogizing numerous saints and a few unsaved, presiding over a countless number of weddings, consecrating scores of babies, counseling members and couples, preaching thousands of sermons on Sunday mornings and evenings, and conducting numerous revivals. Grace M.B.C. is anchored in the Oates Manor division of North Memphis at 1203 N. Manassas St., it’s fourth location. The current church building was constructed in 2004. Following the morning worship service, members gathered at a re-
Two: my prayer partner reminded me that I told her years ago to drink Eyebright tea when she had an eye problem and it worked. I went to buy some at Whole Foods and they were out. Since number one and two are not working for me, I have gone deeper into my spiritual arsenal. So, Three: I am asking myself, “What is it that my soul is urging me to see with the eyes of my spirit that I am resisting?” This came to me the other day when I left home driving and suddenly couldn’t see out of my glasses very well. I stopped the car and asked myself this question. I asked it with an intention, willingness and expectation that the answer would be revealed to me and I would hear it! Immediately, my vision cleared up and I could see (with my glasses) to drive safely again. Same glasses. Nothing changed except my willingness to see from the spirit whatever God needs me to see. I was not conscious of resisting my spiritual sight because I like to think that I am always listening and looking for God’s direction. But this thing
901-946-4095 fax 948-8311
(901) 948-3441
Early Morning..........7:45 AM Church School..........9:45 AM Morning Worship......11:00 AM
Rev. Davena Young Porter Rev. Linda A Paige Rev. Luecretia Matthews
Bible Study For Youth and Adults Tuesday - 7:00 PM “Spirit, Soul, and Body!” AM 1070 WDIA Sundays, 10:00-10:30 AM
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
SUNDAY Sunday School .....................8:30 am Morning Worship Service ....10:00am WEDNESDAY Bible Study .........................10:30 am Mid-Day Prayer Meeting .....12 noon Evening Prayer Meeting........7:00pm FRIDAY Cable Channel 17 ............... 8:00pm
TV Cable Access Broadcast Tuesdays, 7:30 PM, Channel 17 Website:www.saintandrewamec.org
Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter
TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST
672 So. Lauderdale 38126 P.O. Box 314 Memphis, Tn 38101 Phone (General) 774-1572 Pastor: 775-0740 Secretary: 775-1909 WEEKLY SERVICES
Sunday Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Night YPWW 5:00 p.m. Night Service 6:00 p.m. Tuesday Night Prayer 6:00 p.m. Bible Study 7:15 p.m. Wednesday Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m. Friday Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Night Service 7:30 p.m. BROADCASTS 9:30 a.m. Sunday WDIA - 1070 AM
No Telecast Service
The Christian Leadership Coalition’s First Annual Leadership Conference, which began Tuesday (Jan. 3), continues through Sunday (Jan. 8). The conference theme is “Leadership: The Call, The Character, The Competence.” Remaining class sessions are set for Thursday through Saturday at Greater Middle Baptist Church at 4982 Knight Arnold Rd. The final worship service is Sunday at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church at 491 S. McLemore. A quartet of pastors – the Rev. A. McKinley Royal, the Rev. Robert L. Mason, the Rev. Callaway Bain and the Rev. Brandon Blake – serve as conference instructors. For more information, email TheCLC2011@gmail.com or call 901367-0103 or 901-775-0040.
867 SOUTH PARKWAY EAST Memphis, TN 38106
Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., Pastor
ASSOCIATE MINISTERS
Christian Leadership conference under way
ST. ANDREW A.M.E. CHURCH
METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH
767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126
McKenzie. “I want to showcase all the 13th district has to offer and our team of officials and volunteers will work tirelessly to see that it happens.” Treasurer and CFO of the AME Church, Richard A. Lewis, said, “We will certainly do our best to show our guests true Tennessee hospitality….The economic impact this event will have on Nashville is tremendous.” The theme for the conference is “Exalting Christ to Impact the World,” and will feature worship services, business meetings and the election of bishops and general officers of the church worldwide. For more information, visit www. ame-church.com or email 2012GC@amecnational.org or call 202-371-8700.
Dr. David Allen Hall Pastor
“The Founder’s Church”
First Pastor: Senior Bishop C.H. Mason
THE BLVD Ea s t 6745 Wol f Ri v e r B oule v a r d @ Ki r by Pa r k wa y ( i n t he Cl a rk Ope r a Me mphi s Ce nte r ) Me mp h i s T N 3 8 1 2 0
Dr. Frank A. Thomas Senior Servant
Child Care Center (901) 948-6441 Monday-Friday 6 AM- 5:30 PM Emergency Food Pantry Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, Pastor & Clothes Closet Rev. Marilynn S. Robinson, Co-Pastor Wednesday 6 PM-8 PM
“Ministering to Memphis-Spirit, Soul and Body”
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you —Matthew 7:7
Tri-State Defender
January 5 - 11, 2012
Page 9
ARTS & LEISURE Tri-State Defender, Thursday, January 5 - 11, 2012, Page 10
WHAT’S HAPPENING MYRON?
On the receiving end of ‘Happy Anniversary!’
F o u r years ago I opened up the microphone for the first time and uttered these words: “Soul Classics 1 0 3 . 5 , Myron Number Mays one for old school.” Wow, it’s hard to believe that I have been at that station for that long. I guess time flies when…well, you know the rest. I started out in radio back in 1994. The setting was a small radio station in Senatobia, Miss. I had not been on the radio a day in my life when I walked in the building and spoke to the station manager. I expressed my interest in getting into radio and offered to work for free, just to learn. Get this: I ended up walking out the door not only with that opportunity, but with a small hourly wage as well. I fell in love with my new career, which has featured stints at four radio stations, and work with television stations as well. And some 18 years later, I still absolutely love what I do. Not only is it my fourth anniversary on 103.5, this week also marks my fourth anniversary as a columnist for the New Tri-State Defender as well. Back then, however, my column was called “Ask Myron.” My first column ran under the headline, “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” I talked about how there is no more love in our music. Now, four years and a name change later, I still love sharing my thoughts on pop culture and informing you on what’s happening in and around town. Trust me when I say, “The best is yet to come!”
Dekey at the Bartlett Comedy Spot
I’m sure you’ve heard about the Bartlett Comedy Spot at 5709 Raleigh Lagrange at Sycamore view by now, right? Well, come and get your laugh on this weekend with ATL Comedian DEKEY’s from “Who’s Got Jokes” and BET’s “Comic View.” Two shows – 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. – are set for Friday and Saturday nights. Admission is $10!
SPOTLIGHT: LITERATURE
A centenarian’s voting lesson for all ages “She looked forward to casting her vote for the countryʼs first African-American president. She was 106.” Special to the Tri-State Defender
by Luctrica Lewis
I’m sure many of you have heard about, read or seen something about Mary Alice Gandy, whether on CNN, CBS, NBC, BBC or “The Michael Baisden Show,” in Jet Magazine or The Commercial Appeal, or featured in our very own New Tri-State Defender. Well, now you can read the full story on how and why Mrs. Mary Alice Gandy decided to vote for the first time at the age of 106 years old. It’s all in “Grandma’s Big Vote,” written by her grandson, William A. Gandy Jr. A local business owner, Gandy Jr. is an alum of Memphis State University (now University of Memphis), a graduate of TBC and the church musician at Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ in Memphis. Gandy spent a lot of time with his grandmother, who died at age 108 in 2009. He decided to write a book about her to inspire young and old to believe that their votes really do count. “Most importantly, it is never too late to vote,” said Gandy. Mary Alice Gandy is widely recognized as one of the oldest people in the world to vote for the very first time. The harsh realities she faced growing up in the deep, segregated South contributed heavily to the time lapse. “Hope” stopped by in 2008 when Gandy learned that Barack Obama, an African-American, was running for President of the United States as the Democratic Party nominee. It was enough to inspire her to vote. After the election, representatives from the office of U.S. President-elect Barack Obama called Mrs. Gandy. They invited her to attend the inauguration – all expenses paid by President Obama. She respectfully declined, noting her fragile health. Mary Gandy lived through many eras in America, including 18 presidents, World War I, The Great Depression, World War II, segregation, desegregation, the civil rights movement and President Obama’s election. Grandson Gandy, reflecting on his grandmother and the importance of voting, said, “Let’s stay focused on young people. And let’s get rid of the mice and kittens (in office), and let’s get some lions, tigers and bears into office.” You can find “Grandma’s Big Vote” at DavisKidd Bookstore on Poplar. Also coming soon: “Grandma’s Big Vote,” a screenplay, with the premiere tentatively set for April 17, which would have been Mary Alice Gandy’s 110th birthday. And during Black History Month, William Gandy Jr. will host a book signing (Feb. 21 at 6 p.m.) at Davis-Kidd Bookstore at 387 Perkins Road Ext.
“Grandmasʼs Big Vote” by William A. Gandy Jr. Illustrated by Brian Truesby Gandy Publishing Co.
‘Five Guys Named Moe’
Edge Productions presents the “Five Guys Named Moe Music Review” at the New Daisy Theatre on historic Beale Street on Thursday, Jan. 12. “Five Guys Named Moe” is a musical by Clarke Peters, with music by Louis Jordan and others. The musical originated in the UK in 1990 at Theatre Royal Stratford East, running for over four years in the West End, and then premiering on Broadway in 1992. There will be a show at 6:30 p.m. with a matinee show at 11 a.m. Tickets are $7, with ages three and under free. For more information, including group rates, call 901-721-5757.
New Year’s note: The easiest New Year’s resolution anyone can have is to “stay alive.” I mean think about it, if you’re not alive, nothing else really matters, right? OK, maybe I’m being a little silly. But you get my point, right?
(If you have an event you’d like for me to cover or attend, send me an email at M y r o n @ w h a t s happeningmyron.com. I’m there!)
Born in 1902, Mary Alice Gandy decided that she wanted to be part of history – then-Sen. Barack Obamaʼs bid to become the first African-American president. Gandy, 106, took advantage of the Early Voting period for the 2008 Presidential Election and voted for the first time in her life.
Anti-aging ‘formula’ laced with willpower
“The Fine Wine of Aging: 7 Habits of Forever Youthful People” by Angela M. Bryan, MPA/RD CreateSpace Paperback, $6.99 50 pages Special to the Tri-State Defender
by Kam Williams
“Many people confuse aging with getting older… Everyone grows older with time. It’s just a part of living… But aging is a progressive and gradual change in the physiological functions (of) the body and
mind…Aging is gradually being unable to do everything you did when you were younger. The fine wine of aging is the ability to control and support the internal environment of your body and your mind to such an extent that, as the chronological age increases, the physiological and metabolic functions are maintained or improved… In other words, the fine wine of aging is being able to do most of the things you did when you were younger, as you grow older.” Excerpted from Chapter Two - “What Is Aging” (pgs. 4-5)
The dawn of a new year generally marks the moment when most people pause to take stock of their lives before making an annual list of self-improvement resolutions. And for many us, that means a rededication to issues revolving around health and/or weight loss. For that reason, a how-to book like “The Fine Wine of Aging” might come in handy right about now. This compact primer on delaying the aging process was written by Angela Bryan, a registered dietician who works for USDA’s Food and Nutrition Services Department. Over the course of her ca-
reer, the author has encountered a number of folks from all walks of life “who look and feel 10-20 years younger than their chronological age.” Upon asking them to share their secrets, lo and behold, she discovered that they had a lot in common, and distilled the essence of their daily regimen to the seven habits that serve as the basis for this opus. Ranging from eating healthily to exercising regularly to going to bed early to drinking plenty of water to breathing fresh air to maintaining one’s balance to minimizing stress, they sort of sound like common sense ex-
cept they are actually easier said than done in this highpressure age of over-scheduling and incessant demands which must often be met while on the run. In sum, hats off to Bryan for providing a viable game plan for anyone really ready to walk the walk rather than merely talk the talk when it comes to this year’s resolutions. Fair warning: the successful anti-aging formula calls for summoning the willpower suggested in the Biblical message of John 13:17: “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” Amen.
ARTS & LEISURE
Tri-State Defender
Page 11
January 5 - 11, 2012
Queen Latifah: The ‘Joyful Noise’ take
(Front l-r) Dolly Parton as G.G. Sparrow, Keke Palmer as Olivia Hill and Queen Latifah as Vi Rose Hill in “Joyful Noise,” (Photos by Van Redin/ Warner Bros. Pictures)
Specials to the Tri-State Defender
by Kam Williams
(Queen Latifah talks about her latest movie, “Joyful Noise,” a musical comedy co-starring Dolly Parton.)
Kam Williams: Hi Queen, thanks for the interview. Queen Latifah: Hey, Kam, no problem.
KW: What interested you in “Joyful Noise?” QL: I felt that its timely, uplifting story was perfect for me, given what’s going on in the world right now. And I already loved the studio, Alcon Entertainment. They’ve made a lot of nice movies in the past (“The Blind Side,” “Dolphin Tale,” etc.), and they really do a great job of marketing their films. And I liked the idea of working with Dolly Parton and Keke (Palmer).
KW: Larry Greenberg asks: “What was it like working with Todd Graff? It seems like he knows a lot about both music and comedy. QL: He really does. It was great working with him because he’s very thorough. I believe he had an excellent grasp of every aspect of the film from the music to the staging. He knew exactly how he wanted it presented, which made the process a lot easier. And he likes to rehearse, which I do too. So often, you don’t get that opportunity. You only go over everything once and, the next thing you know, you’re on set. Todd had a vision of what he wanted to do and, because he also wrote the screenplay, it was easy for him to make observations, take notes and tweak the script whenever necessary. It was perfect! KW: Editor/Legist Patricia Turnier asks: “What message do you think people will take away from “Joyful Noise?” QL: I would say that overall, the movie offers an inspirational message of hope, love, camaraderie, joy and overcoming challenges in difficult times. All that good stuff!
KW: Harriet Pakula Teweles asks: “What’s your favorite song in Joyful Noise?” QL: My favorite song? For me, it was “Fix me, Jesus.”
KW: Harriet also asks: “How hard was it to make the switch from hip-hop to acting? QL: Developing my skills and getting really good at acting was actually more challenging than making the switch. As a rapper, you sort of act in music videos and in the persona you adopt onstage. You kinda have to put yourself out there and be courageous even to be a rapper. So, to step into acting was not that difficult a transition to make. What was difficult was the work and the practice that went into becoming good at it, because I hadn’t had any training.
KW: Patricia Turnier also asks: “What advice do you have for females interested
OPENING THIS WEEK
Kam’s Kapsules:
Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun
Special to the Tri-State Defender
by Kam Williams
For movies opening Jan. 6, 2012
BIG BUDGET FILMS
“The Devil Inside” (R for profanity, disturbing images, grisly violence and sexual references) Found-footage horror flick about a young woman (Fernande Andrade) who enlists the assistance of two priests (Simon Quarterman and Evan Helmuth) to conduct an exorcism on her mother (Suzan Crowley) at the hospital for the criminally insane where the demon-possessed murderer has been locked up since committing to a triple slaying back in 1989. With Ionut Grama, Bonnie Morgan and Brian Johnson.
INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS
“Beneath the Darkness” (R for violence and profanity) Suspense thriller about four teenagers (Tony Oller, Aimee Teegarden, Stephen Lunsford and Devon Werkheiser) whose grim discovery at the local funeral home makes them the target of a sadistic mortician (Dennis Quaid) who will stop at nothing to keep his secret buried. With Brett Cullen, Dahlia Waingort and Wilbur Penn.
“It’s about You” (Unrated) Rockumentary road flick, shot on Super 8 film, chronicling John Mellencamp’s 2009 studio sessions and summer concert tour where he shared the bill with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson.
“Norwegian Wood” (Unrated) Romance drama, set in Tokyo in 1969, about a Beatles fan (Ken’ichi Matsuyama) torn between dating a cute, college classmate (Kiko Mizuhara) and the emotionally-unavailable ex-girlfriend (Rinko Kikuchi) of a pal (Kengo Kora) who recently committed suicide. With Yuki Ito, Eriko Hatsune and Takao Handa. (In Japanese with subtitles)
“Once upon a Time in Anatolia” (Unrated) Fact-based drama about a posse formed to search the grasslands outside the town of Ceskin for the body of a murder victim (Erol Eraslan) buried alive by a couple of inebriated brothers (Burhan Yildiz and Firat Tanis). With Muhammet Uzuner, Yilmaz Erdogan and Taner Birsel. (In Turkish with subtitles)
“Roadie” (R for drug use and pervasive profanity) Prodigal Son drama about an aging roadie (Ron Eldard) who retires after 20 years working for the rock group Blue Oyster Cult to return to his childhood home in Queens to care for his ailing mom (Lois Smith). With David Margulies, Bobby Cannavale, Jill Hennessy and Suzette Gunn.
in founding a record company or breaking the glass ceiling in the music business?” QL: Try to network with others, and don’t take no for an answer. It will be a challenge. You just have to connect with people who believe in your vision and who will work with you and advance your cause. And don’t give up!
(L-r) Queen Latifah as Vi Rose Hill, Courtney B. Vance as Pastor Dale and Dolly Parton as G.G. Sparrow in Alcon Entertainment's “Joyful Noise.”
KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see? QL: I see this 5’10” black lady. She’s sexy! Who is that girl? Me? Oh, snap!... KW: Thanks again for the time, Queen, and best of luck with “Joyful Noise.” QL: Thank you, Kam.
Jan. 5-11, 2012
HOROSCOPES
ARIES Busy week as the energy around you seems super-charged. With everyone rushing about you will wonder how you’ll get anything done much less the things you feel you must get done. Not to worry. Stay calm and flexible and a way will be found. TAURUS You may feel a bit crabby about your health this week. If you feel you need a physical checkup make the appointment this week, if you want to feel and look better this week skip some lunches and take walks instead. GEMINI A new version of an old project lands on your desk this week, and you are not happy about the added responsibility. Recognize it as an opportunity to find the good in all situations. Think of ways to enjoy this task and you’ll feel happier at the end of the week. CANCER Pleasure is on your agenda and you’ll find many ways to indulge your craving for quality leisure time. It’s a good idea to keep a cautious eye on your budget; don’t scrimp, just don’t overspend. Get-togethers with friends and family will add to your happiness, especially in the evenings. LEO Communications flow smoothly this week and your intuition is high. A wild idea for money making could come to you, but you should let it walk on by. Stick to your current plan and use your imagination for ways to streamline your work. VIRGO The companionship of a dear friend or partner is special this week. You’ll be deeply grateful that you have this person in your life. Friendship like this is a blessing, and you are truly blessed with many people who love and care for you. Letting them know how much you care will warm and charm the hearts near to you. LIBRA You continue in your togetherness cycle.
Communications between partners are tender and cooperative. You who are single are attracting new admirers every week. The feeling that you share the thoughts of another will be very strong this week. Call this person and validate your intuition. A new invitation arrives in the mail this week. SCORPIO What’s this – a fly in your personal soup? Fish it out, and don’t sweat the small stuff this week. Keep your optimism revved up by remembering how unstoppably brilliant and wonderful you are. You can handle any situation with poise and grace. This week, practice your grace under a little pressure. You’ll be amazed and proud of yourself by how well you manage! SAGITTARIUS Phone calls or letters come in from friends you haven’t seen lately, and you’ll feel very happy with all their news. You continue to feel very close to a partner, and romantic chat touches on deep subjects this week. Continue to explore your levels of intimacy. “How deep is your love?” and “Ain’t no mountain high enough!” CAPRICORN This is a gold-star week. You’ll be positively glowing at any and all social events. Many gifts, both tangible and intangible, come to you this week through friendship and from close ties. Enjoy your fabulous self very much. Your sweetheart may want to talk about a deeper commitment. AQUARIUS More luck, more opportunities, and more love are in the stars for you this week. Enjoy this up-cycle, and let the things you do with your gifts and talents have lasting effects. Social gatherings are favored. Wear your brightest smile and trust your intuition. PISCES Give yourself a chance to learn all you can about love this week. This is a week when you are open to new ideas. Make those ideas center on relationships. Financial matters are worrisome but they can wait. NNPA News Service
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MO MONEY
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
wanted to bring good service to regular people where they could feel comfortable. People are always talking down to us, or at us, and the blue collar, everyday black man and woman is what we based this business on. We don’t try to make people think we’re better than them. We never wanted to do the high-end tax market. For us it was about helping people. There was a lot our people didn’t know about taxes and we wanted to help them.” That audience received a great shock last year when the company’s annual release was a slow-themed, downtown montage announcing that Mo Money Taxes was over and done with, to be replaced by a new company, MoneyCo, offering the same service by the same people. The announcement set off a boiling pot of speculation about what in the world would cause them to jettison such a valuable name? Initial public relations pushed out a message that the company was trying to mainstream and grow, but from Granberry’s point of view it was an offshoot of their growth. He recalled how they discovered the value of their name brand on a strange trip to Montgomery, Ala. “This was right around the turn of the new millennium. We got a call from a guy that worked for one of the major services that was trying to buy us out,” Granberry said. “We were both building these huge houses, 5,000 square feet, and he was at my property discussing things when he asked me how could he buy a house
Legal notices
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Separate sealed BIDS will be received by the Town of Collierville at the office of the Director of General Services at 500 Poplar View Parkway, Collierville, Tennessee until 2:00:00 p.m., Local Time, on the 27th day of January 2012, and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud for the construction of: Project This is a Surface Transportation Program (STP) funded project under the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Locally Managed Program. The Project is briefly described as follows: TC2011-26 “Byhalia Road Resurfacing” Copies of the CONTRACT DOCUMENTS and plans and specifications may be examined and obtained at the following location(s): Town of Collierville - Owner Director of General Services 500 Poplar View Parkway Collierville, Tennessee 38017 Examined Only at: Builderʼs Exchange 642 S. Cooper Street Memphis, Tennessee 38104
McGraw Hill Construction 4300 Beltway Place Suite 180 Arlington, TX 76018 www.dodge.construction.com
A non-refundable fee of $50.00 must be paid per set of said documents, plans and specifications. PROPOSAL CONTRACTS WILL BE ISSUED UNTIL THE TIME SET FOR OPENING BIDS Each BID must be submitted on forms provided in the BID PACKET DOCUMENTS provided and either accompanied by a BID BOND, properly executed on the form provided, or a Certified check or Cashierʼs check drawn on a National or Tennessee Bank in the amount of five percent (5%) of the TOTAL BID PRICE and payable to the Town of Collierville. The Town hereby notifies all bidders that a 10% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal has been set for this project and must be met or exceeded. The Town hereby notifies all bidders that
NEWS
Tri-State Defender
January 5 - 11, 2012
like ours. Just joking, I told him, ‘Build you a Mo Money!’” A couple of months later, Granberry and Robinson got a call to visit Montgomery. “We were down (the computers) because of the millennium and he was one of the few people we knew in the whole country who was up and could still process,” said Granberry. “He said that if we came to Alabama and showed him what we know about preparing taxes, he was going to show us what to do to get the computers back up and running (to transmit data to the IRS).” They were picked up at the airport and shown a briefcase once in the car, said Granberry. “He said, ‘There’s a gun in there and it’s to say, ‘Welcome to Alabama.’ He said, ‘I was just telling you that just in case you don’t like what I got to show you.’ We got to his place and there our sign was, cash money in the fist and all! He had started his own Mo Money! I told him I was going to sue him, but we eventually worked it out.” A licensing agreement was worked out, limiting their new, unwanted partner to 200 miles of Montgomery, leaving Granberry and Robinson the rest of the nation. “But he’s shut down,” said Robinson. “Mo Money is us.” Spring boarding throughout the nation, along came the Bush commercial, and Granberry said odd things began to happen. “There’s no way to really put a 1-23 finger on it,” said Granberry, “but there were a lot of things thrown our way. Somebody might have actually called and said, ‘I think it would be best if you changed your name. There
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it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation, and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex or disability in consideration for an award. The Town is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service. A Prime Contractor must prequalify with the Department of Transportation in accordance with Section 54-5-117 of the “Tennessee Code Annotated” and Tennessee Department of Transportation Rule 16805-3 prequalification of contractors before biddable proposals will be furnished. The successful BIDDER shall be prohibited from discriminating against any individual due to the individualʼs race, creed, color, national origin, age, or sex. Complete bid packages are available from the Purchasing Division, 500 Poplar
were things being put out that we were being sued in North Carolina, we were in trouble in Arkansas. Then rumors started going up on the net; even legal actions. None of them were successful, except for paying a fine in North Carolina that penalized us because we didn’t have a fee schedule up on an 8-x-11 sheet. “That was the only real trouble we faced during it all. And we had been operating there 17 years….We had to pay a $14,000 fine and that was the only successful legal action against us through all that madness.” Robinson said the situation in North Carolina led to problems with financing from other banks. “And the Bush commercial had made it all the way to Wall Street. Then the rumors about the fine, and it all was used to work against us.” Said Granberry: “When they played that commercial on Wall Street the trouble started.” But now they’re back to the grind, and the latest commercial is a classic Mo Money story. Johnny C is on his back, pronounced dead. The Mo Money boys hop in a limo, rush to the scene and revive him after digging up their magic logo medallion. Johnny C shouts, “And once again, it’s on!” And what of MoneyCo? “We’re keeping the name and will start pushing it again soon,” said Granberry. “It’s going to be aimed at a different, more mainstream type of audience and offer more services. We’re up and running in St. Louis now. With Mo Money back and MoneyCo getting ready to really roll, we’re going to be like the twin towers of tax preparation.”
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View Parkway, Collierville, TN 38017, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; by facsimile request at 901-457-2258; or by email request at tocpurchasing @ci.collierville.tn.us. The following information must be included in the request for a copy of any bid: *Vendor Number, Tennessee Department of Transportation Prequalification Information, Contact Name, Company Name and Address, Telephone and Fax Number, Bid Number, and Bid Due Date. *The Vendor Number may be obtained by accessing the Townʼs vendor registration site and registering as a Town of Collierville vendor at http://tocpurchasing .collierville.com/bso. If you have any questions regarding the Vendor Number, please call the Purchasing Division at (901) 4572261. Please Note: As a part of doing business with the Town of Collierville, Tennessee, each individual, company or organization is required to obtain a Vendor Number to reference when requesting a copy of any bid. The Vendor will also be required to reference its Vendor Number on
Meet Johnny C, the man who made Mo Money famous Special to the Tri-State Defender
by Tony Jones
It might be hard to believe, but the character on the Mo Money commercials is not acting. Straight up. His name is Johnny C and what you’ve seen of him on the screen is exactly the same person you get when you talk to him. If he is acting, they need to name a special Oscar after him. “Yo, what got all this started was me and Markey (Granberry) hooked up when I was trying to buy a car and we got to be boy right off the bat,” Johnny C screamed through the phone. “He was selling some big ole’ car and when I came up, I’m a trip down here in the ‘Sip (he lives in Mississippi), he saw all this old school hip hop stuff I had in the car. The real deal, like Todd Shaw, that’s Too Short to white people that don’t understand. That was before Calvin Broadus got to be Snoop, know what I’m saying?” The pair vibed up immediately and C became the manager for the rap group Granberry was in at the time. “They had the worst line you ever heard,” said C, then throws out a few lines. “The group was called I-C-K, the worst rap group in history.” Granberry laughed, but said it wasn’t that awful. Asked to come out of character to discuss what he does for a living, this
the Bid Response Form. THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED. The Town may waive any informalities or irregularities. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of the Town is the final authority and shall have the right to reject any single BID or all BIDS submitted. Director of General Services Town of Collierville, Tennessee PUBLIC NOTICE THE MEMPHIS URBAN AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION In compliance with federal regulations 23 CFR 450, the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is releasing the Draft Direction 2040: Long Range Transportation Plan for public review beginning January 17, 2012. The public is hereby given notice that this document is available for review 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM Monday through Friday in the offices of the Memphis MPO located at 125 N. Main Street, Room 450, Memphis, TN 38103 or for download from the Internet at: www.memphismpo.org and www.direction2040.com. The English and Spanish language copies are also available for public review in the library systems of Memphis, Shelby County, and Fayette County, Tennessee and DeSoto County, Mississippi. Written public comments on the Direction 2040: Long Range Transportation Plan will be accepted until February 17, 2012. Comments may be submitted to Pragati Srivastava, Memphis MPO, 125 N. Main Street, Suite 450, Memphis, TN 38103 or via email at Pragati.Srivastava@memphistn.gov. This public notice has been prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, and the Tennessee and Mississippi Departments of Transportation. This notice is also being funded (in part) under an agreement with the State of Tennessee, Department of Transportation, and the State of Mississippi, Department of Transportation. It is the policy of the Memphis Urban Area MPO not to discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin or disability in its hiring or employment practices, or in its admissions to or operations of its program, services, or activities. All inquiries for Title VI and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or for persons
is how C replied: “Aw naw, I get into character when I have to go out and work. I’m a salesman. I sell anything you want. What do you want to buy?” And on and on it kept coming. Johnny C “That first commercial, man it was whacked,” C remembered. “We were sitting there trying to be funny, and finally I came up with, ‘It’s on like a pot of neckbones!’And Markey said that was it and he was right. They (the film crew) always have a script and stuff and it never comes out right. I have to rewrite it because they’re not as funny as I am.” That’s really how it works,” said Mo Money’s Derrick Robinson. “We all know each other so well, it’s the camera filming us having fun. Markey and I do almost everything together and that’s how the commercials came up. We wanted something that would speak to our market, the young hip-hoppers and the blue-collar people. That’s us and that’s what we were trying to achieve. We’re just glad it worked.” C gets the close. “And make sure you get a good picture of me. I’ve lost over 100 pounds. I have a personal trainer that comes in every day. I’m way sexy now.”
with disabilities that require aids or services to participate in the review of these documents may contact Carlos McCloud at 901576-7156, fax (901) 576-7272; or email Carlos.McCloud@memphistn.gov to make accessibility arrangements.
LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) The Aging Commission of the MidSouth, Inc., the area agency on aging and disability (AAAD), for PSA 9 which includes the City of Memphis, and Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby and Tipton Counties in West Tennessee is soliciting proposals from public, private, non-profit and profit-making organizations to provide out of home respite/adult day care services to older adults and adults with disabilities in our geographic area. A nursing home, assisted living or adult day care license is required to provide this service. Program funding to providers selected will begin July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013. Grant period may be extended for additional years. Funds will be available under the Older Americans Act Family Caregiver Program. These funds are not intended for capital expenditures. The Aging Commission of the Mid-South, Inc. reserves the right to negotiate additional contracts under this RFP in subsequent years of the procurement cycle. Any proposal submitted must address our planning and service area and; must serve persons 60 years of age and older, and adults with disabilities and; abide by all State, Federal and Local regulations, policies and procedures as promulgated under the Older Americans Act. This request for proposals is authorized by the Older Americans Act, as amended in 2000. In accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 45, Part 74 and the Tennessee Commission on Aging Policies and Procedures, this notice constitutes meeting Federal procurement standards. Applicants wishing to submit a proposal may request a proposal packet from Elaine Graf, Program Development Grant Specialist at 901 324-6333. The DEADLINE for submitting completed proposals to the Aging Commission of the Mid-South, 2670 Union Avenue Extended, Suite 1000, Memphis, TN 38112 is February 15, 2012 at 4:00 pm CST. Due to competitive nature, deadlines may not be extended.
Tri-State Defender classifieds get results!
Tri-State Defender
January 5 - 11, 2012
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SPORTS Tri-State Defender, Thursday, January 5 - 11, 2012, Page 14
Grizz stepup in Z-Bo’s absence Special to the Tri-State Defender
by Kelley Evans
Will Barton of the Memphis Tigers presses his case for a basket on this play against the Tennessee Vols at the FedExForum on Wednesday (Jan. 4) night. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)
Tigers brush aside as Vols Special to the Tri-State Defender
by J.R. Moorhead
The University of Memphis Tigers’ much-anticipated rematch with the University of Tennessee Volunteers began with a shocker, even before tipoff Wednesday (Jan. 4) night. Memphis sophomore Will Barton did not start the game. Yes, the Will Barton who was riding an eight-game streak of scoring double digits. His absence had something to do with violating a team rule. No worries, as Barton would end the game over ten points making it nine games in a row and 12 of 14 games this year that he has achieved this feat. It was part of a night during which the homestand Tigers got the job done against the Vols, cruising to a 69-51 victory The Tigers met their instate rival before a crowd of 18,394 at the FedExForum. It marked the second time the teams had met this season. Memphis barely escaped with a win in the first encounter by way of a doubleovertime thriller. It was also the 150th game Memphis has played in the FedExForum and fittingly so against such a bitter rival. Memphis boasts an impressive 133-16 record at the FedExForum since the switch from the Pyramid. Barton has definitely been
the most consistent player this year, but Wednesday he wasn’t even the best Barton on the court. Little brother, Antonio, took the spotlight and ran the show for the night, scoring a team-high 19 points (4 of 5 three pointers) and also contributing 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Tarik Black was also a bright spot in the game for Memphis, playing a season high 36 minutes. Black has been plagued by foul trouble so far this year and it looked like things were going to go much the same when he recorded his first foul within the first 30 seconds of the game. Showing true resolve, Black didn’t receive his next foul until half way through the second half. He ended the game with a season-high 18 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks, flashing what he is capable of when he isn’t in foul trouble. And although his stats (4 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists) might not suggest it, senior Wesley Witherspoon played 10 great minutes for the Tigers. Whether it was coming up with a big rebound or a quick assist, he helped the team in all the right ways while he was on the court. All of these factors coming together made it a long night for the Volunteers. Tennessee fought hard and played tough the whole game. Emotions did
get the best of a few of the players as there was a tussle after a hard foul late in second half that lead to off-setting technical fouls. But hey, what’s a rivalry game without a near on-court brawl. Even Coach Josh Pastner seemed a little feisty after the game, as he razzed a few of what he called “radio people” or local talk show hosts for some comments they made earlier in the week. Pastner also addressed the issue that some people think he should win more games with 6 top 150 recruits on his team. He remarked that all the players in D-1 basketball are good. Further defending his case, Pastner noted that Antonio Barton was only a one-star recruit, pointing out how good Barton has become. All in all, the Tigers looked as impressive in this game as they have in any game all year. This could be a good sign as Memphis starts its conference schedule later this week on the road against the UAB Blazers in Birmingham. Memphis’ C-USA title hopes certainly looks obtainable if the team continues to play at this level. And since the Tigers have yet to post a “signature” win against a top school this season, it seems a conference title is Memphis’ only sure shot at making it to the big dance in March.
Fans entered the FedExForum on Tuesday (Dec. 3) wanting answers. They had questions about the health of Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph, and rightly so. The painful answer came on Wednesday as a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) revealed that Randolph has a torn right MCL (medial collateral ligament). He is expected to be out for up to eight weeks, according to team physician Dr. Fred Azar. Randolph sustained the injury in the first quarter on Jan. 1 at Chicago, when the Grizzlies suffered a resounding 40point loss to the Bulls, 104-64. He took a fall after teammate O.J. Mayo, who was making his way into the paint, collided with the knees of the doubledouble king. Z-Bo’s absence was the only thing affecting Memphis’ starting lineup at the tipoff. In addition to Dante Cunningham starting at power forward, Jeremy Pargo was in at point guard for Mike Conley. With five minutes-plus left in the first quarter, Conley entered the game after missing the Bulls debacle with an ankle sprain. “I couldn’t sit on the bench and watch another game pass,” Conley said. The Grizzlies, bouncing back from the Chicago sting, defeated the Sacramento Kings 113-96 and Rudy Gay was the leader of the pack. Conley spent 22 minutes running the floor and finished with 14 points. “That was big. Mike, the last couple days, has been chomping at the bit, saying that he wanted to play,” said Grizz head coach Lionel Hollins. “And the training staff was saying to give him one more day. I did not actually expect him to play until this morning. He said he wanted to go. I said he knows his body and if he thinks that he’s ready, then we
Rudy Gay finished with 23 points and 8 rebounds as the Grizz took care of the Sacramento Kings, 113-96 on Tuesday at the FedExForum. (Photo by Warren Roseborough) should let him go. “We certainly need his direction and the combination of him and (Jeremy) Pargo is a nice combination to have,” said Hollins. “Mike did an outstanding job for us tonight, coming back after being out for a couple of games.” Gay finished with 23 points and eight rebounds followed by Sam Young with 20 points and seven rebounds. Mayo pitched in 16 points and center Marc Gasol led on the boards with 15 rebounds. “We started out with some momentum going into it,” Gay said. “It feels good to play at home and win.” Gasol attributed the win to teamwork. “At the end of the day, that’s all it is,” Gasol said. “You have to play team basketball in order to win. We were at the very bottom, so it was a mustwin, especially at home.” Kings Guard Jimmer Fredette led the team in scoring
with 17 points. “We were trying to claw back in as much as we could,” Fredette said. “They did a good job in the third quarter getting a jump on us, getting that lead and staying with it through the fourth.”
Grizz Notes:
The Memphis Grizzlies notched their first road win on Wednesday (Jan. 4) 90-86, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Grizz acquired forward/center Marreese Speights from the Philadelphia 76ers as part of a threeteam trade also involving the New Orleans Hornets. As part of the deal, Memphis traded guard Xavier Henry to New Orleans and a 2012 second round draft pick to Philadelphia. The Hornets also sent a future second round pick to the 76ers.
Grizzlies mourn loss of Bartow Following Tuesday’s win against the Sacramento Kings, Grizz Head Coach Lionel Hollins began his press conference with some heart-felt words. “I want to give my condolences and prayers out to Gene Bartow’s family,” Hollins said. “Gene was a great member of our community, outstanding person, outstanding coach, and he was a great friend to me since I’ve been here in this organization. I’m going to miss him.” Bartow – legendary as a coach and revered as a person – died of stomach cancer ear-
lier in the day at his home in Birmingham, Ala. He was 81. Forever associated with the 1973 Memphis State University team that he coached to the NCAA National Championship game, Bartow spent 11 seasons with the Grizzlies, including five years as president of Hoops LP, which operates the Grizzlies and FedExForum. He also served as an advisor on basketball and team-related matters and as a community ambassador. The Grizz wore the initials “GB” on their sneakers during Wednesday’s (Jan. 4) contest
against Minnesota, and will honor him throughout the season. “Yesterday, I lost a great friend from within the Grizzlies family,” said Memphis Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley. “My heart goes out to Ruth, his children and grandchildren during this difficult time. I will miss this gentle Christian man enormously.” Chris Wallace, Grizzlies general manager and vice president of Basketball Operations, said, “Coach Bartow had the rare distinction of being a consummate gentleman while at the same time being the consummate competitor.”
MIDDLE SCHOOL
‘Old’ flame of success burning bright at Cypress Middle School Special to the Tri-State Defender
by Andre Mitchell
Since the school opened in 1967, winning has been a major part of the sports tradition and legacy at Cypress Middle School, a North Memphis icon. Back in the day, students enrolled at Cypress Junior High School were treated to a feast of success, especially in athletics. It did not matter what the sport, often times, Cypress was sure to perform extremely well. With the first half of the middle school basketball season complete, teams are now heading down the stretch and looking to place themselves in the best position for the post season. This season both the boy’s and girl’s basketball teams at Cypress have done an excellent job building on tradition. The young Lady Timberwolves squad is currently undefeated in small school division Area 1-A, and the boy’s
only have one blemish on their record after thirteen games. Each team has the skill and talent to run deep into the post season and possibly all the way to the city championship. Coach Paul Henderson leads the Lady Timberwolves in his fifth year at the helm. He said the biggest challenge he faces with his squad is trying to keep his girls focused on the importance of doing well in class, in their extra curricular activities and in life. The boys are led by Coach Jason Johnson, who, in his second year at Cypress, has helped put the program back on track. Coach Johnson has his hands full with making sure his team does what they are supposed to do in the classroom and outside of the classroom as well. He notes that he has a team of guys who like one another and who don’t mind doing whatever it takes to win. While Henderson and John-
The Timberwolves ride a 12-1 record into the second half of the season at Cypress Middle School. son each are delighted that their team is doing well, each is thrilled that the other’s team is clicking. That sentiment is also part of the Cypress tradition.
Middle Schools news and notes
The first half of the 2011-12 middle school basketball season is complete. Many of the 17 large division and 22 small
division middle school teams have already competed against their league opponents at least once. Several Memphis-area boy’s and girl’s teams have gotten off to a terrific start this season. In the girl’s large division: Hickory Ridge (Area 2) and Snowden (Area 1) both lead the charge in their respective divisions as undefeated teams. Other teams to watch for: Craigmont, Cordova, and American Way.
The Lady Timberwolves of Cypress Middle School reached the halfway point of the season undefeated in small school division Area 1-A. (Courtesy photos) In the girl’s small division: Lester and Cypress are the teams to beat. Other teams to watch: J.P. Freeman, Geeter, Vance, and Corry. In the boy’s large division: Craigmont, Kingsbury, Snowden, Ridgeway, American Way, Havenview all could be in the thick of things at season’s end. In the boy’s small division: Cypress, Lester, Sherwood, Hamilton, J.P. Freeman, Air-
ways, Riverview and Southside all prepare to tip-off for the remainder of regular-season league play. The second half of the season is significant to team momentum and post-season tournament seeding. Although the teams to watch are favored and expected to do well, there are no guarantees except that one team will hoist the championship plaque or trophy at the end.