VOL. 61, No. 43
October 25 - 31, 2012
TSD School Choice Guide, Education Expo set for 2013
Partnership with New America Media funded by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation The New Tri-State Defender
In its continued transformation from a newspaper to a multi-media communication business, The New Tri-State Defender (TSD) has entered into a dynamic and strategic partnership with New America Media (NAM), the country’s first and largest national collaboration and advocate of over 2000 ethnic news organizations. TSD is collaborating with NAM to support the research, development and publication of the first Greater Memphis School Choice Guide, an idea conceptualized by TSD President and Publisher Bernal E. Smith II. NAM is supporting TSD’s project through a contract with The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help ethnic media in four Southern cities expand coverage of education. Branded as “ACHIEVE: A School Choice Guide for Parents and Students (SCG),” the publication will be introduced and initially distributed in March of 2013. It will coincide with an Education Empowerment Expo, where parents can receive the guide, engage with and learn about area schools and attend empowerment seminars designed to foster discussion and best practices around educational and parenting issues. “As a founding board member of a charter school (Memphis Academy of Health Sciences) and a passionate advocate of education, I understand the importance of helping parents and students navigate the ever changing landscape of public education and educational options overall,” said Smith. “Over two years ago as I was developing our plan of reinvention and reinvigoration, specialty publications
75 Cents
150 years of making ‘butterflies’ The LeMoyne-Owen College celebrates with talent show, concert Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Marcey Evans
The story of The LeMoyne-Owen College began 150 years ago and, despite declining enrollment and financial woes in the past, the story continues. Students, faculty, alums, city leaders and other supporters gathered Wednesday (Oct. 24) at the Cannon Center in Downtown Memphis for the sesquicentennial celebration entitled “Magicians’ Got Talent.” It fea-
tured LOC students and a special concert by world best-selling gospel jazz artist Ben Tankard. The night began with a dramatic dance reenactment telling the story of the college’s journey from the roots of slavery to self-betterment through education. Narrated by Memphis City Councilman and college alum Myron Lowery, the “Journey in Justice” outlined the college’s tumultuous – yet triumphant – history, including having reached the point of financial stability, expansion and growing enrollment.
“We love the students and help them to grow from caterpillars to butterflies.” – Dr. Denita Hedgeman
“We’ve come this far by faith, depending on the Lord because he hasn’t failed us yet,” said President Johnnie B. Watson. “Six short years ago, somebody wrote off LeMoyneOwen College,” he said, making reference to past accreditation issues and financial instability. “But here we are with more than
1,000 students. And we have some money in the bank.” A recurring theme of pride and appreciation echoed throughout the evening. “Every neighborhood needs an anchor,” said Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. “What would that neighborhood (of South Memphis) be without LeMoyne-Owen College? Your (the college’s) contributions transcend education. LeMoyneOwen has contributed to civil rights SEE COLLEGE ON PAGE 6
Up for grabs…
Four years ago, then Sen. Barack Obama became the first Democrat since 1976 to carry North Carolina in a presidential election. And this summer the Democrats held their nominating convention in Charlotte. On Wednesday (Oct. 24), CNN moved its classification of the swing state from true “toss up” to “lean Romney.” See related commentaries, stories on pages, 4 and 8. (CNN graphic)
SEE GUIDE ON PAGE 6
- INSIDE -
• Pell Grants: Gateway to jobs and the new economy. See Nation, page 5.
www.tsdmemphis.com
50 ‘new’ Men of Excellence named to TSD 2012 class Gala set for Nov. 17 The New Tri-State Defender
Yolanda Adams
• Yolanda Adams: The ‘How Sweet the Sound’ interview. See Religion, page 8. • Sales tax debate televised. See Community, page 13. • Grizz fine tune as season opener nears. See Sports, page 14.
MEMPHIS WEEKEND
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
H- 5 6o - L - 4 4o Few Sho wers
H- 5 9o - L - 4 1o S unn y
H- 5 8o - L - 3 9o S unn y
REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS
Friday H-54 L-42 H-71 L-47 H-82 L-48
Saturday H-59 L-39 H-56 L-43 H-65 L-42
Sunday H-59 L-39 H-57 L-38 H-64 L-40
The New Tri-State Defender (TSD) found no shortage of well-deserving men to induct into its growing corps of Men of Excellence honorees. Call it a testament to the abundance of talented, committed and visionary African-American male leadership in Memphis – and the women who support them. TSD will host its fourth annual Men of Excellence Awards Reception and Presentation on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at The Holiday Inn University of Memphis, 3700 Central Avenue. The annual event will celebrate and honor 50 AfricanAmerican men who motivate and inspire others through their vision and leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in community service. “Many thought it might be difficult to continue duplicating the phenomenal groups of honorees from our first three classes of Men of Excellence, but this year’s group is equally impressive and certainly deserving,” said TSD President and Publisher Bernal E. Smith II.
“I am glad that we at The New Tri-State Defender can take the lead in acknowledging their contributions to the growth and betterment of our community.” Honorees were nominated by TSD readers, family and friends and loved ones from throughout the community. They were ultimately selected based upon the following criteria: African-American male community leader, executive or business owner, proven success within his profession/industry, positive role model whose contributions encourage others and active in community service or organizational involvement. The honorees will be profiled in a commemorative section in the TSD November 15 edition. Event photos will appear in the wrap-up edition. Sponsorships, congratulatory ads SEE EXCELLENCE ON PAGE 6
A cool music move….
Hall of Fame songwriter, producer and music legend David Porter (second from right) has launched a national music mentorship non-profit called The CONSORTIUM MMT (Memphis Music Town), which will be housed on the second floor of the Falls building in the Greater Memphis Chamber offices. The aim is to develop a new, young talent pool to revive the thriving music industry in Memphis through mentorships with music industry veterans. Those on hand Tuesday for the announcement were music industry executive Al Bell (left), former owner of STAX records, Larry Dodson of the Bar-Kays (center) and Cliff Stockton (right) of the Memphis Chamber. (Photo by Isaac Singleton)
Mississippi town sued over ‘school-to-prison pipeline’ CNN
by Terry Frieden WASHINGTON – Federal civil rights lawyers filed suit Wednesday against Meridian, Miss., and other defendants for operating what the government calls a school-to-prison pipeline in which students are denied basic constitutional rights, sent to court and incarcerated for minor school infractions.
The lawsuit says children who talk back to teachers, violate dress codes and commit other minor infractions are handcuffed and sent to a youth court where they are denied their rights. It’s the first time a jurisdiction has been charged under a law designed to protect the due process rights of juveniles in such circumstances. Also among the defendants were Lauderdale County, judges of the county’s Youth Court and the State of
Mississippi Division of Youth Services. About 6,000 mostly AfricanAmerican students attend grades kindergarten through 12 in a dozen schools in the Lauderdale County School District. About 86 percent of the district’s students are African-American, but all of those referred to the court for violations were minorities, the government suit said. The federal action came more than
two months after the Justice Department warned local and state officials that they had 60 days to cooperate or face a federal lawsuit. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Roy Austin said Wednesday that Mississippi officials had failed to cooperate with the eight-month investigation. “We had no choice but to file suit,” Austin said, giving examples of what SEE PRISON ON PAGE 2
NEWS
Page 2
Tri-State Defender
October 25 - 31, 2012
African-American homecoming queen breaks barriers at Ole Miss by Moni Basu
(CNN) – On a September day this year, Courtney Pearson stood anxiously on the steps of the Lyceum, the famed old Greek Revival building on the University of Mississippi campus. There, she learned she was elected homecoming queen. There, she stood as the first black woman to hold that title at Ole Miss. Five decades before, James Meredith had entered the Lyceum as the university’s first African-American student. He risked his life as he walked inside, his admission a milestone in the struggle for integration that sparked deadly riots on campus. As anniversary observances of that pivotal day came to a close on the Oxford campus, Pearson, 21, took her place as queen. She had met Meredith just a few days before. He told her he was proud. If it weren’t for him, she would not even be a student at Ole Miss, Pearson thought. If she did not accomplish anything else in life, she would be satisfied: She had made a civil rights icon proud. “We unfortunately cannot change a dark and difficult past,” she said. “But we can absolutely change the future.” Pearson seems well on her way to doing just that. “Ole Miss, get ready,” she told reporters after beating opponent Ashleigh Davis by 90 votes in a runoff. “We just changed the face.’ It wasn”t just her race that makes Pearson stand out among those who wore the crown in the past. She’s not blonde, not a size 2 and she does not belong to a sorority, from which many past queens have hailed. Pearson acknowledged she is an unconventional queen.
As a child, she looked at a magazine photo of a large, black woman who had been crowned homecoming queen at another school. The son of a family friend wondered aloud how in the world this woman had won the title, Pearson told Ole Miss News. He told her: “Maybe your grades will get you somewhere one day, because your looks sure won’t.” That was the motivation that Pearson needed. “Be proud of who you are,” she said, exuding the confidence befitting a role model. Her photo was carried by several news outlets, including DailyVenusDiva, a website for “curvy, plus-size divas.” Pearson grew up the daughter of a Navy officer who moved around a lot but spent a chunk of her time in Memphis. She picked Ole Miss because that’s where her parents went and she plans to graduate in May with a degree in secondary English education. She served in other leadership roles on campus, as an orientation leader and university ambassador who helped recruit students. Her friends encour-
Courtney Pearson (Photo by University of Mississippi/ Kevin Bain)
aged her to run for homecoming queen. They told her she was a good candidate; she thought it would be fun. She said race had little to do with her victory but once she won, she realized she had made history. “That was amazing,” she
said. It’s a title that humbled her and brought her to tears. Then, at halftime on October 13, Pearson walked out onto the football field, escorted by her father in his U.S. Navy uniform. She was resplendent in a tradition-mandated white
gown and a sparkling tiara. It was a moment that was unimaginable 50 years ago. The spotlight was on Pearson but she thanked her fellow students. “Don’t applaud me,” she said. “Applaud them. Look at how progressive they are.”
PRISON
CONTINUED FROM FRONT he alleged are unconstitutional actions taken by the school district and court: • Children are handcuffed and arrested in school and incarcerated for days at a time without a probable cause hearing. • Children detained wait more than 48 hours for a hearing, in violation of constitution requirements. • Children make admissions to formal charges without being advised of their Miranda rights. • Children are not routinely granted legal representation during the juvenile justice process. Austin said Wednesday that Meridian is not the only location in the country with such a system. However, he said, it is the only one to date where local authorities have not been fully cooperative with federal investigators. He pointed to Shelby County, Tennessee, as a school system where complaints had been received but where local officials had been fully cooperative with the Justice Department. Mississippi officials did not have an immediate response to the lawsuit.
OPINION
Tri-State Defender
Page 3
October 25 - 31, 2012
Community investment in education Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Tarrin McGhee
How much money is our community willing to invest to improve academic achievement rates and educational outcomes in Shelby County Schools? As the November 6th presidential and municipal elections draw near, that is one of the questions that local residents will have to considered. In August, the Shelby County Commission approved a resolution to increase the county sales tax rate by ½ cent from 2.25 percent to 2.75 percent, representing a projected $62 million in additional revenue annually. The resolution will appear on the ballot as the county sales and use tax referendum. If the referendum passes, Tennessee law requires that ½ of proceeds generated by the increase shall be distributed and used for school purposes. Schools stand to gain an extra $31 million per year. The thought of raising the county sales tax rate is sparking a fair amount of criticism and concern. The referendum is being supported by elected officials in local, state and federal government, as well as various civic and community groups. However, opponents believe that the increase is premature and that potential school budget cuts should be further explored. Proponents believe that the tax increase is essential to help close a staggering gap in education funding that currently exists. The proposed budget for the schools merger includes a starting shortfall of $57 million. Because the city of Memphis no longer has a legal obligation to fund schools, in 2013 Shelby County government will become the single funding source. Without the additional revenue that the ½ cent county sales tax increase would generate, it is unlikely that funding will exist to implement key recommendations from the Transition Planning Commission’s schools merger plan, such as expanding access to pre-K to all children in Shelby County. To improve educational outcomes in Shelby County, having the financial resources in place to meet the needs of all children is key. According to The Urban Child Institute, preparing students for a lifetime of achievement begins with establishing a solid foundation for cognitive, social, and emotional development. Early childhood development programs such as Pre-K and Head Start are vitally important. Research shows that before entering kindergarten, enrollment in Pre-K gives children the opportunity to develop valuable school readiness skills such as language and literacy, critical thinking, and problem solving. Optimal brain development in young children occurs in response to positive early experiences, and Pre-K enrollment gives children an early advantage over their peers. Based on current enrollment numbers for Memphis and Shelby County school systems, there are more than 500 families on the waiting list for the voluntary Pre-K program. The combined total from both city and county systems of at-risk (free/reduced lunch) students who qualify but are not currently being served by voluntary pre-K is 4,198. Taking in to account the 28 Race to the Top classrooms that will be defunded starting in 2013-14, the total number of students not served increases to 4,758. School leaders have indicated that inability to offer access to voluntary Pre-K to all children who qualify is a result of classroom and funding shortages. Early childhood development experts and educators agree that Pre-K is an invaluable prerequisite for student success. The Urban Child Institute believes that new fiscal investments in early childhood development are critically important. The organization has released several publications to educate parents and residents on best practices to promote optimal brain development in young children. For example, the “2012 Data Book” and the “Kindergarten Readiness Begins at Birth” parent handbook outline the short- and long-term benefits that early childhood education provides to children, families and communities. “You can’t talk about closing the achievement gap and
Pre-K is not in the sentence as well,” said Divalyn Gordon, principal of Ridgeway Early Learning Center, an inclusion Pre-K program in Memphis. “There’s a big difference between children who have had exposure to early childhood education, and those who do not.” Research shows that children who have no exposure to out-of-home care before
kindergarten (early childhood education) are markedly behind their peers in kindergarten, and may experience learning and developmental challenges throughout school and into adulthood. “Children who are exposed to early education are going to perform much better on their achievement test scores because they have the foundational skills that teachers can easily
build upon,” said Gordon. “If a child comes in (to school) already behind, it is very hard for a teacher to move them where they need to be.” In recent years, public education – specifically the pressing need to close the achievement gap between low and higher income students – has dominated public policy discussions across the country. Today one thing is certain:
Pre-K matters. Investing in the expansion of the voluntary pre-k program in Shelby County will improve educational achievement, college/career attainment, and economic conditions. Studies show that the economic benefits of quality early investments to be significant, which can lead to a $14-$17 return on every dollar spent. Outside of making a personal fiscal investment, local res-
idents can support student achievement through mentoring, volunteering, and advocating for better schools. As long-time educator Karl Fisch once stated, “We are preparing students for jobs that don’t yet exist, to use technologies that have not yet been invented and to solve problems that we don’t even know are problems yet.” Given that notion, it is apparent that there is enough work to be done to improve student success in Shelby County for everyone to carry a small part of the load.
Page 4
OPINION
Tri-State Defender
October 25 - 31, 2012
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
The movement: No more broken children
Like many large communities, Shelby County is faced with a rise in bullying and violence among young people under the age of 18. Traditionally, community leaders respond with aggressive multifaceted attacks on juvenile crime that may reduce incidences of crime but fail to address the underlying culture that fosters and sometimes encourages inappropriate/criminal behaviors. Clearly, educators, law enforcement, politicians, and community leaders recognize that the sustained reduction in criminal activities involving youth require more than aggressive zero-tolerance policies and increased law enforcement presence. Moreover, given the burgeoning juvenile justice system, youth cannot simply be arrested and confined to detention centers. Memphis is my home. I was born, raised and educated here. My parents lived and are buried here. Most of my family members still reside here. Although I was eager to leave, I am equally excited to come back home and become the catalyst of a movement that will change the destinies of children on a global scale. Memphis has a history of being the birthplace of movements. Now, it’s time to start a movement where youth will be empowered to “fix” the brokenness in their own culture. Time is out for holding meetings that produce outputs but not outcomes. Time is out for finger pointing and blame shifting. Time is out for looking out for “me, mine, and my own kind.” Time is out for comatose church members, educators who don’t care about all of their students, and parents who don’t understand that raising their children should be their number one priority. The reality is that unless we work together, as a community, we are going to continue investing more money in prisons than in education. It’s time for the community to look at the bottom line and do a real reality check Too many people have already told our children, “Yes, I can, but No YOU CAN’T!” We are going to pay for our problem children regardless – it’s just a matter of when and how much. It’s time to start seeing our children as assets with a positive rate of return as opposed to liabilities riveted with losses. It’s time to stop burying our children and start resurrecting the hope of those on the edge. Let’s help our teens start a youthcentered, youth-led movement with specific strategies outlined in The Last Straw Campaign. Although the ultimate goal is to reduce or prevent bullying and youth violence, we must equip our children with the skills and confidence they need to stand up, stand out, speak up, speak out, and pledge to be the change they want to see in society. Although our top priority is to raise the awareness about bullying and youth violence, we want to affect a paradigm shift in societal attitudes about how our children view themselves in light of the global community. This shift can only occur through our children – America’s greatest resources.
Why ‘The Last Straw?’
The Last Straw refers to the image
of a camel – already carrying a heavy load of “stuff” – and that adding even one more straw will be enough to break its back. The “last straw” has caused many youth to commit suicide, homiDr. Clara cide, join gangs, West use alcohol and/or drugs, fail in school or drop out of school altogether. Children and teens feel abandoned and hopeless when they are disconnected from positive friends and supportive family members.
You can’t break me!
You can’t break me! This powerful, but simple message conveys the resolve that we want our children to have regardless of the challenges they face at school or in peer group settings. Bullying and peer-on-peer violence will never be totally eradicated, but the negative, detrimental effects it can have on our children can be substantially reduced. We, the adults in the community, must gain the trust of our children so they will know that we will not allow them to be broken by bullying and youth violence. Ultimately, everyone in this community has a moral obligation to reach back and rescue our children. We may not have birthed them, but they are still ours. They may be hard headed and disrespectful, but they are still ours. We can’t let our pride, ego, or feeling of self-righteousness keep us from doing what previous generations did for us. Remember, the marches, beatings, dog bites and lynchings that our forefathers endured so we could taste the sweetness of freedom? Are we willing to give our children less than they gave us? No, I do not have all the answers, but together we can come up with some pretty powerful solutions. I do know that doing nothing is not an option. We have to do “whatever it takes” to keep our youth from being broken. Corporations, educators, parents, government officials, church leaders, and community members know that we all have a major role to play in keeping our children safe and sound. Through volunteering and financial support, the adult stakeholders must assist all of our children with their “stuff” so they won’t be “broken,” or “break” their peers by their words and/or actions. Now is the time to come and reason together, with our children, so they can thrive and flourish. No more broken children—NOT ON OUR WATCH! (Dr. Clara West is founder and president of KoKo and Friends Foundation. “The Last Straw” campaign is designed to address at-risk behavior, including bullying and suicide, in the Memphis-area community. The effort is a collaboration involving the Shelby County Office of Early Childhood & Youth’s Ask First Campaign; the KoKo Friends Foundation; Dress for Success Memphis’ Professional Women’s Group; and Pursuit of God’s 7 P’s ministry.)
FLASHBACK: 2006
Your letters to the editor are welcome. For verification, please include your name, address and telephone number. Mail to: In The Mail, Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale St., Ste. 200, Memphis, TN 38103 E-mail: inthemail@tri-statedefender.com Maximum length: 300 words (subject to editing for clarity)
IN THE MAIL
What if Mitt Romney wins?
With the presidential election right around the corner and most of the pundits saying the race is President Obama’s to lose, I have begun to ponder the possibility that Mitt Romney might win and the impact that would have on the Black community. Romney has been polling around zero percent of the Black vote. We all know that the usual Black liberal groups have sold out to Obama years ago – Congressional Black Caucus, NAACP, Urban League, etc. Romney, like George W. Bush in 2000, will owe absolutely nothing to blacks should he win the election. But, unlike Bush, I have no allusions that Romney will surround himself with the number of blacks that Bush did. Romney will feel compelled to make some token hires, but not much beyond that. This will lead the above-named liberals to complain that Romney is ignoring blacks and not being inclusive. But these same groups have yet to raise their voices to criticize Obama on the same issue. Bush had more blacks in his administration than Obama or Bill Clinton. How’s that for a white supposed racist Republican? So, how can they, credibly, hold Romney to a standard that they refused to hold Obama to? Let’s assume that Romney agrees to meet with these liberals and they
make their typical left-wing demands: higher minimum wage, amnesty for illegals, homosexual rights, input on hiring decisions, etc. If the current incarnation of Romney shows up, he will not Raynard agree to their deJackson mands. So, how will they respond if Romney says to them, “Why should I do these things when Obama didn’t do them for you? Congressman (Emanuel) Cleaver (Congressional Black Caucus chairman), will you promise not to march on the White House during my administration like you did for Obama? Mr. (Benjamin) Jealous (NAACP president and CEO), if I don’t address your annual conference, like Obama, will you give me a pass because my schedule is supposedly full? Members of the CBC, if I tell you to stop complaining like Obama did, will you label me a racist, even though you didn’t call Obama a racist?” If the first black president ignores the black community, how can we then make demands on the next white president, regardless of party?
This is why having blacks put all their votes in one party is so dangerous. We have absolutely no leverage if Romney wins the White House. What’s amazing about the groups that claim to represent all blacks is they all claim to be non-partisan. If you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you. On election night, should Romney win, he will say all the right things about wanting to be president for all of America, even those who did not vote for him. But, in raw political terms, why should Romney engage with these liberals? They don’t represent the black mainstream. They have been bought and paid for by the Democratic Party and the likes of George Soros. To the black community, you must become more politically sophisticated and not continue to allow you and the community to be ignored and taken for granted. To Republicans, get rid of your silly notion of a colorblind society. If you can’t see the changing demographics of this country, then you are truly color blind – blind to people of color.
(Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a Washington, D.C.based public relations/government affairs firm. He can be reached via www.raynardjackson.com.)
Presidential debate brings Africa into play New America Media
“Mali has been taken over, the northern part of Mali, by al-Qaidatype individuals. We have in – in Egypt a Muslim Brotherhood president….” With those words, spoken Monday night by President Barack Obama’s Republican challenger Mitt Romney just 40 seconds in the last of three debates, Africa was placed at the center of U.S. foreign policy and international security. The radical and pro-al Qaeda sect, Ansar Eddine, and the umbrella group of Tuareg tribal militias known as the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) have since December 2011 worked together to gain control of Timbuktu and most of northern Mali. Their agenda is the overall imposition of Islamic Sharia law. In neighboring Nigeria, their activities have spawned similar movements. According to the website USAfricaonline, the violent Boko Haram Islamic sect in northeastern Nigeria drew inspiration and some operational support from the pro al Qaeda groups in Mali. Romney was correct in his assessment, though neither candidate connected the festering crises in Mali to the hellish cauldron that Boko Haram coalitions have created in the
northern Nigerian cities of Maiduguri, Potiskum, Mubi, Damataru, Yobe and others. Like my fellow Nigerian-Americans, I had hoped to hear the President and Gov. Romney address Chido the materially enNwangwu hanced threat of radical, violent Islam in the most populated African country, Nigeria, where since December of 2011 weekly reports have emerged of brazen terrorist attacks by Boko Haram targeting mainly Christians from the south. Africa cropped up again around midway through the debate. “One thing I think Americans should be proud of,” Obama noted, is that “when Tunisians began to protest, this nation – me, my administration – stood with them earlier than just about any country. In Egypt we stood on the side of democracy. In Libya we stood on the side of the people.” Under the leadership of Obama, the United States has taken the side of the canvassers and activists for democracy, while turning away from corrupt, brutal dictators. Three such
– Quaddafi of Libya, Mubarrak of Egypt and Ben Ali of Tunisia – were swept away in a tide of people power. The images and impact of the “Arab Spring” has served as a source of inspiration for millions in Africa aspiring toward full human rights. Still, fighting or containing alQaeda and its advances into Africa’s “failed states” – including Mali and Somalia – as well as dealing with actual threats to multi-religious and democratizing countries in the continent remain bilateral and bi-continental issues, both for the Obama administration and, depending on the November results, a Romney presidency. Achieving these goals will require more than a police-law-enforcement approach to al-Qaeda in Africa. A bold, thorough-going draining of the swamp of radical, fundamentalist theologies which feed and fuel terrorism is necessary. One wonders at the possibility of such a commitment, given the absence of any discussion on contemporary issues in Africa’s non-Arab countries. (Dr. Chido Nwangwu is founder and publisher of the Houston-based USAfrica multimedia network, which includes the first African-owned, U.S-based online news site USAfricaonline.com.)
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1. Racial prejudice worldwide must be destroyed. 2. Racially unrestricted membership in all jobs, public and private. 3. Equal employment opportunities on all jobs, public and private. 4. True representation in all U.S. police forces. 5. Complete cessation of all school segregation. 6. Federal intervention to protect civil rights in all instances where civil rights compliance at the state level breaks down
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NATION
Tri-State Defender
Pell Grants: Gateway to jobs and the new economy Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Page 5
October 25 - 31, 2012
by Linda S. Wallace
Cities with bumper crops of college graduates have far better harvests when it comes to attracting the jobs of tomorrow. That’s why Memphis and other smaller and impoverished cities that are lagging behind in the percentage of residents with college-degrees have put bold strategies in place to move them up the ladder and increase the percentage of advanced learners. Cities can’t win this competition by themselves, however. The playing fields are getting more unequal every day as proposed cutbacks in Pell grants and other collegiate financial aid threaten to sway which cities gain traction and which remain stuck in old economies. Pell grants were put in place to ensure the gateway to higher education
was open to low-income Americans. Times and attitudes have changed. In 1980, the maximum Pell grant covered 77 percent of the cost at a public university; today, officials estimate it covers 36 percent of a student’s obligations. The program itself is in a precarious position, as dwindling family wealth, the recession and higher unemployment rates dramatically increased demand for the grants. Some are beginning to wonder: Can our society afford to be fair? During the summer of 2011, the Pell Grant program was facing an $18.3 billion shortfall over the next two academic years, according to the American Association of Community Colleges Stand Up for Pell Grants Action campaign at http://slidesha.re/T7hdjI. Congress opted to infuse the program with $17 billion during the debt ceiling negotiations, leaving a more manageable $1.3 billion shortfall for academic year 2012-13. In order to
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Sign a petition http://action.studentaidalliance.org/5371/save-student-aidstatement http://www.change.org/petitions/restore-the-pell-grant http://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/petitions/save-pell-grants
Take Action Community College of Philadelphia: Save Pell – http://www.ccp.edu/site/savepell/ American Association of State Colleges and Universities – http://www.aascu.org/policy/pell-grant/ American Association of Community Colleges:Stand Up for Pell – http://www.aacc.nche.edu/Advocacy/pellaction/Pages/ webinar_June21.aspx Save Pell http://www.savepell.org/
maintain the $5,550 maximum grant award and address the $1.3 billion projected shortfall, Pell eligibility requirements were tightened, and some students – including many African Americans – were cut off from their college dreams. As a result of the changes, new students lacking a GED or high school diploma no longer are eligible for federal student aid. In addition, the maximum number of full-time semesters college students can receive Pell grant awards has dropped from 18 to 12. This hurts the students working their way through school, and dropping out to deal with unexpected life emergencies. Pell grant recipients are dreamers, doers and strivers. Some of them hold down part-time or full-time jobs. Some come from families whose siblings already earned their college degrees. Some, in fact, are parents who are paying college tuition for children, while taking college classes to
improve their own career prospects. Their stories vary widely. Approximately 46 percent of all African-American undergraduate students receive federal Pell Grant awards. The future is at stake for these students, their communities and the workforces they support. (According to the Department of Education, in 2010-11 The LeMoyneOwen College had 585 grant recipients and Southwest Tennessee Community College had 10,212. Students need the community to stand up for them and raise our voices. By advocating for Pell grants, Americans are promoting a level playing field and a competition where poorer cities don’t get left behind. (Linda S. Wallace, whose commentaries appear periodically in The New Tri-State Defender, now works in communications for an eastern community college.)
No jail for student in FAMU hazing death CNN
by Mallory Simon One of the students who allegedly held Robert Champion in a bear hug during a hazing initiation was sentenced Monday (Oct. 22) to six months of community control, two years of supervised probation and 200
hours of community service for his role in the Florida A&M University band member’s death. Bryan Jones, who had previously pleaded not guilty before changing his plea to no contest, was sentenced on a charge of felony hazing resulting in death. The judge said if Jones didn’t abide by the sentencing
order he would face up to 72 months in a state penitentiary. Champion died after taking part in a band hazing ritual that eventually led to his death. The ritual, known as crossing the bus, is an initiation process in which pledges attempt to run down the center aisle from the front door of the bus to the
back while being punched, kicked and assaulted by senior members, band members have said. Champion collapsed in Orlando on the bus, which was carrying members of FAMU’s Marching 100 after a November football game that included a halftime performance by the group. The medical examiner’s
office ruled his death a homicide and said Champion “collapsed and died within an hour of a hazing incident during which he suffered multiple blunt trauma blows to his body.” An autopsy found “extensive contusions of his chest, arms, shoulder and back” as well as “evidence of crushing areas of subcutaneous fat.”
Hamer statute unveiled…
A life-sized bronze statue of civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer recently was unveiled and now rests at the Fannie Lou Hamer Memorial Gardens in Ruleville, Miss. Hamer, who died of cancer in 1977, drew national attention in 1964 when she and other members of the racially integrated Freedom Democratic Party challenged the seating of Mississippiʼs all-white delegation to the Democratic National Convention. (Photo by Chance Wright, The Bolivar Commercial courtesy of NNPA)
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EXCELLENCE
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
and messages as well as a limited number of event tickets are available. A table of 10 is $650. For more information, contact the TSD office at 901-5231818 or advertising@tri-statedefender. com.
The 2012 Men of Excellence honorees:
Charles Barnes, President, Action Chemical Tyrone Burroughs, President and CEO, First Choice Sales & Merchandising Donnell Cobbins, Jr., Vice President, Universal Commercial Real Estate Al Cousins, MWBE Business Development Manager, Allen & Hoshall Willie Curry, Photographer, The Photography Group Roderick DeBerry, Managing Partner, Via Sys Technology Brian Dobbins, Executive Director-West, United HealthCare Community Plan Michael Dones, Corporate Marketing Manager, FedEx David Doyle, Southwest Community College | E.D. of TN Small Business Development Center Rick Farwell, Owner, Pyramind Wine & Spirits Dennis Fisher, Director of HR, Baptist Memorial Health Care Corp. Art Gilliam, Owner, WLOK
GUIDE
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
emerged as a key strategy and the School Choice Guide was the primary product given my interest and experience. I knew inner city parents needed tools to more easily assess schools and decide which one(s) are best suited to effectively educate their children given the vast changes taking place in Memphis and Shelby County. I also understood that information had to come from a trusted source, with the TSD providing the perfect platform given its unique and long-standing positive relationship with the African-American community of Greater Memphis.” “ACHIEVE (SCG)” will contain a profile of public, charter, private and independent schools in the area, as well as an aggregation of performance data on the schools to allow for a high-level, sideby-side comparison of schools. A research team will compile the data and format it for publication. The goal is to create the most comprehensive analysis of area K-12 schools and present it in an easily understood and digestible format for parents. This kind of tool will allow parents to better determine which schools might provide the best environment for their particular child or children to learn. The guide will contain special editorial content and
COLLEGE
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
here in Memphis. The city is in debt to LeMoyne-Owen College.” Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell Jr. identified the “legacy of LeMoyne-Owen” as educating and retaining Memphis youth and talent. Each mayor presented a proclamation officially recognizing the impact of the college. Prominent alum Robert Lipscomb, chairman of the LOC Board of Trustees and the wearer of multiple city government hats, introduced a team of dedicated supporters, whom he said created “The” LeMoyneOwen College. “We put a lot of work into saving and building the college because we believe in it. LeMoyne-Owen was too important to fail,” he said. The college’s gospel choir accented the evening with songs. Later, program emcee and WREG news anchor, Markova Reed, introduced a renowned panel: Larry Dodson Sr., R&B singer with the BarKays and co-founder of Right Now Records; Donald O’Conner, founder of Watoto De’ Afrika and the Memphis Cultural Arts Enrichment Center; and Kirk Whalum, Grammy award-winning saxophonist, CEO of Stax Records and ordained minister. The panel served as judges as LOC students displayed an
NEWS
Tri-State Defender
October 25 - 31, 2012
Leon Gray, Special Project Coordinator - Mayor’s Office Shelby County Government Frederick Hardeman, V.P. Business Banking, Regions Bank of Memphis Lee Harris, U of M Law Professor/Memphis City Council Member Robert Hill, Director of Community Outreach, Shelby County Trustee’s Office Clayton Jones, Multi-Store Operations Manager, Macy’s Jessie Jones, Security Guard, Bountiful Blessings COGIC Samuel King, Sr. V.P. - MidSouth Diversity Banking, First Tennessee Bank Emmanuel Kpabitey, MD, Emergency Physician and Internist Earl LeFlore, Jr., Founder, The Gentlemen and Ladies Academy Perry Little, Director of Education, Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare John D. Lovelace, Executive Director, Shelby County Head Start Myron Lowery, Former Interim Mayor and City Council Chairman, Memphis City Council Member Jerome Luke, Executive V.P. - Credit Policy & Regulation, First Tennessee Bank Willie Martin, Agency Owner, All State Insurance Myron Mays, On-Air Personality and Entrepreneur, “What’s Happening Myron?” and Soul Classics 103.5 WRBO Chris McNeil, On-Air Personality, Flinn Broadcasting KXHT 107.1
stories of success in improving student performance, resource information on tutoring and mentoring programs, emerging trends and expert advice on parenting and other pertinent topics. K-12 schools, colleges and universities and education-related businesses will also be able to do targeted advertising within the SCG. A minimum of 25,000 copies will be printed and distributed to parents initially, beginning with the Education Empowerment Expo in late March of 2013. A dynamic web version of the SCG will also be built to allow both print and digital access to the information. TSD’s partnership with NAM includes helping coordinate a Memphis-metropolitanwide essay writing contest for high school students and adults entitled “The Teacher Who Changed My Life.” Awardees – both writers and teachers – will receive cash prizes. TSD also will join with NAM and other media partners to host three breakfast focus groups with inner city parents. The idea is to gather the parents’ direct input, views and needs relative to the various changes taking place with public education. During a special roundtable session, various ethnic media outlets will interact with education stakeholders who will have the chance to pitch stories that will enhance the level of communication engagement
array of talent from singing to spoken word, comedy to hiphop, and urban ballet. In true “America’s-Got-Talent” form after each performance, the judges offered contestants critiques of their performances and advice on improvement. As scores were tallied, gospel jazz artist Ben Tankard took the stage, performing a long list of hits before a clapping and singing audience. Tankard also shared his story of success, sprinkling in a few moments of humor. Among the students in the audience was sophomore chemistry major Gyneva Bearden, who assisted in planning the event. Far more than a concert, she said the event was something she thought she’d
William Mitchell, CryeLeike Realtors Keith Norman, Pastor, First Baptist Broad Dr. Leroy Norton, Family Vision Donnald O’Connor, Founder and Director, Watoto De Afrika Deano Orr, Executive Director, International Paper Foundation & Global Giving Programs Vincent Perry, Financial Advisor, Ameriprise Financial Reginald Peyton, Broker, CRB, CRS, GRI, The Peyton Co, Inc. Realtors Ronald Purifoy, Majority Owner, Johnson Bryce, Inc. Ron Redwing, President/CEO, The Redwing Group Howard Scott, Chief Medical Ofc., Methodist Hospital Darryll Seymour, General Manager, Boscos Jeffrey Shelton, Owner, Shelton’s ProClean Ed Stanton, Jr., General Sessions Court Clerk Clint Story, Vice President, Citizen’s Bank John Thomas, Owner, C & T Title & Escrow Fred Towler, Vice President of Supply Chain Operations, International Paper Mack Tuggle, CPA Partner, Jones & Tuggle Alton Williams, Pastor, World Overcomer’s Outreach Ministries Ron Willis, Agency Owner, State Farm Insurance Frazer Windless, President and CEO, A1 Printing Service James Wright, CPA
and information flow going forward. “Our focus as a media outlet is to inform, inspire and elevate (quality of life),” Smith said. “This partnership with New America Media will contribute in a significant way to our continued fulfillment of that focus and allow us to contribute clarity and connectivity to families seeking the best educational options in a rapidly changing landscape. “I hope that this is a catalyst for other local partners to join this effort and support us in its execution. We appreciate Sandy Close, Vivian Po, the entire NAM team and partners for seeing our vision and engaging with us to empower families here in Memphis!” “When Bernal Smith suggested the idea of a Parents’ Guide, we were thrilled,” said NAM’s Education Project director Vivian Po. “It’s not only a resource but a way for media to engage directly with parents. It could be a model for our media partners in other cities.” Preliminary work has already begun on the SCG and related initiatives and will continue over the next six months, culminating with its official distribution at the spring 2013 Education Empowerment Expo.
(For more information, contact TSD President and Publisher, Bernal E. Smith II, at 901-523-1818 or besmith@tristatedefender.com.)
never experience. “I never thought I’d go to college,” she said. “LeMoyneOwen College means the world to me. They welcome you with open arms and help you with anything, no matter what. It gave me hope.” Offering hope is what event coordinator and Director of Career Services, Dr. Denita Hedgeman, said the celebration was all about. “Tonight was to create a better and solid image of LeMoyne-Owen,” she said. “We love the students and help them to grow from caterpillars to butterflies. I’m so happy to see what God is doing with the college, its students and the community. I foresee growth and expansion in LeMoyneOwen’s future.”
UT College of Pharmacy student Jana Sterling prepares to give a flu shot to a fellow student, Samantha Adams. (UTHSC)
UTHSC Pharmacy students work to scare off the flu University of Tennessee Health Science Center Pharmacy students earlier this month held Boo Flu, an annual event that gives all UTHSC professors, staff and students an opportunity to receive a free flu vaccination. The supply of vaccines ran out after students immunized 1,850 people. A subsequent
event was held to give flu shots to the 240 people who didn’t get theirs, or missed the first date. The turnout for this year’s event was a record breaker, with 1,500 to 1,600 flu shots dispensed previously. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that people receive a flu shot as soon as the vaccine
becomes available. Last year, about 150 million doses were produced to protect people during the flu season, which typically peaks in January and February. Although figures from the CDC show that the 2011-12 flu season was relatively mild, officials warn that is not indicative of the upcoming flu season.
Baptist to offer free flu shots Baptist Memorial Health Care will host free flu shot events for the community on Tuesday, Oct. 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu season can begin early as October and most of the time seasonal flu activity peaks in January, February or later. The goal of the event is to raise awareness about the im-
portance of getting a yearly flu shot. Educational information about flu will be available and Baptist is offering flu vaccines to community members 18 and older. Groups that should not receive the flu vaccine include anyone who is sick with a fever, those with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome or those with an egg or mercury allergy. The vaccine will also not be given to
women who are pregnant or nursing Locations: Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library – 3030 Poplar Ave., 1-800-4-BAPTIST; Baptist Minor Medical Center-Olive Branch, 8990 Germantown Road Ext., contact Janie Basford, 662-893-1199; Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville, 1500 West Poplar Ave., contact Kelle Lovelace, 901-861-9410
BUSINESS
Tri-State Defender
MONEY MATTERS
What does Medicare cover? Medicare is the federal health insurance program for elderly persons and certain disabled individuals. In 1965, Medicare was enacted to provide a “safety net” of healthcare coverage for qualifying individuals. Medicare is packaged in two major parts. Part A is hospital insurance protection. It covers hospitalization, some hospice care, and a limited amount of post-hospital skilled nursing and home health care. Part B, which is medical insurance, helps cover physicians’ services, outpatient hospital care, physical therapy, diagnostic tests, and a
variety of other services. More recently, Medicare added Part D, prescription drug coverage. At first glance, it appears that Uncle Sam has everything covered. But unfortunately, there are many limitations.
Medicare costs
Every time you go to the hospital, you have to pay a certain amount of your hospitalization costs, unless your visits are separated by fewer than 60 days. If that’s the case, you pay the deductible only the first time. If you stay in the hospital longer than 60 days, you will be required to pay a co-payment
every day for days 61 through 90. You also have a lifetime reserve of 60 days that can be used in conjunction with Charles Sims more than Jr., CFP one extended stay. These days also have an associated co-payment. Medicare won’t cover any stays longer than 90 days once you have depleted your 60-day reserve.
Real Times Media inks agreement with CNN Real Times Media recently closed on a licensing agreement with CNN News Source to exchange news and information for use in its print and digital properties. The relationship includes text-based news and or information content related to: • News items, related to the day’s top domestic stories, i.e. breaking news, spot news, politics, etc. • International news • Financial news from CNN and/or CNNMoney.com • Feature stores related to health, entertainment, technology, etc. • Issue-oriented op-ed columns; and • Stories from CNN affiliates “We are excited about our new relationship with CNN,”
said Hiram E. Jackson, CEO, Real Times Media. “Partnering with CNN is a perfect fit for Real Times as we continue to grow our position as one of the leaders in providing news and content to the African American and urban markets.” Real Times Media is a multimedia company that consists of Internet properties, newspapers, niche publishing, marketing services, archive licensing and premier events. With offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Columbus, Detroit, Memphis and Pittsburgh, Real Times is the leading provider of original print content for African-American related news, entertainment and lifestyle information. Dedicated to distributing top quality news, lifestyle in-
formation, and entertainment relevant to the African-American and urban markets, Real Times’ goal is to continually develop non-traditional media that complements its core business, build greater brand loyalty and cultivate new customers for its clients. The Real Times Media family of companies includes the nation’s largest AfricanAmerican owned and operated newspaper organizations: Atlanta Daily World, Chicago Defender, Michigan Chronicle, Michigan FrontPage, The New Tri-State Defender (Memphis) and the New Pittsburgh Courier. (For more information about Real Times Media, call 313-963-1800, or visit www.realtimesmedia.com.)
ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY
Women in Business:
Success Unlimited
People often use the phrase “ball of energy.” Natasha Donerson is that plus more. She is the queen of follow through. As the CEO of Success Unlimited, LLC she is about the business of helping others win.
Carlee McCullough: Natasha, please tell me about yourself and your business. Natasha Donerson: My most important position is mother to my 5-year-old daughter, Naomi. I am a professionally trained and certified business coach and consultant. I have over 15 years of business experience both as a successful sales executive and business owner. I have a Bachelor of Science from Spelman College and a Masters in Business Administration, with a concentration in management from Union University. I am also a licensed real estate affiliate broker. CM: How did you become interested in business? ND: I cannot say I have always been interested in business. I thought I was going to be a doctor, which is why in college I majored in biology. My interest changed and I started a career in sales. After the third year in sales I decided to get my MBA. I realized that in order to be wealthy I had to build my own business and not someone else’s business.
CM: What kind of training or education did you acquire before opening your firm? ND: My 13 years of sales experience and my MBA with a concentration in management definitely put me ahead of the curve. In addition, I became certified as a business coach before opening my business. I am a lifelong learner so I am always reading and taking courses to hone my skills.
CM: What type of services does Success Unlimited offer? ND: Our comprehensive
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October 25 - 31, 2012
coaching and consulting services include: 1. Execu t i v e Coaching & Leadership Development f o r Carlee McCullough W o m e n Corporate Leaders 2. Supplier Diversity and Procurement Improvement Consulting 3. Diversity & Inclusion Natasha Training Donerson 4. Small Business Coaching and Development 5. M/WBE to Corporate Match Making 6. Strategic Planning Sessions 7. Retreat Facilitation 8. Standardized Assessments to Enhance Communication, Leadership Skills, and Processes
CM: What has been your greatest triumph as owner? ND: My greatest triumph is that I continue to survive and thrive as a business owner through all the personal challenges, down economy, and more. I feel like I have transformed into the person I need to be in order to handle the success that I dream about. CM: What are some of the biggest risks for those in your industry today? ND: I don’t see any particular risk for the business consulting industry. Risk is lessoned by having the right strategy and remaining authentic to your market. CM: Do you notice any
new trends in the marketplace? If so, what are they? ND: The biggest trend I see is the use in technology to do business and that is going to continue. For instance, my business coach is in Baltimore, Md. and our monthly sessions are via Skype. Your client no longer has to be in the same city with you to do business. We have also rolled out our virtual training academy for business owners. This allows our clients throughout the U.S. to gain business principles that we teach at their own pace. We will continue to use technology to scale our business and leverage our time.
CM: Do you believe networking and contacts are important? Why? ND: I believe that your NETWORK determines your NET-WORTH. It is important to network and build relationships to be successful in business. I find that most people do not know how to do it effectively, but it is highly important. CM: If you had one piece of advice to give to someone just starting out, what would it be? ND: First, decide if owning a business is your ultimate dream. If the answer is yes, right down all of the sacrifices you are willing to make to succeed. If the list is short and not major, keep your job.
CM: How can our readers contact you? Website and email address? ND: 2840 Summer Oaks, Suite 103, Bartlett, TN 38134; Phone: 901-328-8842; Email: Natasha@ StrategicBusinessSuccess .com; Website: StrategicBusinessSuccess.com (Contact Carlee McCullough, Esq., at 5308 Cottonwood Road, Suite 1A, Memphis, TN 38118, or email her at jstce4all@aol.com.)
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Skilled nursing care?
Medicare will pay for the first 20 days of skilled nursing care, but only after you’ve been in the hospital for three days. This means you’ll have paid at least the deductible for that three-day stay. From the 21st day through the 100th day, Medicare will cover some of the costs of skilled nursing care, but you still have a co-payment. After 100 days, Medicare will not pay for skilled nursing care, and you must bear the full cost. The 100 days are per benefit period.
What about Medigap?
Medicare supplemental insurance, or “Medigap,” is designed to pick up where Medicare stops. As such, it
usually pays the deductibles and co-payments required by Medicare. Coverage will vary according to the benefits outlined in each specific policy. Medigap insurance may not pay for any additional procedures that aren’t specifically addressed by Medicare. Most policies will only help to cover the deductibles and co-payments imposed by Medicare.
Long-Term Care?
Medicare provides only limited coverage for skilled nursing care and pays for only up to 100 days of care following a three-day hospital stay. Medigap doesn’t fill the gaps in this coverage. If you are concerned about
meeting your potential longterm-care needs, you should look into additional insurance to help fill in the gaps. In many cases, it may be best to consider purchasing a private longterm-care insurance policy to help protect against these potentially devastating costs.
(Charles Sims Jr. is President/ CEO of The Sims Financial Group. Contact him at 901-682-2410 or visit www. SimsFinancialGroup.com. The information in this article is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor.)
RELIGION
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Tri-State Defender
October 25 - 31, 2012
LIVING THE LIFE I LOVE
‘So what is this disorder all about?’
Dear Lucy: I share office space with a lady who is driving me crazy. She does good work on the job but this has got to be the junkiest person I know. I consider her a true friend but I refuse to ride in her car, eat at her house or try to find anything on her desk. She’s not exactly unclean, just doesn’t pick up or put up and everything around her turns into chaos. She is not a hoarder or depressed and is basically a fun person. Even when she straightens up, within days it’s back to chaos. How can I help my friend? – NP
Dear NP: I don’t get the picture of a hopeless slob or demented person from your letter. Many of us have had the chance to be like your friend at some point in our lives, if only briefly! I have a firm belief that “order is the first law of the universe” and I positively love clean, uncluttered space...especially if I have to occupy it! Yet, there are times when I lose sight of what I believe. So how can you truly believe something and lose sight of it?
Focusing on what we believe requires reinforcement of the belief and life helps us out. For example, recently I told my daughter-in-law that I absolutely had to stay home and straighten up my Lucy house or go Shaw crazy. She said, “Yes, Michael told me your house was a mess.” I was stunned, then tickled. I had been traveling intermittently for almost a month and Michael had been dropping in checking mail and I had left a mess. My house is usually in perfect order (according to my own standards) and I demand maintenance of that order of my grandchildren when they visit. This same level of order doesn’t work at my son’s house where there is continuous motion and interaction among two busy adults and two very busy young children. The change at
my house was enough to make Michael pay attention and comment! He was probably relieved to see that I am still not perfect! So what is this disorder all about? For me it is usually a sign of overwhelm and a choosing of priorities so that I can survive the moment. Cleaning up the outside clutter has to wait while I attend to the internal clutter of my mind. When the external clutter reaches a certain level I turn it off by getting focused, cleaning it up and regrouping. For me, this is a very conscious process. As a consciously creative person I have learned to pay close attention to my immediate surroundings, my dress, my conversational content and my life as a metaphor for my thoughts and emotions. When my immediate environment is out of control, I assume that my thoughts and emotions are also. For some of us, when there are seemingly lots of things that we cannot control, we choose one really important thing for our survival like our job, do it well and leave the “extraneous” stuff like neatness for anoth-
er day. When life is really out of control, another day may never show up for us. I often end up parking my car at work next to someone whose car looks like a rolling trashcan on the inside. Just peeking in gives me the creeps and it is a late model, beautiful vehicle. I have never seen the person who drives it. I don’t have to. I already know about the inside of his or her head. Perhaps this car is his or her only island of control. Who knows but them? The most you can do for your friend is continue to support her in ways that work for you. This seems to be more of a problem for you than for her. Set your own boundaries, communicate them to her and love her anyway. If you feel the need to talk to her about it, do so in a joking way to see how she really feels about it. She probably has an interesting story to tell about it. Believe me, she is quite aware of it and if she could or wanted to, she would probably fix it. Remember, we all see the world through our own favorite filters. Per-
haps you are looking at her blue world through your pink lens. Her stuff just is not pink! We judge others from our own ways of being and believing and often don’t leave room for them to do what works for them in the moment. We are all great, blessed works of creation in progress. Today, my lens are green. Maybe tomorrow I will evolve to orange. It takes many colors to make a rainbow! Sending you a rainbow of love, 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.comThis email address is being protected from spambots.) (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.)
Yolanda Adams: The ‘How Sweet the Sound’ interview Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Kam Williams
Ever since her debut with “Just As I Am” in the late 1980’s, Yolanda Adams has triumphantly carried the torch for contemporary gospel and inspirational music via a dozen glorious albums. Here, she talks about her life and career, and about hosting Verizon’s “How Sweet the Sound,” the country’s most prestigious gospel music celebration and competition. Now, in its fifth year of celebrating the community and the power of gospel music, “How Sweet the Sound’s” national finale will be staged at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. on Nov. 4. Kam Williams: Hi Yolanda, I’m honored to have this opportunity to speak with you. Yolanda Adams: It’s great to talk to you, Kam.
KW: What interested you in How Sweet the Sound? YA: First of all, it gave me an opportunity to spend time with my great friends Donald Lawrence, CeCe Winans, Erica Campbell, Fred Hammond and Hezekiah Walker. Whenever we can hang out, it’s wonderful. Unless we’re on tour together, we usually don’t have a lot of opportunities to see each other, other than at something special like award shows. So, I was excited to do this.
KW: What’s it been like judging How Sweet the Sound? Is it similar to the job you do on BET’s “Sunday Best?” YA: No, I actually co-hosted with Donald this year. So, I didn’t have to
face the difficult challenge of judging these great choirs.
KW: Do you care to share which choir you think is going to win? YA: The crazy part is that the finalists are the top choirs from all of the cities that we chose. So, there are no duds left in this selection of choirs. These really are just the cream of the crop, the best choirs in the U.S.
KW: How is picking the best Gospel group different from picking the best singer from a show like “American Idol” or “The Voice?” YA: The only difference is whether you can feel the heart of the song, the heart of what they’re trying to convey. You still have to be professional. The choir’s moves still have to in sync. So, you’re looking at the same criteria you’d find on “American Idol” or “Sunday Best.”
KW: Harriet Pakula-Teweles asks: “Which of your songs has the most personal meaning for you?” YA: That’s like asking: “Which of your children is the most precious?” When I write a song, it comes from the heart and is based on a specific experience. You can’t really say that one experience is greater than another, because all of your experiences take you through life on this journey. KW: Harriet also asks: Do you ever feel that the spiritual essence of a Gospel song’s message is transformed when you sing in a secular arena instead of a church? YA: No. No. Unh-uh. The message is still the same. The delivery is still the same. You have to understand
Yolanda Adams (Courtesy photo) that everyone has a heart, and when it hits, the emotion is there.
KW: Editor/Legist Patricia Turnier says: “You served as spokesperson for Operation Rebound, a program that addressed the concern of innercity schoolchildren. Many young people want to make it in the music business and do not see the value of education. You worked in the past as a schoolteacher while you were modeling. Can you share with us the importance of education and how it helped you in the music business?” YA: Education helps you to be a well-rounded person, period. It teaches you how to take in information and data, process it, and use it for life building. Education was key in my family. You were going to college. Unfortunately, I think what’s happening nowadays is that many
young people think they don’t need to avail themselves of higher education because a lot of music stars left high school before graduating. Kam, you and I both know that you can be hot today in the music business and then nobody knows who you are tomorrow. So, you always have to have a good education. I am a stickler for that.
KW: And some of those rappers are college-educated. YA: Yeah, nobody talks about how Puffy went to Howard University or about Lil Wayne attending the University of Houston. All the young kids know is what they see on the videos. They don’t realize that these guys have taken managerial and business courses, and know how to brand and how to market themselves. They’re very smart. …
PRAISE CONNECT
KW: Dante Lee, author of “Black Business Secrets,” asks: “What was the best business decision you ever made, and what was the worst? YA: My best was to own everything that belongs to me. My worst was once making a spur of the moment decision because I needed the money. KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see? YA: I see a very happy mom who is in love with life and in love.
KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for? YA: I know everybody says world peace but, seriously, world peace. I really wish we could have world peace….
-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
TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST
672 So. Lauderdale 38126 P.O. Box 314 Memphis, Tn 38101 Phone (General) 774-1572 Pastor: 775-0740 Secretary: 775-1909
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
WEEKLY SERVICES
Sunday Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Night YPWW 5:00 p.m. Night Service 6:00 p.m. Tuesday Night Prayer 6:00 p.m. Bible Study 7:15 p.m. Wednesday Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m. Friday Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Night Service 7:30 p.m. BROADCASTS 9:30 a.m. Sunday WDIA - 1070 AM
No Telecast Service
Dr. David Allen Hall Pastor
— Proverbs 1:7
“The Founder’s Church”
First Pastor: Senior Bishop C.H. Mason
Greenwood Christian Methodist Episcopal Church 3311 Kimball Ave. Memphis, TN 38111 (901) 744-7531 (901) 744-7664
Worship Services
THE BLVD Ea s t 6 7 4 5 Wo l f R i v e r B o u l e v a r d @ Kir by Pa r k wa y (i n t he Cla r k Ope r a M em phis Ce nt e r ) Me mp h i s T N 3 8 1 2 0
Dr. Frank A. Thomas Senior Servant
Sunday Sunday School Worship Service
Clarence Kelby Heath Wednesday Pastor
Noon - 1 p.m. 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
9 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
ST. ANDREW A.M.E. CHURCH 867 SOUTH PARKWAY EAST Memphis, TN 38106
(901) 948-3441
Early Morning..........7:45 AM Church School..........9:45 AM Morning Worship......11:00 AM Bible Study For Youth and Adults Tuesday - 7:00 PM “Spirit, Soul, and Body!” AM 1070 WDIA Sundays, 10:00-10:30 AM
TV Cable Access Broadcast Tuesdays, 7:30 PM, Channel 17 Website:www.saintandrewamec.org
Child Care Center (901) 948-6441 Monday-Friday 6 AM- 5:30 PM Emergency Food Pantry Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, Pastor & Clothes Closet Rev. Marilynn S. Robinson, Co-Pastor Wednesday 6 PM-8 PM
“Ministering to Memphis-Spirit, Soul and Body”
Tri-State Defender
RELIGION
RELIGION BRIEFS Mt. Zion Baptist venue for Wiley College choir
The George Washington Carver High School Class of ’65 will host the renowned A Capella Choir of Wiley College on Nov. 4. The event is a benefit concert, which will begin a 4 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church at 60 S. Parkway East. The special guest will be the Class of ’62 celebrating its 50th anniversary. The A Capella Choir builds on Wiley’s tradition of stellar singers and composers (dating back to the 1800s). The 2008 film, “The Great Debaters,” helped cast worldwide attention on the college, which is located in Marshall, Texas. The choir will be conducted by Carver alumnus Stephen L. Hayes, director of music and visiting lecturer at Wiley College. The public is invited. The Rev. Eric Winston is host pastor. For more information, contact Charles Hayes at 901-654-3382.
Men’s Month rolls on at Monumental Baptist
October 25 - 31, 2012
The focus is simple: encourage members and others to hold on during life circumstances and challenges while expecting positive changes. The force behind the spotlight is the men of Monumental Baptist Church, 704 South Parkway East, where the Rev. Samuel Billy Kyles is the pastor. The context is Men’s Month, which continues with Men’s Day on Sunday (Oct. 28). “As we go through the various and negative activities of life, we all need some encouragement and reinforcement to strengthen our faith and fortify our confidence that God will sustain us and make us victors and conquerors of the situations we often face,” said Tyrone Glass, chair of the men’s program and activities for 2012. “That is why it is important to fellowship and
worship as congregations.” The Rev. Melvin Watkins, co-pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, will be the Men’s Day guest speaker for the 11 a.m. service. A concert follows at 3 p.m. featuring the Monumental Men’s Chorus and invited guest choirs. Other opportunities for worship and spiritual fortification will be provided during a threeday revival (Oct. 29-31), with the Rev. Roger Brown of Greater White Stone Baptist Church (Monday and Tuesday) and Dr. A. McKinley Royal of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church (Wednesday). Revival services will begin at 7 p.m. each night. BRIEFLY: Golden Leaf Cathedral, at 1439 North Hollywood Blvd., is gearing up for celebrations of the church’s 100th year anniversary and the 25th pastoral anniversary of Bishop Dandridge Wilborn. Here’s the calendar of invents: Oct. 26 – banquet celebrating the two anniversaries at the Hilton Hotel; Oct. 28 – church anniversary worship celebration. BRIEFLY: The Church Health Center’s 2012 Faith & Health: Making the Connection Conference for Clergy and Lay Leaders will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 1 at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Avenue. The 2012 conference will explore practical ways congregations and families can discuss end-of-life issues. For more information, call 901-261-8833 or visit www.churchhealthcenter.org.
DEADLINE
Deadline for all religion articles is Monday, 5 p.m. Send items to Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale St., Suite 200; Memphis, TN 38103, Email items to editorial@tristatedefender.com. Call (901) 523-1818 for details.
Page 9
ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, October 25 - 31, 2012, Page 10
WHAT’S HAPPENING MYRON?
Flavor Flav ain’t funny no more
Remember when Whitney Houston was “at her worst.” She was also at her most entertaining, wasn’t she? We laughed. We joked. And although we knew she had a problem, we always looked Myron forward to seeing Mays what she did next. And she always delivered. The next thing we knew she was no longer with us. All of a sudden, it wasn’t so funny anymore. Flavor Flav was recently arrested in Las Vegas for shoving his girlfriend and chasing her son around the house with a couple of knives. This is just the latest incident in a string of many. Now, Flav ain’t really known for being “normal,” however, his destructive behavior leads me to believe that there won’t be a smooth landing on this runway. In cases such as this, there is almost always a crash landing. Again, Whitney Houston. Before that, Amy Winehouse. We really need to be careful about what we find entertainment in. Sometimes behind the entertainment lies a bigger issue. Yeah, we find humor in their behavior, but we never pay attention to that issue until they’re no longer around. Flavor Flav doesn’t need attention. He doesn’t even need another television show; he simply needs help. Someone needs to intervene and give it to him before it’s too late.
Here’s what’s happening…
Takeover Costume Party! Loose Goose Sports Bar at 8014 Club Center Drive in Cordova presents the 2012 Halloween Takeover Costume Party, with prizes for the best costumes. The categories include: sexiest, funniest and most creative. DJ KJ on the 1’s and 2’s! This is a 21+ event! For more information, visit www.LooseGooseSBG.com.
Nightmare to remember It’s going down at The Pinnacle Ballroom (305 South Bellevue) on Saturday (Oct. 27) at 8 p.m. Enjoy food, drinks and good music. There will be a drawing for door prizes every half hour starting at 10 p.m. The costume contest begins at 11:30, with prizes for most original, scariest and sexiest. Admission is $5. Come on out and have a ball. A-Game, Grizz & boo Come out to A-Game Restaurant & Bar, 6642 Winchester Rd., on Halloween night and watch the Grizzlies’ first season game. Then it’s the Halloween after-party. Your costume is welcome. Happy Hour starts at 5 p.m. and the party goes all night. There will be plenty of giveaways. Specials include 2-for-1 drinks, $5 pizza and $2 Budweiser. Admission is free all night. Cedric the Entertainer You’ve seen him on BET as host of “Comicview,” in dozens of movies and on his own sitcom. Now you can see him on tour right here in Memphis. Yes, Cedric the Entertainer is coming back to the Bluff City for one big show at the Orpheum on Nov. 3. You can get your tickets at the Orpheum box office and all Ticketmaster outlets and ticketmaster.com. Don’t miss out! Cedric always puts on a great show.
‘Mahalia’ The Hattiloo Theatre presents ‘Mahalia, the Musical’ at the Germantown Performing Arts Center this Saturday (Oct. 27) at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 pm. Deborah Manning Thomas and Stefani Bolton team up in this gospel explosion that celebrates the life and music of the world’s greatest gospel singer. The featured songs include “Move on up A Little Higher” and “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho.” Get your tickets by visiting www.hattiloo.org.
Memphis Choice Awards Join DMAG on Nov. 17 for the Memphis Choice Awards. The “Green Carpet” kicks off at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. R&B stars Noel Gourdin and KeKe Wyatt will perform. Tickets are available now at ticketleap.com and eventbrite.com. Hosted by Stan Bell and Mzzz. Kecia! For more information, visit www. memphischoiceawards.com.
(Got an event you’d like for me to cover or attend? Email me at Myron@whatshappeningmyron.com)
Slave performing the hit song “Watching You.” (Photo by Warren Roseborough)
Rush rocks at veterans’ salute Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Warren Roseborough Bobby Rush, known for electrifying stage performances accented by rump-shaking women, showed that he’s top-notch entertainer without the eye candy on Saturday (Oct. 19). The occasion – Rush’s 2012 Red, White & Blues Concert at the Levitt Shell in Overton Park – called for a different kind of setting. Rush, who performed with the support of a lone keyboard player, delivered, wowing the crowd that featured about 500 veterans and their families. Congressman Steve Cohen, who attended the concert, suggested that Rush be put in for a Congressional medal of honor for his support of veterans. Congressional aide Randy Wade, who was honored for his military service, heaped thanks and praise on the veterans on hand. Up-and-coming singer Cynthia Jones belted out a memorable rendition of the “National Anthem” and carried When Slave per“Watching out that standard forms throughout her you,” dancing is performance. Co- what you do. (Photo median Lester by Warren RoseborBibbs hosted the ough) show and kept the crowd laughing as if it was being taped for a laugh soundtrack Slave, one of the hit R&B groups of the ’70’s and middle ‘80’s, did what they’ve done for years – make feet dance and fingers pop – as the crowed really got into hits such
Bobby Rush greets Army veteran August Givens on stage. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)
These veterans were among 500 veterans and their families who turned out for Bobby Rushʼs annual Red, White & Blues Concert. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)
as “Slide” and “Watching You.” Rush ran the concert’s anchor leg and like world-class sprinter Usain Bolt, he did not disappoint, even though he took the stage later than expected.
Linking the concert to Election Day on Nov. 6, Rush urged concertgoers to get out and vote, regardless of their choice of candidates in the presidential race. President Obama, he said, has his vote.
Oprah returns to big screen in ‘The Butler’ NNPA News Service
by Kimberly C. Roberts Academy Award nominee Oprah Winfrey, who has not appeared in a film since the 1998 release “Beloved,” will return to the big screen in Lee Daniels’ “The Butler,” a star-studded feature film inspired by a former White House butler. Currently in production in New Orleans, “The Butler,” starring Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker, is based on a screenplay by Danny Strong and Daniels. It is inspired by Wil Haygood’s Washington Post article about Cecil Gaines (Eugene Allen in real life), an African-American man who served as a butler to eight presidents in the White House for over 30 years. From this unique vantage point, “The Butler” traces the dramatic changes that swept American society, from the civil rights movement to Vietnam and beyond, and how those changes affected this man’s life and family.
Oprah Winfrey tweeted this photo of her and Terrance Howard from the set of her new movie “The Butler.” (Photo courtesy of Oprah Winfrey)
Winfrey, who will play Gaines’ wife, Gloria Gaines, received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Sophia in Steven Spielberg’s “The Color Purple” and reportedly stepped away from the film industry after “Beloved,” produced by Winfrey and directed by Academy Award winner Jonathan Demme, did not perform well at the box office. Over the years, however, she has provided voiceovers for the children’s feature films “Charlotte’s
Web,” “Bee Movie” and “The Princess and the Frog.” In 2010, Winfrey produced “Precious,” the feature film that garnered a “Best Director” Oscar nomination for Daniels and the Academy Award for “Best Supporting Actress” for Mo’ Nique. Reports say that in “The Butler,” the “sassy” Gloria Gaines is introduced when she is 22 years old, and ages to 90 as the film progresses. The award-winning cast also includes Mariah Carey, John Cusack, Jane Fonda, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Terrence Howard, Minka Kelly, Lenny Kravitz, Melissa Leo, James Marsden, David Oyelowo, Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Redgrave, Alan Rickman, Liev Schreiber and Robin Williams. “What moves me most about this man is his quiet nature, grace and unmatched perspective that comes from being in one place – a very powerful one – during what was arguably the period in history that saw the most change,” Daniels said in a statement. Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinstein Company (TWC),
which acquired the U.S. rights from Butler Films to distribute “The Butler,” said, “Lee tells stories in a way that no one else does. What struck me most about this story is the perspective it comes from, which in this case is the butler – a man who was a fly on the wall for decades in the world’s most powerful home. It takes an unbelievable cast like the one that’s in place to do this story justice, and we are proud to be given the chance to share this story with the world.” Producer Pamela Oas Williams added, “This has been a passion project for all involved and we are thrilled to be able to see Laura Ziskin’s vision for this film realized and know it will be a lasting tribute to her incredible career.” “The Paperboy,” Daniels’ latest release features Macy Gray, Matthew McConaughey, Zac Efron, Nicole Kidman and John Cusack and is now in theaters. (Special to the NNPA from The Philadelphia Tribune)
ENTERTAINMENT
Tri-State Defender
Page 11
October 25 - 31, 2012
OPENING THIS WEEK
Kam’s Kapsules:
Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun
Tom Hanks and Halle Berry in “Cloud Atlas.” (Photo by Jay Maidment/Warner Brothers Pictures) Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Kam Williams
For movies opening Oct. 26, 2012
BIG BUDGET FILMS
“Chasing Mavericks” (PG for mature themes and perilous action sequences) Overcoming-the-odds sports saga recounting the real-life adventures of an aspiring teen surfer (Jonny Weston) who enlists the assistance of a local legend (Gerard Butler) to train for one of the biggest waves on the face of the Earth. With Elisabeth Shue, Abigail Spencer and Scott Eastwood (son of Clint).
“Cloud Atlas” (R for violence, profanity, sexuality, nudity and drug use) Ensemble drama based on David Mitchell’s sci-fi novel of the same name illustrating how people’s actions have long-term consequences which reverberate across time and space like a ripple on a pond. A-list cast features Oscar-winners Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Susan Sarandon and Jim Broadbent, as well as, Hugh Grant, Keith David, James D’Arcy and Hugo Weaving. “Fun Size” (PG-13 for profanity, partying, crude humor and suggestive material) Road comedy revolving around a disobedient teen’s (Victoria Justice) frantic search for the missing little brother (Albert Nicoli) she irresponsibly allowed to go trick-or-treating alone so she could attend a Halloween party being thrown by the boy of her dreams (Thomas McDonnell). With Chelsea Handler, Johnny Knoxville and Jane Levy. “Silent Hill: Revelation 3-D” (R for gory violence, disturbing images, brief profanity and momentary nudity) Horror sequel finds the sleepwalking heroine (Adelaide Clemens)
Halle Berry and Keith David in “Cloud Atlas.” (Photo by Reiner Bajo/Warner Brothers Pictures)
again plunged into an alternate dimension after being plagued by nightmares on the eve of her 18th birthday. With Carrie-Anne Moss, Radha Mitchell, Sean Bean and Malcolm McDowell.
INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS
“The Black Tulip” (Unrated) Afghan drama about a pro-Western family that ends up targeted by the Taliban after opening a coffeehouse where women are treated as equals and are welcome to read feminist poetry onstage. Starring Haji Gul Aser, Sonia Nassery Cole and Walid Amini. (In Dari, Pashtu and English with subtitles) “Citadel” (Unrated) Primal horror flick about an agoraphobic father (Aneurin Barnard) who enlists the assistance of a vigilante priest (James Cosmo) to rescue his baby daughter from the clutches of the same hooded gang that had murdered his wife (Amy Shiels). With Jake Wilson and Wunmi Mosaku.
“The Loneliest Planet” (Unrated) Romance drama about the strains placed on the relationship of an engaged American couple (Gael Garcia Bernal and Hani Furstenberg) backpacking across Eastern Europe after their guide (Bidzina Gujabidze) proves to be more heroic at a moment of crisis than the hapless hubby-to-be.
“Long Shot: The Kevin Laue Story” (Unrated) Hoop dreams documentary recounting the efforts of a 6’10”-tall center to become the first, one-armed, NCAA college basketball player.
“Orchestra of Exiles” (Unrated) Holocaust documentary recounting the heroic exploits of Polish violinist Bronislaw Huberman who rescued some of the world’s greatest musicians from the Nazis en route to creating the Israeli
Philharmonic. Featuring commentary by Joshua Bell, Itzhak Perlman and Zubin Mehta.
“The Other Son” (PG-13 for violence, drug use and brief profanity) Mistaken identity drama, set in Israel, about a Jewish soldier (Jules Sitruk) and a Palestinian med student (Mehdi Dehbi) whose lives are suddenly turned upside-down after one discovers genetic proof that they were switched at birth. With Pascal Elbe, Emmanuelle Devos and Areen Omari. (In Hebrew, Arabic, French and English with subtitles) “Pusher” (R for nudity, violence, graphic sexuality, heavy drugs use and pervasive profanity) English-language remake of the 1996 Danish crime thriller of the same name about a drug pusher (Richard Coyle) whose life spirals out of control over the course of one very eventful week. Cast includes Bronson Webb, Mem Ferda and Paul Kaye.
“The Revisionaries” (Unrated) Flat Earth Society documentary chronicling a Biblethumping Creationist’s re-election campaign for chairman of a very influential Board of Education. “The Sessions” (R for graphic sexuality, frontal nudity and frank dialogue) Fact-based drama recounting the plight of a paralyzed polio victim (John Hawkes) who seeks his parish priest’s (William H. Macy) approval of his plans to hire a sex surrogate (Helen Hunt) to lose his virginity. With Moon Bloodgood, Adam Arkin and Rhea Perlman. “The Zen of Bennett” (Unrated) Reverential biopic taking a look at the creative process of the legendary Tony Bennett with the help of colleagues like Lady Gaga, John Mayer and Andre Bocelli, as the soulful jazz singer turned 85.
HOROSCOPES
Oct. 25-31, 2012
ARIES An unexpected clash may arise this week from an unlikely area. Try to maintain a position as mediator, rather than joining the fray. Loyalties may be stretched, but they won’t break. What you need is within you. Go there and get it. TAURUS Co-workers or customers may be grumpy this week. Don’t take it personally. Dwell in your peaceful inner space and the space around you will reflect the peaceful vibrations. GEMINI You feel centered this week and full of efficient energy. Use this week to accomplish tasks, make plans, and finalize arrangements that need to be made. Face into personal responsibilities with love and pleasure now. CANCER You can build a bridge with your imagination to reach the person you want to meet. Build the very best bridge your imagination can afford. Your soulmate will then cross over to you. Your intentions are warm and sincere. LEO You need to relax. The urge to do everything will take a toll on you this week unless you make a concerted effort to slow your own vibes down. Think peace love and happiness and let them be real values for you. Feed your soul. VIRGO You’ll be efficient and productive this week if you got some rest. Slow down. Sometimes less is more, and you’ll see you’re doing better than most. Use your talents to create some free time for yourself. LIBRA Someone wants to argue, and it’s up to you to walk away. It’s easy to let go of any idea of control if you remember that you are only responsible for your own feelings. Act healthy this week and enjoy your life. SCORPIO Be flexible as others present changes and new schedules for a group activity. Your easygoing attitude will allow you to reschedule appointments easily. Watch the sun rise it’ll be good for your spirits! SAGITTARIUS Give your busy brain a rest and work your body this week. It’s a great day for physical activity that can loosen up muscles and relieve tensions. You’ll receive some practical advice from a distant relative. CAPRICORN Family responsibilities may feel like a chore this week. If you relinquish control of the situation, a natural order will occur, and things will organize themselves. You can let people be who they are. AQUARIUS A secret may be revealed in a casual conversation. Your confidence is valued and appreciated. Take it all in! There’s no returning to what has been once you realize the gift you’ve been given. PISCES A friend from the past could suddenly appear in your life. This could be a highly beneficial reunion for both of you. Let bygones be bygones, and renew this friendship. Love isn’t used up just because it’s shared. Source: NNPA News Service
HEALTH
Page 12
Tri-State Defender
October 25 - 31, 2012
CHEF TIMOTHY
Nutrition, children and autism – there is a connection by Chef Timothy Moore Ph.D, N.M.D, C.N. Special to The New Tri-State Defender
The birth of a child is a mother’s pride and joy. The birth of Charla Thomas’ child was no exception. She was filled with joy and happiness in anticipation of motherhood. The doctors had confirmed that her baby would be healthy, and the nurses and everyone else in the maternity ward provided care before and after the newborn had arrived. Thomas, who goes by the name Brenda, was taken aback by the life that she’d produced and the sparkle that bounced off her baby’s pupils. With newborn in hand, the doting mother left the hospital feeling she had produced a miracle – a man-child she would love unconditionally. For Brenda, the experience had opened up a new chapter in her life. Then her son started exhibiting strange behavior. His motor skills seemed slower than expected for a toddler his age. He was vexed by words and had difficulty performing simple tasks. He lagged behind socially too. Brenda brushed it off
Legal notices
NOTICE TO BIDDER(S) Sealed bids will be received by the Shelby County Government in the Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38134 until 9:30 a.m. on Monday November 5, 2012 as shown below: MULTIPLE AND ENTIRELY DIFFERENT REHABILITATION JOBS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS BID NOTICE. BIDDER(S) MAY ELECT TO BID ON ANY OR ALL OF THE JOBS IN THE NOTICE. SEALED BID SBI-000189 DUE: Monday November 5, 2012 Rehabilitation of Owner-Occupied Housing Units throughout Shelby County some of which may require the use of lead based paint safe work practices and techniques, and Detailed specifications for items above may be obtained in the Shelby County Department of Housing at the aforementioned address. All bids will be opened and publicly read by the Shelby County Government at the time mentioned above at the Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road Memphis, TN 38134, (901) 2227600. As a condition precedent to bidding, each bidder must apply and qualify for a Vendor Number and Equal Opportunity Compliance Eligibility Number prior to the submitting your response. Your EOC number must be displayed on the outside of your envelope for each bid submission. As a condition precedent to being awarded jobs involving Lead Based Paint, contractors must be certified through EPA as an RRP contractor and/or show proof of application to EPA for said certification and be certified through the State of Tennessee as a Lead Based Paint Firm. Proof of licensing at time of bid submission is required by the Shelby County Department of Housing. The label, which is attached to the specifications shall be completely filled out and attached to the bid submission envelope. You must display your current E.O.C. Eligibility Number or your Locally Owned Small Business (LOSB) Number on the outside of your envelope and a copy of all licenses and insurance policies must be included in your submitted bid package. Unless the label is completely filled out and your current E.O.C. Eligibility Number is noted thereon your bid may be returned to you unopened. Should your label be lost or misplaced, please note the appropriate information in the lower left-hand corner of your envelope. The Department of Housing encourages participation from WBE, MBE, LOSB, and Section 3 Contractors under these rehabilitation programs. The Shelby County Government reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities therein. By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL, JR., MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Jim Vazquez, Administrator
Dr. Timothy Moore
Charla “Brenda” Thomas
as her overprotective imagination. As time went by, it became crystal clear that her two-year-old son did not perform or act like the other toddlers his age. Panic-stricken, she took him to see his pediatrician and received the news that she was the mother of an autistic child. Parents such as Brenda often are dumbfounded when told their child is autistic. So what is autism? Autism is a brain disorder that can make it difficult for a child to communicate with others. It usually appears in the first three years of a young child’s life, but it can surface
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PUBLIC NOTICE The Town of Collierville Purchasing Division is requesting statements of qualifications on the following items: RFSOQ # 2012-015 “Engineering Consultant – Environmental, Survey, Design and CEI Services for TDOT Enhancement Grant – Collierville Center Connect” Complete proposal packages are available from the Purchasing Division, 500 Poplar View Parkway, Collierville, TN 38017, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by facsimile request at 901-457-2258; or by email request at tocpurchasing@ci.collierville.tn.us. The following information must be included in the request for a copy of any RFSOQ: *Vendor Number, Contact Name, Company Name and Address, Telephone and Fax Number, RFSOQ Number, and RFSOQ Due Date. *The Vendor Number may be obtained by accessing the Townʼs vendor registration site and registering as a Town of Collierville vendor at http://tocpurchasing. collierville.com/bso. If you have any questions regarding the Vendor Number, please call the Purchasing Division at (901) 4572254. Please Note: As a part of doing business with the Town of Collierville, Tennessee, each individual, company or organization is required to obtain a Vendor Number to reference when requesting a copy of any bid. The Vendor will also be required to reference its Vendor Number on the Bid Response Form.
or be diagnosed much later in some children. The cause of autism remains unknown, but research continues. The Centers for Disease, Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in every 88 children born in this country has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There are a number of possible causes along with some genetic factors for autism, such as diet, digestive tract changes, vaccine sensitivity and mercury poisoning; or the mother’s body, if she didn’t properly use vitamins and minerals. We must remember that autism has other pervasive development disorders not otherwise specified, also called atypical autism. But a diagnosis of autism in any form can and will cause a family to be financially and emotionally stressed. Brenda’s husband was detached emotionally, for example, leaving her to become their son’s sole caretaker around the clock. But then he’d criticize her for not spending time with him. This is not unusual for parents who have autistic children. It can and usually does take a toll on the relationship. For 30 years, Brenda has been a teacher in the public school system,
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Deadline for statements of qualifications, submitted to the Finance Department, 500 Poplar View Parkway, Collierville, TN 38017, is FRIDAY, November 16, 2012 2:00:00 p.m. (local time). The names of submitting proposers will be publicly read aloud at this time in the Board Chambers at 500 Poplar View Parkway, Collierville, Tennessee. Proposal packages must be sealed and clearly marked on outside: RFSOQ# 2012-015 “Engineering Consultant – Environmental, Survey, Design and CEI Services for TDOT Enhancement Grant – Collierville Center Connect” The Town of Collierville reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, accept proposals in part or whole, waive defects, informalities or minor irregularities in proposals or proposal process and to make proposals awards, as deemed, to be in its best interest. The Town is not responsible for delays occasioned by the U.S. Postal Service or any other means of delivery employed by the proposer. Similarly, the Town is not responsible for, and will not open, any proposal responses that are received later than the date and time stated above. NOTICE TO PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS October 25, 2012 The City of Memphis is requesting qualifications for professional services involving engineering analysis, design, and construction inspection for SEGMENT 5 of
coping daily with other people’s children. Her son is 12 years old now and at times raising him has been a daunting task. Brenda has lost more than she could’ve imagined – her home and her church. Why? Because of the way her son acts in public. His actions are often misunderstood and offensive to individuals who don’t really understand children with disabilities. She confided in me about being embarrassed by her son’s behavior. Strangers have admonished her so many times that she only feels safe at home in a room. Then there were times she would seek out odd jobs after school to avoid going home to be with her son. I was introduced to Brenda’s son and started looking into the role nutrition would play in his life. Two of my colleagues – Dr. Robert DeMaria, who wrote “Dr. BOB’S Guide to Stop ADHD in 18 Days,’’ and Dr. Jane Oelke, N.D., Ph.D., who wrote “Natural Choices for Attention Deficit Disorder” –specialize in children with autism. After conferring with them, I informed Brenda that nutrition indeed plays a very critical part in an autistic
child’s life. We immediately put Brenda’s son on a different diet. For most children with autism, being sensitive to taste is usually a major factor. The child must have time to adjust and hopefully accept the change. In the case of Brenda’s son, the process was slow, but there has been noticeable change. He is less aggressive and now is able to be in a less restricted classroom environment. After 8 years of being an isolated caregiver, Brenda is enjoying life again. She has regained her health and no longer takes a pill for depression and anxiety. Brenda is not alone in her quest for help. Get your child treated if you notice a behavioral change.
the Main Street to Main Street Multi Modal Connector Project (M2M). M2M is a partnership among the states of Tennessee and Arkansas and the municipalities of Memphis, Tennessee, West Memphis Arkansas, and the Counties of Shelby in Tennessee and Crittenden in Arkansas. The purpose of the M2M is to establish a twelve mile regional multimodal corridor that will increase and improve alternative transportation options in the Memphis metro area. To undertake and complete the engineering services for the SEGMENT 5 PROJECT of the M2M, the City Of Memphis, seeks to retain the services of a professional engineering consulting firm to provide various engineering services related to the following ; 1. Crittenden Connection: Connecting to existing roads on the Crittenden County side, creating the Western approach approximately 500 feet beyond the end of the Harahan Bridge Approach. 2. Traversing Mississippi River Floodway: Resurface/re-designate existing roads for bike/pedestrian use. 3. Trail Construction: Construction of approximately 3300 linear feet of trail across the Mississippi River Floodway within interstate right-of-way connecting to existing roads 4. West Memphis Connection: Connecting from existing roads to U.S. Highway 70 (Broadway) west to the intersection of Martin Luther King Boulevard/ South Loop. The project will construct a 3,300 foot trail section and use the existing roadways to connect to the Harahan Bridge, creating a bicycle/ pedestrian route from the South Bluffs of Memphis, Tennessee to West Memphis, Arkansas. The work required includes but is not limited to trail design and construction, re-surfacing of existing roads, fencing, lighting, and miscellaneous security and emergency provisions for safe use of the trail for non-motorized traffic. Lighting, security measures and emergency response protocol will be developed in consultation and cooperation with the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department and Union Pacific Railroad. All design elements will have to meet requirements of State of Arkansas Highway Department, the U. S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Division engineering requirements. In addition they must be approved by the City of Memphis Division of Engineering, City of West Memphis Public Works Department and Crittenden County Arkansas. Other requirements for permits and review requirements will be the responsibility of the selected consultant. Segment 5 - Dacus Lake Road / I-55 South Service Road to MLK Dr. / South Loop Road consists of the following sub-segments: A. Dacus Lake Road / I-55 S Service Road to Bridgeport Road B. Bridgeport Road to I-55 under the UP Railroad C. Service Road at UP Railroad to Service Road at E. Broadway
D. Service Road at E. Broadway to MLK Drive / South Loop Rd The construction project is being funded in part by a grant under the NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS DISCRETIONARY GRANT PROGRAM (TIGER IV DISCRETIONARY GRANTS). Submittals Firms may request consideration by submitting 7 copies of a statement of qualifications no later than 4:00 pm CDT, November 16, 2012 to: The City of Memphis C/O Mike Carpenter 125 N. Main Street, City Hall, Suite 308 Memphis, TN 38103 Late submittals will not be accepted The letter of interest and qualifications shall indicate the scope of services to be completed by any sub-consultants. Sufficient information on qualifications should be attached so that the factors that will be considered in evaluation, listed below, can be properly judged The factors that will be considered in evaluation of submittals are: a. Past construction experience on similar projects specific to working in the Mississippi River Floodway. b. Past experience working with Federal Highway Administration and/or the Arkansas State Highway Department on federal aid projects c. Qualification and availability of staff. d. Demonstrated ability to meet schedules without compromising sound engineering practice. e. Evaluations on prior projects if available. f. Size of previous projects. g. Strength of Equal Business Opportunity submission Submittals will be reviewed by a Consultant Evaluation Committee who will make recommendations to the City Engineer of several firms who would make viable candidates from which to make a selection or invite more detailed proposals and/or presentations. All submitters will be advised when a selection has been made. Persons with questions or comments concerning this Request for qualifications should contact Mike Carpenter, Project Manager, Main Street to Main Street, at 901.636.6596. Questions can also be submitted in writing via email to Michael. Carpenter@memphistn.gov at least five calendar days prior to the submission deadline. Faxed or mailed questions may not be received in time for a response. Evaluations will be conducted within established guidelines regarding equal employment opportunity and nondiscriminatory action based upon the grounds of race, color, sex, creed or national origin. Interested certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms as well as other minority/women-owned firms are encouraged to respond to all advertisements by City of Memphis.
(Dr. Timothy Moore teaches nutrition, heart disease and diabetes reversal through a plant-based lifestyle. He is a professional speaker, wellness coach and personal plant-based chef. He is the author of “47 Tips To Reverse Your Diabetes.” He can be reached by email at cheftimothy@ cheftimothymoore.com, visit him at www.cheftimothymoore.com or follow him at www.twitter.com/ cheftimmoore.)