10 9 2013

VOL. 62, No. 40

October 3 - 9, 2013

www.tsdmemphis.com

Bishop Steib talks Mother Teresa & more Jubilee Celebration to mark historic visit

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kelly Martin

With a warm, captivating spirit, Bishop J. Terry Steib, SVD, who oversees the Catholic Diocese of Memphis, on Monday sat down with The New Tri-State Defender to discuss African-Americans in The Catholic Church, the mission of the diocese, and Mother Teresa’s monumental visit to North Memphis 25 years ago.

Bishop Steib, the first AfricanAmerican to serve as bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis, will be the celebrant of the Jubilee Celebration Mass, which will commemorate Mother Teresa’s visit and the “selfless service” of the Memphis outlet of the Missionaries of Charity, an outreach she put in place while here. The observance will be on Saturday (Oct. 5) at Holy Names Catholic Church.

“The importance of the celebration

is that they (Missionaries of Charity) have been around for 25 years,” said Steib. “It is a long time for someone to be in the ministry that they are involved in, and continuing to work in that.”

Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Catholic order of nuns dedicated to helping the poor, in Calcutta, India. Over the years, it grew to help the poor, the dying, orphans, lepers, and AIDS sufferers in over a hundred countries. In Memphis, the only location in the United States, the Missionaries of Charity order operates a shelter providing food, clothing and medical assistance for homeless, vulnerable women and children.

“The example they bring speaks loud and clear as to who we are as a church,” said Steib, emphasizing that The Catholic Church is to be of service to the less fortunate. He also had a message for the “less fortunate.”

“Very often people view it as ‘Oh, SEE BISHOP ON PAGE 2

Life After Lionel:

Grizzlies start fresh with new coach Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kelley Evans

In Greater Memphis, the membership of The Catholic Church includes approximately 10,000 to 15,000 African Americans. Bishop J. Terry Steib, SVD, the first African American to serve as Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis, was installed as the fourth Bishop of Memphis on May 5, 1993. (Photo Kelly Martin)

Healthcare Marketplace now open

Local outreach underway to create awareness

It’s here. Open enrollment for the health insurance marketplace debuted Tuesday (Oct. 1), meaning that most Tennesseans who are uninsured can begin shopping in the new online destination.

Now through the end of March, individual and family policies will be available via the Marketplace. For those who enroll by Dec. 15, coverage starts Jan. 1.

The Marketplace – a part of the Affordable Care Act – has been described as “a one stop shop to find and compare private health insurance options.” In Memphis and Shelby County, efforts are underway to heighten awareness.

“This is a complex issue affecting everyone in our community,” said Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell Jr., in a statement issued Monday.

“Staff at the Shelby County Health Department will assist by directing residents to the trained enrollment specialists.”

To assist residents in determining eligibility and enrolling into the plan of their choice, “navigators” (or enrollment specialists) are available through Seedco, Memphis Health Center and Christ Community Health Centers.

On Monday, a Get Covered Memphis Kick-off – led by Mayor A C Wharton Jr. – was held at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library in anticipation of the open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Handouts with information about the transition were distributed. In addition, organizations interested in supporting outreach efforts were able to sign-up and connect with local qualified staffers.

More information sessions are planned. Here is a list: • Oct. 3, 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Hooks Central Library.

• Oct. 8, 4 p.m.-5 p.m., Frayser Library, 3712 Argonne St. • Oct. 9, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Frayser Library • Oct. 22, 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Whitehaven Library, 4120 Mill Branch Rd. • Oct. 24, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Whitehaven Library For more information about upcoming events, visit www.seedco.org and click on Health Care Access, or call 901-528-8341, The Health Department encourages uninsured residents to visit www. healthcare.gov or call 1-800318-2596, where operators are available 24 hours a day to answer questions.

75 Cents

The 2013 Best in Black Awards Show – presented by The New Tri-State Defender – was held at FedExForum on Saturday night (Sept. 28). (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

NOTE: Check out next week’s edition of The New Tri-State Defender for special-section coverage of the Best in Black Awards Weekend. Also visit TSDMemphis online for a photo presentation and video salute.

SEE JOERGER ON PAGE 2

- INSIDE -

TSD scores with BEST IN BLACK Awards II

The sights and sounds of the 2013 Best in Black Awards hosted by The New Tri-State Defender echoed through the FedExForum on Saturday night.

“I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of positive posts following the 2nd Annual Best in Black Awards,” TSD President/Publisher Bernal E. Smith II shouted out on Facebook.

“I want to congratulate all of our winners and finalists and thank everyone that attended. Your presence contributed to an incredible evening of celebration. I am looking (forward) to an even grander event in 2014!”

Smith, who developed the idea of he Best in Black Awards, said it was created as a “unique high level platform for recognizing and honoring our community’s everyday heroes and heroines; those that make a difference everyday just by doing what they do and doing it well.”

There were nearly 800 nominations, with 178 finalists across 57 categories. Online voting yielded 125,800 votes.

Pam Brown described the evening as a “motivational and encouraging experience.”

“To see so many generations of black business in ...the same building, looking so beautiful was just awesome,” read Brown’s Facebook entry.

“For years Memphis has honored businesses doing great but for some reason they fail to include us in that list, so the Tri-State Defender has presented a platform that will acknowledge and promote us. So (whether) you won or not it is a honor to be recognized and promoted, be proud!!!!”

After making it to the Western Conference Finals – a punctuation mark on the franchise’s best season ever – the Memphis Grizzlies are back in training camp with their starting five.

They have a new head coach, Dave Joerger, who served as defensive coordinator under former head coach Lionel Hollins.

They’ve brought back sharpshooter Mike Miller, who earned championship experience with the Miami Heat after an earlier stint with the Grizz.

They’ve acquired a new down-low force in Kosto Koufos, beefing up the frontcourt and providing muchneeded back up to All-Star center Marc Gasol.

So far, this is life after Hollins.

And everything seems to be moving right along.

“Since I’ve become head coach it’s definitely been more busy,” Joerger said on Monday at the preseason Media Day at FedExForum.

“There is a lot of stuff on the peripheral,” he said. “It’s a big responsibility and I’m excited to get started.”

The Grizzlies and Hollins parted ways in June with “philosophical differences” cited in a press statement released at the time. Besides Joerger, those in the running to succeed Hollins included former Phoenix Suns coach Alvin Gentry and George Karl, who won the NBA Coach of the Year award last season but then lost his job in Denver.

“The opportunity to coach any NBA team is truly a privilege,” said Joerger, who coached the 2007 NBA D-League Champion Dakota Wizards. It was the fifth championship as head coach for Joerger, with one International Basketball Association title and three in the Continental Basketball Association.

With Joerger’s expertise on the sidelines, the Grizzlies have steadily become one of the NBA’s most tenacious defenses, leading the league in fewest points allowed (89.3) and ranking second in overall defensive rating.

Now Joerger wants to focus on offense. He plans to use the new talent on the roster, along with the pieces already in place, to open the floor more and unclog the paint.

The players are on board with the fresh perspective.

“I’ll do whatever they tell me to do,” Miller said on Monday. “I think

• AEG not liable in Michael Jackson's death, jury finds.

See page 3.

• Please, stop assuming all blacks are Christian. See Opinion, page 4.

• Democrats host Herenton roast. See Community, page 8.

• Fall, fur & fashion. See Fashion, page 11.

MEMPHIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

H -86o - L-72o Iso . T-Sto rms

H- 8 4 o - L - 5 8 o Scat T-Storms

H- 6 7 o - L - 4 9 o Few Sho wers

REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS

Interviews and photos on the black carpet accented the evening. (Photos: Warren Roseborough)

Friday H-87 L-71 H-87 L-66 H-89 L-71

Saturday H-80 L-55 H-84 L-65 H-80 L-65

Sunday H-70 L-47 H-74 L-49 H-75 L-52

NEWS

Page 2

Tri-State Defender

October 3 - 9, 2013

A ‘Whole’ in one Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Nicole Baskin

For new head coach Dave Joerger and the 2013-14 Grizzlies, the upcoming season is about being good enough to reach “the next level” after going down in the Western Conference Finals. (Photos: Kelley Evans)

JOERGER

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

you’ll see the Memphis Grizzlies make a lot more shots this year and have a lot more confidence shooting those shots.”

Starting point guard Mike Conley said the Grizzlies got caught in one game plan and one scheme of one coach.

“When Lionel first came it was defense, it was being gritty – being hard nose and physical,” Conley said. “And that was what we adapted to. With Joerger here now, he’s coming in with the offensive mindset.

Not trying to sacrifice too much defensively but to continue to increase our speed and better conditioning and push that ball and hopefully guys will take that word. …

“I feel like he’s a great young coach and has a lot of experience. All of the guys trust him and believe in him and we just look forward to playing for him.”

All-Star power forward Zach Randolph said he’s coming ready to work.

“Coach has the respect from all the players that have been here with him,” Randolph said.

“This is his first year (as head coach), so there is going to be a lot of eyes on him.

“I’m the easiest person to get along with. You know me,” he said. “This is a player’s league and this is a man’s league first and foremost. We’re coachable.”

Guard/forward Quincy Pondexter said life without Lionel has been seamless so far.

“Were just picking up where we left off,” Pondexter said.

“It’s sad to see him (Hollins) go. But at the same time we have a great young coach who’s really energetic, who’s

BISHOP

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

I’m poor, so that means I’m down. I’m not always in the eyes of God,’” he said. “Yes, you are a child of God and you are important!”

No matter the disposition of such individuals at any given the moment, the church’s mission is to instill dignity so that they can move on, he said. For Steib, the name of the game is helping the less fortunate better themselves, their children and others.

Such was the work of Mother Teresa, with Steib recalling her charisma and deep love and concern for the less fortunate.

“She surrounds you in a way where you want to ask ‘What can we do? How can we help?’

So, this is the terrific tribute of who she says we are to be,” he said, “When you were in her presence, you knew you were in the presence of someone who was good and sincere.”

Within The Catholic Church, Memphis long has been considered a “mission” diocese.

Steib said that remains true, with the diocese increasingly working with the broader community in the realms of education, spiritual work, evangelization, social ministries, and a service to the poor. It’s all for the progression of humanity, he said.

As he looks ahead, Steib

Back with the Grizz after reaching the NBA pinnacle in Miami, Mike Miller says, “Iʼll do whatever they tell me to do.”

“Itʼs sad to see him (former coach Lionel Hollins) go,” said Quincy Pondexter. “But at the same time we have a great young coach… and I think heʼs going to take us to the next level.” really doing a lot of positive things for us and I think he’s going to take us to the next level.”

NOTE: The Grizzlies are coming off a 56-26 season.

The team’s five-day training camp kicked off Monday at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. The preseason gets underway against Derrick Rose and the Chicago bulls in St. Louis on Oct. 7.

Mother Teresa’s visit – a reflection

Ronald Redwing, president/CEO of The Redwing Group, LLC., was the director of Communication/Public Relations for the Catholic Diocese when Mother Teresa made her sojourn to North Memphis in 1988 “When I think about that moment meeting her as a young man (and) her life, her work, her service, it just really put chills in my spine to know that I was fortunate and blessed to meet someone of her statue as a young perRonald son,” said Redwing, a member of Holy Redwing Names Catholic Church.

“At the time, it was a huge event,” said Redwing, noting that 25 years later Mother Teresa is now “a saint.” The Catholic Church canonized her on April 25, 2009.

The jubilee celebration to commemorate Mother Teresa’s visit will take place on Saturday (Oct. 5) at 10 a.m., at Holy Names Catholic Church, 697 Keel Ave., where Father Tony Clark, SVD, serves as pastor.

Refreshments will be served following the celebration.

envisions more intertwining of education and service in the Catholic community. He notes significant changes in education over the last 15 years, including the reopening of Jubilee Schools – previously closed Catholic schools serving children living in Memphis’ urban neighborhoods. The schools were named in honor of the Jubilee year 2000, a year of mercy for

the poor.

The goal, said Bishop Steib, is for children to be able to progress through the various education options that The Catholic Church provides and matriculate into universities and colleges.

Said Steib: “We want to be able to say that we give good Catholics, good Christians, good workers, good future taxpayers, and good citizens.”

“All of the guys trust him (new head coach Dave Joerger) and believe in him and we just look forward to playing for him.” – Mike Conley

Imagine giving of yourself in a faraway land, across time zones, languages and cultures. Upon return from duty you are now cloaked in layers of challenges that include homelessness, disabilities, lack of viable employment and skill sets. This is what countless war veterans face nationwide.

In Memphis alone there are over 2,000 displaced U.S. veterans equaling one third of the homeless population in the metro area.

Now picture an entity, a house of sorts with a welcome mat that lists everything the house encompasses.

The components of the list are not all tangible but all are essential ingredients for being a whole, well-rounded member of society. Inside the house are education, stability, caring hearts, a comfortable place to rest and nourishment for your mind as well as your body.

The place where this microcosm resides is with the Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc. What started as a grassroots effort in 1987 by a courageous mom of two veteran sons has blossomed into a program that provides 30-day to 2-year transitional housing, food, clothing and counseling for men and women war veterans. Participants in the program span various ages, wars, duties and challenges. No matter what branch served, the veterans’ lives are woven together with the foundation of needing a clear path to be reintegrated into society.

Alpha Omega Veterans Services provides these services free of charge, on public and private donations.

Presented by title sponsors Harrah’s Tunica and The Links at Cottonwood, the 501c3 nonprofit held its an-

n u a l m a j o r fundraiser on Sept.

13. The event featured a golf tournament, banquet a n d silent/live Nicole auction.

Baskin Over 18 g o l f teams enjoyed a great afternoon out on the course. Before heading out on the greenway, they enjoyed a wonderful lunch compliments of “The Dog and Slaw” and were provided goodie bags full of items donated by our great sponsors.

And to top it off, brand new golf gloves were provided free of charge and shoes for a donation.

After enjoying their 18 holes of golf, many stayed to enjoy the top-class dinner and bid on many live and silent auction items. The golfers were happy to snag Southwest Airline Tickets and a full week Condo Stay deals to name just a few auction items that added to the proceeds.

Over $20,000 was raised at this year’s event to provide program resources.

Just like the military equips our soldiers at home and abroad, veterans must also be properly equipped to be reintroduced and resocialized into society. Alpha Omega Veterans Services is a conduit to ensure these veterans all are on the road to wholeness, one hero at a time.

Join us next year and help make Memphis better by “Helping Veterans Help Themselves.”

(For more information about Alpha Omega Veterans Services, contact the Executive Director Cordell Walker at 901-729-2345.)

Tri-State Defender

NEWS

October 3 - 9, 2013

AEG not liable in Michael Jackson’s death, jury finds CNN

by Alan Duke

LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles jury decided Wednesday that AEG Live hired Dr. Conrad Murray, but also concluded that the concert promoter was not liable for Michael Jackson’s drug overdose death.

The verdict brings the five-month-long trial to a close.

Jackson’s mother, Katherine, and the singer’s three children sued AEG Live in 2010, contending the company’s negligence in hiring, retaining or supervising Murray was a factor in the singer’s June 25, 2009, death.

Jackson died of an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol, which Murray told investigators he was using to treat the singer’s insomnia so he could rest for rehearsals. Murray is set to be released from jail later this month after serving two years for involuntary manslaughter.

Jackson died just days before his comeback tour – promoted and produced by AEG Live – w was

Michael Jacksonʼs mother told jurors she filed a wrongful death lawsuit against AEG Live “because I want to know what really happened to my son.”

(Sketches by Mona S. Edwards)

set to debut in London in the summer of 2009.

The company’s lawyers contended Jackson chose Murray, who had treated him for three years as a family physician, but Jackson lawyers argued the promoters chose to negotiate their own contract with the doctor so they could control him.

AEG Live lawyers also argued they had no way of knowing that Murray – licensed to practice in four states and never sued for malpractice – was a risk to Jackson. The singer was a secretive drug addict who kept even his closest relatives in the dark about his use of propofol to sleep, they contended.

Jurors appeared engaged and entertained during the 21-week trial that included dramatic testimony

by Jackson’s mother, son and former wife.

Page 3

Page 4

John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)

The Mid-Southʼs Best Alternative Newspaper

A Real Times Newspaper

OPINION

Tri-State Defender

October 3 - 9, 2013

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

Are the Walmart prices worth it?

Please, stop assuming all blacks are Christian The Root

by Jenée Desmond-Harris

“I’m so frustrated. Just because I’m black/African American doesn’t mean I’m Christian. I was raised in a home where we attended church, but during college I decided to officially call myself an atheist. Yet other black people are constantly assuming that I have a ‘church home’ or saying they will pray for me or telling me to pray about something – it’s like they have never met someone my color who isn’t ‘saved’ before. It’s such an assumption, and white people aren’t treated the same way. How can I tell the world to stop making this assumption about me without offending and encourage people to think before they put their belief systems on others?’

– Annoyed Atheist

I’m not surprised to hear that you.re having this experience. After all, according to a Pew poll, black Americans are more likely than members of any other racial or ethnic group in the country to report a formal religious affiliation.

And even among those who didn’t select a particular religion in that survey, three out of four identified as “religious unaffiliated” (meaning they didn’t choose a denomination but said religion was either somewhat or very important in their lives).

That’s compared with slightly more than one-third of the unaffiliated population overall.

So, the people who are making assumptions about your religious beliefs aren’t being particularly sensitive, but they are making a pretty safe bet.

“Plus, if you break it down by gender, black women are the single most religious demographic in the country,” journalist Jamila Bey, host of “The Sex Politics and Religion Hour: SPAR With Jamila,” told me. Bey is an actual poster child for black atheists, having been featured in an African Americans for Humanism campaign showcasing religious skepticism in the black community. (“Doubts about religion? You’re one of many” was the advertisement featuring her photo split with one of Frederick Douglass.)

Then we have images of African Americans on the big and small screens reflecting and reinforcing high rates of religiosity among black people. There’s Tyler Perry’s cinematic assembly line of films with black stars and heavy-handed Christian messaging, plus reality series like “The Sisterhood” (starring the first ladies of Atlanta-based churches) and “The Sheards” (the story of a gospel superstar family in Detroit).

BET is Black Entertainment Television, not Black Religion Television, but programs like “Morning Inspiration” remind anyone flipping through channels that worship is part and parcel of the mainstream black experience in America.

To be fair, it’s not just your skin color that’s getting you the unsolicited blessings, prayers and labels, though. Some of what you’re experiencing is explained by the simple fact that we live in a predominantly Christian country.

“Ask your Jewish friends. They’ll tell you it’s ‘Merry Christmas, Jesus loves you,’ all the time,” says Bey. She explains that it’s a simple issue of the dominant culture imposing assumptions on everyone else, and it leads to some of her personal pet peeves, comments like, “You’re such a good person/You’re such a good parent. Clearly, you’re a Christian.”

But you’re probably on to something to feel that your race is playing a role in what people decide that you believe.

“Intraculturally, we look at each other and say, ‘I don’t see you wearing a headscarf, so clearly you’re a Christian’ and ‘You look like me, so

we clearly share a religion,’” says Bey. Your frustration is a reminder that being stereotyped doesn’t feel any better just because the offender thinks the assumption he or she is making Jenée about you is a Desmondpositive one Harris (even the most positive one possible, as Christianity likely is to many Americans). And it doesn’t make it any better when the offender is the same race, either.

So I hope you don’t worry too much about being offensive by clarifying that you don’t believe in God. You wouldn’t apologize for your race or gender, would you? And this is part of your identity just as those factors are.

“If you make an assumption (that I’m Christian), I’m not going to let you have the wrong idea – I will correct you so we’re dealing in fact,” says Bey. She shared with me some of her go-to responses to common commentary that reveals assumption about her beliefs.

“We don’t have a church home. We stay in our real home on Sundays.”

“No, being blessed didn’t have anything to do with that accomplishment. I worked very hard on that.”

“Actually, I’m an atheist, so I choose to do what I do. I’m not doing it for brownie points after I die.”

Your response doesn’t have to be a zinger, though. A simple “I’m an atheist, so I actually don’t believe that, but thanks” could be a good start.

I also wonder if any of your frustration about this issue could be emphasized by a sense of isolation. That brings us to what I think is the most important part of my advice: recommendations for groups of like-minded people that you might consider joining.

Start with African Americans for Humanism, which “supports skeptics, doubters, humanists and atheists in the African-American community, provides forums for communication and education and facilitates coordinated action to achieve shared objectives.” There you can find information on groups of black atheists and nonbelievers throughout the country.

And they don’t just sit around and talk about what they don’t believe in; a part of their mission is often to use nonreligious reasoning to make the world a better place. It’s possible that making this your focus could help you feel more inspired rather than annoyed in those moments when your difference from much of the black community is brought to your attention.

But Bey was quick to correct me when I suggested that these organizations would be a source of support in a lifelong battle in which people would constantly make assumptions about your religion. Not so, she said, pointing out that the fastest-growing segment of the population is those who are without belief in some supernatural higher power, with 30 percent of those under age 30 actively identifying as nonreligious.

“We’re everywhere,” Bey assured me. And when it comes to those frustrating assumptions that inspired your letter, “There are a whole lot of us who are not going to nod and amen our way through things. So many of us are putting an end to that unfortunate practice. Everyone’s soon going to know us.”

That sounds like something you can believe in.

(The Root’s staff writer, Jenée Desmond-Harris, covers the intersection of race with news, politics and culture. Follow her on Twitter.)

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Taking on food stamp critics

(CNN) – After the vote in the House of Representatives to slash the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, I wrote a column against cutting food stamps. This column generated more than 5,200 online comments and hundreds of e-mails.

Comments reflected, not surprisingly, the tone and tenor of the political debate: a lot of partisan passion, some mutual understanding, animosity based on stereotypes and a lot of misinformation.

I would like to address some of the typical concerns that were expressed.

For example, “Willis CurryFans” wrote, “These wealthy Republicans spend a lot of time RUNNING from the typical black person this affects.

If they came and visited some of these neighborhoods, they would see folks that they KNOW they won’t give a job to.”

But who are the people using food stamps? They’re us.

The Census Bureau, which gathers statistics house by house, reports that Americans on food stamps are 49 percent white, 26 percent AfricanAmerican and 20 percent Hispanic.

The Pew Research Center, a nonprofit polling firm, found in a July survey that self-identified liberals, moderates and conservatives who receive food stamps are in a statistical tie.

A lot of people who commented on the column wanted to regulate what foodstuffs program participants can buy – often not realizing that alcohol and prepared foods are banned. And many respondents bashed food stamp recipients, declaring they should “get a job,” “stop having kids on my dime” or giving a variation on such cliches.

“Chiefpr” writes to one reader who’s been out of work: “Get training to better yourself and DO NOT have kids until you can feed them.

But do not demand I do all that and support you ...”

But the truth refutes the cliches: Feeding America says participation in SNAP, or the food stamp program, “historically follows unemployment with a slight lag.”

Unemployment increases food stamp rolls, not people with children who go looking for aid.

And unemployment has been abnormally high because of the recession that began under the previous president. In fact, USA Today found that “under President George W. Bush, the number of recipients rose by nearly 14.7 million. Nothing before comes close to that.”

With employment increasing, “the Congressional Budget Offices projects SNAP participation to begin declining in 2015.”

Shaun Kirkpatrick commented: “There was a work requirement for welfare. Bill Clinton did that during his welfare reform that most working people applauded. To make sure he got the votes and make Republicans look greedy and evil, Obama removed the work requirement ...”

Kirkpatrick’s perception is prevalent on the Web. But that information comes from a

2012 Mitt Romney political ad that got it dead wrong. Obama actually encouraged the states to strengthen their work requirements. Also, of course, welfare is not the same as food stamps.

Donna As for food Brazile stamps, more than 72 percent of all SNAP beneficiaries are families with children. Most of the recipients are children (48 percent), the elderly (8 percent) and the disabled.

Less than 10 percent of food stamp recipients receive welfare payments.

“John in WNY” wrote, “Yes, many do work, but many of them make sure they never make enough to lose their benefits ...”

Again, the facts refute the assumption.

SNAP has strict time limits for unemployed workers: Able-bodied adults without children can only get three months worth of food stamps in a three-year period, unless working in a qualifying job training program.

And how much are the benefits, anyway?

The average monthly SNAP benefit per person is $133.85, or less than $1.50 per person per meal. Those benefits are low, and for many families, SNAP benefits don’t last the whole month.

Why do we need to support the food stamp program?

Because low-income families experience unemployment at a far higher rate than other income groups. Because cutting nutritional assistance programs is immoral and shortsighted and protecting families from hunger improves their health and educational outcomes. Food stamps are an investment in our future.

Being on food stamps can be demeaning.

Cashiers know the difference between the new plastic SNAP cards and a credit card. Some food stamp recipients say some cashiers have made them feel uncomfortable and embarrassed.

Maybe we should focus on rewards rather than punishments. Behavioral psychologists say that’s more effective.

Why not add benefits for making healthy food choices, provide a transition bonus for getting off food stamps or increase job training opportunities and income – raising minimum wage?

Doing so takes courage, compassion and believing in “We, the people.”

(Donna Brazile, a CNN contributor and a Democratic strategist, is a nationally syndicated columnist, an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and author of “Cooking With Grease: Stirring the Pot in America.”)

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IN THE MAIL

Tri-State Defender Platform

1. Racial prejudice worldwide must be destroyed.

2. Racially unrestricted membership in all jobs, public and private.

3. Equal employment opportunities on all jobs, public and private.

4. True representation in all U.S. police forces.

5. Complete cessation of all school segregation.

6. Federal intervention to protect civil rights in all instances where civil rights compliance at the state level breaks down

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If you don’t know about it, there is an ongoing fight between Walmart and the union movement.

The political battle being played out in Wa s h i n g t o n , D.C. is over the William “living wage Reed bill.” But that is just the latest ploy in a longer war in years to come between the retail giant and America’s primarily-black, Democratic-and-union-controlled urban enclaves.

The retail behemoth won its game of chicken with the D.C. City Council over a living wage bill it had passed requiring large retailers operating in the District to pay its workers a “living wage” minimum of $12.50 an hour (minimum wage in D.C. is $8.25 an hour).

Despite strong ties with unions, Mayor Vincent Gray vetoed the council’s bill on the premise Walmart will open six stories there, creating an estimated 1,800 muchneeded jobs. The promise of jobs, even low wage ones, and cheap consumer goods proved more attractive to D.C. residents than the wage issue.

Depicted as the Grinch who stole Christmas, Walmart is simply a successful business operation that has been subjected to criticism by numerous groups and individuals.

Among these are labor unions, community groups, grassroots organizations, religious organizations and environmental groups that have spent years protesting against the company’s policies and business practices, including charges of racial and gender discrimination.

A major factor in the issue is that Walmart currently faces its most serious unionization threat since its founding in 1962. For decades, the company’s strategy of placing stores in small towns and rural areas kept it largely free of union pressure.

But in recent years, Walmart has been pushing into the heavily unionized supermarket industry, as well as into big cities where workers are more pro-organized labor.

In 2009, Walmart generated 51 percent of its $258 billion sales in the U.S. from their grocery businesses. In the grocery business, union members average $30,000-ayear wages and benefits. In 2005, labor unions created new organizations and websites to influence public opinion against Walmart, including Wake Up Wal-Mart (United Food and Commercial Workers) and Walmart Watch (Service Employees International Union).

Walmart is a dominate force in the world. Walmart has 8,500 stores in 15 countries, under 55 different names. Walmart is the largest private employer in the U.S., with nearly 1.4 million workers in 4,602 stores. The company’s efficiency in stores and throughout its supply chain has remade the retail industry.

The company is a success because it sells products that people want to buy at low prices.

However, Walmart’s critics argue that Walmart’s lower prices draw customers away from other smaller businesses, hurting the community.

They also claim that Walmart hurts the U.S. economy because of excessive reliance on Chinese products.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., branded as Walmart. The company was founded by Sam Walton in 1962 and is headquartered in Bentonville, Ark. Walmart is primarily a family-owned business, with the Walton family owning a 48 percent stake. The company operates in three business segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam’s Clubs. The Sam’s Club retail warehouses in North America are under the leadership of an African woman, CEO Rosalind Brewer.

When will blacks realize that there are bigger stakes for them in entrepreneurship than squandering resources on “minimum wage” entry-level jobs? It’s a matter of mindset. Instead of protesting Walmart, wouldn’t it make sense to invest in the world’s fastest-growing retailer?

Black investment clubs may find that Walmart is a good place for their money. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Walmart rose from a regional to national giant. By 1988, Walmart was the most profitable retailer in the U.S. and by October 1989 it had become the largest in terms of revenue.

Unions and the Democrat Party are frequently allied in urban settings, but “living wage” minimums are not economic development strategies that will yield the kind of benefits urban residents need or desire.

(NNPA columnist William Reed is head of the Business Exchange Network.)

OPINION

Tri-State Defender

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October 3 - 9, 2013

10 percent of Americans like Congress: Are they nuts?

by Dean Obeidallah

(CNN) – Our Congress sucks.

This is truly one of the few things we agree on. In fact, a new CNN poll released earlier this week found that Congress has only a 10 percent approval rating.

When you think that 10 percent of Americans believe Congress is doing a good job, you have to ask yourself one question: Who are these people?!

(Imagine this asked with true Jerry Seinfeld-esque exasperation.)

Congress is so dysfunctional that dictators in other countries are probably pointing at it as an example of why you should never have a democracy.

Yet, somehow, about 30 million Americans are looking at what Congress is doing and thinking: “I like

what I see.”

If you actually think Congress is doing a good job, something is terribly awry in your life. People in your family need to stage an immediate intervention.

I was so intrigued by these people who have such horribly low standards (where were they when I was still dating?) that I went on to social media to find them. I posed questions on Facebook and Twitter asking if anyone is among this exclusive club known to me as the “Ten Percenters.”

What was the response? No one admitted to it. But a few offered theories regarding who these people could be: “It’s probably friends and family of Congress,” Ahmed Elsayed posted on Facebook.

“Ten percent of Americans are in a COMA?!?!” Laurence Cruz tweeted.

I’m pretty confident he’s not related to Sen. Ted Cruz.

Keith Conrad tweeted a cynical but possibly accurate view: “Some people just want to watch the world burn.”

How could it be that no one knows who these people are? Could it be that those who said they approved of Congress were kidding? Perhaps the pollster asked, “Do you think Congress is doing a good job?” and they responded: “Fabulous,” but they meant that sarcastically?

Because all I can say is – If you do know people who actually believe Congress is doing a good job, please watch over them carefully. These are the type of people that lead to warning labels on products like bleach that state “Do not drink’ and on blow dryers that read: “For external use only.” …

Let’s get back to the real issue: Congress. Besides mocking it with lines like, “Congress is now less popular than syphilis,” what can actually be done to remedy the situation?

Some say we should impeach or recall Congress. Well, you can’t. The Constitution only provides one procedure to remove members of Congress. Want to guess who decides on when that happens? Yup, it’s Congress. …

The only people who think that Congress would vote themselves out of a job that pays $174,000 a year plus health benefits are the 10 percent of Americans who think Congress is doing a good job.

Can we realistically hope that since the congressional approval rating is so low that there will be a big house cleaning in the 2014 midterm elections on its own? Unlikely. …

NOTICE OF ELECTION

The easiest way to effect change is to pledge to collectively put aside partisan politics and vote only for candidates in the 2014 primaries and general election who run on a platform of going to Congress to work in a bipartisan manner for our common good. It’s time we send home those people who would want the world to burn because it helps them get on TV and furthers their own political ambitions.

If we do this, then one day we might have a Congress that not only has an approval rating above most venereal diseases, but one we can actually be proud of.

(Dean Obeidallah, a former attorney, is a political comedian and frequent commentator on various TV networks including CNN. Follow him on Twitter @deanofcomedy.)

FOR THE SPECIAL REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY ELECTIONS ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2013 VOTING HOURS: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, Sec. 2-12111 (c), the Shelby County Election Commission hereby gives notice of the Special Republican and Democratic Primary Elections to be held in all wards and precincts in the Tennessee House District 91, on Tuesday, October 8, 2013, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM at the voting locations listed below.

NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN, pursuant to TCA, Sec. 26-302 (a) (5) that the Central Absentee Counting Board location will be at the Election Operations Center, 980 Nixon Drive, Memphis, Tennessee, on Tuesday, October 8, 2013, at 2:00 PM. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, pursuant to TCA

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LOCATION

VOTING LOCATIONS

Sec. 2-6-302 (a) (5) that the Central Provisional Counting Board location will be at the Election Operations Center, 980 Nixon Drive, Memphis, Tennessee, on October 9, 2013 at 9:00 AM.

The Election Commissionʼs web site @ www.shelbyvote.com, will post unofficial results for the elections after the polls close at 7:00 PM.

NEW PHOTO ID LAW Federal or Tennessee government issued photo ID is now required to vote in person, unless an exception applies. College student IDs will not be accepted.

City or County employees Ids (including library cards) are explicitly excluded and will not be accepted. To

learn more about the new law and its exceptions, please call (901) 222-1200 or visit GoVoteTN.com.

Any of the following IDs may be used, even if expired: • Tennessee driverʼs license with your photo • United States Passport • Photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security • Photo ID issued by the federal or Tennessee State government • United States Military photo ID, including a Veteran Identification Card • Tennessee-issued handgun carry permit with your photo

ADDRESS

UNION VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH 1051 E MCLEMORE AV LINDENWOOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH 40 E PARKWAY S FAIRVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL (GYM) 750 E PARKWAY S ROZELLE ELEM SCHOOL 993 ROLAND ST GLENVIEW COMMUNITY CENTER 1141 S BARKSDALE ST BERCLAIR CHURCH OF CHRIST 4536 SUMMER AVE IRA SAMUELSON JR. BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB 894 ISABELLE ST SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH 4680 WALNUT GROVE RD ST LUKE'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 480 S HIGHLAND ST GOLDSMITH CIVIC GARDEN CENTER 750 CHERRY RD BETHEL GROVE ELEM SCHOOL 2459 ARLINGTON AVE HAMILTON ELEM SCHOOL 1378 ETHLYN AV PINE HILL COMMUNITY CENTER 973 ALICE AV SOUTH PARK ELEM SCHOOL 1736 GETWELL RD CHEROKEE BRANCH LIBRARY 3300 SHARPE AV NORRIS ROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST 1055 NORRIS RD AIRWAYS MIDDLE SCHOOL 2601 KETCHUM CORRY MIDDLE SCHOOL 2230 CORRY RD HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL 1363 E PERSON AV ALCY ELEM SCHOOL 1750 ALCY RD CHRIST COVENANT CHURCH 2568 SPARKS RD MAGNOLIA FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1518 S COOPER ST HARDING ACADEMY 1100 CHERRY RD AMERICAN WAY MIDDLE SCHOOL 3805 AMERICAN WAY SHEFFIELD HIGH SCHOOL 4315 SHEFFIELD CV MITCHELL ROAD COMMUNITY CENTER 602 MITCHELL RD FORD ROAD ELEM SCHOOL 3336 FORD RD LANIER MIDDLE SCHOOL 817 BROWNLEE RD GRAVES ELEM SCHOOL 3398 GRAVES RD ROBERT R CHURCH SCHOOL 4100 MILLBRANCH RD WINCHESTER ELEM SCHOOL 3587 BOEINGSHIRE ST

SHELBY COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION Robert D. Meyers, Chairman Norma Lester, Secretary Dee Nollner, Member Steve Stamson, Member Tate, Member

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October 3 - 9, 2013

Tri-State Defender

Tri-State Defender

RELIGION

Page 7

October 3 - 9, 2013

RELIGION BRIEFS

Convocation Weekend set for the Apostolic Covenant of Churches

The Apostolic Covenant of Churches International, Incorporated (ACCI) will host its Second Annual Convocation Weekend 2013, Oct. 4-6, at the Shiloh Church of Memphis, 3121 Range Line Rd. Bishop W. James Thomas II, who serves as the General Overseer & Presiding Prelate, said, “This year’s Convocation will be expanded to emphasize the mandate of ACCI, which is to build relationships, encourage fellowship, and develop leadership.”

The Convocation will open on Friday at 7 p.m. The guest preacher will be Bishop Greg Davis of Greg Davis Ministries and the “Greg Davis Show,” which airs on the IMPACT Network, from Detroit. The guest psalmist will be Michelle Prather of the Kurt Carr Singers.

On Saturday beginning at 9:30 a.m., there will be a Morning Glory Service with Bishop Ronald Perrien, executive secretary of ACCI, from Brooklyn, N.Y. Following the Morning Glory Service, classes will be held, ranging from Preaching 101, to Outreach, to Servant Leadership, to Music in the Local Church.

On Saturday at 6 p.m., the Convocation Concert will feature Benjamin Cone III & Worship from Jackson, Miss. Local psalmists will include Andrew Knox and New Change, Angie P. Holmes, Kendra Carr, Disciples of Mime, and Diamond Dance Company.

The Convocation Weekend will conclude with Official Day on Sunday at 11 a.m. The General Overseer & Presiding Prelate, Bishop W. James Thomas II, will deliver the closing message and several people from churches that are a part of ACCI will be ordained as Elders and Deacons. The guest psalmist will be Sis. Sonji Wright-Savage.

There is a $10 registration fee for classes but all services are free and open to the public.

(For more information, visit www.theacci.org, email administration@theacci.org or call 901-318-5200.)

Hope Church reduces energy consumption 23.5 percent; efforts save $425,319 As the nation celebrates Energy Awareness Month in October, Hope Church administrators are having a celebration of their own – announcing more than $425,319 savings achieved through an innovative energy conservation program since April 2010.

The $425,319 savings is equal to 23.5 percent of the expected energy costs without the program. In environmental terms, the energy saved equates to 2,501 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions being prevented, or 449 autos off the highway annually or over 63,977 tree seedlings planted and grown in ten years.

“It is particularly appropriate to celebrate our savings this month,” said Mack Oates, Energy Specialist. “Energy Awareness Month is

all about teaching people to make good decisions about the energy they use, and that’s what our program does. …

“Being good stewards of both our money and our environment gives us a great sense of satisfaction here at Hope Church,” Oates added. “It’s simply the right thing to do.”

Hope Church is the largest church in Memphis and the second largest church in the Presbyterian denomination, with 7,000 members and visitors each weekend.

The cost of utilities is the second largest budget line-item for Hope Church, and the prices for electricity, natural gas, heating oil and water have steadily increased over the past few years. To combat the rising energy and utility

costs, the church entered into a partnership with Cenergistic to implement a comprehensive organizational-behavior based energy conservation program throughout all its buildings.

Cenergistic is the nation’s leading organizational behavior-based conservation company and guarantees the conservation program will save taxpayer dollars, save jobs and preserveimportant programs while saving vital natural resources.

Hope’s energy conservation program is projected to save $1,234,000 during the first 10 years of its implementation.

(For more information about Hope Church, visit http://www.hopepres.com.)

A little practice…

Senior Pastor Derrick D. Davis and Tabernacle of Praise Missionary Baptist Church at 306 South Somerville St. hosted a “Tom Thumb Wedding” last Saturday (Sept.

28th) to give these youngsters and others a sense of the wedding ceremony process.

(Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

‘Women on Fire’ at The New Olivet

The New Olivet Baptist Church will celebrate Women’s Month throughout October with a series of speakers.

Services will be held each Sunday at 11 a.m.

The lineup includes Sheila Whalum, first lady of The New Olivet, author and business owner; Elder Vicki Johson, speaker, author, life coach; Marcie Cleary, lawyer and Yale Law School graduate; and LeToya Luckett, entertainer and business owner.

The New Olivet is located at 3084 Southern Ave., where the host pastor is the Rev. Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr. For more information, call 454-7777; visit www.olivetbc.com

BRIEFLY: Continuing its Faith & Health series, The Church Health Center will host its 12th Annual Conference for Clergy & Congregational Leaders, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 17 at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Ave. This year’s topic is “The Affordable Care Act: What It Means for You, Your Church and Your Community” and will feature expert speakers of the issues. Visit churchhealthcenter.org/faithhealthseries for more information and to register.

Speaking of service…

Pastor Alvin K. Fleming of Morning View Baptist Church was the guest speaker last Sunday (Sept. 29th) during the City Ushers Association program at Progressive Baptist Church at 349 Vance Ave. Dr. James Collins was the host pastor.

(Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Farewell ‘Fannie,’ so long mom…

Pastor Derek V. Clark of Rejoice In the Covenant Church delivers the eulogy for his mother, Fannie Cole Clark – the renowned musician, educator and community activist who died Sept. 21 after a brief illness. The celebration of Mrs. Clarkʼs life was held last Saturday (Sept. 28) at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, with Pastor J. Lawrence Turner officiating. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

PRAISE CONNECT -A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-

METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., Pastor

767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126

ASSOCIATE MINISTERS

901-946-4095 fax 948-8311

Rev. Davena Young Porter Rev. Linda A Paige Rev. Luecretia Matthews SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

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

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

Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter

Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

—Matthew 7: 1-2

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

—Phillipians 4:13

COMMUNITY

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Tri-State Defender

October 3 - 9, 2013

Hey vacant property owners, new city registry wants you The honorees will be…

Beverly Robertson, president of the National Civil Rights Museum, speaks about the 2013 Freedom Awards and this yearʼs honorees: Educator and Harlem Childrenʼs Zone President Geoffrey Canada, National Freedom Award; former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, International Freedom Award; and Black Enterprise Magazine founder Earl Graves, Life Achievement Award. The Freedom Awards presentation will be Nov. 6 at the Cannon Center, with the annual gala dinner at the Cook Convention Center. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Mortgage holders and owners of single family residential property or condominiums that are vacant, abandoned and tax delinquent should join the vacant property registry (VPR) immediately, the City of Memphis announced this week.

The VPR Ordinance was passed by City Council and signed by Mayor A C Wharton Jr. in April. It requires mortgagees to register their properties with the City of Memphis and pay an annual fee of $200 until the property is no longer vacant, abandoned or tax delinquent, existing code violations are addressed or a new owner takes possession.

“The Vacant Property Registry is designed to prevent and attack blight in our community,” Wharton said.

“Many houses have been abandoned, foreclosed on, or simply allowed to deteriorate, which lowers the value of the surrounding properties.

“We are asking mortgage holders to voluntarily register those properties and pay a reasonable fee to the city to help cover some of the cost associated with maintaining them and pursuing legal action when necessary to ensure their unoccupied properties are maintained.”

While both mortgage holders and owners are required to register their vacant proper-

ties, only mortgage holders have to pay the $200 fee.

Here are steps mortgage holders and owners should take to register their properties as required by the VPR law: To Obtain VPR Form: Go to www.cityofmemphis.org and click Permits Office listed under Most Popular; go to Useful Links and click Documents & Applications on bottom right-side; go to City of Memphis Vacant Property Registration and click Vacant Property Registration Form and print.

Complete form and either mail or bring it along with payment to: City of Memphis, Permits Office, 2714 Union

Extended, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38112; Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Contact Information: Email: PermitsFolderDistribution-DL@memphistn.gov; Telephone: 901- 636 6711.

It is estimated that there are more than 43,000 blighted properties in Memphis, with the city spending millions in tax dollars each year to clean them up because the owners are unknown and cannot be held accountable.

The registry is designed to help the city keep track of owners in case litigation is necessary and to hold owners accountable for property maintenance.

BRIEFS & THINGS City Attorney Morris nets public service award

City Attorney Herman Morris Jr., is the 2013 recipient of the Joseph I. Mulligan Jr. Distinguished Public Service Award, honoring a local government attorney for significant and surpassing achievements in the field of local government law occurring or culminating in the previous year.

The award was presented on Oct. 1 by the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA), an association of city attorneys, at the 78th annual conference in San Francisco.

Herman “It is alMorris ways an honor to be recognized by your peers,” said Morris. “I am humbled, but know this award was due to the hard work of our fine City of Memphis legal department.”

Morris is the first from Memphis to receive the award. His list of achievements featured: A $7.5 million dollar settlement of a law suit against Wells Fargo Bank for discriminatory lending practices; Challenging the State of Tennessee voter ID law and winning the right for Memphis citizens to use library cards for identification; Initiating the voter integrity project during the 2012 elections; Settling the 20-year-old Beale Street law suits; Launching a major effort to sue the owners of blighted, neglected and abandoned property.

At the conference, Morris led a seminar on How to Get Your Fair Share of Cyber Sales Tax. The International Municipal Lawyers Association is a nonprofit, professional organization based in the Washington D.C. area and is an advocate and legal resource for local government attorneys. IMLA offers more than 1,400 members across the United States and Canada continuing legal education courses, research services, membership in substantive law sections and litigation assistance.

BRIEFLY: The Bridges Gandhi-King Youth Conference is set for Oct. 17 and will feature workshops – inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – on peacemaking, conflict resolution, community change and bridge building.

Learn more and sign up at bridgesusa.org/gkyc.

BRIEFLY: On Oct. 11th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Rangeline CDC will be partnering with a number of organizations for Child Health Week by hosting a Child Health Fair. It will be held at Union Grove Baptist Church at 2285 Frayser Blvd. For more information, contact Charlie Caswell, executive director, Rangeline Neighborhood Community Development Corporation, at 901-8596832; visit www.rangelinencdc.com.

Former Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Joe Brown, who achieved court reality show fame, served as toastmaster for the Shelby County Democratic Partyʼs inaugural roast honoring Dr. Willie W. Herenton, former mayor of Memphis and now charter school innovator. Herenton (seated at right) listened intently and chuckled all evening as friends and political associates recalled the once-embattled mayorʼs infamous rants. (Photos: Wiley Henry)

Surprise! Republican’s tribute rocks Democrats’ Herenton roast Inaugural event combines fundraising and unity appeal Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Tony Jones

The Shelby County Democratic Party’s Inaugural Roast presented Saturday (Sept. 28th) at the Colonial Country Club proved to be a bang up success, featuring a surprise turn at the mike by former Republican City Councilman Brent Taylor that “turned the joint out.”

Honoring Dr. Willie W. Herenton, Taylor stole the show as one of more than a dozen Herenton colleagues and friends assembled for the night.

Or, as toastmaster Judge Joe Brown put it, “An elephant came up in here and kicked some donkey butt!”

Now being edited for public viewing soon on cable television, the Dems may need to consider putting Taylor’s section out as a DVD single. As current party chairman Bryan Carson explains, they definitely need the money.

“We came up with the idea for the roast because we’re going to remain in continuous fundraising mode in 2014,” Carson said.

“We have to be able to provide resources to help our candidates engage the community for the 2014 primary and general elections. The primary is in May, the general election is in August, and there will be elections for state representatives and judges. The judges do not have a primary process, so the party may be supporting some of them after going through some kind of vetting process.”

The roast also was designed to bring the Democratic Party leaders of the community together to express unity, said Carson.

“I believe that if we can bring the leaders together everyone else will follow. If the people see us arguing and in disagreement, they aren’t going to want to support the process and that disenfranchises so much of what we could accomplish. If we can show that we are working together, we can influence the people of Shelby County to come out and vote.”

A conversation outside the room perfectly illustrated what the local Democrats are facing.

Grabbing a bit of fresh air out front as the toast moved into its second half, independent political strategist Liz Rincon and Democratic Party members London Lamar and Jonathan Donald,

Dr. Herenton had the final words of the evening, ending it on a serious note by announcing that he is writing a book about Memphis politics, why he made some of the decisions he made as mayor, and the racial undertones that often undergird Memphis politics. Former Tennessee Regulatory Authority Director Sara Kyle, the first woman to win a statewide election since 1994, the year she was elected, stood nearby after addressing the roast crowd.

both 22, were discussing politics with seasoned politico Shep Wilbun.

“Look at (voting) numbers right now,” Rincon said, “our city is 78 percent African American. Of that population, 47 percent are registered to vote. But in local primaries AfricanAmerican turnout is between 9 to 21 percent.

That’s too low. What is the connection local leaders need to find?”

Lamar said it was about reaching a target audience.

“You have to motivate them. There’s a disconnect in saying you want to get young people involved and actually getting them involved. If you can get them excited and connected, young people will go out and support anything they believe in.”

Double ditto Donald added. “People feel like they aren’t being heard. They need to feel that

there is real attention being paid to what younger people care about.”

And that, Lamar said, is jobs.

“I’ve graduated from St. Mary’s College in Indiana and it seems like the jobs aren’t being publicized and that’s part of the problem why people look elsewhere for careers,” she said.

“Memphis will become more attractive to young people after post graduate education if we feel like we can find a job here.”

Donald was asked what can be done to draw his peer group, young black males, to the polls?

“You have to make us feel like we’re part of the process. What we really need is to come together in our own communities,” he said. “We need unity in the community like it used to be in the old days.”

Inside, as the roast continued, Herenton’s former campaign strategist, Charles Carpenter, told some war stories. Sara Lewis entertained with a great story about putting a general from Sierra Leone to work sweeping an airplane hanger when working with Herenton. And then, like a scene straight out of blues singer Lattimore’s hit song “Redneck In A Soul Band,” Taylor’s star turn took the night.

The backdrop was that Taylor and Herenton once had a very public policy disagreement, with Herenton objecting to Taylor’s manner and saying that it seemed they should “step outside” to settle their differences. That earlier moment was shocking to the general public, but as the historic political figure recounts, it became a pivotal moment carrying a lesson Memphis could grow with.

Having truly enjoyed the night’s roast, Herenton later said he was very happy to do it.

“It was an event for a good cause. The party needs support and I was glad to do it. And Brent (Taylor) really tore into me good! But there was a great lesson it (the earlier incident) illustrated as well. Brent and I started out crossways, but now we’re real friends and he’s one of my board members.

“It shows the possibilities if this city can ever get past the old feelings of the old south.

Memphis is a tough city to bring about racial cohesiveness because many people still want to hold on to the animosities of the past.”

State Rep. Barbara Cooper (D-86) had to take her glasses off she was laughing so hard when Taylor spoke.

“If we could just get people half this excited about the election,” she sighed.

Tri-State Defender

BUSINESS

MONEY MATTERS

Teach your children well

In a recent survey of Generation Z (ages 13 to 22), 39 percent of teens and young adults said they expect to receive an inheritance and therefore don’t need to worry about saving for retirement! However, only 16 percent of Gen Z parents expect to provide an inheritance – and there’s no guarantee that an inheritance would be sufficient to replace retirement savings.

This disconnect between expectation and reality highlights the need for financial literacy among young people. Teaching children about finances not only may help them handle their own financial matters but could encourage academic engagement and pursuit of higher education.

Here are some steps to help develop your children’s financial knowledge.

•Advocate saving. Sixty-three percent of kids 18 and under have a savings account, and almost three out of four accounts were opened before the kids were three. Encourage your children to set aside a portion of money they receive from an allowance, gift, or job. Talk about goals that require a financial commitment, such as a car, college, and travel. As an added incentive, consider matching the funds they save

Now showing…

for worthy purposes.

•Show them the numbers.

Use an online calculator to demonstrate the concept of longterm investing and the power of compound interest. Your chilCharles Sims Jr., CFP dren may be amazed to see how fast invested funds can accumulate.

•Let them practice. About half of parents give their children a regular allowance. Let older teens become responsible for more of their own costs (such as clothing, activities, and car expenses). Running out of funds could require them to think about their spending choices and consider a budget.

•Discuss the basics. By the time students graduate from high school, they should at least understand these basic concepts: budgeting, saving, insurance, credit, the cost of debt, and investing. Of course, some lessons can be learned earlier.

•Have fun. Check out online games, quizzes, and mobile apps that teach financial principles. Some

schools offer “real life” classroom exercises such as business and stock market simulations.

If an older child has a job with earnings, you could open a Roth IRA in the child’s name to help him or her save for retirement or college. A child can contribute up to $5,500 of earned income to a Roth IRA in 2013. Roth IRA assets accumulate tax deferred, and contributions can be withdrawn tax-free and penalty-free at any time for any reason.

Roth IRA earnings may be withdrawn without federal income tax liability or penalties if used to pay qualified higher-education expenses, as well as for certain other purposes.

In most cases, however, Roth IRA distributions must meet the five-year holding requirement and take place after age 59½ to qualify for a tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings.

Finances may seem complicated, but a little education could go a long way. Do yourself and your children a favor by helping them develop financial awareness.

(Charles Sims Jr. is president/ CEO of The Sims Financial Group.

Contact him at 901-682-2410 or visit www.SimsFinancialGroup.com.)

The African Place has moved to 581 N. Third, with the Grand Opening on Saturday (Oct. 5.) In addition to artifacts, African clothes and jewelry, drums and literature, the new venue will feature the The African Place Cafe and The Lionʼs Den. For more information: 524-0800. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku)

Desoto County Area Job Fair

The Governor’s Job Fair Network and DeSoto County WIN Job Center will host the DeSoto County Area Job Fair onOctober 8, at the Desoto County Landers Center, 4560 Venture Drive, in Southaven.

Representatives from nearly 50 companies, educational organizations, training providers and companies offering entrepreneurial opportunities will be on hand to connect with people looking for jobs.

The doors will open early for military veterans at 9 a.m. and to the public at 9:30 a.m.

Businesses with positions to fill will accept resumes and conduct onsite interviews; educational and training institutions will provide information on their services; and entrepreneurial organizations will provide information about their opportunities.

Last year, over 2,600 applicants attended the DeSoto County Area Job

BIZ BITS

Fair and more than 500 job seekers received job offers contingent on further interviews and or further testing the day of the event.

For more information, visit the website: www.JOBFairs.ms.gov

NAWBO luncheon to examine flawed growth strategies

NAWBO luncheon When it comes to growing your business, Shawn Karol Sandy, chief revenue officer for The Selling Agency, will break down flawed growth strategies and show you how to build a Real and Actionable Sales Strategy in four steps.

Sandy will facilitate the discussion during the National Association of Women Business Owners’ (NAWBO) October luncheon on Oct. 8, at the Chickasaw Country Club, located at 3395 Galloway Ave. The program and lunch will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Most people start businesses with

CLASSIFIEDS

October 3 - 9, 2013

a plan and maybe even revise it once a year, but the truth of the matter is that we get so busy working ‘in’ the business that we don’t step back and set aside time to work ‘on’ the business,” said Sandy.

“What happens often is we get a taste of some early success and throw everything we have into our business … and then it starts to own us,” she said. “We begin to subscribe to some of the deadly fallacies of passive business strategy.”

According to Sandy, there’s a reason this phrase exists: “‘Hope is not a strategy and certainly not a sales growth strategy.’ Selling more is a sales strategy, and planning and executing, measuring and accountability are the only ways you purposefully sell more.”

Sandy plans to walk luncheon participants through those four steps and get them started on their sales strategy. The cost is $25 for NAWBO members, $30 for non-members and $35 for on-site registration. To register online, visit www.NAWBOMemphis.org.

TRI-STATE DEFENDER CLASSIFIEDS 203 Beale Street, Suite 200 Memphis, TN 38103 PH (901) 523-1818 FAX (901) 578-5037 HOURS: Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm

DEADLINES; Display ads Monday 5 p.m.

Classified ads Monday 5 p.m.

RATES: Rates are non-commissionable and are quoted at the net rate. All rates are flat rates. No refund for early cancellation.

For additional information contact Sales Dept. at (901) 746-5201 or email: advertising@tristatedefender.com BEER PERMITS Flat Rate $30

Legal notices

REQUEST FOR BIDS Legal Notice MSCAA Project Number 12-1348-00 Demolition of the Regency Hotel & Suites (RE-BID) Sealed bids for the demolition of the Regency Hotel & Suites, MSCAA Project No. 12-1348-00, will be received by the Staff Services Division of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA), 3505 Tchulahoma Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38118, until 2:00 PM Local Time on Wednesday, October 23, 2013, , and thereafter will be opened and publicly read. No bids will be accepted after the stated deadline. BIDS WILL NOT BE RECEIVED AT ANY OTHER LOCATION The scope of work consists generally of the demolition of the Regency Hotel and Suites, located at 2411 Winchester Road, Memphis, TN 38116. The demolition will include the removal of the 3-story building (first floor is below ground with elevated ground on 3 of the 4 sides) and surrounding amenities, including the canopy, swimming pool and deck, landscaping, tennis court fencing, utility service lines, and underground storage tank. The east and west parking areas, as well as the tennis courts will be left in place. All lighting along the parking areas will remain with the contractor installation of junction boxes. Contractor will be responsible for surface water management and all sediment and erosion controls throughout the project. Management of any salvageable items will be left to the discretion of the Contractor. In addition, the scope of work includes leveling of the site through backfill and compact-to-grade work, sodding, and adding irrigation to the entire area.

Bid Documents may be obtained and found on our website (www.mscaa.com) on or after Wednesday, October 2, 2013. Bid documents may be examined at the following locations in Memphis, TN: Builderʼs Exchange Plans Room, McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge Plans Room, Memphis Area Minority Contractorʼs Association, Mid-South Minority Business Council, National Association of Minority Contractors, and Renaissance Business Center Bid Room. Information regarding obtaining bid documents, addenda to these documents and any other additional information may be found on our website (www.mscaa.com).

All Respondents are hereby notified that all updates, addenda and additional information, if any, shall be posted to the MSCAA website and Respondents are responsible for checking the MSCAA website up to the time of the Bid opening.

A Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting will be held Thursday, October 10, 2013, at 9:00 AM at the Project Center, 4225 Airways Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee 38116.

The project site will be available for inspection immediately following the meeting. Only those attending will be allowed to submit responses to this Request for Bids.

The MSCAA hereby notifies that it will review and award contracts in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4a and Title 49, Part 26, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act. MSCAA further notifies all Bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, creed, religion, sexual orientation or disability in its hiring and employment practices, or in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services and activities. The DBE participation goal for this contract is 29% in accordance with the requirements of the Contract Documents. Therefore, the only

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SOUL SURVIVAL 1 Column - 1 Week $30 2 Column - 1 Week $40

GENERAL INFORMATION Some categories require prepayment.

All ads subject to credit approval. TriState Defender reserves the right to correctly classify and edit all copy, or to reject or cancel any ad at any time.

Only standard abbreviations accepted.

Copy change during ordered schedule constitutes new ad & new charges.

Deadlines for cancellation are identical to placement deadlines. Rates subject to change.

ADJUSTMENTS; PLEASE check your ad the first day it appears. Call 901-523-1818 if an error occurs. We can only offer in-house credit and NO REFUNDS are issued.

TRI-STATE DEFENDER assumes no financial responsibility for errors nor for copy omission. Direct any classified billing inquiries to 901-523-1818.

participation that will be counted toward meeting this goal will be participation by certified DBEs, the owners of which have been certified as having a personal net worth less than $1.32 million.

Each bid must be by a contractor licensed in Tennessee and accompanied by a 5% Bid Guarantee. In accordance with TCA §62-6-119, the Bidder, and where applicable, one contractor/subcontractor performing electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or masonry work must have its license number, expiration date of the license, and that part of the classification applying to the bid shown on the outside of the envelope containing the bid. Failure to supply all information on the outside of the envelope will result in the return of the unopened envelope to the Bidder. The successful Bidder will be required to execute a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond, each in the amount of 100% of the Contract Price. Liquidated damages for delay in contract completion shall be as stated in the Contract Documents.

No Bidder may withdraw an opened bid within the defined period following actual bid opening without MSCAAʼs consent.

Award will be made to the lowest and best responsible qualified Bidder, if any contract is awarded, based on the best combination of base bid plus individual add-alternates deemed, at MSCAAʼs sole discretion, to be in MSCAAʼs best interests regardless of whether the individual add-alternates are ultimately constructed or not constructed.

MSCAA reserves the right to reject any or all bids in whole or in part and to waive any informalities, technicalities or omissions therein. MSCAA also reserves the right to reject bids from bidders that have pending litigation or claims with MSCAA, or if such bid includes a proposed subcontractor or supplier that has pending litigation or claims with MSCAA, if MSCAA determines, in its sole discretion, such litigation or claims may adversely affect the ability of the parties to work efficiently and effectively under this contract, or for any other reason as determined by MSCAA. Any such bid will be returned to the bidder.

See Instructions to Bidders in the project specifications for a further description of this and other reservations of rights.

The Authority hereby notifies that effective July 1, 2013 the Authority shall give a preference to businesses located in the County of Shelby, State of Tennessee in awarding contracts and making purchases whenever the application of such a preference is reasonable in light of the dollarvalue of the proposal/bid received in relation to such expenditures and pursuant to the terms and conditions that are outlined in the adopted policy as amended.

MEMPHIS-SHELBY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

By Larry D. Cox, President & CEO

NOTICE TO BIDDER(S) Shelby County Government is soliciting written proposals on a competitive basis from qualified companies or professionals to update the Regional Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Architecture and Deployment Plan for the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Information regarding this RFP is located on the Countyʼs website at www.shelby countytn.gov. Go to “Purchasing–Bids” under the “Business” header on the home page to locate the above-described RFP and the attachments.

RFP #13-009-15 “Update of the Regional ITS Architecture and Deployment Plan” Due date Friday, October 25, 2013 @ 4:00 PM Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service.

THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL, JR., SHELBY COUNTY MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

ENTERTAINMENT

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October 3 - 9, 2013

‘Scandal’ is back, daddy issues and all!

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Myron Mays

Well, you don’t have to wait any longer!

The time has finally arrived. Ladies and gentlemen, “Scandal” is about to return!

No longer do you have to relive the reruns of last season. No longer do you have to opt for catching “The Voice” on NBC just to have something new to watch.

Will the fans be treated fairly in the first episode of season 3? I mean, last season left us with a ton of cliffhangers. We learned who the mole was, but everyone wants to know the answer to the BIG question: Who leaked word of

Olivia’s affair with the President?” Who snitched?

I’m sure Olivia (Kerry Washington) was probably wondering the same thing when she walked out into the unexpected media frenzy. Perhaps we’ll find out early in the season or even the first episode.

Personally, I’m very interested to see what’s up with Olivia and Rowan, the mysterious head of B613. Season 2 ended with them coming face to face in the back of a car where the last word was uttered was “DAD?” And what about “Mom?” Or is that a question for Season 4?

My prediction is that it’s not over for Olivia and the President. Those two are far from done!

Come on…the sexy angle has got to come from

somewhere, right? Whatever happens, I’m certain there will be a lot of yelling at the TV and near heart attacks this Thursday night.

Hey, if you’re looking for a fun place to catch the season premiere of “Scandal,” you should make plans to come out to Applebee’s at 1571 Sycamore View for the 103.5 Viewing Party! Enjoy half-price appetizers, $3 Long Island Ice Teas and Margaritas. Of course there will be CD giveaways, concert tickets, gift certificates and more! You will also have a chance to win a large screen TV! The party kicks off at 8 p.m. And don’t worry; we’ll make sure no one yells at any of the 25 televisions in the place…at least until the commercials.

OPENING THIS WEEK

Kam’s Kapsules:

Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun

drama about a rebellious 18 year-old (A.J. Michalka) who runs away to L.A. in search of fame and fortune as a pop singer only to learn that faith and family are far more important.

With James Denton, Kevin Pollak and Shawnee Smith.

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kam Williams

For movies opening Oct. 4, 2013

“I Used to Be Darker” (Unrated) American Dream drama about a runaway (Deragh Campbell) from Northern Ireland who takes refuge with relatives in Maryland only to discover that her aunt (Kim Taylor) and uncle’s (Ned Oldham) marriage is in crisis. Support cast includes Hannah Gross, Nicholas Petr and Geoff Grace.

BIG BUDGET FILMS

“Gravity” (PG-13 for intense peril, disturbing images and brief strong profanity) Sci-fi survival thriller about a veteran astronaut (George Clooney) and a medical engineer (Sandra Bullock) on her first mission who find themselves in a race against time when they’re left suspended in space with limited oxygen after satellite debris destroys their rocket ship during a spacewalk. With Ed Harris, Amy Warren, Basher Savage and Paul Sharma.

“Runner, Runner” (R for profanity and sexuality) Crime drama about a Princeton grad student (Justin Timberlake) who travels to Costa Rica to confront the owner of an online poker website (Ben Affleck) after being cheated out of his tuition money, only to become the corrupt mobster’s right hand man.

Support cast includes Gemma Arterton, Anthony Mackie and Michael Asper.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

“A.C.O.D.” (R for profanity and brief sexuality) Dysfunctional family comedy about a man (Adam Scott) left traumatized by his parents’ (Catherine O’Hara and Richard Jenkins) bitter divorce who ends up victimized again when his younger brother’s (Clark Duke) wedding brings them back together again.

With Amy Poehler, Jane Lynch, Jessica Alba and Ken Howard.

“Bad Milo” (R for profanity, sexuality and graphic violence) Horror comedy about a stressed-out office worker (Ken Marino) who learns that his stomach pain isn’t from an ulcer but being caused by a demon living in his intestines. Featuring Stephen Root, Patrick War-

“Linsanity” (Unrated) Hoop dreams documentary revisiting Harvard point guard Jeremy Lin’s unlikely transformation into an overnight NBA sensation over the course of two weeks in 2012 when he made the most of a chance to fill-in for a New York Knicks’ injured starter. burton, Mary Kay Place and Gillian Jacobs.

“Concussion” (R for profanity and graphic sexuality) Robin Weigert stars in this midlife crisis drama about a lesbian disillusioned with her humdrum life who decides to try a new line of work as a prostitute catering to females after being hit in the head by a baseball. Cast includes Maggie Siff, Ben Shenkman and Emily Kinney.

“Five Dances” (Unrated) Coming-of-age drama, set in Manhattan, revolving around an aspiring ballet dancer (Ryan Steele) torn between pursuing his passion and feelings of responsibility about his fractured family back in the Midwest. With Lulu Roche, Kimiye Corwin and Reed Luplau.

“Grace Unplugged” (PG for mature themes and teen drinking) Prodigal Daughter

“Parkland” (PG-13 for profanity, smoking, violent images and graphic emergency room procedures) JFK assassination drama recounting the futile efforts of doctors and nurses to save the president’s (Brett Stimely) life at Parkland Hospital after he suffered fatal wounds at the hands of Lee Harvey Oswald (Jeremy Strong). A-list ensemble includes Zac Efron, Billy Bob Thornton, Paul Giamatti, Marcia Gay Harden, Colin Hanks, Jacki Weaver and Jackie Earle Haley.

“Red Wing” (Unrated) Coming-of-age drama chronicling the perilous journey of an orphan (Glen Powell) into manhood as he attempts to maintain his honor and integrity in the face of hostility. Supporting cast features Bill Paxton, Luke Perry and Frances Fisher.

“The Summit” (R for profanity) Five miles-high documentary revisiting the deadly day on K2 in 2008 when the so-called “Savage Mountain” mysteriously claimed the lives of 11 climbers.

Tri-State Defender

HOROSCOPES

Oct. 3-9, 2013

ARIES Think hard about the nontraditional ideas that you have been percolating. Speak up.

There are others that may be thinking the same thing but don’t have the same courage to say.

You have more in common with the people you work with than you think. There is strength in numbers.

TAURUS Others need you. Be a great listener this week. Teach but don’t preach. Family members need a vision of the big picture. That’s easy for you to give but use charm to give it.

Be a cheer-giver. Expect nothing in return.

GEMINI It is amazing how a big-hearted person like you can button down to the detailed work when you’ve got the big picture still projecting over and over in your mind. Both the big picture and the details are important to you this week. Concentrate on both at the same time.

CANCER Love is always a learning experience but this week think back over past love affairs and be sensitive to the fact that there is a special truth you can discern. What you know about love can be used on someone rich and powerful this week. Matters of the heart and matters of the mind harmonize.

LEO Thinking about what to do about your irritable lover? Make appointments that will create distance between you and those you are close to especially your sweetheart. Spend time with yourself and find pleasant things to occupy your mind until this week passes.

LIBRA Take some time off for family matters. Work has occupied too much of your attention. Family matters are not most in need of your attention. Your attention is most in need of a focus on the emotional attachments that family relationships involve.

SCORPIO Use a more diplomatic approach when you when make constructive comments to others.

Your candid attitude is appreciated but diplomacy will be the key in a delicate situation.

Your financial woes that have been preoccupying your mind will soon be over. Feel good about the progress you’ve already made.

SAGITTARIUS Self-pity is not your style. It saps your energy and makes it hard for you to rise above whatever it is that has been bothering you. Do the usual: consider the unfortunate situation that arises as a learning opportunity? Learn well and move out into a brighter psychological space.

CAPRICORN It’s time to let co-workers and bosses see your astounding ability to organize tasks and get a lot of things done with style and grace.

You can dazzle colleagues this week because things will fall into place easily for you.

AQUARIUS Voice your desires to the universe this week!

Articulate your thoughts through a song a poem a sonnet! You will cause a stir of stimulation and hope for those around you. Find a place of solace where you can meditate and be in harmony with your true self.

PISCES It’s a great week to tell somebody you are close to that you love them. Saying it aloud gives you energy and of course your designated adoree will be delighted! Keep the big picture in mind and you’ll feel completely buoyant!

Source: NNPA News Service

FASHION Tri-State Defender, Thursday, October 3 - 9, 2013, Page 11

36” Cashmere cape; black color, dyed Fox stand collar with dyed Fox border trim and tie closure - $3k

29” Dyed shearling lamb vest; dark brown color with hood and dyed Kalgan lamb trim, belted - $1.5k

Fall, fur & fashion odels – including various Memphis notables – styled in wraps from The Fur Vault at Macy’s during the 2013 Fall Fur Fashions for Women of Distinction red-carpet event last Sunday (Sept. 29).

The invitation-only affair was held at the Macy’s Oak Court store on Poplar Ave. Approximately 300 women from the Mid-South area previewed the new line-up of 2014 fur coats from around the globe.

“This year’s inaugural fashion show raised the fashion bar in Memphis, and hopefully will set the stage – going forward – for an annual fund-raising event to benefit a local Mid-South charity,” said Sherrye Jones Donald, a member of the event’s host committee.

“Mrs. Vivian Berryhill, who was the brain child and originator of this event, and our entire blue-ribbon committee, have put Memphis on the national and international map when it comes to furs, fun and fashions.”

The Fall Fur Fashions’ host committee, chaired by D. Elizabeth Wooten, was comprised of Memphisarea volunteers, including Mable Crump, Vicki Easley, Susanne Farber (Fur Vault manager), Linda Johnson, Karon Jean Phillips, Jetta Turner, Jacque-

M

Models take a final stroll after 80 fall furs are featured at Fall Fur Fashions2013.

line Wallace, and Caron Dean Watkins.

“This event was equal to any runway event hosted in New York or any other major fashion-oriented city,” said Jones, who is CEO of F.A.C.E.S., a local modeling agency. “But the highlight of the evening was the give-away of two fur pieces, which were donated by Iyanla Vanzant.”

Walking the runway were: April Hudson; Magan Porch; Tierra Richman; Karon Jean Phillips; Darrien T. Key; Estella M. Greer; Kimberly Evans; Barbie Johnson; Donna Richmond; Norma and Jimmie Meadows; Sheila Bradley; Ashley Davis; Eddye Shackleford; Zaniesha Davis; Kathy Newson; Aryen Moore-Alston; Morgan Curle; Nariah Fields; Nicole Devould; Fran Mosley; Sharika Hollingsworth; Micah Maughmer; Raven Cox; Jay Marion and Pastor Ralph White.

Music was provided by Anson Bryant.

Among the attendees were: Judge Deborah Henderson, V. Lynn Evans, First Lady Angela Kneeland, Judge Jayne Chandler-Levin, Charlotte Bergman, Mrs. Willie Brooks, Pastor Bessie Gilyard and Dr. Bettye Alston.

27” Cashmere cape; red color, ruffle trim with dyed rex rabbit rosettes - $2k

(Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

37” Bleached mink stroller; whiskey/golden color, Fox shawl collar with elastic cuffs and belt - $20k

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October 3 - 9, 2013

Tri-State Defender