December 11-17, 2014
VOL. 63, No. 49
www.tsdmemphis.com
Eric Holder: The Memphis visit interview by Karanja A. Ajanaku
Q: You mentioned community policing. Our police director (Toney Armstrong) mentioned earlier in the day that he would like to see some national standard for community policing. Is that something you could support, and what does that mean?
kajanaku@tsdmemphis.com
A knee-injury could not deter Christopher Hope from going through with his commitment to run for the children battling childhood cancer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (Photo: Kayla)
When ‘Black Men Run,’ kids win! A St. Jude “hero’s” marathon story by Christopher Hope
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
When I embraced running to stay fit, a full 26.2-mile marathon was not on my to-do list, appearing instead as a prominent notation in my notgoing-to-happen book. A runner for two years, I deemed 5k’s and half marathons ample accomplishments. Then comes the St. Jude marathon. A race with a cause that is sold out the same day registration opens; an opportunity to do something special for kids battling cancer. My run mate, Dawn Jones, opened my eyes to the idea of being a St. Jude hero. She was one – an individual who raises money for St. Jude based on personally set goals. Goals. Here was a chance for me to give back by getting actively involved in fostering childhood cancer awareness. In the process of having fundraisers and using social media to collect donations, I met Kaiden, who was only three months old when admitted to St. Jude in March for treatment of liver cancer. Already committed to work hard to raise money for St. Jude, I now had the motivation to give a max effort in training for what I had decided would be a half marathon. As I spent time with Kaiden, I met other amazing kids: Kayla, Haley, Christian, Kyrston, Kyle, Ashton, Eli, Gavin, Lucas, Nick, Eli, Blake, Cullen, Tyler, Angelo and Grant. I heard the stories of what they go through with appointments, chemo treatments and therapy. Fortified to step outside of my runner’s comfort zone, I decided to take on the 26.2mile marathon challenge. In the heat of Memphis in August, I started what eventually totaled lots of training, including toughening up mind for the undertaking. Thankfully, members of my run group Black Men Run (BMR) – Shannon Chisenga, Eric Crutcher and Carl Kenton Jr. – also took on the 26.2 challenge for the kids of St. Jude. Training consisted of 3-5 training days a week rain or shine because races aren’t canceled due to rain. The toughest days of training most of us SEE RUN ON PAGE 5
MEMPHIS WEEKEND
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
H-52o - L-36o Sunny
REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS
H-57o - L-41o
Partly Cloudy
75 Cents
SUNDAY
H-62o - L-45o
Partly Cloudy
Friday Saturday Sunday H-54 L-44 H-57 L-45 H-63 L-48 H-49 L-30 H-53 L-33 H-54 L-38 H-58 L-40 H-64 L-39 H-65 L-46
After keynoting the My Brother’s Keeper Summit at the Hattiloo Theatre, engaging demonstrators from the balcony of the National Civil Rights Museum and dialoguing with an array of Memphis-area change agents, U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric Holder paused for a bit of reflection. Driving his selection of thoughts was a restricted, end-of-the-day interview with The New Tri-State Defender and a representative of Memphis’ daily newspaper, The Commercial Appeal. Holder, who was clearly moved by a special tour of the museum on the site where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, folded his 6-foot 3-inch frame into a chair around a table in one of the museum’s artfully lighted conference rooms and fielded a few minutes of questions. Q – Mr. Holder, you said earlier that you were going to different cities and trying to get best practices. I got out of that that you were going in a listening mode. So, did you hear anything upstairs (in the session with Memphis-area change agents) that was unique? Or was it more of an affirmation of things you are hearing other places? Atty. Gen. Eric Holder: It’s interesting because in each city it’s different. What I took from Memphis was that the desire for interaction between law enforcement and the communities they serve is there, and it’s felt … (in) the leadership by the police department and felt by the
Atty. Gen. Eric Holder exchanged thoughts with Memphis-area influencers during a session that was closed to the media soon after this photo opportunity. Pictured (l-r): Sheriff Bill Oldham; Edward Stanton III, U.S. attorney for the Western District of Tennessee; Holder; Police Director Toney Armstrong; Mayor AC Wharton Jr. (Photos: George Tillman Jr.) Standing on the balcony where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed in 1968, Holder gazes toward the spot where the fatal shot originated.
political leaders as well. The concern they have and that I have, frankly, is that they might not have the resources to do it in a way that they would like.
It was interesting that we started talking about having to take people away from community policing activities because of resource problems so they could answer calls coming in. You have to respond to those calls. That meant in a resourcepoor environment that people could not be out in the community building relationships. That is something I take back. But it was interesting just to hear about the real desire for interaction, for communication.
For Memphis United, Holder visit is a high-profile stage for ongoing concerns by Brittney Gathen
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Memphis United – a coalition of grassroots organizations, community groups and Memphis residents formed to confront structural and institutional racism – used the stage of U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric Holder’s visit to Memphis to amplify its focus on Tuesday. Outside of the Hattiloo Theatre at Cooper Avenue and Monroe, where Holder headlined the My Brother’s Keeper Summit, demonstrators chanted expressions of their concerns. “No justice, no peace. No racist police!” “Hands up, Don’t’ Shoot!” “I can’t breathe!” “We’ve been pushing around a lot of issues around criminal justice reform for a long time now. We know that right now all eyes are on Memphis, and that Memphis is in the national spotlight with [Attorney General] Eric Holder coming here today,” said Paul Garner, organizing coordinator of H.O.P.E. (Homeless Organizing for Power and Equality) of the Memphis Peace and Justice Center. “We want Memphis to be represented in this national conversation about police accountability and police violence. We also want to lift up some local issues and national issues.” Memphis United’s objectives include: requiring body cameras for all MPD officers, having a Civilian Law Enforcement Review Board with more power to hold police accountable, reform to prison sentencing, and an end to the War on Drugs. “What we’re really here today to ask for is nothing short of a systemic revolution within our criminal justice system and within the institution of law enforcement, all across America,” said Garner. “I think people are tired of hearing the mayor’s office and the police department go back and forth about what they’re going to do, and people want to see them take some concrete steps,” Garner said. Mayor AC Wharton Jr. has outlined steps to address youth violence, including parenting centers and a stricter curfew for teens 17 and 18 that requires them to be home by 11:30 on Sunday nights instead of midnight. “Personally, I think curfews are racist and left over from the civil rights era, when they were used to basically keep people imprisoned in their neighborhoods,” said Garner. “I think if we’re really going to talk about violence, we need a systemic analysis and we need to talk about poverty, because I think poverty is the systemic root of most of the violence
Atty. Gen. Holder: I’m not sure. National standards … we have a cops office that really highlights best practices. That’s one of the responsibilities that we have in the federal government. A lot of the stuff is basic, you know: getting out of squad cars, walking the beat, going to community meetings, making people understand, letting people see who you are in times where you are not stressed, where you are not dealing with a particular incident or call. We have ideas, best practices that we can certainly share with local police departments and that’s what our cops office does.
Q: There is a lot of concern by people that the grand jury process itself is inherently unfair. Can you speak to that?
Atty. Gen. Holder: The grand jury process is one that I can generally (say) works quite well. One has to understand that it has a very limited role. It only has to make a determination about whether probable cause exists to have a trial, for proceedings to go further. I think given that limited role that the grand jury process generally works pretty well. But like anything that is comprised of human beings, mistakes get made. SEE HOLDER ON PAGE 2
Distrust, fear mar police-community relations for many African Americans by Tony Jones
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Pastor Earle J. Fisher of Abyssinian Baptist Church was among the demonstrators outside of Hattiloo Theatre on Tuesday. (Photo Brittney Gathen) Toni Whitfield, the president of H.O.P.E., was driven to demonstrate by a concern about police brutality. “Ever since I can remember, our children and our loved ones have been murdered by the police, and I just want to come today to protest,” Whitfield said. “More than anything, I’d like for it to have an impact on the people. We’re the ones that can do something about it. People talk about the police, [but] the police work for the so-called authority downtown. They do what they tell them to do and what they allow them to do. It’s really not the police, it’s the people downtown.” Pastor Wendol Lee of the Operation Help Civil Rights Group encouraged demonstrators to actively seek change, not just to show up, talk and leave. Garner urged more community Paul Garner, organizing involvement. “We’re calling on the community coordinator of H.O.P.E. (Homeless Organizing for Power and to organize and get in touch with us. Equality), exhorts demonstrators We’re here to be a resource. We’re outside of Hattiloo Theatre on here for the long haul. Even if this wasn’t a national issue, we’d be here Tuesday. pushing on these issues today.” that we’re seeing in our community.” The youth merit a bigger role in NEXT: causing change in Memphis, he said. “The youth are the solution, not the Upcoming events for Memphis problem. We’ve talked to a lot of young United include: people that have a lot of really good • A vigil for Eric Garner, the Staten ideas about things that they want to Island man who died after being see in their city,” Garner said. “Instead placeD in a chokehold by an NYPD of telling our young people what they officer, at City Hall (125 N. Main) on need to be doing, what they should look Dec. 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. like or how they should act, we need to • A community action plan meeting sit down with them and ask them what to address criminal justice reform they want, what are their issues that is set for the Mid-South Peace and they’re dealing with, what are some Justice Center (3573 Southern Ave.) solutions that they’re thinking about.” on Dec. 17 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
One of the hottest videos on YouTube shows an amateur magician, who is a white man, playing magic tricks with a Rubik’s Cube after he had been pulled over for a routine traffic stop. Dominique McKinney, 19, viewed the video while job hunting and researching scholarships online at the Levi Branch Library. “It’s a cool video, but if he was a black magician or just a regular guy he would gotten a ticket anyway,” said McKinney. “It just shows you the difference in how white people are treated and black people are treated. Look at that man (Eric Garner) who was killed in New York. That policeman should have gotten arrested.” A friend with McKinney nodded in agreement. Rubik’s Cube, disappearing powder, whatever – the two youth’s sentiments are reflective of the opinion of many that nothing short of a miracle will create real trust between the police department and the AfricanAmerican community. Building such trust was on the agenda that drew U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric Holder to Memphis on Tuesday. The Obama administration dispatched Holder to Memphis and four other cities as it responds to unrest associated with the police killings of AfricanAmerican men in Ferguson, Mo. SEE POLICE ON PAGE 3
Steve Brown, owner of Tax USA. (Photo: Tony Jones Ink)
December 11-17, 2014
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NEWS
The New Tri-State Defender
“But it was interesting that things that they were raising concerns about – over-incarceration and other issues – are things that we already are working on at the Justice Department. It doesn’t mean that I have solutions for them now, but they are certainly things we are focused on.”
– U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric Holder
New guidelines strengthening and expanding the federal government’s anti-profiling policy are a major step forward, said U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric Holder during a keynote address in Memphis at the Hattiloo Theatre. (Photos: George Tillman Jr.)
Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong pitched devising national standards for community policing.
HOLDER
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
And I am not referring to any of the cases that are in the news now because we have those matters under investigation here at the Justice Department. There are going to be mistakes that get made. So, I think we have to try and look at … were always looking at ways in which we can improve the system. But also, as we judge the system, look at it in its totality. If we do it that way I think the grand jury system works pretty well. Q: What is next? After all this discussion today, what is next for Memphis. Atty. Gen. Holder: What I asked at the end of the meeting was that the people who were in that room serve as a nucleus for further conversation, further discussion which would lead to concrete action. I said that what my guess was that the people in that room with maybe just a few others could really serve as the catalyst for dealing with issues that confront people in this community. You have people from the faith community, you had people from law enforcement – federal and local, you had political leadership there, you had young people. There was a really good cross section of leaders from this community. I said that I hope the occasion that brought them together today will be used to keep them together in the future and make this city better. Q: We were outside when you were speaking with the protestors. It struck me as an interesting moment – the historical significance of the place, the historical significance of you and your president. … (Could) you speak to – now that was a couple of hours ago – what you think it all means? Atty. Gen. Holder: I agree with you. I thought it was interesting to be there, just in the spot where Dr. King spent his last moments, and then to have those protestors there raising their voices. It just seemed incumbent upon me to respond to them. I could not stand where Dr. King laid and ignore them. So I tried to, as best I could, respond to concerns that they raised. But it was interesting that things that they were raising concerns about – overincarceration and other issues – are things that we already are working on at the Justice Department. It doesn’t mean that I have solutions for them now, but they are certainly things we are focused on. But it was a really interesting
Atty. Gen. Eric Holder during a tour of the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014.
Mayor AC Wharton Jr. said the nation is at a critical point in history, with a clear need to recalibrate “the scales of justice.” moment. (As) I look back on my time as attorney general, that is going to be a moment that I think I am going to hold on to. It was pretty compelling. Q: You talked earlier about the need to have “constructive responses” to some of the things like that that. … Do you see that that has been the posture of the (Obama) administration? And what do you say to those who say that you have not done enough? Atty. Gen. Holder: Well, there are always going to be people who say you know you have not done enough. Ultimately, the judge of that will be history. We’re still in the process of doing things.
This is year six of an eight-year administration and we have done a lot in the Justice Department in the last 18 months, let’s say, about this whole problem of overincarceration, charging policies. This President has got another two years to do a whole variety of things. I am proud of what the Justice Department has done over the last six years, proud of what this administration has done over the last six years. But I look forward to what this Justice Department, this administration will do in the remaining two. And at that point I think we can start the questions about did the administration do enough.
December 11-17, 2014
The New Tri-State Defender
NEWS
police better protection.” Acknowledging that he had been arrested before, Brown said that was years ago and that he deserved it at the time. “You know you have people out here that are doing things and if that’s you, you’re going to get caught. But they still treat black men like criminals, all of us, and that’s a bad situation.” Coming home from work, S. K. Kirkwood was upset because her co-worker was pulled over for a faulty brake light. Happens all the time In Orange Mound, she said, even though you can see police cars anywhere in the city with one headlight. “You ought to see how they pull people over and talk to
POLICE
CONTINUED FROM FRONT and Staten Island, N.Y. and grand jury decisions not to return indictments. The visit also dovetailed with fresh anti-profiling guidelines that Holder detailed earlier this week. At the Hattiloo Theater, Mayor A C Wharton Jr. said in his introduction of Holder that the visit was providential. He expounded on how the 1974 shooting death in Memphis of a 15-year-old African-American youth led to a precedent setting 1985 Supreme Court decision. In a case dubbed Tennessee vs. Garner, the justices opined that when a law enforcement officer is pursuing a fleeing suspect, he or she may use deadly force to prevent escape only if the officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others. “In October 1974 police responded to a burglary call. Upon arriving on the scene, an officer spotted a suspect running away from the scene. Ten dollars and a few other items from the burglarized home were found on the young man. His name was Edward Garner,” Wharton said, as the irony of the name sunk into the room. On Tuesday at the bus stop at Park and Airways, conversations with those awaiting a MATA ride yielded a common assertion – that the next Eric Garner/Edward Garner scenario could happen at any moment. “It’s better here than it used to be, I will say that,” Derrick Starks, 42, said. “Memphis cops aren’t really that bad, not bad as they used to be, but I wouldn’t trust cops out of town. It’s not as bad here as other places I’ve been.” The four other riders at the stop looked at Starks with disbelief. The Memphis police he described did not mesh with their encounters. Headed home from work, Jamie Greer, 21, said, “How can we change this? That’s the thing. As a young black man I’ve never felt protected by the police. I live in south Memphis and police ride through there all the time acting like we’re in a war. Something needs to
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Chantel J. Harris. (Photos: Tony Jones Ink)
Dominique McKinney
be done about it. I can see if we were doing something but just everyday people shouldn’t have to feel like they need to run and hide when a police car pulls up. But that’s how it is. I freeze up.” Chantel J. Harris, 21, a single mother said she plans to study for a position in criminal justice once she gets a few things together. “That cop that killed Eric Garner in New York needs to be locked up. The video tells the whole truth,” said Harris. “And there have been numerous others before all this came out. Look at that movie ‘Fruitvale Station.’ That is a very real movie. They had him
handcuffed on the ground with a knee in his back. How is that a threat to you? Steve Brown, 26, owns Tax USA across the street from the bus stop. His hand bore a tattoo touting the University of Memphis, where he studied business, accounting and finance, Brown said he’s never felt safe when addressed by police. “I’ve not only had bad experiences here, but in other states where I’ve traveled as well. I’ve been seeing that they are calling for more police to wear police cameras and I think that would be the perfect solution. That would give young black men and the
them for something simple like a busted tail light or a headlight out,” Kirkwood said. “They try to make you lose your job while you’re trying your best to get to work.” Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong spoke at the summit meeting ahead of Holder. “It used to be that when I heard of a shooting by police I would wonder is the victim hurt and is the officer hurt. I’ve had to add another question to that now,” said Armstrong. “I would ask to be told what is the race of the officer and what is the race of the victim. That is where we are right now. That tells us that we still have a great deal of work to do when it relates
to the community and our job to serve and protect.” An advocate for a national standard for community policing, Armstrong also said he would welcome “whatever can be done” to ensure more transparency for the public. Asked what can be done about the perception that police act one way in largely AfricanAmerican communities and like rolling butlers in other parts of town, Armstrong said, “I think you have to have diversity training. … You need officers that come from the backgrounds of the communities that we serve. Regardless of where you come from, race, creed, color or economic status, you’re still due the highest level of respect.”
December 11-17, 2014
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OPINION
The New Tri-State Defender
John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951-1997)
The Mid-South’s Best Alternative Newspaper Powered by Best Media Properties, Inc.
We can’t be spectators any longer; time to lift every voice!
Bernal E. Smith II President / Publisher Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Executive Editor
Still looking for change by James Clingman NNPA News Service
As the end of another tumultuous year approaches, African-American people again find ourselves in the relative same economic and political position as we were the year before, and the years preceding. In 2007, leading up to 2008, when the ultimate level of political history had finally come to fruition, African-American folks and others were citing the mantra, “Hope and Change!” Quite frankly, we got more hope than real positive change – for African Americans, that is. Just as our emotional bubble was inflated to its maximum capacity, now the air is coming out and we are heading back down from our lofty height, about to burst in a very short while. Instead of saying, “We are the change we’ve been looking for,” in light of all the unrest and injustice, I and others say as we have said for decades, “The change you are looking for is in your pockets.” Slowly but surely, albeit very late in the game, African-American folks are learning that economic empowerment is the key to our progress and prosperity in this nation. Decades of instructions from wise elders, scholars, and activists seem to be taking hold on the minds of young people, despite the tired messages coming from some of our current leaders. It is way past time that AfricanAmerican people acknowledge our situation, admit our mistakes, and work cooperatively to improve our economic situation, from which we can then build true political power. It’s not the other way around, and fortunately the young generations see and understand that reality. Although we still get our “marching” orders from political icons and media talking heads, many are determined to blaze a new trail that leads us to economic empowerment. The sad part is that all we have to do is look back at the past 60 years and we can see how wrong and misguided we have been in our quest for parity and fairness. Now there is an enlightened, determined and unwavering group of young people who are neither intimidated by the powerful nor swayed by the mis-leadership of the old guard and political gatekeepers. From the looks of it, they are in it for the long haul. While Ferguson has brought about an awakening of sorts, the solution-based messages we still hear are, “March” and “Vote.” The NAACP, as big and bad as it purports to be, has just concluded a 120mile walk from Ferguson to the Missouri governor’s office, the same guy who insulted them with his decisions in the aftermath of Michael Brown’s death. Walk 120 miles? The only thing we will
get out of that is sore feet and worn shoe leather. Oh yes, the businesses along the route will benefit economically; I can hear them now saying, “Y’all come.” We will be counting the miles, and they will be counting the dollars. James It’s no wonder the Clingman younger generation is marching to its own drummer. They look back and see all the marching we did and ask, “Why are we still being subjected to the same things they marched against back in the day?” Can you blame them? While many in my generation and older are still hoping for change, young folks have come to the conclusion that the change they can and should control is in their pockets. They are committed to implementing economic solutions to address the problems they face, not only in Ferguson, but across the nation. They know that politics alone will not solve their problems; they know that the hue and cry from folks like Congressman John Lewis, who is now saying, “Republican voter suppression efforts played a crucial role in driving voter turnout to historic lows in 2014,” is ridiculous. Lewis is calling for more involvement in the voting process rather than more involvement in the economic process of leveraging African-American spending throughout the year. He suggests that Republicans went into the homes of African-American folks and forced them to stay away from the polls during the past election. While there certainly are efforts afoot to curtail and suppress the vote, African-Americans still have the right to do so. Many chose not to vote because of nonsensical remedies put forth as relief for the inequities that exist across the board for African-Amerian people in this country. They didn’t vote because they are frustrated by the past. The old political agenda is not the primary agenda of our young people. We fell head over heels for politics to solve our problems; they are using economics. I believe young folks, the “new guard,” are saying: “No more symbolism; we want substance; no more speeches, we want specifics; no more rhetoric, we want results; no more dallying, we’ll use our dollars; and no more hope, we’ll use our change.”
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
It was cold outside, but the rhythm and blues flowing from the Peabody Grand Ballroom fixed that in a hurry! The room was filled with members of the community, attending the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce Annual President’s luncheon. People dedicated to a better Memphis: a Memphis where leaders recognize talent, skills and abilities, and utilize them to make a difference in this city on the river. The river played a major role in the discussions, with a focus on water as an asset and draw for new businesses looking to locate to Memphis. The aquifer that supplies our drinking water also supports businesses that produce steel and other manufacturing interests in the area. Even with Shelby County and the surrounding areas using over 1.5 million gallons of water daily, our water supply is plentiful for the foreseeable future. What isn’t plentiful are opportunities to provide employment and education for a majority of Memphians, unless something changes drastically in our city. But hope abounds, as the Chamber of Commerce announced several new initiatives, in partnership with our corporate leaders, to enhance outreach efforts aimed at impoverished areas of Memphis. Fed Ex announced a $750,000 grant for a logistics program connected to the Chamber’s Epicenter (Entrepreneurship Powered Innovation Center), an organization that will serve as the single point of accountability for new business owners in Memphis. Greater Memphis Chamber member Spence Wilson Jr. announced a new “moon” mission, a term used to describe goals, aimed at cleaning trash and debris across the city. The goal is a cleaner Memphis by 2019, as part of the city’s bicentennial celebration. To be clarified is how the effort will support jobs in Memphis and how the initiative will be managed going forward. Memphis as a city is admired across the globe, as visitors come here from every developed nation in the world. These visitors leave singing our praises, a song that is not often heard from native Memphians. A lot of people want to
Hollywood ‘re-whites’ history again with ‘Exodus’ film
Pity Ridley give actors like Christian Bale and Scott. The Sigourney Weaver top billing is celebrated director entirely understandable. They are both at the helm of the best of their respective generations, “Exodus: Gods and excellent actors to boot. and Kings” has, Despite Hollywood’s penchant for by dint of semisentimentality and promoting causes, glowing early making a movie is a business decision. reviews, created Movies cost money, and a holiday a magisterial epic costs even more money. Having swords and marquee names attached to a project is sandals epic based no guarantee of a return on investment, Javier E. on the biblical but it exponentially enhances the David story of the great movie’s odds to succeed. prophet Moses, An all-white cast in the “The Ten who helps deliver the Hebrews from Commandments” certainly was no the Egyptian pharaoh’s clutches. barrier to the 1956 movie becoming In the event you haven’t already an immortal classic for people of all heard, and as one might already ethnicities. It’s hard to imagine anyone, suspect, the cast is almost all Anglo- even the inimitable Bale, filling American. That development has all Charlton Heston’s big shoes. People of but overshadowed the merits of the all ages and races can recite the Cecil $140 million vehicle, a decision which B. DeMille vehicle by heart — despite Scott himself has defended by telling the fact there was barely a black or his critics (and this is a direct quote), brown face in that production. to “get a life.” That said, every Merrill Streep, The director isn’t alone. None other Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo than the boss of 21st Century Fox DiCaprio was once an unknown and himself and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson was given their big break based on a – using some rather colorful language combination of talent, luck and looks. It in the process – took pains to dismiss may have taken the movie’s producers the controversy. Of course Rupert a bit longer – and certainly would Murdoch does what you’d expect have been a big risk – but “Exodus’” a mogul would do in this instance producers could have gone on a talent — namely, defending a potentially hunt for the right cast of Egyptian/ lucrative movie. However, in some Middle Eastern actors. respects, 50 Cent’s broadside to an The casting hypocrisy at the heart Instagram follower is more surprising. of “Exodus” is thrown into stark relief Does he have a point? when viewed through the lens of Yes — and no. As Variety recently Hollywood’s new habit of magically underscored in a review, “Gods making white characters black, based and Kings” is a continuation of largely on shock value. For the sake of (NNPA columnist Jim Clingman, Hollywood’s “dubious tradition” of social engineering, they alienate ardent founder of the Greater Cincinnati using Caucasian actors in movies fan bases while diminishing the talent African American Chamber of that take place in North Africa and of actors they claim to want to promote. Hollywood likes to make a big show Commerce, is an adjunct professor at the Middle East. In that regard, as the University of Cincinnati and can one of the other books in The Old of embracing hot-button issues of the Testament would say, there’s nothing moment, and the industry likes to send be reached via Blackonomics.com.) new under the sun. Depending on how social messages with casting decisions. seriously you take historical accuracy, So why chicken out when its time for moviegoers like Fitty are eminently the industry to put its money where its free to vote with their wallets. mouth is? Still, Hollywood is rarely if ever shy Simple — because it’s the easy My take on the Greater Memphis about putting their brand of politics on way out when there’s nothing really Chamber of Commerce Annual display. Tinseltown loves to play up its at stake. Given the chance to take a coolness in the service of causes near worthwhile gamble, Tinseltown shows President’s luncheon and dear to the hearts of its denizens. its true colors. change that tune. Work is underway Except, of course, when filmmakers “Exodus” may yet become a box to make Memphians proud of the city and actors pointedly refuse to make office smash. Nonetheless, viewers they call home. Success depends upon a statement when it really matters. would be forgiven for skipping it breaking the cycle of poverty in Memphis, For that reason, “Exodus” at least altogether. The film industry appears growing the middle class, and strategically partly deserves the borderline savage intent on spitting in the face of a deploying education and employment for reception that has preceded its segment of the population it ostensibly a brighter future for our children. December 12 opening. wishes to court: Noah is a perfect As Greater Memphis Chamber President, The entertainment industry never example of how the industry likes to Phil Trenary said, “a college degree changes misses an opportunity to revel in how hip make movies largely divorced from its the trajectory of an entire family, for it is, wallow in its political correctness, canonical origins. generations to come.” But, only if we are able and accost those they believe aren’t as Unlike many of the pseudoto offer the employment gains necessary will highly evolved as they are. controversies that gain headlines these bright young college graduates choose The casting of “Exodus” nowadays, the perceived slight over to stay in Memphis, after graduation. At encapsulates this perfectly: director “Exodus” is in fact a legitimate one. Rhodes College, only 10 percent of students Ridley Scott shamelessly punted on The bleaching of what should be a are from the Memphis area, however, 64 the chance to cast characters directly Middle Eastern cast is all the more percent of graduates are choosing to remain correlated to a book’s source material. hypocritical when considering how in Memphis after graduation. In this case, the book in question just ostentatiously Hollywood figures A great example of starting early happens to be The Bible. parade their beliefs of tolerance and is the Carpenter Art Garden in the Historically accurate casting diversity — even when the situation Binghampton community, where Donte wouldn’t be that hard to do, and it really doesn’t call for it. It also suggests that Davis, at ten years old, produces Grizz isn’t that much to ask. Then again, these same people are insincere at best, Hearts to sell, which supports him and perhaps it is, given that the new trend in and utterly disingenuous at worst, when the Carpenter Arts Garden. movies is to use black actors as token they claim to champion racial progress. Coach Bill, from the “Undefeated” replacements for well-established Hollywood is fooling no one documentary, made the most profound characters. In this way, movies bypass — except perhaps themselves. If they charge of the day at the Greater Memphis the time and effort required to develop won’t actually put your money where Chamber Annual Chairman’s Luncheon. an impressive stable of black characters your mouth is, what’s the point of As Memphians, we must learn to “love that already exist in comics and books. pretending they actually care about yourself as much as those around us. On one hand, the decision to racial harmony? Know that cities face challenges, but our response is what counts. Drive over SUBSCRIPTIONS: Mailed subscriptions to The New Tri-State Dea viaduct in South Memphis and look fender are available upon request. One Year, $30.00; Two Years, $55.00. down at the abject poverty and loss. You Request can be emailed to subscriptions@tsdmemphis.com or mailed to think someone ought to do something, Subscriptions, The New Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, but guess what, we are someone.” Memphis, TN, 38103. Delivery may take one week. The Chairman’s Circle includes POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The New Tri-State Defendbusiness owners from every major er, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN, 38103 enterprise and industry sector of our city. 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‘Take Me To The River’ by Dr. Dee Lofton
Christian Bales as Moses with the building of the Sphinx in the background. (Photo: Twentieth Century Fox)
All across our country people are fed up and finally saying that enough is enough. The recent decisions to let murderers, who happen to be police officers, walk free despite the evidence of Rev. Rodney their guilt being Beard apparent, has sparked righteous outrage on a magnitude we have not seen since the 60’s and 70’s. I am encouraged. How could a grand jury not indict the cop that shot Michael Brown Jr. when the evidence was so clear? Darren Wilson shot and killed the unarmed teenager with six shots, including twice to the head, for no apparent reason other than running away from him. The grand jury consisted of 9 white citizens and 3 others in a community that is approximately 63 percent African American. The prosecutor in the case handed them a copy of an old law that gave Wilson the perfect right to shoot and kill an assailant in this situation, but what she purposely didn’t tell them is that it was overturned and outlawed in federal court before she and Wilson were even born. She didn’t give them the corrected law until it was time to make a decision, made the explanation of it vague at best, and left them to sort out this critical legal matter on their own. A travesty! Eric Garner of Staten Island was killed on live video by the chokehold of a racist cop as American citizens looked on in horror. The coroner ruled his death as a legitimate homicide and yet no charges were filed whatsoever. The method of Eric’s murder had been outlawed by the police department, he was well aware of it and did it anyway only because he knew that he could and get away with murder. So…another murderer walks totally free with no consequences whatsoever in the death of an African-American male human being. In Cleveland a couple of those who have vowed “to protect and serve” came upon a child of 12 years old sitting in a swing with a toy gun, and in 1.5 seconds he was murdered for no reason, and the list goes on and on in this systemic attack on people of color. When Michael Brown Jr. was killed and I saw him lying there with his blood streaming down the street, I had had enough. I called The National Action Network and started a chapter because we need to engage every person that we can – black, white and Brown – to fight for justice like never before. Most have associated our organization (NAN Greater Nashville) only with the past of The Rev. Al Sharpton, who never left the fight and has consistently been an advocate for those who have none, along with the fact that they don’t feel that protest in this country is still viable or necessary since so many of us have been melded into “their” culture and society. Some think that the issue of race has improved in this country but the stark reality is that we are as racially divided not just by color anymore, but fundamental ideology based on class as well. I didn’t want to have to protest, nor does anyone else, but how can “we the people” (“BWB”) be heard unless we articulate our 1st Amendment rights clearly and concisely. We actually have no choice now but to protest. Congress isn’t hearing us, nor is the Senate and it’s as if we don’t exist until we are forced to take to the streets, podiums, and campuses and “go off” to make our point. The racist strategies and proliferations that exist within the very core and fabric of American society must be met with corporate unity, protest, demonstrations, marches, speeches, social media, TV, and any other medium available. Protest (objection, dissent, disapproval) is still very necessary in our society if we will have and sustain justice for all people. I love it that black, white and brown voices are being heard all over the country and I hope it doesn’t stop this time. The level of outrage is palpable, the fears are real, and the reality of doing nothing is not an option any longer when a segment of our society is subjected to the kind of violence that African-American men have to endure right now. We can’t be spectators any longer. It’s time to lift every voice until liberty rings for all of us. Enough is enough! Tell me your thoughts. (The Rev. Rodney Beard is pastor of The Living Word Community Church in Nashville and president of The National Action Network for Greater Nashville. Contact him at pastorbeard@comcast.net.)
The New Tri-State Defender
December 11-17, 2014
NEWS
Survey: Michael Brown and Eric Garner cases show deep racial divide
RUN
CONTINUED FROM FRONT had ever experienced yielded rewards at the end of each distance-record-breaking run. During the months of training, four kids who were close to my newly formed St. Jude family lost their lives. ‘Game-day’ vibes The work had been put in and the big race was days away. Then came the BOOM...a knee injury. Undaunted, I reasoned that since it was not broken and didn’t warrant a cast, I was running through the pain because those kids battle every day. On race day, the ride to the Downtown starting line brought some new run-day feelings. Usually I’m loose, with high energy yet focused to go run. On this day, I was saddled with nervousness, butterflies and a bit of concern about whether I could finish. All of that went away after joining the other runners. The environment was electric. We had our group prayer and off we went. Throughout the race, there were cheers, giving me extra adrenalin needed for the task at hand. The loudest cheers came when running through the campus of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. I’d been told that this was the point where I would all caught up and that was true. It was thunderously loud, rivaling a game-day vibe. It was like running out of a football tunnel as you slapped hands with all the kids and parents along the way, with your fans holding up signs with varying expressions of encouragement. We got so caught up in the excitement that we totally lost focus on our pace and came out of the campus breathing hard from the increased speed and yelling. Entertainment and cheers along the route keep the mind off of how far you have to go. Running with friends is always helpful and I got boost from hitting the pavement with my beast-mode buds – St. Jude hero Dawn Jones and BMR member Shannon Chisenga. The mile markers seemed to come up quickly, filling me with confidence that I could I make my ultimate goal. Aches, however, started creeping into my body, slowing me down a bit. Not wanting to slow down my run partners, I gave each a big push in the back as I yelled, “Go! Finish strong! See you at
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Outside of AutoZone Park near the finish line of the St. Jude Memphis Marathon, St. Jude ‘hero’ Christopher Hope was joined by Eli ‘Coach Eli’ Davis, a 3-year-old St. Jude patient battling rhabdomyosarcoma cancer. (Photo: Marathonfoto) the line!” At this point I reminded myself that I was supposed to be having fun. So during the walk portion of my intervals, I cheered with cheerleaders, sung with a band, encouraged others as they passed me and shouted supported to those I passed. We were all there for the same reason and goal: to finish for the kids as well as ourselves. ‘You got this’ There were several personally special moments during the run. Amazingly at every other mile beyond the 20-mile mark were supporters who came out just to support me. I almost hugged the guts out of the wonderful woman who made my race day shirt and shirts for several others. From mile 22 on I could hear what she whispered in my ear: “You got this. You’re doing an amazing job. You got this!” “My knee hurts so bad and I’m tired,” I said. Her retort: “You got this! Do it for the kids”
That carried me through! Waiting for me outside of AutoZone Park wearing a T-shirt with Coach Eli on the back was 3-year-old St. Jude patient Eli Davis, who is battling rhabdomyosarcoma cancer. Eli was part of my marathon training, meriting the designation Coach Eli. I grabbed Coach Eli from his mom and asked, “You wanna cross the finish line with me?” He smiled and nodded yes and off we went. I no longer felt the pain. I no longer felt tired. After a grueling 26.2 miles, I was crossing the finish line with a cancer patient who was soaking in the moment as much as I was. “Mommy, Mr. Chris and I won the race,” Coach Eli said jubilantly. “Where is my necklace?” Yes we did little man. Yes we did. Just like you’re going to win your battle with cancer. (I dedicate this race – my first marathon – to my friends DeMarcus Powers and Ashton Brewer, who lost their battles with cancer.)
While most black adults believe that race played a major factor in the Eric Garner and Michael Brown cases, their white counterparts are less inclined to believe so. In fact, a new national survey by the Pew Research Center and USA Today reveals that a majority of white America believes that race was “not a factor at all.” According to the report, 80 percent of black respondents said that the grand jury was wrong not to charge Ferguson, Mo., police Officer Darren Wilson in the unarmed Brown’s shooting death. A whopping 90 percent said that the New York City grand jury was wrong for not indicting Officer Daniel Pantaleo in Garner’s chokehold death in Staten Island, N.Y. These responses are in marked contrast with those of white adults, 64 percent of whom said that the grand jury in Ferguson made the right decision in refusing to indict Wilson (compared with 23 percent who said it was the wrong decision). However, in Garner’s case, nearly half (47 percent) agreed with black respondents who noted that the grand jury made the wrong decision not to indict; 28 percent said it made the correct decision. A further breakdown provided in the study shows that black respondents were more likely to believe that race was a “major factor” in the grand juries’ decisions, while white respondents were more likely to think that color did not factor in at all. In the case of Ferguson, 64 percent of black adults believed that race played a major factor, while only 16 percent of whites believed the same. The majority of whites, at 60 percent, believed that race was “not a factor at all,” while only 9 percent of black respondents echoed those sentiments. Regarding New York City, once again, 62 percent of blacks
There was a multi-racial dimension to the demonstration at the National Civil Rights Museum during a visit by U.S. Atty. Gen Eric Holder on Tuesday (Dec. 9). (Photo: George Tillman Jr.) believed that race played a major factor, with 18 percent of whites agreeing. However, in Garner’s case the number of whites believing that race was not a factor dropped to 48 percent, although that still represented the largest group of white respondents. These different responses to Brown’s case and to Garner’s are also reflected within the group of respondents overall, beyond race. Of the 1,507 adults surveyed for the report, exactly half believed that the grand jury made the right decision in failing to indict Wilson, while only 37 percent said the wrong decision was made. In Garner’s case, 57 percent believed that the wrong decision was made, while only 22 percent believed the right decision was made. Respondents’ views on the outlook for improved relations between minorities and law enforcement are grim across racial lines, but especially among blacks, the study also notes.
A little more than half (52 percent) of black respondents see relations between police and minorities getting worse. Only about 16 percent see things improving, while 31 percent believe that things will stay the same. White respondents are not substantially more optimistic, with 43 percent believing that things will stay about the same, although only 34 percent believe that things will get worse. About 21 percent expect improvement. Hispanics are the most optimistic group in this area, with 27 percent saying that things will get better. However, like their white counterparts, the largest group (48 percent) believes that things will stay the same, and 23 percent believe things will get worse.
(Read the full survey at Pew Research Center: http://www. people-press.org/2014/12/08/ sharp-racial-divisions-inreactions-to-brown-garnerdecisions/).
December 11 - 17, 2014
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BUSINESS
The New Tri-State Defender
ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY
Children’s Christmas financial gifts
Ideally, part of Christmas – the holiday that most kids long for all year – could be providing children with gifts that promote fiscal responsibility and financial independence. Consider a few of the following gifts. Cash
No matter the season, cash is an ideal gift. With cash in hand, kids can purchase what they want. Teaching them to save some of the money and make purchases with some of the money is the ultimate goal in teaching financial responsibility. Piggy bank Banks never go out of style but are rarely on anyone’s mind to give as a gift beyond birth. A gift of a bank with the first deposit should be greatly appreciated by any recipient. A piggy bank is the first step in teaching a child money management. Toy cash register Kids love playing with buttons and hearing bells. A toy cash register can help a child learn to count money. Just make sure that the children are not prone to putting the “play money” in their mouths. Board games One board game in particular
A simplified employee pension plan (SEP) is a deferredcompensation arrangement that is similar to a profit-sharing plan. It can be set up by employers and self-employed individuals, as well as sole proprietorships and partnerships. Employers receive tax deductions for plan contributions made to employees’ accounts, and employees do not pay taxes on SEP contributions until they begin taking distributions (generally, in retirement). Thus, SEPs can be attractive to both the employer and the employee. Companies that institute SEPs agree to contribute on a nondiscriminatory basis to IRAs maintained by employees.
has been reinvented a few t i m e s . Monopoly – the original, millionaire and junior versions – can be used as a Carlee McCullough, t e a c h i n g tool. It Esq. can be inspiring since the ultimate goal is to see who can strategically make the most money during the game. Lessons of purchasing real estate and paying taxes are part of the game yet they can be compared to real life experiences. A gift of a board game for one can actually turn into a gift for many when others play.
observation is just as important as a school subject as English and math. The basics will take children far and mentorship is a simple yet effective way of teaching the basics. 529 Savings Plan
Stocks Stocks are always a great gift for a child especially if it is for a company that manufactures a product they recognize. The child may not appreciate it right away, but in the long run they will as the stock appreciates in value over time. The gift of stock is a great introduction to finance and an opportunity to begin a dialogue about saving for the future.
Mentorship Most children might not appreciate the concept of mentorship as a gift. However, couple it with a smaller gift and mentorship can become the gift that keeps on giving. Spending time and allowing
a child to observe you in a setting as you are dealing with finances responsibly is an invaluable lesson. Ultimately, this is a lesson that the child will take with them for life. Saving is how wealth is built over time. But the skill has to be taught and the behavior
learned. As each generation increases its net worth, the next generation must be taught how to handle the wealth that may ultimately come their way through inheritance. Passing on the knowledge of fiscal responsibility through
A 529 Savings Plan is a tool used to save money over time for post-secondary education. The plan is not only a great Christmas gift it is also a practical gift to be appreciated by children as well as parents. The funds saved are taxfree and are available for use as soon as the child goes to college. Instead of purchasing a savings bond, investment in a 529 Savings Plan is a viable option. Not only does the savings plan help children understand the importance of saving, it places a tremendous value on education. In sum, Christmas is a time of celebration and festive occasion. But it is also the time to truly show your love with gifts that last longer than the season and potentially last a lifetime. Consider sharing a gift with a financial twist. The children may not appreciate it right away. However, over time they will grow to love it. (Contact McCullough, jstce4all@aol.)
Esq.,
Carlee at
MONEY MATTERS
What are SEP IRAs? Employers a r e required to provide benefits to all employees who are eligible. Employees are eligible Charles Sims if they are at least 21 Jr., CMFC, years old, LUTCF earn at least $550 each year (indexed for inflation), and have been employed by the company for three out of the five years prior to the year for which the contribution is
being made. Employers also have the option of selecting eligibility requirements that are less restrictive, but they must be applied to every employee. Employer contributions are limited to the lesser of $52,000 or 25 percent of an employee’s compensation (in 2014). Contributions are made on a discretionary basis, which means that the employer can decide each year whether or not to contribute, as well as how much to contribute. SEP contributions are made to separate IRAs for eligible employees. Employees are responsible for setting up their own traditional IRAs to receive employer contributions, which
are immediately 100 percent vested, and employees direct their own account investments. When participants start taking distributions from a SEP IRA, the rules are essentially the same as those for a traditional IRA. Distributions are taxed as ordinary income and cannot be taken before the age of 59½ without incurring a 10 percent federal income tax penalty, except in the case of extenuating circumstances. [For example, penalty-free distributions may be allowed if an individual is unemployed, buying a first-time home ($10,000 lifetime max), or cannot pay medical expenses.] SEP IRA account owners
must begin taking minimum distributions after reaching age 70½. If you are a small-business owner or are self-employed, a SEP IRA may be a good option for you, because contributions may be tax deductible and this type of plan is easy to establish and administer. If you are an employee of a company that offers a SEP IRA, you can benefit from the potential to receive employerpaid contributions. If you are a business owner, always make sure to discuss your retirement plan options with a financial professional before deciding on a method. The information in this
article is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. (Charles Sims Jr., CMFC, LUTCF, is President/CEO of The Sims Financial Group. Contact him at 901-682-2410 or visit www.SimsFinancialGroup. com.)