10 10 2012

VOL. 61, No. 40

October 4 - 10, 2012

www.tsdmemphis.com

75 Cents

Exclusive:

National Freedom Award winner

‘Still in the movement’ Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by: Dorothy Bracy Alston Dr. Bernard Lafayette Jr. – the 2012 National Freedom Award winner – knows that Memphis is special, set apart by some of the contributions made here to the civil rights movement.

“Many people look at Memphis in sort of a morbid way because Martin Luther King was taken away from us on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, but it could have been anywhere,” said Dr. Lafayette, who will be in Memphis on Oct. 16 for the annual Freedom Award event hosted by the National Civil Rights Museum.

“We have to continue to struggle against violence because it’s not going to just go away. We have to start with the young children.

We have the reDr. Bernard sources to do it Lafayette Jr. and Memphis can help lead the way because of the strength and experiences that Memphis has had,” Dr. Lafayette said during an exclusive interview with The New Tri-State Defender on Wednesday morning (Oct. 3).

“Some great leaders have come out of Memphis, and I think this is one of the things you have to your advantage,” said Lafayette, national president and chairman of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

In an 90-minute interview, he talked in length about leadership and the lack thereof; the national elections; the voter registration and voter ID debacle; his close connections with civil right icons, such as Alabama Congressman John Lewis and the Reverends C.T. Vivian and James Lawson; Dr. King; providing national and international nonviolence training; and so much more.

“I’m still in the movement. I have not retired. I’m still working very hard every day,” said Lafayette, jokingly adding that, “I live on Delta Airlines.”

Looking at his national and international itinerary, this could be seen as true.

In the Memphis-area, there were numerous debate-watching parties, including this gathering that Congressman Steve Cohen (D-Memphis) hosted at the golf clubhouse in Overton Park. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

Presidential debate: winner ‘debatable’ Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Pre-debate round-table projections, stomp speech talking points, party-driven dueling pundits – the first presidential debate of 2012 captivated millions in one of the most highly anticipated campaign events in decades.

President Barack Obama, the Democratic Party incumbent, and Republican Party challenger Mitt Romney traded verbal jabs on the economy, jobs and other domestic issues on

Wednesday night (Oct. 3).

With big-time debates come debate-viewing parties. Much like a spirited sports-oriented gathering, debate-watching parties give Democrats and Republicans a place to gather and root for their teams. Memphis was no exception.

So, whose guy won? That depends on who you ask.

“I think President Obama was a bit subdued, but I don’t think he lost the debate,” said Linda F. Harris, a Democrat. “He could have brought up the ‘47 percent’ comment

and other things in Romney’s campaign. But he didn’t do that. I don’t think anybody won.”

The 47 percent comment is a reference to a secret taping of Romney’s remarks about a percentage of the American people who “do not pay taxes” and “will never take responsibility for their own lives.”

Local Republicans had a different take on the debate. Jan Tracer of Bartlett declared Romney the clear winner.

“We had a great party, lots of cheering for SEE DEBATE ON PAGE 2

Concerns linger over shooting by off-duty cop

SEE LAFAYETTE ON PAGE 3

- INSIDE -

• A mother and daughter’s saga of bullying. See Opinion, page 5.

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Tony Jones

• Food challenge is daunting at $29 a week. See Health, page 7.

• ‘Joyful noise’ or a ‘bunch of noise?’ See Religion, page 8.

• ‘I’m Mr. William Larsha…I will be teaching you…’ See Community, page 13.

MEMPHIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

For Zach Randolph and the Grizzlies, success in the upcoming season is linked to sacrifice, trust and consistency. (Photo by Kelley Evans)

Grizz vibe positive at Media Day glimpse Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kelley Evans H- 8 2o - L - 5 2o Partl y Co udy

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Teamwork makes the dream work.

Many of us have heard that saying before, even if we’re not exactly sure where or when. It reflects optimism – something that the revamped Memphis Grizzlies team has a goodly amount of headed into the new season.

On Monday (Oct. 1), the Grizzlies held their 11th Media Day at the FedExForum downtown. A full roster of players walked into the media room. Yes, each with an optimistic attitude.

Power forward Zach Randolph,

Grizz mourn loss of Dana ʻDouble-Dʼ Davis. See page 2.

who missed a majority of last season due to injury, said he is healthy and ready to get back on the basketball court.

“I feel good,” Randolph said.

“I’m back to 100 percent. I’m ready to play.”

Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins said he is expecting three things from his players this season.

“I told our team this morning, our buzz words are sacrifice, trust and consistency,” said Hollins Randolph is on board.

“If we do that (sacrifice, trust and have consistency) and play together we, should be alright,” he said.

Allen, the Grizz’s starting No. 2 guard, said he realizes that Memphis has to continue to build consistency. “That’s what I plan on doing,” he said.

Starting point guard Mike Conley said he spent a large part of the summer reflecting on last season.

He wants to give back to the citizens of Memphis who raised their level of support the past two seasons.

“I learned a lot from last season,” Conley said. “We understand that SEE GRIZZ ON PAGE 2

By the numbers, it wasn’t much of a protest. Two people – a husband and wife – bearing signs that voiced anger and concern over the recent shooting death of 15-year-old Justin Thompson by off-duty Memphis Police Department (MPD) officer Terrance Shaw.

MPD Director Tony Armstrong, who has asked the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, to examine the shooting, has said Shaw apparently was responding to an armed robbery attempt. Shaw was suspended with pay, pending the TBI results.

Protesting alone outside City Hall on Tuesday were Lorenzo Ervin and his wife, JoNina Ervin, who head a group they call the Black Autonomy Federation.

“We were told that we would have to wait until the end of the day’s agenda, then the council would vote on whether to suspend the (3-minute) rule and let us have our say,” said JoNina Ervin. “I think it was disrespectful to the black community not to have a special meeting on this issue. This is a critical issue. Nine people have died at the hands of Memphis police since February, that’s nearly one each month. We’re trying to bring attention to that.”

Lorenzo Ervin said there are Memphis police “who are acting as judge, jury and executioner. If you SEE SHOOTING ON PAGE 2

Page 2

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Tri-State Defender

October 4 - 10, 2012

DEBATE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Grizz head coach Lionel Hollins is looking for his team to “play together.” (Photo by Kelley Evans)

GRIZZ

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

the community is so involved with our team and I know how much the Grizzlies mean to the community. We feel like we let them down. We feel like we owe them something.”

Memphis’ five core players – Randolph, Allen, Conley, All-Star center Marc Gasol, and forward Rudy Gay – are all healthy. Factor in several other key returnees and three new additions and you have the carefully chosen team that some Grizz optimists view as the best team on paper in a very long time.

“It’s more than having an

elite superstar, you have to have a team,” said General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Chris Wallace.

Wallace “We’ve got more depth now and outside shooting,” Wallace said. “If we start making more shots, if the point guard position is not an issue, and we are healthy, we’ll be a dangerous team.”

our candidate,” said Tracer.

“He was prepared on the issues, he challenged the president on his record, and the economy. Romney had facts and figures. This was a big moment for our campaign.”

Televised pundits in both parties sparred point for point, rehashing debate highlights and low points.

Hilary Marsh, who considers herself an independent, attended a Republican viewing party, but did not share any of the enthusiasm.

“So really, what did Romney prove? He has practiced for months, told to be warm and human, and he continually spewed facts and figures, supposedly, that he memorized,” said Marsh.

“Some of those ‘facts’ were disproved right after the debate. It was a performance.

That ‘47 percent’ remark is the real Romney.”

To some Democrats, President Obama appeared off his game.

President Obama smiled when the GOPʼs Mitt Romney called the Affordable Health Care Act ʻObamacare,ʼ adding that heʼs grown to like the reference.

“That clearly was not Mr. Obama’s strongest performance,” said Jeff Lewis in South Memphis. “He seemed tired and a lot less prepared

than Romney. There was no big moment, actually kind of flat, I thought.

“They got us this time, but there are two more debates be-

fore the election,” said Lewis.

“President Obama doesn’t like to lose. Look out! He’s going to come out swinging next time.”

Comedian John Henton and Dana Davis (right) courtside as the Memphis Grizzlies battled the L.A. Lakers game. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

Grizz mourn loss of Dana ‘Double-D’ Davis Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kelley Evans

Dana Davis was one of the original members of the Grizzlies management team when the franchise was originally purchased in 2000 and moved to Memphis. On Wednesday (Oct. 3), the Memphis Grizzlies announced that Davis, vice president of Basketball Operations and Team Programs, had passed away.

No other details about Davis’ death were available at the TSD press deadline..

Davis was set to enter his 13th season with the Grizzlies, where he oversaw player development programs that promote the personal, professional and social development of NBA players through educational programs and one-onone mentoring. Among his many other responsibilities with the team were travel schedules, accommodations and security on the road. He also served as the team liaison for the NBA’s Steering Committee for Player Development.

Davis was extremely active in the communities of Memphis and his native Peoria, Ill. The Grizzlies are expected to announce plans to honor Davis during the upcoming 2012-13 season.

The team issued the following statements on behalf of Memphis Grizzlies Majority Owner Michael Heisley, General Manager Chris Wallace, Head Coach Lionel Hollins and President of Business Operations Greg Campbell: “As well as being an integral part of the team that made that transition successful, ‘Double-D’ was the most charitable and generous individual I have ever met,” said Heisley. “Regardless of age, race or social status, he was always extending his hand to help those in need. What Dana couldn’t give in monetary donations, he more than made up for with the amount

of time he gave to causes close to his and the Grizzlies hearts. To say he will be missed is a gross understatement and simply not correct.”

Wallace said Davis’ vast network of professional friends spanned the entire NBA from the league office in New York through all 30 teams.

“He was also as well respected and connected in the music and entertainment businesses as he was in the NBA. And both here in Memphis and back in Peoria, DD worked tirelessly to give back to young people through his basketball and life development skills camps. He also was a very passionate member of the Board of Directors of the National Civil Rights Museum and gave selflessly for countless other causes.”

Hollins said Davis’ death was “an enormous loss for the Grizzlies organization, but an even bigger loss for me personally. He was a man of many hats with numerous responsibilities, always willing to take on more and go the extra mile.

We will all miss ‘Double-D’ greatly. This is truly a sad day for our organization.”

Campbell called Davis an incredible friend.

“We will miss him every day and never forget his passion and love for our team.”

Lorenzo Ervin was one half of the husband-wife team outside City Hall Tuesday protesting the death of 15year-old Justin Thompson, who was fatally shot by an off-duty police officer on Sept. 24 at 4740 Wooddale.

(Photo by Tony Jones, Ink!)

SHOOTING

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

believe someone has committed a crime, follow the law – take them into custody and let them have their day in court. And in this city, which has such a high rate of unemployment and poor people, until we deal with those issues the problem is going to continue.”

The Ervins are gearing up for the Oct. 22 National Day of Action to protest brutality.

No excuse

The neighborhood where Thompson lived and died is not a ghetto. Gladys Gladney, who lives in the area, said the culture of poverty can’t be an excuse for the behavior taking over their tree-lined, clean neighborhood off Getwell.

She and her daughter, Anika Jones, 31, said the sound of gun shots now regularly punctuate the air area.

“We’ve lived here 16 years.

We moved here because it was a beautiful, quiet neighborhood, but it’s not anymore,” said Gladney. “The drug users and the drug dealers are trying to take over. We can’t even enjoy sitting on our porches anymore. A lot of us are living on fixed incomes, all we have to do is stay at home and enjoy taking care of our property, but if it keeps going the way it is we won’t be able to do even that.”

Jones and Gladney said it’s not usually people that live in the neighborhood causing trouble. “We don’t know where they really come from or why they keep running through here, but it’s always something going on.”

Learning ‘CPR’

The Mid South Peace & Justice Center (MSPJC) has issued a public call for citizens to join an active process called CPR (Community-Police Relations) seeking more citizen

input to improve Memphis Police Department community relations and operating procedures.

The activist center, opened in 1982 on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, plans to launch the model in November with a community wide campaign crafted to create solutions to address community concerns of police brutality.

According to a release from the group, separate teams of civilians and law enforcement personnel have been participating in a bi-weekly pilot process since May to tweak the process, “sharing their experiences, learning nonviolent communication techniques and organizing skills necessary to move this effort out into the community.”

In addition, the MSPJC asserts that, “Fear of greater media and public backlash also prompts MPD to close ranks during the investigation phase, which cuts off vital communication with those communities most impacted

by the problem and alienates ethical police officers from the communities they are tasked to serve and protect.”

MSPJC Organizing Coordinator Melissa Miller-Monie is the point person for the CPR project. A mother of two, former police ambassador, neighborhood watch organizer and a well known activist in the Highland Heights neighborhood where she grew up, Miller-Monie said the need for real community based solutions and improved police relations with the community is a very personal affair.

“I want to live in a city where I’m not worried my mother will be a victim of crime,” she said. “I also want to live in a city where I don’t have to fear that my son will be profiled as a criminal simply because of the color of his skin. It’s easy to want those things, we all do and I want to invite the community to join with all of us in this effort. No magic answers, just hard work.”

Tri-State Defender

Bernard Lafayette Jr. during one of the times he was arrested during the civil rights movement.

(Photo: tnhistoryfor kids.org)

LAFAYETTE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Acelebrated chief lieutenant of Dr. King and the civil rights movement, Lafayette is currently a Distinguished-Senior-Scholarin-Residence at Emory University’s Candor School of Theology.

“At Emory, I teach a graduate level course on the life and work of Martin Luther King, and in the spring, I teach a course on lessons that we’ve learned in the movement. It analyzes the different campaigns, and we go into the organizational structure and the strategy of what we learned in the movement,” said Lafayette.

“Because some people really don’t know what happened.

They just thought that it was only a march that just really made the difference.”

Dr. Lafayette also is Director of the Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies at the University of Rhode Island, where he teaches a two-week intensive certification course in nonviolence principles.

Expanding on his work, Lafayette said, “This is what I do: I work very closely with SCLC (the Southern Christian Leadership Conference). We applied the same nonviolence approach, which is to deal with the outside as well as the inside operation. You know all the problems it (SCLC) had, but we came out of that. And we’re at the point now where we’re moving forward and we’re globalizing nonviolence, under this umbrella.”

In November, SCLC will have its thousandth chapter and it will be the first in South Africa, he said. “Isn’t that something?”

Every question practically yielded a mini rhetorical thesis on any subject relative to the movement, nonviolence and peace. His expanse of knowledge is monumental. His candid, detailed, descriptive and narrative style is akin to sitting at the feet of a Griot with immeasurable oral history. He was personally on the frontlines of the freedom rides and the Alabama marches in Montgomery and Selma. A founding member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), he was appointed by Dr. King as the National Program Administrator for SCLC. Dr. Lafayette also is no neophyte when it comes to receiving honors for his commitment to advancing the causes of nonviolence and peace. In May, he received the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters at Mount Holyoke College, “For all you have done, and for the courage and grace with which you have done it, to help this nation seek equality without violence.”

Asked what it meant to be this year’s National Freedom Award recipient, following in the footsteps of some of his former mentors and now colleagues of the movement, Lafayette said, “I am elated and I’m so excited about being a recipient of this award. I want to continue to stand for what that award stands for, in our fight for freedom.”

Dr. Lafayette said he sees

NEWS

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October 4 - 10, 2012

himself representing large numbers of people who made even greater sacrifices.

“I’m receiving it on behalf of some people who followed the same philosophies, the same movement; even the people whose names we don’t know; but who were just part of the movement. So, I’m honored to be part of that. That’s the best honor for me. It is to represent these people.”

While he doesn’t do what he does to receive honors, Dr. Lafayette said he deeply appreciated the recognition and the respect that comes with that.

“I’m receiving it on behalf of some people who followed the same philosophies, the same movement; even the people whose names we don’t know; but who were just part of the movement. So, I’m honored to be part of that.

That’s the best honor for me. It is to represent these people.”

Dr. Bernard Lafayette Jr. He envisions that his future will be just as busy as his present. His next project is to establish a network of universities around the world and have them part of a global consortium. He sees the colleges and universities offering courses in nonviolence and

peace studies and collaborating through distance learning to offer courses to students around the world.

“Those students who would take these courses in a prescribed curriculum would receive what I call a Gold Certification in Peace and

Nonviolence,” he said.

“Every profession needs to have nonviolence training because whenever you interact with other human beings, you’re subject to have a conflict,” he said.

“Violence is what I call the language of the inarticulate.

Rather than sitting down talking about their problems and work them through, instead they end up throwing things at each other, through bullets, guns and tanks and stuff. And this a way to teach people how to relate to each other without destroying and killing

each other.”

Nonviolence can work on any level, said Dr. Lafayette. “ It can work on the bullying level; in the work place. It can work in schools and universities.”

(Dorothy Bracy Alston is a journalist, author, freelance writer and adjunct English professor. Visit Dorothy’s blog at http://www.CisbaAssociates.blo gspot.com; join her on Facebook at www.facebook .com/dorothybracyalston, email her at DBAlston@hotmail.com or call 901-570-3923.)

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OPINION

Tri-State Defender

October 4 - 10, 2012

• Bernal E. Smith II President / Publisher • Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Executive Editor

Child poverty rolls on at epidemic high

Black Press backs President Obama

A few years ago, the National Newspapers Publishers Association (NNPA) was holding its annual board meetings in Washington, D.C., when then-Sen. Barack Obama walked in the room to welcome the publishers to Washington. He also indicated he wanted to share some news with us.

The news was that he was planning on seeking the office of the president of the United States of America.

There were some young and many older publishers in the meeting. He said if any of us would like to talk with him in the lobby, he would be happy to share his thoughts. I remember many of the publishers being very excited. Francis Page and I were especially interested in talking with Sen. Obama (during our Black Press Week events that week, thenNNPA Foundation President Dorothy Leavell was honoring the senator as well.).

As we listened, we, too, saw what many people already knew and millions more would eventually learn about this very charismatic man.

There was something special about him; something that would change the history of “Black Folks” in politics forever. It was then that I and the other members of NNPA voiced our support first for the man who would become the 44th president of the United States of America. The Black Press was there first.

Fast forward to August 2012. It was then that I asked the question in print about the president’s campaign spending. It was then, when several members of the campaign questioned my article. As I stated then and I will state again: The NNPA – The Black Press of America – has always supported President Obama. We have encouraged Black Folks to get registered to vote. We encouraged blacks

to go to the polls and exercise their right to vote. We have published hundreds of articles about President Obama, his ad m ini st ra ti on and his programs.

We have also on numerous occasions champiCloves C. oned his issues Campbell Jr. on our front pages.

There is no doubt, that when other media outlets brought unnecessary criticism on the president, it was the Black Press that was there to support him. As we prepare to go to the polls in November, I am here to say that the National Newspaper Publishers Association endorses President Barack Obama once again. It is our belief that the United States of America can be best served with President Obama being re-elected.

We at the NNPA look forward to working with the president’s administration in the formulation of strategies for the next four years. It is our hope that those plans include more opportunities for African Americans to procure business with the federal government, greater employment opportunities for blacks in America and enhanced opportunities for all students seeking higher education.

We encourage our readers to register to vote, go out and vote and be sure to take the proper identification with them to the polls on Election Day, vote to re-elect President Barack Obama on November 6!

(Cloves C. Campbell Jr. is chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.)

Obama and Romney reject invite to discuss AfricanAmerican issues NNPA News Service

by Freddie Allen WASHINGTON – Both President Obama and Mitt Romney, his Republican challenger, have rejected an invitation from the NAACP and other black groups to participate in a forum to discuss issues important to African Americans.

In late September, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People invited President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney to articulate their plans for the African-American community at a presidential forum planned for October 9 at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, the nation’s oldest black degree-granting institution.

The NAACP collaborated with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), MSNBC-TV, the Grio, and American Urban Radio Network in preparation for the forum. Veteran, award-winning journalist Lester Holt had agreed to moderate.

Jerry Lopes, president of American Urban Radio Network, said on Monday Oct. 1) that both candidates had declined to appear, citing scheduling conflicts.

NNPA President and CEO Bill Tompkins said forums such as the one proposed by the African-American groups would have given President Obama the opportunity to outline his support for programs that hope to address issues plaguing the African-American community.

“We need to hear that (President Obama is looking out for us, that he cares for us and that he wants us to participate in the great American Dream,” Tompkins explained.

Although both major candidates rejected the invitation to address issues important to African-Americans, both found time to sit down with Latino news anchors Jorge Ramos and Maria Elena Salinas for a presidential forum that aired last month on Univision, the Spanishlanguage television network. Romney appeared Sep. 19 and Obama the following day.

Romney carved out 35 minutes for the program and President Barack Obama shared a full hour. The candidates were grilled on topics concern-

ing Latino voters such as immigration, the drug war, and the controversial Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM).

Univision pressured the candidates to attend the forum held at the University of Miami after organizers of the presidential debate denied Univision’s request to add a fourth debate with a minority moderator.

Since 1988, only three AfricanAmerican journalists have moderated debates presented by CPD. CNN’s Bernard Shaw moderated the 1988 presidential debate October 13, 1988 between then-Vice President George H.W. Bush and another former Massachusetts governor, Michael Dukakis. That debate was the most watched program that season with 67.3 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research.

In 1992, ABC anchor Carole Simpson became the first AfricanAmerican woman to moderate a presidential debate when she took the stage for the contest between then-Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton, President George H. W. Bush and Independent business tycoon Ross Perot. Simpson also holds the record for the highest number of viewers for a presidential debate at 69.9 million.

Shaw returned to the post in 2000 to moderate the vice presidential debate between Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.) and Former Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney.

PBS anchor Gwen Ifill moderated the vice presidential debate in 2004 between Vice Cheney and Senator John Edwards (D-N.C.). In 2008, she repeated her performance for the contest between then-Senator Joe Biden (D-Del.) and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

Black journalists have moderated just four debates, two presidential debates and two vice presidential debates, in 20 years. During the same period, PBS veteran news anchor Jim Lehrer moderated 10 presidential debates, including all three presidential debates in 2000 and one vice presidential debate.

This year, CNN chief political correspondent and host of “State of the Union” Candy Crowley will become the first woman in two decades to moderate a presidential debate.

Guide for the Election

With the upcoming presidential election only a month away, I thought I would share some thoughts on how to interpret a lot of the things going on with this election.

I have received many calls from people asking about all the polls that show President Obama leading Mitt Romney. I am not a big believer in polls, but I do think it is safe to conclude that Obama is ahead by some measure – one can argue with the spread, but not with the fact that Obama has a lead.

My rule of thumb when it comes to polls is, if you are trying to explain why and how a poll is flawed, then you are admitting you are behind in the race. The past two weeks the Republicans have been all over the media talking about how all the polls are skewed towards Obama, trying to explain the methodology behind polling, and how previous Republicans were in similar positions to Romney.

To my good Republican friends, stop while you are behind. No one believes your spin and Romney has run the worst presidential campaign in history. If Romney and his campaign had spent as much time laying out a clear vision for his election as he has trying to explain away the polls, then maybe he would be ahead.

The second thing to look for with this election is the debates, the first of which was held Wednesday. Debates cannot help you, they can only hurt you. The problem with the Romney campaign isn’t that enough people have not heard him speak. The problem is people have heard him speak and they don’t like what he is saying.

On paper, Romney should have demolished Obama by now. Obama has been very inept in his handling of the economy and this election is well suited for someone with Romney’s background. But Democrats decided to “Swift Boat” Romney. They have been masterful in taking Romney’s strength – his business experience – and turning it into a huge liability.

This is what happens when you nominate a candidate with absolutely no core beliefs. Romney has never told the American people why he wants to be president of the U.S. If you have no core beliefs, it’s impossible for you to convince the public that you are the best man for the job.

The final thing to look for in this election is likability. A lot of the electorate is not happy with the job Obama has done, especially his mishandling of

the economy, but they genuinely like him. Romney has effectively been portrayed as a rich, out of touch, elitist who doesn’t care and can’t relate to the average person.

Therefore, he has very high negaRaynard tives when it Jackson comes to likability.

This has led the electorate to display symptoms of cognitive dissonance. In psychology, cognitive dissonance is the inability to see what you don’t believe. Romney has much more experience in dealing with economics and job creation than Obama; but because people don’t like Romney, they are willing to vote for someone who is actually less able to handle a troubled economy.

This is the biggest problem Romney is facing. A good performance during a debate will not change this dynamic. Romney coming out with a big, bold, detailed set of policy papers won’t help turn his campaign around.

The only thing that can help Romney is for him to drive Obama’s negatives sky high. The problem with this approach is that it will be filtered through a racial lens – since Obama is the first African American to serve as president in the history of the U.S. Unfortunately, I have already seen signs of Republicans going down this road and it’s only going to get worse.

As usual, Republicans will go too far on the race issue and it will blow up in their faces because these tactics will repulse the electorate.

Romney’s fate, in many ways, is tied to some unforeseen event that may or may not happen. His lack of any core guiding principles, high negatives, and his association with a party that has a horrible brand, have all converged to make it a huge mountain to climb. But, it has also caused people to vote in a manner that may not be in their own best interest – the inability to see what you don’t believe.

(NNPA columnist Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a Washington, D.C.-based public relations/government affairs firm. He can be reached through www.raynardjackson.com.)

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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

DISTRIBUTION: Tri-State Defender is available at newsstands, street sales, store vendors, mail subscription and honor boxes throughout the Greater Memphis area. No person may, without prior written permission of the Tri-State Defender, reprint any part of or duplicate by electronic device any portion without written permission. Copyright 2012 by Tri-State Defender Publishing, Inc. Permission to Publisher, Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. Back copies can be obtained by calling the Tri-State Defender at (901) 523-1818, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

The U.S. Census Bureau’s new poverty data for the states show millions of families struggling mightily to keep their heads above water in the wake of the Great Recession.

Fourteen states Marian Wright saw statistically Edelman significant increases in their child poverty rates, 26 states saw small increases, and nine states and the District of Columbia saw small declines in child poverty rates last year.

But the morally scandalous bottom line is clear: 16.1 million children are poor in our rich nation with more than seven million living in extreme poverty, too often scared, hungry, and homeless.

Although there are more poor white than African-American or Hispanic children, African-American and Hispanic children suffer most. In 25 states and the District of Columbia, at least 40 percent of AfricanAmerican children were poor; in four states, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, and Ohio, 50 percent or more of African-American children were poor. Thirty-three percent or more of Hispanic children were poor in 32 states.

In 2011, more than one in five “Economically children were speaking, early poor in over half childhood the states and the programs are a District of Co- good lumbia. In half of these states more investment with than one in four inflationchildren were adjusted annual poor. Children rates of return are the poorest on the funds age group in America, and the dedicated to younger they are these the poorer they programs are. More than estimated to one in four chil- reach 10 dren under six were poor in 21 percent or states and the higher. Very District of Co- few alternative lumbia during investments their years of can promise greatest brain development. In 30 that kind of states and the return.”

District of CoBen Bernanke lumbia, 10 percent or more of infants, toddlers, and kindergarteners lived in extreme poverty, which means an annual family income of less than $11,511 for a family of four.

The 13 states and the nation’s capital with child poverty rates 25 percent or higher are: Mississippi 31.8; New Mexico 30.7; District of Columbia 30.3; Louisiana 28.8; Arkansas 28.1; South Carolina 27.8; Alabama 27.6; Kentucky 27.4; Arizona 27.2; Texas 26.6; Georgia 26.3; Tennessee 26.3; West Virginia 25.8; North Carolina 25.6.

These shameful child poverty levels call for urgent and persistent action. Citizens must demand that every political leader state what they will do now to invest in and protect vulnerable children from hunger, homelessness, and poor education and to prepare them to be competent future workers. It’s way past time to eliminate epidemic child poverty and the child suffering, stress, homelessness, and miseducation it spawns.

A number of leading economists and researchers agree that investing in children today is the best way to prepare and create a strong America tomorrow. As Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told participants at the Children’s Defense Fund’s national conference in July: “Economically speaking, early childhood programs are a good investment with inflation-adjusted annual rates of return on the funds dedicated to these programs estimated to reach 10 percent or higher. Very few alternative investments can promise that kind of return. Notably, a portion of these economic returns accrues to the children themselves and their families, but studies show that the rest of society enjoys the majority of the benefits, reflecting the many contributions that skills and productive workers make to the economy.”

Do most Americans really want our children to get poorer while the rich get richer and to allow our budget to be balanced on the backs of poor babies while millionaires and billionaires receive hundreds of billions in more huge tax cuts they do not need? If you do not, speak up and vote for a more just America for every child.

(NNPA columnist Marian Wright Edelman is president of the Children’s Defense Fund. For more information, visit childrensdefense.org.)

OPINION

Tri-State Defender

Page 5

October 4 - 10, 2012

A mother and daughter’s saga of bullying Special to The New Tri-State Defender

(“The Last Straw” campaign rolls out this month to address at-risk behavior, including bullying and suicide, in the Memphis-area community. The effort is a collaboration involving the Shelby County Office of Early Childhood & Youth’s All Babies Count, Ask First Campaign; the KoKo Friends Foundation; Dress for Success Memphis’ Professional Women’s Group; and Pursuit of God’s 7 P’s ministry.)

Recent incidences of bullied-related suicides authenticate the escalating problem of bullying among elementary, middle, high school and even college students across the nation. According to the National Education Association, approximately 160,000 children miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students.

Statistics collected by the 2009 Indicators of School Crime and Safety revealed that approximately 20 percent of teens had been made fun of by a bully, 18 percent of teens had rumors or gossip spread a b o u t them, 11 “Not many percent parents will were physadmit their ically bulchild is either a lied (such bully or victim as being shoved, because it tripped or would imply spit on), 6 their child is percent w e r e less-thanperfect or that threatened, percent they failed as a 5were exparent.” cluded Dr. Clara from activDenise West ities they wanted to participate in, 4 percent were coerced into something they did not want to do, and 4 percent had their personal belongings destroyed by bullies.

Parents, school systems and lawmakers are dumbfounded by the sheer magnitude of the problem children are facing at school, en route to or from school, and online.

“When I walked in on my daughter about to take her life because she was a victim of bullying, my entire world was turned upside down,” said Dr. Clara Denise West, founder and president of KoKo and Friends Foundation (KAFF).

“After crying with and for my daughter, I realized I had to do something.

“I knew that bullying was a problem but when it came to my house, it was ON! I was not about to bury my child because of the actions of someone else’s child,” West said.

“Not many parents will admit their child is either a bully or victim because it would imply their child is less-than-perfect or that they failed as a parent.

I also came to the conclusion that many parents – like me – have no idea what is really going on with our children within their peer groups, especially in school settings.”

According to West, as a nation, “We are leaving the rearing of our children to schools, sexually-obsessed media, recording artists, or worse, the children to raise themselves.

Children are not mini-adults.

They don’t know what is best for them.

“Parents have got to step up to the plate and stop trying to be their child’s friend,” said West. “Being a parent means that sometimes your child won’t like you – get over it.

It’s called parenting. Set rules and boundaries for your child and maybe the teachers can

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actually teach instead of having to deal with a classroom of undisciplined children.”

Founded in Huntsville, Ala. in August 2009, KAFF moved to Memphis in April 2012. Its mission is to address sensitive social issues and challenges facing students in grades K through 12 and to make a positive and lasting difference in their lives. It has programs designed to “promote proactive

social awareness by providing children, parents, teachers/school administrators with the resources and support they need to address the social pressures and conflicts young people face in their schools and other peer-on-peer interactions.”

In 2010, KAFF piloted its anti-bullying Not on Our Watch (N.O.W.) Community Outreach Program in

Huntsville.

“We have discovered that bullying is a symptom of other issues that must be addressed, in conjunction with bullying, within the context of the family and community,” said West. “School systems are being unfairly held accountable for poor parenting. I think the laws should be changed to hold parents both civilly and criminally liable

for not raising their children to conform to the rules of society. If parents know they could go to jail for their kid’s actions, believe me, things would change immediately.

“Allowing a child to do or say whatever he or she wants to do without any boundaries or consequences, or, worse, giving a child whatever they ask for is child abuse,” said West. “Not teaching your

child to respect you or any other authority figure is child abuse. Parents fail both their children and society when they send them into the world unprepared for life.”

(The five phases of “The Last Straw” campaign are: Stand Up! Stand Out! Speak Up! Speak Out! Pledge Up! Stay tuned for details of “The Last Straw” Memphis Rally.)

BUSINESS

Page 6

MONEY MATTERS

To roll or not to roll

It used to be common for employers to encourage (or require) departing employees to withdraw their money from the Charles company’s Sims Jr., CFP retirement plan. Like most employee benefits, an employer-sponsored retirement plan is typically an expense for the employer.

Now that the baby-boom generation has started reaching retirement age (at the rate of about 10,000 per day), some employers are encouraging departing employees to leave their retirement savings in the company plan. These employers are finding that the loss of large employee accounts can diminish their leverage when negotiating with plan administrators, possibly making their retirement plans less attractive to current and prospective workers.

If and when you leave your current job, either to retire or to take a new position, understanding the options for your retirement savings may help you make decisions that serve your interests and not those of a former employer.

Employees are under no obligation to leave money invested in a former employer’s retirement plan but are free to roll it over to a traditional IRA. A properly executed IRA rollover can help preserve the tax-deferred status of retirement assets and avoid unwanted tax consequences and penalties. However, there are some subtle differences between IRAs and employer plans to be aware of before you decide how to proceed.

Investment options. The investment options in an employer plan tend to be limited by the plan administrator. The investment options available in IRAs are nearly unlimited.

Early withdrawals. If you think you might tap your retirement assets early, you may want to leave them in the employer plan. Normally, a 10 percent federal income tax penalty applies to distributions from traditional IRAs and employer retirement plans before age 59½.

However, you may be able to avoid this penalty with an employer plan if you sever employment during or after the year in which you turn 55. {The age 55 exception does not apply to IRAs, annuity contracts, or modified endowment contracts (MECs), nor does an exception for death apply to MECs.} You may also be able to withdraw money from a former employer’s plan or an IRA and avoid the early-withdrawal penalty by taking a series of substantially equal periodic payments (based on life expectancy) that continue for at least five years or until age 59½, whichever occurs later.

Early withdrawals may be penalty-free in the event of death or disability. IRA exceptions to the penalty also include a first-time home purchase ($10,000 lifetime maximum), unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income, and qualifying higher-education expenses. Withdrawals from traditional IRAs and employersponsored retirement plans are subject to ordinary income tax.

Keeping track of multiple accounts. Over the course of your career, you could accumulate several retirement accounts. Rolling them all into a single IRA may give you a better perspective of your retirement portfolio and help reduce the potential for losing track of your money.

Creditor protections. Employer plans have strong creditor protections enshrined in federal law. Money rolled into an IRA from an employer plan typically enjoys the same protections.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. A careful evaluation of your circumstances could help you decide what to do with your retirement assets when you change jobs or retire.

Stay versus roll

(Charles Sims Jr. is President/ CEO of The Sims Financial Group. Contact him at 901-682-2410 or visit www.

SimsFinancialGroup.com.)

Tri-State Defender

October 4 - 10, 2012

ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

In a trust you can trust

If you think trusts are only for rich people, think again.

Generally speaking, a trust is simply an arrangement whereby one person agrees to hold property for the benefit of another. So, a trust is made to order if Carlee McCullough you are looking to reduce your assets/income or estate tax liabilities, avoid probate, or issue money to your beneficiaries in increments – instead of lump sums – in the event of your death.

Step one is to understand the terminology used in the trust agreement, which is the governing document that lays out the rules that you want executed for the property held in trust for your beneficiaries.

Terminology

The trustor – also commonly known as the settlor or grantor – is typically the person establishing the trust and the one with the assets. The beneficiary is the one that benefits from the trust. The trustee is the person, bank, attorney or corporation in charge of the trust. A good way to remember the trustee’s role is to remember that the

trustor places all of his trust in the trustee to act at all times in the best interest of the beneficiaries. This person has to be knowledgeable of rules and desires of the trustor since they are responsible for the management of the trust. Trust property is what the trustor places in the trust.

Trust Property, also known as corpus or res, can include cash from bank accounts or insurance policies, stock, real estate, and/or any other property that the trustor wishes to place in the trust. Once property has been placed in the trust, it no longer belongs to the trustor. This means that the trustor no longer pays income tax on the money made from the assets and is safe from bankruptcy, creditors, divorce, and tax liabilities depending on the timing of the creation of the trust.

There are different types of trusts depending upon the objective and purpose of the trust.

Revocable trust

A revocable trust is an instrument that allows the trustor the opportunity to change his or her mind and make changes to the trust or cancel it all together after it has been created.

Irrevocable trust

An irrevocable trust locks the

trustor in and does not allow for changes or the cancellation of the trust unless special circumstances present themselves.

Living trust

A living trust is an instrument that is set up during the trustor’s life.

This is different from a living will, which provides instruction regarding life support in the event of certain death. The trust document names the trust, the trustee and one or more successor trustees, directs the administration of the trust for the life of the trust and the disposition of the assets and income upon the termination of the trust. If done properly, this trust can help to avoid probate.

Testamentary trust

A trust that is included in a will and takes effect upon death is called a testamentary trust. It is revocable prior to death simply by adjusting the will. But upon death it becomes irrevocable because the person that could have revoked it is dead. This one is not as advantageous and does not necessarily avoid probate. Because probate is not avoided, it is not as private as the living trust.

Kiss trust

A kiss trust is a low-cost savings plan for kids that can only be used for the intended purpose or distributed at the age you specify. This trust can be used for a wide variety of purposes, including educational or home purchases. This is a favorite amongst those with a little money to share because the cost to establish is relatively low.

Purpose-based trusts

The types of trusts based on purposes are varied and quite long. The list includes A/B trusts, asset protection trusts or credit shelter trust, bypass trusts, various types of charitable trusts, Crummey trusts, dynasty trusts, generation skipping trusts, grantor trusts, life insurance trusts, grantor retained income trusts, qualified personal residence trusts, resulting trusts, special needs trusts, spendthrift trusts, and Totten trusts.

There is a trust to fit most any need that a person wishing to plan may have. Under no circumstances should you attempt to create a trust on your own. The worst outcome possible is that you create a document that is later found to be invalid and your wishes are not carried out. Reach out to an attorney and seek advice. Ultimately, you either pay now or pay later.

(Contact Carlee McCullough, Esq., at 5308 Cottonwood Road, Suite 1A, Memphis, TN 38118, or email her at jstce4all@aol.com.)

Tri-State Defender

HEALTH

October 4 - 10, 2012

CHEF TIMOTHY

With $29 to spend over a week, Chef Timothy loaded up on these items. Total: $27.91, with $1.09 left over. (Photo by Chef Timothy Moore)

Food challenge is daunting at $29 a week Budget for thrift and health Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Chef Timothy Moore I read recently where Greg Station, the mayor of Phoenix (Arizona), tried to live on $29 during a weeklong SNAP Experience program hosted by the Arizona Community Action Association. The amount of money allotted Station for food is the average food budget for a SNAP recipient per week. That’s roughly $4.14 a day.

Living on $4.14 a day is next to impossible in this economy. How could Station – or anyone for that matter – stretch such a sum to make it throughout the day without sacrificing his or her health? The mayor, incidentally, didn’t succeed. He lost four pounds, though, due to a lack of healthy and nutritious food.

CNBC reported that 47.36 million Americans are living on food stamps. Learning to purchase the right food to eat is the key to budgeting, however. The challenge that Station faced during his eye-opening experience was trying to purchase food within the budget, which was nil at best.

High-cost meats, for example, can consume up to 40 percent of one’s budget. A T-bone steak can cost anywhere from $4.50 a pound and up. For a SNAP recipient, that means he or she would have to purchase meat that is far less in order to survive. That’s why Station was forced to purchase food with very little nutritional value. His menu consisted of “Ramen noodles, pasta, chicken and a few extra cups of coffee to fill his belly.”

If I were in a similar predicament, I’m confident I’d know what to do. A nutritious meal of fruits and vegetables would go a long way.

But when I think about those SNAP recipients, $29 a week for food is a pittance that some of them, more than likely, would spend at MacDonald’s, if the $29 weren’t in the form of food stamps.

Here’s what I would do if I were forced to live on such a measly ration each week: I would go to the grocery store or market and purchase reasonably priced food based on a seven-day plan. Since I’m a vegan, I’d cook daily meals from fresh fruits and vegetables without sacrificing taste, nutrients and variety.

Just like Mayor Station, I decided to take the challenge myself. With $29 to spend, I went shopping at Aldi, Kroger and Wal-Mart. I purchased frozen green beans, broccoli florets, frozen corn, California medley, multi-color peppers, quick oats, iceburg lettuce, Almond

Breeze, a box of instant brown rice, Fresh Classic garden salad, no salt canned diced tomatoes, two 15 oz. cans of organic black beans, a bag of Gala apples, two zucchinis squash and a box of corn flakes. I spent $27.91 with $1.09 left over.

Next, I put the meals to a test. I was able to eat three meals a day with breakfast being my main meal. I ate oatmeal one day and corn Dr. Timothy flakes the next day. I rotatMoore ed the oatmeal and corn flakes and included an apple or half an apple on the side.

For lunch, I ate a 15-bean soup that I’d made for the week with a small salad on the side. On another day, I had black beans and brown rice, which took about 10 minutes to prepare with a small salad on the side. I also mixed some frozen veggies with it.

Dinner was simple to make. I made zucchini into a pasta and made sauces from the avocado and canned tomatoes. I also made a salad with a lot of the frozen veggies. With only $29 to spend, I ate healthy and lost 5 pounds during the challenge.

Now if you had to stretch $29, how would you do it? Remember now, you’re on a strict budget. Would you go for the T-bone steak or purchase inexpensive Ramen noodles with very little nutritional value just as Mayor Station did? Shopping on essentially a non-existent budget is quite a challenge for some people, I’m sure. It can be very frustrating as well. You’d just have to shop wisely.

It’s difficult when you have to count every penny. In this case, I don’t think coupons would make that much of a difference if you only had $29 a week to spend. Buying healthy is the way I would advise you to go. But if you’re not used to purchasing healthy foods with relatively little money, you just might find yourself at a disadvantage. The only option is purchasing inferior food.

(Dr. Timothy Moore teaches nutrition, heart disease and diabetes reversal through a plantbased lifestyle. He is a professional speaker, wellness coach and personal plant-based chef.

He is the author of “47 Tips To Reverse Your Diabetes.” He can be reached by email at cheftimothy@cheftimothymoore.com, visit him at www.cheftimothymoore.com or follow him at www.twitter.com/cheftimmoore.)

Page 7

RELIGION

Page 8

Tri-State Defender

October 4 - 10, 2012

LIVING THE LIFE I LOVE

‘Joyful noise’ or a ‘bunch of noise?’

Dear Lucy: I sing in the choir at my church. I love singing and I love being in a choir. But this choir has become a place of contention, spite, jealousy, back biting and plain old hell raising.

I just don’t understand how this can be happening in the church. I’m so sick of it I want to either get out of the choir or leave this church. Any ideas?

– SH

Dear SH: My first thought was the verse, “Where two or more are gathered together in my name, there will I also be in the midst of them.” Perhaps there is a gathering in the name of individuals and not in the name of The Holy One. ONE...one purpose, one goal, one body...all coming together to magnify the ONE. So how is the singing? One of the wonderful things about music is that it is all about harmony. Is your choir making a joyful noise unto the Lord or just a bunch of noise? The charge to bring music into sacred space is a very privileged and holy appointment. Since I have no idea how this

lack of harmony originated it’s a little hard to be real specific. But I do know that the same human behavior that shows up in the workplace, the club, the grocery store or wherever, shows up at Lucy church.

Shaw Harmony is a very important concept. It is a thing that has to be cultivated and nurtured. We see harmony in God’s creation all the time. I was traveling recently along a highway in rural Tennessee and it was raining really hard. Yet, up ahead I could see a rainbow stretching across the sky where the rain had already come and gone. That is harmony on a grand scale. I speak in small, large and all kinds of churches. I am always moved by the harmony of colors, furnishings, flowers and other loving touches in the very smallest of churches placed to create a sense of

peace, beauty and harmony. Harmony is a law and a gift from our Creator.

Singing praises to God is the foundation and purpose of the power to speak. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Our voices have immense power and so very much is written in the Bible about the use of the Word. Melody is such an awesome and spiritual thing. Think about what happens when the choir sings melodies that make people shout, cry, dance, moan! Where does such a power come from? And what a tremendous responsibility!

Being a part of a choir is the opportunity to come together with purpose. In the 4th century, St. Augustine said that “when we sing we pray twice.” The ministry of song is an ancient and sacred responsibility. Song and music is so powerful that we read in the Bible that David used it to treat King Saul’s depression. The Psalms in the Bible are a series of songs telling the story of a people’s journey with God. The word ‘Selah’ appears at the end of many Psalms and is believed to mean “sing/play louder!”

What a sacred responsibility a choir in a church has. It is there to bring soulful and harmonious meaning to the thoughts put forth in a song, in the minister’s message and in the lonely person sitting in the pew needing comfort. Perhaps your choir has forgotten its sacred purpose or never really understood its call to ministry. When the voices giving forth the music comes through a discordant, inharmonious spirit, what kind of spirit is being spilled out on poor people who came into the sanctuary to be healed, fed and comforted by the Holy Spirit?

What can you do? Be the example and spiritual reminder to the rest of the group by opening yourself to harmony. Open yourself to being so prayed up each time you go to rehearsal that your very presence is a comfort to the whole gathering. Open yourself to forgiveness, honesty, a tender heart, and harmony within your own self so that your spirit radiates peace, unity and harmony.

Prayer is powerful medicine.

Church folk are still just folk. They come to church to get healed and to

be a part of healing someone else.

Sometimes they forget that. We also sometimes forget that we didn’t just come to church to get, but also to give. Give out of the abundance of your heart and fill your heart with the right stuff before you get there so that you can live out of your own overflow and share your cup with others.

Also, share 1Peter, 3:8 with your choir; “Have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart and a humble mind.”

I lift my voice in song with you, praying twice!

Lucy

(Check out Lucy Shaw’s website at http://www.heartworks4u.com. You may send your questions to her by U.S. mail to: Heartworks4U, LLC; 4646 Poplar Ave. Ste 201, Memphis, TN 38117 or by e-mail to lucy@heartworks4u.com.)

(For help with the feelings that get in the way of prayer and peace of mind, get Lucy’s new book, “BE NOT ANXIOUS.” Order it directly from her at 901-907-0260 or go to her web site www.heartworks4u.com.)

Centennial celebration links achievements and ministry

Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church – a South Memphis pillar Special to the Tri-State Defender

Built into Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church’s celebration of its 100 anniversary was the honoring of trailblazers, service to the community and look into the future.

The centennial salute was noted throughout September and culminated with events Sept. 28-30. It was a reflection of achievements and a ministry as PRBC went outside of the church walls, combining the monthly soup kitchen with a spoken word event, “Rock the Mic.” Local Christian poets, hip-hop artists, comedians and singers gathered outside to minister to the community.

As an extension of the commemoration, PRBC will host a Community Health Fair dubbed “A Healthier You” on Saturday (Oct 6). Various health screenings will be available, with an appearance by Miami Heat basketball player, Earl Barron, a former University of Memphis standout.

“We have an ecclesiastical identity to celebrate and to share,” said Dr. A. McKinley Royal, PRBC’s pastor. “This 100-year milestone was celebrated among saints via worship, yet we shared with the community via service. We do not do change, we attempt to become change agents.”

For 100 years, Pilgrim Rest has been a pillar of South Memphis. It was founded in a home on Texas Street, and later moved to Kennedy Street, under the leadership of Dr. Cody M. Lee. PRBC was one of the first African-American churches to broadcast its worship services on WLOK 1340. In addition, PRBC, now located at 491 E. McLemore, has been a longtime supporter of The LeMoyne-Owen College and Lincoln Elementary School.

PRBC’s community outreach includes The ESPN Academy, an afterschool tutoring program founded by Doris Hill, the wife of the late Dr. Al-

Members of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church serve the community during the annual church picnic, which featured Christian entertainment and family fun. (Courtesy photos) fred DeWayne Hill, PRBC pastor for 26 years until his death. A community garden has served as common ground for PRBC members and children participating in the ESPN Academy and the PRBC Summer Camp.

Student gardeners have planted flowers, fruits and vegetables to provide healthy food alternatives for their families.

In 2008, Doris Hill partnered with Ruth Paul-Caudle, a founder of Spir-

PRAISE CONNECT -A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

—John 13:34

METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH ASSOCIATE MINISTERS

901-946-4095 fax 948-8311

(901) 948-3441

Early Morning..........7:45 AM Church School..........9:45 AM Morning Worship......11:00 AM Bible Study For Youth and Adults Tuesday - 7:00 PM “Spirit, Soul, and Body!”

AM 1070 WDIA Sundays, 10:00-10:30 AM

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

SUNDAY Sunday School .....................8:30 am Morning Worship Service ....10:00am

FRIDAY Cable Channel 17 ............... 8:00pm

TV Cable Access Broadcast Tuesdays, 7:30 PM, Channel 17 Website:www.saintandrewamec.org

Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter

THE BLVD Ea s t 6745 Wol f Ri v e r B oule v a r d @ Ki r by Pa r k wa y ( i n t he Cl a rk Ope r a Me mphi s Ce nte r ) Me mp h i s T N 3 8 1 2 0

Dr. Frank A. Thomas Senior Servant

TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

WEEKLY SERVICES

Sunday Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Night YPWW 5:00 p.m.

Night Service 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday Night Prayer 6:00 p.m.

Bible Study 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.

Friday Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.

Night Service 7:30 p.m.

No Telecast Service

— Proverbs 1:7

Dr. David Allen Hall Pastor

“The Founder’s Church”

First Pastor: Senior Bishop C.H. Mason

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

—Ecclesiastes 3:1

Greenwood Christian Methodist Episcopal Church 3311 Kimball Ave. Memphis, TN 38111 (901) 744-7531 (901) 744-7664

Worship Services Sunday Sunday School Worship Service

Clarence Kelby Heath Wednesday Pastor

Noon - 1 p.m.

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Child Care Center (901) 948-6441 Monday-Friday 6 AM- 5:30 PM Emergency Food Pantry Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, Pastor & Clothes Closet Rev. Marilynn S. Robinson, Co-Pastor Wednesday 6 PM-8 PM

“Ministering to Memphis-Spirit, Soul and Body”

672 So. Lauderdale 38126 P.O. Box 314 Memphis, Tn 38101 Phone (General) 774-1572 Pastor: 775-0740 Secretary: 775-1909

BROADCASTS 9:30 a.m. Sunday WDIA - 1070 AM

(For more information on Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, visit www.prbcmemphis.com.)

ST. ANDREW A.M.E. CHURCH

Rev. Davena Young Porter Rev. Linda A Paige Rev. Luecretia Matthews

WEDNESDAY Bible Study .........................10:30 am Mid-Day Prayer Meeting .....12 noon Evening Prayer Meeting........7:00pm

it of Truth children’s school in Haiti.

Through their relationship, PRBC provided Haitian children with books and other necessities. A school was built in Haiti in dedication to the late Dr. Hill his passion for education.

867 SOUTH PARKWAY EAST Memphis, TN 38106

Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., Pastor

767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126

Dr. A. McKinley Royal and his family enjoy the annual church picnic as a part of Pilgrim Restʼs Centennial Celebration.

9 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

—Revelation 1:8

Tri-State Defender

RELIGION

October 4 - 10, 2012

Happy anniversary…

The Most Rev. J. Terry Steib, Bishop of Memphis in Tennessee, was the presiding celebrant during the Anniversary of Marriage observance at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception last Saturday (Sept. 29). He greets Jesse and Zernia Peacock who have been married for 61 years. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

Homeland COGIC festival targets health and social ills

Homeland Community Development Corporation will hosts it Second Annual Community Day Outreach Festival on Saturday (Oct. 6) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m at Homeland Church Of God In Christ, 3529 James Road and North Highland Street.

Admission is free and open to the public.

“We are going to provide opportunities to improve the community’s health and make a positive impact for reducing infant mortality, drug abuse, crime and fire prevention,” said Pastor Kendall Anderson Sr. of Homeland Church of God in Christ. “Community tables will be set-up to address those issues. A health and job fair is planned. We want to address the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of

RELIGION BRIEFS those who attend. A drive thru prayer will be set up, too.”

Recreation is planned for the whole family. There will be free food, games and live inspirational music. Participants also can register for free gas cards Sponsors include: Brim’s Snack Foods, Target Stores, Memphis Best Wings, Honest Monument Company, Jefferson Mortuary, Fashion Corner, Sam’s Club and Sammy’s Man of Fashion.

BRIEFLY: The Carousel of Handbags – “a shopping excursion for a great cause” – will be held Saturday (Oct. 6) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gails-Palmer Gymnasium at The New Olivet Baptist Church, 3084 Southern Ave. Admission is $10. For tickets, call 901-454-7777 or purchase them at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Queen of Sheba Scholarship Fund for young African American

ladies in their freshman year of college.

BRIEFLY: Unity Christian Church, 3345 McCorkle Rd., will host The Leroy Brooks Memorial Prayer Breakfast on Oct. 6, beginning at 9 a.m.

The Rev. Eric Ovid Donaldson is senior minister. For more information, call 901396-9961 or visit unitychristianchurch.us.

BRIEFLY: The men of Calgary Church of God in Christ, 1532 Ellington St., will sponsor a car wash ($10 for cars, $15 for trucks) and fish fry ($8) beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday (Oct. 6).

BRIEFLY: Calvary Church of God in Christ, 1532 Ellington St., will celebrate its 86th Church Anniversary and Homecoming during a 3 p.m. service Sunday (Oct. 7) that will feature international evangelist Dixie Stokes, Marshall of the C.C. Knox Memorial District. The host pastor is Elder Earlie Nickols Jr.

Page 9

ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, October 4 - 10, 2012, Page 10

Reflections: The name game & much more!

Real Times Media

by Steve Hosley Hardcore rapper Snoop Dogg, who started out as Snoop Doggy Dogg, has converted to the Rastafarian religion and subsequently decided to change his stage name to Snoop Lion.

In that religion, the “lion” referred to is “the Lion of Judah,” from the Old Testament of the Bible, which creators of the religion believed to be a future reference to Haile Selassie, who was emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974.

(How they came to that conclusion is another story.)

Snoop is not the first celebrity to change his name for reasons related to newfound religious beliefs.

For example, Terrence Trent D’Arby had a revelation of some sort and changed his name to Sananda Maitrya.

Sports legends Cassius Clay and Lew Alcindor became Muhammad Ali and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar respectively.

Pop/rock singer Cat Stevens is now known as Yusuf Islam. Joe Tex, the 1960s-70s R&B hit-maker, changed his name to Yusuf Hazziez at which time he became a spiritual lecturer, although he did not abandon his music career.

And then there are those who change their names for reasons that have nothing to do with religion.

Prince became an unpronounceable symbol, although just about everyone’s preference was “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince.” (Later he again became “Prince.”) Diddy (original name: Sean Combs) was Puff Daddy, then P. Diddy, and then shortened it to Diddy.

Then there was the late gangsta rapper Ol’ Dirty Bastard (born Russell Jones) who later adopted the name “Dirt McGirt.”

YOU HAVE to give it to Morris Day. The singer-showman has gotten so much mileage out of his “cool” routine, complete with Jerome Benton holding up a mirror so that he can check out his looks. Audiences never get tired of it. In that sense, it’s like James Brown and his famous “Please Please Please” cape routine. Morris Day & the Time recently performed at Arts, Beats and Eats in Royal Oak. MOST PEOPLE ASSUME that Will Smith’s name is William. Not so.

It’s actually Willard.

PEOPLE GOT ALL BENT out of shape — with the help of the increasingly zealous media — when, on a recording by hardcore rapper Lil Wayne, the “colorful” Nicki Minaj said, “I’m a Republican, voting for Mitt Romney.”

There was so much of a furor that even President Obama called a major radio station, but he instinctively knew not to take it seriously.

Minaj responded by saying, “Thank you for understanding my creative humor and sarcasm, Mr. President. The smart ones always do. Now I can tell my grandchildren that the first Black president of the United States took the time to address a Nicki Minage question.”

SPEAKING of President Obama, praise and applause to Jay-Z and wife Beyoncé for having a fundraiser for Obama’s reelection campaign at Jay-Z and his business partners’ 40/40 Club in New York City. It was expected to bring in $4 million!

SUPERSTAR actor George Clooney also had a $40,000 a plate dinner. Kudos to him too and all others who are doing the right thing. A win by Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan would be a setback in so many ways, certainly for all minority groups and women.

BORIS KODJOE, the talented, handsome and in shape actor, says one key to a successful marriage is remaining physically appealing to your spouse.

That’s why he works so hard to keep it together for his wife, actress Nicole Ari Parker. Kodjoe, by the way, has what is likely the longest birth name in show business history: Boris Frederic Cecil Tay-Natey Ofuatey-Kodjoe!

BETCHA DIDN’T KNOW… that even though “Shop Around” by the Miracles was Motown’s first million seller in early 1961 (it was released in late 1960), the first Motown song to go all the way to No. 1 on the national Pop charts was “Please Mr. Postman” by the Marvelettes in late 1961.

MEMORIES: “Any Love” (Luther Vandross), “Going in Circles” (the Friends of Distinction), “Muscles” (Diana Ross), “Breaking Up Somebody’s Home” (Ann Peebles), “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” (Elton John), “On Broadway” (the Drifters), “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” (Nina Simone), “I Will Survive” (Gloria Gaynor), “Gangster of Love” (Johnny “Guitar” Watson), “The Other Woman” (Ray Parker Jr.) WORDS OF THE WEEK, from season six “American Idol” finalist Melinda Doolittle: “It’s not always easy to do the right thing, but it is always worth it.”

Let the music play!

(Steve Holsey can be reached at Svh517@aol.com.)

(Special to The New Tri-State Defender from its Real Times Media partner, The Michigan Chronicle.)

‘Grammy GPS’ lights highway to stardom NARAS symposium probes musical commerce mysteries Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Tony Jones

Before rap music did the same thing to many major record labels that Toyota did to General Motors, musical artists loudly and regularly complained that the recording industry’s systematic control over their output was a major bane to their careers and lives.

Perhaps it was Prince who best brought such dissatisfaction to mainstream attention. During his high-profile war with Warner Brothers, the artist then formally known as The Artist Formally Known As Prince began to appear publicly with the word “Slave” painted on his face.

So, check out this irony: Today in the Internet age, many modern artists are finding reality screaming at them the way it does from a line in a song by the rock group The Who: “freedom stinks of reality.”

Because of music file-sharing sites such as Youtube, the dead and somewhat lamented Limewire and other free distribution channels, there are more ways of putting out music than ever before. But with the diminished power of labels, how can the modern pop music artist get her/his music out there and get paid from doing it?

That was the subject of a daylong symposium presented by the Memphis chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music this past Saturday (Sept. 29). Entitled Grammy GPS: A Road Map For Today’s Music Biz, the symposium is one of many NARAS is staging throughout the nation to help musicians and recording industry professionals navigate the new mysteries of musical commerce.

“GPS was created to connect people that want to pursue a career in music today with significant people in the industry to give them pointers on how it all works,” said Senior Executive Director John Hornyak.

As the head of NARAS’ Memphis arm for 18 years now, Hornyak says the digital age is constantly evolving commercial impact is a daunting influence. Still, he said, the basics are the same.

“You still have to connect with the people that can help you. With social media there is a lot more direct access to fans and more live performance opportunities, but CD are selling less. You just have to figure out a different approach than five years ago,” said Hornyak.

“Like with the labels, it’s a thing where you don’t miss it until it’s gone, and some artists don’t want to just make their music and not worry about the business side. But it’s definitely a new day. You have to start building it yourself.”

Susan Marshall, NARAS Memphis Chapter president, said in the digital realm one problem is that the credits aren’t getting out there.

“In the old days you would open up an album or a CD and see who wrote the songs, who created the songs, who engineered and so on and so forth. In the music industry we live and die by our credits. It’s how we get recognition, how we get our next gig and how we get paid,” she said.

Throughout the day, a series of four panel presentations offered in-depth explorations of various topics. The lineup included a probe of the sound differences of the various delivery systems available today and an examination of how smaller markets can be key in pushing a musical act to the forefront.

With the support of the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, GPS brought in several big names, including Ken Shepherd, manager for country music superstar Kenny Wayne Sheperd, hip-hop influence Talib Kweli, and musician, songwriter and producer Steve Jordan.

Jordan, who played in Paul Schaeffer’s famous band on “The David Letterman Show” and produced work with Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, B.B. King and other A-listers, often visits Memphis to record at Royal Studios. Music fans here and worldwide know Royal for the signature sound of producer Willie Mitchell and superstar artist Al Green. Teenie Hodges, one of the keys to Royal’s historic run of hits, sat in the front row as Jordan told the audience why he has brought artists such as the Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards, modern pop blues hit maker John Mayer and (currently) Boz Scaggs to Royal to get the “Memphis Sound.”

“I first came here in 1988 when I worked with Keith Richards, and we had a song that we wanted to get that Memphis sound on, so instead of trying to get someone to try to reproduce it I suggested to him that

Multi-platinum producer Steve Jordan discusses his love for the Memphis sound at the Grammy GPS symposium. (Photos by Tony Jones, INK!)

Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, Royal Studios President & Executive Producer.

Part of the legendary Royal Studio Hi Rhythm band, guitarist and songwriter Teenie Hodges, who wrote “Love & Happiness” and “Take Me To The River” with Al Green, still keeps up with the new trends in the industry.

we go to Memphis and get Willie Mitchell to arrange it for us,” said Jordan. “He was

available, we flew down and he put together the horn and string arrangements and that’s how it began.”

Jordan said the Memphis Sound is still here, crediting Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, now president and executive producer at Royal, and a vice president with NARAS, for preserving the techniques at Royal.

Scaggs, he said, was well aware of the Memphis Sound legacy.

“He had recorded there about a decade ago, and his wife is from Memphis, too,” said Jordan. “I thought I had this brilliant idea (to record in Memphis), but it turned out to be a no-brainer.”

For Ify (pronounced “Iffy”), a young local artist, getting to speak with Jordan during a breakout moment was a fun day of learning things she hopes to employ as her career unfolds.

“It was pretty epic. I learned a lot about being a creative force, but how to market your music,” said Ify. “For instance, if your music is an easy listening type, go to where people play chess, or find a restaurant where people like that frequent and get your music exposed,” she said. ”You have to know how to find your realistic demographic and gain a fan base. Push. Push. Push.”

ENTERTAINMENT

Tri-State Defender

Page 11

October 4 - 10, 2012

Kam’s Kapsules:

Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kam Williams

For movies opening October 5, 2012

BIG BUDGET FILMS

“Frankenweenie” (PG for scary images, mature themes and action sequences) Oscar-nominee Tim Burton (for Corpse Bride) directed this animated horror comedy about a young boy (Charlie Tahan) whose scientific experiment to bring his beloved pet dog (Frank Welker) back to life results in unintended consequences. Voice cast includes Winona Ryder, Robert Capron, Catherine O’Hara, Martin Landau and Christopher Lee. “The Paperboy” (R for violence, profanity and graphic sexuality) Oscar-nominee Lee Daniels (for Precious) directed this crime thriller revolving around a big city reporter (Matthew McConaughey) who returns to his tiny Florida hometown to try to exonerate a Death Row inmate (John Cusack) with the help of his brother (Zac Efron), a colleague (David Oyelowo) and a sultry groupie (Nicole Kidman) With Macy Gray, Ned Bellamy and Scott Glenn.

“Taken 2” (PG13 for sensuality, action sequences and intense violence) Principal cast reunites for this adrenaline-fueled sequel which finds retired CIA Agent Mills (Liam Neeson) vacationing with his ex-wife (Famke Janssen) in Istanbul where they end up abducted by a revenge-minded gang of Albanian sex traffickers. With Maggie Grace, Rade Serbedzija, Leland Orser and Luenell.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

“Bel Borba Aqui” (Unrated) Reverential biopic chronicling the career of Bel, the Brazilian artist whose oversized, outdoor sculptures dot the landscape of his beloved hometown of Salvador. (In Portuguese with subtitles)

“Butter” (R for profanity and sexuality) Social satire, set in smalltown Iowa, about a young, adopted girl (Yara Shahidi) who squares-off against an ambitious housewife (Jennifer Garner) in the annual buttercarving competition. Cast includes Hugh Jackman, Olivia Wilde and Alicia Silverstone.

“Escape Fire” (PG-13 for mature themes) Medical crisis documentary addressing the question of whether the broken, American healthcare system can be fixed. Featuring appearances by Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Dean Ornish and insurance executive Wendell Potter.

“Fat Kid Rules the World” (R for sexuality, drug use and brief violence) Coming-of-age comedy about an overweight, suicidal 17 year-old (Jacob Wysocki) who forms a rock band with the street musician (Matt O’Leary) who saved his life by stopping him from jumping in front of a bus. With Billy Campbell, LiLi Simmons and Jeffrey Doombos.

HOROSCOPES

HOROSCOPES:

OPENING THIS WEEK

“The House I Live in” (Unrated) War on Drugs documentary takes a penetrating look at the human rights implications of the American criminal justice system’s incarceration of over 45 million non-violent, narcotics offenders since 1971.

“Now, Forager” (Unrated) Marital crisis drama about a counter-cultural couple (Tiffany Esteb and Jason Cortlund), subsisting by selling wild mushrooms to Manhattan restaurants, whose relationship is tested when the wife tires of living hand to mouth. With Almex Lee, Gabrielle Maisels and Marty Clarke.

“The Oranges” (R for profanity, sexual references and drug use) Romantic comedy, set in suburban N.J., about the strain placed on two couples’ close friendship when one husband (Hugh Laurie) has a scandalous affair with the other’s (Oliver Platt) daughter (Leighton Meester).

With Catherine Keener, Allison Janney, Alia Shawkat and Adam Brody.

“Pitch Perfect” (PG-13 for sexuality, profanity and drug use) Musical comedy about a college freshman (Anna Kendrick) who overhauls the repertoire of her all-girl singing group in preparation for a big showdown on campus with an all-male rival ensemble in an a cappella competition. Featuring Brittany Snow, Rebel Wilson and Skylar Astin.

“V/H/S” (R for gory violence, graphic nudity, explicit sexuality, drug use and pervasive profanity) Found footage horror flick about a gang of crooks who get the surprise of their lives after agreeing to break into a dilapidated house in the middle of nowhere to find a videotape for an anonymous third party. Starring Calvin Reeder, Lane Hughes and Adam Wingard.

“Sister” (Unrated) Class-conscious drama, set in Switzerland, about a 12 year-old mountain urchin (Kacey Mottet Klein) who supports himself and his big sister (Lea Seydoux) by stealing from wealthy guests at a posh ski resort. With Gillian Anderson, Martin Compston and Simon Guelat. (In French and English with subtitles)

“Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You” (Unrated) Introspective character study about a Brown university-bound high school grad (Toby Regbo) who spends a summer of discontent talking about his troubles to his grandmother (Ellen Burstyn) and psychotherapist (Lucy Liu). Support cast includes Marcia Gay Harden, Peter Gallagher and Deborah Ann Woll.

“Trade of Innocents” (PG-13 for mature themes and violence) International thriller about a couple (Dermot Mulroney and Mira Sorvino) grieving the death of their daughter who venture to Southeast Asia to rescue young girls caught up in child prostitution. With John Billingsley, Trieu Tran and Kieu Chinh.

“Wuthering Heights” (Unrated) Screen adaptation of the Emily Bronte classic about the love which blossoms between an orphan (James Howson) and the teenage daughter (Kaya Scodelario) of the Yorkshire farmer (Paul Hilton) who adopts him, much to the chagrin of the girl’s overprotective brother (Lee Shaw). With Solomon Glave, Shannon Beer and Simone Jackson.

Oct. 4-10, 2012

ARIES You may want to make this week a schmooze-fest! Whether you go out to a party or stay in with a friend, you’ll have a good time if you remember that charm is the only weapon that’ll work for you this week.

TAURUS Your vibrations could cause you to pause.

That’s good, because a pause is just what you need to remember to think of the positive. Reject the negative and you’ll have a wonderful week.

GEMINI Rev up your engines. This is a fine week for making progress with projects that you’ve got in the works. Your energy is high and your mind is clear. Use every advantage this week to finish up your work.

CANCER A spirit of competition may be troubling you. Let it go. Celebrate differences and get on with the work of creating new hope in the world! Your tendency to speak without considering the full impact on others should be checked this week.

LEO Confusion exists over some question, and every time you think you’ve got the answer, circumstances will change and new information will come to your attention. Don’t worry, things are going to clear up and work out.

Take it easy.

VIRGO Communications flow smoothly this week and your word is golden. A wild idea for money making could come to you, but you should let the strictly material walk on by.

Stick to your current plan and use your imagination for ways to streamline your work.

LIBRA Creative mental energy makes this a banner week. An ambition that you thought you had left behind years ago suddenly resurfaces, and you’ll see similarities between what you are doing now and what you dreamed of back then.

SCORPIO Educate those around you in the area of personal growth. Their improvement will bring benefits to you. Humor in communication is the key. Humor in introspection is a must.

SAGITTARIUS This week romance is begins to percolate.

Enjoy your feelings and let your brain relax.

Suspend all judgments of others. Being stern won’t work for you this week.

CAPRICORN Romance will find you this week. Don’t be looking the other way. Your “rap” is especially strong. Make as many of those important phone calls as possible.

AQUARIUS Don’t take any big gambles this week, the time is not right for a flight into the unknown. A newfound harmony is in store for you and your mate. Your mate will understand your fears.

PISCES The air can be cleared easily. Admit your need for help. Seek understanding. You’ll help another by seeking help from them.

Communication problems will smooth themselves out.

Source: NNPA News Service

NEWS

Page 12

Tri-State Defender

October 4 - 10, 2012

‘Marketing Meets Microfinancing’ On Oct. 9, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: NYX), Accion and Yelp will bring the NYSE Big StartUp “Small Business Connections: Marketing Meets Microfinancing” nationwide workshop tour to Memphis.

The seventh stop on the Small Business Connections tour, the event will provide local small business owners with social media marketing know-how and access to capital. It will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at EmergeMemphis, 516 Tennessee St.

Legal notices

ALL INTERESTED BIDDERS The Board of Education of the Memphis City Schools District will accept written bids for Window Replacement at Overton High.

Visit our website for additional information: http://www.mcsk12.net/aboutmcs_ procurements_bids.asp Questions concerning this bid should be addressed to Rennaʼ Green (901) 416-5833 or emailed to greenr@mcsk12.net.

Thank you for supporting Memphis City Schools.

Jacqueline Saunders, Director Memphis City Schools – Procurement Services

LEGAL NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received at the Office of the City of Memphis Purchasing Agent, Room 354, City Hall; 125 North Main Street; Memphis, TN 38103, until 2:00 p.m. Central Time, November 9, 2012, for furnishing the City of Memphis with the following: For the Division of: PARK SERVICES City of Memphis RFQ #: 3162 For the Construction of: Covington Pike and Warford Street Median Landscape Planting Improvements Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee Federal Project Number: STP-EN9409(95) State PIN: 79960-3560-94 A non-mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on October 18, 2012 at 9:00 a.m., in the 2nd Floor Admin. Conference Room, at the Division of Park Services, located at 2599 Avery Ave., Memphis, TN 38112. For further information, contact Mike Flowers, Division of Park Services, at (901) 576-4245 or (901) 5764241.

1. The 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 1680-5-3 prequalification of contractors before biddable proposals will be furnished.

2. The City of Memphis 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.

3. The City of Memphis is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drugfree with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service. For additional information, contact Mary Bright, (901) 576-6545; City of Memphis Contract Compliance Office; 125 North Main St.; Memphis, TN 38103.

4. “Certification by each bidder must be made with respect to nondiscrimination in employment.”

5. A Proposal Bond (Bid Bond) and a Proposal Guarantee (Performance Bond) are required.

6. All bids must include, on the outside of the bid envelope, the name of the project, the bid date and the bid opening time (2:00 p.m.).

7. The license classification for this project shall be: BC-29 (Landscaping). No Contractor shall be required by law, regulation, or practice to obtain a license before submission of a bid or before the bid may be considered for award of a contract. Bidders are not required to put their Contractorʼs license number on the bid envelope.

(23 CFR 635.110).

Plans, specifications and attendant deposit information are available, until the time set for the opening of the bids, from: Division of Park Services, Office of Planning and Development; 2599 Avery Ave.; Memphis, TN 38112; Mike Flowers, Ad-

Yelp’s Manager of Local Business Outreach, Darnell Holloway, will explain how entrepreneurs can work with major social media platforms such as Yelp, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to both engage with customers online and navigate the world of online reviews.

Additionally, Regional Market Manager Nathanial Owen of small business lender Accion, which has provided over $2.6 million in loans in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, and Tennessee since 2011, will discuss

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ministrator; Telephone: (901) 576-4245 or (901) 576-4241.

Award of contracts will be made on the basis of the lowest and best bids as determined by the City of Memphis. “Best Bid” shall be defined as the responsive quotation that meets the contract documents, including, if applicable, any DBE Participation Goal as set out in the specifications.

THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED Notice of intent to award will be issued after review of all opened bids. Any protest of award must be filed in writing with the City of Memphis Purchasing Agent within ten calendar days of the intent of award announcement.

By Order of the Mayor of the City of Memphis, Tennessee.

CITY PURCHASING AGENT NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS OF STATE HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION BIDS TO BE RECEIVED TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012 Sealed Bids will be received by the City of Paris, Tennessee, at their offices in City Hall 100 North Caldwell Street, Paris, TN 38242 until 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, October 30, 2012 and opened publicly and read aloud at 100 North Caldwell Street at that hour. The reading of the bids will begin at 10:10 A.M. Project Name: Realignment SR-76 (Tyson Avenue) Intersection at Joy Street/Hospital Circle in Paris Federal Project No.: STP-M-NHE76(70) State Project No.: 40LPLM-F2006 Description: Improvements to the interserction of Tyson Avenue and Joy Street/Hospital Circle including the realignment of Joy Street and the signalization of the improved intersection. The length of the roadway improvement is approximately 0.106 miles. The contract period shall be 120 days from the date of the Notice to Proceed.

The Information for Bidders and other contract documents may be examined at the following: 1) CITY OF PARIS 100 NORTH CALDWELL STREET PARIS, TN 38242 2) ASKEW HARGRAVES HARCOURT 3009 DAVIES PLANTATION ROAD LAKELAND, TN 38002 3) BUILDERS EXCHANGE 642 SOUTH COOPER MEMPHIS, TN 38104 4) WEST TENNESSEE PLANS ROOM

how to access capital and finance marketing costs with an Accion microloan. Both Yelp business outreach staff and Accion loan officers will be present to answer questions and offer personalized consultations to participants.

Accion client Daniel Watson of Visions Enterprise, LLC will describe how his $5,000 microloan helped shape his business. The owner of a B2B dry seasonings and breaders business, Watson used his capital to purchase inventory and develop e-

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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 City of Paris hereby notifies all bidders that a 5.5 % Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal has been set for this project and must be met or exceeded.

The City of Paris 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 City of Paris 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: (731) 641-1402 THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENTS BEING ACCEPTED The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) hereby gives notice that comments will be accepted from the public on proposed service changes on fixed-route bus service up until Monday, October 22, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. There will be no changes in trolley service or MATAplus service, or fares for any of MATAʼs services. The proposed fixed-route bus service changes are as follows: FIXED-ROUTE BUS CHANGES Route: 8 Chelsea Proposed Changes: Modified Weekday and Saturday route and schedule will extend service to the Orr and Heard area.

Average weekday frequency will change from 40 minutes to 30 minutes during the day. Night frequency will remain 60 minutes. Service will be extended on Saturday

commerce on his website, bringing in more sales.

“This Small Business Connections workshop addresses the specific issues and needs of business owners in a fast-paced digital world,” said Watson. “I’m excited to learn more about new ways to integrate my business strategy within an online customer market. Through programs like this, hopefully we can turn this economy around one small business at a time.”

“Small Business Connections” is

to the Orr and Heard area; frequency will change from 90 minutes to 60 minutes for the entire day. No changes in service for Sunday. New outbound routing direction: From the North End Terminal (NET), right on A.W. Willis, left on 2nd, right on Chelsea, left on Warford, right on Mt. Olive, left on Orr, left on Heard, left on Shannon and left on Warford. New inbound routing direction: From Warford, right on Chelsea, left on Third, right on Shadyac, and right into the NET. Route: 9 New Allen/American Way Proposed Changes: New Route 9 New Allen/American Way to operate between St. Elmo and American Way Center.

(Weekday service only) The route will have two a.m. trips southbound (5:30 and 7:33) and one northbound trip at 6:30 a.m.

It will have two p.m. trips northbound (3:15 and 5:15) and one southbound trip at 4:15 p.m. New southbound routing direction: From St. Elmo, left on Hobson, left on Hawkins Mill, left on Frayser Blvd., left on Ramill, left on New Allen/ Warford, left on Chelsea, right on Orchi, right on Jackson, left on National, left on Macon, right on Highland, left on Park, right on Getwell, and right on American Way. The northbound routing will be the opposite of the southbound routing.

Route: 19 Vollintine Macon Proposed Changes: Modified Route 19 Vollintine Macon to operate between the NET and Macon/Summer area on Weekdays and Saturdays. New outbound routing: From NET, right on A. W. Willis, left on Second, left on Exchange, Left on Alabama, Left on Poplar, Left on Dunlap, right on J. W. Williams, Left on Decatur, right on North Parkway, left on Bellevue, left on Faxon, right on Breedlove, right on Vollintine, right on Springdale, left on Jackson, right on Macon, left on Homer, right on Macon, left on Graham, right on Leroy, right on Wells Station, left on Macon, right on White Station, right on Summer, and right on Mendenhall. Frequencies alternate between 45 and 60 minutes. (See schedule for specific frequencies.) The inbound routing will be the opposite of the outbound routing.

Route: 43 Elvis Presley Proposed Changes: Modified Weekday, Saturday and Sunday routes and schedules. The final two trips leaving from the North Enter Terminal will terminate at Elvis Presley and Shelby Drive as follows: Weekdays at 10:15 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.; Saturday 8:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. and Sunday 5:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.

Route: 50 Poplar Proposed Changes: Modified Weekday, Saturday and Sunday routes and schedules. The weekday service will add four trips increasing the number of trips to 92.

Frequency of service will be 15 minutes during peak and 30 minutes during nonpeak. The final two trips leaving from the North End Terminal will terminate at Poplar and Kirby as follows: Weekdays at 10:15 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.; Saturday 8:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.; and Sunday 5:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.

Route: 52 Jackson Proposed Changes: Modified Weekday, Saturday and Sunday routes and schedules. 52 Jackson will provide service to the NET and Methodist Hospital North only.

(See Route 9 for trips to New Allen and Route 19 for trips to Macon.) The average frequency will remain the same.

Route: 82 Germantown Proposed Changes: Modified Weekday schedule. The weekday service will add two trips northbound – one 9:23 a.m. and one 2:25 p.m. trip. No southbound trips have been added.

In addition to the proposed changes listed above, minor adjustments to schedule times are planned on many of the routes.

Copies of the proposed changes may be obtained by contacting MATAʼs Information Center at 901-274-6282. They may also be viewed at www.matatransit.com.

Oral and/or written comments will also be received at the Board meeting on October 22, 2012 at 3:30 p.m.; however, the

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public is encouraged to submit their comments in writing ahead of time to allow sufficient time for review.

All written comments submitted must be addressed to the MATA Board of Commissioners. They may be mailed to MATA, 1370 Levee Road, Memphis, TN 38108; faxed to 901722-7123 or may be sent via e-mail to publiccomments@matatransit.com. MATAʼs Board of Commissioners will review and consider the comments and address the service changes at the October 22, 2012 Board meeting. If approved, the proposed changes to the fixed-route bus service will be effective December 2, 2012.

MATA does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment. EOE/Affirmative Action/Drug Free Workplace/ADA/ADEA/Title VI/Title VII William Hudson, Jr., President/General Manager

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: • 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 • Submit 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 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2012 AT 2:30 PM “VARIOUS TRUCKS, SHELBY COUNTY ROAD DEPARTMENT” (SB# I000188) (MC# 411) By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL JR., MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

NOTICE TO BIDDER(S) REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS DUE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2012 AT 4:00 PM Shelby County Government, Tennessee, an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer, seeks to retain the services of one or more engineering consulting firms to provide professional services related to the following: (RFQ #13-009-18) ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING SERVICES Pre-Bid Conference: A Mandatory PreBid Conference will be held at 9:00 A.M., Thursday, October 11, 2012 at the following location: Shelby County Support Services, 584 Adams Avenue, Conference Room, Memphis, TN 38103.

Please be on time, once the pre-bid conference starts, late arrivals will not be allowed to attend.

By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL, JR, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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