VOL. 62, No. 39
September 26 - October 2, 2013
www.tsdmemphis.com
75 Cents
The Affordable Care Act in Tennessee
The Presidentʼs version of how it makes a difference
‘Best in Black’ II to be a dynamic affair Saturday
Go to the U.S. Department of Human Services website, click on Tennessee and up pops a version of what will happen to Tennesseans if the Affordable Care Act is allowed to unfold as President Obama envisions. Obamacare – as the act now is called by many Democrats and Republicans – is still a fighting word 31/2 years after President Obama signed comprehensive health reform into law. To the President’s way of thinking, the law makes preventive care – including family planning and related services – more accessible and affordable for many Americans. Critics – most particularly Tea Party
Conservatives such as Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas – label the law a disaster and are determined to derail the act as an Oct. 1 open enrollment threshold (for coverage starting as soon as Jan. 1 2014) approaches for the new online Health Insurance Marketplace. As the drama, including talk of a government shutdown, unfolds, it’s essential that every household in America pays attention, keeping an eye out for how the ultimate decision affects health care options and pocketbooks. With that in mind, here are elements of the Affordable Care Act that President Obama is highlighting via the U.S. Department of Human Services website:
President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton are bathed in blue light as they talk backstage prior to participating in the Clinton Global Initiative Healthcare Forum at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers in New York City on Tuesday. Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton waits to introduce them. The high-profile trio has been pointing weight behind support for the Affordable Care Act. (Photo: White House/ Pete Souza)
BETTER OPTIONS The Health Insurance Marketplace
Beginning Oct 1, through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Ten-
nesseans will be able to compare qualified health plans, get answers to questions, find out if they are eligible for lower costs for private insurance or health programs like Medicaid and the Children’s Health SEE CARE ON PAGE 5
TSD awards show to rock FedExForum
After a robust two weeks of online voting, the results have been tabulated for The New Tri-State Defender’s 2nd Annual Best in Black Awards. On Saturday at the FedExForum, the winners will be revealed during a gala affair spotlighting area favorites among African-American businesses, community organizations and entrepreneurs. TSD President/Publisher Bernal E. Smith II said 125,800 votes were cast at www.bestinblackawards.com from Sept. 11th through the Sept. 22 cutoff. The voting followed a two-week nomination period that yielded nearly 700 nominations (more than double last year) across 57 categories. “It’s a creative way to poll the community about the businesses, organizations and individuals that they most support while identifying those entities with the best brands and reputations or greatest potential,” said Smith, who came up with the idea. “In a city like Memphis, which has an over 70 percent African-American population, a robust business, nonprofit and entrepreneurial community, and a deep well of culture and history, creating this sort of platform was SEE BEST ON PAGE 3
- INSIDE -
• Food stamp cuts kick Americans when they’re down. See Opinion, page 4. • Advice for queens and kings of procrastination. See Religion, page 8. • Ladies & Gentlemen…Mr. John Gary Williams! See Entertainment, page 10.
Making a connection…
At the Project Homeless Connect event sponsored by FedEx Cares, volunteers gathered information to help the homeless get needed services. See related story, photos on page 3. (Courtesy photo)
• Mike Conley Bowl n’ Bash set for Saturday. See Health, page 12.
What’s the deal with new Army tattoo rules?
• Selling out black college football to make a buck. See Sports, page 13.
by AJ Willingham
MEMPHIS WEEKEND
FRIDAY
H- 8 4o - L - 6 3o P a r tl y C l oud y
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
H- 8 4o - L - 6 4o H- 7 2o - L - 6 1o Partl y Cl ou dy Scat. T-Sto rms
REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS
Friday H-87 L-66 H-84 L-59 H-86 L-63
Saturday H-87 L-67 H-82 L-59 H-85 L-60
Sunday H-75 L-62 H-72 L-59 H-83 L-63
HLNtv.com
(CNN) – In this day and age, tattoos have become commonplace. About 40 percent of Millennials – the demographic 20-somethings are lumped into – have tattoos, and when it comes to the military, tattoos are often seen as a rich tradition used to honor achievements and lives lost. According to some Army top brass, however, the culture of the tattooed soldier may soon change. Sgt Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler visited troops in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, over the weekend, and advised them that stricter rules for grooming and appearance were probably coming down the line in the near future. The new guidelines will include specific rules for tattoos. According to Stars and Stripes, a publication that reports on the U.S. military, Chandler said new recruits may not have tattoos “that show
below the elbows and knees or above the neckline.” There may be other changes pertaining to specific grooming and appearance regulations, such as body piercings and makeup, but Chandler’s remarks only covered tattoos, according to Stars and Stripes, which says it had a reporter at the announcement. Lt. Col. Alayne Conway, a public affairs officer for the Army, told HLN that the branch is trying to refrain from comments on the policy until it has been put into place. “We don’t want to get ahead of the policy review until it’s gone final,” she said. According to Chandler’s Afghanistan announcement, the changes could happen in the next 30 to 60 days. In an e-mailed statement, Conway also said the Army is still looking at the new apparel rule. “The Army is conducting final reSEE TATTOO ON PAGE 3
Staff Sgt. Spencer Bowers, force protection noncommissioned officer in charge for the 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, proudly shows off his 10th Mountain Division patch tattoo. Bowers had the symbol inked on his arm after completing his first deployment with the unit. (Photo: SSgt Stephanie van Geete/US Army)
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September 26 - October 2, 2013
Tri-State Defender
NEWS
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view of the forthcoming uniform policy – Army Regulation 670-1 (the total policy applying to the wear and appearance of the Army uniform) prior to its implementation.” For soldiers currently serving, “Tattoos or brands that are indecent, sexist or racist are not authorized on any location of the body (and) are prohibited. Tattoos or brands on the head or face are prohibited. These restrictions have been in place since 2006.” In discussing the potential tattoo policy changes in Afghanistan, Chandler said that while soldiers currently serving will be “grandfathered in,” soldiers in violation of the new rules at the time of their recruitment will have to get the offending marks lasered off in order to serve, and must pay for the procedure themselves. News of these potential new guidelines seems to have stirred up some discontent in the Army community. Stars and Stripes reporter Josh Smith told NPR he talked to soldiers on the bases where Chandler made his announcement, and many were “not happy” with the new rules. Other military blogs have expressed similar dissatisfaction with the change, and social media sites are overflowing with opinions, which range from calling the move “beyond stupid” to defending it as “making the Army a little less gross.” Others point out that calling these tattoo guidelines “new” may be a bit misleading. As the Army statement indicates, the Army’s current, more lenient tattoo policies were implemented in 2006 in order to open up recruitment. Prior to that time, a policy similar to Chandler’s announced policy was in place. The Daily Beast connects the Army’s stricter tattoo policy to an inverse cause; instead of increasing recruitment, the Army is set to reduce its numbers as conflicts overseas wane.
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September 26 - October 2, 2013
Project Homeless Connect – fired-up outreach Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Kelly Martin
For servant hearts, filling an expansive room at Cook Convention Center with warmth merited the effort. Project Homeless Connect – sponsored by FedEx Cares – was full throttle last Thursday (Sept. 19th), with hundreds of needy Memphians receiving assistance and resources. “This is really a blessing, what y’all are doing for us,” one patron told a volunteer. “We really need the help.” Dozens of agencies and service providers collaborated to offer health screenings, housing resources, job search information, IDs, free haircuts, and various other services. Volunteers, about 130 of them, greeted the attendees, ushering them to the source of help that most matched the need. “For all the people who have come out today, I just want them to get the services they need whether it’s food stamps, an ID, or legal assistance,” said Porsha Goodman, a volunteer. Like the other volunteers, Goodman had hopes that those served would be able to use the experience to develop or enhance their ability to acquire services when needed. About 10 years ago, Project Homeless Connect sprouted in
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something that was truly long overdue,” said Smith. The online survey asked questions designed to yield answers to inquiries such as these: “Who has the best hot wings in Memphis?” “What about Soul food?” “What is the Best Barber Shop in Memphis?” “What about Beauty Salon?”
FedEx Express Senior Vice-President Shannon Brown greets one of the nearly 130 volunteers at Project Homeless Connect. (Courtesy photos) San Francisco. Mayor Gavin Newsom saw how much funding was going into homeless relief agencies, yet so many people remained homeless. The health department set up a card table on a city block one day, reaching out to people who did not have adequate transportation or paperwork to seek government assistance. Project Homeless Connect is now in 200 cities nationwide. “I want every homeless person here to leave with hope and a visual path out of homelessness,” said Katie Kitchin, executive director of Community Alliance for the homeless, “Sometimes, they will come
here and not necessarily leave with keys to an apartment, but if they work with the volunteers and know ‘next week I have a job interview,’ a job lead to follow up on, or a shelter voucher for the next few weeks, those small things can really be key building blocks back into housing and into the community.” The warm-spirited volunteers moved Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell Jr. “I mean look at all the people who came out to volunteer!” said Luttrell. “This is our ongoing initiative to eradicate homelessness in Shelby County. It’s a bold initiative, but you have to have bold
“What Nail Salon tops all others?” The BIB Awards mission is to celebrate African-American-owned and supported businesses and individuals in the Mid-South, serving as a marketing and recognition platform for those same companies and individuals while ultimately encouraging the community’s next generation of leaders. Smith said The BIB Awards also give the community a true voice in identifying and elevating those businesses most deserv-
ing of the community’s support. “I’ve observed similar platforms done by other publications in the area and they all seem to mostly exclude the majority of African-American-owned companies, which are mostly service and retailrelated businesses,” said Smith. “It is our intention to build a dynamic annual ‘contest’ and event in which the Greater Memphis community can both anticipate and participate each year and be incredibly proud
Dozens of agencies and service providers collaborated to offer services, including free haircuts, health screenings, housing resources, job search information and IDs. ideas to make bold progress.” Shannon Brown, Senior Vice-President, Chief Human Resources and Diversity Officer of FedEx Express, said he was passionate about the homeless because “any one of us could be in this situation.” “Most homeless people just don’t know where to go, so they lose hope and confidence
in doing so.” The top three vote getters in each of the top 25 most popular categories have been invited to the Best in Black Awards Show and the VIP Pre-Show on Friday (Sept 27th) at the TSD’s downtown office on Beale Street. Doors for the black-carpet, black-tie awards show will open at 6 p.m. The TSD will host a black carpet interview and photo session for nominees, sponsors and special guests, with the show set to begin promptly
in themselves to try to find out and receive help,” said Brown. “What we are doing is taking action and instilling hope back into individuals. Services are available to find housing, medical care, or employment.” The event was a great place to connect because Memphis does care, he said.
at 7 p.m. Sponsors include Allstate Insurance (Cynthia Scales), Cigna, Service Master, and Trust One Bank. Other supporters include Olympic Financial Empowerment Centers, SubRoy Dance Studio, Felecia Bean Catering and Real Times Media, Inc. Limited sponsorship and advertising opportunities are still available. For details, visit www.bestinblackawards.com or call 901-523-1818.
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OPINION
Tri-State Defender
September 26 - October 2, 2013
John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)
The Mid-Southʼs Best Alternative Newspaper
A Real Times Newspaper
• Bernal E. Smith II President / Publisher • Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Executive Editor
U.S. doesn’t care about poor people
Food stamp cuts kick Americans when they’re down
We are in the middle of a fight to preserve the dignity and grace that makes all of us Americans. We have big hearts and great souls. I know. I have seen them, felt them and watched them in wonder when my family was lost and unreachable in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. I cried, worrying for those I loved, heartbroken by what happened to our beloved Louisiana. And in the middle of that tough moment, the decency of people shone through in e-mails, phone calls and in person. Everybody was saying the same thing: “How can I help?” This is what we do in times of struggle. We offer our hand and our love to pull someone up who’s been knocked down by hard times and despair. It’s just a fundamental rule in life and in any fight; you don’t kick people when they’re down. But for some reason, this principle has been lost on the 217 members of the House of Representatives who decided to lace up some combat boots with rough, crushing soles to kick and kick again the 48 million Americans who count on food stamps. I am not going to mince words. When the House voted to cut $40 billion to the food stamp program over the next 10 years, that wasn’t an example of government tightening its belt or making tough choices. That vote wasn’t a philosophy or an ideology about governing. Pure and simple, it was a heartless act. It was cruel. It was kicking millions of our families, neighbors and friends when they are down. And the people who work for a living in this country are down. Let’s take a walk through the facts of what’s happened to them during the Great Recession and this nonrecovery of the economy. The median family net worth dropped from $126,400 in 2007 to $77,300 in 2010, according to the Federal Reserve. It gets worse. Median family income fell from $49,600 in 2007 to $45,800 in 2010. (These are the latest available figures). “The Fed (Federal Reserve) found that middle-class families had sustained the largest percentage losses in both wealth and income during the crisis, limiting their ability and willingness to spend,” according to The New York Times. For 30 years, wages have flat-lined or declined for most workers, particularly in the past 10 years, as lowpaying jobs replace middle-income paying jobs. In 2009, only half of the country had any assets, and those numbers have gotten worse during the last three years. And here’s the kicker. Today – based on wage levels – half of Americans live in poverty or near poverty. The gap between the wellto-do and everybody else is widening alarmingly. Probably everyone reading this knows someone who is striving mightily, working two jobs and cutting expenses to the bone while barely making ends meet. To be considered poor by federal standards, a family of four must make less than $23,550 a year. A person must make less than $11,490. For the unemployed and the millions who have been looking for work for six months or more, the struggle is many times harder and uglier. Ask any worker at Starbucks, Cosi, McDonald’s or Walmart, “How many jobs do you have?” and likely he or she will tell you: “Two.” I know colleagues who’ve had breakfast at one store, and gone to lunch in another, only to find the same person waiting on them. One young woman I heard about gets up at 4 a.m. for her first job and ends her day at 10 p.m. at her second job. The average allotment of food stamps is $133 a person a month. Let me tell you something I can pretty much bet my house on – that woman is not using her food stamp card to buy lobsters and caviar. She’s quietly going to the food pantry, checking the sales in
Donna Brazile
the grocery store, spending some time at the kitchen table clipping coupons and making a serious plan to turn that box of pasta, pound of beef, and if she’s lucky, some fresh fruits and vegetables, into a meal plan truly worthy of a Guc-
ci belt. Is there fraud? Yes. Is there some waste? Yes. But today, the food stamp program has an error rate of only 3 percent – and those errors were mostly committed by the government in underpayments as well as overpayments and payments to ineligible families. Fraud is a piece of grain compared with the millions of families who manage to put food on the table because of this program. And those few bad apples who do commit fraud are no excuse to kick the unemployed and the poor when they are engaged in a mighty battle to get themselves and their families back on their feet. So shame on this Congress for fighting dirty during working people’s hour of struggle. Polls show Americans haven’t approved much of Congress lately. But there is a way to gain favor. If this Congress wants to make cuts, why not look at the Pentagon, notorious for waste? Or check out the Department of Agriculture, which made about $28 million in inappropriate farm assistance payments, according to a compilation of government waste reported in Business Insider. Or perhaps lawmakers could start with themselves? Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., tried to shame her colleagues into cutting less from the food stamp program (called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP). Speaking of representatives who would vote to take food from America’s tables, she said, “Some of these same members travel to foreign countries under the guise of official business. They dine at lavish restaurants, eating steak, vodka and even caviar.” Speier talked about 20 members of Congress who traveled to Ireland and got a daily food allowance of $166. The average amount a family member gets on food stamps is less than $4 a day. And The Des Moines Register reported that Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, received $3,588 in taxpayer funds for both food and lodging during a sixday trip to Russia. The Register urged King to try the “SNAP Challenge” and live on $4 a day. He could even try it in Russia. Yet our representatives, one after the other, mostly Republicans, stepped onto the House floor to speak and vote in the name of saving money for the taxpayer. They went after the poor, the unemployed, the single mom, the single dad, the grandparents – all those people who are trying to make it work. Well, they didn’t just do wrong; they are wrong. I urge the Senate to restore every single dime to the food stamp program. I applaud the president for saying that he’ll veto these cuts. We’re lacing up our shoes, too, but we’re going to fight these merciless cuts with the golden rule. You know why? “Do unto others” trumps “kick ’em when they’re down” every time. The American people are decent and fair. It’s time to stand tall for this essential program for millions. It’s time and our might will make this right. (CNN contributor and nationally syndicated columnist and author Donna Brazile is vice chairwoman for voter registration and participation at the Democratic National Committee and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University.)
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IN THE MAIL
Obama still the ‘tough guy’ after Syrian deal
In any movie, TV show or book, the toughest guy is always the one that never actually has to draw his weapon. In old western movies, you always knew who the tough guy was, he just walked into the bar and everybody started finishing their drinks and running. You watch “The Wire” and all somebody had to yell was “Omar’s coming” and folks scattered. By the time Samuel L. Jackson shows up in any scene most people are already looking for an escape route (even the snakes). In the movies, just like real life, the tough guy is the one who makes things happen without having to lift a finger; his mere presence or even the vaguest threat is enough to get things done. Even though we all know the Hollywood tropes, some political analysts and Washington D.C. insiders insist on attacking President Obama about his Syria policy. The reality is that he is now and has been the tough guy throughout this crisis. The Syrian Civil War is a legitimate concern for the United States even though like most Mid-Eastern policy the majority of the country has no idea what is going on in that part of the world. After decades of rule the Syrian people grew tired of Bashir Al Assad’s family running the country like their personal. Generally a civil war in a nation that funds terrorists (according to the U.S.) would be a good thing, unfortunately the situation has become so volatile that nobody, including Assad’s neighbors, really knows what to do. The Civil War has been going so badly for the Assad regime that after years of denying he even knew how to spell the words in “chemical weapons,” Assad used them on a group of rebels in late August. At that point President Obama felt he needed to get involved. Most Americans aren’t aware of the facts above, and certainly our national economy, healthcare and other issues take up more of our time and energy. However, the president doesn’t have the luxury of only focusing on the United States. His job is to take a look at everything all of the time and determine how that might affect America. The last month of Syrian statements and speeches from the White House and hearings from Congress have been Obama’s attempt at making it clear why America has a vested interest in Syria. And why using military bombing on Assad’s weapons capacity would be in our best interest. The narrative from most of the press over the last month falls into the following three categories: 1.) That Obama was unclear and confusing in his foreign policy goals for Syria. 2.) That Obama was going to “lose Congress” on any authorization vote. And then after last week’s 11th hour deal brokered through Russia that 3.) Obama was outmaneuvered and essentially “punked” by Russian leader Vladimir Putin. None of these things could be further from the
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
truth. The President said he wanted to punish Bashir Al Assad for using c h e m i c a l weapons, get rid of the chemical weapons and at some point get Assad out of power. These are Dr. Jason neither conflictJohnson ing nor unrealistic goals. At this point it looks likely that both goals one and two were accomplished without firing a shot. The president was likely going to win approval for air strikes on Syria in the Senate, at least until Sec. of State John Kerry’s awful performance in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. However, there are a couple of things to remember regarding the president and Congress. First, (at that point) using the War Powers Act of 1973 Obama could have sent air strikes to Syria and not needed Congressional approval for 30 days. Second, Congress, especially the House of Representatives, universally votes against anything the president calls for, which explains why Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, John McCain and several other Republicans in the House and Senate were all in favor of military action against Syria UNTIL President Obama was on board. Finally, this notion that Vladimir Putin outmaneuvered President Obama…brings us back to our “Tough Guy” rhetoric that we all know too well. The President merely threatened the use of force in Syria, and suddenly the Russians, Syria’s most powerful ally, comes running with a peace plan. That’s right, Obama didn’t have to lift a finger and the Russians jump in to provide a peace plan. There is absolutely no way that the Russians would have gotten involved in this crisis if they didn’t fear American military force under Obama. What many analysts fail to acknowledge is that many of Syria’s weapons systems are coordinated by Russian engineers. Any attack on Syrian weapons would have killed Russian citizens and Putin did not want to show and prove his tough guy image against the United States. … The President’s policies on Syria have not always been great, or pretty, and we know they have as much to do with natural gas as with a humanitarian crisis, but he certainly comes out of this situation still looking like the commander in chief of the world’s most powerful military. Even with a hostile Congress, skeptical public and muddled narrative, he can still send nations running just by opening his mouth, and by most American standards that should be “tough enough.” (Dr. Jason Johnson is a professor of political science at Hiram College. Reach him at Drjasonjohnson.com and on Twitter @Drjasonjohnson. 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 2013 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.
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When the poverty data was released on Sept. 17, comparing the poverty situation in 2011 to that in 2012, many hoped that poverty levels would drop as an indication of economic good Julianne news. But while Malveaux the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) has risen, and the wealthy are gaining income, those stuck at the bottom are still simply stuck. Poverty rates in 2013, at more than 15 percent, are almost the same as they were last year. Poverty in the African-American community, at more than 27 percent has not improved. Similarly, Latinos experience an unemployment rate more than 26 percent. Again, no improvement. In the face of this data, Congress decided to cut food programs by $40 billion, which kicks between 2 and 4 million people out of the program. Additionally, there are work requirements now imposed on those who receive food stamps. With official unemployment rates exceeding 7 percent, where are the poor supposed to find employment? It appears that this is a war, or at least a series of aggressive actions. Congressional stereotypes about the poor has driven their policy decisions to cut back programs such as food stamps and to require work as a condition of receiving nutritional assistance. The vote to eliminate nutritional assistance was achingly close, with a margin of about 10 votes separating those who decided to maintain food assistance and those who wanted to cut it. Every Democrat voted not to cut food assistance; some Republicans joined them. I guess those who voted to reduce these benefits have no hungry people in their districts. The message of the poverty data is that our nation really does not care about poor people. We have seen that “trickle down” and other theories fail, and we have yet to implement a model that requires those who have gained economic expansion to share their gains with an economy that is faltering. The poverty data, absent of action, suggests that some people think it will “work itself out” the way it has before. Those with that opinion are ignoring the fact that our economy is restructuring. It is easier to get a service job than a professional job and manufacturing jobs are disappearing. Cities have failed to provide economic development dollars to those who would bring jobs to their cities. I’m not talking about any kinds jobs though. I’m talking about jobs that generate a living wage. In Washington, D.C., Mayor Vincent Gray vetoed legislation that would raise the wage for those who work in “big box” stores such as Wal-Mart and Best Buy. He was stuck between the choice to create more jobs or to impose fair wages. He chose the former. Mayors across the country are faced with these kinds of choices, so this can’t be local policy. It has to be national policy to raise the wages of those at the bottom. Sure, the business community will fight this, asserting that they won’t hire if wages rise. That’s not necessarily true. Higher wages may cut their profits just a bit, but shouldn’t employers be willing to see slightly lower profits in exchange for the economic survival of their workers? Those who aren’t on the bottom now exhale and say this issue doesn’t matter to them. But the way we are going, the person who is living high on the hog today might be making low wages (or no wages) tomorrow. The low wage issue is important to all of us. This poverty issue affects all of us, and we need to respond to the fact that too many of our brothers and sisters (of all races) are poor and unemployed or under employed. Our indifference is a profound concurrence in the oppression of others. (NNPA columnist Julianne Malveaux, a Washington, D.C.based economist and writer, is President Emerita of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C.)
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Tri-State Defender
CARE
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
Insurance Program (CHIP), and enroll in health coverage. By the numbers: Uninsured Tennesseans eligible for coverage through the Marketplace: • 889,014 (16 percent) are uninsured and eligible • 628,013 (71 percent) have a full-time worker in the family • 351,250 (40 percent) are 19-34 years old • 602,238 (68 percent) are white • 193,075 (22 percent) are African American • 62,214 (7 percent) are Latino/Hispanic • 9,938 (1 percent) are Asian American or Pacific Islander • 499,218 (56 percent) are male Ninety-four percent (834,204) of Tennessee’s uninsured and eligible population may qualify for either tax credits to purchase coverage in the Marketplace or for Medicaid if Tennessee takes advantage of the new opportunity to expand Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Tennessee has received $9,110,165 in grants for research, planning, information technology development, and implementation of its Health Insurance Marketplace.
New coverage for young adults
Under the health care law, if your plan covers children, you can now add or keep your children on your health insurance policy until they turn 26 years old. Over 3 million young people who would otherwise have been uninsured have gained coverage nationwide, including 59,000 young adults in Tennessee.
Pre-existing conditions
As many as 2,764,651 nonelderly Tennesseans have some type of pre-existing health condition, including 352,794 children. Today, insurers can no longer deny coverage to children because of a pre-existing condition, like asthma or diabetes, under the health care law. And beginning in 2014, health insurers will no longer be able to charge more or deny coverage to anyone because of a pre-existing condition. The health care law also established a temporary health insurance program for individuals who were denied health insurance coverage because of a pre-existing condition. Since program began, 1,915 Tennesseans with pre-existing conditions have gained coverage through the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance.
BETTER VALUE The 80/20 Rule
Health insurance companies now have to spend at least 80 cents of your premium dollar on health care or improvements to care, or provide you a refund. This means that 131,826 Tennessee residents with private insurance coverage will benefit from $5,618,993 in refunds from insurance companies this year, for an average refund of $69 per family covered by a policy.
Unreasonable premium increases
In every state and for the first time under Federal law, insurance companies are required to publicly justify their actions if they want to raise rates by 10 percent or more. Tennessee has received $4,979,002 under the new law to help fight unreasonable premium increases.
Removing lifetime limits on benefits
The law bans insurance companies from imposing lifetime dollar limits on health benefits – freeing cancer patients and individuals suffering from other chronic diseases from having to worry about going without treatment because of their lifetime limits. Already, 2,042,000 people in Tennessee, including 775,000 women and 523,000 children, are free from worrying about lifetime limits on coverage. The law also restricts the use of annual limits and bans them completely in 2014.
BETTER HEALTH Covering preventive services with no deductible or co-pay
The health care law requires
NEWS
many insurance plans to provide coverage without cost sharing to enrollees for a variety of preventive health services, such as colonoscopy screening for colon cancer, Pap smears and mammograms for women, well-child visits, and flu shots for all children and adults. In 2011 and 2012, 71 million Americans with private health insurance gained preventive service coverage with no costsharing, including 1,413,000 in Tennessee. And for policies renewing on or after August 1, 2012, women can now get coverage without cost-sharing of even more preventive services they need. Approximately 47 million women, including 960,501 in Tennessee will now have guaranteed access to additional preventive services without cost-sharing.
More support for community health centers
The health care law increases the funding available to community health centers nationwide. In Tennessee, 26 health centers operate 190 sites, providing preventive and primary health care services to 372,360 people. Health Center grantees in Tennessee have received $87,530,485 under the health care law to support ongoing health center operations and to establish new health center sites, expand services, and/or support major capital improvement projects. Community Health Centers in all 50 states have also received a total of $150 million in federal grants to help enroll uninsured Americans in the Health Insurance Marketplace, including $3,166,282 awarded to Tennessee health centers. With these funds, Tennessee health centers expect to hire 69 additional workers, who will assist 70,434 Tennesseans with enrollment into affordable health insurance coverage.
The primary care workforce
As a result of investments through the health care law and the Recovery Act, the numbers of clinicians in the National Health Service Corps are at alltime highs, with nearly 10,000 Corps clinicians providing care to more than 10.4 million people who live in rural, urban, and frontier communities. The National Health Service Corps repays educational loans and provides scholarships to primary care physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, behavioral health providers, and other primary care providers who practice in areas of the country that have too few health care professionals to serve the people who live there. As of Sept. 30, 2012, there were 175 Corps clinicians providing primary care services in Tennessee, compared to 94 in 2008.
Preventing illness, promoting health
As of March 2012, Tennessee had received $15,100,000 in grants from the Prevention and Public Health Fund created by the health care law.
A STRONGER MEDICARE Affordable prescriptions for seniors
In Tennessee, people with Medicare saved nearly $148 million on prescription drugs because of the Affordable Care Act. In 2012 alone, 80,991 individuals in Tennessee saved over $50 million, or an average of $617 per beneficiary. In 2012, people with Medicare in the “donut hole” received a 50 percent discount on covered brand name drugs and 14 percent discount on generic drugs. Under the health care law, coverage for both brand name and generic drugs will continue to increase over time until the coverage gap is closed. Nationally, over 6.6 million people with Medicare have saved over $7 billion on drugs since the law’s enactment.
Covering preventive services with no deductible or co-pay
With no deductibles or copays, cost is no longer a barrier for seniors and people with disabilities who want to stay healthy by detecting and treating health problems early. In
September 26 - October 2, 2013
2012 alone, an estimated 34.1 million people benefited from Medicare’s coverage of preventive services with no costsharing. In Tennessee, 608,253 individuals with traditional Medicare used one or more free preventive service in 2012.
Protecting Medicare
The health care law extends the life of the Medicare Trust Fund by 10 years. From 2010 to 2012, Medicare spending per beneficiary grew at 1.7 percent annually, substantially more slowly than the per capita rate of growth in the economy. The health care law also helps stop fraud with tougher screening procedures, stronger penalties, and new technology. Over the last four years, fraud enforcement efforts have recovered $14.9 billion from fraudsters.
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NATION
Growth in black buying power continues (Black PR Wire)
WASHINGTON – (BUSINESS WIRE) – AfricanAmerican buying power continues to increase and is expected to rise from its current $1 trillion level to $1.3 trillion by 2017, according to Resilient, Receptive and Relevant: The African-American Consumer 2013 Report. The report was released on Friday (Sept. 20) by Nielsen, a leading global provider of information and insights into what consumers watch and buy, in collaboration with the NNPA during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 43rd Annual Legislative Conference. Highlights from the report include: Fifty-three percent of the 43 million blacks in the U.S. are under the age of 35, and the black population has grown 63 percent faster than the general market population. Blacks watch more television (37 percent); make more shopping trips (eight), purchase more ethnic beauty and grooming products (nine times more), read more financial magazines (28 percent) and spend more than twice the time on personal hosted websites than any other group. Although 81 percent of blacks said they believed that products advertised using black media are more relevant to them, only 3 percent or $2.24 billion of the $75 billion spent on television, magazine, Internet and radio advertising was with media focused specifically on black audiences. The findings were announced by Cheryl PearsonMcNeil, senior vice-president, public affairs and government relations for Nielsen, Cloves Campbell, chairman of the NNPA, a 73-year-old federation of 200 black community Diahann Carroll and Kerry Washington share the state at the 2013 Emmys. (Photo: Kevin Hunter/Getty Images)
newspapers; and A. Shuanise Washington, president and chief executive officer of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. “The consumer insights this year are some of the most varied yet,” said Pearson-McNeil. “From store brand loyalty, to top watched television networks, which mobile apps are most popular, a deep dive into how blacks spend their digital time, and how companies can reach 10 million black consumers by developing a southern regional strategy – this year’s report is really a compelling read for both advertisers and marketers.” Campbell said this year’s report goes a step further and lists the premier 50 companies in the top five categories committed to the black community economically. “This type of information helps the NNPA continue our efforts to create conscious consumers who better understand how their economic power has a direct impact on the marketplace overall and that kind of information is invaluable,” said Campbell. Beyond the business impact blacks have on the economy, the report also provides more granular insights into its population growth, and demographic uniqueness, which was of particular interest to Washington. “The CBCFs mission is to advance the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public,” said Washington. “Nielsen’s report will prove helpful as we continue our efforts to improve the socioeconomic circumstances of African Americans and other underserved communities.” (To download a full copy of the report, visit www.nielsen.com.)
Trailblazers grace 2013 Emmys CNN
by Breeanna Hare The 2013 Emmys had a few memorable pairs – Tina Fey and Amy Poehler; comedy winners Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Tony Hale – but Diahann Carroll and Kerry Washington were history in the making. The two trailblazers walked out hand-in-hand to present the Emmy for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series, and both endearingly honored the work each has done. At 78, Carroll is a legend – not just for having talent and charm to spare but for bursting through TV’s barriers. In 1968, the actress became the first African-American woman to lead her own TV show. Washington, 36, has accomplished another first with ABC’s “Scandal,” as she’s the
first African-American woman to lead a network TV drama since 1974. (Yes, 1974. Let that sink in for a minute.) But beyond their pioneering work in TV, both women gave viewers a candid moment that was as inspiring as it was authentic: see both Carroll’s quip about how much more attractive TV’s lead actors have become, and her frank proclamation that Washington “better win” the lead actress in a drama Emmy. “Diahann Carroll for president,” tweeted The Atlantic’s Richard Lawson. “For those frantically Googling, the woman you want to be when you grow up is named Diahann Carroll,” added Gawker. But as it turned out, despite Carroll’s insistence, the outstanding lead actress in a drama Emmy ended up going to Claire Danes for “Homeland.”
September 26 - October 2, 2013
Tri-State Defender
BUSINESS
Tri-State Defender
Page 7
September 26 - October 2, 2013
ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY
Where is the money? Don’t overlook the MAAG Business start-ups challenged by the need for funding should not overlook the Memphis Area Association of Governments – MAAG. According to its website, MAAG was created to facilitate and support activities that stimulate economic and community development in the community.
Revolving Loan Fund
MAAG – in addition to serving in a supporting role for governments and nonprofits – also provides loans through its Revolving Loan
F u n d (RLF). A t o o l specifically targeting small and medium-sized businesses, the RLF is used to Carlee McCullough “promote expansion and job retention” by offering gap financing. RLF loans are typically based on the “borrower’s
needs, repayment ability, collateral financed and confirmation of jobs created.” The interest rates are determined by the applicant’s credit profile and may be as low as two percentage points below the prime rate. With the capability to provide gap financing between $25,000 and $150,000, MAAG works in conjunction with a partnering institution. The partnering institution’s existing loan application process is used to evaluate the loan and the RLF will apply against the partnering institution’s loan limit.
AT A GLANCE
What: The Memphis Area Association of Governments Reach: Supports Memphis and Shelby County, in addition to Fayette, Lauderdale, Tipton, Desoto and Crittenden counties as it relates to federal and state initiatives connected to the economy, housing and community development. Executive director: Pamela Marshall, chief of staff for former Interim Shelby County Mayor Joseph Ford, vice president of Public Policy and Affairs at the Greater Chamber of Commerce, and the Community Relations officer for the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Board: The MAAG board includes representatives from area chambers of commerce, convention and visitors bureaus and others focused on creatively working to market the region to visitors. Pamela Role: As part of its support to local governments and non-profits, “MAAG Marshall prepares and submits grant applications for strategic projects, secures funding for implementation and provides administrative services through the process.” In addition to offering the Revolving Loan Fund and the Emergency Relief Program, MAAG has been designated the Regional Tourism Organization.
MONEY MATTERS
Women and retirement investing Career opportunities for women have expanded greatly over the last couple of decades. Yet during their lifetimes, women still earn less money than men, primarily because they take time off from their jobs to care for children or aging parents. Women also have longer life spans than men, so they may need to fund additional years in retirement with fewer financial resources. One study found that the average retirement savings for a woman aged 65 to 69 was about 22 percent less than that of a man of the same age. Given the challenges, it’s understandable that women are 42 percent more likely than men to express concern about having enough money for retirement (according to a 2012 survey). Focusing on saving for the future and managing retirement plan investments wisely could help many women improve their retirement prospects.
Career gains
Almost 60 percent of today’s U.S. college students are women, and the majority of graduates who pursue master’s degrees and doctorates are also women. Income disparity between the sexes has also improved – working women now earn about 80 cents for every dollar earned by men, up from 62 cents 30 years ago. As a result, female breadwinners have become more common than they were in previous generations. Around 40 percent of wives now earn higher salaries than their husbands. To make up for time spent outside the workforce, women
may want to contribute as much as possible to employersponsored retirement plans, especially if they have the opporCharles Sims Jr., CFP tunity to benefit from a company match. The maximum employee contribution to a 401(k) or 403(b) plan in 2013 is $17,500 ($23,000 for those aged 50 and older). Distributions from most employer-sponsored retirement plans are taxed as ordinary income. Withdrawals taken prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10 percent federal income tax penalty, with certain exceptions such as the plan participant’s death or disability.
Risk tolerance
A Federal Reserve Bank economist has estimated that the more conservative retirement investments chosen by women investors may be responsible for about 10 percent of the difference between men’s and women’s retirement account balances. The risk/reward trade-off means that investments involving less risk typically have a lower potential for return, and vice versa. A portfolio with too little growth potential may not accumulate enough assets for someone to enjoy a comfortable retirement, and/or returns may not keep pace with inflation. Some anxieties about investment risk among women may stem from a lack of knowledge,
but a more cautious approach is not always detrimental. For example, some experts believe that investors who treat investing like a sport or competition tend to chase performance and could suffer losses as a result. As a group, women are generally less likely than men to be “overconfident” in their ability to select outperforming investments, a trait that may help them avoid costly mistakes such as trading excessively or taking inappropriate risks. Over the long run, a steady buy-and-hold strategy based on the investor’s financial goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance could serve men and women well. In some marriages (and among older couples in particular), husbands may be handling many of the household’s investing decisions. Considering the possibility of divorce and the tendency for wives to outlive their husbands, it is likely that 80 percent to 90 percent of women may need to take control of their finances at some point in their lives. Women, whether single or married, might benefit from educating themselves on all aspects of household finances, including investments, insurance, and the beneficiary designations on retirement accounts. (Charles Sims Jr. is president/ CEO of The Sims Financial Group. Contact him at 901-682-2410 or visit w w w. S i m s F i n a n c i a l Group.com.)
In an era when startup funds are rare, the RLF can be used for business start up. In addition, the funds can be used for expansion, conversion and/or working capital. The terms are traditionally 15 years on real estate and 7 years on equipment.
Emergency Relief Program
MAAG also provides oversight for the government-funded Emergency Relief Program (ERP) for senior citizens in need of repairs to their homes.
The ERP is a matching grant provided to low-income seniors who own their homes and are in need of work on an essential system and/or critical structural problem. Matching means that there must be some other funds involved as well. The applicant must be at least 60 years of age, the property must be owner occupied and the applicant must have an ownership interest in the property. The household income must be at or below 60 percent of area median income. The maximum amount of the grant is $10,000.
The ERP is designed to provide assistance so that the homeowner can remain in the property. The funds can be used to provide repairs to the roofs, electrical systems, plumbing systems, septic systems, heating and air systems, and/or structural repairs to floors and walls. (For more information, visit www.MAAGOV.org or call 901-729-2871.) (Contact Carlee McCullough, Esq., at 5308 Cottonwood Road, Suite 1A, Memphis, TN 38118, or email her at jstce4all@aol.com.)
RELIGION
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Tri-State Defender
September 26 - October 2, 2013
LIVING THE LIFE I LOVE
Advice for queens and kings of procrastination
Dear Lucy: In your last article you talked about goals and things we may do to block reaching them. You mentioned procrastination and that is my biggest problem. Can you say more about it? – The Queen Of Putting It Off
Dear Queen: Don’t despair. Not doing is just the flip side of doing. You have the power to be the queen of the one you choose, moment by moment. Sometimes, not doing is as important as doing. The truth is that we all know when we need to choose a different way of being. That still, small voice speaks to us and relentlessly tries to move us to the best choice. Recently, I was making a purchase on line and did not complete it. I got an email from the vendor reminding me to complete my order. It was cute
Special delivery…
and said this: “I’ve noticed that you haven’t yet completed your order. Let me just take a guess at why (just humor me). These are a few things I can think of... 1. A polar bear knocked at your Lucy front door {;)}. Shaw 2. It was dinnertime and you had to jet off quickly. 3. Your family was running around tugging on your shirt asking you to help with something. 4. Our page was down (“Oops, sorry for that. I’m sure it’s fixed by now”). This was the perfect way to get the
attention of a procrastinator! One of the major characteristics of procrastinators is their inability to make a choice or decision. Another is that they have grandiose, bizarre reasons for not finishing or moving forward; and they like to blame someone else or the system. With humor, this vendor covered every possibility for my not finishing the order. Of course, the one that was willfully ignored by them is the possibility that I made a CHOICE not to finish! The other real biggee with procrastinators is the fear of moving forward, fear of the unknown due to lack of clarity about the consequences of forward momentum and the habitual trick of self sabotage. The opposite of Fear is Love. Getting results in ways that move us forward requires Love. Love of self, love of
the dream, love of what the success can bring and love of all of the learning that takes place during the journey to success. So, are you loving yourself enough to give yourself permission to have your dream or goal? Are you passionate and on fire enough about it to not allow yourself or anyone else to throw water on it? Do you love what it can do not only for you but for others as well? And most important, are you willing to buckle down and discipline yourself to learn something new? Learning something new may mean giving up old ways of being or knowing. Moving forward often means letting go of the past and sometimes letting go of people. We have to be willing to do this, if only temporarily. I hope I have given you enough to
think about and diagnose your reasons for procrastinating. Remember to stand in your power knowing that to be wonderful, brilliant, beautiful and successful is your birthright! Blessings, 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 Cornerstone service spotlights sanctuary
Loie Watkins (right), wife of the Rev. Melvin D. Watkins, copastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist ChurchWestwood, delivered “The Message of Hope” during the churchʼs Womenʼs Day observance last Sunday (Sept. 22). Also pictured is Juanita Smith. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)
Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church at 765 South Parkway East will re-dedicate its sanctuary with a service Saturday (Sept. 28) at 10 a.m. Dr. Brian E. Bartlett Sr., pastor of Lake Grove and moderator of the Whitehaven District Association, will be the guest speaker. Support churches include West Antioch No. 2 of Coldwater, Miss., Gospel Temple of Rosedale, Miss., St. Luke Baptist of Jackson, Tenn., and Centenary United Methodist Church and Central Baptist Church of Memphis. The host pastor is Dr. Eugene Henson.
Battle of the male choruses
The Southern Sons present the Battle of the Male Choruses at Freedom Bible Church at 4720 Boeingshire on Sunday (Sept. 29) at 6 p.m. Some of the “best male choruses in the area” will perform. The lineup includes The Peacemakers, Botts
Chapel, Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church (Rossville, Tenn.), Eternal Peace, Ellis Grove, Peace Baptist Church and St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church (Collierville). The Rev. John Powell, pastor of Jones Grove Missionary Baptist Church (Holly Springs, Miss.) will lead the devotion for the event, which is free to public. The host pastor is the Rev. Leo Patton.
Music ministry recording set at The New Olivet
The New Olivet Sanctuary Choir and the Youth Choir will be recording at the church at 3084 Southern Ave. on Sunday (Sept. 29), beginning at 6 p.m. The doors for the live-recording event will open at 5:30 p.m. It will feature original music written by Allen F. Todd II, minister of music, the Rev. Paul Claxton, Youth Choir director, the Rev. Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr., the host pastor. For more information, call (901)454-7777; visit www.olivetbc.com.
Rap star Lecrae prepares to put on his ‘Church Clothes’ again Real Times News Service
by Dion Rabouin How do you follow up the most important Christian hip-hop album of all time? That’s the question standing before 33-year-old rapper Lecrae, a freshlyminted addition to Atlanta’s hip hop community. After his 2012 album “Gravity” hit no. 1 on the rap charts (not the Christian rap charts) and no. 3 on the Billboard 200, won the Grammy Award for Best Gospel album and his “Church Clothes” mixtape racked up 100,000 downloads, certified platinum by mixtape kingpin Datpiff.com in 48 hours, Lecrae has our attention. He’s also got the attention of hip hop heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar, DJ Premier, Freddie Gibbs and Saigon, and has been named checked by athletes such as Houston Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin,
NFL quarterback Tim Tebow and PGA golfer Bubba Watson. “Christian is my faith,” says Lecrae, “not my genre.” Clearly, he is defying not just the boundaries of Christian rap, but of hip hop, altogether. So where does he go from here? In this interview with the Atlanta Daily World, one of hip hop’s most sought-after and talked-about lyricists talks about where he is, where he’s going and the state of hip hop, Godly and otherwise.
ADW: You’re coming off a huge album – you had the number one rap album, won the Grammy Award for Best Gospel album, you were the first holy hip hop artist to do that. What’s next for you? Lecrae: For me, it’s just continuing to make good music. I’m gonna work on the album, I got a mixtape, “Church Clothes Vol. 2” coming out with Don Cannon, and for me it’s just bridging the gap between the faith
world and the world that is…that doesn’t really explore faith in music. You know what I’m saying? So, for me it’s about bridging that gap and stepping outside the box.
ADW: What can people expect from the new album and the mixtape? And where are you in the process with each of those? Lecrae: I’m about near done with my mixtape, so you should look forward to that real soon. The album I’m still in grind mode, so we gonna be working on that for quite a while, but I’m excited. I’m still bringing the same passionate content that I brought in the first place, but now it’s a little more mature, a little more well-rounded. … ADW: Talk to me about the condition of holy hip hop and of hip hop in general. In your opinion, what is the state of music, from the Christian side and from the secular side? Lecrae: My thing is, I applaud any-
body who wants to be very explicit in saying, “Look, I do Christian music.” I applaud them. For me, I’ve gone through a season of giving my philosophy of faith, you know what I mean? And now I’m in a season of putting some action around that philosophy.
So I’m not gonna explain to you why you should love your brother, I’m gonna tell you a story about me loving my brother. I’m not gonna give you a Bible doctrine on why thou shalt not kill, I’m gonna do a song like “Fuss and Fight” with Scotty ATL where we articulate why and the detriments of killing.
So, I think hip hop is in the same shape that I’m in, that everybody’s in, that is a part of the culture. Some of us are healthy and well and some of us are sick and need help and so I’m here to help the sick.
PRAISE CONNECT
ADW: What brought you together with Scotty ATL?
“Christian is my faith,” says Lecrae, “not my genre.”
Lecrae: Me and Scotty got a few mutual friends and Scotty’s a real deep dude who loves to just bring out different aspects of his life in music and we connected on some various different topics and issues, man, and I just wanted to come and support him with music and do something to stop the violence, because that’s really what I’m about is about putting some skin on the bones of my faith. You know what I’m saying? …
(This story courtesy of the Atlanta Daily World.)
-A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-
METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., Pastor
767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126
ASSOCIATE MINISTERS
901-946-4095 fax 948-8311
Rev. Davena Young Porter Rev. Linda A Paige Rev. Luecretia Matthews SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
SUNDAY Sunday School .....................8:30 am Morning Worship Service ....10:00am
WEDNESDAY Bible Study .........................10:30 am Mid-Day Prayer Meeting .....12 noon Evening Prayer Meeting........7:00pm FRIDAY Cable Channel 17 ............... 8:00pm
Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. —Matthew 7: 1-2
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. —Phillipians 4:13
Tri-State Defender
COMMUNITY
BRIEFS & THINGS Colleges of Memphis Night at Founder’s Park
Mayor A C Wharton Jr. and The Colleges of Memphis will welcome area college students, faculty and staff back to school from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 27) with live music and performances at the National Civil Rights Museum Founder’s Park. “The Colleges of Memphis Night is a great way to bring students, faculty and staff together and welcome them back to school,” said Mayor Wharton. “This is one of many ways we are investing in our young people, which is one of my strategic priorities,” said Wharton. “The City of Memphis flourishes from these institutions of higher learning and the creative, innovative young minds that they attract and train.” The Annual Colleges of Memphis Night, now in its third year, is the city’s official back to school celebration for the area’s 14 institutions of higher education. Local organizations will provide information to students and other attendees. The event is sponsored by The Colleges of Memphis. The 14 participating institutions are Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences, Christian Brothers University, Harding School of Theology, LeMoyne-Owen College, Memphis College of Art, Memphis Theological Seminary, Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, Rhodes College, Southern College of Optometry, Southwest Tennessee Community College, The University of Memphis, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Victory University and Visible Music College.
Wharton announces Pre-K nominees
Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. on Monday announced the names of the eight people he plans to nominate to the Pre-K Commission. The Pre-K Commission will serve as the governing body for the Pre-K Trust, which will be used to fund Pre-K classes for more than 5,000 4-year-old children in the Memphis area who do not now have access to pre-school education. The Pre-K Trust will be funded by an additional half-cent on the city’s sales tax rate should voters approve the increase during a citywide special election in November. The nominees, who face City Council approval, are: The Rev. Keith Norman – Pastor of First Baptist Church Broad and president of the NAACP Memphis Chapter; R. Brad Martin – Interim president of the University of Memphis; Barbara Hyde – Chair and president of the J.R. Hyde Senior and J.R. Hyde III Family Foundation; Barbara Holden Nixon – An Associate with The Urban Child Institute and a consultant on early childhood; Barbara Holden Nixon – An associate with The Urban Child Institute and a consultant on early childhood; Kathy Buckman Gibson – Chairman of the Board at Buckman International; Kirk Whalum – President and chief executive officer of Stax Music Academy; and Dr. Reginald W. Coopwood, M.D. – President and chief executive officer of the Regional Medical Center at Memphis.
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September 26 - October 2, 2013
Artists mesh talent to create calendar and help others Proceeds benefit Caritas Village
Three Memphis artists are using their creativity to showcase their talents and help others. Author Alice Faye Duncan, “green” artist Frank D. Robinson Jr. and graphic designer Terry L. Griffin have collaborated to produce the first issue of the World Wall Calendar. The 2014 Word calendar, which sells for $7, is now available online at www.museumcreations.com. One dollar of each calendar sold through January will benefit Caritas Village, where Frank Robinson serves as artist-in-residence. Copies of the calendar signed by Robinson are also available. Duncan conceived the idea and identified the empowering words and Bible verses assigned to each month. Robinson illustrated all of the words and artwork. (And yes, he did it all on recycled cardboard from his Binghampton studio.) Griffin, a branding consultant and 19-year veteran of the Memphis design community, designed the calendar, creating a very sleek black and white presentation. The cover bears the word “Hope” – painted by Robinson on the back of recycled paper from student classroom artwork. The art for each month features a single verb. “Hope” is also the word for January. “We want to encourage a spiritual reaction,” said Duncan. “For instance, the verb for February is “love” for Valentine’s Day and for Brotherhood Month. The encouraging word for July is “create.” September is “forgive.”’ A children’s book author with Simon & Schuster book publishers since 1995, she says that while the three artists are waiting on corporate decision-makers to approve their various projects, they are helping others, like Caritas Village. And they are helping themselves by remaining creative and doing an artistic joint venture, namely the Word Wall Calendar. At first, Duncan just wanted to publish a few calendars to give away as Christmas gifts. But one day while visiting Caritas Village for
Word Wall Calendar contributors (l-r) Frank D. Robinson Jr., Alice Faye Duncan and Terry L. Griffin collaborate at Robinsonʼs art studio in Binghampton. (Photo: Baxter Buck) lunch, she had another idea. Caritas Village is an urban help center that provides free medical care to Binghampton residents without health insurance. A part of its campus also serves as a café. As she sat at lunch and witnessed disparate economies and cultures unite over soup, Duncan reasoned that it would be more helpful to sell the calendar for a small fee and donate $1 of each purchase to support Caritas in its ministry to help the sick and hungry. She knew Robinson from her college days at the University of Memphis. She knew Griffin from childhood when they attended Sunday school at St. James AME church. Robinson jumped at the opportunity to help because as a self-employed artist, he knows the benefits of
free medical care at Caritas Village. Griffin was quick to help because the center often serves as his office away from home. So far, the calendar has raised $500 in donations. Onie Johns, director and founder of Caritas Village, said, “It is good to see artists use their talents to be a blessing to others. The center can’t do this work alone.”
(For more information, contact Alice Faye Duncan at 901-921-8691. Frank D. Robinson can be reached via Facebook (www.facebook. com/frankd.robinson) and Terry L. Griffin by email at terry@terrygriffindesign.com. Calendars may also be purchased in bulk for use as holiday gifts or for resale by calling 901-9218691 or 1-800-306-3141.)
‘Devoted, dedicated and proud’…
Velma Lois Jones (left), a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. for 57plus years, opens a gift from the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter at the University of Memphis during a celebration of the chapterʼs 45-year legacy last Friday (Sept. 20) at the KROC Center. Jones was the keynote speaker. Also pictured is Gwendolyn Gilbert Shorter who delivered the closing remarks. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)
NAACP convention in Oak Ridge Sept. 26-28
The Tennessee State Conference National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will hold the 67th Annual State Convention and Civil Rights Advocacy Conference in Oak Ridge Sept. 26-28 The conference’s leadership and motivational training will include the NAACP Game Changer Initiatives for the 21st Century. The initiatives address five major areas: Economic Sustainability, Education, Health, Public Safety and Criminal Justice, and Voting Rights/Political Representation. The public is invited. For more information, call 731-660-5580 or email tnnaacp3@bellsouth.net.
Genesis House expands capacity for veterans
Genesis House, a shelter for homeless men and women, has doubled the number of beds reserved for the resident veterans it serves from five to 10 following a decision made by Catholic Charities of West Tennessee, the agency that has been providing long-term treatment for homeless men and women suffering from mental illness and addiction since 1985. Michael D. Allen, president and CEO of CCWTN said the number of homeless Veterans in Memphis and Shelby County is expanding. “As we looked to our future, we identified the issue of homeless veterans as an area of increasing need in our own back yard,” said Allen. “Catholic Charities of West Tennessee has worked with the most vulnerable members of our community – especially the homeless – for more than 20 years. It makes good sense for us to expand our capacity at Genesis House to serve those who have served our country. “In the summer of 2011, the Veterans Administration (VA) approached us to add five beds at Genesis House for veterans as they await placement into permanent housing. Earlier this summer, after two years of experience serving this segment, the VA asked us to increase our capacity to 10 beds and we were pleased to do so as this is a perfect complement to our long-standing work at Genesis House.” Allen said the change at the facility at 300 North Bellevue is immediate. The building has a total of 39 beds.
(For more information, visit www.ccwtn.org and/or Facebook, or contact Alie Lifsey at alie.lifsey@acc.cdom.org or 901-722-4750.)
LEGACY: Fannie Cole Clark Musician, educator and community activist
As an elementary school teacher, Fannie Cole Clark noticed that one of her pupils would often fall asleep during classes. Rather than belittle her student, Clark pulled him aside and learned that he was helping support his family by throwing newspapers before daybreak. Taking matters into her own hands, Clark bought a mat and each morning allowed the student to take a nap in the back of the room. She also worked with him privately, helping him catch up on assignments. As a result, the student went on to excel in his studies. “Fannie Clark approached every task with passion and enthusiasm – whether it was teaching in the classroom, producing a music concert, or hosting pre-election forums to enable citizens to hear directly from candidates from all political parties,” said her niece, Janas Jackson. “She was also keenly sensitive to the needs of others.” A renowned educator, musician, recording artist and community activist, Mrs. Clark passed away last Saturday (Sept. 21) at Baptist Hospital East following a brief illness. For Dr. Nzinga Ajanaku and numerous others, Mrs. Clark’s death was devastating. “When I heard about it, I was like ‘Fannie, are you sure?’... But I know what death is and she served her purpose here.” Mrs. Clark established the Tennessee Mass Choir, a gifted group of singers and musicians known for combining gospel music, spirituals and drama in their praises to God. Ajanaku was part of the choir. “Fannie was one of the most talented, brilliant, creative people I’ve ever known,” Ajanaku said. “She was one of the most loving, nourishing (people) you would want to meet. … She was so modest. She never wanted to be out front and stayed in the background. She was a producer, a creator, a director, and a writer. All of that came natural to her.” In an effort to create an opportunity for young people to display their unique talents, Mrs. Clark founded the Fannie Clark Singers in the 1970s. The group recorded two albums and
received local and national recognition for their inspirational messages, versatile repertoires, and success in creating music that resonated with persons of all ages. Later came the Tennessee Mass Choir. Under Mrs. Clark’s direction, the choir produced a CD titled, “We Beheld His Glory,” and performed at myriad high-profile events, including the Memphis in May Sunset Symphony; the Titanic Exhibition opening ceremony and the Southern Governors’ Regional Convention. A staunch community activist, Mrs. Clark hosted voter education forums for citizens at her home for 25 years. Regardless of political party affiliation, race or background, all candidates seeking public office were welcomed to share their vision and platform. She also served on the Whitehaven Economic Development Corporation, the Methodist South Hospital Board of Directors, the Memphis Branch NAACP’s Gala Operations Committee, and was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Her work in the areas of music, education and community service earned her numerous awards, including, the 2013 Ruby R. Wharton Community Service Award; the Memphis Convention and Bureau Award; United Music Heritage, Inc. Pioneer Award; National Coalition of 100 Black Women ‘s “Women of Wisdom” Award; United Way Campaign Award; the Memphis Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Science Award; and the Love Thy Neighbor Award. As a result of her devoted service to the community, then-City Councilwoman TaJuan Stout-Mitchell recommended that a portion of Lakeview Road in Whitehaven be renamed “Fannie Cole Clark Road.” Today, the street sign bearing her name stands at the intersection of Lakeview and Craft Roads. Mrs. Clark was born in Lake Cormorant, Miss. – the youngest of eight children of the late Rev. Thomas Cole and Fannie Mae Miles Cole. Her husband, J.B. Clark, five siblings and
Fannie Cole Clark
a great-grandchild, preceded her in death. She leaves four children: Pastor Derek V. Clark (Tara) of Memphis, Mignonette Clark Durham (Howard) of Carrollton, Texas, Jackie B. Clark and Jason T. Clark, both of Memphis; three sisters: Garnitta Cole Jackson of Memphis; Rebbie Cole McDonald of Milwaukee, Wisc., and Eleanor Cole Thomas of Chicago; three sistersin-law: Dr. Angela Louque (Gene) of Nuevo, Calif., Dr. Patricia Clark of Raleigh, N. Car., and Anita Clark of Los Angeles; 10 grandchildren: Arielle and Darius Aldridge, Diara Clark, Deanna Clark Plunkett (Kevin), Jaylen Clark, J’Aundra Clark, Jazmyn Clark, Min. Timon Clark, Jason Rhodes and Janay Rhodes, and great-granddaughters Katlyn Plunkett and Layla Mays. Visitation will be Friday (Sept. 27) from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rejoice in the Covenant Church, 2931 Ridgeway Rd., with the funeral service on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church at 70 North Bellevue. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in honor of Mrs. Fannie Cole Clark be sent to: Rejoice In the Covenant Church, P.O. Box 770357, Memphis, Tenn. 38177.
ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, September 26 - October 2, 2013, Page 10
ARTS IN BRIEF ‘Steel Magnolias’ coming to Hattiloo
“Steel Magnolias” will make a Oct. 17-Nov. 3 run at the Hattiloo theatre at 652 Marshall Ave. Hilarious and touching, this play for six women is set in a beauty parlor in Louisiana, this play weaves the lives of six women. Through four scenes spanning three years, the staff and customers engage in small-town gossip, with a deep strength and purposefulness emerging when Shelby – a diabetic – dies following a kidney transplant operation. The play is directed by Irene Crist. (For more information, including show times, ticket prices and discounts: 901502-3486, administration; 901-525-0009, box office; 901-525-0039, fax.)
Lecture: ‘The Black Revolution on Campus’
Martha Biondi, the author of “The Black Revolution on Campus” will lecture on her book on Oct. 24 at 1:30 p.m. in the University Center’s River Room at the University of Memphis. Biondi is the chair of the Department of African American Studies and History at Northwestern University. Her research interests include 20th Century African-American History with a focus on social movements. In “The Black Revolution on Campus,” Bondi paints a vivid representation of the actions that transformed higher education for black students in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It recounts the stories of many protest participants who demanded public institutions re-evaluate their commitments to the black community and the education of its students. It also establishes a clear connection between the challenges of the black college student and changes in collegiate culture. A lunch at 1 p.m. will precede the lecture, which is free, open to the public and part of the fall line-up for the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis.
Orpheum Theatre to collect memorabilia
Orpheum Theatre memorabilia, pictures and personal stories are being collected for an exhibition on the theatre’s history to celebrate the Orpheum Theatre’s 85th anniversary in November. Items may be loaned or sold to the theatre. The Orpheum staff has collected several rare items, including a program from the theatre’s grand opening. Letters, photographs, films, artifacts, and objects that may have been sold at various times during the Orpheum’s history are open for inclusion. In addition to the exhibit, The Orpheum is planning a wide range of events to celebrate the past 85 years, kicking off with the Orpheum’s 35th Annual Auction Nov. 16. Proceeds from special anniversary events will be used to maintain the historic theatre and fund the Orpheum’s new Centre for Performing Arts. The Orpheum Theatre made its grand opening in November of 1928. Those wishing to share their stories with The Orpheum team or donate artifacts to the exhibition can do so by contacting Christina Torres at torres@orpheummemphis.com. For more information, visit w w w. o r p h e u m - m e m phis.com. BRIEFLY: The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis is now soliciting nominations for its 2013 National Book Award. For more information, visit http://www.memphis.edu/ben hooks/bookaward.php.
John Gary Williams will be back in familiar territory – front man for the Mad Lads – on Saturday night at the Levitt Shell. (Photo: Lance Murphey)
Ladies & Gentlemen… Mr. John Gary Williams! Mad Ladsʼ at the Levitt Shell on Saturday Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Tony Jones
One of the truest living embodiments of why Memphis soul music is Memphis soul music will take the stage at the Levitt Shell in Overton Park on Saturday (Sept. 28) night. The evening’s concert has the elements that are present when the full power and reason of music spring to life. Consider the featured performers: the Bo Keys, Percy Wiggins, and the supporting ensemble Opus 1 (comprised Memphis Symphony Orchestra members), and a rejuvenated version of the Mad Lads. The frontman for the new-look Mad Lads will be original lead singer John Gary Williams. And in that name lies a history we all share. Others may have been more gifted technically or more successful financially, but few, if any, local artists command the respect given to John Gary Williams when his name is mentioned. Now 67 and an icon of the ’60s era, Williams will be deservedly celebrated in a manner he’s truly earned this weekend. “All this really started about six years ago,” Williams told The New Tri-State Defender in an interview this week. “Scott Bomar (of the Bo Keys) liked a song Carl Smith (who wrote Fontella Bass’s big hit “Rescue Me,”) and I wrote called “The Whole Damn World Is Going Crazy.” That got me to into playing with the Bo Keys and Scott introduced me to John Hubbell. “Hubbell said he wanted to write a book about me, and he did. It’s called ‘I See Hope’ and he’s turned the book into a documentary with the same title.” John Gary, said Hubbell, is a great person who deserves a chance to tell his story and set the record straight. “He’s a kind man, and a man of principle. His journey through STAX, Vietnam, the Black Power Movement and more make him a historically and culturally significant figure. He’s also been a bit misread,” said Hubbell. “My goal is to give him a platform to clear things up and regain a bit of what he lost. He has a refreshing, unique viewpoint that will resonate well with audiences around the world.”
‘I’ll never forget that day’
Williams’s short-but-shining music career is a key thread in the history of one of the most fabled groups on Stax Records, the Mad Lads. The Mad Lads recorded on the Volt subsidiary label and, in addition to Williams, featured Julius E. Green, William Brown and Robert Phillips. Brown and Williams were drafted into the Vietnam War, disrupting the Mad Lads’ career path after one of it songs reached no. 11 on Billboard. For years, the two were practically inseparable. Now Brown is in permanent hospice care valiantly dealing with cancer. “But his spirit is going to be there,”
The Mad Lads from back in the day: John Gary Williams, Julius E. Green, William Brown and Robert Phillips. (Courtesy photo)
Williams said of the Levitt Shell concert. “He is my dearest friend and he’s always going to be with me.” Wiser and scarred after Vietnam, Williams joined a different kind of group. While the Mad Lads was a singing group that practiced making smooth harmonic changes, The Invaders was a civil rights group intent on creating changes to create better social harmony. The southern-bred version of the Black Panthers, The Invaders are as attached to Memphis’s civic history as the Mad Lads are to its musical imprint. And right at the center of it all was John Gary Williams. The public life of John Gary Williams began to unfold with the release of the Mad Lads’ signature ballad, “Don’t Have To Shop Around.” Flipping Smokey Robinson’s up-tempo “Shop Around,” the Memphis song was an instant classic. The producers at Stax recognized what they had and soon followed with the signature balled, “I Want Someone.” Reedy, but not weak, and more like a sustained high note on a distant violin or upper reaches of a guitar, Williams’ voice pierced the radio waves and homes. With a heartbreaking male tenor no one had accomplished so widely since Smokey Robinson, he solidified the Mad Lads’ sound. With the two releases, the Mad Lads had an ample foundation to build a stage show on and seemed on its way up the stardom trail when the course changed unalterably. It was 1966 and they were performing at the Uptown Theatre in Philadelphia. “Oh, I’ll never forget that day,” said Williams. “Actually, it was the second time that we had been mailed our notices, but all of our mail went to the booking agency. So we didn’t find out until William’s mother called us on the phone backstage to tell us he and I had been drafted. “We had our basic training at Fort Benning, Ga., more in Louisiana, then to Fort Dix for advanced infantry training and from there to Vietnam.” He and Brown were in the active war for a year. “Yeah, it changed me and definitely drove my involvement with the Invaders,” said Williams. “You’re over there fighting a people you don’t even know. And they seemed to be a
real easy-going people. And then you come home and you’re still a nigger...” He joined The Invaders to change that.
‘…what had to be done’
As he did with his harmonizing partners in the Mad Lads, Williams found kindred spirits in The Invaders. “They were guys I had grown up with and knew all of my lives,” said Williams. “The ones that influenced my joining were John Burrell Smith, Charles Cabbage, Boree McKenzie and later, John Ferguson had a great affect on me. “It took people a long time to realize we weren’t thugs and had a real agenda on helping the community.” The thug-ethic that seems so pervasive today deeply bothers Williams, has raised seven children with his wife, Trennie. He associates that dysfunctional ethic with young people not having positive male influences such as the Invaders and a lack of personal commitment. “I’ve been a cab driver in Los Angeles, put cable in the ground in Florida, worked at a meat packing house in Iowa, you name it. When I was a youngster I had a Jet magazine route, shined shoes up and down Florida Street and a newspaper route,” said Williams. “I did what had to be done to feed my family and kept the music alive in my heart.”
Showtime
When he walks onto the Levitt Shell stage on Saturday, Williams’ appearance will signal that he still has the knack for being a sharp dresser. And to hear him tell it, he can still dance, too. “Trennie laughs at me, but she’s jealous because she knows I should be on ‘Dancing With The Stars,” he laughs. “And I’m not going to be having my butt hanging out either.” Saturday’s concert is just one element in Williams’ reemergence. Pending is the release of a solo album that was shelved after it was recorded at Stax years ago. Williams says retro label Light In The Attic records is finalizing release plans now.
ENTERTAINMENT
Tri-State Defender
Page 11
September 26 - October 2, 2013
OPENING THIS WEEK
Kam’s Kapsules:
Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Kam Williams
For movies opening Sept. 27, 2013
BIG BUDGET FILMS
“Baggage Claim” (PG-13 for profanity and sexuality) Paula Patton stars in this romantic comedy about a marriage-minded flight-attendant’s frantic search to find Mr. Right before her younger sister’s (Lauren London) impending wedding. Ensemble cast includes Derek Luke, Jill Scott, Christina Milian, Djimon Hounsou, Taye Diggs, Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Adam Brody, Boris Kodjoe, Jenifer Lewis and Trey Songz. “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2” (PG for mild rude humor) Eco-conscious, animated sequel finds Flint (Bill Hader) and friends forced to vacate Swallow Falls by an evil corporation with a diabolical plan to repopulate their idyllic island with a motley menagerie of anthropomorphic food monsters. Voice cast includes Anna Faris, Neil Patrick Harris, Andy Samberg, James Caan, Terry Crews, Will Forte and Benjamin Bratt. “Don Jon” (R for nudity, graphic sexuality, crude humor, profanity and drug use) Joseph Gordon-Levitt wrote, directed and stars in this romantic dramedy, set in New Jersey, about a guy addicted to internet porn who seeks a more satisfying sex life with a real woman only to end up involved with two (Julianne Moore and Scarlett Johansson). With Tony Danza, Rob Brown and Brie Larson.
“Rush” (R for profanity, nudity, sexuality, disturbing images and brief drug use) Ron Howard directs this fact-based auto racing drama chronicling the cutthroat competition in 1976 between flamboyant, British playboy James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and relatively low-key Austrian Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl) to be crowned the Formula 1 world champion. With Olivia Wilde, David Calder and Natalie Dormer. (In English, German, Italian and French with subtitles)
INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS
“As I Lay Dying” (Unrated) James Franco directed and stars in this adaptation of the William Faulkner novel of the same name about a woman’s (Beth Grant) family’s effort to fulfill her last wish to be buried in a nearby town. With Danny McBride, Tim Blake Nelson and Richard Jenkins.
“Inequality for All” (PG for violence, smoking, mature themes and mild epithets) Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich narrates this economic expose’ bemoaning the widening income gap in the U.S. between the
Jill Scott, Adam Brody and Paula Patton in “Baggage Claim.” (Photo: Fox Searchlight)
haves and the have-nots.
“Morning” (R for sexuality) Character-driven drama chronicling five days in the life of a grief-stricken couple (Leland Orser and Jeanne Tripplehorn) in the wake of the accidental death of their young child. With Laura Linney, Elliott Gould and Jason Ritter. “Muscle Shoals” (Unrated) Musical retrospective revisiting the legendary, riverside music studio in rural Alabama which provided the unlikely setting for classic recordings by everyone from Aretha to The Rolling Stones to Bob Dylan.
“On the Job” ((Unrated) Cat-and-mouse crime thriller, set in the Philippines, about two police officers’ (Joey Marquez and Piolo Pascual) attempt to apprehend a couple of excons (Joel Torre and Gerald Anderson) given reduced sentences in exchange for performing some high-profile assassinations. With Angel Aquino, Michael De Mesa and William Martinez. (In Filipino with subtitles) “Out in the Dark” (Unrated) Middle East
tale of forbidden love, set in Israel, about a gay love affair between a Palestinian student (Nicholas Jacob) and an Israeli attorney (Michael Aloni). With Jamil Khoury, Alon Pdut and Loai Nofi. (In Hebrew and Arabic with subtitles)
“The Secret Life of Dorks” (PG-13 for sexuality, profanity and crude humor) Romantic roulette revolving around a nerdy teenager (Vanessa Marano) who has a crush on an equally-geeky classmate (Gaelan Connell) who, in turn, is in love with a cheerleader (Riley Voelkel) who is already dating their school’s football team captain (Beau Mirchoff). Featuring Jim Belushi, Jennifer Tilly and William Katt. “Shepard & Dark” (Unrated) Long distance documentary about the pen pal friendship of Sam Shepard and Johnny Dark.
“Wild Style” (R for profanity) 30th anniversary re-release of the hip-hop classic featuring appearances and performances by such seminal rap artists as Grandmaster Flash, Fab Five Freddy and the Rock Steady Crew.
HOROSCOPES
Sept. 26-Oct. 2, 2013
ARIES You have made many friends through a social network you’ve been involved with. Continue to cultivate those friendships. Long distance phone calls are worth the money. Your actions will speak much louder than words. Prove your love and your friendship. TAURUS This is no time to try to be neat. Continue with your messy thinking. Others might not know how things fit together but your faith allows you to work without a plan this week. GEMINI Call a family member and ask for advice. You know the one to call – the same person who has been level headed in the past. Your head is not as level as it should be. Move forward not on your own understanding. CANCER Your suspicions will give you misleading information. Now is a time for trust. Base the trust on the fact that nothing is in danger. No matter what the outcome of current affairs you are going to come out wiser and better. LEO Ponder your intimate thoughts when you feel that you would rather have stayed in bed. Treasure the remembered image of a friend and play the image over and over to uplift your sleepy spirit. VIRGO Give yourself a break this week. Coast! You might not feel it but you are on the top of a hill. You don’t have to work to move forward. Let your momentum carry you. Smile and things will get done. Spend some time on the phone taking care of social obligations and social diversions. LIBRA This week you’re likely to notice that your relationship with your lover has been elevated into a strong friendship as well. Play up the friendship side. Don’t feel inhibited when the two of you are alone. Act and speak freely. You will be pleasantly surprised at the reception. SCORPIO It is true that the universe provides but you are part of the universe and so you have to be a provider for yourself. Willful activity is the key this week. Ego matters. Pursue it because you want it and are good enough to get it. Make the changes necessary to add dynamism and excitement to your body of affairs. SAGITTARIUS You definitely need to ease up on your work schedule and immerse yourself in some good quality quiet time. You have forgotten what it is like to relax hiding behind all those seeming necessities. Let it go. Smell the roses take a stroll in a real or imaginary garden. Chill! CAPRICORN Your popularity is at a personal peak this week! Be sure to pick and choose among your social engagements so that you gather the best from the most. Your smart business sense will make the most of an unusual opportunity. In your personal life, let your softer emotions speak. AQUARIUS This week is better than last for financial goals. Put on the thinking cap. Think about money. There is a solution to money problems hidden in the way you conduct your home life. Make the adjustment. Reap the reward. PISCES Think about small stuff. Know that details are important. Look not at the bigger picture. Go to the trenches. Get fine points taken care of. Step-by-step movement will help with the grand designs that you are seeking to manifest. Source: NNPA News Source
Page 12
HEALTH
CHEF TIMOTHY
Health challenge tests a pastor’s faith and resolve by Chef Timothy Moore Ph.D, N.M.D, C.N. Special to The New Tri-State Defender
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5 – King James Bible “Authorized Version,” Cambridge Edition
Pastor Levy Conley comes to mind when I think of being tried and tested in faith. Rev. Conley lives by Isaiah 53:5. He has trusted in God for more than 53 years and has stood firm in believing and delivering God’s word to numerous individuals. His wife of 43 years will tell you that her husband was a humble pastor who would give his last dime to help those in need, often putting them before his own family. Well, the time has come to see just how strong is the faith of this man of God. Pastor Conley has learned that he has prostate cancer. For many of us, the thought of having to deal with a life-threatening disease is terrifying, even though we see it happening to others all around. It can be a real shock to a man of God who long has stood firm in his belief. At 79, Pastor Conley acknowledges that he has wondered how and why God “allowed” this disease to strike His servant who trusted and delivered His word faithfully to help His people find comfort in these type situations. Pastor Conley had to make a decision. Should he trust God at His word or elect to receive the standard medical care for cancer, which could have a lasting impact on his family and
others close to him? Meanwhile, Pastor Conley received more faith-testing news. His sister and daughter are each now facing cancer. In his case, Pastor Conley chose not to opt for radiation or chemotherapy. Dr. Timothy He decided to take an alternative Moore holistic approach, trusting God to lead him down a path and to put people in his life to assist him in his healing. As I talked with him recently, I could see tears well up in his eyes. I felt his Pastor Levy concern and fear for himself and Conley for his daughter as she weighs whether to use radiation and chemo treatments for her breast cancer. Pastor Conley says the string of events and challenges has had a discernible effect on his inner strength, belief and faith. God, he says firmly, has a mission for him and that his work is far from done.
(Dr. Timothy Moore, a wellness coach and personal plant-based chef, is the author of “47 Tips To Reverse Your Diabetes.’’ He can be reached by email at cheftimothy@ cheftimothymoore.com or visit him at www.cheftimothymoore.com or www.twitter.com/cheftimmoore.)
Mike Conley Bowl n’ Bash set for Saturday
The fifth annual Mike Conley Bowl ‘n Bash benefitting the Methodist Healthcare Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center is scheduled for Saturday (Sept. 28) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Billy Hardwick’s All Star Lanes at 1576 S. White Station Rd. “We hope the community will join the fight against sickle cell by participating in this fundraising event,” said Conley, the Grizzlies starting point guard. “This is a fun way to bring awareness to a very serious disease.” In addition to Conley, his new teammate, Mike Miller, and other basketball stars and coaches will be dropping by to help raise money for the cause. The following team registrations are available: Individual – $125 (includes event admission and t-shirt); Bowling team (four bowlers per
CLASSIFIEDS
September 26 - October 2, 2013
team) – $500 (includes four autographed 8 x 10 photos of Mike Conley, four shirts, free food at the event and four pre-season tickets). Awards will be given for the best individual and team bowlers. For the second consecutive year, City Auto is the presenting sponsor among several other corporate and community sponsors. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Methodist Healthcare Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, which provides a preventive outpatient clinic for adults and Memphis’ first dedicated emergency infusion unit. The Center is focused on delivering treatment advance through on-site research. (Register a team at www. methodisthealth.org/bowlnbash. For more information, contact 516-0500.)
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NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS OF CONSTRUCTION BIDS TO BE RECEIVED THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013 Sealed Bids will be received by the City of Munford, at their offices in City Hall, 1397 Munford Avenue, Munford, TN 38058, until 2:00 P.M., on Thursday October 17, 2013 and opened publicly at City Hall at that hour. The reading of the bids will begin at 2:00 P.M. PROJECT NO. STP-M-8400(75); PIN 117088.00 MUNFORD RESURFACING – VARIOUS ROADS Charles Place From Hwy 51 To McCormick Road Maple Hill Drive From Hwy 51 To Munford Atoka Avenue 3 weeks prior Grand Division PROPOSAL CONTRACTS WILL BE ISSUED UNTIL THE TIME SET FOR OPENING BIDS A Prime Contractor must prequalify with the Department of Transportation in accordance with Section 54-5-117 of the “Tennessee Code Annotated” and Tennessee Department of Transportation Rule 16805-3 prequalification of contractors before biddable proposals will be furnished. The City of Munford hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation, and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex or disability in consideration for an award. The City of Munford is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service. Telephone 901-837-5953 THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED Bidding documents and information, and plans, may be obtained by contacting the City Manager: Peter Colin City of Munford 1397 Munford Ave. Munford, TN 38058 Tel. 901-837-5953
NOTI CE TO BIDDERS In order to participate in the bid listed below for Shelby County Government, you must be registered with our electronic bidding system with Mercury Commerce. County bids are not available by mail or downloaded directly from the County website, unless otherwise indicated in the solicitation invitation. All vendors who wish to bid are required to register with Mercury Commerce Solutions in order to be notified of on-line bids. There is no charge for registration, and it is easy to use. To register: • Go to www.esmsolutions.com • Go to “Vendors” block at top • Click “Register Now” box • Click on “Mercury Commerce Vendor Registration” line • Complete Vendor Registration process • Submit If you have any questions about the registration process, contact ESM Solutions at (877) 969-7246. If you have any questions about information contained in the bid documents, contact the Purchasing Department at (901) 222-2250 and ask to speak to the Buyer listed for the bid. SEALED BID DUE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2013 AT 2:30 PM “VARIOUS HEAVY DUTY DUMP TRUCKS” (SB# I000228) (MC# 434) By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL JR., MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT
REQUEST FOR BIDS Legal Notice MSCAA Project Number 13-1364-00 Boiler Tube Replacement in Boilers 3 & 4 Sealed bids for the Boiler Tube Replacement in Boilers 3 & 4, MSCAA Project No. 13-1364-00 will be received by the Staff Services Division of the MemphisShelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA), 3505 Tchulahoma Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38118, until 2:00 PM local time on Thursday, October 10, 2013, BIDS WILL NOT BE RECEIVED AT ANY OTHER LOCATION, and thereafter will be opened and publicly read. No bids will be accepted after the stated deadline. The scope of work generally consists of all services necessary for the replacement of boiler tubes in boiler 3 & 4 at Memphis International Airport. Boilers 3 & 4 are 700 HP Cleaver Brooks Fire Tube Boilers manufactured in 1971. There are 273 tubes in each boiler, and the replacement tubes shall be 2.5 inches in diameter, 237.5 inches long, and a minimum wall thickness of 0.105 inches. All work shall be per applicable ASME procedures and shall include demolition and disposing of existing tubes, hydro testing of new tubes, all necessary A.I. Inspections, and any consumables needed to complete the work described above. The Bid Documents may be obtained on
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or after Thursday, September 26, 2013. Bid documents may be obtained on the MSCAA website (www.mscaa.com). All Respondents are hereby notified that all updates, addenda and additional information, if any, shall be posted to the MSCAA website (www.mscaa.com) and Respondents are responsible for checking the MSCAA website up to the time of the Bid submission deadline. A MANDATORY Pre-Bid Meeting will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. local time at the Memphis International Airport Terminal A Baggage Lobby, located at 2491 Winchester Road, Memphis, TN. Only those attending will be allowed to submit responses to this Request for Bids. The MSCAA hereby notifies that it will review and award contracts in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4a and Title 49, Part 26, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act. MSCAA further notifies all Bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, creed, religion, sexual orientation or disability in its hiring and employment practices, or in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services and activities. The DBE participation goal for this contract is 0% in accordance with the requirements of the Contract Documents. Each bid must be by a contractor licensed in Tennessee and accompanied by a 5% Bid Guarantee. In accordance with TCA §62-6-119, the Bidder, and where applicable, one contractor/subcontractor performing electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or masonry work must have its license number, expiration date of the license, and that part of the classification applying to the bid shown on the outside of the envelope containing the bid. Failure to supply all information on the outside of the envelope will result in the return of the unopened envelope to the Bidder. The successful Bidder will be required to execute a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond, each in the amount of 100% of the Contract Price. Liquidated damages for delay in contract completion shall be as stated in the Contract Documents. No Bidder may withdraw an opened bid within the defined period following actual bid opening without MSCAAʼs consent. Award will be made to the lowest and best responsible qualified Bidder, if any contract is awarded, based on the best combination of base bid plus individual add-alternates deemed, at MSCAAʼs sole discretion, to be in MSCAAʼs best interests regardless of whether the individual add-alternates are ultimately constructed or not constructed, MSCAA reserves the right to reject any or all bids in whole or in part and to waive any informalities, technicalities or omissions therein. MSCAA also reserves the right to reject bids from bidders that have pending litigation or claims with MSCAA, or if such bid includes a proposed subcontractor or supplier that has pending litigation or claims with MSCAA, if MSCAA determines, in its sole discretion, such litigation or claims may adversely affect the ability of the parties to work efficiently and effectively under this contract, or for any other reason as determined by MSCAA. Any such bid will be returned to the bidder. See Instructions to Bidders in the project specifications for a further description of this and other reservations of rights. The Authority hereby notifies that effective July 1, 2013 the Authority shall give a preference to businesses located in the County of Shelby, State of Tennessee in awarding contracts and making purchases whenever the application of such a preference is reasonable in light of the dollarvalue of the proposal/bid received in relation to such expenditures and pursuant to the terms and conditions that are outlined in the adopted policy as amended. MEMPHIS-SHELBY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY By Larry D. Cox, President & CEO NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS OF STATE HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION BIDS TO BE RECEIVED ON October 17, 2013 Sealed Bids SBI-000225 & SBI-000226 will be received by the SHELBY COUNTY
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GOVERNMENT at 160 NORTH MAIN STREET, SUITE 550, MEMPHIS, TN 38103, until 2:30 P.M., October 17, 2013 and opened publicly at the office of the Administrator of Purchasing, located at, Vasco A. Smith Jr. Administration Building, 160 NORTH MAIN STREET, SUITE 550, MEMPHIS, TN 38103, at that hour. The reading of the bids will begin shortly after 2:30 P.M. The SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT is seeking separate bids for the construction traffic signal upgrades for intersections included in Detection Upgrade Set #1 and Detection Upgrade Set #2. Both projects are funded through the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Program. They consist of installing vehicle video detection, emergency vehicle preemption, conduit, and cabling. For more information please call (901)-222-7705. A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the office of the Shelby County Roads, Bridges, and Engineering, Conference Room, 6449 HALEY ROAD, MEMPHIS, TN 38134, at 9:00 A.M. for Detection Upgrade Set #1 and 9:30 A.M. for Detection Upgrade Set #2, October 8, 2013. Additional questions from the bidders will be accepted until 12:00 P.M., October 10, 2013 and should be submitted via e-mail to nelson.fowler@shelbycountytn.gov PROPOSAL CONTRACTS WILL BE ISSUED UNTIL THE TIME SET FOR OPENING BIDS A Prime Contractor must prequalify with the Department of Transportation in accordance with Section 54-5-117 of the “Tennessee Code Annotated” and Tennessee Department of Transportation Rule 16805-3 prequalification of contractors before biddable proposals will be furnished. The SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT hereby notifies all bidders that a 3.5% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal has been set for this project and must be met or exceeded. The SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation, and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex or disability in consideration for an award. The SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service. THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED A CD or DVD containing bidding documents, information, and plans, may be obtained by contacting the SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT, 6449 HALEY ROAD, MEMPHIS, TN 38134, (901)-2227705. The cost to obtain this information will be $25. This cost will be applicable before the letting and for three months after the letting. NOTE TO PUBLISHER: The above notice is to be published no later than September 24, 2013. It is permissible and desirable that ads be run as soon as possible after receipt.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS In order to participate in the bid listed below for Shelby County Government, you must be registered with our electronic bidding system with Mercury Commerce. County bids are not available by mail or downloaded directly from the County website, unless otherwise indicated in the solicitation invitation. All vendors who wish to bid are required to register with Mercury Commerce Solutions in order to be notified of on-line bids. There is no charge for registration, and it is easy to use. To register: • Go to www.esmsolutions.com • Go to “Vendors” block at top • Click “Register Now” box • Click on “Mercury Commerce Vendor Registration” line • Complete Vendor Registration process • Submit If you have any questions about the registration process, contact ESM Solutions at (877) 969-7246. If you have any questions about information contained in the bid documents, contact the Purchasing Department at (901) 222-2250 and ask to speak to the Buyer listed for the bid. SEALED BID DUE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013 AT 2:30 PM “VARIOUS POLICE PURSUIT VEHICLES” (SB# I000231) (MC# 435) By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL JR., MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT