11 19 2014

November 13 - 19, 2014

VOL. 63, No. 45

Pastor Jacqueline A. Crockett

www.tsdmemphis.com

First lady: ‘…you look like a ballet dancer’

Rev. Dwight Montgomery

Memphis ballet school honored as ‘tops’ by the White House

If the state makes move to vouchers, inner city merits share of funding

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Statewide petition drive launches to ensure that end

by Tony Jones

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

A statewide petition drive anchored by SCLC Memphis aims to collect 100,000 signatures backing the inclusion of children in poorer communities in any move extending the use of vouchers.

The effort was set to get underway Thursday morning (Nov. 13th) with a kick-off press conference at Annesdale Cherokee Baptist Church (2960 Kimball), which is pastored by the Rev. Dwight Montgomery, SCLC Memphis president.

With children currently attending public schools and their parents secured for the occasion, the petition drive was to be unveiled

by Dr. Charles Shelton Greer, pastor of the Hopewell Baptist Church and vice president of the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Rev. Kenneth A s s o c i a t i o n ; T. Whalum Jr. Pastor Jacqueline A. Crockett, Word of Faith Christian Academy founder; and the Rev. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr., pastor of the New Olivet Baptist Church.

The goal is to take the petition statewide and to assemble a multicity bus junket to present it to Gov. Bill Haslam and the Tennessee General Assembly during the 2015 legislative session.

“Beginning on the day of the press conference, we are going to be sending students into Foote Homes, Southgate Shopping Center and other areas where there are poor performing schools to give parents and children the chance to make a statement about this issue,” said Montgomery.

Churches throughout the state will be called upon for support, said a confident Montgomery. “(COGIC) Pastor Brandon Porter, Stacy Spencer (New Direction Christian Church pastor), the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association and leading pastors across the state are prepared to support this drive, including Dr. Marvin Mercer, president of the Tennessee Baptist Missionary and Education Convention, the largest Baptist convention in the state, as is Dr. James Allen, president of the Tennessee Regular Baptist Convention, which is the second largest.”

Several bills pushing vouchers died in the 2014 legislative session, but the issue is expected to be a hot button item in the 2015 session.

SCLC Memphis is not pushing for vouchers, but if they are part of the state’s education structure, the African-American community has to be prepared to react, said Montgomery.

For 17-year-old Briana Brown of Memphis, this hug from first lady Michelle Obama was part of a dream-affirming visit to the White House to accept an award on behalf of the New Ballet Ensemble & School. (Photo: Steven E. Purcell/archive.stevenepurcell.com/)

So, just imagine it. Some project you’re involved in captures the nation’s top honor in creative youth development. Hundreds of after-school programs across America compete for the coveted prize. Only 12 are chosen.

And yours makes the cut.

You are chosen to accept that award from the first lady at the White House. As you share center stage with Michelle Obama, she opens her arms to embrace you and speaks lifegiving words that only the two of you share.

This was 17-year-old Briana Brown’s reality as she jetted to Washington D.C. to accept an award on behalf of the New Ballet Ensemble & School. By her side was New Ballet’s founder and CEO Katie Smythe.

“Oh, Briana, you look like a ballet dancer,” Mrs. Obama whispered as the two of them embrace.

The 2014 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program (NAHYP) Award Ceremony at the White House hosted 12 young people from across the nation, all accepting awards on behalf of their after-school programs.

Grizz GM tackles ‘The Talent Puzzle’

Chris Wallace connects at Visionaries Breakfast

by Kirstin L. Cheers

Finding the next big superstar is a challenge, but it is nurturing that superstar after he joins a team that is most important, said Grizzlies General Manager Chris Wallace. He gave a keynote address on “The Talent Puzzle: Maximizing Individual Potential” during the Memphis Chapter of the National Black MBA Association’s 3rd Annual Visionaries Breakfast at the Marriott Hotel East. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow) on “The Talent Puzzle: Maximizing Individual Potential” as the keynoter for the Memphis Chapter of the National Black MBA Association’s 3rd Annual Visionaries Breakfast at the Marriott Hotel East.

At 7 a.m., the small dining room

was filled with young entrepreneurs, MBA members, graduate students and business leaders interested in hearing inspirational words from Wallace, the man who steers the SEE WALLACE ON PAGE 5

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SEE BALLET ON PAGE 2

Memphis will pursue rape kit funding from NY prosecutor

The New Tri-State Defender and the Associated Press

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

When Memphis Grizzlies General Manager Chris Wallace started as the general manager for the Boston Celtics in 1997, head coach Rick Pitino sent him and other staff members a sternly worded letter with a clear demand: “We can not expect for players to be in world class physical condition when on a daily basis they encounter members of our staff who are overweight and out of shape. This is your target weight. If you do not reach your target weight by the expected date, feel free to seek employment with someone else.”

From that moment, Wallace chose to “suck it up” and follow the demands of his boss, proving his commitment to the future of the team.

On Wednesday, Wallace spoke

The first lady’s words infused new life into Brian’s dream of always making dance a part of her life and career.

“I kept blinking my eyes because I wanted to make sure I was really there with Mrs. Obama, and that she had actually whispered those words in my ear as she opened her arms to embrace me,” said Briana. “I realized that she wasn’t just talking about me, she was talking about something much bigger than just one person.

“It was the energy of what she was saying, the energy of her words. Mrs. Obama was saying that because ‘I look like a ballet dancer’ other little brown girls look like ballet dancers, too. What she said meant so much to me. It was all so surreal. I still replay that scene in my mind.”

With plenty of missed schoolwork to catch up on, Briana admits that she has had a hard time concentrating in class since she got back.

“It was all so wonderful. Oh, my goodness. Just thinking about that moment. It was just wonderful.”

Smythe created the New Ballet Ensemble & School in 2001 to promote creative development and movement among children

$35 million pledge to eliminate nationwide backlog

SEE VOUCHERS ON PAGE 3 FRIDAY

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Tribute to America’s veterans…

Roby S. Williams, president of the Black Business Association, sang the “Star Spangled Banner” in his own way to kick off U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen’s Sixth Annual Veteran’s Day Luncheon at the BRIDGES Center in downtown Memphis. Pledging their support of U.S. veterans were (from left) Michael Harper, administrative officer to the director of Veterans Administration Medical Center/ Memphis; Dr. C. Diane Knight, director of the VA; Cohen; Willie Henry, the congressman’s deputy district director; and Judge Bill Anderson of the Shelby County Veterans Court. (Photo: Wiley Henry)

With a clear need for additional resources to complete the analysis of backlogged rape kits, Mayor A C Wharton Jr. said Wednesday the city would “seize the opportunity” to apply for funds through the Manhattan (New York) district attorney’s office when requests for proposals are issued next spring.

Manhattan D.A. Cyrus R. Vance Jr. announced Wednesday that evidence from up to 70,000 rape cases nationwide would get long-awaited DNA testing as he pledged as much as $35 million to help eliminate a backlog that has long troubled authorities, victims and lawmakers.

Experts estimate hundreds of thousands of rape kits – swabs and specimens gathered during examinations of victims – remain to be tested for genetic evidence that could identify, or eliminate, a suspect. Some kits have languished for decades.

More than 12,000 kits went untested for years in Memphis, which is now working on them and facing a lawsuit from rape victims.

Community conversations about sexual assault and the city’s progress on the backlog are ongoing. The next community conversation is scheduled for Thursday (Nov. 13th) at 6:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church -Broad Chapel, 2835 Broad Ave. “If we are successful, these funds will be a welcome part of multi-sector support to this work and will add to the more than $2 million that we have already raised locally through city resources, our generous partners at the Plough Foundation (and) even private donors through the newly established Sexual Assault Resource Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis (http://www. cfgm.org/sexual-assault-resourcefund/ to donate),” said Wharton Rape victims deserve to see that the extensive exams weren’t for nothing, Vance said in making Wednesday’s announcement.

“We want them to know that we, as a nation, are doing everything in our power to bring justice to them,” he said at a news conference with advocates including “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” star Mariska SEE RAPE KIT ON PAGE 3

November 13 - 19, 2014

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NEWS

The New Tri-State Defender

BALLET

CONTINUED FROM FRONT and youth. Diversity is the unifying element for unbridled expression in performance.

“It isn’t anything exceptional or special that we include African dance in our program,” said Smythe. “When our students get to be teens, they begin having valuable input into what the ensemble does. One of my students a few years back said there was a woman who could come in and teach African dance. It has been a part of our program since that time.”

Like Briana, Smythe was a child ballerina. In her own words, she was a “snooty ballet dancer,” 14 years old, and had an opportunity to attend the London ballet.

“The Zulu Tribe was performing Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth,” said Smythe. “I had never seen anything like it. I especially remember the scene where the witches are dancing around the caldron. The dancing was so visceral, and the performance was so exhilarating.

I never forgot the experience.”

Monday’s ceremony was the first time a program from Tennessee has been honored by the NAHYP. “It is such an honor to be included among these awardees,” said Smythe.

“I hope that news of this award will embolden more young Memphians to pursue their dreams, believing in themselves as they embrace hard work.”

The award was first presented in 1998 under President Bill Clinton’s administration. The National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award is the signature program of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH).

The White House recognized New Ballet Ensemble as a program that “brings together students from diverse racial, socio-economical, and religious backgrounds to build self-

First lady Michelle Obama, 17-year-old Briana Brown and New Ballet’s founder and CEO Katie Smythe at the White House for the 2014 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program (NAHYP) Award Ceremony. (Photo: Steven E. Purcell/archive. stevenepurcell.com/) confidence, leadership, and academic success…and heal a community divided by race – through dance.”

In addition to their recognition at the White House, the 12 awardees will receive $10,000, and a year of

capacity-building support from the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities.

A senior at Immaculate Conception High School, Brianna has plans to continue with the New Ballet Ensemble in teacher training. Her

college of choice will be either Christian Brothers University or the University of Memphis.

(For more information on the New Ballet Ensemble & School, call 901-274-5368, or visit www.newballet.org.)

Briana Brown is all business during a rehearsal performance. She will appear with Lil Buck and Maxx Reed in “Nut ReMix,” Nov. 21-23 at The Cannon Center (http://ow.ly/DYAln) (Photo: New Ballet Ensemble & School)

The New Tri-State Defender

November 13 - 19, 2014

NEWS

VOUCHERS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

A pledge to serve…

A timeout during the Memphis Grizzlies game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday evening was time aplenty for these Air Force recruits to be sworn in on Veteran’s Day 2014. (Photo: Warren Roseborough)

RAPE KIT

CONTINUED FROM FRONT Hargitay.

The backlog is largely a factor of the $500-to-$1,000per-kit cost of testing, but advocates feel it also signals that sex crimes haven’t always been enforcement priorities.

“To victims, it says, ‘You don’t matter. What happened to you doesn’t matter.’ And to criminals, it says, ‘What you did doesn’t matter,’” said Hargitay, whose Joyful Heart Foundation helps sex crime victims.

The money comes from the DA’s share of an $8.8 billion settlement with French bank BNP Paribas over allegations of violating U.S. economic sanctions by processing transactions for clients in blacklisted countries.

New York state communities will get priority in applying for the funding, which also will go to auditing how big backlogs are. Advocates hope it will build momentum to secure more money, including

$41 million President Barack Obama has proposed; Congress is weighing it. An existing federal law also finances DNA testing to reduce evidence backlogs, but it’s not just for sex crimes. Some states and private donors also have pitched in.

New York City tackled a 17,000case backlog between 2000 and 2003. The results spurred more than 200 prosecutions citywide, Vance said.

One provided a longsought answer for Natasha Alexenko, who was a college student when she was raped and robbed at gunpoint in her Manhattan apartment building in 1993. Tested a decade later, her rape kit then was matched to a suspect in 2007. He was convicted and is serving a 44-to-107-year sentence.

“Each rape kit represents a person whose body is a crime scene,” Alexenko said Wednesday. The Associated Press doesn’t identify sex crime victims unless they come forward publicly, as she has.

Page 3

Other jurisdictions have been grappling with big backlogs. In Detroit, prosecutors discovered more than 11,000 rape kits in an abandoned police warehouse in 2009; testing there so far has yielded 14 convictions.

Cleveland prosecutors have sent their entire 4,700kit backlog for testing, so far yielding over 200 indictments and 50 convictions.

“With estimates (of) more than 400,000 kits needing additional analysis across the country, this is a national imperative,” said Wharton. “It is clear that there is no community that isn’t impacted in some way by this issue.

“I am very encouraged that there are bold leaders like District Attorney Vance and the entire Manhattan DA’s Office who understand the importance of this issue for communities who have committed to testing every kit in their inventory.”

(Jennifer Peltz reported this story for the Associated Press. Follow her on Twitter @ jennpeltz.)

“We’re not against any form of education. We are going to do what we can to help strengthen the public schools, but while doing that we can’t expect the children already in failing schools to wait,” he said.

“For those who question what we are doing, I ask them, ‘What are you doing to help the children in public schools? Are you mentoring anybody, are you tutoring anybody, are you counseling anybody?”

The group’s concern is about the children and only about the children, said Montgomery.

“Whether it’s through vouchers or not, it’s education funding (and) we have to make sure by any mean necessary that our children are included in all funding streams for education.”

Whalum, a longtime member of the Memphis City Schools board, as well as a former member of the unified Shelby County Schools board, outlined his support for the petition via email.

“Refusing to grant vouchers to our poorest children is exactly like refusing to grant life boats to children to escape a sinking Titanic,” Whalum said. “Why on earth would we condemn all of our children to educational drowning, when we can at least save some?”

Pastor Crockett’s presence at the press conference was designed to show that private schools can work in the inner city. Located at 3528 Sharpe Avenue, Word of Faith Christian Academy has been operating for 30 years. Intimate due to its

size, the 2014 graduating class was five members. Crockett said most of the teaching staff is from public schools.

“Even if they don’t graduate from here, we give our students a strong foundation to go on in life,” she said.

Tuition is $4,000 annually.

“And that’s cheap (as compared to others),” said Crockett. “We try to keep our tuition low, we do fundraisers and we offer grants.

We take them in from six months old. We encourage parents to start talking and reading to their children in the womb.”

Why is she “wholeheartedly” supporting the petition drive?

“It’s about choice,” said Crockett. “I cannot understand how anyone can really expect a parent to really control a child when they cannot control their educational choice. It has been proven time and again that whoever holds a child’s educational choice, they hold that child’s destiny in their hands.

“So as a pastor and a parent I believe we should have the choice as well as the responsibility to control our children’s educational choice,” she said. “I don’t have a problem with public education, most public school teachers are excellent. This is not against public education, this is about choice. Of course, my heart goes out to at-risk children, but I also believe that choice should be available for all children.”

District 90 State Rep. John Deberry, who served as a member of the House Education Committee during the last session, does not know if he will be serving in the same capacity this year. He said it’s too early to know how the vouchers issue

will unfold, although he noted that Haslam indicated in his State of the State address that he favors some form of educational scholarships.

“There is healthy debate among those who support it and those who do not, but I think there is a chance of us passing some type of education scholarship this year,” said Deberry. “It’s not going to bring Armageddon upon the school system, there is a groundswell among parents and students for this type of reform and I think there is a better chance for it to pass this year.”

A lot of good teachers give everything they’ve got to their students, but at the end of the day “our students are not getting the advantages they need to be able to compete and I think all the statistics are driven by inadequate education,” said Deberry.

“There is enough blame to pass around for everybody.

But the fact is when we are constantly taking over schools, when we are using terms like ‘selling schools,’ tax-paying parents want the same choices as more affluent parents have.

We’re constantly talking about the graduation rate going down, the prison rate going up, and the number of kids that can’t pass the ACT test.”

Deberry said five kids at his church cannot even pass the test to become buck privates in the military.

“It comes down to taxpaying citizens (being) able to take a little bit of the money that they contribute to the education system and direct it themselves for the benefit of their children.”

November 13 - 19, 2014

The New Tri-State Defender

Page 5

NEWS

Native Memphian Dr. Danielle N. Lee – EBONY Magazine Power 100 awardee

Lee now is a post-doctoral research associate in the Psychology Department of Cornell University.

Every year EBONY Magazine names the 100 most influential and inspiring African-Americans. This year, Dr. Danielle N. Lee, a 1991 graduate of Whitehaven High School and a 2000 graduate (M.S. Biology) of the University of Memphis, has been named an EBONY Power 100 honoree.

Lee was named as an influencer in social media for her online advocacy for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) diversity, outreach and access.

Born and raised in South Memphis, Lee and attended A.B. Hill Elementary School and Bellevue Jr. High School. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Lee earned a Ph.D. in Biology

from the University of MissouriSt. Louis. While living in the St. Louis region, she served local communities as a member of the St. Louis Metropolitan Urban League Young Professionals, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Missouri, as well as served as a resource scientist at Normandy Senior High School and at Grace Hill Settlement House AmeriCorps program.

Her social media influence emphasizes sharing science to general audiences, particularly under-served groups. She writes The Urban Scientist, a blog about urban ecology, evolutionary biology and diversity in the sciences, hosted by the Scientific American Blog Network. More recently her online activism has included engaging African-

American audiences in STEM via science journalism.

In 2013, Lee helped found the National Science &Technology News Service, a media literacy initiative to bring more science news to AfricanAmerican audiences and promote science news sources diversity in mainstream media.

Other honors Lee has received include being recognized as a White House Champion of Change, as one of Huffington Post’s “30 Biologists and Chemists to Follow,” Black Weblog Awards Blogging Heroine Niche Blogging in Science, and The Grio’s 100 – Science & Technology Influencer.

Lee has been named as an honoree of the Urban League Young

Professionals of Metropolitan St. Louis Young Professional of the Year Award, Kick Ass Awards St. Louis - Annual Award for Individuals and Organizations Making Positive Contributions to Our Communities, and the Black Family Technology Awareness Association of Kansas City S.T.E.M. Leader Award.

Lee now is a post-doctoral research associate in the Psychology Department of Cornell University. Her research interests include how ecology and evolutionary components contribute to the behavior of animals. She is currently studying the behavior and genetic differences of the African giant pouched rat (Cricetomys ansorgei).

WALLACE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT Grizzlies’ franchise. “(The Memphis Grizzlies) is a business, but it’s not a business,” Wallace said.

Relaxed at the lectern in front of the crowd, he navigated through his journey of becoming a general manager and the highs and lows that come with the job.

“Obviously, every owner would like to make a profit, but it is the most public of businesses next to politics,” Wallace said. “Everything you do is dissected to the nth degree in the media. The players are our sole product and reason for being.”

Finding the next big superstar is a challenge, but it is nurturing that superstar after he joins a team that is most important, Wallace explained.

On average in the United States, there are 125,000 high school, male graduating senior basketball players. From that group, only 15 to 22 players will go on to play eight or more years in the National Basketball Association.

“That shows you the rare diamonds our players are,” Wallace said. “These stars are sought out as early as middle

The 3rd Annual Visionaries Breakfast hosted by the Memphis Chapter of the National Black MBA Association was the backdrop for the 2014 Rafael R. Dodd Graduate Scholarship, which provides financial assistance for tuition and other educational expenses to a graduate student enrolled in a business or management program. Dodd, a valued member of the local chapter, passed away in 2009. Kevin G. Wade, who is pursuing an MBA from Strayer University, receives this year’s award from Robin Tucker Wilson. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow) school.”

Wallace described his job as less managerial than the description may read.

“Imagine managing

someone who makes 10 times more money than you do, more publicized and well known, and has a guaranteed contract,” Wallace said. “You

can’t manage someone like that; you form a partnership because these people can and will produce what you need.”  Managing a basketball

team requires showing the players where their best interest lies when committing to what is being asked by the coaches and managerial team.

Wallace said that such a model has also been used within corporations and managing high-skilled workers.

“Young people are growing within a very individualistic age with instant gratification,” Wallace said. “You have to show them why we’re asking (them] to do this buy-in and how it is going to benefit (them) in the long run. Then we can bring in the team buyin, but you have to have that individual benefit first.”

Wallace described how the small elements of his job provide the biggest investments to the team. He attends funerals, weddings and parties to further build a familial relationship with the players. In addition, the organization sets out to create a world-class operation that benefits the players overall well being. Along with flying charter planes with free wifi and sleeping in five-star hotels, the Grizzlies have three trainers, two strength and conditioning coaches, a mental endurance coach, two assistant coaches, nutritionists, a chef,

Dr. Danielle N. Lee

massage therapy and a special Cairo Sauna.

“In turn, we hope the players go a little extra mile for us when they see the benefits,” Wallace said. “Robert Pera (owner of the Grizzlies) believes in making work fun.”

Reflecting on Wallace’s address, Courtney McNeal, a graduate student at the University of Memphis, said The Memphis Chapter of the National Black MBA Association did an outstanding job at hosting this year’s Visionaries Symposium Breakfast.

“Having Chris Wallace as the keynote speaker enabled one to view maximizing individual potential from a very interesting perspective,” said McNeal.

“Rather than speaking from a traditional business component, Mr. Wallace’s references and stories of wellknown individuals within the NBA was a great story-telling technique that kept everyone’s attention,” he said.

“But most importantly, his speech illustrated how the journey of NBA players can also align to the journey of traditional practitioners who are growing within their sector.”

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Domestic violence: It just ain’t right, no way!

I was raised to be a real man by a man who was a real man…my father. He wasn’t just a real man, but a gentleman as well who put my mother on a pedestal when they met at Tuskegee Rodney Institute in 1941 Beard and he never took her off of it.

My parents loved and honored each other daily, my father literally “worshipped” my mother, she loved him madly and cared for him to perfection, seriously. They kissed on the lips in the morning as my dad would be on his way out; they kissed when he got home. They kissed in public; they even kissed outside in the backyard. And every time they kissed, they smiled at one another.

Did they ever fight? My goodness, they had some knockdown, drag out arguments for sure. But even in those rare times they kissed and made up right in front of us kids, every time. But such was not the case right across the street.

Mr. Hogan would get drunk on the weekends and start talking crazy to Mrs. Hogan, who would fire back at him and before you know it he was beating her up. Back then most men folks thought that maybe she had it coming because she would “cuss him from amazing grace to a floating opportunity” and he’d slap her around a little bit to put her in check.

But not my dad, he would be sick about it and always let his neighbor know (after he sobered up) that “that ain’t right” or acceptable. Then he would lecture me and my brothers on how horrible it is for a man to ever put a hand on a woman.

Mr. Hogan actually got a revelation one day and stopped hitting his wife for good. “What happened was that” he must have been too drunk to slap her around as usual that Saturday afternoon, she got the upper hand with a cast iron skillet in it, chased him out of the house, and hit him in the back of the head with it. I saw the whole thing. I didn’t just see the hit; I heard the “boing” sound clearly. Mrs. Hogan began to scream and cry out loud saying, “Oh Lord, I done killed my man!” And it was so sincere, even though “my man” was the one that had been slapping her around all my life.

My dad doused Mr. Hogan with water (that’s all we knew to do back then) and he was born again. That lick should have killed him, but he survived with a new lease on life and he never hit her again, ever. One would never know that it ever happened, other than the fact that one of Mr. Hogan’s eyes was a bit askew from then on.

In my 1960’s neighborhood of maybe 30 homes, that was all I ever knew about domestic violence. I am sure that Mr. Hogan wasn’t the only one who beat his wife. It was a hidden and forbidden occurrence back then, so who knows how many other women were being abused when I was a kid.

Almost 50 years later, the horrific wave of violence has grown and spread, according to the American Bar Association, as African-American females experienced intimate partner violence at a rate 35 percent higher than that of white females, and about 22 times the rate of women of other races. The number one killer of African-American women ages 15 to 34 is homicide at the hands of a current or former intimate partner.

And The World Health Organization reports that violence against women is a “significant public health concern.”

Approximately 40 percent of African-American women report coercive contact of a sexual nature by age 18 (our girls), and in a study of African-American sexual assault survivors, only 17 percent reported the assault to police, which means that 83 percent suffer silently in shame.

Domestic violence against our women is an epidemic that must be stopped now. As a people we must now begin to protect, honor and cherish our mothers, wives, daughters, significant others and female neighbors from the evil system of violence that we have allowed to go virtually unchecked for far too long.

Mrs. Hogan solved her problem with a cast iron skillet upside the head of her abuser. Unfortunately, violence begets violence, and that certainly isn’t the answer, but real men learning to be real men by real men may be an excellent starting point for us brothers.

We are going to talk a lot more about this because enough is enough!

As I prepare to leave the city of Memphis to venture into the next phase of my life, I am thankful to have the opportunity to publicly thank so many of you that have been part of my personal Joyce and professional Parkinson journey in business and advocacy.

Walking Into A New Life, Inc. and JP Connections have been gratifying experiences for me. Sharing my story of domestic abuse and starting my own business has introduced me to a community of support that I never expected from all ages and walks of life.

It has been filled with many peaks and valleys, but through it all, I have been afforded some wonderful opportunities to work with people and organizations at a local, state and national level.

There is no way I could individually thank every person, business, social organization, religious affiliation or media outlet responsible for my

growth because there are just too many of you to name. It is my hope that I have in some way done my part to help others in this community to better understand abuse and to know there are resources available.

You’re not alone, there are good people here that really do care. Let go of any apprehensions you have to receive the help you need. Self love and love for others can be restored.

Be creative in using your skill sets to establish self sufficiency.

Lastly, I want to leave those reading this piece with this: October ended domestic violence awareness month.

It did not, however, end domestic violence. Because many of you acknowledged that fact, I have been able to do a lot of what I’ve done here.

Walking Into A New Life will continue to have a presence here. We have an ongoing partnership with the Family Safety Center and have a number of scheduled events in place for 2015. I’m moving to Dallas to work with local agencies in the area to pursue business and expansion opportunities for Walking Into A New Life.

Thank you, Memphis, for helping me to walk into a new life of love, peace, happiness and holistic healing.

(The Rev. Rodney Beard is pastor of The Living Word Community Church in Nashville. Contact him at pastorbeard@comcast.net.)

Domestic abuse awareness advocate bids farewell

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Missed messages My poster was important. I knew it was vital information. I wanted everyone who came by to see it and take action on it. As I approached the noticeboard of the local library, I was faced with a harsh reality. It was full.

Here I was with an important message, or so I thought, about a food drive to help the Mid-South Food Bank. The information I wanted to share had the potential to make a difference in someone’s life. But the board where I wanted to place the message was full of other flyers, posters and business cards. I am sure that everyone else thought that their message was equally as important.

It is frustrating trying to communicate information to people who’s lives feel like that noticeboard – crowded. Think about how many messages are coming at us each day.

Technology has not made our lives simpler or easier but actually more complicated.

By the end of each day we have received emails, text messages, social media posts, information on our jobs and school. Of course that doesn’t include the many telephone calls and advertisements on billboards as we drive. Our minds are just like that full message board. It’s no wonder we forget easily; everything cannot fit and some stuff just happens to fall off the board.

I recognized the challenges with having a “crowded noticeboard” mind while I was at home after school with my kids. I have three elementary school children and each of them came home with homework. My youngest daughter sat next to me and began to talk to me. Now I confess I was multi-tasking at the time. I had the television on, with my computer on my lap and cell phone next to me.

But I can handle all of those things… or so I told myself.

She began to relay some information to me, as animated as only an eight year old can. I tried responding with the regular, “uh huh” and “yeah’s” along the way. Until she busted me! Apparently my response did not match what she said. “Daddy you are not listening, she yelled.” I was busted! Guilty! I had missed her message. And I missed it because my brain was filled with messages and while continuing to receive more, my noticeboard was filled and her message couldn’t make it on.

Sadly, I probably missed the most important message of the day. How unfortunate that I had given my attention to things which were less important, and neglected the most critical communicator, my daughter.

I suspect that I am not alone. I am sure I am not the only one who has felt overwhelmed at the end of each day from all the messages and you don’t have the energy or the brain capacity

for one more deep conversation. Or perhaps it is difficult to engage with your significant other in meaningful communication about their day or what is bothering them so you tune in to less important messages like social media or “Scandal” (sorry to pick on your show Gladiators). Maybe it is to stressful to call your loved one far away to check on them, so you don’t pick up the phone.

But maybe we are missing out on the most important messages. How can we change that? Here are just a few ideas.

Carve out special space Have some reserved space on your board for those who carry the most important messages. Perhaps drive your kids to school or wherever and determine that you will not answer the telephone or blast the radio; this will be their time. That’s their special place on the notice board. Maybe once a week you have a special dinner where no one can bring electronics and the television goes off. And if you do something weird, try talking to each other. Consider having a night where you call a loved one and catch up.

Say NO to multi-tasking I am the self-professed king of doing more than one thing at a time.

I realize that in terms of listening to those I need to hear that this does not work (and I’m working on this). You cannot be fully present with one person while engaged in communication with someone else.

Practice focusing on one thing at time, looking into the eyes of the one who is talking and saying with your body “I am here.”

Clear your board sometimes I went by a noticeboard that was crowded a few weeks ago. It had been cleaned out. I was shocked. Someone had taken the time to remove all the old flyers and outdated posters, things that were irrelevant now.

I wonder if we may need to make room for the important messages by removing the old ones from our lives. What if every now and then you go on a media fast – for a day, for an hour…Ok, OK…what about 5 minutes? It will help you to clear your board for at least a while. You may be surprised by some messages that may make it on there…ones that you would have missed before from some really important people.

(Kymone Hinds pastors two churches in Memphis - Overton Park SDA and Journey Fellowship. Follow him @kymonehinds. Visit his blog at comejourney.org.)

Fall is a wonderful time of year. Changing leaves.

Cooler weather.

It’s also the season for people with Medicare to review their current Medicare coverage, as Medicare Open Marilyn Enrollment Tavenner begins.

As we prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment, which began on October 15 and ends on December 7, Medicare wants everyone to know that quality continues to improve both in Medicare Advantage and in the Part D Prescription Drug Program.

Each year, plan costs and coverage can change. During open enrollment, seniors and people with disabilities across the country have the opportunity to review their current Medicare coverage and see if they want to make any changes for the next year. It’s important for people with Medicare to take the time to make sure their current situation still meets their health care needs best.

To help people choose a plan, Medicare calculates plan “star ratings” for Medicare health and prescription drug plans. Each plan gets a number of stars on a scale of 1 to 5—with 5 being the best – based on quality and performance. These ratings are designed to help people with Medicare, their families, and caregivers compare plans, in addition to information on their premiums and benefits.

This year, people with Medicare who choose to enroll in a Medicare health or prescription drug plan will have access to more high-rated, four- and five-star plans than ever before. Approximately 60 percent of Medicare Advantage enrollees are in a Medicare Advantage Plan earning four or more stars in 2015, compared to an estimated 17 percent back in 2009. Likewise, about 53 percent of Part D enrollees are currently enrolled in stand-alone prescription drug plans with four or more stars for 2015, compared to just 16 percent in 2009. Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, enrollment in Medicare Advantage will increase to 42 percent to an all- time high of over 16 million and Medicare Advantage premiums will have decreased by 6 percent.

For people with Medicare, this is good news in how they receive care.

Plans that are higher rated deliver a high-level of care, such as improving the coordination of care, managing diabetes or other chronic conditions more efficiently, screening for and preventing illnesses, making sure people get much-needed prescription drugs, or getting appointments and care quickly. A high rating also means these plans give better customer service, with fewer complaints or long waits for care.

If you have Medicare and need assistance, you can visit Medicare. gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1800-633-4227), or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). You should have received the 2015 “Medicare & You” Handbook and important notices from your current plan, Medicare, or Social Security about changes to your coverage. If you’re satisfied with your current coverage, there’s nothing you need to do.

Better quality in Medicare health and prescription drug plans isn’t the only good news for people with Medicare. For most seniors who have Original Medicare, the 2015 Part B premium will stay unchanged for a second consecutive year at $104.90.

This means more of seniors’ retirement income and any increase in Social Security benefits will stay in their pockets. The Part B deductible will stay the same as well.

Medicare is working hard to make sure this good news continues so that seniors and people with disabilities will continue to get the health care coverage they deserve.

(Marilyn Tavenner is the administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.)

Kymone Hinds

Page 6

November 13 - 19, 2014

NEWS

A TSU salute…

During a ceremony marking Veterans Day at the Tennessee State University Amphitheater, Dr. Mark Hardy (left), vice president of Academic Affairs, and Air Force Lt. Col. Lavern E. Curry, commander and professor of Aerospace Studies, lay a wreath to the memory of the nation’s veterans who died in the service of their country. Photo: (John Cross, TSU Media Relations)

Former state Rep. Emmitt Ford dies in Memphis (AP) – Former state Rep. Emmitt Ford has died in Memphis at age 70, a relative said Tuesday.

Memphis City Council member Edmund Ford Jr. said his uncle passed away Monday night at Methodist Hospital after battling an illness.

Emmitt Ford was elected to the state Legislature in 1974 and served until 1981.

He resigned when he was convicted and sentenced to prison on insurance fraud charges. He was a member of Tennessee’s politically prominent Ford family, which includes former U.S. Rep.

Harold Ford Sr., who was his brother.

Edmund Ford Jr. called his uncle a great family man. State Rep. John DeBerry, a Memphis Democrat and minister, said he often interacted with Emmitt Ford and the Ford family when conducting funeral services at his church.

“He was always a congenial person. He gave a whole lot to the city of Memphis,” DeBerry said. “I think ultimately, all of us will be judged by the totality of our actions, our character.”

Funeral arrangements have not been set.

Former state Rep. Emmitt Ford was elected in 1974 and served until 1981.

The New Tri-State Defender

The New Tri-State Defender

NEWS

November 13 - 19, 2014

MED WEEK 2014 culminates with Robert R. Church Achievement Award winners The 29th Annual Robert R. Church Awards Luncheon capped off Minority Enterprise Development Week Friday at the Holiday Inn-University of Memphis.

MED Week is a national program of the Minority Business Development Agency under the US Department of Commerce.

Annually it recognizes the power of minority businesses.

In Memphis, the yearly MED week observation is presented by The Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum (The MMBC Continuum) and the Memphis MBDA Business Center.

The MMBC Continuum was awarded a MBDA Business Center in 2012 as part of a fouryear grant. A collaborative of economic development agencies partnered to present a series of free seminars designed to” empower and enlighten business owners in core areas that will impact future business growth.

Robert R. Church (18391912) is recognized as the first African-American millionaire in Memphis. The owner of many businesses, Church contributed to the recovery, restoration and sustenance of the City of Memphis in the face of the yellow fever epidemic.

At Friday’s luncheon, keynote speaker Larry Jensen addressed the necessity for collaboration and partnerships to economically improve minority business success in the community and the importance of developing a formal strategy. Jensen is president & CEO of CushmanWa k e f i e l d / C o m m e r c i a l Advisors.

Luke Yancy III, president & CEO of The MMBC Continuum, stressed that MED Week is “a celebration that involves the entire business community.” The awards luncheon, he said, was “an appropriate acknowledgement of corporations and businesses making economic impact upon this community.”

The achievement awards for this year include:

Mitchell Technology Group, owned by Marvell Mitchell, was named winner of the M/WBE Quality Assurance Award. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley) competitive price.

The 2014 Robert R. Church award recipients:

The Scalable M/WBE Business of the Year winner was Brighter Days & Nites, Inc. owned by Dorothy Sinclair.

• APEX Corporation of the Year – presented to a MMBC Continuum corporate member that has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to minority economic business development over the past year.

• Scalable M/WBE Business of the Year – presented to a certified minority or woman-owned business that is nominated by a MMBC Continuum corporate member.

• MBDA Business of the Year and M/WBE Quality Assurance Award. The M/ WBE nominees demonstrated scale, capacity and growth in sales and employees while consistently providing quality products or services at a

M/WBE Quality Assurance Award: Mitchell Technology Group, owned by Marvell Mitchell.

Other finalists included: Action Chemical – owned and managed by Sherry Crow & Charles Barnes (respectively) and Industrial Sales Company of Memphis owned by Judy May. Scalable M/WBE Business of the Year: Brighter Days & Nites, Inc. owned by Dorothy Sinclair.

Other finalists included: 1Source, represented

by Managing Partner, Laurita Jackson and EmbroidMe, owned by Michelle Johnson.

MBDA Business of the Year: Artisan Constructors, LLC owned by Kirby and Satoria Salton. Other finalists included: Bean & Prince Contractors, Inc., owned by Lee Bean, and The Gibson Companies dba The Premier Group, owned by JW Gibson.

APEX Corporation of the Year: Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare for their efforts to expand minority business development by engaging minority and women business owners as diverse suppliers.

Other corporate finalists included: the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority and Memphis Light, Gas & Water.

Page 7

November 13 - 19, 2014

Page 8

The New Tri-State Defender

BUSINESS

ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

When one thinks of wealth, the thought of extravagance and luxury frequently comes to mind. Big houses, fancy cars and designer clothes are usually top of the list of spending for those with money, whether the money is new or old. But one of the few things that come to mind is homelessness.

Most wealthy people have a philanthropic side that cares for those that are less fortunate.

What came first, the wealth or the giving? Is it possible that the wealth came as a result of the giving? Whichever it is, there are few things that are better than being a blessing to someone else regardless of how much money is in your bank account.

This weekend I was blessed to attend a fundraiser at the home of Carole Walker for the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality, which is a nonprofit that concentrates on “Keeping Homeless Families Together.” I must admit that I was moved by the speech given

by Sister Maureen Griner, who serves as the executive

One philanthropic step at a time director.

Griner’s speech was not only inspiring a n d motivating, it was educational.

She pointed out that too many Carlee times when McCullough people think of homelessness, they think of those who are drug users, alcoholics or simply lazy individuals. But the group that is often overlooked is the homeless family that cannot be accommodated by other facilities in the area.

It is estimated that on any given night in the Memphis area there are approximately 2,000 homeless men, women and children. These families make every effort to remain out of sight in an effort to prevent their children from being taken.

Keeping families together According to the Dorothy

Day House website, families that typically experience homelessness are there through no fault of their own. Whether it is because of a job loss, total loss through a house fire, or even a serious illness, the fact remains there are families with absolutely no support system and no place to turn.

Many of the families could not be accepted by other facilities in the area because traditional homeless shelters only accept single sex residents. This rule results in the separation of families because fathers cannot stay with their daughters, mothers cannot stay with their older sons, and wives cannot stay with their husbands.

Stabilizing the family Dorothy Day House seeks to immediately stabilize the family with the basics of food, clothing and safe shelter according to their materials.

Their goal is to identify the “root cause” and conditions of homelessness of the particular family. Efforts are made early

on to help each family establish achievable goals. Ultimately, the goal is to help each family obtain permanent housing.

Even after the family receives permanent housing, the work of Dorothy Day is not complete.

They continue to work closely with the family to ensure that there is not a reoccurrence of the same issues. Those families receiving aid and assistance eventually become mentors to others.

Total services provided The Dorothy Day House of Hospitality, through its staff, volunteers and partnering agencies, strives to provide the following: food, clothing, shelter, educational resources, parenting skills, employment counseling and prospective job contacts, transportation, financial advice, child care referrals, mentoring, and permanent housing.

Family teamwork The current Dorothy Day House has the capacity to

house three families at a time. But those families work together as a team to maintain the house in a clean and orderly fashion. Residents even provide childcare for each other as housemates search for work or attend job interviews.

Responsibility, teamwork, support of others, and giving are constantly instilled and underscored. The residents leave better trained and equipped to deal with life’s problems and issues that are certain to arise.

The gift of giving Make no mistake, in order to continue to provide these much needed services to homeless families, Dorothy Day needs volunteers and cash contributions. With only one house to serve an already severely underserved group of families, there is a long-term goal to obtain a new house.

Therefore, gifts of money are more than acceptable. Checks and money orders can be mailed to the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality at P.O.

Box 40269, Memphis, Tenn.

38174, or donations can be made on their website at www. dorothydaymemphis.org.

For those who would like to contribute products and services, Dorothy Day House has a host of needs that are met through in-kind donations. Gifts of time are accepted as well as toilet tissue, Kleenex, paper towels, napkins, detergent, cleaning supplies, hair care products, gift cards, paper, garbage bags, and deodorizers, etc.

These items may be dropped off at the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality at 1429 Poplar Ave. by calling 901-726-6760 to schedule the delivery.

Sister Maureen ended the evening with a quote from Dorothy Day: “The mystery of the poor is this: That they are Jesus, and what you do for them you do for Him.”

(Contact Carlee MCullough, Esq., at 2887 S. Mendenhall Rd., Suite 2, Memphis, TN 38115. Call her at 901-7950050 or email her at jstce4all@ aol.com.)

MONEY MATTERS

Many Americans realize the importance of saving for retirement, but knowing exactly how much they need to save is another issue altogether. With all the information available about retirement, it is sometimes difficult to decipher what is appropriate for your specific situation.

One rule of thumb is that retirees will need approximately 80 percent of their preretirement salaries to maintain their lifestyles in retirement.

However, depending on your own situation and the type of retirement you hope to have, that number may be higher or lower.

Here are some factors to consider when determining a retirement savings goal.

Retirement age The first factor to consider is the age at which you expect to retire. In reality, many people anticipate that they will retire later than they actually do; unexpected issues, such as health problems or workplace changes (downsizing, etc.)

How much do I need to save?

tend to stand in their way.

Of course, the earlier you retire, the more money you will need to last throughout retirement. Charles Sims I t ’ s Jr., CMFC, important LUTCF to prepare f o r unanticipated occurrences that could force you into an early retirement.

Life expectancy

Although you can’t know what the duration of your life will be, there are a few factors that may give you a hint. You should take into account your family history — how long your relatives have lived and diseases that are common in your family — as well as your own past and present health issues. Also consider that life spans are becoming longer with recent

medical developments. More people will be living to age 100, or perhaps even longer. When calculating how much you need to save, you should factor in the number of years you expect to spend in retirement.

Future health-care needs

Another factor to consider is the cost of health care. Healthcare costs have been rising much faster than general inflation, and fewer employers are offering health benefits to retirees. Longterm care is another consideration.

These costs could severely dip into your savings and even result in your filing for bankruptcy if the need for care is prolonged.

Lifestyle Anotherimportantconsideration is your desired retirement lifestyle.

Do you want to travel? Are you planning to be involved in philanthropic endeavors? Will you have an expensive country club membership? Are there any hobbies you would like to pursue?

The answers to these questions can help you decide what additional

costs your ideal retirement will require.

Many baby boomers expect that they will work part-time in retirement. However, if this is your intention and you find that working longer becomes impossible, you will still need the appropriate funds to support your retirement lifestyle.

boomers are retiring and fewer workers are available to pay their benefits. And the reality is that Social Security currently provides only 42 percent of the total income of Americans aged 65 and older with at least $57,957 in annual household income. That leaves 58 percent to be covered in other ways.

Inflation

And the total is…

If you think you have accounted for every possibility when constructing a savings goal but forget this vital component, your savings could be far from sufficient. Inflation has the potential to lower the value of your savings from year to year, significantly reducing your purchasing power over time. It is important for your savings to keep pace with or exceed inflation.

After considering all these factors, you should have a much better idea of how much you need to save for retirement. For example, let’s assume you will retire when you are 65 and spend a total of 20 years in retirement, living to age 85. Your annual income is currently $80,000, and you think that 75 percent of your pre-retirement income ($60,000) will be enough to cover the costs of your ideal retirement, including some travel you intend to do and potential health-care expenses. After factoring in the $12,000 annual Social Security benefit you expect to receive, a $10,000 annual pension from your employer, and 4 percent potential inflation, you end up with a

Social Security Many retirees believe that they can rely on their future Social Security benefits. However, this may not be true for you. The Social Security system is under increasing strain as more baby

total retirement savings amount of $760,000. (For your own situation, you can use a retirement savings calculator from your retirement plan provider or from a financial site on the Internet.) This hypothetical example is used for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the performance of any specific investment.

The estimated total for this hypothetical example may seem daunting. But after determining your retirement savings goal and factoring in how much you have saved already, you may be able to determine how much you need to save each year to reach your destination. The important thing is to come up with a goal and then develop a strategy to pursue it. You don’t want to spend your retirement years wishing you had planned ahead when you had the time. The sooner you start saving and investing to reach your goal, the closer you will be to realizing your retirement dreams.

(Charles Sims Jr., CMFC, LUTCF, is President/CEO of The Sims Financial Group. Contact him at 901-682-2410 or visit www.SimsFinancialGroup.com.)

The New Tri-State Defender

November 13 - 19, 2014

Page 9

RELIGION

Delivered from being gay?

Cancer survivors get a chance to smell their flowers

by Wiley Henry

whenry@tsdmemphis.com

Four years ago, Matthew Mitchell envisioned doing something special for women who’d survived cancer. He decided to give them flowers while they were able to smell them. So he conceived the Bible Masquerade Awards Ball.

“I can only imagine what they’re going through,” said Mitchell, who hosted this year’s awards program on Oct. 31 at Holiday Inn Memphis Airport Hotel and Conference Center in recognition of breast cancer awareness month.

There are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, the American Cancer Society has reported. But Mitchell believes the growing number of women that he honors each year in Memphis and Shelby County is the least that he can do.

More than 100 people attended the black-tie affair – including the cancer survivors.

Although breast cancer is

the second-leading cause of cancer death in women, Mitchell honored women with other types of cancer as well.

The deadly disease struck a chord with Mitchell after learning that his godmother, Reva Leaks, was stricken with cancer several years ago.

She is currently undergoing chemotherapy a second time because the cancer has returned.

“She is my godmother and she was one of the first honorees when I started the awards program four years ago,” said Mitchell, a member of Golden Gate Cathedral. “I honored her this year because the cancer has come back in three places.”

Mitchell saluted Leaks and other cancer survivors with a bouquet of flowers. She is a member of Second Chance Fellowship, where her son, the Rev. Curtis Leaks III, is pastor.

“I will forever be a supporter of cancer survivors,” he said.

M.J. Edwards Funeral Home and Duke and Dutches sponsored the Bible Masquerade Awards Ball.

by Demetria Irwin theGrio

‘Pillars’ in the faith...

The members of Pillar of Faith Church celebrated their grand opening at 1190 Walker Ave. on Sunday, Nov. 2th. Celebrants included the Rev. L.L. Love (left), the guest speaker; the Rev. L.B. Brooks, the church pastor; the Rev. Earnest Davis; the Rev. Thomas Barber; and the Rev. Bassil G. Brooks. (Photo: M.J. Branch)

Consecrated...

Matthew Mitchell honors Reva Leaks, a two-time cancer survival, at the fourth annual Bible Masquerade Awards Ball. (Courtesy photo)

The 107th Holy Convocation drew tens of thousands to St. Louis, Mo., from Nov. 6-10. During services, the Rev. Charles Mason Patterson Sr., pastor of Penecostal COGIC, was consecrated a bishop at the Edward Jones Dome. His family and church members were there to support him. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

‘Old Camp Meeting on the New Camp Ground’ gospel musicale slated Sunday at East Trigg Remember the gospel standards “Move on Up a Little Higher,” “Surely God is Able” and “How I Got Over?”

Whether you’re an afictionado of gospel music or just an admirer of the late Dr. William Herbert Brewster Sr., you’ll get an opportunity to experience a tribute to Brewster and his legacy Sunday, Nov. 16, at East Trigg Baptist Church, where Brewster served as pastor.

The annual tribute – known as the “Old Camp Meeting on the New Camp Ground” gospel musicale – will begin at 5 p.m. The church is located at 1315 So. Bellevue.

Presented by the East Trigg Ave. Baptist Church Mass Choir, the gospel musicale features special guests Min.

Billy Rivers, the Rev. Chris Williams, Reginald Gaston, G w e n Turner, and many others.

BrewRev. William ster wrote more than Herbert Brewster Sr. 200 songs during his stellar career and is hailed as one of the most prolific religious composers of the 20th centur.

He was a composer, playwright, poet, radio show host, vocal founder and coach.

The Rev. Julius A. Beasley is host pastor.

37 years in ministry...

The Rev. Gerald Rayborn, pastor of New Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, celebrated 37 years in ministry on Nov. 7 with his wife and first lady, Bonnie Rayborn. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

The “I don’t like mens no more” video has gone viral.

The almost seven-minute long clip purports to show a young man being “delivered” from homosexuality during the COGIC 107th Holy Convocation. There are so many things wrong with this video, but I’d like to highlight the most glaring eyebrow-raising moments.

The huge overarching note of wrongness that rings throughout the video is the notion that being gay is something that could and should be prayed away. It’s painful to watch the bowtie-clad gentleman proclaim himself to be free of being gay.

His church stomping, speaking in tongues performance is not quite believable. He seems to be trying to convince himself more so than the congregation. He lists the things he no longer desires to do such as carrying a purse and wearing make-up. Umm, sir. You can be a gay man and not wear make-up and not carry a purse.

There’s no hard evidence, but I’d venture to say that most gay men don’t carry purses and wear make-up. If you’re going to ask the Lord to un-gay you, ask for more substantive changes. Better yet, own the fact that you’re gay and extract yourself from any institution that makes you feel less-than for having a consensual relationship with another adult.

Moving on.

Another “What just happened?” moment in this video is when the pastor tells the 100 percent not gay man to run down the aisle toward the camera and once again proclaim his newly acquired lack of gayness. The young man does as instructed and the result is a really awkward bizarro world “Price is Right” sprint to the camera. It’s strange and uncomfortable. It looks like a manufactured spectacle more so than a liberating, inspiring bit of gospel glory.

The end of the video shows the pastor asking the now totally heterosexual man a little bit about his life. We learn that he is a 21-year-old college student who is studying to be a doctor and who has inexplicably authored 14 books. The pastor then gives the young man $100 and says that the Lord told him to do that and the Lord also told him that more money would be coming to the straight-as-a-board man because of his “newfound commitment.”

So, let me get this straight. If you figure out how to un-gay yourself, God will give you money? Does this work for other “sins” too? If a straight man cheats on his wife, but then stops cheating, will he get money too? Everything about this video is ridiculous.

(See the video: http://thegrio. com/2014/11/11/delivered-frombeing-gay/.)

(Follow Demetria Irwin on Twitter at @Love_Is_Dope and connect with her on Facebook.)

ENTERTAINMENT Valetta Brinson and Kevin Simmonds have an enduring friendship that grew out of an audition competition and blossomed into performances by a dynamic duo. (Photo: Courtesy of Southwest)

‘Dynamic duo’ builds on what keeps on working Soprano soloist Valetta Brinson, an assistant professor of communications, graphic and fine arts at Southwest Tennessee Community College, recently joined poet and musician Kevin Simmonds in a performance before a packed house at the College of Charleston for the Crazyhorse Reading Series.

Brinson accompanied Simmonds with songs as he read poems centered on issues of identity, sexuality, family dynamics, and history.

“It was a night that set our ears ablaze and made the stars shine a little brighter,” said Emily Rosko, assistant professor and creative writing coordinator for the College of Charleston (in South Carolina).

Brinson and Simmonds have an ongoing friendship and a history of dazzling audiences together. Originally from New Orleans, Simmonds studied music at Vanderbilt University and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU( and completed the Ph.D. at the University of South Carolina.

“I have traveled extensively with him (Simmonds) to Japan, Haiti and throughout the United States for the past seven years,” said Brinson. “It doesn’t hurt that he is my best friend also and happens to love my voice!

He knows my voice and how to write for it and I know how to give him what he is looking for musically within a piece.”

They met as competitors in 1998 during a graduate school audition at MTSU, but their relationship morphed into an artistic duo phenom.

Their repertoire includes musical and multi-media presentations that deal with controversial subjects such as racism, sexuality, HIV/ AIDS, Jim Crow laws of the past and victims of earthquakes. Some of the pieces that were performed were: “Vengeance,” “Womb,” “Swamp Song,” and “Take this Body.” These were taken from books written by poet, actor, editor, critic, and musician Kwame Dawes and Simmonds’ own works.

“Audiences, both nationally and abroad, are always captivated by our performances because they, personally, have experienced crises or calamities,” said Brinson.

“Emmy awards, Pulitzer grants, and iBooks have been attributed to works performed through our collaboration.”

Brinson has placed in several competitions, namely the Leontyne Price Vocal Arts Competition, National Association of Teachers of Singing and the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.

She is a member of the Etude Music Club, Delta Omicron International Professional Music Fraternity, Inc., Music Teachers National Association and the Tono International Arts Association, which Simmonds founded.

For the past few years, Brinson has been a featured soloist in a number of collaborations with Dawes and Simmonds on such projects as “Voices of Haiti: A Post-Quake Odyssey in Verse,” “HOPE: Living and Loving with HIV in Jamaica” and “Wisteria: Twilight Songs of the Swamp Country.”

“Wisteria” was the subject of a 2007 BBC radio documentary and “HOPE” received an Emmy Award in 2009. “Voices of Haiti” is also available on ibooks.

Brinson also has been featured as a soloist on two recent CD releases: “From Chopin to the Cosmic Lady Bug” by Arthur Hart and “Shine”

by Dr. Charles Pender, which can be heard on iTunes.

(You can reach Valetta Brinson at valettarbrinson@aol.com or 901-552-3151. Special to The New Tri-State Defender from Southwest Tennessee Community College.)

The New Tri-State Defender, November 13 - 19, 2014, Page 10

‘The Big Baby Live Experience Volume 1’

Tameka Goodman is ‘Big Baby’ and she’s not kiddin’ around

by Myron Mays

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

If you have ever found yourself downtown at Memphis Sounds Lounge listening to the A440 Band then you might be familiar with a strong-voice performer known to many as “Big Baby.”

No, she’s not a baby! She’s not even a kid. She’s a full-grown woman with a voice that really makes you feel the pulse of what the Memphis sound is all about.

Her birth certificate says Tameka Goodman. No, she’s not from Memphis. Actually, she’s a native of Louisiana. However, that’s not really important. She’s a Memphian and not many can deliver the soul quite like she can.

From Shreveport, La., Goodman was influenced by soul greats such as Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan and Aretha Franklin. However, she was influenced even more by her mother and grandmother, who played that music for her and even taught her how to sing and play piano.

By age 12, Tameka had convinced her mother that singing was what she really wanted to do. And eventually, Tameka’s talent led her to Memphis.

Since she grew up covering a lot of the soul artists from Memphis, it only made sense that Tameka plant herself in Memphis, where she could become a part of the landscape that helped to mold her talent.

And here she is!

‘The Big Baby Live Experience Volume 1’ is a mixture of live performances and original compositions, as well as a few cover tunes. It can be found on ITunes. You can also pick up a copy at the Stax Museum Gift Shop.

We can expect “big” things from Big Baby! Her album – “The Big Baby Live Experience Volume 1” – consists of a mixture of live performances and original

compositions, as well as a few cover tunes. It can be found on ITunes.

You can also pick up a copy at the Stax Museum Gift Shop.

She plans to release a full studio

album of original music in the Spring of 2015. In the meantime, you can catch her performing at Memphis Sounds each Friday night with the A440 band.

“Mrs. Independent” focuses on Carleena (Robin Givens, left), a wealthy and successful lawyer who is married to Trey (Priest Tyaire, right), a mechanic who makes $40,000 a year. The gap between their salaries creates a financial imbalance in their household, and the play questions whether their marriage can be restored once it takes a downward spiral.

Playwright Priest Tyaire taps into his personal experience ‘My own man’ treats Memphis to ‘Mrs. Independent’

by Brittney Gathen

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Some may wonder what can transpire in a relationship were the woman earns more money than the man. The play “Mrs. Independent,” which ran Nov. 8-9 at the Cannon Center, examined just that topic.

Bringing the storyline to life was an acting crew that featured Robin Givens, Dottie Peoples, Christopher Williams, Tony Grant, Trisha MannGrant and playwright Priest Tyaire.

“Mrs. Independent” focuses on Carleena (Robin Givens), a wealthy and successful lawyer who is married to Trey (Priest Tyaire), a mechanic who makes $40,000 a year. The gap between their salaries creates a financial imbalance in their household, and the play questions whether their marriage can be restored once it takes a downward spiral.

Tyaire told The New Tri-State

Defender that he drew from a personal experience to write the play. Once involved with a woman who made more money than he did, Tyaire decided to write a play about it.

“It’s really not about the money, whether the man makes the money or the woman makes the money,” said Tyaire, responding to a question about what he hopes theatre-goers take away from the play. “As long as you put God first, it will always prevail.”

The Delaware native discovered his passion for playwriting when his mother was diagnosed with cancer.

She died in 2006. Her life inspired his first play, “Tears of a Teenage Mother,” which debuted in 2007.

Tyaire said it was his mother who “planted a seed” for his interest in theater when she took him to a stage play when he was young.

In the last five years, Tyaire has produced 45 performances.

Previous plays have included “Why

Women Cheat,” “Why Men Cheat: A Married Man’s Story,” and “The Wrong Shade of Black.” His next play – “Torn Between 2 Fathers” – will tour next year.

Acknowledging that he purchased every Tyler Perry DVD to help prepare him for a career in theater and that he would like to “follow in his footsteps,” Tyaire said he has plans of his own.

“I’m still my own man. I’m still my own c h a r a c t e r, ” Tyaire said, “I would love to have my own studio just like he does.”

Inspiration often is found close to home and such was the case for playwright Priest Tyaire, who says his mother, who died of cancer in 2006, “planted a seed” for his interest in theater when she took him to a stage play when he was young. (Courtesy photos)

November 13 - 19, 2014

The New Tri-State Defender

Page 11

ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT’S HAPPENING MYRON

Handy Heritage Awards set to deliver ‘Blues in My Shoes’

Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Nate Parker star in “Beyond the Lights,” a romantic drama about a sucidal superstar who falls in love.

(Courtesy photo)

by Kam Williams

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

For movies opening November 14, 2014 BIG BUDGET FILMS “Beyond the Lights” (PG-13 for profanity, mature themes, sexuality and partial nudity) Romance drama about a suicidal superstar (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) who falls in love when her bodyguard (Nate Parker) stops her from leaping off a ledge. With Minnie Driver, Danny Glover and Machine Gun Kelly.

“Dumb and Dumber To” (PG-13 for crude humor, profanity, sexuality, partial nudity and drug references) Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels reprise their iconic roles as dimwitted BFFs to embark on another eventful road trip rife with lowbrow hijinks. Featuring Kathleen Turner, Rob Riggle and Laurie Holden.

“Foxcatcher” (R for brief violence and drug use) Crime blotter biopic recounting the real-life murder of Olympic wrestler Dave Schulz (Mark Ruffalo) by John du Pont (Steve Carell), his paranoid-schizophrenic coach and multimillionaire benefactor. Co-starring Channing Tatum, Vanessa Redgrave and Sienna Miller.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS “Drug Lord: The Legend of Shorty” (Unrated) Ten Most Wanted documentary recounting the international manhunt for the ruthless, Mexican cartel kingpin known as El

Chapo.

public land for urban agriculture.

“The Homesman” (R for violence, sexuality, nudity and disturbing behavior) Tommy Lee Jones wrote, directed and stars in this adaptation of the Glendon Swarthout novel of the same name, set in the Wild West, about a convicted claim jumper who teams up with a spinster (Hilary Swank) to escort a trio of insane women (Grace Gummer, Miranda Otto and Sonja Richter) from Nebraska to a mental home in Iowa. With Meryl Streep, Hailee Steinfeld, John Lithgow, James Spader, Tim Blake Nelson and William Fichtner.

“Red Army” (PG for mild epithets and mature themes) Cold War documentary highlighting the exploits of the Soviet Army’s hockey team, the most successful sports dynasty in history.

“Levitated Mass” (Unrated) “How did they do that?” documentary detailing the installation of a dangling 340-ton granite boulder wedged over a walkway in the L.A. County Museum

by Michael Heizer as a work of art.

“A Merry Friggin’ Christmas” (PG-13 for profanity and violence) Dark comedy about an estranged father (Robin Williams) and son (Joel McHale) who grudgingly share an eighthour road trip to retrieve forgotten Christmas presents. Support cast includes Candice Bergen, Wendi McClendon-Covey, Clark Duke, Oliver Platt and Lauren Graham.

“Miss Meadows” (Unrated) Katie Holmes stars as the title character in this crime drama as a syrupy sweet schoolmarm who moonlights afterhours as a gun-toting vigilante. Featuring James Badge Dale, Callan Mulvey, Stephen Bishop and Tyler Corbet.

“Occupy the Farm” (Unrated) Ecofriendly documentary about a California Bay Area community’s effort to preserve parcels of

“Rosewater” (Unrated) The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart makes his directorial debut with this adaptation of journalist Maziar Bahari’s (Gael Garcia Bernal) memoir about being imprisoned and tortured in Iran for months for merely reporting the truth about the country’s rigged presidential election. With Claire Foy, Golshifteh Farahani and Shohreh Aghdashloo.

“Saving Christmas” (PG for mature themes) Faith-based film chronicling the efforts of a frustrated family man (Kirk Cameron) determined to put Jesus back at the center of his family’s holiday celebration. Costarring Bridgette Cameron, Darren Doane, Raphi Henly and Ben Kientz.

“Starry Eyes” (Unrated) Hollywood horror flick about an aspiring actress (Alex Essoe) who strikes a deal with the devil in exchange for fame and fortune. With Amanda Fuller, Noah Segan and Fabianne Therese.

“The Toy Soldiers” (Unrated) Ensemble drama revolving around a quintet of comingof-age tales set during an era marked by sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll and unfolding over the course of one evening. Cast includes Najarra Townsend, Constance Brenneman, Chandler Rylko, Jeanette May Steiner and Samuel Nolan.

The 141st birthday of W.C. Handy – “Father of the Blues” – will be celebrated with the 18th Annual W.C. Handy Heritage Awards – “Blues in My Shoes”.

The awards honor “Authentic Beale Street Musicians” and Memphis Music legends who have contributed to Memphis’ musical heritage. The black-tie Myron affair will be held on Sunday Mays (Nov. 16th) at the Holiday Inn – University of Memphis at 3700 Central Ave. The show starts at 6 p.m.

The Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to Stax recording artist the Temprees, who are still making magic with their smooth moves and music. The Music Business Award will be given to Southern Heritage Classic founder and music promoter Fred Jones, who managed of Isaac Hayes.

This year’s “Authentic Beale Street Musicians” honorees include blues singer/guitarist Preston Shannon, recording artist Anita Ward, jazz saxophonist Dr. William Hurd, R&B artist Lynn White and gospel singer/songwriter Marvin Grant.

The gala event will will include music by Mark Anthony and Lyte Speed Orchestra. The awards benefit the W.C. Handy Memphis Museum Preservation Fund and are sponsored by the W.C Handy Museum and Heritage Tours.

For more information and ticket reservations, visit wchandyawards.com or call 901-527-3427.

The What’s Happening Myron Book Club

The What’s Happening Myron Book Club Meet-Up is Saturday (Nov. 15) from 4 p.m. to 6 pm at McKinley’s Restaurant at 3279 Kirby Parkway. This month’s book selection is “The Old Man in the Club” by Curtis Bunn.

Shana Jay will be the featured author and will lead a discussion her books. Of course as always, the agenda includes door prizes and a lot of fun.

Legends Ball 2014

Dr. Derrick Payne & Reunion Memphis presents “Legends Ball 2014” on Friday (Nov. 14th) at Memphis Reign Ultra Lounge located at 2164 Frayser Blvd.

The featured performer will be legendary rapper Too Short. Doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets are on sale and available at Eventbrite.

Well, the holidays are upon us and I can’t wait to spread a little Christmas cheer. Until then, that’s what’s happening.

(Get the What’s Happening Report for all the 411 in your email box weekly. Sign up now at www.whatshappeningmyron.com.)

Page 12

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE THE MEMPHIS URBAN AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION

In compliance with federal regulations 23 CFR 450, the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is proposing one (1) amendment to the Direction 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and nine (9) amendments to the FY 2014-2017 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). One (1) LRTP amendment is associated with an Air Quality Full Conformity Determination Report. Four (4) TIP amendments are associated with Air Quality Short Conformity Determination Report and Five (5) TIP amendments are included in an IAC Air Quality Exempt Packet. The Memphis MPO will present the new Prospectus Update. The Memphis MPO will also adopt the 2015 Memphis MPO Meeting Calendar, 2014 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, 2014 Public Participation Plan, Socio Demographic Update to the Travel Demand Model and 2040 Region Transportation Plan Draft Goals and Objectives.

The public is hereby given notice that

November 13 - 19, 2014

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Van Jones to keynote ACLU-TN celebration NASHVILLE and fair treatment – Van Jones, a bestfor all Tennesseans. selling author who His strategic work has worked for social, spearheading economic, racial “Nashville for All and environmental of Us” led to the justice for over 20 defeat of the 2009 years, will be the “English-Only” ballot keynote speaker at initiative and became the American Civil a national model Liberties Union of for efforts to create Tennessee’s Bill of diverse, welcoming Van Rights Celebration on and inclusive Jones Nov. 19. communities.

Jones is a CNN personality “We are excited to welcome and president and co-founder Van Jones and recognize Tom of Rebuild the Dream, a “think Negri with our Bill of Rights tank” that pushes for change Award,” said Hedy Weinberg, on pressing issues, including ACLU-TN executive director. excessive incarceration.

“Both men are tireless At the celebration, Tom champions of social justice Negri, former general manager whose commitment to equality of Loews Vanderbilt Hotel and and fairness for all continue to interim director of the Metro challenge and inspire us.”

Nashville Human Relations This year’s Bill of Rights Commission, will receive the Celebration will also include 2014 Benjamin S. Pressnell the debut of ACLU-TN’s Bill of Rights Award for his video ”Celebrating Freedom, commitment to equal protection Fighting for Justice,” and

a special performance by critically-acclaimed recording artist Jonell Mosser.

ACLU-TN employs a range of strategies including advocacy, education, legislative lobbying and litigation with the aim of ensuring that Tennesseans’ constitutional freedoms are protected. An affiliate of the national ACLU, ACLU-TN is a private, non-profit, non-partisan membership organization.

ACLU-TN’s Bill of Rights Celebration will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a silent auction of autographed books. Dinner and the program will follow.

The celebration will take place at Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville.

Tickets are $125 per person and sponsorship opportunities are available. Tickets and sponsorships may also be purchased by calling the ACLU-TN office at 615-3207142.

The New Tri-State Defender

org. The English copies and Spanish language exclusive summaries are also available for public review in the library systems of Shelby, Fayette, Marshall, and DeSoto counties. Written public comments on the amendments will be accepted through Wednesday, November 19, 2014. Comments may be submitted to Pragati Srivastava, Memphis MPO, 125 N. Main Street, Room 450, Memphis, TN 38103 or via email at Pragati.Srivastava@ memphistn.gov. The Memphis MPO TPB will hold a public hearing on Thursday, November 20, 2014, 1:30 PM, at the UT Health Science Center, Student Alumni Building, 800 Madison Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, 38103 to accept oral comments and take action on the proposed items.

It is the policy of the Memphis MPO not to discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin or disability in its hiring or employment practices, or in its admissions to or operations of its program, services, or activities. All inquiries for Title VI and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or for persons with disabilities that require aids or services to participate either in the review of these documents or at the hearing may contact Mitchell Lloyd at 901-576-7146, fax (901) 576-7272; or email Mitchell.Lloyd@memphistn.gov to make accessibility arrangements no less

than five days prior to the November 20, 2014 Transportation Policy Board meeting.

This notice is funded (in part) under an agreement with the State of TN and MS, Departments of Transportation.

WKNO Promotions Manager This position has primary responsibility for WKNO-TV institutional image and for developing and implementing a communications plan managing the branding message, promotions, advertising, public relations and community engagement internally and externally. Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Broadcasting, Marketing or other related field with three year work experience. Two years experience with Social Media and Graphic Design preferred.

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