10 17 2012

VOL. 61, No. 41

Movie, panel discussion frame talk on education Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Marcey Evans

Local educators, business leaders and parents gathered to help “break the monopoly of mediocrity” in the Memphis school system during a forum on education reform held Wednesday (Oct. 10) at the Malco Paradiso Theatre in East Memphis.

Hosted by the Greater Memphis Chamber, The Institute for a Competitive Workforce and the National Chamber Foundation, the event featured the controversial film “Won’t Back Down” and a panel discussion on the evolving education system in Greater Memphis.

The film, which stars Oscar nominees Viola Davis and Maggie Gyllenhaal, chronicles the real-life story of two Pennsylvania mothers who wouldn’t accept a failing school system for their children and the perils they endured while attempting to change it. Gyllenhaal plays Jamie Fitzpatrick, a single mom of eight-year-old Maulia Fitzpatrick, a second-grader suffering with dyslexia, struggling to read in a classroom where she is constantly plagued by taunting peers and hurling insults. Davis plays an educator and mom who finds the will to put her job on the line for her students’ future.

The two women “won’t back

TSD extends nominations for 2012 Men of Excellence

SEE EDUCATION ON PAGE 2

MEMPHIS WEEKEND

SUNDAY

be submitted electronically on our website, tsdmemphis.com.

The semi-formal event, which has been officially reset for Nov. 17 (venue to be confirmed and announced online and in next week’s edition), will include a Hollywood red carpet welcome and a VIP reception from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Dinner and the awards program begins at 7 p.m. The dynamic musical group, Prosody, will be our featured entertainment, with a special guest speaker to be announced next week as well!

African-American men have contributed much toward shaping America’s history and the history of the City of Memphis, often against considerable odds. Throughout the history of our city, African-American men such as Robert R. Church, A. Maceo Walker, A.W. Willis, and Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks have made contributions of excellence in their respective professions and to the community at large. That legacy has been continued through men such as Dr. Willie W. Herenton, Willie GreSEE EXCELLENCE ON PAGE 2

- INSIDE -

• District 9 deserves a debate. See Opinion, page 6.

H- 7 1o - L - 6 0o Scat T-Storms

H- 8 3o - L - 6 7o P a r tl y C l ou dy

REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS

Friday H-80 L-62 H-66 L-51 H-87 L-60

H- 7 4o - L - 5 7o Scat T-Sto rms

Saturday H-82 L-69 H-80 L-64 H-87 L-63

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• Group seeks to make free condoms more accessible.

See Health, page 7.

• Leaders urge ‘Yes’ vote on county sales tax increase.

See Community, page 13.

• Preseason is underway for the Grizzlies. See Sports, page 14.

75 Cents

Police Director Toney Armstrong, reflecting on the disturbing numbers of African-American males dying by homicide, said, “It is just so sad that we appear to have lost a generation.” (Photo by Tony Jones, INK!)

Rock-steady Armstrong shares police-director views Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Last month, The New Tri-State Defender, the Mid-South’s leading source of news, politics, entertainment and lifestyle information from the African-American perspective, announced the opening of nominations for its fourth annual Men of Excellence Reception and Awards Celebration.

The gala event, which honors and recognizes the significant achievements, contributions and work of 50 outstanding African-American men from the Greater Memphis community, originally was planned for Sept. 28. Due to unforeseen and unexpected circumstances, we decided to postpone the event until November.

Most fortunately, the schedule adjustment allows us to extend our nomination period to allow for more deserving men to be considered for the 2012 class of MOE. Nominations are now open through Oct. 17.

Nomination forms are available in this edition (see page 6) and also can SATURDAY

down” without a fight to change their children’s school and its notorious reputation for passing students who cannot make the grade.

Following the movie’s special Actress Viola screening, a Davis tells The panel addressed New Tri-State issues in the Defender that film that were her new movie eerily similar to – ʻWonʼt Back problems facing Downʼ – is pro- the local school education and district. Views p r o - a c t i v i s t were offered on and not anti- how the local union. See En- school system t e r t a i n m e n t , could overcome page 10 its own failing grades.

Panelists included moderator Cheryl Oldham, vice president of the U.S. Forum for Policy Innovation and vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Competitive Workforce (ICW); Yetta M. Lewis, chief academic officer of Gestalt Community Schools; John Moore, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Mem-

Comfortable in the hot seat

by Tony Jones

Gala set for Nov. 17

FRIDAY

www.tsdmemphis.com

October 11 - 17, 2012

Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong says it is time for the African-American community to quit reacting and take action to fight the growing pattern of youth violence in the city.

“The sad reality is that it takes an incident like this to raise awareness,” said Armstrong, referencing the Sept. 24 fatal shooting of 15-year-old Justin Thompson by off-duty police officer Terrance Shaw. “I feel like there are things as a community that we should be doing now to prevent us from having to march for another young man who may be the victim of a shooting, not by a police officer, but by another young man like him.”

Armstrong’s candid interview Tuesday (Oct. 9)

with The New Tri-State Defender came not only in the wake of the Thompson shooting but amid a string of highly-troubling incidents involving MPD personnel. Even as the interview was underway, another officer, Paula Jamerson, was being processed downstairs on four counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, deception or a forged prescription.

Meanwhile, the TBI continues its investigation of the Thompson homicide, with Shaw suspended and still on payroll. Armstrong, who called in the TBI, has said Shaw was the apparent victim of a robbery attempt.

“I hate to keep referring to this young man that has lost his life, but I’ve seen his Facebook page and it readily displayed the path he was on,” said SEE POLICE ON PAGE 12

NOVA means help for kids exposed to violence Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Imagine a network of closely collaborating service providers and other partners.

See them in a formation designed for them to draw upon each other.

Know that it is all for the care of children exposed to violence, and to give support to their families.

Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell Jr. envisioned just such a scenario and on Wednesday he announced a program put together to make it real.

The Network for Overcoming Violence and Abuse – or NOVA – already has begun providing services in neighborhoods within six zip codes in the Hickory Hill and Raleigh-Frayser areas. That’s where data has shown high incidences in which children experience violence at home or are the victims or witnesses of crime.

“Our promise to the community is this will not be one more local child-

Keisha Walker of the NOVA collaborative listens as Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell Jr. helps launch a new network of service providers and partners to support children exposed to violence.

(Photo by Kelley Evans) based program that is pronounced with fanfare and then fades away,” said Luttrell.

The launch of Nova unfolded in the leasing office of the Wingood Manor Apartments at 3463 Wingood Circle (just off S. Goodlett). That’s where Samone Little and Tray Beard, family service providers for Agape Child & Family Services, have been working with children and families. They look to provide resources needed to lead

healthy lifestyles after the horrors of domestic violence abuse.

“Domestic violence affects kids’ future and if I can do anything to help shape them in a positive way, I want to help,” said Little. “I’m excited about NOVA and I covet Agape’s philosophy of sharing and serving families in the Memphis community.”

SEE NOVA ON PAGE 2

NEWS

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October 11 - 17, 2012

EXCELLENCE

Tri-State Defender

ON THE WEB

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Samone Little (middle) and Tray Beard (right), family service providers for Agape Child & Family Services, work with children and families in the Wingood Apartments. They look to provide resources needed needed to lead healthy lifestyles after the horrors of domestic violence abuse. (Photo by Kelley Evans)

NOVA

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Luttrell said every day, behind the headlines and the news flashes, there are children hurt by what they see, or hear or feel. “This exposure to violence and resulting trauma can turn into many other problems, including bad behaviors, and too often the cycle of violence continues,” he said.

In 2011, Shelby County’s Office for Early Childhood and Youth received $2 million to build the collaborative and to begin providing trauma-informed counseling and other victim services in the initial service areas. Memphis was one of eight cities to net funding from the U.S. Department of Justice Defending Childhood Initiative.

“For a year, the NOVA partners – including social service nonprofits and academic and governmental organizations – have worked together to ensure that the system of care brought to these neighborhoods represents the best practices known to help children who have suffered from violence,” said Luttrell.

“They also have worked hard to ensure that this is a program that will endure and grow.

Children living zip codes 38115, 38118, 38125, 38127, 38128 and 38141 can get NOVA services immediately, by referral or through direct contact with a trained provider, or by calling 901-222-3990. Besides

having statistics showing the need, these neighborhoods have community resources and support systems that will help the families, Luttrell said.

The new NOVA program provides family service providers who will directly connect hurt children and their families to professional caregivers. The providers from Agape Child & Family Services are based in the Wingood Manor, Todds Creek and Bella Vista apartment communities.

Other family service providers will work within the Protective Services Office and with courtappointed special advocates (CASA) in Juvenile Court, in the Family Safety Center and with Victims to Victory.

“Agape in conjunction with the NOVA partners are the only providers who are site-based taking the services directly into the community,” said Agape Executive Director David Jordan. “We are here to make sure these families have the necessary tools to live healthy lives that will place them on the step to healing.”

While it is hoped that NOVA services will be expanded in the next couple of years, Luttrell said any child can be connected to services at the same agencies, if a family member calls the service provider directly, or calls the 2-1-1 community LINKS number.

Luttrell said what makes NOVA unique is that the government and nonprofit providers have come together

to coordinate training and work processes, enhancing their services in a way that has never been done before.

NOVA also is funding child therapists at the Exchange Club Family Center and Victims to Victory. In addition, training for child-care and youth development providers will help leverage the work of law enforcement and social service groups that have come together under the auspices of the Defending Childhood Initiative.

In addition to those agencies, other primary NOVA partners include the Center for Community Building and Neighborhood Action (CBANA) at the University of Memphis, Consilience Group, LeBonheur Community Health & Wellbeing, Memphis Area Women’s Council, Memphis Child Advocacy Center, Splash Creative (advertising firm), the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, and the University of Memphis Department of Social Work.

Nova, said Luttrell, fits perfectly under the umbrella of Operation: Safe Community.

“That community-wide effort’s first five-year phase focused on suppression of crime,” he said.

“Now, Operation: Safe Community is concentrating on intervention and prevention.

Intervening in a positive and healing manner for children who experience violence and trauma lies at the very heart of this project.”

Panelists at the “Wonʼt Back Down” Education Reform Forum held at the Malco Paradiso on Wednesday (Oct. 10) (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

EDUCATION

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

phis Chamber of Commerce; Billy Orgel, chair of the Shelby County Unified School Board; Natalie Person, chair of the Psychology Department and director of Educational Studies at Rhodes College; and Athena Turner, former teacher and executive director of Teach for America.

Moore shared statistics to stress the severity of problems facing educators, parents and business leaders in the Memphis area. At any time, Moore said, around 15,000 jobs remain open in Memphis because 48,000 unemployed individuals, who could potentially fill them, are not qualified.

“There is a major gap between skills that employers expect and the skills our education system are producing, not just in Memphis but nationwide,” Moore said. “Communities that get this right (educating its population) will attract jobs and will thrive in the future….There are a lot of jobs out there, and we need a qualified workforce to fill them.”

It’s an issue that prompted a reaction from both panelists and audience members.

“Great schools help to make great communities, and all students should be able to attend great schools,” said Lewis.

“We have to think of creative ways to reach parents and (seek) centers where we can connect with them, without

getting bogged down with policy,” Turner added.

Several issues arose during the discussion, such as apathy, lack of connectivity of services, lack of resources for teachers, and how to teach students who don’t have basic necessities such as food, electricity, clothing and a stable home environment.

It’s a problem fourth grade teacher Evidane Brownlee Slaughter knows too well. A teacher for five years, Slaughter shared with panelists the difficulties students face in the classroom when they are met with seemingly insurmountable challenges at home.

“That’s why I’m a teacher,” Slaughter said, referring to her passion for teaching students to read and to believe in themselves.

Slaughter, who also tutors

after school for the non-profit ESPN Academy (Education, Scholarship, Preparation, and Nurture), said she believes the Shelby County Unified School District will require accountability for all key players: parents, students, administrators, and teachers.

“Everyone has to work together,” she stressed. “And children have to take ownership in what we’re asking them to do.”

Slaughter added that parents should play active roles in their children’s education by taking advantage of resources, such as tutoring.

“It takes a village to teach a child, not these kids over here or those over there,” Slaughter said. “We have to become that village again for all children of Memphis.”

gory, Dr. Phillip Bowden and Judge D’Army Bailey and it is important that we edify and demonstrate appreciation for these men as examples for the next generation of leaders.

Today, many African-American men are in the forefront of all sectors from politics and public service to business and entertainment.

The New Tri-State Defender will continue its acknowledgement of these men for their contributions to the region, to the community and to the business world.

As we culminate the nomination period, our selection committee will begin its process of identifying our 2012 Men of Excellence honorees. These will be men who have displayed exceptional courage, unwavering conviction and outstanding effort and contributions in their fields of endeavor. Each candidate must be a local African-American male executive, business owner or community leader. Each should have demonstrated success and positive character, be a positive role model whose contributions encourage others, and be active in community service or organizational involvement. We invite the community to join us in selecting and celebrating the Men of Excellence 2012.

Too often it seems that our leaders, whether at the community grassroots level or at the corporate executive level, get overshadowed by negative news concerning African-American males. The New Tri-State Defender is ecstatic to take a leading role in honoring those that consistently demonstrate excellence in their chosen fields of endeavor and for their service in improving the quality of life for those around them.

We encourage the community to submit deserving candidates for this year’s MOE class, playing an active role in helping us to identify the most deserving for 2012.

Then join us for the celebration on Nov. 17.

‘Pimps and hoes’ need us...

Minister Terrell Johnson, Shelby County Sheriffʼs Gang Specialist and former Memphis gang lord, advocated for reaching out with a helping hand to “pimps, hoes, and gang members” at last Thursdayʼs “Healing the Broken Village” Conference at the University of Tennesseeʼs Student Alumni Building. Organizer and the eventʼs facilitator, Dr. William M. Young Sr., said the confab was the beginning of a movement, not just a moment. See the full story and additional photos at: www. tsdmemphis.com. (Photos and story

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell)

OPINION

Tri-State Defender

Conservatives do a job on latest jobs report The birther issue – the preposterous idea that President Obama was not born in the United States – was finally put to rest, but that has not prevented conservative conspiracy buffs from seeing a plot behind the falling unemployment numbers.

Conservatives, led by Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, have been pounding Obama for maintaining an unemployment rate above 8 percent. They cited federal Bureau of Labor statistics to support their claim. Yet, when that same source placed the August number at 7.8 percent, they are trying to persuade the public that it is all part of a liberal conspiracy to re-elect Obama.

Led by the conservative Fox News network, the conspiracy about the conspiracy began long before the release of the latest numbers.

Fox’s Sean Hannity said on May 12, “the vetting of Obama has begun, his economic record, his debt, his unemployment numbers, which they are fudging, I don’t think are honest…”

Two months earlier, Fox’s Eric Bolling said: “Four million people have left the workforce. If you add that 4 million people – under President Obama – if you add those 4 million back in, the same amount of jobs, the same number of jobs divided right now among people in the workforce would show about a 12 percent unemployment rate.

“So, are they playing around with the numbers?

Look, it’s the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It’s supposed to be non-partisan, but that’s the Department of Labor, Hilda Solis heads the Department of Labor. Hilda Solis works directly for Obama.”

When Bolling was asked, “Are you saying they’re cooking the books?” he replied, “I’m saying, there’s room for

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October 11 - 17, 2012

e r r o r .

T h e r e ’s room. But w h e n you’re talking about four million people, how do y o u know?”

George I f E. Curry there’s room for error, Bolling is in that room.

As economist Justin Wolfers told Salon: “First, if you know and understand the BLS and its structure – its statutory structure and its employment structure –

“(The numbers) come out of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, if you are going to cook them, how exactly would you go about it, it is pretty implausible that the career bureaucrats at the Bureau would cook the books for Obama.

Everybody likes a conspiracy theory, but it is hard to understand how they would do it.”

Joe Nocera

you understand this simply isn’t how things happen. The BLS is independent of the Department of Labor. If you go to the BLS website, you won’t even find a picture of the Secretary of Labor there. It’s completely firewalled.

“The one exception to this would be the Commissioner of the BLS. The president appoints a BLS commissioner, but for most of this administration it’s been a Republican (my emphasis). When his term ran out, Congress refused to confirm Obama’s appointee. So the current commissioner is, in

fact, a career guy from within BLS, and if you know the institution at all, the BLS is an institution of nerds, by nerds.

“So you could even argue that Republicans have protected the BLS from political influence by refusing to confirm an Obama appointee?”

Joe Nocera, a New York Times business columnist, observed: “It is completely implausible to me that they would actively rig the thing to help Obama. The guys are green eye-shaded career bureaucrats who have no particular vested interest one way or another in who wins the presidential election. “(The numbers) come out of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, if you are going to cook them, how exactly would you go about it, it is pretty implausible that the career bureaucrats at the Bureau would cook the books for Obama. Everybody likes a conspiracy theory, but it is hard to understand how they would do it.”

There’s a reason fewer people are seeking jobs under Obama – and it’s not because of a conspiracy.

The Washington Post’s economic blog Wonkblog explained it this way: “…Since 2000, the labor force rate has been steadily declining as the baby-boom generation has been retiring.

Because of this, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago expects the labor force participation rate to be lower in 2020 than it is today, regardless of how well the economy does.”

But conspiracy buffs don’t let facts get in the way of a good conspiracy theory.

Former General Electric CEO Jack Welch, a Republican, has joined the conspiracy camp. After the latest job report, he tweeted, “Unbelievable jobs numbers…these Chicago guys will do anything…can’t debate so change

numbers.” Under attack for his unsubstantiated assertion, Welch tried to defend his comment by saying he should have used a question mark rather than a comma at the end of his sentence, as if that would have made a difference.

If there were a conspiracy, it

failed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that they had understated official U.S. employment over the previous two months. If they were plotting to help President Obama, they did a poor job.

(George E. Curry, editor-in-

chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA) and editorial director of Heart & Soul magazine can be reached via www.georgecurry.com.

You can also follow him at w w w. t w i t t e r. c o m / currygeorge.)

Page 4

John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)

The Mid-Southʼs Best Alternative Newspaper

A Real Times Newspaper

OPINION

Tri-State Defender

October 11 - 17, 2012

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

District 9 deserves a debate

THE LAST STRAW CAMPAIGN

A victim’s story

My name is Charla Maclin. I am 24 years old and I am the impetus behind The Last Straw Campaign as well as the Koko and Friends Project.

Our mission is to increase everyone’s awareness and attention on the issue of bullying among youth in schools and other peer-group settings.

Bullying is not a rite-of-passage. It is cruel and inhumane treatment that is comparable to terrorism. I was a victim of bullying and I am also a survivor of three failed suicide attempts due to bullying that began at the age of eight.

We are all too familiar with the story where a camel was loaded down with straw to the point that the next single straw placed on the camel broke its back. Let me begin by saying I am not weak or mentally unstable, but everyone has a breaking point.

I began getting bullied when I was in the third grade. Kids were picking on me because of my skin tone. In hindsight, it was a bogus excuse because some of my tormentors were as dark skinned as I was. I remember coming home one day and trying to color my skin with baby powder. My mom didn’t understand. No one understood. I didn’t even know how to put what was going on into words.

All I knew was I wanted to go to sleep and not wake up. I was an eight-year-old child looking for pills so I could just go to sleep – forever. I just wanted the pain of my classmates’ words and humiliation to end.

For the record, I was attending an all-black church school where my mother was paying tuition for me to attend. Moreover, the majority of my classmate’s parents were upper middle- class professionals. My mother ultimately pulled me out of school two weeks before the end of the school year because I kept getting sick every morning before I had to go to school. She only found out about my first attempt a few years ago. She had no idea.

My teacher and school administrators, who were fully aware of the situation, did absolutely nothing to remedy the situation. In fact, I would go as far as to say my teacher actually condoned the other students’ behavior. I can say that the pastor of the church called me three years ago to apologize. I guess being ten years late is better than saying nothing at all.

The last straw for me came on a school bus one evening when one of the most popular girls at the school I was attending at the time decided to make me the joke of the day. As I was preparing to exit the bus at my stop, she had everyone on the bus make earthquake sounds and rocked the bus as if I was the fattest most hideous person in the world. I zoned out at that point. I heard the other kids laughing and saw them pointing at me but it was as if everything was moving in slow motion. I totally zoned out. All I knew was this would be the day I die. Any last shred of hope I had of that things ever getting better was gone. They finally broke me.

After finally getting into the house, I collected all the pills I could find and swallowed them. As I felt myself slipping away, something kicked me so hard in the stomach that I threw up everything I had taken. I was so angry because I wanted out of this hell I was facing every day at school.

As I was looking for something else to take, my mother walked in.

For whatever reason, she had gotten off from work early. When she saw what I had done, she had a total meltdown. It was only then that I realized what a terrible mistake I almost made. I never Charla thought about Maclin how my decision to take my life would have affected her, my brother, my grandmother, or my cousins who I spent every holiday and summer with since I was born. Everyone who truly loved me was so upset because they didDr. Clara n’t know. You West see, even though the pain from being bullied was unbearable at times, I smiled and pretended that everything was OK. People always say that “Time heals all wounds,” but that is not always true, especially for survivors of suicide attempts. Time is necessary for healing, but healing comes through growth and sharing the pain of my story with anyone who may be contemplating suicide.

I went on to graduate from high school and junior college. In 2009, I auditioned for an acting school in New York City. Out of over 4,000 international applicants, I was only one of 180 students accepted into the program. I was accepted. I never would have had that experience had my suicide attempt been successful. I have learned that death is not the only way out of pain and depression, and having my family’s support through it all has helped me so much. So many kids never got that second chance to experience that kind of love that I experienced knowing that God has a purpose for my life.

I hope someone will hear me and realize that everyone goes through ups and downs and life does get better. You think all the doors are closed, when all you have to do is knock and they will swing right open. There are so many people who care about you and will take the time to help you. You just have to speak up, make a call, or say, “I need help.”

You may think nobody loves you, but that’s not true. Suicide is not the way out! There are people out there who will help you. I am one of them.

Thank you for reading my story and I’m so grateful to say that I not only survived but I thrived.

(This is Charla Maclin’s story as told to Dr. Clara West, founder and president of KoKo and Friends Foundation.)

(“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.)

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The Tri-State Defender (USPS 780-220) is published weekly by Tri-State Defender Publishing Co., 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38103. Second Class postage paid at Memphis, TN.

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.

Bernal E. Smith II

Do we need a new rightto-vote amendment?

New America Media

(Judith Browne Dianis, co-Director of Advancement Project, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to civil rights and racial justice, has been a vocal opponent of state photo-ID laws and other restrictive measures. In an interview with New America Media’s Khalil Abdullah, Browne Dianis explains why she has concluded a new amendment on the right to vote to the U.S. Constitution is necessary.)

New America Media: Why do you feel a new Constitutional amendment on voting is needed, given there are a number of amendments that already guarantee voter protection?

Judith Browne Dianis: We don’t have explicit, affirmative language, as does the South African Constitution, for example, that every citizen who is over the age of 18 years old has the right to vote. Constitutions in most of the world’s democracies have that language; ours does not.

The U.S. Constitution never explicitly or affirmatively ensures the right to vote, though it has many clauses and amendments detailing ways people cannot be denied the right to vote. For example, you cannot preclude voting rights on the basis of race or gender. Voting cannot be predicated on paying a poll tax. In other words, once having granted the right to vote, those amendments say governments may not take it away on the grounds of certain discriminatory criteria.

NAM: Why aren’t current state laws sufficient to guarantee voting rights?

Browne Dianis: Voting in the United States is currently based on state and local law but largely, as a result, we have close to 13,000 separate sets of rules and regulations across the country about who can vote and how. State and local governments can – and do – disenfranchise individuals and groups of citizens. Many ways of denying voting rights are entirely legal under the existing but limited federal laws that touch on voting. The current voting system is separate, unequal and confusing.

NAM: Among the raft of state legislation seeking to redefine how and when Americans can vote, new photo ID laws, arguably have received the most media and public attention.

Sponsors explain they are addressing voter fraud. Is there merit in that claim?

Browne Dianis: The myth of voter fraud is not supported by the data that show that those instances are rare. Besides, voter photo ID laws focus on voter impersonation, which is already illegal. Fines and penalties currently on the books can deal with those cases. But take a broader look at what’s happening. All of these (state) laws are designed to make voting inaccessible, not only the voter photo ID laws, but attempts to purge voters by using inaccurate citizenship data bases, roll-back and cut-backs to early voting; and laws that make it harder to conduct voter registration campaigns. We have states, like Florida, that have limited early voting by reducing the number of days available. The inevitable result will be a lower overall turnout because of fewer opportunities to vote, particularly for employed individuals. These are not the methods one would use to expand democratic participation.

NAM: Who would want to restrict an expansion of democracy and why?

Browne Dianis: At the moment, this is driven by partisan politics. Republican legislatures, primarily, have enacted the new provisions using model legislation developed with assistance of the American Legislative Exchange Council. The money to support these initiatives has come

from deep-pocket sources, like the Koch brothers. These laws, as even stated by some of their proponents, are intended to purge African-American, Latino, and young voters – Judith Browne many of whom vote as DemocDianis rats – from the rolls before November’s election. I’d like to note that the elderly and those with disabilities are also disproportionately affected, often regardless of political affiliation. A constitutional amendment would level the playing field so that the right to vote would not be subject to the whim of any political party.

NAM: Are you saying there’s no financial counterweight to support voting rights advocates?

Browne Dianis: Not at this point, and the need for monetary support is greater than it has been in the recent past. Proponents of expanding access to the ballot in the United States are receiving less monetary support than in the 2000 election. Organizations that are on the ground and actively engaged in protecting voters’ rights are stretched thin.

NAM: Setting financing aside, why not rely on the federal courts and the U.S. Supreme Court to resolve voting rights’ disputes?

Browne Dianis: Over the last several years, the Supreme Court has been moving slowly but surely farther and farther away from treating the right to vote as a fundamental right that is owed the highest degree of respect and protection. It has also grown less deferential to Congress’ ability to protect voting rights. The Court is threatening to use a stricter standard to such congressional acts than has been used in the past in order to determine whether or not those acts exceed congressional authority.

NAM: So how would this new amendment read and what are its key elements?

Browne Dianis: We need more research on the exact language, but we retained a firm to conduct focus groups across the country with diverse participants regarding the right to vote and related issues. Here are a few of the “must-haves” we heard from a majority of participants, things that would sway them to support a constitutional right to vote: all citizens over the age of 18 can vote easily or conveniently; the voting rules are the same all over the country so it is no harder to vote in state A than it is in state B; and persons with felony convictions – but who have served their time – can vote.

There also was a demand for modern, accurate, verifiable voting machines.

We are also reviewing the state constitutions that more explicitly and affirmatively guarantee the right to vote than does the U.S. Constitution and there have been other voices calling for this amendment. Rep. Jesse Jackson (D-Ill.) has proposed an amendment, H.R. 28, as a start.

NAM: To get a Constitutional amendment proposed requires twothirds of the state legislatures or twothirds of Congress to approve. Ratification for it to become part of the Constitution has even a higher threshold. You would have to go through the same state legislatures or Congresspersons representing the very states that are passing restrictive voting laws. How realistic is it that a right to vote amendment could succeed?

Browne Dianis: It is possible, but it will take a national movement. It will be up to the American people to fight for the right to vote. They will have to decide whether their democracy is worth fighting for.

Properly executed with fair, clearly established rules of engagement, there is nothing more stimulating or perhaps impactful to help voters understand the platform, priorities and policies of candidates for public office than

a public debate.

Certainly that is the case with one of Greater Memphis’ most important elected positions, the Tennessee 9th District Congressional seat, now held by Rep. Steve Cohen.

In a district where many continue to struggle with inadequate access to health care, joblessness, escalating gas prices, inadequate educational options, crime and violence, as well as myriad other life challenges that could be positively impacted by federal legislation and resources, it would seem that a public forum or debate of some kind would be not only expected but demanded by the community.

Similarly, it would seem the candidate(s) and particularly any incumbent in the seat, would clearly see the need to provide constituents with an open debate on the issues. A public forum allowing for detailed questions and responses, challenges and rebuttals – all centered on the primary issues and legislation impacting the lives of voters – seems to me a “no brainer” to be held every two years, either during the primary election or during the general election or both.

Congressman Cohen has a track record in the position that can be evaluated, but in a rapidly changing and challenging world, it is both good and necessary to inform voters as to how he plans to deal with current and anticipated issues and what resources might be brought to bear to improve their quality of life over the next two years.

Dr. George Flinn, in asking voters to make a change, has no congressional track record and has as much – and possibly an even greater – need to establish credibility with voters around his platform, priorities and policies.

Both should have a keen sense of responsibility to provide the highest level of information to the voters of District 9 in way that allows them to compare and contrast candidates, platforms and policies in deciding who is best suited to represent their best interest.

Dr. Flinn is a highly successful doctor and entrepreneur. In fact, following a recent car accident, I had Xrays done at one of his numerous clinics around the Greater Memphis community. So as a doctor, a business owner, former County Commissioner and maybe even a rap enthusiast (if not rap star), certainly he is no stranger to many in the community.

His campaign treasury reports thus far reflect that he is running a mostly self-financed campaign, and he has shown a propensity in prior races to spend millions to get his message out.

Congressman Cohen, no pauper himself, has a well-financed campaign. It’s also diversely financed, with the potential to spend heavily on advertising to get his message out.

Undoubtedly he will soon begin to flex his advertising muscles to spread his message as early voting starts.

I will concede that multi-media advertising (television, radio, print, web) is a large (and growing) part of the political world and probably moves some voters one way or another.

However, it certainly should not be the only forum by which voters have a chance to decide the candidate that best represents their interest. Advertising is just that a tool to show the best side of the product or person that’s being promoted regardless of all the facts that could possibly impact a consumer’s decision to buy or to vote.

Congressional offices are much too important to be decided exclusively on the basis of a great ad campaign.

No barrage of 30-second commercials or full-page newspaper ads or email blasts can or should take the place of open and hopefully honest and well-moderated public debates.

It seems to me the only real reasons for candidates not to debate would be purely political, self-serving and wholeheartedly against the best interest of the voters of the 9th Congressional District.

In my assessment, if multiple public debates are good enough and deemed necessary for the President and Vice President of the United States and their challengers, certainly at least one debate should be considered by those desiring to represent this community in congress.

(Bernal E. Smith II is president and publisher of The New Tri-State Defender. He can reached at besmith @tri-statedefender.com.)

BUSINESS

Tri-State Defender

Page 5

October 11 - 17, 2012

Unemployment reaches lowest point under Obama NNPA News Service

by Freddie Allen WASHINGTON – After receiving poor marks for his performance in his nationallytelevised debate with Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, President Obama received a much-needed boost from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report showing that unemployment fell to 7.8 percent in September, the lowest it has been in nearly four years.

The September report released last week is significant because, unlike in previous months, the rate did not drop because “discouraged workers” dropped out of the labor force.

Not all of the news was encouraging. Even though the unemployment rate for African Americans dropped to 13.4 percent in September from 14.1 percent in August, it remained relatively flat for African-American men (14.2 percent in September vs. 14.3 percent in August).

The unemployment rate for white men decreased from 6.8 in August to 6.6 percent in September. The jobless rate for white women ticked down two-tenths in September to 6.3 percent. African-American women saw the biggest decrease in the unemployment rate among adults, falling from 12 percent in August to 10.9 percent in September.

Economists said that it’s still too early to celebrate. The unemployment rate, calculated using household survey data (60,000 households), is considered a more volatile measure than the actual number of jobs added that relies on a much larger sample size.

The establishment survey, used to measure the number of jobs created, includes 141,000 businesses and government agencies.

Even though 114,000 jobs were added in September, many of them were part-time, low wage jobs and not nearly enough to keep pace with population growth, according to economists.

“It’s a very mixed picture. I wouldn’t say that we’ve turned the corner, but I would say that unemployment rate is down some, but we still have a large amount of people working part-time for economic reasons,” said Wilhemina Leigh, senior research associ-

BIZ BITS Neely’s close restaurants for makeover

Neely’s Restaurants in Memphis closed on Friday (Oct. 5) for renovations.

Pat and Gina Neely, the owners of the Memphis locations on Jefferson and Mt. Moriah, decided to close the locations while the restaurants undergo renovations.

According to a released statement, the Neelys’ goal is to make sure that when the restaurants reopen they reflect the atmosphere that Memphians expect from Neely’s brand.

No date has been set for when the restaurants will reopen.

Pat and Gina Neely also own Neely’s Barbecue Parlor in New York. The Nashville location is owned by Pat Neely’s brother, Tony Neely.

Jobs fair

The Tennessee Career Center at Memphis and state Sen. Brian Kelsey are sponsoring the Memphis Job Fair at 10 a.m. on Friday (Oct. 12) at Lester Community Center located at 317 Tillman Street in Memphis.

Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resume and dress professionally.

The event is co-sponsored

by Jeanita Davis and Walter Casey of the Lester Community Center. Participating organizations include UPS, Medtronic, City of Memphis, OHL, DeVry University, Cargill, RGIS, Shelby County Department of Corrections, Trustmark Bank, GSK and Victory University.

For more information, contact Darryl Pleasant at 901229-2478.

ate at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a public policy think tank.

The 14.2 percent unemployment rate for African-American men is more than double the rate of white men.

Experts point to lower academic achievement and higher interaction with the criminal justice system as reasons to why African-American men

struggle with greater rates of unemployment when compared to other groups.

The Department of Education reported that 33.1 percent of African-American men that attend college actually graduate, while 44.8 percent of African-American women earn degrees.

According to Education Trust, an organization focused

on closing the opportunity and achievement gaps for minority students, 63 percent of jobs will require a post-secondary degree by 2018.

“The pool of possible black people that have college degrees will have more black women than black men,” said Wilhemina Leigh “The odds just become greater that a black woman will get picked

for a job.”

For many African-American men, the same set of circumstances that will prevent them from voting in the November 6 presidential election also block their ability to earn a living wage.

“A felony conviction is like an economic death sentence,” said David Bositis, a senior research associate at the Joint

Center for Political and Economic Studies.

The number and types of jobs are significantly reduced for ex-felons, said Bositis.

Even though some companies have special programs to help ex-offenders return to the job market, they can’t keep pace in some southern states where 20 percent of Blacks have prior felony convictions.

BUSINESS

Page 6

Tri-State Defender

October 11 - 17, 2012

Women in Business:

ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

Making their presence known This month, we salute women in business by looking at models of success on the national and local levels.

Carlee McCullough

Oprah Winfrey, OWN

No conversation regarding women in business is complete without referencing Oprah. This year alone, we have watched her launch not a new show or movie, but a new network called OWN. If there was ever a role model of what to do in business, she has created the plan book.

Whether it was on purpose or she stumbled into it, Oprah has handled and used her success for the good of many others. Her philanthropy and generosity is only outdone by her ability to generate even more wealth. Not only has she donated millions for young people to attend college, she created her own school in South Africa called the Leadership Academy for Girls. So as we salute other national figures do-

ing great things, we top our list with Oprah Winfrey, once again.

Janice Bryant Howroyd, Act*1

If anyone deserves a “You go girl,” it is definitely CEO Janice Bryant Howroyd. Starting her company in 1978, Howroyd has nurtured her baby from infancy to a powerhouse in the business world.

For those unfamiliar with her struggles and accomplishments, Howroyd created a staffing company in 1978. Armed with approximately $1,000, she founded Act*1 Personnel Services, with a focus on the entertainment industry. Later she diversified her business by focusing on engineering, technical and clerical staffing. By 2000 the company had offices in 75 cities nationwide.

Howroyd’s clientele has included companies such as Ford, Toyota, Cingular and Billboard.

She has flipped that $1,000 so many times that today her revenues are estimated to be almost a billion dollars. All of this is by a family-owned business.

Demonstrating what we always

preach in this column, she has included her children in the wealth of the business. According to reports, her children own approximately 49 percent of the company.

Lauded with many accolades and awards, Act*1 is considered the nation’s largest womanowned and minority-owned employment services company.

Howroyd’s creativity is not limited to her company. She also created the time to write a book entitled “The Art of Work: How to Make Your Work, Work for You.” Get this: it focuses on work-life balancing.

Feysan Lodde, MV Transportation

Feysan Lodde, and her husband Alex Lodde, founded MV Transportation in 1975. With a focus on public and private transportation, MV Transportation has grown into a company with approximately 13,000 employees, over 7,000 vehicles in 100-plus locations in 26 states and Canada, and revenues of more than $700 million annually. Today, it is the “largest privately held passenger transporta-

tion contracting firm” in the nation.

One of the most significant things to note about the Lodde’s company is that ego didn’t get in the way of growth. After the Loddes had built MV Transportation to a certain level, they were wise enough to supplement their expertise with folks that could help take the company even higher. While maintaining their ownership, they brought in someone else to head the company as the CEO. Just because you start a company does not mean that you have to remain as the CEO. Sometimes you must step aside to continue growth.

Janice Adams, JMA Solutions

CEO Janice Adams of JMA Solutions is at the helm of a fastgrowing firm that provides consulting and project management services for everything from acquisition planning to air traffic support to information technology.

A 24-year veteran of the United States military, Adams has proven to be a force in her industry. JMA Solutions has a strong reputation based largely

Oprah Winfrey

Janice Bryant Howroyd

Feysan Lodde

Janice Adams

on providing quality products and services to the Federal Aviation Administration. According to her website, JMA Solutions ranked No. 45 out of 500 among INC Magazine’s fastest-growing private companies in America.

Adams one to watch because she is well on her way with a business that started in 2005.

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

Clinic to help delinquent city taxpayers The fifth of six scheduled tax clinics to assist Memphians delinquent in paying their city property taxes will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 13 at the Ed-Rice Frayser Community Center at 2907 N. Watkins.

The clinic – sponsored by City Councilman Lee Harris (District 7), Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP, the law firm charged with collecting delinquent city taxes, and the City of Memphis Treasurer’s Office – is designed to help property

owners better understand the tax process and to work with delinquent taxpayers to develop a plan to pay their delinquent taxes.

In Memphis, municipal property taxes are due June 1 of each year and become delinquent after August 31.

“Our goal is to work with taxpayers to find a way to pay their delinquent taxes,’’said Melissa Palo, the law firm’s managing attorney in Memphis.

Since the tax clinics began in March, Linebarger Goggan Blair &

Sampson successfully has assisted 120 taxpayers, with most taxpayers placed on a payment plan designed to prevent their property from being forced into a tax sale.

Anyone planning to attend the clinic to discuss property tax issues should bring a tax bill, a recent letter from the Linebarger law firm, or their account (parcel) number. Those interested in attending should call 901-260-4058 to reserve a seat.

“As tax collectors, we understand that there’s a personal reason why

each delinquent taxpayer is behind in paying his or her property taxes.

We’re here to try and help them find a way to pay their taxes and become current,’’ Palo said.

In November 2011, delinquent taxpayers received their final notice from the City of Memphis to pay their 2010 taxes or face being sued.

After taxes become 17 months delinquent, state law requires the City of Memphis to file a lawsuit for collection of all delinquent land taxes.

On Feb. 1, the Linebarger firm filed a lawsuit on behalf of City of Memphis, including 18,144 real property accounts, to collect more than $20 million in delinquent 2010 taxes owed to the City of Memphis.

One more clinic is scheduled for this year. It will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov.10 at the Orange Mound Community Center at 2572 Park Ave. For more information, contact: Melissa Palo at 901-528-1844.

Tri-State Defender

HEALTH

Page 7

October 11 - 17, 2012

CHEF TIMOTHY

Young caregivers defer dreams to accept responsibility

by Chef Timothy Moore

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Joyce is a happy woman with two teenage daughters. When she arrived home the other day, everything seemed to be in place for this single mother and her loving daughters. With two jobs and a fulfilling life, Joyce was living her version of an “American dream.”

That dream, however, was deferred after her daughters responded to a loud thump that seemed to come from the bathroom.

Rushing towards the sound, the girls discovered their mother slumped against the wall. She was unresponsive and did not answer to her daughters’ frantic voices.

Afraid and not knowing what to do, they called a friend of the family for assistance, then 911. Unbeknownst to them, their mother had suffered a heart attack.

Joyce survived the heart attack. But the world that her daughters had known is now upside down. Everything has changed. They never dreamed that they would become their mother’s caregivers. It is now a way of life for both girls. They have no other choice but to take care of their mother’s needs: bathing, eating and making sure she gets her meds.

These young teenage girls are part of an emerging generation of young caregivers. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC), there were 1.4 million caregivers in 2005 between the ages of 8 and 18. Of that number, 72 percent were caring for a parent or grandparent; and 64 percent lived in the same household as their care recipient. African Americans represented 13 percent.

In 2009, the NAC noted that more than 65 million people, 29 percent of the U.S. population, provided care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year and spent an average of 20 hours per week providing care for their loved one. Caregiving for older adults is now estimated to be $375 billion a year.

After Joyce’s heart attack, she was given a special diet.

There are certain foods that she should eat and certain foods that she’s been warned to stay away from. A heart attack can be caused by a number of factors, the doctors explained to Joyce’s daughters. But you can be assured that food has something to do with it.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is a propensity for certain foods to cause havoc in the body. Naturally occurring toxins, unconvention-

al agents, persistent organic pollutants and metals are ingested on a daily basis. Food also is loaded with saturated fats, butter, cream, Dr. Timothy processed Moore meats and sugars, which negatively affect the body at some point in time.

When children are thrust into this unsuspected role of caregiving, they tend to pay a hefty price. In a study published recently in the Journal of Behavioral Health & Research, 1,200 students were analyzed in two Florida school districts. Researchers discovered that young caregivers were at a significantly higher risk for anxiety and depression.

It has also been reported that young caregivers are more prone to fall asleep in their classes and fall behind in their homework assignments. These children will often become socially isolated because they don’t have time to be a child, entertain their friends, or have friends over due to their present home dilemma or feelings of embarrassment.

The dreams of young caregivers are stolen from them, just as a person whose home has been broken into. In this case, it would be difficult to find a young caregiver with a warm cheerful smile and free spirit without them also showing signs of being depressed.

Not being able to be a cheerleader, homecoming queen and not having the time and energy to create things for a home economics class can be quite devastating to young people who are forced to care for a disabled loved one.

Unlike adults, children are not paid caregivers, and, in most cases, will be forced to become a teenage adult overnight. This unwanted challenge can and will cause stress and depression with young teen adults. For Joyce’s young daughters, and thousands like them, their lives will never be the same.

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

Lined up for the cause…

The Memphis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will gather on Oct. 13 at Cancer Survivor Park (at the east end of Audubon Park) in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month. The food, fun and fellowship begin at 1 p.m. The event is one in a series of monthly activities leading up to the centennial celebration of the national organization. Pictured (l-r): Elaine Caviness, Jackie Miller, Brandi Hill, Charlotte Freeman, Linda Netters, Peggy Myers, Sharon Renee Williams, Janice Hansborough-Eason, and Shera Caviness (kneeling). (Courtesy photo)

Group seeks to make free condoms more accessible NNPA News Service

by George E. Curry LAS VEGAS – No one should ever accuse organizers of Condom Nation, a project of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, of thinking small. A year ago, they came up with the idea of traveling around the nation and dispensing 1 million free condoms in 25 cities. So far, it has visited 45 cities and distributed 4 million condoms.

“We did a testing tour in 2009,” said James Vellequette, director of Condom Nation. “We decided we were going to emulate that and by driving around the country giving away condoms.”

Next year, an even loftier goal has been set – worldwide distribution of 100 million condoms.

The primary goal is to reduce the number of HIV infections, Vellequette said. But Condom Nation does more than distribute condoms. The 18-wheel rig that Vellequette drives from city to city is equipped to administer HIV and STD tests. Partnering with local agencies, Condom Nation can also refer those who test positive to local agencies that can provide help.

Health officials said condoms are highly effective in reducing transmission of HIV. According to a report by Population Action International, “Public health experts around the globe agree that condoms block contact with body fluids that can carry the HIV virus and have nearly 100 percent effectiveness when used correctly and consistently.”

But stigma, lack of access to free condoms and ignorance are factors that contribute to low condom use.

At a workshop last week in Las Vegas at the United States Conference on AIDS, Vellequette discussed the problems – and excuses – that account for people not using condoms.

Recalling a recent trip to South Carolina, he said: “We were giving out condoms to people who just don’t have them, to agencies that just don’t have them, to health departments that just don’t have them.”

Vellequette said he has learned lessons

Ron Crowder Proves One Size Condom Does Fit All (NNPA photo by Ann Ragland)

by visiting so many cities. He’s had good success at intersections with fourway traffic lights, bars, college campuses and clubs.

“The beauty salons are the best,” he said. “The responsibility has always been on men. A lot of women are...taking responsibility for themselves.”

He said regardless of where he travels, men always have a ready excuse for not wearing condoms during intercourse.

“Every man in America told me he’s gifted,” Vellequette said, evoking laughter from the audience. Vellequette offers a variety of sizes and said he tells men, “If one of these don’t fit you, see a doctor.”

A member of the audience, Ron Crowder of Street Works, Inc. in Nashville, demonstrated a more effective way of addressing the issue. He said, “When they tell me they need a magnum, I just…” At that point, Crowder removed a condom from a wrapper and stretched it over his head.

With people still laughing, he said: “By the way, I do this with a regular condom.”

Some of Vellequette’s encounters take on a less humorous tone. In Louisiana, for example, he was confronted by a woman who accused him of condoning sex

among teenagers. Vellequette said he tried to engage the woman in a conversation.

“When people say we shouldn’t do this, we say, ‘We support abstinence.’ But we always remind people that 70 percent of our STDs cases are coming from 15to-24 year-olds,” said Vellequette.

“We don’t want our young people in high school having kids and having sex.

We don’t want them to do that until they’re ready. But they are doing it, so what do we do? Should we write legislation based on how people are or how we want them to be?”

After national testing and condom tours, the next step is to form a Condom National network. That would allow health agencies and community organizations with limited funds to obtain condoms from Condom Nation, which can obtain them for 3.6 cents per condom, about 400 percent less than the retail price.

Interested groups can obtain more information at www.condom-nation.org.

Vellequette said his organization and health agencies are all trying to answer one question: “How do I get a man or woman at 2:30 in the morning – half drunk – to just put on a condom and stop this virus?”

RELIGION

Page 8

Tri-State Defender

October 11 - 17, 2012

LIVING THE LIFE I LOVE

‘Old Lady,’ trust your intellect with young ’uns

Dear Lucy: I have been trying to get my grandchildren to come in from school, do their homework, eat dinner and go to bed on time and get up on time for the next day. I have tried everything I know and they still half do their homework, snack on junk, act crazy when it’s time to go to bed and don’t want to get up in the morning. They are seven and 9 years old and I have had custody of them for just 6 months. I have tried threats, punishments, giving them treats and rewards. Nothing seems to work. I don’t want to be too hard on them because they have already had a tough life before coming to me. I am a widow and I don’t really mind having them in my home. But maybe I’m just too old for this. Any ideas?

– Old Lady

Dear “Old Lady”: You are not alone in your journey.

Have you talked to school officials? Do you have time to go to the school and observe them in their classrooms? My point is that you really want to be sure that what’s going on at home with you isn’t showing up in some other way at school. If they

are still struggling to make adjustments, it’s happening at school also.

While teachers have a lot of students to care for during the day, teachers are more responsive to the parent or Lucy guardian who Shaw partners with them in helping their children. Your grandchildren may still be young enough to not be mortified and embarrassed by your showing up on a regular basis to their classes. Clearly, you could use some help and support!

“Hard” is a relative term. If you think you don’t want to be ‘hard’ on them, you can bet they know it. As an older parent, you are simply tired sometimes and giving in is easier than fighting. Still, you are the grown person and you do have lots of power. It sounds like you love these kids dearly and they know this too. You love them so much that you took the

time to write a letter seeking help.

Sometimes we try to add when we need to subtract. Look around at what you may be doing to make it easy for them to be disobedient.

What if they came home and there were no snacks to eat? What if the TV remote and power was not available during homework time? What if whining was never rewarded?

Check with the teachers to see if your grandchildren understand the homework and are able to do the same work at school. Maybe they are not being challenged or maybe they are ashamed that they can’t do the work at home or at school. If they need help, ask for a tutor.

Could it be that most of the children in their school are on the free breakfast program? Maybe your food doesn’t seem as desirable as the free food at school. Children are strange little beings. Growing up, I wanted to live in the projects like my friends, eat like, and dress like them. Fortunately, my Daddy understood this and would bring food to the school on occasion for the teachers. After they got through bragging about my Daddy’s cook-

ing and begging for more, I developed a real appreciation for homecooked food.

But there were some things he wouldn’t give in to. My mother had to cook a serious breakfast and we had to eat it before going to school!

Your children may need to be helped into enjoying real food.

My mother had this idea that outthinking us was fun and she was really quite good at it! Give yourself credit, “Old Lady!” You have lots of years of thinking and doing that these kids don’t. They simply cannot out-think you. Make them think you have eyes in the back of your head. I thought my mother did up until I was a teenager. She did this by remembering her own childhood and putting herself in my place, predicting what I was thinking and doing pretty much all of the time.

She was not above fixing the lights so they wouldn’t turn on after a certain time. She was not above setting silly traps and punishments for not going to bed. For fun, she would jump into bed with us in the morning and put ice down our chest, if we didn’t get up after her

second call!

While life is much different than it was when we were children and people say that children are different today, I refuse to accept that. They are still children and they beg for discipline, boundaries and lots of thoughtful loving. You have it on your heart to give it to them. Trust your own intellect. Also know that God has not given you anything to do that He has not sent all the help you need for it.

EXPECT to be successful in this huge challenge and by God’s grace you will be.

Lovingly, Lucy

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

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

RELIGION BRIEFS Revival set for Miracle Temple Ministries, Inc.

Miracle Temple Ministries, Inc. at 3750 Millbranch Rd., will hosts its Annual Fall Revival Oct. 15-17, beginning at 7 nightly.

Here’s the revival lineup: Oct. 15 – the Rev. Frank Thomas, pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church; Oct. 16 – the Rev. Gary Faulkner, pastor of Cummings Street Missionary Baptist Church; Oct. 17 – The Rev. Stacy Spencer, pastor of New Directions Ministry.

Dr. Benjamin L. Smith is the founder and senior pastor of Miracle Temple Ministries, Inc.

BRIEFLY: State Rep. Barbara Cooper (District 86) will co-host a community health fair on Saturday (Oct. 13) with the Rev. R.J. Harris Sr. of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church located at 964 Fields Road off of Weaver Road. The event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 901-785-2626 BRIEFLY: St. Andrew AME

Church, 867 S. Parkway E., will feature “Think Pink Sunday” with services at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Sunday (Oct. 14). “Think Pink Sunday” is dedicated to those who care about or whose lives have been touched by breast cancer. The Rev. Marilynn Sasportas Robinson, co-pastor, and the Rev. Sarita Guffin, liturgical dance ministry, will be featured at both services.

For information, visit www. saintandrewamec.org.

BRIEFLY: The Willing Workers’ Club of St. John Baptist Church, 640 Vance Ave., will celebrate its Annual Day at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday (Oct. 14) with a performance by The LeMoyne Owen College Choir & Singers.

BRIEFLY: Union Grove M.B. Church, 905 Ayers, will hosts its 76th Church Anniversary Banquet at 6 p.m. on Oct. 20 in the church’s fellowship hall. The Rev. J.W. Shaw of St. John M.B. Church in Stanton will be the featured speaker. The Rev. Cory D. Johnson is the host pastor. Donation: $10; $5, children 12 and under.

Singing anniversary…

Minister Faye Brewer of Chicago was the guest soloist as The Might 100 Voices choir celebrated its 43rd Singing Anniversary last Sunday (Oct. 7) at Holy Temple Baptist Church on New Allen Rd. The theme was “You Brought Us from a Long Ways). The host pastor, the Rev. Brian Carmichael, delivered the anniversary message. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

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

767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126

ASSOCIATE MINISTERS

ST. ANDREW A.M.E. CHURCH 867 SOUTH PARKWAY EAST Memphis, TN 38106

Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., Pastor

901-946-4095 fax 948-8311

(901) 948-3441

Early Morning..........7:45 AM Church School..........9:45 AM Morning Worship......11:00 AM

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

Bible Study For Youth and Adults Tuesday - 7:00 PM “Spirit, Soul, and Body!”

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

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

SUNDAY Sunday School .....................8:30 am Morning Worship Service ....10:00am WEDNESDAY Bible Study .........................10:30 am Mid-Day Prayer Meeting .....12 noon Evening Prayer Meeting........7:00pm FRIDAY Cable Channel 17 ............... 8:00pm

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

Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter

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

“Ministering to Memphis-Spirit, Soul and Body”

TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

—Ecclesiastes 9:11

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

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.

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

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

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 11 - 17, 2012

‘Transforming Scriptures’

Lecture focus: AfricanAmerican Women writers and the Bible Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Alicia Ivory

Dr. Katherine Bassard, a leading scholar in African-American literature, a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, and an ordained minister, will present the Naseeb Shaheen Memorial Lecture at the University of Memphis.

Bassard, chair of the VCU Department of English, will discuss her latest book, “Transforming Scriptures: African American Women Writers and the Bible.”

The lecture will be held at the University Center Theater at the University of Memphis on Oct. 18. A reception starts at 6 p.m., with the lecture at 6:30 p.m. A booksigning will follow the event, which is free and open to the public.

Parking is available next door at the Zach Curlin Parking Garage.

In her book, Bassard uncovers black women writers’ intimate relationship with the Bible.

She analyzes poetry, novels, speeches, sermons and prayers by a collection of writers from Frances E.W. Harper and Harriet Jacobs, to Zora Neale Hurston and Toni Morrison. Through her research, she asserts that black women writers form a collective effort to respond to the use of the Bible for purposes of social domination.

Bassard answers the imperative question, “Why did black women writers have such an enduring relationship with the Bible?” Historically, she notes, the Bible was used as evidence of the “curse” of black female identity. AfricanAmerican women writers transformed the “curses” of the dominant society into “blessings,” elegantly deciphering the messages of the Bible.

According to Bassard, the most significant “curse” on African-American female identity, the law of partus sequitur ventrem (which mandated that the child must follow the condition of the mother), denied African-American women’s humanity and restricted their sexuali-

ty by passing on their chattel status to their offspring.

“The declaration of the Shulamite woman of the Song of Songs – ‘I am black but comely’ – marks the beginning of black women’s reclamation of their subjectivity within the framework of desire and agency,” writes Bassard.

Valerie Smith, director at Dr. Katherine the Center for African AmerBassard ican Studies and Woodrow Wilson Professor of Literature at Princeton University, said of Bassard’s book, “An astute literary critic, Biblical scholar and feminist theorist, Bassard here interweaves diverse methodologies to produce a landmark and field-defining work of scholarship.”

Bassard has published numerous essays on African American literature and on Christianity and literary theory. She also published “Spiritual Interrogations: Culture, Gender, and Community in Early African American Women’s Writing (1999).”

The event is sponsored by the Marcus W. Orr Center for the Humanities and the Department of English, with additional co-sponsorship from the Program in African and AfricanAmerican Studies and the Center for Research on Women.

The Naseeb Shaheen lecture series was formed in honor of the late Dr. Shaheen’s 40 years of service to the University of Memphis.

Dr. Shaheen joined University of Memphis’ English Department in 1969. He published four books on British literature, three books on the history of Ramallah, and over 40 articles.

The Marcus Orr Center, directed by Dr. Aram Goudsouzian, is dedicated to bringing together students, graduates, faculty, and the broader Memphis community for “events that promote richer, deeper conversations about the issues that matter to us all.”

For more information, visit www.memphis.edu/moch or contact Dr. Goudsouzian at 901-678-2520 or agoudszn@memphis.edu.

LEGACY: Anthony Ray Parker Sr.

A private, driver and acting lieutenant for the Memphis Fire Department, where he served the longest at stations 39 and 49, Anthony Ray Parker Sr. was celebrated last Friday (Oct. 5) at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood. Mr. Parker, 53, was a proud member of the Orange Mound/Melrose community, serving as the team mentor and medic for the Melrose High School football team. He died Sept. 26. R.S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Home had charge. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley).

Page 9

ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, October 11 - 17, 2012, Page 10

WHAT’S HAPPENING MYRON?

Alex Cross: Tyler Perry’s evolution

I never thought I would ever say these words, but I actually can’t wait until next week for the opening of the new Tyler Perry movie. Really!

Although I have long admired Perry and his work, I’ve never been a Myron big fan of Mays “Madea,” the stage play or the movie version. I have reluctantly sat through his “Madea-less” movies as well, only because I admire his work ethic and I felt that he deserved my support.

However, after seeing the trailers for “Alex Cross,” I have a newfound respect for the guy. Not that I didn’t respect him. It’s that now he has not only my respect, but my admiration and my full support.

As I watched the trailer, I couldn’t help but think of Will Smith on the eve of the release of “Independence Day.” Here’s why. After watching the trailer for “Independence Day,” I couldn’t help but think that Will Smith was on the cusp of something big. I remember thinking that, “This movie is gonna make Will Smith a gigantic star.” I had the feeling that we only had just a little more time to enjoy the “Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” Will was gonna start doing only movies from that point on. I was right.

My ultimate point is this: I don’t think we’re gonna be seeing Perry in a dress any time soon. I predict “Alex Cross” will be the biggest film in his career. I also predict that this film will exceed the box office numbers of its predecessors, “Kiss the Girls” and “Along Came a Spider.” I loved Morgan Freeman in both of those films.

Tyler Perry has the right following, the right name and now the right project for a career changing project.

2for1 Smooth R&B Tuesday

Onix presents 2for1 Smooth R&B Tuesday each and every Tuesday from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. Enjoy 2for1 chicken wings and drinks all night along, with the piped-in sounds of smooth R&B from the 70s-90s. Onix is located at 412 South Main downtown. RSVP at 901-552-4609.

The Bar Takover

This Saturday (Oct. 13) from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m., join Michael Suggs and crew as they take over the patio at Café Olé at 959 Cooper! If you were there for Cinco de Mayo, you know how it went down! If you missed it, here is your chance to get the Bar Takeover Experience for yourself!

Enjoy drinks, great food and a great atmosphere for socializing.

Memphis Music Monday

The Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission presents Memphis Music Mondays on Oct. 15 at the Hard Rock Café on Beale. There is no admission fee for the event that begins at 6 p.m. Come early to get a good seat! Eat and listen to some of the best local music Memphis has to offer.

Flashbacks at Soul’lucions

Soul’lucions Restaurant and Lounge will be off the chain on Friday, Oct. 19, as Showtime Entertainment presents Flashbacks. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 9 p.m. The host is my good friend, Stephon Smith, and the special guest host will be yours truly. There will be a $100 Old School Best Dressed Contest. Soul’Lucions is located at 2629 Lamar, Suite 101. Admission is $10. Music by DJ Redeye.

Red, White & Blues Jam

Check out Bobby Rush and the 3rd Annual Red, White and Blues Jam on Oct. 20 at the Levitt Shell. The concert lineup also features Slave (yes that Slave), four-time Grammy-nominated Cynthia Jones, and Memphis’ own Vince Johnson and the All-Stars Red, White and Blues Jam Band.

The Red, White & Blues Jam was created to socially engage veterans and active-duty military and to recognize and honor their service to America. Memphis’ own Randy Wade will also be honored for his military work and his daily service to veterans.

For more information, visit www.RedWhiteandBluesJam.com.

(Got an event you’d like for me to cover or attend, email me at Myron@whatshappeningmyron.com.)

Viola Davis: The ‘Won’t Back Down’ interview Special to The New Tri-State Defender

with Kam Williams

Viola Davis was born on Aug. 11, 1965 on her grandmother’s farm in St. Matthews, S. Car., but raised by her parents in Central Falls, R.I. After earning a degree in theater from Rhode Island College in 1988, she did post-graduate work at the prestigious Juilliard School prior to embarking on a critically-acclaimed professional career. Here, she talks about her new film, “Won’t Back Down,” a female empowerment saga, where she plays Nona Alberts, a jaded teacher who joins forces with a frustrated single-mom (Maggie Gyllenhaal) to turn around an underperforming public school.

Kam Williams: Hi Viola, thanks for the interview.

Viola Davis: Thank you, Kam.

KW: Music teacher Steve Kramer asks: “What interested you in Won’t Back Down?”

V. Davis: My interests in the film were two-fold: the backdrop of education and also the human story within it about a woman who, when she was in her twenties, had all these high ideals and hopes of taking the world by storm as a great teacher and also as a great mother. But all of that was just blown to bits, and we find her at a low point where she’s totally disillusioned. For me, the movie is about her story of coming back to life again. And that journey is a very human one. It intrigued me, and I saw it as a very interesting challenge as an actor.

KW: What was it like working with such a top-flight cast: You had an AcademyAward-winner Holly Hunter, as well fellow Oscar-nominees Maggie Gyllenhaal and Rosie Perez?

V. Davis: You forgot another Oscar-nominee, Marianne Jean-Baptiste. It was fabulous! To me, it’s always a luxury to be able to work with the best of the best because they make it easier for you to do what you do. It’s harder to work with people who are not as dedicated to their craft. It also leaves you a better actor when you finish the project, since you always feel like you’ve learned something. And it’s refreshing to spend time with actors who are so vocal, so articulate. “You get more material to steal from.” That’s what I always say. (LOL) KW: Editor/legist Patricia Turnier would like to know whether you had any problems with any of your lines in the script, and how you handle such a controversy.

V. Davis: Yes, I did have a problem with a few things, which is good for an actor. The average person might not see it that way.

The sentiment that I had a little trouble with was the idea that, “You change the school, you change the community.” I couldn’t wrap my mind around that. I just feel that those two trains need to be leaving the station at the same time. I think that that’s a heck of a responsibility to expect schools and teachers to change these challenged communities.

Many of them are experiencing growth deficits or are going bankrupt, and are infected with gang violence with as many as 85 percent of the people living below the poverty line. I knew this was going to be a hotbed issue, but I didn’t realize how volatile it was going to become once the movie was released. Nevertheless, I welcome this spirited discourse. That’s always been a spearhead to change.

KW: Is the big brouhaha due to allegations that the picture is anti-union?

V. Davis: Yes, that is what the controversy’s about. I don’t think the film’s antiunion. I feel it’s pro-education. The teacher, in the end, becomes the hero. The teacher!

Oscar Isaac’s character (Michael Perry) says in the film that the one of the things he remembers about the high school teacher who inspired him to become a teacher was how the union had stepped in and saved the man’s job when the system was failing him.

So, I don’t feel it’s anti-union. I consider it pro-activist.

KW: Larry Greenberg was wondering what would you say is the movie’s message?

V. Davis: The movie really emphasizes

Nona (Viola Davis) rediscovers the joys of teaching, in “Wonʼt Back Down.”(Courtesy photos) “The Help.” How much of that strength we see up on the screen is you and how much of it is great acting?

V. Davis: (Chuckles) Well, I’d like to say that it’s all great acting. That’s what I’d prefer to say, but I suppose I do have that same quality in real life. I guess they say, “Necessity is the mother of invention” because you have two stark choices when you find yourself in a really desperate situation. You can either fold and cave-in to it or you can become really passionate about getting out of it. When you’re really passionate, you’re going to grab hold of every rope you see, and wrap them around your arms and legs to claw your way out. And that’s the way I’ve felt in my life….

that we’re all in the position to be the change that we want to see in this country. And I think there’s no better time to bring that message home. What’s interesting is that that theme is a common thread in the film, even in terms of the two main characters’ taking control of their own personal lives. At the end of the day, nobody can tell you how to tackle failure or how to handle change. The world is very good at encouraging you to go along with the status quo and at basking in your successes. But when you hit a wall in your personal life, and you screw up, people don’t give you a chance to navigate your way through it and tap into what’s extraordinary about you. I think this movie tackles that subject in a beautiful way, and I think it’s the best message you could give to a child. And, hey, you can even bring your kids to the film because it’s rated PG. (Laughs)

KW: Harriet Pakula-Teweles says: “Won’t Back Down” is not only the title of your new film, but that same sort of spirit was also part of your character’s persona in

KW: Harriet has another question: “Is there a classic film you’d like to star in the remake of?

V. Davis: You know what? Playing Norma Rae would be great, too, although I don’t whether that would work. I’d also like to play Harriet Tubman.

KW: Patricia (Turnier) is also wondering whether there’s any truth to the rumor that you’ll be playing Barbara Jordan in an upcoming biopic about the late congresswoman.

V. Davis: Yes, my husband (Julius Tennon) and I started a production company out of necessity, the need for great narratives for actors of color, and we are currently developing that script with some great producers.

KW: Kate Newell says: “I loved your performance. Did you have a teacher who especially inspired you?”

V. Davis: I had several teachers who inspired me, in both the public school system and the Upward Bound program. I needed several, because I lived in such abject poverty and dysfunction. And they’re still in my life today, because I consider them to be friends, actually.

KW: Thanks again for the time, Viola, and best of luck with “Won’t Back Down.”

V. Davis: Thank you, Kam

ENTERTAINMENT

Tri-State Defender

Page 11

October 11 - 17, 2012

Oct. 11-17, 2012

OPENING THIS WEEK

Kam’s Kapsules:

Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun

“The Iran Job” chronicles a year in the life of Kevin Sheppard as he plays proffesional basketball in Iran.

(Courtesy photo) Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kam Williams

For movies opening October 12, 2012

BIG BUDGET FILMS

“Argo” (R for profanity and violent images) Ben Affleck directed and stars in this factbased espionage thriller, set in Teheran during the Iranian Revolution, revolving around a CIA exfiltration specialist who hatches a plan to rescue a half-dozen American diplomats hiding at the home of the Canadian ambassador (Victor Garber). Cast includes Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Bryan Cranston and Philip Baker Hall.

“Here Comes the Boom” (PG for sports violence, crude humor and mild epithets) Overcoming the odds comedy about a bored biology teacher (Kevin James) who decides to moonlight as a mixed martial arts in order to raise the funds to save the music program at his cash-strapped high school. With Salma Hayek, Henry Winkler and Joe Rogan.

“Seven Psychopaths” (R for sexuality, nudity, drug use, bloody images, graphic violence and pervasive profanity) Crime comedy about a struggling screenwriter (Colin Farrell) who unwittingly gets mixed-up with the mob after a couple of his buddies (Christopher Walken and Sam Rockwell) steal a gangster’s (Woody Harrelson) beloved pet Shih Tzu. Support cast includes Gabourey Sidibe, Abbie Cornish and Tom Waits.

“Sinister” (R for terror and disturbing images) Found footage horror flick about a crime novelist (Ethan Hawke) who encounters more than he bargained for when he moves with his wife (Juliet Rylance) and kids (Clare Foley and Michael Hall D’Addario) into the haunted

home of a murdered family of four. With Fred Thompson, Tavis Smiley and James Ransone.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

“3,2,1… Frankie Go Boom” (Unrated) Sibling rivalry comedy about a guy (Frankie Hunnam) who seeks refuge from civilization in the desert after being humiliated in a Youtube video posted by his drug-addicted brother (Bruce O’Dowd). Ensemble includes Whitney Cummings, Chris Noth, Ron Perlman, Lizzy Caplan and Nora Dunn.

“Atlas Shrugged: Part II” (Unrated) Sci-fi sequel revolves around a corporate exec (Samantha Mathis) in a desperate race against time to save a global economy on the brink of collapse. Featuring Jason Beghe, Richard T. Jones, Esai Morales and Patrick Fabian.

“The Iran Job” (Unrated) Hoops documentary chronicling a year in the life of Kevin Sheppard, an African-American playing professional basketball in a Middle Eastern country he finds surprisingly hospitable.

“Janeane from Des Moines” (Unrated) Presidential race docudrama, set in Iowa, about a conservative housewife (Jane Edith Wilson) who becomes disenchanted with the Republican candidates vying for the nomination when they fail to offer satisfactory solutions for her host of concerns. With appearances by Michelle Bachmann, Mitt Romney, Herman Cain, New Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Ron Paul.

“Middle of Nowhere” (R for profanity) Self-discovery drama, directed by Sundancewinner Ava DuVernay, about a young woman (Emayatzy Corinealdi) who drops out of med school to help her imprisoned husband (Omari Hardwick) only to embark on a torrid affair with an ardent bus driver (David Oyewolo).

HOROSCOPES

Cast includes Dondre Whitfield, Sharon Lawrence and Lorraine Toussaint.

“Nobody Walks” (R for sexuality, profanity and drug use) Love triangle drama about a happily-married father of two (John Krasinski) who risks his marriage by cheating on his wife (Rosemarie DeWitt) with the aspiring writer (Olivia Thirlby) living in their pool house.

With Dylan McDermott, India Ennenga and Justin Kirk.

“Simon and the Oaks” (Unrated) Screen adaptation of Marianne Fredriksson’s surrealistic saga about a German Jewish boy (Jonatan S. Wachter) adopted by a Swedish family during World War II. With Bill Skarsgard, Helen Sjoholm and Karl Linnertorp. (In Swedish, German, Hebrew and English with subtitles) “Special Forces” (R for profanity and violence) Afghan War drama starring Djimon Hounsou as the leader of an elite commando squad on a rescue mission to save a French journalist (Diane Kruger) and a translator (Mehdi Nebbou) kidnapped by the Taliban.

Cast includes Denis Menochet, Benoit Magimel and Alain Figlarz.

“The Thieves” (Unrated) Crime caper about a gang that hatches a plan to steal a diamond worth $20 million from a Macao casino. Starring Gianna Jun, Hae-suk Kim and Hye-su Kim. (In Korean, Cantonese, English, Mandarin and Japanese)

“War of the Buttons” (Unrated) Coming-ofage drama set in Occupied France during World War II where a macho kid (Jean Texier) develops a crush on the town tailor’s Laetitia Casta) Jewish goddaughter (Ilona Bachelier) who’s in danger of being discovered by the Nazis. With Clement Godefroy, Theophile Baquet and Louis Dussol. (In French with subtitles)

ARIES This week should bring an opportunity to further your education, don’t pass it up. Pay special attention to details at work. A friend needs your support. Find joy in giving it.

TAURUS Your leadership skills are shining this week, so get out there and glimmer with good vibrations. Others are looking to you for guidance and as a path to follow. Let your journey through the week provide a good model.

GEMINI You are brilliant this week as you gather materials and resources together for an important project. There’s a good probability for wonderful news late in the afternoon.

Ride the vibes and be gentle with your own feelings.

CANCER A date or meeting that is unexpectedly cancelled may make someone very unhappy.

Recognize that all things work for good, and that a better solution is being provided in the space between what you think you want and what you are getting.

LEO Serenity is yours as you realize you can get what you need. It’s coming and you deserve it! Take a few quiet moments this week to listen to your inner voice. It will give you a powerful hint about what activities you should be pursuing right now.

VIRGO In all of the hustle and bustle of the week this week, take some time to observe the Now. There’s a great deal to be thankful for!

A great idea could come to you when you are out with friends.

LIBRA Relax the grip you have on your attitudes this week, and just go with the flow. Ease up in full knowledge that goodness is being perfectly fulfilled. Let go of any feelings of insecurity or loss and bless the perfect moment.

SCORPIO Exhilaration is high and your mental abilities are amazing. Use your intuition to brainstorm your way to a highly creative idea that could change the way you make your living.

SAGITTARIUS What you say and what you do are in harmony this week. The importance of your idea(s) comes through very clearly to others.

They can see that you walk what you talk.

Communicate your ideas through your values.

CAPRICORN If you feel as if the vibes this week are mixed at best, make up your mind to only receive the positive ones. Tune the transmitter in your soul to life and give your spiritual a workout. You are in charge of who you are.

AQUARIUS A benefit arrives, and there’s good reason to celebrate. Claim your blessing and do the happy dance! Loving, supportive friends surround you, and family members are well behaved. Enjoy!

PISCES Look forward to some pleasant news.

There is every possibility for a renewed love affair or a refreshing new romantic interest.

Free yourself from the past and make a fresh start.

Source: NNPA News Service

Page 12

POLICE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Armstrong. “Sadly, it’s a moot point, but like so many of our young men today, it could only end up in three ways: jail, him taking someone’s life or him getting his life taken.

“And it’s sad to say that such an outcome is getting to be the norm for so many black kids,” said Armstrong. “There should have been some efforts to rescue this young man from the lifestyle he had chosen. We’re talking about the middle of the night (on the night of the shooting) —why is he not home?”

He keeps trying to soften the message, but cannot.

“At some point, the parents of today have got to step up and take control of their kids lives. Kids nowadays face a lot more outside influences today than when I was growing up, such as the negative message

COMMUNITY

Tri-State Defender

October 11 - 17, 2012

in today’s music, the influence of social media, gangs and more,” Armstrong said.

“Now you can ride down any major thoroughfare in this city on the weekends and see a funeral procession of another African-American male whose life has been (unnecessarily) taken. It is just so sad that we appear to have lost a generation.”

‘I hate crooked cops’

Armstrong had not quite settled into the Police Director’s chair last year when – during an interview with The New TriState Defender (Mar 18,2011) – he seemed to foreshadow what he now faces.

“You are going to have those officers who go to work every day and go above and beyond what they what they are supposed to do. And you are going to have those that stray,” Armstrong said at the time. “I can’t promise you that a year

Legal notices

NOTICE TO FURNISHERS OF LABOR AND MATERIALS TO: Desoto County Electric, Inc. Locally Managed Project Agreement No.: 090232 PIN No.:112979.00 Federal Const. Proj. No.: STP-M-9417 (7) State Const. P.E. No.: 79LPLM-F1- 169 COUNTY: Shelby The Town of Collierville, Tennessee is about to make final settlement with the contractor for construction of the above numbered project. All persons wishing to file claims pursuant to Section 54-5-122, T.C.A. must file same with the Director of General Services, Town of Collierville, 500 Poplar View Parkway, Collierville, Tennessee 38017, on or before 11/1/2012.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS PROFESSIONAL DESIGN SERVICES October 11, 2012 Project Overview The City of Memphis is requesting qualifications for professional services involving engineering analysis, pre-construction inspection, design, and construction inspection for the Harahan Bridge PROJECT that is a component of the Main Street to Main Street Multimodal Connector Project (M2M).

The Main Street to Main Street Multimodal Connector Project is a partnership between the states of Tennessee and Arkansas and the municipalities of Memphis – Shelby County, TN and West Memphis - Crittenden County, AR to establish a twelve mile regional, multimodal corridor that will increase alternative transportation options in the Memphis metro area. The total M2M scope of work consists of five segments of infrastructure improvements with this component, “the Harahan Bridge” serving as the critical connection over the Mississippi River. The total project cost for all segments is $30 million with the Harahan Bridge component representing approximately $10 million. The total project is partially funded by a $14.9 million Federal Department of Transportation TIGER IV grant.

Project Background Completed in 1917, the Harahan Bridge serviced both vehicular and railroad traffic between Tennessee and Arkansas for over 30 years with wood plank roadbeds located on the northern and southern sides of the bridge and railroad tracks running through the center section of the structure. Upon the completion of the Memphis – Arkansas Bridge in 1949, vehicular traffic from the Harahan was diverted to the new bridge, and the wooden roadbeds were removed.

Since 1949, the Harahan Bridge has functioned exclusively as a railroad bridge currently operated by the Union Pacific Railroad.

Although the Memphis – Arkansas Bridge provides sidewalks, there are no existing bicycle facilities across the Mississippi River. To create a safe, alternative transportation connection between the two states, the project concept is to develop a bicycle – pedestrian trail atop the existing steel frame where the northern roadbed formerly existed. In 2012 the City of Memphis completed a preliminary engineering

or two or three years from now that down the line there will be no other incident.”

Armstrong did not bring up the latest arrest during Tuesday’s interview, but he did allude to the recent spate of officers caught on the wrong side of the law.

“You have to remember that none of it is ever a surprise to me,” he said. “We are the ones who initiate the investigations most of the times and my office is informed of and approves every move made during the investigation. I hate crooked cops.”

He affirmed that he believes Shaw’s assertion that he was reacting to an attempted armed robbery. And he acknowledged what some saw as a public dustup between him and Mayor AC Wharton Jr. over the condition of the Memphis Police Department.

“We were good from the beginning, it was just a disagreement, nothing unusual when you are running a department as

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study on the bridge and found that the development of a bicycle – pedestrian pathway operating in tandem with the active railway was a feasible concept.

Scope of Services To undertake and complete the design services for the Harahan Bridge component of the of the M2M Project, the City of Memphis, seeks to retain the services of a professional engineering firm to provide various design services related to the following: 1. Harahan Bridge: Develop designs for a new bicycle-pedestrian pathway to be installed atop of the existing structural steel that formerly supported the northern roadway of the Harahan Bridge.

The work required on the bridge includes but is not limited to adding decking, modifying railing, fencing, lighting, signage and miscellaneous security and emergency provisions for safe use of the bridge by both train and non-motorized traffic.

Lighting, security measures and emergency response protocol will be developed in consultation and cooperation with the Union Pacific Railroad. All design elements will have to meet requirements of the Union Pacific Railroadsʼ Division of Engineering and the States of Arkansas Highway Department, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and the U. S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Division engineering requirements. In addition, designs for this Harahan Bridge project component must be coordinated with the other segments of the overall M2M project and approved by the City of Memphis and Crittenden County Arkansas. The determination of any additional requirements for permits and review will also be the responsibility of the selected consultant.

2. Memphis Connection: Develop designs for the Memphis approach to the bridge that includes bicycle-pedestrian connections between the eastern terminus of the bridge and the Channel 3 Drive sidewalk network located approximately 400

large and complex as the police department,” Armstrong said.

“When he hired me for the job he knew I was not the yesman type and I think he appreciates that about me. I certainly respect him and it’s passed. It will probably happen again, but again that’s normal. Both of us are adult professionals who respect each other’s work.”

‘The help of citizens’

“I just returned from the International Association of Police Chiefs conference (held in San Diego from Sept. 29 to Oct 3). New York City’s Chief of Police made a statement that a poll revealed that 90 percent of every aspect of law enforcement is the responsibility of the police department, but it’s not.

It’s a collaborative effort,” said Armstrong.

“That’s why we started COPS, Community Oriented Policing, to bring back com-

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feet to the east of the bridge.

3. Crittenden Connection: Develop designs for the West Memphis approach to the bridge that includes bicycle-pedestrian connections to link the bridgeʼs western terminus with the Dacus Lake Road / I-55 S. Service Road that is located approximately 500 feet to west of the bridge.

Instructions to Proposers: 1. Provide resumes of personnel to perform the work.

2. The letter of interest and qualifications shall indicate the scope of services to be completed by any sub-consultants.

3. The selected firm shall have a minimum of five years of Bridge Design Administration and Construction Management experience involving similar Projects valued above $5,000,000. A reference list, including client contact information, shall be submitted containing at least five (5) projects meeting the above-referenced dollar threshold. Incomplete proposals will not be considered.

4. Qualifications should not exceed fifteen (15) pages.

5. The selected contractor shall provide Professional Liability Insurance in an amount of not less than Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00) each wrongful act, and shall maintain such coverage for at least three (3) years from the termination of this agreement.

Evaluation of Qualifications: The factors that will be considered in evaluation of submittals are listed below.

Sufficient information on qualifications should be included so that submittals can be properly judged. a. Relevant experience leading the design for projects of similar complexity, size, scope, budget and funding sources b. Past experience in the required disciplines with Long Span Steel Bridges which have multiple-modal railroad traffic, vehicle, and non-motorized traffic usage c. Past bridge experience specific to working with the Union Pacific Railroad or

munity policing where the officers would know the neighborhood and people would know them. Whether it’s blight or gangs, we’re going to take the lead in cleaning up communities and we have to have the help of citizens.”

People who see such help as “snitching” feel an entirely different way, said Armstrong, “when it comes to them or their loved ones being the victim of a crime, and especially a violent crime and you find yourself needing help from the same people that you refused to help.”

He reflected on his own upbringing.

“At that time I thought my mother was crazy. I’m serious. She had a chip on her shoulder that you weren’t going to run over her because she was a woman. Plus she was the oldest of her brothers and sisters and raised them.

I’m not going to sit here and lie like I was some kind of

other Class 1 Railroads, which have long span bridges d. Understanding of the project requirements e. Qualifications and availability of staff f. Demonstrated ability to meet schedules without compromising sound design practices g. References from previous Clients h. Strength of Equal Business Opportunity submission Submittals will be reviewed by a Consultant Evaluation Committee who will make recommendations to the City Engineer of several firms who would make viable candidates from which to make a selection or invite more detailed proposals and/or presentations. Evaluations will be conducted within established guidelines regarding equal employment opportunity and nondiscriminatory action based upon the grounds of race, color, sex, creed or national origin. Interested certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms as well as other minority/women-owned firms are encouraged to respond to all advertisements by City of Memphis.

The final selection will be made on the basis of the qualifications and ability of the consultant to perform the work. A detailed scope, schedule and budget will be negotiated with the selected firm. The City reserves the right to reject any and all proposals at its sole discretion. All submitters will be advised when a selection has been made.

Submittals Firms may request consideration by submitting 7 copies of a statement of qualifications no later than 4:00 pm CDT, November 1, 2012 to: The City of Memphis C/O Mike Carpenter 125 N. Main Street, City Hall, Suite 308 Memphis, TN 38103 Late submittals will not be accepted.

Persons with questions or comments concerning this Request for qualifications should contact Mike Carpenter, Project Manager, Main Street to Main Street, at 901.636.6596. Questions can also be submitted in writing via email to Michael.

Carpenter@memphistn.gov at least five calendar days prior to the submission deadline. Faxed or mailed questions may not be received in time for a response.

LEGAL NOTICE Request for Proposals RFP Number 13-0009 Trash Removal Services Responses for this Request for Proposals for providing Trash Removal Services will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (“Authority”), Staff Services Division, Memphis International Airport, Administration and Support Facility, 3505 Tchulahoma Road, Memphis, TN 38118-2718 until 11:00 AM, November 20, 2012. No Proposals will be accepted after the stated deadline.

INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS The response to the Request for Proposals (“RFP”) shall be submitted in a sealed envelope or container. Each envelope or container must be clearly marked on the outside with the following: 1) Request for Proposals, Trash Removal Services, 2) RFP Number 13-0009, and 3) Your company name and address. No responses will be accepted after the stated

perfect kid, but I didn’t get into too much trouble because I never knew what would be the consequences of my actions,” he said.

“I didn’t have a father and don’t even know who he is.

I’ve never actually been disciplined by a man in my life, but my mother did not play. We lived in Dixie Homes, and it was no paradise. Back then, if a kid 18 to 24 lost his life it was big news that would shut down the community (with concern).”

Looking ahead, Armstrong said, “I will be speaking with a group of kids at Juvenile Court tomorrow and part of my message to them is that none of us were born with a silver spoon in our mouths, but at the end of the day you let that motivate you.

“I remember when my mother worked three jobs to keep a roof over our heads. She not only concentrated on what we could become, but what we could not become.”

deadline. A complete Request for Proposals Packet with submittal instructions, additional data, and response format may be found on our website www.mscaa.com on or after October 16, 2012.

A mandatory pre-proposal meeting will be held at the Authorityʼs Administrative Support Facility located at 3505 Tchulahoma Road, Memphis, TN 38118 on October 25, 2012 at 10:00 AM Local Time. Only those attending will be allowed to submit a proposal.

All Proposers are hereby notified that all updates, addenda and additional information, if any, shall be posted to the Authority website and Proposers are responsible for checking the Authority website up to the time of the RFP submission deadline.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this Request for Proposals in whole or in part and to waive any informalities, technicalities, or omissions therein. The Authority also reserves the right to reject any response when a parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or predecessor in interest of the Proposer has pending litigation or claims with the Authority, or if any response includes a proposed subcontractor or supplier that has pending litigation or claims with the Authority, if the Authority determines, in its sole discretion, such litigation or claims may adversely affect the ability of the parties to work efficiently and effectively under this RFP, or for any other reason as determined by the Authority. Any such response will be returned to the Proposer. All Proposers must use forms provided by the Authority.

The Authority hereby notifies that it will review and award bids/proposals in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4a (the “Act”) and Title 49, Part 26, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act. The Authority further notifies all Proposers that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Disadvantaged Minority/Women Business Enterprises (“D/M/WBEs”) will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids/proposals in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, or disability in its hiring and employment practices, or in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, and activities, in accordance with the Business Diversity Development Program (“BDDP”) promulgated under the September 2008 Disparity Study for non-discrimination in non-federally assisted programs commissioned by the Memphis-Shelby County Intergovernmental Consortium, as amended. The D/M/WBE participation goal for any contract awarded as a result of this RFB is 11% in accordance with the requirements of the RFP documents. The only participation that will be counted toward meeting this goal will be participation by certified D/M/WBE, the owners of which have been certified as having a personal net worth less than $1,320,000 in accordance with 49CFR, Part 26.

Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority Larry D. Cox, A.A.E. President

COMMUNITY

Tri-State Defender

BRIEFS & THINGS NAACP launches ‘Come Home to the NAACP’

The Memphis Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has launched its fall membership campaign called “Come Home to the NAACP.” The civil rights and human rights organization is calling on churches, social and civic organizations to join its annual harvest of NAACP memberships and bring them to the “Membership Lay Down.”

The Lay Down will be held Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Jesse H. Turner Sr. Freedom House, 588 Vance Ave., between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Churches and organizations will bring in the NAACP memberships they have collected and enter an hourly drawing for prizes provided by area businesses.

Annual adult memberships are $30 and youth members can enroll for $10 or $15 with a subscription to the quarterly Crisis Magazine. Memberships support the ongoing work of the NAACP to address social injustice in Memphis and the nation.

‘All Pink Gala Meets Taste For A Cure’

Xclusive Memphis, Partikingz, TMalone Marketing and Networking in Memphis have teamed up to present the “3rd Annual All Pink Gala meets Taste for a Cure,” an event designed to assist in the fight against breast cancer.

Local breast cancer survivers will be honored and will share their stories during the event, which will take place on Oct. 21 at the Jack Robinson Art Gallery, 44 W. Huling at Main.

Doors open at 5 p.m.

This event will feature live entertainment by Devin Crutcher & Gemini Band. There will be light food and a cash bar. Proceeds will be donated to local Memphis breast cancer chapters.

The attire is cocktail, with Pink.

Admission: $20 in advance, $25 at the door,

Page 13

October 11 - 17, 2012

Civic, community leaders urge ‘Yes’ vote on county sales tax increase Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Leaders representing a coalition of civic organizations stepped up Wednesday (Oct. 10) to voice support for the ½ cent county sales tax increase.

Participating organizations at a Wednesday afternoon press conference at 160 S. Hollywood included Stand for Children, the Shelby County Democratic Party, the MidSouth Peace & Justice Center, Latino Memphis, Fight Crime Invest in Kids, and Our Kids Our Future. The groups joined to encourage voters in Memphis and unincorporated Shelby County to vote yes for the referendum that will appear first on the November 6th election ballot.

The state of Tennessee has mandated that 50 percent of revenue generated – an estimated $30 million – from the ½ cent sales tax increase be used for school purposes once city and county systems merge in 2013.

Emphasizing how revenue generated from the sales tax will be used to increase education funding and to address other community challenges like crime and neighborhood blight, participants vowed to work together to increase community awareness and voter turnout.

“Children cannot vote, so it’s our responsibility to advocate on their behalf,” said Kenya Bradshaw, executive director of Tennessee Stand

for Children and a member of the Transition Planning Commission.

“We could not be more excited and encouraged by the steps that our elected leaders are taking to put children and their educational needs first. It shows us that they are not just talking, and are as committed as we are to improving public schools and ensuring that students have the learning tools and community resources needed to be successful. Local academic achievement rates are demanding our immediate attention.“ According to the Tennessee Department of Education, only 10 percent of all Shelby County school students graduate high school college-ready.

Coalition members maintain that without the additional funding that the county sales tax increase would generate, it is unlikely that the Shelby County Board of Education will be able to support new measurers to improve student outcomes. Specifically noted were expanding access to Pre-K to all students and investing in teachers.

Van Turner, chairman of the Shelby County Democratic Party, stressed the need for a groundswell of community support to ensure the sales tax referendum passes to not only improve education quality, but also to strengthen communities.

“No one likes to think about raising taxes, but this is one increase

“Children cannot vote, so itʼs our responsibility to advocate on their behalf,” said Kenya Bradshaw, executive director of Tennessee Stand for Children and a member of the Transition Planning Commission. Bradshaw and a coalition of civic organizations used a Wednesday (Oct. 10) afternoon press conference to urge community support for the referendum that calls for a ½ cent county sales tax increase. (Photo by Wiley Henry) that will greatly benefit children and adults in Memphis and Shelby County,” said Turner.

“By voting yes on referendum 1, we can help the city of Memphis put more crews on the streets to clean up abandoned properties, keep our community centers and libraries open, and support new investments that will help to deter crime and improve our neighborhoods. Additionally, a vote no for the sales increase is a vote to raise property taxes. We do not want that to happen.”

Elected leaders from the city of Memphis and Shelby County have said that if the sales tax referendum fails, property taxes in the city and county could increase by as much as .40 cents.

The coalition members are planning additional activities to educate voters on the short and long-term benefits of the sales tax increase leading up to Election Day, Nov. 6th.

“Education is the most important

Rhodes College, founded in 1848 and located in Memphis since 1925, will celebrate Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, Oct. 19-20.

All alumni are encouraged to attend the Homecoming Reception beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, in the Catherine Burrow Refectory and the noon picnic on Saturday, Oct. 20, in the Rollow Avenue of Oaks.

A student-led parade on campus begins at 1 p.m. followed by the homecoming football game at Crain Field beginning at 2 p.m. Rhodes will take on Millsaps College, and the local community is invited to help fill the stands.

During the weekend, alumni also will have the opportunity to attend performances, class reunion parties, and networking events. A complete schedule is available at www.rhodes.edu/homecoming.

For more information, contact the Alumni Office at 901-843-3845.

The 2012 Gandhi-King Community Conference will be held on Oct. 20 at BRIDGES, 477 N. Fifth St. Registration, which is underway, is based on a sliding scale, starting at free. The daylong conference will be broken into these three sessions: IgniteAction: Grassroots leaders will lead a series of presentations focusing on the key issues of equality, poverty and homelessness, community-led development, immigration reform, healthcare, education reform, and community-police relations.

Peoples Assembly Forums: A panel of organizers will lead sessions that will further analyze the key issues identified in the IgniteAction presentations and exam ways to create change.

G.O.T. Power? (Grassroots Organizer Training): Participatory workshops designed to help attendees become more effective. Workshops will include yoga and meditation, creating and working with media, greening your community, nonviolent direct action, embodied activism with Playback Memphis, nonviolent communication, and more.

For updated info, including the full schedule, visit www. gandhikingconference.org.

BRIEFLY: “Looking 4 Love In All the Wrong Places” – a stage play geared toward bringing awareness to the issue of domestic violence –will be hosted at the Buckman Performing Arts Center at St. Mary’s Episcopal School, 60 Perkins Extended, beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 13) and at 2 p.m. on Sunday (Oct. 14). A portion of the proceeds from this event will help to educate the community about domestic violence and provide assistance to other programs that help domestic violence victims.

For more information, contact Kamekio Lewis at 901-619-1759.

(For more information, go to www.voteyes4schools.com.)

‘Growing the Garden of Hope, One Seed at a Time’

Rhodes College to celebrate homecoming and reunion

Registration underway for Gandhi-King conference

civil rights issue of our time,” said Jacob Flowers, executive director of the Mid-South Peace & Justice Center. “As parents, the educators that we entrust our children with deserve to have the funding that is needed to provide a high quality education in Shelby County. We owe this to our children and our entire community to support this referendum.”

Early voting begins Oct. 17th. The county sales tax referendum must pass with a majority vote to go in to effect.

“We are strongly urging all citizens to support the sales tax increase,” said State Rep. Johnnie Turner.

“If you want better schools, vote yes on referendum 1. If you want better neighborhoods, vote yes on for referendum 1. If ou want to improve conditions for children and adults in Shelby County, vote yes on referendum 1.”

He made a difference…

The Memphis Grizzlies “family” turned out for memorial services for Dana J. Davis, the teamʼs vice president of Basketball Operations and Team Programs, at Mount Olive Cathedral Christian Episcopal Church on Sunday (Oct. 7). Davis, known as “Double D” died Oct. 3. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

Great day for a parade…

Homecoming week at Central High School on Wednesday (Oct. 10) included a parade through the surrounding neighborhood, with the schoolʼs Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps helping set the pace. (Photo by Deborah Powell Alexander)

The South Memphis Alliance (SMA) is hosting an annual event, The Unity Dinner, this Saturday, Oct. 13, from 6 p.m. to 8pm at the Family Life Youth Center located at 369 G.E. Patterson Avenue, behind Temple of Deliverance.

The event is a celebration to honor the work being done in South Memphis by SMA, its affiliate communities and partners. It’s open to the public and is designed, in part, to foster an understanding of how families in need and young people from foster care are being served.

“This years event theme – ‘Growing the Garden of Hope – One Seed at a Time’ – couldn’t articulate more clearly what SMA is founded on,” said SMA Executive Director Reginald Milton.

“It takes all of our partners and supporters in the community to grow this garden and really make a difference. The seeds have to watered, pruned and ready to weather the storms.”

Guests will be guided through the evening by DJ DeWayne Benton from FM 95.7 Hallelujah. The Elbert “Skip” Rich Award for “Civicness” will be awarded to: Sheila Flemming-Hunter with The Black Rose Foundation for Children and the Memphis CARES Mentoring Movement; the Rev. Audrey Taylor Gonzalez, with Memphis and Shelby County Juvenile Court and Foster Care Review Board; and the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis.

Statistics show that nationally within the first year of aging out of foster care, 50 percent of the young people will be incarcerated and within two years nearly 80 percent will have experienced homelessness.

SMA is dedicated to ensuring better outcomes for these young people.

Milton said its challenge is to bring awareness to the needs of the population and to raise the necessary funds to ensure positive outcomes in the areas of permanence, employment, education, housing, physical and mental healthcare, and personal and community engagement.

Founded in 2000, SMA the nonprofit agency supports neighborhood associations, civic clubs and other community entities with financial support, technical assistance and advocacy. Over the years, SMA expanded its services and includes improving the health, knowledge and stability of young people, families and communities, through social services, mentoring and advocacy.

Its programs include: Dream Seekers; Project Advance to 18; Teen Plus; Hope Chest; and Stand By Me. During the evening, SMA will share news about its expansions, including improvements to the gateway to Soulsville.

(For more information including tickets ($40/seat or $350/table of 10), visit www.smaweb.org, call 901-774-9582, or email thomas@smaweb.org.)