Shirley Sherrod: The Martin Luther King Awards Dinner interview, page 9
VOL. 63, No. 3
Honoring Dr. King – an events calendar, page 15
January 16 - 22, 2014
POLITICS 2014
Update: Pending litigation has Dist. 4 election in limbo
Mid-South Peace and Justice Center builds on ‘Legacy of Nonviolence,’ page 15
www.tsdmemphis.com
Dr. King at 85! In 2014, is it important to see and discuss race?
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Carlissa Shaw, Esq.
Seventeen months after newcomer Kevin Woods defeated the Rev. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr. for the Shelby County School Board District 4 position, and five months after a new election was Rev. Kenneth ordered, uncerT. Whalum Jr. tainty still rules. On Aug. 2, 2012, Woods was declared the winner by 106 votes. Whalum, the incumbent, wasted no time filing a complaint to contest the election results. He named the Shelby County Election Kevin Commission and Woods other parties. His Aug. 22, 2012 complaint alleged that the election was “fraught with error as thousands of voters were disenfranchised”.
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Brittney Gathen
Fifty-plus years after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of his children being judged by character rather than skin color, The New Tri-State Defender used what would have been King’s 85th birthday to probe whether it still is important to see and discuss race.
‘We must talk about it’
SEE LIMBO ON PAGE 2
Wilkins says ‘I am’ to 9th District run Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Tony Jones
With little more than an enthusiastic “Yes,” attorney Ricky E. Wilkins confirmed that he has picked up a qualifying petition and is planning a campaign to unseat 9th District incumbent Rep. Ricky E. Steve Cohen. Wilkins Deep in a think-tank session when The New Tri-State Defender reached out for comment, Wilkins would only say, “You can report that I have officially picked up my petition and you can be assured that I am planning a full and complete run for the office.” That was it. No official statement, no sloganeering, no dig at the formidable opponent, Wilkins’ tone suggested that while some may not give him a chance, he’s not going to be reckless about his intentions. The Democratic Party Primary is in May. Wilkins’ announced run for the Congressional seat comes amid several related developments, including what some political observers see as SEE WILKINS ON PAGE 2
MEMPHIS WEEKEND
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. meets with President Lyndon Johnson in the White House Cabinet Room on March 18, 1966. Dr. King was 37 years old at the time. (Source: Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum. Author: Yoichi R. Okamoto. Permission: Public domain.) Members and supporters of Phi-Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. are lined up and ready to roll on a march from the DoubleTree Hotel Downtown to Beale Street to honor principal founder, Abram Langston Taylor. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku)
A ‘Sigma-sational’ celebration as Phi Beta Sigma turns 100 Kajanaku@tri-statedefender.com
by Karanja A. Ajanaku On Beale St., near what used to be the Bumpus Beale Avenue Grocery, is a historical marker that served as the destination of a march from the DoubleTree Hotel on Union Ave. in Downtown Memphis last Saturday (June 11). The good-spirited marchers shared a fraternal bond with the man the marker honored, Abram Langston Taylor. A century ago – January 9th, 1914 – at Howard University in Washington, D.C., Taylor became the principal founder of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., along with Leonard F. Morse and Charles I. Brown. Four years earlier, he had conceived the
idea at the grocery while talking to a recent Howard graduate about Greek letter fraternities. That story was briefly recounted as the early Saturday morning marchers respectfully assembled for a wreath-laying ceremony. Theodore J. Lewis Jr. helped put things in context. He’s the Southwestern Region Director, Tau Iota Sigma ~ Memphis Alumni Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. “Many organizations have come before us, but none will do it or have done it like us,” said Lewis. “Right now in Phi Beta Sigma there is a large energy going on. You have more brothers than we have ever had financially (supporting us). … We see a lot of brothers who want to renew that kindred ship they had.”
Memphis, said Lewis, is really the birthplace of the fraternity, recounting Taylor’s story. “It took four years (from 1910) for it to come to the making, but when you are trying to do something right, some times it takes a little time. … Now we are coming back home. You don’t normally see that many people up at 8 o’clock on a Saturday morning.” James H. Bailey, the Regional Director of Education, filled in the context for the wreath laying. “Built on the principles of brotherhood, scholarship and service, this organization took an inclusive perspective to serving the community as opposed to having an exclusive purSEE 100 ON PAGE 7
Corey Tomlin, president of the University of M e m p h i s ’ NAACP, has a view of the importance of seeing and talking about race and taking action. “I believe racism and lines Corey between color Tomlin still exist today. It’s easy to say we want to erase those lines…but to me…we have gotten too comfortable where we are right now,” said Tomlin. “We must talk about it. We must have open discussions…but we also need to have some type of strategic plan to change things.” Everybody should be seen as equal, but it seems that goal is never talked about anymore, said Tomlin. “We can talk about sexual orientation, religion…but it’s like we forgot about the racial inequality in this nation. It needs to be spoken about, and we need people to stay focused on it…” When discussing race, it seems that being knowledgeable of history and focused on the future is a key. “We... black people, are uneducated about our own roots. … There’s nobody teaching black history in our schools anymore. It’s like we’re so focused on being the next Michael Jordan or when the next Jordans are coming out instead of trying to get an education and …figure out who’s going to be our next leader to take us to that next level that Dr. King put us in place for. … We were once kings and queens of a nation. Yes, we’ve been broken down, but that doesn’t mean we have to stay down.…” SEE RACE ON PAGE 2
- INSIDE -
• ‘Sudden’ attention threatens heart of North Memphis. See Opinion, page 4. • Meet self-proclaimed No. 1 junkman in the South. See Business, page 6. • The Grizz outlast OKC. See Sports, page 14.
Mike Conley calls timeout.
Page 2 LIMBO
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
Whalum and his attorney contend that there is only one solution and that is to “discard the election results and hold a vote.” On Aug. 13, 2013, Chancellor Kenny Armstrong reached a decision. “The mistakes were honest mistakes and not intentional,” Armstrong opined. Still, he ordered a new election, citing the irregularities as “incurably uncertain.” The Election Commission then appealed to the Tennessee Court of Appeals. The case is currently under review and should be heard in this judicial cycle. While both sides await the decision of the Court of Appeals, Whalum is not pleased with the action being taken by the Election Commission to assure that the same irregularities do not occur again. “The exact same people are
WILKINS
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
early attempts at polling gamesmanship, a bit of not-sosubtle media manipulation and even clownish wisdom. A December poll cited as an independent study by local firm Yacoubian Research gave Wilkins no chance of victory. Such polls, however, do not measure the probability of successfully engaging the huge numbers of non-voters, especially younger African Americans. Can Wilkins strategize any real active participation among such groups? Some media reports seemingly have tried to link leftover anger at former Memphis mayor Dr. W. W. Herenton to Wilkins, whose association with Herenton includes having been appointed to the Memphis Housing Authority Board and selected to audit the firm that once managed Beale Street. It should be noted, however, that Herenton’s career still represents forward thinking, strong, African-American intellect and potential to many. Meanwhile, repeating-candidate Jake Ford’s own petition pulling was met with a decided thud when he reportedly said Cohen needs to be defeated be-
NEWS
January 16 - 22, 2014 in leadership, and the will of the voters in Memphis and Shelby County have not been honored and continue to not be honored by the very election commission that is supposed to protect their rights,” said Whalum. Meanwhile, Woods has become chairman of the Shelby County School board. Asked about his thoughts on the pending litigation, Woods said, “As Chairman of the Shelby County School Board I am focused on the work at hand and will leave the legal work to the attorneys.” The Election Commission maintains that the irregularities in the District 4 election were not enough to warrant a new election. “In 2013 the election commission handled 13 different elections involving 7 different municipalities without any systematic problems,” said Chairman Robert Myers. He attributes that to better control of data through the use of technology.
cause he is white. Still, there are many who agree with Ford that strong African-American leadership is needed in the 9th District seat. County Commissioner Sidney Chism, in a June 2013 interview with the TSD, added this context: “I have nothing against Steve, he’s a good guy, but we had qualified African Americans running for that office several times and Steve won. A line was drawn to create a district that would have African-American leadership and we let it slip by. Why?”
We’re listening…
Tri-State Defender
Jack Truong, president and CEO of Electrolux Major Appliances North America, spoke as Electrolux officially opened its new Memphis manufacturing plant last Thursday (Jan. 9th). The audience of eager listeners included (l-r) state Sen. Mark Norris (R-Collierville), Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell Jr., Mayor AC Wharton Jr. and Gov. Bill Haslam.
Tri-State Defender
January 16 - 22, 2014
Page 3
Page 4
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OPINION
Tri-State Defender
January 16 - 22, 2014
• Bernal E. Smith II President / Publisher • Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Executive Editor
Beyoncé sharpens her feminist voice in new essay theGrio
by Alexis Garrett Stodghill
Obama’s initiative: One promise, different zones by Edward Wyckoff Williams The Root
President Barack Obama is a man on a mission. As the second year of his second term commences, he embarks on a progressive agenda, mirroring the campaign of hope and change that originally inspired a new generation of voters in 2008. Key to his platform is an unapologetic focus on income inequality, the long-term unemployed and communities plagued by generational cycles of poverty. Inspired, in part, by the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s war on poverty, the president unveiled a new proposal last week that he calls “Promise Zones.” Aimed at assisting the working poor, the program targets a strategic blend of rural and urban communities, from the inner cities of Philadelphia, Los Angeles and San Antonio to the Appalachian mountains of Kentucky and Native American tribal areas of Oklahoma. These five communities have already put forth a plan on how they will partner with state business and local leaders to make investments that result in better outcomes for young students as well as adults seeking employment. In exchange, the communities will receive federal grants, other government assistance and tax incentives. Key to the plan is that these initiatives would not require congressional action. The Promise Zones programs will be run by the administration and funded largely through discretionary spending sanctioned by existing programs or executive action. The president has learned the hard lessons of Republican obstinacy: government shutdowns, debt-ceiling debates, stalled judicial and Cabinet appointments and an incessant obsession with dismantling Obamacare. Not only is this GOP committed to his personal failure, but, as Paul Krugman writes in the New York Times, modern-day Republicans have proved to be “enemies of the poor.” After two years of fruitlessly pushing the GOP-controlled House of Representatives to pass the American Jobs Act – a piece of legislation that would have aggressively addressed the unemployment crisis by adding 2 million jobs to the U.S. economy— the White House is finding new ways to deliver results. However, this is only the beginning. At first it struck me as odd that the first five communities – of a total of 20, yet to be announced – were not all major cities, like Detroit, Chicago, Baltimore and Newark, N.J., with sizable black and Hispanic populations. Why? According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Detroit alone is suffering an 11 percent unemployment rate. Some studies suggest that the underemployment rate there brings the total number of unemployed to nearly 50 percent. And extensive reports of the city’s bankruptcy, abandoned homes, schools and hospitals have dominated the national debate on the decline of America’s once-great manufacturing powerhouses. Likewise, between 2010 and 2013, the self-proclaimed “Renaissance City” Newark has seen its unemployment rate seesaw between 14.3 percent and 16.5 percent. Even Atlanta, long considered a bastion of AfricanAmerican economic progress, struggles with an 8.9 unemployment rate – well above the national average. Worst of all, the unemployment rate for African Americans ages 16 to 19 was 393 percent higher than the national unemployment rate in November 2013, according to BLS data. As of October 2013, the unemployment rate for that demographic was 36 percent. It seemed to me, therefore, that black communities should be the focus of President Obama’s initiative. And perhaps the president anticipated that response. In his speech last week he said, “President Johnson talked about communities ‘on the outskirts of hope where opportunity was hard to come by.’ Well, today’s economic challenges are different, but they’ve still resulted in communities where in recent decades, wrenching economic change has made opportunity harder and harder to come by. I’m not just talking about pockets of poverty in our inner cities. That’s the stereotype. I’m talking about suburban neighborhoods that have been hammered by the housing crisis. I’m talking about manufacturing towns that still haven’t recovered after the
local plant shut down and jobs dried up. There are islands of rural America where jobs are scarce – they were scarce even before the recession hit.” And he’s right. A 2012 study by the Appalachian Regional Commission in Washington, D.C., found that in 25 of 36 Appalachian counties—home to a largely rural white American community—the unemployment rate was at least 10 percent. And unlike the African-American community, these poor whites were disproportionately undereducated – with more than one in five working-age adults lacking a high school diploma. But even outside rural communities, poor and working-class white Americans continue to make up the largest percentage of people dependent on social welfare programs, including food stamps and unemployment insurance. But if underemployed African Americans and uneducated, poor whites are America’s forgotten, then struggling Native American communities are simply invisible. According to the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs, tribal communities were experiencing unemployment rates of between 80 and 93 percent – and this was before the Great Recession and mortgage crisis of 2007 and 2008. And of those who were unemployed, upwards of 79 percent were living below the national poverty line in some communities. It appears that the first AfricanAmerican president is keenly aware of the historic struggles facing black communities, but also that his role as president of all the people requires more expansive solutions. From a political perspective, the Promise Zones initiative also places the issues of poverty and income inequality in the backyards of Republicans like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and 2016 presidential hopeful Rand Paul, both from Kentucky. Not only is their state being targeted as a Promise Zone, but its Democratic governor is experiencing lauded success implementing the Affordable Care Act – bringing health coverage to a largely poor and white demographic. So as congressional Republicans waver on extending unemployment benefits and GOP governors block the Obamacare Medicaid expansion for low-income workers, the truth is that poverty – despite the stereotypes – is not simply an issue of black or white. A 2012 study by the Appalachian Regional Commission in Washington, D.C., found that in 25 of 36 Appalachian counties – home to a largely rural white American community—the unemployment rate was at least 10 percent. And unlike the African-American community, these poor whites were disproportionately undereducated—with more than one in five working-age adults lacking a high school diploma. But even outside rural communities, poor and working-class white Americans continue to make up the largest percentage of people dependent on social welfare programs, including food stamps and unemployment insurance. But if underemployed African Americans and uneducated, poor whites are America’s forgotten, then struggling Native American communities are simply invisible. According to the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs, tribal communities were experiencing unemployment rates of between 80 and 93 percent – and this was before the Great Recession and mortgage crisis of 2007 and 2008. And of those who were unemployed, upwards of 79 percent were living below the national poverty line in some communities. It appears that the first AfricanAmerican president is keenly aware of the historic struggles facing black communities, but also that his role as president of all the people requires more expansive solutions. From a political perspective, the Promise Zones initiative also places the issues of poverty and income inequality in the backyards of Republicans like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and 2016 presidential hopeful Rand Paul, both from Kentucky. Not only is their state being targeted as a Promise Zone, but its Democratic governor is experiencing lauded success implementing the Affordable Care Act – bringing health coverage to a largely poor and white demographic. So as congressional Republicans waver on extending unemployment benefits and GOP governors block the Obamacare Medicaid expansion for low-income workers, the truth is that poverty – despite the stereotypes – is not simply an issue of black or white.
President Barack Obama with representatives and community members from San Antonio, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, southeastern Kentucky and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma on Jan. 9, 2014, at the White House. President Obama announced the five areas as his administrationʼs first five “Promise Zones.” (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)
IN THE MAIL
‘Sudden’ attention threatens ‘the heart of North Memphis’
A little over 655,000 persons live in the lovely city of Memphis. To everyone’s advantage, about 72 percent of those persons identify as Black, Latino, or other minorities. This adds to Memphis’ deep history and vibrant culture that the city is recognized for. With the focus on the population of over 17,000 that reside in the zip code 38107, the heart of North Memphis, I write to inform you of the “sudden” attention this area is receiving by the city, the Crosstown Development Project, and those implementing urban renewal. On December 19, 2013, the Memphis Flyer magazine featured an article titled “Northern Exposure” that revealed the plans of gentrification aimed towards the neighborhoods of Klondike and Smokey City. …The article claims that these neighborhoods are gaining city attention because of the planned Crosstown project, but does that mean that for years these neighborhoods have been ignored? Robert Lipscomb, City Housing and Community Development director, has hired an urban design consultant to plan the future of the 38107 area, from Jackson Avenue and Manassas Street to North Watkins Street. He calls it the North Memphis Neighborhoods of Choice Plan. The city’s plan is to claim the current vacant lots, vacant homes, inhabited houses, small businesses, churches, beauty salons, nail salons, barber shops, barber schools, mini markets, small grocery stores, gas stations, tire shops, playgrounds, restaurants, memories, pride, and hope in these communities. The city’s plan is to turn it ALL into a “food urban magnet.” The new area will boast an urban farm, farmers market, and festival square among one new and expensive apartment complex and one senior housing option. However, the apartment plan will not meet the housing needs of 17,000 residents and the proposed senior housing is not large enough to house over 5,000 residents aged 60 and above. There is no record of Lipscomb consulting the impacted residents, any business owners, and church members, or any schools in the area. Quincey Morris, president of the KlondikeSmokey City Community Development Corporation, says that during her childhood in North Memphis, “We had everything you needed in a neighborhood.” There is no reason that those days have to remain memories. Morris is also planning to assist the neighborhood in workforce training and literacy programs. This approach is tailored to getting people “Job Ready,” and this is very commendable. However, what types of jobs are
the residents preparing for? Jobs to build apartments they cannot afford? Jobs to build senior housing that their mothers and fathers will not qualify for? Jobs to relocate them out of the neighborhood? Jobs to allow them to work hard on an “Urban Farm”? This should be of concern to you because this is a step backwards for a community in a city only 150 years removed from slavery, 74 years removed from sharecropping, and 49 years removed from segregation. This is a concern to the homeowners who will be pushed out. This is a concern to the businesses that will be closed for good. This is a concern to the churches that will have their ministries perish. This is overt gentrification, racism, and oppression directly aimed towards the area of 38107. Instead of wiping out an entire community to implement modern day sharecropping, we should make investments in the area’s most important assets, which are the PEOPLE. We should invest in education. There should be more than the current 2,800 persons in 38107 that hold some type of degree. We should encourage current residents to acquire the unused land that surrounds them. There are currently 1,900 uninhabited areas in 38107. We should urge banks to move into the area. This will develop financial stability and encouragement. We should simply ask the residents, business owners, and church members what they need to move forward in a city that has already left them in the past. There is nothing worse than making plans for a people without consulting them first. That is not democracy. That is implementing gentrification. That is intensifying oppression. That is paving the way for racism and paternalism. That is not moving Memphis forward. Do not think that this is not YOUR problem. If you have love for the city of Memphis, every problem should be your problem. This problem is approaching fast. This problem is trying to displace a people. This problem is using the Crosstown project plan as an excuse to wipe out the heart of North Memphis. Do not stand by and watch people meet their demise. Contact your neighbors to inform them. Give your opinions and demands to the City government. There can be no community development without the voice of the community. Stand up for our city. Stand up for our people. Stand up for yourself. With Respect and Concern, Michalyn C. S. Easter Citizen of North Memphis, Tennessee
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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
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Beyoncé has sharpened her feminist voice in a new essay she contributed to The Shriver Report, a new, multimedia initiative gaining attention created by journalist and former first lady of California Maria Shriver. The 2014 report, A Woman’s Nation Pushes Back From The Brink, is comprised of data, analysis and essays that aim to change the way American society relates to women, improving their outcomes in various sectors leading to social empowerment. Perhaps as an extension of the discussion of feminism in a song from her latest album, “***Flawless,” Beyoncé has contributed an essay to the report that enumerates the ways in which American women lag behind in terms of equal pay.
Pop star talks pay gap
In her piece, Gender Equality Is a Myth!, of the gender pay gap Beyoncé writes: “Today, women make up half of the U.S. workforce, but the average working woman earns only 77 percent of what the average working man makes. But unless women and men both say this is unacceptable, things will not change. Men have to demand that their wives, daughters, mothers, and sisters earn more – commensurate with their qualifications and not their gender. Equality will be achieved when men and women are granted equal pay and equal respect.” While she does not go into specifics on the Beyoncé album track, this message is echoed in the lengthy sample featured at the heart of ”***Flawless,” culled from a TEDx talk given by African Chimamanda Ngozi novelist on Adichie feminism. Beyoncé is On the song certainly mak- Adichie is ing her voice quoted as say(at the end heard in her ing of a sizable belief that gen- serving of femmusings), der equality is inist “Feminist: the something person who beworth fighting lieves in the social, political for. and economic equality of the sexes.” Beyoncé is certainly making her voice heard in her belief that gender equality is something worth fighting for. In addition to these media jaunts into expressing this ideal, the star is also the co-founder of the organization Chime for Change, which is dedicated to creating uplifting programs for women and girls around the world, ensuring that women of all ages have access to education, health care and employment, particularly in regions where women are denied these necessities. The organization held a benefit concert in June 2013 that raised $4.3 million in ticket sales.
Beyoncé’s particular brand of feminism
But, Beyoncé’s costume for the concert, much like her brand of feminism, drew some criticism. Her leather panties topped with a sheer top were seen by some as inappropriate attire for an event meant to empower women. Even the release of Beyoncé, her fifth studio album, reignited debates about how feminism is defined, with white and black women generally holding opposing views on the celebration of wealth and physical beauty that permeates Beyoncé’s festive style of elevating women. Yet, her recent moves are a fierce departure from merely performing songs with titles such as “Independent Women,” and “Run the World (Girls).” These songs, and cute moves such as touring with an all-women band, could be perceived as mere lip service to the feminist movement that comes with a hefty personal and financial payoff. Speaking to British Vogue, Beyoncé has been quoted as saying, “I guess I am a modern-day feminist. I do believe in equality. Why do you have to choose what type of woman you are? Why do you have to label yourself anything?” In her piece for The Shriver Report, through which she joins ranks with other strong feminist leaders throughout the ages through the power of the pen, Beyoncé is staking a stronger claim on her role as a feminist icon.
(Follow Alexis Garrett Stodghill on Twitter @lexisb.)
NEWS
Tri-State Defender RACE
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
‘A better light’
Shahid Tate, president of the African Student Association at the University of Memphis, is convinced that it’s Shahid important Tate to encourage diversity. “It’s important that we help each race to see each other in a better light… especially with the African-American community,” said Tate. “I feel like certain stereotypes have been imposed on them, and for that reason, they feel like they’re supposed to be a certain way or that there’s certain things that they cannot do because of their race…these discussions need to be made so they can receive encouragement.” Without such discussions, certain problems are not being discussed and they will continue, said Tate, who believes that issues such as mental slavery, unity and individuality among all the races need to be on the agenda.
‘Honesty is the only key’
At the University of Memphis, Ciara Shipp is president of the Black Student Association. “Honesty is the Ciara only key to Shipp overcoming obstacles that race (poses),” said Shipp. “(To) have a healthy regard for those of another race or of the minority, we should still identify the challenges and racial issues that still exist…” There are consequences of neglecting to discuss race, Shipp said, including “not being able to understand differences of each race. …Each race handles scenarios differently, and understanding that better equips you in conceiving the actions of others…” The issues that need to be addressed, according to Shipp, are: “One, stereotypes placed upon each race. Do they still exist and why do we continue to fall into them? What can we do to get rid of and break the mold? “Two, the education system and what we can do to improve it. “Three, how racial crimes are prevalent (Trayvon Martin case), etc.”
‘Complexity of people as human beings’
Dr. Russell Wigginton, vice president of Ext e r n a l Programs at Rhodes College and author of “The Strange Dr. Russell Career of Wigginton the Black Athlete: African Americans and Sports” and of articles and essays on African-American social history, said it’s important to recognize that there are racial categories that people fit into. “It’s important) to think less about folks being different and more about the complexity of people as human beings. So it’s not, ‘Oh you’re different than I am,’ and that’s the end of the conversation; that’s really … the beginning of the conversation. … We have all these similarities … we can compare and contrast, race is just one of them. … I wouldn’t say (it’s) … the most important one...” When we talk about race, we have to talk about interracial and intraracial issues, said Wigginton. “I think that when we do that, it allows us to understand that race is only one dimension of who we are and how we’re influenced. …I think we often overlook how much folks who are in poverty could have in common, regardless of their
Page 5
January 16 - 22, 2014
The New Tri-State Defender used what would have been Kingʼs 85th birthday to probe whether it still is important to see and discuss race.
race. … If you have a Latino/a, a white and an African-American person … in poverty, they probably have a lot more in common than their wealthy Latino, white, African-American brothers and sisters.…” The similarities, Wigginton said, could include social class, wealth and educational attainment. “We like the condensed version of everything today…immediate gratification, immediate re-
sponse…and that causes us to oversimplify people, society, and issues…It’s unrealistic to think that racial difference or racial acknowledgment – (that) has been in place for hundreds of years – that we can somehow forget…or simplify it with a quick or flippant response.”
‘New terms’
For Dr. Femi Ajanaku, direc-
Dr. Femi Ajanaku
tor of the Center for African a n d African American Studies at T h e LemoyneOwen College, the key to discussing race has to do with
racial terms. “We need to change some of our terms when we talk about this feature of human beings. …Anthropology really gave us that scientific racism, and that … really turned out to be positive for some of the racial groups and negative for the other racial groups…” Terms such as “Negroid” and “Mongoloid” ended up being negative, while “Caucasian” ended up being positive, said Ajanaku, who
believes that the term “ethnicity” would be a good alternative. “I hope that the conversations about race will bring about new terms so that there is parity. We really need to have an equal way of seeing human beings,” she said. “The more conversations we have about ‘race’… we… will be able to see that there are other ways of organizing the way that we group people.”
BUSINESS
Page 6
Tri-State Defender
January 16 - 22, 2014
ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY
What do you do with a car or van that is old, paid for and does not work? One option is to call the self-proclaimed No. 1 junkman in the South, Patrick Boone. A fireman, Boone has carved out his own slice of the cashfor-cars niche. In this economy the business model could not have been more timely and he has it down to a science. Ready to jump into action with the receipt of a phone call, Boone has groomed a talented team that is responsive and eager to trade cash for vehicles. Carlee McCullough: Tell us about yourself. Patrick Boone: My name is Patrick Boone. I’m a fireman in Memphis. In this capacity I save lives and protect property. I am also a business owner. I’m the No. 1 junkman in the South. My slogan is “Sell me junk and I’ll get you crunk!”
C M : Tell us about the cash for cars business. PB: I love to pay cash for junk cars. I buy that old car, truck Carlee McCullough or van that is in your yard. When I arrive, I buy the junk and put dollars in your pocket. Plus, I am cleaning up those eyesores in our neighborhoods.
CM: What were the primary factors you considered before starting your company? PB: There were many factors that I considered but the main one was how could I start a business that makes money, helps people and clean up our community at the same time.
Cash for Cars CM: Tell us about the services you offer? PB: I will buy old junk vehicles. I will tow the vehicle away for free leaving the client with a nice profit in their pocket for a non-revenue generating asset.
CM: As a business owner what has been your greatest challenge? PB: Logistics has been my greatest challenge. Getting to and from cars in a timely manner has been a constant priority for our company. With good people on our team and being the No. 1 junkman in the South, we make it happen day in and day out. CM: What is the greatest reward in running your own business? PB: Knowing that I created something that is making a difference in people’s lives is my greatest reward. The money that
I give people for their junk helps them pay bills and/or buy groceries. It makes me feel good to know that I made a difference.
CM: In your opinion what does it take to run a business? PB: To run a business successfully it takes hard work and dedication. The drive to never stop is required.
CM: What advice would you give to someone just starting a business? PB: Make sure to do your homework in order to determine what you want to do. Be the best at whatever you choose to do. Have confidence that you can make it happen and dream big. That’s how magic happens. CM: Taking the economy into consideration, is now the best time to become an entrepreneur? PB: Now is a good time because you cannot wait on your
dreams. Make it happen now.
C M : What does the future look like for small business owners in Patrick our comBoone munity? PB: The future is bright for those that are prepared to go and get it.
CM: What types of marketing do you employ? PB: The best marketing for my business is door to door and the Internet. Social media has made a major impact on my business. I also commission T-shirts in an effort to brand my company. CM: What books or re-
sources would you recommend for individuals starting out in business? PB: I read Black Enterprise Magazine. Every month there are educational articles about money and business. Additionally, I am inspired by the businesses that are profiled. The magazine focuses on companies and the people that run them. Reading about successful businesses and people sparks your mind and helps you think outside of the box.
CM: Any closing remarks? PB: I am the No. 1 junkman in the South! Sell me junk and I’ll get you crunk!
(Contact Patrick Boone at 901-297-0751.) (Contact Carlee McCullough, Esq., at 5308 Cottonwood Road, Suite 1A, Memphis, Tn. 38118, or email her at jstce4all@aol.com.)
MONEY MATTERS
Your financial life is probably more complicated than you realize. You may have multiple bank, retirement and investment accounts; insurance policies; a safe-deposit box; and more. You have bills to pay and perhaps a mortgage and other outstanding loans. And then there are the people you might depend on for financial matters: your attorney, financial advisor, insurance agent, and accountant, just
Would you believe me if I said I thought you could be a “magnet?” As human beings, I believe we all have the capacity to draw to ourselves those things we give the most thought and energy, those things we are passionate about. In other words, each of us is in many ways potentially a magnet. We attract things to ourselves that may include prosperity. In pursuit of my hypothesis, I did a Google search of “job magnet” and found over 53 million results! I did the same thing for “success magnet,” finding over 300,000 hits. My point is this: In order for us to survive what Grace Lee Boggs calls “The Next American Revolution,” we are going to have to become magnets that draw goodness and prosperity into our communities and our homes and our schools, or we will soon not have them at all. Boggs is a 96-year-old activist that has been in the struggle for freedom and human dignity for most of her life. She lives in Detroit and has been part of that city’s
A financial map for your family
to name a few. N o w, think for a moment about how your family would navigate this financial sea if you were Charles Sims Jr., CFP gone.
starting of its comeback. She has seen people at the grassroots level realize that their future is in their own hands and Herbert that the Lester days of the factory job, which provided a job for you and your children and their children until retirement, is no more. Boggs likewise has seen these same people become entrepreneurs, community developers and masters of their own destinies. So must we. First, however, let me be clear. What I mean by passion is not magic, wishing or even the power of positive thinking. I mean passion and drive manifested in hard work and sweat equity, in preparation and creativity; I mean finding a need and filling it better than anyone else can. As Emerson said so
A letter of instructions can help guide your loved ones. Because a letter of instructions is not a legal document, you can simply sit down and write it yourself. Here are some topics you may want to include. * A list of documents and their locations, including (but not limited to) your will, financial account documents, insurance policies, tax returns, real estate deeds and mortgage
documents, vehicle titles, Social Security and Medicare cards, marriage and/or divorce papers, and birth certificate. * Contact information for the professionals mentioned above as well as others who may be helpful, such as a business partner or trusted friend. * A list of bills and creditors, including when bills and payments are typically due. * Passwords and logins for
WORKFORCE READY
Be a job magnet
many years ago: “If a (person) can write a better book, preach a better sermon, or make a better mouse-trap, than his neighbor, though he build his house in the woods, the world will make a beaten path to his door.” The Greater Memphis Chamber reports that thousands of jobs go unfilled in Memphis each month because there are not people qualified to fill them. These are jobs that pay an hourly wage 2-3 times the minimum wage, with benefits that people can be trained to fill. Before the training, there must be the passionate desire to do better and succeed. Meanwhile, wealth in America continues to be concentrated in the hands of fewer and fewer people. According to a 2010 University of Southern California study, 20 percent of the population held 95 percent of the wealth, with 80 percent of the people having the remaining 5 percent. The breakdown gets even more in-
teresting when you consider that the top 1 percent of the population controls 42 percent of the financial wealth. President Barak Obama, is talking a lot about income dis-
any important online information. * Your final wishes for burial or cremation, a funeral or memorial service, organ donation, and charitable contributions in your memory. Keep your letter of instructions in a safe, yet accessible place and tell your loved ones where it can be found. It would also be wise to give the letter to the executor of your estate and
other trusted friends or advisors. A letter of instructions is an important step to help your family during a difficult transition period. Because your wishes may change, be sure to update the letter regularly.
parity and the redistribution of this accumulated wealth. The Secretary of the Interior, Sally Jewel, is attempting to raise $20 million dollars in private funds to start a new Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) like President Roosevelt did during the Great Depression to help the unemployed and to train a new
generation of environmentalist. I wish them both well in their endeavors, but in the end, I side with Boggs, who says in essence no one will do for us what we will not do for ourselves. (To reach Herbert Lester, email WORKFORCE READY at inthemail@tri-statedefender.com)
(Charles Sims Jr. is president/ CEO of The Sims Financial Group. Contact him at 901-6822410 or visit www.SimsFinancialGroup.com.)
NEWS
Tri-State Defender
Page 7
January 16 - 22, 2014
BRIEFS & THINGS
UTHSC names Alston vice chancellor of Human Resources
K e n Brown, executive vice chancellor and chief operations officer at the University of Tennessee Health SciChandra ence CenAlston t e r (UTHSC), has named Chandra Alston as the associate vice chancellor of Human Resources, effective immediately. Alston has served as interim director since July 2013, while simultaneously performing her
duties as assistant dean for Finance and Administration in the College of Allied Health Sciences, a position she took in 2009. With a team of 15, Alston will supervise employment, compensation, HR records management, benefits, insurance, retirement planning, training, employee relations and performance evaluations. She will also collaborate closely with the UT System office on system-wide HR initiatives. “My goal for Human Resources at UTHSC will be to focus on trends affecting the workforce, workplace and marketplace in higher education,” Alston said. “This will be accomplished through working HR’s strategic plan to achieve defined outcomes. Among the HR concerns that come to mind for the UTHSC community
are: total rewards, succession planning, applicant tracking and enhanced recruitment.” Alston said HR will adopt a more “interactive approach in working with and serving the campus as we work the plan.” Alston has been married to Michael Alston, EdD, UTHSC assistant vice chancellor and director of Equity and Diversity, for 20 years. They have three adult children.
March 20: Norfleet Forum for the Advancement of Health
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) Department of Preventive Medicine and UTHSC Neuroscience Institute are collaborating with The Urban Child Institute and the FedEx Institute of Technology at the
A moment of prayer and recognition was part of the morning celebration noting the Centennial of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. (Photos: Karanja A. Ajanaku)
100
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
pose,” he said, also noting what he called the fraternities unique constitutional bond with the Zeta Phi Beta Soror-
ity. Soon after, the wreath was placed at the base of the marker as camera fingers snapped away in the chilly morning air. Donna R. Williams, Tennessee Director of Zeta Phi
Beta, represented her sorors, dubbing the gathering a “Sigma-sational Celebration.” “If the founders…were here, they also would be proud of you for upholding the legacy of truly exemplifying the ideals
University of Memphis to present the 25th Norfleet Forum for the Advancement of Health. This year’s forum, “Early Brain Development and Function: Impact on Social and Health Outcomes,” will be from 7:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on March 20 at the FedEx Institute of Technology on the U of M campus. Topics revolve around brain development and its implications for academic success, employment and chronic disease. Open to the general public, health care workers and researchers for a $25 fee. Register at: http://urbanchildinstitute.org/brain -awareness-2014. From 5:30 to 8 p.m., the UTHSC CANDLE Study and The Urban Child Institute host a free reception, followed by a Brain Awareness discussion with several Norfleet Forum speakers participating.
Seating for the event at 600 Jefferson is limited. To register: 901-385-4242 or Sday@theurbanchildinstitute.org.
Nominations open for Ruby R. Wharton Award
Mayor A C Wharton Jr. and his wife, attorney Ruby Wharton, are seeking nominations for the Ruby R. Wharton Award to honor exceptional women who have made outstanding contributions to the Memphis area. The awards will be presented by Mayor Wharton during the Twelfth Annual Tea and Talk at the Top on Sunday, Feb. 9 at 3 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Established in 2005, the Ruby R. Wharton Award recognizes women who have un-
selfishly worked to improve the quality of life for others and made significant strides in the following areas: Early Childhood, Youth & Delinquency, Race Relations, Women’s Rights and Business/Politics/Government. Nomination forms may be obtained by visiting www.memphistn.gov. Deadline for nominations is 4 p.m. Jan. 24. Return nomination information to Catherine.green@memphistn.gov or by to 636-6588. BRIEFLY: Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) will be the featured speaker during the Shelby County Democratic Party’s Kennedy Day Dinner at 7 p.m. on Jan. 18 at Bridges at 477 N. 5th St. The theme is “The Year of the Woman.” Tickets: $100; tables $1000. For ticket information, call 901-314-4617 or 901-8303283.
After a short march and brief remarks, a wreath was placed at the base of the Beale Street marker noting Memphisʼ special place in the 100-year history of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. of brotherhood, scholarship and service. Reaching a centennial is a great milestone, the march must continue,” she said. “March on in building healthier communities. March on in building boys
into young men…March on in helping young men receive their education by providing scholarships. March on by educating citizens through your Project Vote program. …As you march on, we, your sisters of Zeta Phi Beta
Sorority will be right there with you.” That afternoon, there was a Phi Beta Sigma/Zeta Phi Beta Joint Founders Day Program at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church at 918 Looney Ave. in North Memphis.
RELIGION
Page 8
Tri-State Defender
January 16 - 22, 2014
RELIGION BRIEFS
GOSPEL NIGHT!
Dr. Starks’ Scholarship & Awards to salute Memphis State Eight
The theme will be “Illuminating A Legacy of Visionaries” during the 27th Annual Dr. Henry Logan Starks Scholarship Dinner & Awards Ceremony on Feb. 13. The business-semi formal attire event, hosted by the Memphis Theological Seminary, will be held at the Hilton Memphis at 939 Ridge Lake Blvd., beginning at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Starks was the first African-American professor at Memphis Theological Seminary (MTS). The event benefits the Dr. Henry Logan Starks Scholarship Endowment Fund, which provides scholarships for full time African-American students at MTS. Each must have a 3.0 GPA and a commitment to following Dr. Starks’ example in their “pursuit of theological excellence.” This year’s honorees include The Memphis State Eight, the original group of eight young men and women that took a stand and integrated Memphis State University in 1959. Here is the honoree’s list: Legacy Award – The Memphis State Eight: Eleanor Gandy, Sammie Burnett-Johnson (awarded posthumously), Marvis LaVerne Kneeland Jones, Bertha Rogers Looney, Rose Blakney-Love, Luther McClellan, Ralph Prater and John Simpson. Dr. Henry Logan Starks Distinguished Service Award: Aurelia M. Kyles, Monumental Missionary Baptist Church. Outstanding African American Alumna Award: Dr. Verlie Horton, pastor, Christ Tabernacle AME Church. Outstanding African American Alumnus Award: The Rev. Bobby G. Baker, senior pastor, Divine Faith Church. The honorary scholarship dinner co-chairs are Dr. Steve R. Montgomery, Idlewild Presbyterian Church, and Dr. Gina M. Stewart, Christ Missionary Baptist Church. BRIEFLY: Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, located at 60 South Parkway East, will host a Balloon Launch Kick-Off Ceremony to commemorate its 125th Anniversary on Jan. 26, beginning at 10:45 a.m. The host pastor is the Rev. Dr. Eric L. Winston.
The crowd was into it as Gospel icon Marvin Sapp delivered during the free, post-game concert.
The GMA Dove Award winner Marvin Sapp is not a stranger to Memphis and pleasing area fans.
Marvin Sapp performing after the Memphis Grizzlies-Phoenix Suns game at the FedExForum on Jan. 10th. (Photos: Warren Roseborough)
Resolution would note 60 years of ‘Under God’ and ‘Pledge’ NASHVILLE – State Sen. Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) and Rep. Sheila Butt (R-Columbia) have introduced a resolution in the Tennessee General Assembly recognizing February 10 as the 60th anniversary of the addition of the words “under God” to the United States “Pledge of Allegiance.” The date recognizes when U.S. Senator Homer Ferguson
of Michigan introduced a bill in the 1954 United State Congress to amend the text. Sen. Ferguson chose the date because it marked the 1949 anniversary of the imprisonment of Cardinal Joseph Mindszenty of Hungary, who was jailed and tortured by Communists for his sermons exposing the goal of Communism to eradicate all religion. “Like Senator Ferguson, I
believe these words are important to highlight a fundamental difference between free and communist governments – which is freedom to express our faith,” stated Rep. Butt. “It is important that we continue to support this addition to the pledge to our nation’s most sacred symbol, our flag, as we preserve our Judeo-Christian heritage.”
“After sixty years with these important words in our pledge, our religious freedoms continue to be challenged,” added Sen. Kelsey. “Like our brave forefathers, we must stand up for our rights or we will see them wither away.” Kelsey and Butt said they anticipate 40 states passing the resolution this year, with Mississippi having already en-
PRAISE CONNECT
acted the measure. The “Pledge of Allegiance” to the U.S. flag was first recited using the words one nation “under God,” on Flag Day, June 14, 1954. Lawmakers returned to Nashville to reconvene the 108th General Assembly on Tuesday. Each session of the House and Senate begins with members reciting the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
-A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-
METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., Pastor
767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126
ASSOCIATE MINISTERS
901-946-4095 fax 948-8311
Rev. Davena Young Porter Rev. Linda A Paige Rev. Luecretia Matthews 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
Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. —Matthew 7: 1-2
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. —Phillipians 4:13
ENTERTAINMENT
Meet Augusta Savage’s ‘Gamin’
Tri-State Defender, Thursday, January 16 - 22, 2014, Page 9
Shirley Sherrod: The ‘Martin Luther King Awards Dinner’ interview
Dixon Gallery and Gardens exhibition on view January 19 through March 23
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Kam Williams
Shirley Sherrod is best known as the African-American government official fired in 2010 by the Obama administration for allegedly making racist remarks about a white farmer. However, a right-wing blogger had edited a video of her remarks to create that Shirley false impression. Sherrod Shortly after being dismissed as the Georgia USDA State Director of Rural Development, she was cleared by the administration and President Obama apologized to her. Nevertheless, she decided to not return, opting to write her autobiography, “The Courage to Hope: How I Stood Up to the Politics of Fear.” Here, she talks about the tarnishing and restoration of her reputation, and also about delivering the keynote speech at the 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Dinner in Glen Burnie, Md. on Friday (Jan. 17th.)
Kam Williams: You’re delivering the keynote speech at the annual dinner in honor of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. What did Dr. King mean to you? Shirley Sherrod: Well, Dr. King has long been my hero. I didn’t get to work with him much, but my husband did in the early years. Dr. King gave his life, really, to the struggle for everyone. And he believed in non-violence. That’s what I’ve tried to do in terms of my life and my work, following the teachings of God.
KW: In your biography, you talk about how your father was murdered by a white man when you were 17. How did that tragedy shape you? SS: I grew up on a farm and, prior to my father’s murder, I wanted to get away from the farm, and away from South Georgia where the Jim Crow laws absolutely controlled anything and everything we did. So, my goal was to leave once I completed high school. But on the night of my father’s murder, I made a commitment that I would not leave the South, that I would stay and devote my life to working for change. So, my father’s murder has shaped the course of my life even up to this very day. KW: How did you avoid becoming embittered, especially after the grand jury failed to indict the perpetrator who was never brought to justice? SS: Given the way the system was, what could I do as I one person, other than devote my life to fighting to make it different? If I had allowed myself to be filled with hate, I probably wouldn’t even be alive, because that hate could’ve killed me. That hate would’ve blinded me to my contributions in terms of how I could make a difference. You can’t think straight when you’re consumed by hate and focused on destroying someone else. Instead, I was bent on trying to destroy a system that was not fair to all of us, and I continue to do that.
KW: Harriet Pakula-Teweles asks: “What’s it like to come out of a “political lynching” and live to tell about it?” SS: I can tell you that while I was in that situation, especially the first few days, you’re thinking that everyone in the country is believing something about you that is not true: that you’re a racist and that you refused to help a white farmer. It was a very bad place to be for someone like me who has devoted her life to working for change and for fairness for everyone. It was one thing for me to try to defend myself, and quite another to then have a white farmer step forward to say what I’d done for him. Oh my goodness! It makes you know that when you’ve done the right thing, you just don’t have to worry or even think about how you tell the story, because the truth will ultimately come out.
KW: Why do you think that that conservative blogger decided to edit your NAACP talk about tolerance to make you look like a racist? SS: I kept wondering, “Who is this person and why did he choose me?” because I had never heard of him. I don’t have an answer for that. He never apologized to me. I never had a conversation with him. I guess I was just a nobody to him, a nothing, somebody he thought he could literally destroy while trying to get at the NAACP. …
KW: Children’s book author Irene Smalls asks: “How do you feel about the Obama administration today?” SS: I’ve remained a supporter of the Obama administration, even at the height of my ordeal. There’s a lot that he could do differently, but so much of what he’s tried to do has been blocked by the Republican officeholders. I think that he could have been a much better president with more support. So, I’m still supportive of him. …
Augusta Savage with one of her sculptures, ca. 1938. From the collection of the Archives of American Art. (Photo: Andrew Herman/ Wikimedia Commons)
The Dixon Gallery and Gardens welcomes Augusta Savage’s ‘Gamin’ on January 19 through March 23. Celebrating the Dixon’s recent acquisition of the landmark sculpture, the exhibition looks at Savage and ‘Gamin’ and their place in the larger context of early twentieth century African-American art. Surrounded by works from notable artists in The Horseman Collection, including Elizabeth Catlett, Aaron Douglas, and Bob Thompson, Savage’s ‘Gamin’ reveals the emotions, history, and politics that informed Savage’s work and that of her contemporaries. The exhibition presents the work of African-American artists from the twentieth century who experimented with a range of subjects and styles in ways that express the diversity and vitality of African American art and identity. Although centered in Harlem, the spirit of the cultural movement found expression in cities and art centers across America from the 1920s onward. Figures such as Savage inspired
African-American artists to find their artistic voice in ways that often celebrated the African American experience. ‘Gamin’ was a breakthrough work for Savage in 1929. On the strength of the sculpture, art patrons in New York contributed to the expense of sending her to Europe for additional study. Savage is part of an important lineage of American artists who sought experience and education in Europe, including a number who are already represented in the Dixon’s permanent collection: Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, Maurice Prendergast and Theodore Butler. ‘Gamin’ is also a breakthrough work for the Dixon. It is the first acquisition from an African-American artist and adds to the Dixon’s collection of works by women and sculptors. The exhibition – sponsored by the Horseman Foundation for American Art – will be on view through March 23. ‘Gamin’ will remain on view in the residence with other Dixon masterpieces of the nineteenth and twentieth century.
Notes on Amiri Baraka Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Levi Frazier
More and more I am beginning to feel an unraveling, a lost of connectedness to my literary and histrionic past. The deaths of Tom Dent, Ossie Davis, Ron Milner, Barbara Ann Teer, Judi Ann Mason and now Amiri Baraka have served as a wake-up call that at some point this novel called life will come to an end and for certain this theatrical production by the same name must lower its curtain to kiss the floor for the very last time. More than anything else, the deaths of these great ones help me to truly understand that just as “Trouble Don’t Last Always” neither do artists, although their works may. Upon learning of Baraka’s demise (Jan. 9th), I had to pause for a moment and contemplate my next breath…savor it as if I were pouring out libations to a dear friend, elder, and mentor. Although I only met Baraka, the man formerly known as LeRoi Jones, once at an African-American Literary Conference at Ole Miss almost 30 years ago, I felt like he was an older brother, a running buddy. Maybe it was because Baraka’s works ran like water through the formative years of my life as a writer. “Slave Ship,” “The Dutchman” and “The Toilet” were plays my peers and I discussed, performed and directed when no other shows would do. Not only was the author my creativity mentor, he was also my literary Hard Rock that Etheridge Knight spoke about in his poem with the same name: “He had been our Destroyer, the doer of things “We dreamed of doing but could not bring ourselves to do…” Jazz critic, playwright, essayist, polarizing
Amiri Baraka (Twitter)
poet, and shaman, I understood his anger, which provided more than enough fuel for our creativity in the Black Arts Movement. In Langston Hughes’ essay “That Boy Leroy,” which I remember reading many years ago, The Poet offered some fatherly criticism and advice to The Ascending Poet – a blazing new star singeing everything in its path, pressing towards the mark of a black utopia. The essay seemed to ooze messages of “Slow down…take your time…pace yourself” and most importantly “Don’t burn out and burn others up along the way. It’s not what you say, son, it’s how you say it, no matter how angry you are.” True, our big brother was angry, as we all were, but we were also young and in love with our blackness, which we fought to recapture
from being lost, stolen, and strayed. To the very core of or existence, we understood his anger. In these surreal moments of contemplating the portrait of the artist as a young man, like him, love him or hate him, I have made peace with the fact that Baraka was at times not so kind, but was always one of a kind. Through his genius, many of us struggled to find the connectedness to our blackness, our creativity and our liberation, and he helped us beyond measure. Rest in Peace A.B. (Levi Frazier is an assistant professor of fine arts at Southwest Tennessee Community College and co-founder of the Bluff City Cultural Center.)
ENTERTAINMENT
Page 10
January 16 - 22, 2014
OPENING THIS WEEK
Kam’s Kapsules:
Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Kam Williams
For movies opening January 17, 2014
BIG BUDGET FILMS
“Devil’s Due” (R for profanity and graphic images) Demon seed horror flick about a newlywed (Allison Miller) who starts experiencing bizarre symptoms soon after learning she’d unexpectedly become pregnant on her honeymoon. With Zach Gilford, Sam Anderson and Steffie Grote.
“The Nut Job” (PG for action and rude humor) Animated adventure revolving around a mischievous squirrel (Will Arnett) who hatches a plan to rob a nut store after being banished from the park by a mean raccoon (Liam Neeson) Voice cast includes Brendan Fraser, Maya Rudolph, Katherine Heigl and Jeff Dunham.
“Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” (PG-13 for intense violence and brief profanity) Chris Pine stars as the title character previously played by Harrison Ford, Alec Baldwin and Ben Affleck, in this reboot of the franchise inspired by the Tom Clancy series of espionage thrillers. This installment finds the intrepid CIA analyst on assignment in Moscow to foil a terrorist attempt to cripple the U.S. economy. Cast includes Keira Knightley, Kevin Costner and Kenneth Branagh. “Ride Along” (PG-13 for violence, sexuality and brief profanity) Buddy comedy, set in Atlanta, about a trash-talking groom-to-be (Kevin Hart) who goes on patrol for a day with his fiancée’s (Tika Sumpter) police officer brother (Ice Cube) in order to prove himself worthy. With John Leguizamo, Bruce McGill, David Banner and SNL’s Jay Pharoah.
INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS
“Big Bad Wolves” (Unrated) Israeli crime thriller about a suspected serial killer (Rotem Keinan) who finds himself being trailed by the revenge-minded father (Tzahi Grad) of his last victim and by a rogue cop (Lior Ashkenazi) willing to take the law into his own hands. Support cast includes Menashe Noy, Dvir Benedek and Kais Nashif. (In Hebrew with subtitles) “Freezer” (R for profanity and graphic violence) Claustrophobic thriller about a man (Dylan McDermott) who is locked in a freezer with a stranger (Peter Facinelli) by Russian mobsters demanding the return of $8 million. With Yuliya Snigir, Andrey Ivchenko and Pascal Petardi. “G.B.F.” (R for sexual references) Mean
Fast-talking security guard Ben (Kevin Hart) joins his cop brother-in-law James (Ice Cube) on a 24-hour patrol of Atlanta in order to prove himself worthy of marrying Angela (Tika Sumpter), James' sister. (Courtesy photo)
girls teensploit about three high school coeds’ (Xosha Roquemore, Andrea Bowen and Sasha Pieterse) cutthroat competition to land a recently-outed, high school classmate (Michael J. Willett) as their gay best friend. Featuring Rebecca Gayheart, Natasha Lyonne, Megan Mullally and Evanna Lynch.
“Gloria” (Unrated) Paulina Garcia plays the title character in this romantic dramedy, set in Santiago, about a lonely, 58 year-old divorcee who rushes headlong into a relationship with a naval officer (Sergio Hernandez) she meets at a singles’ bar. With Diego Fontecilla, Fabiola Zamora and Coca Guazzini. (In Spanish with subtitles)
“Jamesy Boy” (Unrated) Fact-based tale of redemption recounting how a teenage gang member (Spencer Lofranco) turned his life around behind bars with the help of a convicted murderer mentor (Ving Rhames). With James Woods, Taissa Farmiga, Mary-Louise Parker and the Black Eyed Peas’ Taboo.
“Life of a King” (PG-13 for drug use, violent images and mature themes) Cuba Gooding, Jr. stars in this biopic as Eugene Brown, a paroled ex-con who founded a chess club for at-risk kids in Washington, DC. Cast includes LisaGay Hamilton, Dennis Haysbert and Thurston Hill.
“Like Father, Like Son” (Unrated) Switched at birth drama about the life-altering decision faced by a couple (Masaharu Fukuyama and Keita Ninomiya) after being informed that they had taken the wrong baby home from the hospital a half-dozen years earlier. With Machiko Ono, Yoko Maki and Riri Furanki. (In Japanese with subtitles) “Maidentrip” (Unrated) Seafaring documentary recounting 14 year-old, Dutch girl Laura Dekker’s 2010 attempt to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe by boat alone.
“Reasonable Doubt” (R for profanity and violence) Mistaken identity thriller about an ambitious district attorney (Dominic Cooper) who comes to regret allowing an innocent man (Samuel L. Jackson) take the rap for his fatal hit-and-run accident. Cast includes Gloria Reuben, Erin Karpluk and Ryan Robbins.
“Summer in February” (Unrated) Romance drama, set in Edwardian England at the dawn of the 20th Century, revisiting the scandalous antics of a group of Bohemians residing at an artists’ colony in Cornwall. Co-starring Dominic Cooper, Emily Browning and Dan Stevens.
Tri-State Defender
HOROSCOPES
Jan. 16-22, 2014 ARIES Dive into it! Don’t be intimated by the unknown. Your adventurous spirit can take you to a new place of celebration this week. If you can, bring someone along who can celebrate in the same manner with you. Harmony and peace is the motto that you should chant when you accomplish what you want to do! TAURUS You may find that discussions at home have taken a sudden, spiritual orientation. Give everyone room to express their personal beliefs without trying to preach your point of view. Your open-mindedness helps you with deep learning this week. GEMINI Feeling bold, are we? Well, go with the flow of your feelings! No other sign can call on inner courage as easily as you. Whether at home, at work, or out on the town, let your personal statements be stylish and bold! CANCER Strong vibrations make for a series of dramatic interactions with others this week. Practice your art with your heart, and let your energy carry you upwards to your best, highest self. Keep emotions calm. LEO Restless feelings may arise over health matters, or perhaps education or the lack of it. Do what you need to do to feel comfortable with yourself. If it involves seeing a dentist or taking a class, what’s stopping you? Self-improvement can be a very enjoyable game! VIRGO Surprises are in order this week, and you can roll with everything that comes at you unexpectedly. Healing can happen in a relationship if you just show up. That’s power! Use it for the good of others. LIBRA This week you may find yourself pulled in many directions; it’s a good time to say No to certain forceful or manipulative people who know where your buttons are. You may want to focus your bountiful attention on what exactly composes your very likeable nature. What do you love about it? SCORPIO You want a comrade who doesn’t place inordinate expectations or demands on you, and who is creative, intelligent, a good conversationalist, and highly spiritual. Perhaps you should be out looking this week with eyes wide open! SAGITTARIUS Set a limit on what you can do for others this week. You’ll enjoy your feelings more if you are straightforward about refusing a less than appetizing assignment. Trust your feelings and say “No, I won’t.” Clear bound555 help you define yourself. CAPRICORN Business looks good this week as you discover a new way of increasing exposure to your product. Let hope and optimism lead you into new beginnings and fresh starts. All vibes are good. Go! AQUARIUS You seem preoccupied this week and it’s because your mind is filled with a vision of love for the entire planet. Use your gifts to assist others in seeing the world as you do, in glorious color. Check the details on paperwork that you have to do, dreamer. PISCES Do you realize that you are the only one who can tell you what to think and how to feel? Let go of any behaviors that are keeping you from achieving the things you want to achieve. Be creative and positive this week. Source: NNPA News Service
Tri-State Defender
January 16 - 22, 2014
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January 16 - 22, 2014
Tri-State Defender
“I have decided to stick to love...Hate is too great a burden to bear.� Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Tri-State Defender
January 16 - 22, 2014
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SPORTS Tri-State Defender, Thursday, January 16 - 22, 2014, Page 14
GRIZZ TRACK
Downing Louisville’s Cardinals lifts Tigers Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by J.R. Moorhead
(Fresh off of back-to-back American Athletic Conference wins on the road against Louisville and Temple, the University of Memphis Tigers were bracing for a visit by the UConn Huskies to the FedExForum on Thursday night (Jan. 16.) Read the story at www.TSDMemphis.com, where this column about the big Louisiville victory first appeared.)
R-o-l-l-e-r ... c-o-a-s-t-e-r! That’s the only way to describe the University of Memphis Tigers’ basketball season thus far. Up and down and up and down. A crushing defeat early to Oklahoma State followed by a redeeming win over the same OSU team to capture the Old Spice Classic. A dominant road victory over the University of Southern Florida in Memphis’ conference opener overshadowed by an embarrassing home loss to Cincinnati less than a week later. Headed into their game (Jan. 9) at Louisville, many thought the roller coaster might be headed for its biggest drop this year. Memphis hadn’t beaten a ranked conference opponent on the road since 2005. With the defending national champion Louisville sitting at No. 12, it looked as if that trend might continue. Yet, rivalry games often bring the best out of the “underdogs” (10.5 points according to Vegas). And the Tigers, who were 33-4 under coach Josh Pastner after a loss, definitely came to play. Chris Crawford shot well in the first half going 3-3 (2-2 from three), but still the Memphis shooting as a whole wasn’t anything special. That was highlighted by a 1-7 effort by Geron Johnson during the first 20 minutes. It appeared the Louisville game plan was to let struggling Memphis shooters have a little room and almost dare them to fire away. Nonetheless, the Tigers were able to out-rebound the Cardinals in the first half and lead 36-33 at the break. Freshman forward Austin Nichols has been losing minutes the past few games to transfer David Pellom. However, Louisville’s lack of bruising big men allowed Nichols to play 32 quality minutes and record 10 points and 7 rebounds. And although Johnson didn’t play well in the first half, he would finish with a double-double (13 points and 11 rebounds) and make 6-7 of his free throws. Johnson was also involved in a fast-break dunk, on which he drew an and-1, that proved to be the turning point in the game after Louisville had mounted a 6-point lead in the final minutes. In front a shocked crowd at the KFC Yum! Center, Shaq Goodwin would throw down an emphatic dunk as the time expired for a 73-67 win for the Tigers. After the game, coach Pastner tried to downplay the win by comparing it to a road win over Tennessee last year. No one was fooled. This is clearly the best road win in Pastner’s career at Memphis and quite possibly his biggest win overall during his tenure. The Tigers played well as a team, with all five starters scoring in the double digits for the first time this year. Which is a very encouraging sign for the True Blue fans going forward, but most of all, they love a win over a long-time rival. Even though the Tigers weren’t favored to win the game, the Memphis airwaves would have undoubtedly been rife with criticisms if the Tigers had lost their second game in a row for the first time since November 2012.
NOTE: The Tigers kept their “up” swing rolling last Saturday (Jan. 11), traveling to Pennsylvania where they defeated Temple Owls. On Thursday (Jan. 16), they host UConn at the FedExForum. The game will be broadcast on ESPN at 6 p.m.
Courtney Lee of the Grizzlies drives by Jeremy Lamb of OKC and scores. (Photos: Warren Roseborough)
Center Marc Gasol returned to the Grizzlies lineup after a 23game injury absence and guarding him was the duty of Steven Adams of the Oklahoma City Thunder on this play.
Grizz chemistry too much for Thunder Marc Gasol returns from injury; OKC not ready for Courtney Lee
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Kelley Evans
Memphis Grizzlies fans were given a real surprise on Tuesday night (Jan. 14). All-Star center Marc Gasol hit the floor of the FedExForum to start against one of the top teams in the NBA after missing 23 consecutive games with a left knee injury. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year sported a black brace but it didn’t get in the way of helping his team outlast the Oklahoma City Thunder 90 to 87 in a high-energy game that kept the crowd on edge. Gasol’s return triggered a standing ovation from the 17,177 in attendance. He responded with 12 points in 24 minutes of play. “I got goose bumps for about a minute, or two minutes. I felt like I was a rookie again, even better than that. Today was a special day for me, but we move on,” Gasol said. Courtney Lee led the Grizzlies with 24 points in his second start in Memphis. Lee scored 14 points in the first quarter, with Memphis building a lead that ballooned to 12 points during the period. He made big plays throughout the game, helping the Grizzlies withstand a determined Thunder team that signaled its intention to be in it until the end with a second-quarter rally. “Our team chemistry is as good as I’ve seen it in several years,” said Grizz head coach Dave Joerger. “Right now, the ball is moving. I thought Courtney Lee did a really nice job. What we talked about before the game was, try not to play
Kevin Durant (left) was awesome, scoring 37 points but it was not enough to overcome Zach Randolph (23 points, 13 rebounds) and the Griz, who won 90-87 at the FedExForum on Tuesday (Jan. 14) night.
as if Marc (Gasol) is a new player. Just play.” The Grizzlies went into the half trailing by four (47-43). They entered the third quarter with aggression and more cohesiveness outscoring the Thunder 29-20. Lee hit a jumper as the quarter closed, punc-
tuating a Memphis run that produced a 72-67 lead entering the final period. Kevin Durant made sure the Thunder – playing without injured star guard Russell Westbrook, had a chance to win, leading all scorers with 37 points. Going into the game,
Durant was questionable after missing practice on Monday due to a left wrist injury. “We were able to give ourselves the chance there at the end of the game,” Durant said. “There are no moral victories. We are pissed off that we lost the game. We had a chance to win with no matter who was on the court. It was a tough loss for us.” The Thunder game plan called for the double-team defense of Memphis forward Zach Randolph, who still finished with 23 points and 13 rebounds. OKC also came in wary of starting guard Mike Conley, who still finished with 19 points and seven assists. But the Thunder clearly had not adequately prepared for Lee. “Courtney Lee had his way,” said Thunder head coach Scott Brooks. “We didn’t do a good job of starting the game off on him. Throughout the game he sprinkled in some big shots. We can’t afford for that to happen. They have some really good players. He was the wild card that we didn’t want to happen. He had too many good looks. In a game like those, we can’t give a guy that many points. I thought it was a wellplayed game. They are a tough, physical team.” Reggie Jackson finished with 17 points and Serge Ibaka pitched in 11 for the Thunder.
NOTE: The Grizzlies faced the Milwaukee Bucks on the road Wednesday night. They return to the FedExForum to play former Grizz Rudy Gay and the Sacramento Kings on Friday (Jan. 17).
Battle-tested Lady Rams reflect new life at Southside Middle Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Evan Devould
Southside’s Lady Rams basketball team is no stranger to tough battles. After an 0-4 start, this year’s season had the look of a battle royal. At the same time, Southside Middle School as a whole was fighting for something more important than a basketball game – keeping the school from being absorbed by the Achievement School District (ASD). While many sing the praises of the ASD for its commitment to help turn around low-performing schools, that wasn’t the tune resonating at Southside from its faculty, student body and community supporters. The fight to keep Southside from being taken over by the ASD went public, airing on various local news outlets. Armed with a level-five “passing” grade from the state, Southside avoided the ASD net. That seemed to breathe fresh air into the entire school, including the Southside girls basketball team. Since the rough 0-4 start, the Lady Rams have won 10 of their last 12 games. The run has solidified Southside as one of the top teams in the SCIAA basketball district. Leading the Lady Rams are head coach Toni Jackson and assistant coach Maria Devould. Coach Jackson’s basketball pedigree includes having starred at Fairly High school,
Since a rough 0-4 start, the Lady Rams have won 10 of their last 12 games. The run has solidified Southside as one of the top teams in the SCIAA basketball district. (Photos: Evan Devould)
where she averaged 26.3 points per game. At Grambling State University, she became the first female athlete to win the SWAC Conference Player of the Year. Later, she coached briefly at Grambling State and Cornell University. Since returning to her hometown, Jackson has coached some quality middle school girls players, including Jamila Ajanaku, who went on to play for Middle Tennessee State University and the University of
Eighth grader Tacoria Stokes, an honor student averaging 19.5 points, is one of the key reasons the Southside Lady Rams have turned their season around and are envisioning post-season glory.
Memphis, and Rochelle Primes, who played at Maryland Eastern Shore University. With over 30 years of basketball experience, Jackson believes this year’s Southside team has the personnel and toughness to be as special as any team she has coached. One of the big reasons for her steadfastness is 8th grader Tacoria Stokes, an honor student averaging 19.5 points. Rounding out the starting five are 8th graders Jayla Robin-
son, Jayla Cathey, Jayla Turner and Jessica Garner. Stokes has grown into a leader for the Lady Rams and she is confident that they can make a deep run this season. How far is that? “We can become state champs,” said Stokes. “We can go all the way.” It will be interesting to see how the Lady Rams close out the season. One thing already is known – they are battle tested.
COMMUNITY
Tri-State Defender
January 16 - 22, 2014
At 32, Mid-South Peace and Justice Center builds on ‘Legacy of Nonviolence’
Page 15
Special to the New Tri-State Defender
by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. turned 53 on Jan. 15, 1982. It was a Friday and on that day the founders of the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center (MSPJC) opened its doors. This Saturday, a gala event at First Congregational Church in the Cooper-Younger community will mark the organizaJacob tion’s 32nd anniversary. Flowers “‘Living the Legacy of Nonviolence’ is our celebration of resistance,” said Jacob Flowers, MSPJC executive director. “We stand on the shoulders of great men and women that we honor and appreciate. The broad canon of work we’ve accomplished is because of the lessons we learned from those who went before us: nonviolent social change is permanent change.” The after-five banquet will feature a keynote address by former MSPJC Executive Director Hubert Van Tol, now the economic director of Pathstone’s Enterprise Center, a small business assistance center and advocate of economic justice in Rochester, N.Y.
‘Positive affirmation rap’…
Ekpe (pronounced “eck-pay), a “musical philanthropist” and artistic director of GENIUS UNLIMITED, entertained children and adults last Saturday (Jan. 11) during the “I Am a Genius” and “Donʼt Touch A Gun” show at Greer Chapel A.M.E. Church. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)
The first difficult days
Memphis was the city where the gaping wound of Dr. King’s assassination was inflicted on April 4, 1968, said Brad Watkins, MSPJC’s organizing director. “There was this sense that this city had to be an example to all other cities and aggressively pursue racial equality and justice Brad for everyone,” said Watkins Watkins. “Not just to honor Dr. King, but to remember all of the nameless people who suffered and sacrificed so much for the movement.” The doors of the MSPJC were opened so that there could be a place where those most affected by social issues would have a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation about how to solve the social issues of the day, said Watkins. “Certainly, racial justice was essential, but our focused evolved as people were disenfranchised by so many other injustices.” Moving forward, Watkins envisions MSPJC as an incubator for training and developing grassroots leadership and a resource of support where strategy and consultation can be accessed by those leaders. “We’re very excited about the work ahead. HOPE (Homeless Organization for Power and Equality) members are working on a community garden in the Crosstown area. The produce will be used to feed homeless families. “We’re working with Juvenile Court to get young people involved in planting community gardens in their own neighborhoods. It will change perceptions about how neighbors see them and how they relate to those residents. So many great initiatives are coming down the pike. We are very excited about the gala this Saturday. But Monday morning, we’ve got to get back to work.”
About the speaker...
Hubert Van Tol led the Peace and Justice Center from 1985 to 1995. Much of that decade was spent fighting against “redlining” and ensuring that the Community Investment Act was being enforced. “North and South Memphis communities were being redlined by banks, and they weren’t lending Hubert money in those areas,” Van Tol said Van Tol. “We fought to eliminate discrimination in banking and real estate practices, which was so prevalent at that time. I guess that was the bulk of our work when I was director.” Van Tol grew up on a farm in an “all-white” town. “I grew up on a farm in Iowa, and I guess you could say my contact with other races was negligible,” said Van Tol. “When Dr. King was killed, I was a senior in high school. That Sunday following his assassination, our minister delivered a message praising Dr. King’s work for racial equality. I remember after service how enraged many of those people were, telling our minister that they did not appreciate hearing a message about ‘that communist.’” Van Tol never forgot that message nor the angry response. Off on his own at college, racial unrest and protests against the Vietnam War awakened a social consciousness that started him on a path of activism and advocacy. He returns Saturday to Memphis with a message of encouragement. “I don’t consider myself a great speaker, and I don’t want this built up into some great message I’m going to deliver on Saturday. I’m going to tell stories, stories about how important social justice is,” he said. “Hopefully, those involved will be encouraged to continue the work, and those who are not involved will be inspired to jump in and get involved. Memphis will always be special to me, and I’m thrilled to return for this gala.”
(Tickets can be purchased online at www.midsouthpeace.org, by phone at 901725-4990, or in person at the offices of the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, 1000 S. Cooper St.)
Honoring
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday – what would have been his 85th – was Wednesday (Jan. 15th), with the federal holiday set to be observed on Monday (Jan. 20th). Myriad observances and events are planned throughout Greater Memphis. Mayor A C Wharton Jr. is calling on Memphians to “Be the Dream” during a weekend of reflection and service honoring Dr. King’s legacy. Here is a partial list of scheduled events:
Rainbow PUSH Coalition
Receive $1 off King Day admission by bringing canned good donations to the King Day Food Drive, or receive free admission for up to 4 people by donating a pint of blood to Life Blood Mid-South Regional Mobile and Centers. Guests will be treated to a recently discovered interview recording of Dr. King that will be played in the courtyard throughout the day. The recording was donated to the museum in July by magician David Copperfield. King Day will mark the first day the recording will be publicly broadcast at the museum. The annual event is presented by Ford Motor Company with support from Macy’s Foundation and ServiceMaster. For more info, call Barbara Andrews, 901-521-9699 x2223. #KingDay2014
class of 1963, the first African-American selected superintendent of Memphis City Schools and the first elected as mayor of Memphis. Dr. Herenton also participated in the Sanitation Workers Strike, marching with the workers and wearing the historic “I Am A Man” sign. “That experienced shaped me into the man I am today,” Herenton said. “I have deep feelings about that experience and the Civil Rights Movement as a whole and look forward to sharing my personal perspective on the impact of that pivotal time in American history.”
Jan. 20 – The Rainbow PUSH Coalition beBridges Center gan celebrating the life and legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. years before it became a Jan. 17 – The Bridges Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday and will continue that celebraBirthday Celebration will be from 3:30 p.m. to 8 tion on Monday (Jan. 20) at 11 p.m. at the Bridges Center at 477 N. a.m. at Monumental Baptist Fifth Street. Students in grades 6-12 Church located at 704 South Parkwill participate in an interactive exploway East. ration of Dr. King’s life. The Rev. Lasimba Gray, presiRepresentatives from communident of PUSH Memphis, has spearty service organizations will detail headed a special tribute to the Rev. service projects that are available on Samuel B. Kyles, founder of PUSH MLK Day and local food trucks Memphis and the group’s President will be. Registration is required. Emeritus. The celebration will Admission is $10. bring speakers from the communiFor more information, visit bridgety as well as music from individususa.org or call 901-452-5600. als and groups who have supported Rainbow PUSH Memphis and this The College of event through the years, including Aspiring Artists Deborah Thomas and The Memphis Peacemakers. Jan. 20 – The online campus of “We stand on the shoulders of The College of Aspiring Artists many, however, during this celeopens in conjunction with the MLK bration, we always reflect on the Holiday. Dubbed “Feel the Movecontributions made by the late Dr. ment,” the theme for the day’s salute Martin L. King and the special adis “From Prophecy to Promise.” dition this year is our tribute to Lunch and Learn… The day’s events are from 11 a.m. Rev. Samuel B. Kyles, who has paved the way in this community Dr. Andre E. Johnson, the Dr. James L. Netters Associate Professor to 3 p.m. at historic Mason Temple, and beyond for all peoples who of Rhetoric & Religion and African American Studies at the Mem- at 930 Mason St., where Dr. King find themselves in situations of phis Theological Seminary, addressed “Dr. King and the African delivered “Mountaintop,” his final poverty and discrimination,” said American Prophetic Rhetorical Tradition” at the National Civil speech on the evening of April 3, 1968 – the day before his assassinaGray. Rights Museum on Tuesday (Jan. 14.) (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley) tion at the Lorraine Motel. The event is open to the public. Church of God in Christ Bishop Dr. Rance Allen, national recording and award winNational Civil Rights Museum ning artist, will deliver the keynote tribute to Dr. LeMoyne-Owen College King. Former Memphis Mayor Dr. Willie W. HerJan. 20 – Annual King Day celebration, with enton will provide the pioneer salute marking the Jan. 20 – The LeMoyne-Owen College’s the theme “Peace, Love and Freedom.” Family occasion. Memphis Alumni Chapter hosts the 23rd Annuactivities will include storytelling, children’s The Little Rock Central High School National Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast at arts/crafts, dramatic and musical performances, al Historic Site will present the Rev. Stephen A. 8 a.m. at Memphis Hotel, 2625 Thousand Oaks a live DJ, local radio stations, social media tent, Ferguson of Atlanta, who will do an reenacttribute to Freedom Award winners, and a pre- Blvd. This year’s breakfast is dedicated to the ment of Dr. King’s “Mountaintop” address. FerLOC students who organized and participated in view of the Lorraine Motel exhibit renovations. sit-ins during the civil rights movement and to guson has been licensed to perform as Dr. King Door prizes and food vendors onsite. by Intellectual Properties Management, excluTours of the museum boarding house exhibits the sanitation workers and other supporters who sive licensor of the King Estate. participated in the pivotal 1968 Sanitation and the “Freedom Sisters” exhibit will be availFor details, free scholarship vouchers and able from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. No balcony tours. Ad- Workers Strike. complimentary tickets, visit The keynote speaker will be Dr. Willie W. Hermission for all activities: $3. enton, a member of the LeMoyne-Owen College www.theCollegeofAspiringArtists.com.
Neighborhood meeting…
The Rev. Dwight Montgomery, president of the SCLC Memphis Chapter, directed a neighborhood meeting Tuesday night (Jan. 14th) at St. John Baptist Church at 2791 Barron. The meeting focused on minimizing crime, strengthening the education system and empowering the residents of Cherokee Bethel Grove and Orange Mound communities. Local officials, including Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell Jr., Commissioner Henri Brooks, Councilman Harold Collins, and department and agency representatives were on hand to address issues and concerns. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)
Page 16
Legal Notices
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
OF STATE HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION BIDS TO BE RECEIVED 02.14.2014
Sealed Bids will be received by the town of Monterey, TN, at their offices in 302 East Commercial, Monterey, TN 38574, until 10:00 A.M., 02/14/2014 and opened publicly at 302 East Commercial, Monterey, TN 38574. The reading of the bids will begin at 2:00 P. M.
Tennessee Roadscapes is an initiative from The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) that provides opportunities for a variety of environmental and beautification programs in Tennessee.
The city of Monterey has applied for and been awarded grant money for improvements at two interstate exits intending to enhance and beautify the streetscape. The project involves the following type of work at each of the four planting beds (two at each exit): Landscaping (including bed preparation, planting, and etc.) at Interstate 40 Exits #300 and #301.
PROPOSAL CONTRACTS WILL BE ISSUED UNTIL THE TIME SET FOR OPENING BIDS
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 Town of Monterey hereby notifies all bidders that NO Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal has been set for this project.
The Town of Monterey hereby notifies all bidders that 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 of Monterey 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. Telephone 931-839-2111 (Cultural Administrator)
THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED
Bidding documents and information, and plans, may be obtained by contacting the:
Town of Monterey Ken Hall (Cultural Administrator) One East Depot St Monterey, TN 38574 931-839-2111
or
Lose & Associates John Lavender 1314 5th Ave. N, Suite# 200 Nashville, TN 37208 615-242-0040 REQUEST FOR BIDS Legal Notice MSCAA Project Number 12-1355-05 Charles Baker Airport – Airfield Improvements – Construction
Sealed bids for the Charles Baker Airport – Airfield Improvements – Construction, MSCAA Project No. 12-1355-05 will be received by the Staff Services Division of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA), 3505 Tchulahoma Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38118, until 2:00 PM local time on Thursday, February 27, 2014, and thereafter will be opened and publicly read. No bids will be accepted after the stated deadline. BIDS WILL NOT BE RECEIVED AT ANY OTHER LOCATION.
The scope of work generally consists of relocation of the parallel taxiway and replacement of the airfield electrical systems at the Charles W. Baker Airport. Work efforts include, but are not necessarily limited to, earthwork, erosion prevention and sediment control, drainage structure installation, underdrain installation, pavement base placement, asphalt pavement paving, airfield marking and signage, airfield conduit and cable installation, airfield lighting installation, airfield lighting vault construction, emergency power generator construction, and other efforts as necessary. The Contractor shall furnish all material, equipment, and labor necessary to complete the project per the construction documents, coordinate with local and state officials, utility companies and governmental agencies. The complete scope of work is shown on the drawings and/or in the specifications.
The Bid Documents may be obtained on or after Monday, January 27, 2014. Bid documents may be examined at the following locations in Memphis, TN: Builderʼs Exchange Plans Room, McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge Plans Room, Memphis Area Minority Contractorʼs Association, Mid-South Minority Business Council, National Association of Minority Contractors, and Renaissance Business Center Bid Room.
All Respondents are hereby notified that all updates, addenda and additional information, if any, shall be posted to the MSCAA website (www.mscaa.com) and Respondents are responsible for checking the MSCAA website up to the time of the Bid submission deadline.
A MANDATORY Pre-Bid Meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. local time at the MSCAA Project Center, located at 4225 Airways Boulevard, Memphis, TN. Only those attending will be allowed to submit responses to this Request for Bids.
The MSCAA hereby notifies that it will review and award contracts in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4a and Title 49, Part 26, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act. MSCAA further notifies all Bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) 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, sex, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex-
CLASSIFIEDS
Tri-State Defender
January 16 - 22, 2014
TRI-STATE DEFENDER CLASSIFIEDS 203 Beale Street, Suite 200 Memphis, TN 38103 PH (901) 523-1818 FAX (901) 578-5037 HOURS: Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm
DEADLINES; Display ads Monday 5 p.m. Classified ads Monday 5 p.m.
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ual orientation or disability in its hiring and employment practices, or in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services and activities. The DBE participation goal for this contract is 29% in accordance with the requirements of the Contract Documents. This project is Federal Grant Funded. Therefore, the only participation that will be counted toward meeting this goal will be participation by certified DBEs, the owners of which have been certified as having a personal net worth less than $1.32 million.
Each bid must be by a contractor licensed in Tennessee and accompanied by a 5% Bid Guarantee. In accordance with TCA §62-6-119, the Bidder, and where applicable, one contractor/subcontractor performing electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or masonry work must have its license number, expiration date of the license, and that part of the classification applying to the bid shown on the outside of the envelope containing the bid. Failure to supply all information on the outside of the envelope will result in the return of the unopened envelope to the Bidder. The successful Bidder will be required to execute a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond, each in the amount of 100% of the Contract Price. Liquidated damages for delay in contract completion shall be as stated in the Contract Documents. No Bidder may withdraw an opened bid within the defined period following actual bid opening without MSCAAʼs consent. Award will be made to the lowest and best responsible qualified Bidder, if any contract is awarded, based on the best combination of base bid plus individual add-alternates deemed, at MSCAAʼs sole discretion, to be in MSCAAʼs best interests regardless of whether the individual add-alternates are ultimately constructed or not constructed. MSCAA reserves the right to reject any or all bids in whole or in part and to waive any informalities, technicalities or omissions therein. MSCAA also reserves the right to reject bids from bidders that have pending litigation or claims with MSCAA, or if such bid includes a proposed subcontractor or supplier that has pending litigation or claims with MSCAA, if MSCAA determines, in its sole discretion, such litigation or claims may adversely affect the ability of the parties to work efficiently and effectively under this contract, or for any other reason as determined by MSCAA. Any such bid will be returned to the bidder. See Instructions to Bidders in the project specifications for a further description of this and other reservations of rights. MEMPHIS-SHELBY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY By Scott A. Brockman, A.A.E., President & CEO NOTICE TO CONSULTANT ENGINEERS REGARDING A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE DESIGN OF ROADWAY RESURFACING PLANS
January 16, 2014
The City Of Memphis, Division of Engineering, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, seeks to retain the services of professional engineering consulting firms to provide various engineering services related to the design of resurfacing/sign & marking plans for various streets in the City of Memphis. This project (STP Repaving Group 5) is being funded by the Surface Transportation Program (STP) as a Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Locally Managed Program. This project shall adhere to all applicable Federal and State, procedures and regulations. The professional consulting engineering firms (the Prime) and all sub-consultants must be on TDOTʼs pre-approved list and the Prime must have unlimited status. The scope of work includes: 1. Design services to complete the resurfacing plans for streets listed below 2. Environmental services to secure State and Federal permits 3. Assemble bid package. The method of payment shall be lump sum and the scope includes the following streets: 1. Riverdale Road – Winchester Rd. to Shelby Dr. 2. Hickory Hill Road – Mt. Moriah Rd. to Winchester Rd. 3. Highland Street – Summer Ave. to Walnut Grove Rd. 4. Perkins Road – Summer Ave. to Walnut Grove Rd. 5. Riverside Drive – Jefferson Ave. to Beale St. and 6. Knight Arnold Road – Hickory Hill Rd. to Ridgeway Rd.
Firms (or teams) may request consideration by submitting a letter of interest, along with an abbreviated “Statement of Qualifications” for the firm (or team) to: Mr. Brad Davis, Deputy City Engineer, Division of Engineering, 125 N. Main, Suite 644, Memphis, TN, 38103. All letters of interest and abbreviated SOQs must be received on or before 3:00 p.m. Central Time, February 7, 2014.
The abbreviated SOQ will be used to make a short list of applicants. The firms that are short listed will then be invited to submit a more detailed SOQ which will be graded by a committee established by the Engineering Division. The abbreviated SOQ must include a letter expressing an interest to be considered for the project, must be no more than 15 pages and only needs to contain the following information: 1. General background about the firm(s) – history, office locations, number of staff, etc. 2. A list of projects with a similar size and scope as the proposed work. 3. The current amount of work the firm has under contract with TDOT and the City of Memphis.
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4. The City encourages the use of firms that are listed on TDOTʼs certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) list. The firm that is submitting the SOQ should either list that they are certified DBE firm or state whether they anticipate using DBE firms as a sub-consultant or not.
Information pertaining to TDOT prequalification procedures, list of pre-qualified firms and certified DBEs, TDOTʼs standard procurement policy, and additional information can be found at this internet address www.tdot.state.tn.us/consultantinfo.htm. Interested firms without internet access may obtain this information by calling Ms. Chris Smotherman at (615)741-4460 or by email at Christine.Smotherman@tn.gov. For additional details regarding the proposed services to be provided or questions about the submittal process contact Mr. Chee Chew, (901) 576-6936, cheeyen.chew@Memphistn.gov. All submitters will be advised when the short list has been developed.
Evaluation proceedings will be conducted within the established guidelines regarding equal employment opportunity and nondiscriminatory action based upon the grounds of race, color, sex, creed or national origin. Interested certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms as well as other minority/women-owned firms are encouraged to respond to all advertisements by City of Memphis. For information on DBE certification with TDOT, please contact Ms Deborah Luter at (615)741-3681 or Deborah.Luter@state.tn.gov. Details and instructions for DBE certification can be found at the following website: h t t p : / / w w w. t d o t . s t a t e . t n . u s / c i v i l rights/smallbusiness/. Payment for services shall be made based on work complete in each section of the scope of service. The City of Memphis reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, accept proposals in part or whole, waive defects, informalities or minor irregularities in proposals or proposal process and to make proposals awards, as deemed, to be in its best interest. The City of Memphis is not responsible for delays occasioned by the U.S. Postal Services or any other means of delivery utilized by the proposer. Similarly, the City of Memphis is not responsible for, and will not open, any proposal responses that are received later than the date and time stated above. John Cameron, P.E. City Engineer
NOTICE TO CONSULTANT ENGINEERS REGARDING A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE STP BRIDGE REPAIR FOR SAM COOPER BOULEVARD
JANUARY 16, 2014
The City Of Memphis, Division of Engineering, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, seeks to retain the services of professional engineering consulting firms to provide various engineering services related to the design and preparation of final construction bridge repair plans for bridges on or over Sam Cooper Boulevard within the boundaries of the City of Memphis. This project (STP Bridge Repair of fourteen (14) bridges on or over Sam Cooper Boulevard) is being funded by the Surface Transportation Program (STP) as a Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Locally Managed Program. This project shall adhere to all applicable Federal and State, procedures and regulations. The professional consulting engineering firms (the Prime) and all sub-consultants must be on TDOTʼs preapproved list and the Prime must have unlimited status. The method of payment shall be lump sum and the scope of work includes:
1. Design services to complete construction repair plans including bridge inspections and traffic control plans as required 2. Environmental services to secure State and Federal permits 3. Assemble bid package
The scope includes the following bridges: 1. W. B. Sam Cooper over Highland 2. E. B. Sam Cooper over Highland 3. W. B. Sam Cooper over Holmes 4. E. B. Sam Cooper over Holmes 5. Mendenhall over Sam Cooper 6. W. B. Sam Cooper over Vaughn 7. E. B. Sam Cooper over Vaughn 8. W. B. Sam Cooper over Waring 9. E. B. Sam Cooper over Waring 10. Perkins over CSX RR 11. Perkins over Sam Cooper 12. Graham over Sam Cooper 13. White Station over Sam Cooper 14. High Point Terrace over Sam Cooper
Firms (or teams) may request consideration by submitting a letter of interest, along with an abbreviated “Statement of Qualifications” for the firm (or team) to: Mr. Brad Davis, Deputy City Engineer, Division of Engineering, 125 N. Main, Suite 644, Memphis, TN, 38103. All letters of interest and abbreviated SOQs must be received on or before 3:00 p.m. Central Time, February 7, 2014. The abbreviated SOQ will be used to make a short list of applicants. The firms that are short listed will then be invited to submit a more detailed SOQ which will be graded by a committee established by the Engineering Division. The abbreviated SOQ must include a letter expressing an interest to be considered for the project, must be no more than 15 pages and only needs to contain the following information: 1. General background about the firm(s) – history, office locations, num-
ber of staff, etc. 2. A list of projects with a similar size and scope as the proposed work. 3. The current amount of work the firm has under contract with TDOT and the City of Memphis. 4. The City encourages the use of firms that are listed on TDOTʼs certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) list. The firm that is submitting the SOQ should either list that they are certified DBE firm or state whether they anticipate using DBE firms as a sub-consultant or not.
Information pertaining to TDOT prequalification procedures, list of pre-qualified firms and certified DBEs, TDOTʼs standard procurement policy, and additional information can be found at this internet address www.tdot.state.tn.us/consultantinfo.htm. Interested firms without internet access may obtain this information by calling Ms. Chris Smotherman at (615)741-4460 or by email at Christine.Smotherman@tn.gov.
For additional details regarding the proposed services to be provided or questions about the submittal process contact Mark McGuire, (901) 636-6921, mark.mcguire@memphistn.gov. All submitters will be advised when the short list has been developed.
Evaluation proceedings will be conducted within the established guidelines regarding equal employment opportunity and nondiscriminatory action based upon the grounds of race, color, sex, creed or national origin. Interested certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms as well as other minority/women-owned firms are encouraged to respond to all advertisements by City of Memphis. For information on DBE certification with TDOT, please contact Ms Deborah Luter at (615)741-3681 or Deborah.Luter@state.tn.gov. Details and instructions for DBE certification can be found at the following website: h t t p : / / w w w. t d o t . s t a t e . t n . u s / c i v i l rights/smallbusiness/. Payment for services shall be made based on work complete in each section of the scope of service. The City of Memphis reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, accept proposals in part or whole, waive defects, informalities or minor irregularities in proposals or proposal process and to make proposals awards, as deemed, to be in its best interest. The City of Memphis is not responsible for delays occasioned by the U.S. Postal Services or any other means of delivery utilized by the proposer. Similarly, the City of Memphis is not responsible for, and will not open, any proposal responses that are received later than the date and time stated above. John Cameron, P.E. City Engineer
LEGAL NOTICE TO BIDDERS DeWitt Spain Airport – Levee Pump – Construction GENERAL DEWITT SPAIN AIRPORT 2787 North Second Street Memphis, Tennessee 38127 MSCAA Project Number 12-1349-01
Sealed bids for the DeWitt Spain Airport – Levee Pump – Construction, MSCAA Project No. 12-1349-01, will be received by the Staff Services Division of the MemphisShelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA), 3505 Tchulahoma Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38118, until 2:00 PM Local Time on Thursday, February 20, 2014, and immediately thereafter will be opened and publicly read. No bids will be accepted after the stated deadline. BIDS WILL NOT BE RECEIVED AT ANY OTHER LOCATION. The scope of work generally consists of installation of a permanent flood control pump at the General DeWitt Spain Airport. Work efforts include, but are not necessarily limited to, earthwork, erosion prevention and sediment control, drainage structure installation, concrete pad placement, gravel road installation, electrical connections, and all services as necessary to install a complete pump system with mobile generator as detailed in the construction documents.
Bid Documents may be obtained and found on our website (www.mscaa.com) on or after Tuesday, January 21, 2014. Bid documents may be examined at the following locations in Memphis, TN: Builderʼs Exchange Plans Room, McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge Plans Room, Memphis Area Minority Contractorʼs Association, Mid-South Minority Business Council, National Association of Minority Contractors, and Renaissance Business Center Bid Room.
All Respondents are hereby notified that all updates, addenda and additional information, if any, shall be posted to the MSCAA website (www.mscaa.com) and Respondents are responsible for checking the MSCAA website up to the time of the Bid opening. A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held Wednesday, February 5, 2014, at 9:00 AM at the General DeWitt Spain Airport, 2787 North Second Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38127. The project site will be available for inspection immediately following the meeting. The MSCAA hereby notifies that it will review and award contracts in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4a and Title 49, Part 26, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act. MSCAA further notifies all Bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) 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, sex, color, national origin, creed, religion, sexual orientation or disability in its hiring and employment practices, or in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services and activities. The DBE participation goal for this contract is 16% in accordance with the requirements of the Contract Documents. The only participation that will be counted toward meeting this goal will be participation by certified DBEs, the owners of which have been certified as having a personal net worth less than $1.32 million.
Each bid must be by a contractor licensed in Tennessee and accompanied by a 5% Bid Guarantee. In accordance with TCA §62-6-119, the Bidder, and where applicable, one contractor/subcontractor performing electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or masonry work must have its license number, expiration date of the license, and that part of the classification applying to the bid shown on the outside of the envelope containing the bid. Failure to supply all information on the outside of the envelope will result in the re-
turn of the unopened envelope to the Bidder. The successful Bidder will be required to execute a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond, each in the amount of 100% of the Contract Price. Liquidated damages for delay in contract completion shall be as stated in the Contract Documents.
No Bidder may withdraw an opened bid within the defined period following actual bid opening without MSCAAʼs consent. Award will be made to the lowest and best responsible qualified Bidder, if any contract is awarded, based on the best combination of base bid plus individual add-alternates deemed, at MSCAAʼs sole discretion, to be in MSCAAʼs best interests regardless of whether the individual add-alternates are ultimately constructed or not constructed.
MSCAA reserves the right to reject any or all bids in whole or in part and to waive any informalities, technicalities or omissions therein. MSCAA also reserves the right to reject bids from bidders that have pending litigation or claims with MSCAA, or if such bid includes a proposed subcontractor or supplier that has pending litigation or claims with MSCAA, if MSCAA determines, in its sole discretion, such litigation or claims may adversely affect the ability of the parties to work efficiently and effectively under this contract, or for any other reason as determined by MSCAA. Any such bid will be returned to the bidder. See Instructions to Bidders in the project specifications for a further description of this and other reservations of rights. MEMPHIS-SHELBY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY By Scott A. Brockman, A.A.E., President & CEO NOTICE TO BIDDER(S)
Shelby County Government is soliciting Seal Bids for the provision of Construction Services to provide asphalt resurfacing and associated pavement markings for various roads in Shelby County Tennessee. The Seal Bid is located on the Countyʼs website at www.shelbycountytn.gov, click the link “Department” at the top, then P for the Purchasing Department, ten click on the link “Bids.” DUE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2014 AT 2:30 PM SEALED BID #SBI-000239 2014 ASPHALT RESURFACING PROJECT
Voluntary Pre-Bid Conference: A pre-bid conference will be held at 9:00 AM, Thursday, January 23, 2014 at the following location:
Shelby County Roads and Engineering Department, Conference Room, 6449 Haley Road, Memphis, TN 38134.
Shelby County 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. THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL, JR., SHELBY COUNTY MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT NOTICE TO BIDDER(S)
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS DUE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 AT 4:00 PM
Shelby County Government, Tennessee, an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer, seeks to retain the services of one or more consulting firms to provide professional services related to the following: “MEMPHIS MPO CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PLAN” (RFQ# 14-001-34) By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL, JR, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT NOTICE TO BIDDER(S)
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS DUE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 AT 4:00 PM
Shelby County Government, Tennessee, an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer, seeks to retain the services of one or more consulting firms to provide professional services related to the following: “MEMPHIS MPO LAND USE MODEL UPDATE” (RFQ# 14-001-32) By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL, JR, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT NOTICE TO BIDDER(S)
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS DUE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 AT 4:00 PM
Shelby County Government, Tennessee, an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer, seeks to retain the services of one or more consulting firms to provide professional services related to the following:
“MEMPHIS MPO TRANSPORTATION PLAN PUBLIC OUTREACH” (RFQ# 14-001-33) By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL, JR, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT
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NOTICE TO BIDDERS
In order to participate in the bid listed below for Shelby County Government, you must be registered with our electronic bidding system with Mercury Commerce. County bids are not available by mail or downloaded directly from the County website, unless otherwise indicated in the solicitation invitation. All vendors who wish to bid are required to register with Mercury Commerce Solutions in order to be notified of on-line bids. There is no charge for registration, and it is easy to use. To register: • • • •
January 16 - 22, 2014
Go to www.esmsolutions.com Go to “Vendors” block at top Click “Register Now” box Click on “Mercury Commerce Vendor Registration” line • Complete Vendor Registration process
If you have any questions about the registration process, contact ESM Solutions at (877) 969-7246. If you have any questions about information contained in the bid documents, contact the Purchasing Department at (901) 222-2250 and ask to speak to the Buyer listed for the bid. SEALED BID DUE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2014 AT 2:30 PM “VARIOUS VEHICLES, FLEET SERVICES” (SB# I000240) (MC# 443) By order of
MARK H. LUTTRELL JR., MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT
NOTICE OF INTENT TO FILE REALTY LAWSUIT
As County Trustee, I am required by law to publish the following statement:
You are advised that after March 28, 2014, additional penalties and costs will be imposed in consequence of suits to be filed for enforcement of the lien for taxes against real property; until the filing of such suits, taxes may be paid at my office. DAVID LENOIR SHELBY COUNTY TRUSTEE
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