2 15 2012

VOL. 61, No. 7

One Section/Inserts

www.tristatedefender.com

February 9 - 15, 2012

75 Cents

No money at Mo Money?

Memphis lands on White House radar for business improvement

Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Tony Jones

Justice Department asked to get involved

by Tony Jones

Despite the avalanche of problems facing Mo Money Taxes, co-owner Derrick Robinson says that any fears the company will be closed down by the challenges are unwarranted and that anyone owed a refund will get “every cent coming to them.”

Robinson’s declaration came Wednesday (Feb. 8) afternoon. But by nightfall came the news that Mo Money Taxes could be facing a fed-

eral investigation.

A formal letter of apology from Mo Money, which sought the media’s help to circulate the letter, attempts to explain the trouble customers have encountered, but it may be a case of too little, too late.

A joint letter from 9th District Rep. Steve Cohen and Virginia Congressman Bobby Scott has been dispatched to the U.S. Justice Department seeking an investigation into numerous complaints. “When you file with Mo Money what you gets is NO money,” one irate customer told a television reporter.

Addressed to U.S. Attorney Eric Holder, the Cohen-Scott letter states:

“We write to ask for an immediate investigation and all other appropriate actions by your office to address the apparently fraudulent and criminal actions of the ‘Mo Money Taxes’ operation in Norfolk, Virginia and vicinity, and in Memphis, Tennessee and vicinity. Complaints by many who recently obtained the help of Mo Money Taxes in filing their returns range from lack of information as to the status of their returns to outright fraudulent filings and bounced checks issued for refunds due filers.

The full extent of the problem is not known, but as attached news reports reflect, hundreds of people have been victimized.

Cohen on Wednesday told The New TriState Defender that he learned of Mo Money’s Derrick problems “from Robinson calls to my office and through the media when I was home over the weekend. Congressman Scott had already mentioned it to me when we were in a judiciary meeting, saying he was going to call me, and that he was preparing a letter because there was a problem in his district in VirSEE MONEY ON PAGE 3

Texting while driving a deadly specter for friends of Clifton B. Gibbs

CBU grad struck head on after another driver crosses lanes Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Brittany Jackson The dangerous mix of driving and texting was detailed in a story I wrote a couple of years ago while exploring journalism as the iTeen reporter for Tri-State Defender. Never in a million years did I think someone I knew and cared about would fall victim to such danger.

On February 1, my day was going about as normal – laughing with friends, attending classes at Christian Brothers University and going to work, etc. I did not know that a friend of mine I had been in a terrible accident. His name was Clifton B. Gibbs.

Clif, as many of us called him, was a former classmate and the longtime boyfriend of one of my dear friends, Larissa Redmond. He’d graduated from Christian Brothers University in 2011 with a degree in Business Administration and also was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. His future appeared bright.

Then came news that Clif’s life was dangling after a car crash. Witnesses told police that he was driving southbound on South Third St. when a northbound vehicle crossed over into opposing traffic and struck Clif’s vehicle head on about 2 p.m. A three-vehicle crash yielded multiple people critically injured.

I, along with numerous others, reeled from the initial reports, which included the detail that the driver whose car crossed lanes and had been texting at the time. No charges had been filed as of Wednesday (Feb. 8) afternoon, and there was no mention of texting while driving in the police report, which did note that the investigation was ongoing.

At the hospital, we waited for news of Clif’s condition and comforted Larissa. People were praying that he would pull through. We all had faith he would be fine. It felt like a nightmare and we were all ready to wake up from it.

Two days later, February 3, Clifton died surrounded by friends and family. So many people loved and cared for him; even to this day, his death doesn’t seem real.

As I write this reflection, I acknowledge that the official cause of the accident has not been determined.

Still, texting is now interwoven with my thoughts of Clif’s last days. PivSEE TEXTING ON PAGE 2

MEMPHIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

H- 5 5o - L - 3 1o Few Sho wers

H- 3 8o - L - 2 7o Mo st l y Sun ny

H- 3 9o - L - 2 6o Partl y Cl o udy

REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS

Friday H-57 L-32 H-52 L-28 H-59 L-41

Saturday H-44 L-29 H-37 L-16 H-51 L-30

Sunday H-41 L-33 H-35 L-20 H-54 L-34

Special to the Tri-State Defender

Several of the city’s top business leaders and independent minority business owners will be on a group conference call Thursday (Feb. 9) in a follow-up to a trip to the White House last week. The White House session featured an afternoon-long conference to discuss potential ways to improve the business structure of Memphis.

Kept confidential until completed, the White confab was arranged by Business Forward, which works with the White House Business Council on policy briefings for business communities throughout the nation. A national non-profit group, Business Forward reached out to the Black Business Association (of Memphis) to gather additional insight from the African American business independent business community, and to gain insight from community business leaders.

The New Tri-State Defender contacted several of the participants in the White House conference for their brief impressions of the tangible benefits they hope will come from the process: SEE BUSINESS ON PAGE 2

Hey Kelvin, Oprah’s dad is on the line for you Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Kelvin Cowans

Eddie Hayes, the new manager of R.S. Lewis and Sons, says he joined a great team, referring to Andre Jones, director of operations, and Richard Flowers, public relations manager. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

Death-services pro gives R.S. Lewis and Sons a shot in the arm Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell “…I came home from Collins Chapel Hospital to a funeral home when I was born in 1948. Back in those days, black funeral homes were built with two stories so the director’s family could live upstairs. My earliest recollections were of helping my father embalm with those old manual hand pumps in the ‘preparation room.’ I grew up working in every aspect of the funeral business. I loved it so much that I knew early on what I wanted to be. I’ve never wanted to do anything else…”

Eddie Hayes Newly appointed manager of R.S. Lewis and Sons

How big?

Memphis Athletics Director R.C. Johnson ushers in Memphisʼ future in the Big East Conference during a press conference Wednesday. See Sports, page 14.

(Photo by Jennifer Marie Rodrigues)

“African-American funeral rituals and customs have always been important and necessary within the fabric of our community,” said Eddie Hayes, manager of R.S. Lewis and Sons.

“The traditions and practices which are so critical to our sense of culture and identity will always be top priority.”

Hayes, a former manager of N.J. Ford Funeral Home, took the helm of Lewis and Sons on January 1. He takes on administrative leadership, a position left void during the illness and after the death of the funeral home’s founder, Robert S. Lewis Sr., on November 28 of last year.

“Lewis and Sons, like most black mortuaries, SEE FUNERAL ON PAGE 3

Prepared (adjective) – properly expectant, organized or equipped; ready.

I was having a telephone conversation recently with Larry Crim, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate of TenKelvin nessee. I was Cowans miles away in Memphis, enjoying a sunny day close to Beale Street and hopeful of making some progress on a special project.

On my end of the phone, I entertained the thought of popping up at my daughter’s school, all the while enjoying Starbucks and the serenity of the day’s clear blue sky. On the other end of the connection in Nashville, Crim was speaking about his aptitude of government matters and his disgust of dirty politics. Then he mentioned Vernon Winfrey.

“What did you just say,” Mr. Crim?

Unfolding out of my relaxed position, what I heard next made me as happy as George Bailey from “It’s a Wonderful Life.” You know, around SEE WINFREY ON PAGE 2

- INSIDE -

• African-American women poised to play important role in 2012 presidential election.

See Opinion, page 4.

• On the fence about popping the question? Read Lucy Shaw. See Religion, page 10.

• New Kirk Whalum CD gets Valentine’s Day debut. See Entertainment, page 11.

Kirk Whalum

Page 2

BUSINESS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Lexie Carter, business advocate, lobbyist, talk show host: “The need for specified training and incentives to assist small businesses in creating and paying for internships.

And I think it is very important that we focus on small businesses and entrepreneurs, which seem to be left out in the cold right now.”

Lorenzo Myrick, CEO, Amnesty Professional Services, Janitorial & Lawn Services for Professional Clients: “We were able to articulate the need for on the job training to advance our workforce for the global economy.

I think we also identified that Memphis would be a great pilot center for creating

Former Transportation Sec. Slater to reflect on Dr. Benjamin Hooks

Rodney Slater, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation under President Bill Clinton, will speak Feb. 9, at the University of Memphis. His topic will be “Reflections on Living in Service to Others: Dr. Benjamin Hooks and the Heirs of His Legacy.” A reception will begin at 5 p.m. in the Michael D. Rose Entertainment Theatre Lobby, followed by the program at 5:30.

Sponsored by the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the U of M, both events are free and open to the public. Parking is available in the Zach Curlin garage adjacent to the Rose Theatre.

Slater will meet with students, emerging leaders, young professionals, and members of the community to discuss combining civic and public service opportunities with career goals. He also will talk about “Duty of the Hour,” a documentary on the life of Hooks, which illustrates how a committed individual can help create a more just nation.

Slater is a member of the Hooks Institute National Premiere Steering Committee, which is working with the Hooks Institute to promote and support the documentary and other programming. A trailer of the film will be show during the program.

Please join the Tri-State Defender Fan Page on Facebook

NEWS

Tri-State Defender

February 9 - 15, 2012

change to create higher urban education levels. Another thing that I think was important is that we addressed the pink elephant in the room. A gentleman from Nashville pointed out how they have received funding from within the state, but we all know that may not be possible for Memphis, as the schools situation has shown. But I believe it is positive that we now open doors to frank discussion.”

Calvin Anderson, Sr. VP, Chief of Staff, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Tennessee: “It was really a great conversation on the business environment of Memphis. There was awareness and knowledge of the success Memphis had in job creation and economic enhancement, especially in manufacturing recruitment. Good discussion on how to best work together to broaden skill and

WINFREY

The White House took on a decidedly Memphis flavor during a special conference on business development last week. (Courtesy photo)

workforce development and minority and entrepreneur op-

portunity.”

Howard Robertson, princi-

pal, TRUST Marketing: “The most exciting aspect is that our

business community, particularly our minority business community, now has a direct relationship with the White House. In business, as in personal life, relationships begin with contact, communication and trust. We have that now, so the opportunities and potential for future collaboration and assistance from the Obama administration could be tremendous.”

Roby Williams, President, Black Business Association: “There was a lot of terrific, on point information offered by everyone. What I would like to see is the realization that Memphis is the perfect place to create a new growth for black, small and urban business structuring, especially in reaching out into the inner cities. We can be a shining example of how collaboration can work. We are perfect for it.”

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

the third hour when his life got back to wonderful again.

Vernon Winfrey is the father of Oprah Winfrey, the billionaire queen of talk shows and much more. She has often credited her father with instilling in her the discipline that she needed to reach her astronomical levels of accomplishment.

I’d been in pursuit of Vernon Winfrey for a literary project that I’m working on and was speaking with Crim when – in mid-sentence – he said, “Kelvin, as a matter of fact I’m walking into Mr. Winfrey’s barbershop right now. Here, I’m going to let you speak with him, it’s his 79th birthday.”

Realizing that I was about to experience one of the most important conversations of my life, I mentally went from 0 to 60, straight into reporter mode. I quickly pulled out my iphone and pushed record.

Mr. Winfrey got on the phone.

“Hey there Kelvin. I have been hearing some great things about you. Are they lying to me?”

Humbly, I said, “I’m afraid they are sir, but I am going to counseling.” He chuckled.

I wished him a Happy Birthday. Thank you, he replied, noting that he was turning an “old 79 today.”

I told him that he wasn’t old and that I’m sure he’d be around at least another 50 years, so he may want to hold that old talk for at least 20 more years.

I then asked if he had ever been to Memphis. Sure, he said, plenty of times son,

Larry Crim and Vernon Winfrey. (Courtesy of Annette Crim/ Honey Photography) plenty of times. He went on to tell me that he was from a small town about 50 minutes from Grenada, Miss.

“I’m just taking it easy, hanging around my barbershop today, receiving phone calls from my loved ones telling me Happy Birthday.

I’m 79 and I feel fine. So fine that we’re about to build me a brand new barbershop here in Nashville, me and Larry, just right across the street from the one I have now, and this one has been here over 30 years.”

I wish you best on that sir, and I will be attending the grand opening, I said.

Winfrey continued.

“I’m a native Mississippian, ya know, I grew up about 50 miles beyond Grenada. You got Ducksville, Panola then Dayton. I pull off at Dayton and take 35 East about 20 miles and run into my hometown Kosciusko.

I’m not far from Memphis at

all you know. I come thru Memphis two or three times a year. Maybe we will run into each other.”

Next time you come to Memphis, how about we get some barbeque over here on Beale Street, on me, I said.

“That sounds good ya hear,” he replied.

I pride myself in being prepared. I motivate myself. I set goals and reach’em. I make plans and keep’em, and I’m sharing this story as sort of a case study on how it all works.

And trust this, you aren’t going anywhere if you’re not prepared. In fact, George Bailey may have said it best: “I’d lasso the moon for you if I could.”

Or just maybe you can do it for yourself, when the time comes, if you’re prepared.

(Kelvin Cowans can be reached at (kelvincowans@hotmail.com)

Clifton B. Gibbs, with his longtime girlfriend, Larissa Redmond. (Courtesy photo)

TEXTING

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

oting off of the early reports, I took a vow to never text while driving. I am not going back on that, no matter the official determination. Texting is one of the leading causes of car accidents, and it’s got to stop.

I ask that you please take the challenge to not text and drive. A text message can wait; life is too precious to take such a risk. In memory of Clifton Gibbs, Larissa is starting a Clifton B. Gibbs’ fund

against texting and driving.

Clif was an organ donor. I learned that his organ donations can help two to three people and his tissue donation may help up to 50.

Funeral arrangements are as follows: Wake: Friday, Feb. 10, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church.

Funeral: Saturday, Feb. 11, at 1 p.m. at Mississippi Boulevard.

Burial: New Park Cemetery on Horn Lake, with the repast at Mississippi Blvd. directly following the burial.

NEWS

Tri-State Defender

FUNERAL

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

began as a family-owned business,” Hayes told The New TriState Defender. “Its 90-year legacy of delivering quality service was founded on the personable, caring demeanor of Mr. Robert S. Lewis…and then, on that of his son, R.S. Lewis Jr. We are dedicated to continuing that same quality of care as we move forward.”

Hayes shared that his goal is to continue the legacy of caring, compassionate and dignified services that grieving families have expected from the Lewis brand for three generations. “We strive each and every day to keep that legacy alive,” said Hayes.

“I joined a great team here,” Hayes continued, referring to the funeral home’s staff of Andre Jones, director of operations, and Richard Flowers, public relations manager.

Lewis and Sons simply “brought on a new quarterback,” said Hayes.

“Our work will continue to be a team effort. We have one mind, one purpose, and one vision – to do everything necessary to deliver quality service for the next 90 years.”

MONEY

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

ginia.”

Robinson said when the matter is resolved Mo Money is going to come back strong as ever. “People are going to find out in the end that these problems have been exaggerated and we are not the cause of it.”

Media reports paint a picture of a lot more people having problems than really are, he said.

“There have been problems and we will address them, but if people will take the time to do their homework – I certainly would if it was my money – they will find out that what we are saying is true.

There has been a snowball effect following the IRS updating its system,” Robinson said.

“Our software vendor and our bank have experienced problems from that change and we just continue to try to work them out. Some people love to clown and it entertains the media when they do, but it does nothing to fix the problem. What you really are seeing is a classic case of a problem being blown out of proportion and dumped on a black-owned company.”

The Internal Revenue Service has notified taxpayers several times that any returns filed before Jan. 26 would be delayed due to new software being installed to ensure better safety. The alert is carried on its website.

Christian Davis, president of Olympic Tax Service, said the IRS did notify customers that there would be a week’s minimal delay in issuing refunds.

“After we complete our processing, it goes to an E-File center, and the refunds are drained from the system three times per day. They (Mo Money) may have additional internal issues that are causing them problems,” said Davis.

“The bank they may be using may not be as well known, and there’s so much (check) fraud in Memphis it makes banks and check cashing companies leery, and it may be difficult for them to verify.”

Mo Money’s Markey Granberry has said that the firm has had additional software problems.

Violent confrontations have forced several Mo Money offices to close their doors.

In its letter of apology, Mo Money states, “We hope that we can send our Licensees and staff back into their places of employment to continue to serve our loyal clientele, safely and securely. And, that all involved parties will give the truth a chance to come forth without further instigation.”

Page 3

February 9 - 15, 2012

Evolving with the times

Hayes is the son of Eddie F. Hayes, who was first a funeral director with Hayes and Langston Funeral Home.

Later, the elder Hayes formed Eddie F. Hayes and Sons Funeral Home. The business closed its doors in 1988.

Hayes worked with Family Mortuary in north Memphis and later joined the N.J. Ford staff.

Like a modern-day griot, Hayes, who became a licensed mortician in 1968, Hays can recount the meaning and origin

of African-American “death customs” and how they continue today.

Robert Stevenson Lewis Sr. opened R.S. Lewis and Sons in the early 1920’s on Beale Street. The rapid growth of his mortuary precipitated a move to a larger building. After several years at the original location, Lewis and Sons moved to Vance Avenue, where it remains today.

“Those early days of funeral services consisted of cooling boards and hand-pump embalming machines. The deceased was prepared for viewing and final services right

there in the home. It was a cultural practice indigenous to the ante-bellum south,” said Hayes.

“It was common for house slaves to prepare both whites and blacks for final services and burial. Certain families were assigned these duties, and they would pass the art and technique of preparing the dead to their children. Mortuary services have always been a family business.”

Various customs and practices came out of our fore parents’ treatment of their dead, with some persisting today, he said.

For example: • The funeral director still has high involvement in preparation and planning of final arrangements.

• Family and friends gather at the home of the deceased to offer support and share in the burden of common grief.

• A wake is held at a church or funeral parlor, where the family is consoled by friends, neighbors and co-workers.

• A “homegoing” church service is held. Traditional black is still worn, but white is also used in dress as a sign of belief in resurrection of the dead as consistent with the

Christian faith.

• After the funeral and burial, family and friends gather to share a meal at the home of the deceased, church fellowship hall, or some other venue.

“These practices have endured in our community because they help to bring closure to death and give us a sense of order in a very difficult time of mourning,” said Hayes.

“We will continue to honor these practices for the good and well-being of our client families. Above all else, we care about our families.”

Page 4

OPINION

Tri-State Defender

February 9 - 15, 2012

John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)

The Mid-Southʼs Best Alternative Newspaper

A Real Times Newspaper

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

Dispelling the myths of black conservatism

IN THE MAIL

Support for cancer screenings warrants D.C. wakeup calls Clara Currin is a six-year breast cancer survivor whose disease was caught early by an annual mammogram. For many women, this simple screening test for women age 40 and over can help. Catch the disease early and increase survival rates.

Despite all we know about early detection, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. When breast cancer is discovered early, the survival rate is 98 percent, but when diagnosed at later stages the survival rate drops to 27 percent.

Medical advances in the prevention and early detection of cancer are responsible for a 20-year decline in death rates from the disease, but Americans without access to proven screening tests cannot benefit. Only 26 percent of uninsured or underinsured women over the age of 40 had a mammogram in the past year, compared with 56 percent of adequately insured women.

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which is run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has provided screening for nearly 4 million women and detected more than 37,000 cases of breast cancer. In Tennessee, the program is called the Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program. It provides free Pap tests for women aged 40 to 64 who are uninsured, underinsured and have income below the 250 percent federal poverty line. The program screened 33,500 Tennessee women from 2004 to 2009. During those years, there were 409 invasive breast cancer and 538 cervical cancer and precancerous detections.

Despite the program’s success, it serves less than one in five eligible women nationally at current funding levels. That leaves countless women without access to potentially lifesaving cancer screenings.

What Barack Obama owes African-American women

For breast cancer survivor Clara Currin, early detection was crucial. (Courtesy photo)

With help from Congress, we can ensure that a whole generation of women – wives, mothers, sisters and daughters – has access to potentially lifesaving mammograms.

These lifesaving breast cancer prevention and detection programs exist only because we fought hard to get them. Today, we must continue the fight to make sure they exist for the next generation of women. For our wives and mothers, sisters and daughters, aunts and grandmothers, please take action right away and ask Congress to protect these cancer programs for the future.

Clara Currin / Wyvonia Woods Harris Community Health Advisor/ Community Action Team of Shelby County

FACEBOOK FAN OF THE WEEK Vickie Redd

Vickie is a single mother with one son that she loves dearly and is looking for a great career opportunity as an executive assistant or administrator.

Vickie loves her family, being kind, is God fearing, and nonjudgmental. She believes if you arenʼt hurting anybody physically, mentally, emotionally, or financially, “Live And Let Live”!!!

Her Words to live by: CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES. ITʼS NOT THAT CRUCIAL!!!

WEB POSTS

From our online readers at www.tristatedefender.com Will Memphis show up New York & LA? At stake: a healthy soul food restaurant Edition: Feb. 2-8, 2012

(Ruby Johnson, owner of Ruby’s Sizzling Skillet, is a foot soldier in the war against obesity, even though she owns and operates a soul food restaurant in Orange Mound. Soul food, she says, does not have to be dripping with fat or loaded with salt to taste delicious. Johnson has reached the tipping point: she can’t afford to pour any more of her 401 (k) savings into the business. She can’t get a loan. That leaves Memphis with an important question: Is the community ready to step up and help save a health-conscious soul food restaurant?)

POST: I thoroughly enjoyed this article! I pray that the owner has

Tri-State Defender Platform

1. Racial prejudice worldwide must be destroyed.

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

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

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

5. Complete cessation of all school segregation.

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

great success. Our community cannot receive enough information about the importance of diet and exercise...The author (Linda S. Wallace) of this article did a fantastic job. You’re description of those in our community who receive much spotlight and those who quietly and effectively make a difference was compelling.

POST: This is a beautiful story, and a business that all of Memphis ought to be supporting. And I call on all of the churches, in addition to Ms. Ruby Johnson’s own church, to pack this wonderful restaurant every day that it’s open. And offer suggestions if you think something is needed, so that this black business will not have to close down. I hope she also begins to open on Saturday, which is always a busy weekend day. And try, at least, some small amount of advertising on radio, and the distribution of fliers to barber and beauty shops all over town, and at churches after Sunday service, Ms. Johnson.

DISTRIBUTION: Tri-State Defender is available at newsstands, street sales, store vendors, mail subscription and honor boxes throughout the Greater Memphis area. No person may, without prior written permission of the Tri-State Defender, reprint any part of or duplicate by electronic device any portion without written permission. Copyright 2012 by Tri-State Defender Publishing, Inc. Permission to Publisher, Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. Back copies can be obtained by calling the Tri-State Defender at (901) 523-1818, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Mitt Romney is going to face Barack Obama in what will likely be a much closer presidential election than anyone thinks. There’s no more “Hope and Change” out there, just the long difficult slog through what may turn out to not be a recession but a new level of economic hardship in America.

The Republicans and Democrats are steady cherry picking which demographics they will pander to in the fall, Latinos, voters under 30, educated 40-something single white women (the Cougar vote), and of course the rich, the somewhat poor and the evangelicals.

Basically every group has been accounted for except for what might be the most important demographic for Barack Obama’s re-election chances: The African American woman. The most overlooked and unappreciated segment of our society is poised to play the most important role in the 2012 election, and no one is talking about it.

Let me be clear, the African-American vote is always important to a presidential candidate. In the case of Democrats, they hope to win about 90 percent of the black vote or more and get turnout numbers in the fifties in key swing states such as Ohio, and run up the score in places such as New York. As recently as Bob Dole in 1996, Republicans were gaining 14 percent of the African-American vote. Steady efforts by Democrats and increasing conservativism by Republicans in the last 15 years have whittled that number down to less than 10 percent. But it is a specific segment in the African-American vote – one that became a game changer in 2008 – that will transform the electoral landscape in 2012 as well.

In 2008, African-American women had the highest turnout amongst any demographic group in America. Let me make that clear, African-American women turned out in higher numbers than Latinos, whites, men and or women of any color and any class level combined. Just over 68 percent of all eligible African-American women in America came out and voted in 2008 and upwards of 97 percent voted for Barack Obama the first African American elected president of the United States.

While the mainstream press was talking about Hockey Moms and Security Moms, it was “Momma” that was dictating who eventually became president. African-American women had never led all voting groups in the history of the United States. This high turnout is how Obama won crucial southern swing states such as Virginia and North Carolina, as well as earn and unprecedented 47 percent of the vote in a red state such as Georgia. Without African-American women, Barack Obama isn’t president of the United States.

So the question now is – what has Obama done for African-American women and will he continue to do so?

Obama’s signature piece of legisla-

tion that helps African-American women is likely the Lilly Ledbetter Act, one of the first items he put into law, which allows women to get equal pay for equal work r e t r o a c t i v e l y.

Dr. Jason This is a powerJohnson ful piece of policy for AfricanA m e r i c a n Symbolically women. Prior to the president the act, women has been only had 180 days to file for lacking in his pay discriminadirect tion, which was a appreciation problem because for Africanyou may not find American out that you were female voters, being paid less than male coland with a leagues for the tough resame work for election ahead, years. Obama has it’s time for him also increased funding for doto stop being shy and get to mestic violence protection with sharing his the Justice Detrue feelings. partment and put in policies to enhance and protect reproductive rights. However, he can always do more.

Symbolically the president has been lacking in his direct appreciation for African-American female voters, and with a tough re-election ahead, it’s time for him to stop being shy and get to sharing his true feelings.

Many African-American women were frustrated by his horrible handling of the Shirley Sherrod case, his failure to stand up to GOP cuts in federal government jobs, one of the best opportunities for black women to succeed professionally, and his continuation of George W. Bush’s drug and 9-11 policies, which are being used to lock up thousands of black men, and women and boys everyday. Those aren’t the policies of a man who knows where his strongest supporters lie.

In the end, I am confident that Obama will still garner the vast majority of African-American female support.

But if his success depends on repeating the historic turnout numbers of 2008, he’s got a lot of work to do. A few wobbly lines from Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” may get him some claps and cheers, but unless he’s planning on dropping a whole album, he’ll have to come a lot stronger than that to re-win the hearts of African-American women this fall.

(Dr. Jason Johnson is an associate professor of political science and communications at Hiram College in Ohio, where he teaches courses in campaigns and elections, pop culture, and the politics of sports. He can be reached at Johnson-ja@hiram.edu.)

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IN THE MAIL

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Last month, Congressmen Allen West hosted a historic Black Conservative Forum in order to “discuss how to articulate and take the message of black conservatism back to our comStacy munities,” per Swimp the retired Army Colonel.

He referenced conservative principles such as limited government, fiscal responsibility, sovereignty, equality of opportunity, achievement, the free market system, values, education, family and security.

“The conservative voice in the black community remains mostly unacknowledged by politicians and the public alike,” West said. “While the conservative black voice has always existed, it is more important than ever that it be recognized and encouraged.”

Among those on the multi ethnic, bi-partisan panel, were Congressman Tim Scott (R-S.Car.), Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (chairman, Congressional Black Caucus, DMo.), the Rev. Cleon Bryant (pastor, LA and Founder of “Runaway Slave”), KCarl Smith (Frederick Douglass Republicans), Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), and numerous other national leaders. The panel was moderated by Star Parker, founder and president of C.U.R.E., the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and a nationally syndicated columnist.

Scott, speaking of the perception that all blacks are liberals, stated: “I have seen both sides. I successfully flunked out of high school in the ninth grade – with their (big government) help. Then my mother told me: ‘Boy, I brought you into this world, I can take you out.’”

Scott continued: “Simple formula: Play by the rules. We must realize that something for nothing is a chain around your wrist. We have to succeed because we have been given the right to succeed! That is our heritage as Americans.”

Star Parker raised the issue of getting school choice into urban communities. KCarl Smith responded: “Frederick Douglass went through the problem of school choice. They tried to force him to send his daughter to an inferior school. The parent should be able to choose. This is worse than slavery! Douglass said, in 1848, ‘Face it, fight it, fix it!’ He put pressure on until the least were elevated and the most vulnerable were valued.”

Parker added, “Money should follow the children. The voucher movement has vicious opposition from the left. The community says they want it – we have to fight the NAACP and the teacher’s unions to get it.”

The top three social issues in the black community are HIV/AIDS, abortion, and welfare dependency. It was noted how the black family has collapsed. Parker posed two questions: “Should the black pastors speak up in the community on these issues? Are they too indebted to the political community?”

Rev. Bryant said politics has corrupted many good men in the pulpit.

Fifty years ago, 70 percent of black children were raised by married parents. Today, per some studies, over 70 percent of black children are being raised by a single parent. Many people think that the breakdown of the black family is because of the expansion of the welfare state. The panel was asked if there is a connection between dependency and the breakdown of the black family.

“The institution that determines the strength of the nation is the family. The welfare type structure tells you that, if you have more kids, you will have more money,” said Congressman Jordan. “We must readjust that to focus on the right kind of results. Pro family politics helps everything in every area. The Republican Study committee tries to stay focused on the family.”

Later, West spoke of the need to “make sure that our communities stand up on the right type of principles. Godly principles. One of the critical five basic principles of conservatism is traditional cultural values, our faith, and that has to continue to be brought forth.”

West had some final advice to all: “First and foremost, pray and continue to be strong in yourself and in your character. My challenge to people is to find five folks that do not believe as you do, and get three of them to see as you do.”

West believes, as does this writer, that conservatism is a matter of lifestyle evangelism, not merely a political ideology. So much for myths!

(Contact Stacy Swimp at stacy@stacyswimp.com; twitter: @stacyswimp; Facebook Fan page: stacyswimp.)

Tri-State Defender

February 9 - 15, 2012

Page 5

BUSINESS

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Tri-State Defender

February 9 - 15, 2012

ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

Move over Willy Wonka: Chocistry has arrived As Valentine’s Day approaches, here’s an On Our Way To Wealthy column crafted to serve as a reminder of the big day and to keep the forgetful ones out of the dog house.

Sweets are definitely not my vice.

However, I had the pleasure of tasting chocolate manufactured by Chocistry, which really almost made me rethink my list of vices. The presentation rivaled Godiva and Hershey’s. There is definitely a new chocolatier on the rise.

As a mini manufacturer, P. Ashley Rix is well on his way. He has mastered creating a prized product, now the world just needs to know of Chocistry and P. Ashley Rix. Carlee McCullough: Tell us a little about yourself.

P. Ashley Rix: I am originally from Memphis, graduated from Bartlett High School and MTSU (Middle Tennessee State University).

I have been a chef for six years and four of which I’ve focused primarily on chocolate. I have worked in corporate sales and management since 2000 for companies such as FedEx, UPS and Apple.

CM: How and when did you begin your career in the candy making industry?

PAR: The idea sparked in 2007 and I truly began pursuing becoming a chocolatier in 2008. I am completely self-taught, which is rare in the chocolate industry because it is such a difficult craft to master.

week as well. Actively networking to position my business as a known resource for consumers is a daily job but it is worth it.

Carlee McCullough

P. Ashley Rix

CM: What has been your experience with handmade candy in the local market vs. nationally?

PAR: I’m still a relatively new business but I’ve been fortunate to have an extended network that’s allowed me to penetrate the local and national markets. My heart is in Memphis and much of my energy is focused locally, but I’ve designed my business to have the ability to have a national presence as well. I think that’s what makes Chocistry unique from other specialty or boutique shops.

CM: You notice any new trends in the marketplace? If so, what are they?

PAR: Consumers have a much more savvy taste these days. With more exposure to the culinary world via the media, people have a broader education and expectation on what’s good and want to be wowed. Pairings like chocolate bacon, spicy

MONEY MATTERS

For better, for worse: communicating about retirement A recent survey suggests that many couples are not communicating clearly about retirement goals and strategies, even as they approach retirement age. The couples surveyed were at least 46 years old with a minimum annual household income of $75,000 or at least $100,000 in investable assets.

Only 41 percent said they handle decisions on retirement savings and investments together, and 73 percent disagreed on whether they had a detailed strategy for retirement income. Many couples also disagreed on when they would retire and whether they would continue to work in retirement.

In general, wives expressed less confidence than husbands about handling retirement-related financial decisions. This trend is of special concern considering that women often have longer life expectancies than men and may eventually have to make financial decisions on their own.

Talk it over

Recognizing and working through these kinds of issues could help prevent unpleasant outcomes.

Even if you and your spouse communicate well about retirement, it may be helpful to discuss these basic topics: When each of you plans to retire.

Where you would like to live. What kind of lifestyle you envision.

Whether either or both of you plan to continue with some type of work.

How much income you expect when you retire, your expected sources of income, and your confidence in the Charles amounts they Sims Jr. could provide.

How well you both understand your investments. Whether you both know where official documents are located and have all necessary account information.

Preparing for retirement can be a major challenge. Making sure you and your other half are in agreement and working toward common goals may help you avoid wasted effort and lost opportunities.

(Charles Sims Jr., CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, is President/ CEO of The Sims Financial Group. Contact him at 901-682-2410 or visit www.SimsFinancial Group.com.

The information in this article is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor.)

Chocistry gourmet chocolates (Photo by Rebekah Shaw) chocolates, etc are just a few examples of what’s in demand. I created Chocistry with the purpose of establishing new trends. Chocistry is becoming known for its exciting blends and eclectic chocolates that push the creative boundaries and surpass the chocolate status quo.

Consumers want their tastes taken to new heights and my goal for Chocistry is to deliver amazing chocolate that changes what people typically expect.

CM: Of the chocolates that you create, which is your favorite and which is your best seller/most popular product?

PAR: Honestly, I love them all.

I’ve put considerable thought into each formula that makes up each chocolate. Some of my more popular ones are Mama Jean (sweet potato), Geisha (cherry blossom), Zola (apricot gorgonzola dolce) and Heart of Gold (saffron caramel) to name a few. I have nearly fifty signature chocolates and anyone can find something they will love.

CM: What are some daily habits that made you successful?

PAR: Create even on days I don’t feel like it. I’m constantly working on my business to strengthen it. I’m in production several days out of the

CM: What’s the next step for you as a candy manufacturer?

PAR: I’m relaunching my website, www.chocistry.com, to be a virtual chocolate shoppe where customers globally will be able to purchase my chocolates and other confections and have them shipped to them or sent as gifts. Growing in the restaurant supplier and wedding/events business is also where my focus is right now.

Opening the flagship Chocistry Chocolate Studio & Shoppe late 2012 is where this is all headed and eventually regional expansion once the Memphis location has sustainable success.

CM: Any advice for aspiring candy makers?

PAR: It’s no cakewalk. To be a serious candy maker, particularly a chocolatier, you must have a strong grasp for the science behind it. Mastering the fundamentals is the key.

Creativity and imagination, however, is what separates the good from the great.

(For additional information please visit www.chocistry.com.)

(Contact Carlee McCullough, Esq., at 5308 Cottonwood Road, Suite 1A, Memphis, TN 38118, or email her at jstce4all@aol.com.)

‘I do’ should embrace partnership on finances Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Barbara H. McLaurin Relationships and money are both complex subjects in their own right and mixing the two can sometimes lead to disaster. When you marry, your financial responsibilities can change dramatically. Don’t equate money spent with fun received. Consciously look for ways to both have fun and be thrifty.

Money trouble – a leading cause of divorce

The harsh reality is that there are a number of topics that you and your partner may have differences of opinions on, like political views and religion, and still manage to maintain a healthy relationship. Conversely, there are some things that couples really need to see eye to eye on in order to make their relationship work.

Having children is one of them.

Money matters are the other.

Honesty is the best policy

When you discuss finances and money with your partner, you should be completely honest. Accordingly, you should really listen to them. Before you consider sharing a financial future with someone, you should know what types of personality you both have. Know your individual value systems. Are you the type of person that wants to live in the now?

Would you rather rent than own? If you are honest with each other regarding your views on money, then you can be honest about the compro-

mises you are willing to accept.

Without a doubt, all relationships involve compromise. Expecting one partner to do all the compromising will end in disaster.

When finances are discussed Barbara with your partner, H. McLaurin you should agree to think like a partner. There should be a clear understanding that each partner’s decisions impacts someone else’s life.

Who should manage the money?

With so many people having trouble managing their money, it’s not surprising that different attitudes about money and finances can cause serious disagreements between otherwise happy couples. Each individual should understand her/his own relationship to and views about money. You should consider creating a spending plan, and strive to live within the boundaries you’ve set.

While how we handle money often leads to conflicts in relationships, the underlying issue is often miscommunication and misunderstanding. If you or your partner can’t be responsible with the finances, you shouldn’t have control over them. That job is not gender specific and should go to the most qualified person. Be honest enough with yourselves to recognize who that is.

Don’t leave it to chance

When it comes to setting financial goals and figuring out how you’re going to reach them you can’t leave it to chance. By definition, a goal has a deadline, and in order to reach it you need a strategy; you have to do certain things, in a certain order, by a certain date.

Whether your goal is to save enough money to put your children through college, fund a comfortable retirement, or purchase your dream vacation home, it will take time and planning to meet these goals.

Identify your needs. List your goals and the timeframe in which you wish to reach them.

Clarify your goals. After listing your goals and your schedule, determine what you need to reach them.

Construct an investment program

Once you’ve clarified your goals, you need to design a program to help you reach them. The key lies in narrowing down the options to those appropriate for you and your partner. If you haven’t set a program in place, don’t procrastinate any longer. You may want to consult a financial professional to help make this job easier.

(Barbara H. McLaurin is a financial advisor with Shoemaker Financial of Germantown, and is a registered representative and investment advisor representative of Securian Financial Services, Inc., Securities Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Contact her at 901-757-5757 or email: bmclaurin@shoemakerfinancial.com.)

Tri-State Defender

HEALTH

February 9 - 15, 2012

CHEF TIMOTHY

Growing your own garden may be your life preserver

by Chef Timothy Moore Ph.D, N.M.D, C.N. Special to the Tri-State Defender

The weather is unseasonably warm for this time year. Spring will come soon enough, I suppose. And when it does, the farmers will start their day in the fields even before the sun comes up. They’ll till the soil and prepare to grow their crops for an expected harvest.

I can remember as a child growing up on a farm and listening to my dad get up before sunrise. He’d get on his tractor and till the soil.

Then when it was time to harvest the crops, he’d reap plenty of vegetables. We had more than enough on the dinner table and plenty to spare.

My dad insisted that his children eat vegetables. Why? They would be our medicine, he explained. His explanation didn’t make sense to me at that time, but after I reached adulthood and lapsed into ill health, I soon realized that my dad knew what he was talking about. He lived to be 95 years old. And even at that age, he was still eating vegetables.

The point I’m making is this: If my dad lived to be 95 because he never stopped eating vegetables, then, to me, it’s a forgone conclusion that eating vegetables will help sustain life. Although fast food is popular, I would bypass the five-minute meal, if I were you, for a reasonable serving of vegetables. It can’t hurt. You’ll feel much better and enjoy good health.

You can find vegetables at the market and the super stores. But what about starting your own vegetable garden to make sure you’ll have fresh vegetables to eat? Growing your own vegetables will make you feel proud and special. It doesn’t take much to start a small garden in your backyard, along a windowsill, or on a spec of land in the country. There’s nothing like fresh, crisp vegetables that are pesticide free.

The taste is totally different than commercially grown vegetables.

Eating a daily portion of vegetables will also reduce your chances of becoming obese and diabetic. That’s a well-known fact. But did you know that if you’re living in poverty, the chances of you becoming obese and diabetic are greater, according to The New England Journal of Medicine. The environment you live in and your socio-economic condition are factors to consider as well. But that’s another story.

Let’s get back to gardening. Farmers markets are growing at a rapid pace and spreading all across the United States. You probably have noticed one or two of them in your neighborhood selling fresh produce and goods at an economical price. That’s a good thing, because some people may not have the incli-

Dr. Timothy Moore

It doesn’t take much to start a small garden in your backyard, along a windowsill, or on a spec of land in the country.

There’s nothing like fresh, crisp vegetables that are pesticide free. The taste is totally different than commercially grown vegetables.

nation to grow their own vegetables.

You can’t lose if you get your vegetables at the farmers market or grow your own. There are health benefits to eating fresh vegetables – and fruit, of course – according to the American Heart Association. Eating them will help you fight off diseases that attack your immune system.

Here’s another benefit to consider: Eating fresh fruit and vegetables will help ease your mind and relax your body. And if you grow your own, you’ll be proud of the yield. You’ll also enjoy the food that you planted and harvested with your own hands.

You don’t have to wait until you’re a senior to start a garden. Whatever your age, if you have a knack for growing flowers, it should be a cinch to grow fruit and vegetables. If you have time on your hands, all you need is a little patience.

Remember, you’re not just growing a garden for your own health and well being, you’re growing one as well for your entire family, your loved ones, who should be eating

healthy too.

Growing a garden, in a way, is kind of like a life preserver. You’ll need it to survive.

There are important reasons for growing your own garden: The yield is free of dangerous chemicals and pesticides, it provides great exercise, the vegetables will have a much better taste, and you’ll be able to ward off sickness and debilitating diseases.

Remember, obesity and diabetes will cease to exist if you eat your vegetables. My dad didn’t live to be 95 years old by eating unhealthy.

He ate vegetables. That’s why I eat mine.

(Dr. Timothy Moore teaches nutrition, heart disease and diabetes reversal through a plant-based lifestyle. He is a professional speaker, wellness coach and personal plantbased chef. He can be reached by email at cheftimothy@ cheftimothymoore.com or visit him on the Web sites at www.cheftimothymoore.com or www.twitter.com/ cheftimmoore.)

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February 9 - 15, 2012

Tri-State Defender

COMMUNITY

Tri-State Defender

BRIEFS & THINGS Former Surgeon General Elders to speak at Deltas’ Founder’s Day Event

The Shelby County (TN) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated will celebrate its Founders Day on Sunday (Feb. 12) at the New Bethel Baptist Church at 7786 Poplar Pike in Germantown.

The special guest speaker is former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. M. Joycelyn Elders of Arkansas.

Elders, who was appointed by President Bill Clinton, was the first African-American and the second woman to hold the position.

The program begins at 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Elders is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Shirley Page is the chapter president.

Heal the Hood telethon to include awards presentations

The Heal the Hood Foundation of Memphis (HTH) will host the HTH “Game Changer” Advocate & Humanitarian Award during the 4th Annual “Living the Dream Telethon” on April 14 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hickory Ridge Mall.

The Living the Dream telethon was established to focus positive national attention on Memphis and offset the stigma of being the place where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. died. The event will also raise funds to support other non-profit organizations working to change the lives of individuals and families impacted by violent crimes and the subsequent loss of loved ones.

The “Game Changer” Advocate and Humanitarian Award expands the telethon’s scope by recognizing individuals who are doing the work of promoting peace, unity, hope, tolerance, love, self-sufficiency and positive activities in the city. Qualified nominees will be accepted from coordinated community enhancement programs, human service projects, church-sponsored programs, youth groups, civic clubs or social networks. Individual nominees who dedicate their time and talent to the community will also be considered.

To find out about the award categories and/or nominate a “Game Changer,” contact Roshunda Buchanan, Team Coordinator at 901-489-2386 or email Roshunda.Buchanan @yahoo.com to receive a 2011-12 nomination form.

Free homebuyer education class set

United Housing, Inc. (UHI) will offer a free homebuyer education class for low-to-moderate income families wanting to purchase a home.

The class will be held at 51 N. Cooper Street on Saturday (Feb. 11) and on Feb. 18 at 9 a.m.

The course will explore details on purchasing a home as well as receiving money through the Hardest Hit Fund, government assistance available to unemployed or underemployed Tennessee homeowners who are struggling to pay mortgage costs. Access to credit counseling is also available.

UHI is a nonprofit affordable housing agency that serves the City of Memphis and Shelby County. For additional information, contact United Housing at 901-272-1122.

BRIEFLY: The new Smithsonian Channel one-hour documentary, MLK: THE ASSASSINATION TAPES premieres during Black History Month on Sunday, February 12 at 8 p.m. CT. The film is created solely through the use of television and radio news footage from the weeks leading up to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s visits to Memphis through the aftermath of his murder here on April 4, 1968.

Learn more at www.smithsonian channel.com.

BRIEFLY: The College of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center is hosting an open house for prospective students from 2 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 17. Located on the sixth floor of the 930 Madison Avenue building, the event will provide information to individuals interested in learning more about educational programs for careers in allied health. Registration begins at 1:40 p.m.

BRIEFLY: The Community of Faith Christian Church will host its Black History celebration “Where Do We Go From Here “ at 3 p.m. Feb. 19 at the church at 751 N. Trezevant.

Members young and old will tell the stories of our past. The special guest is Bev Johnson of WDIA. The Rev. Jason C. Pearson Sr. is the senior servant.

BRIEFLY: The DeSoto County African American History Symposium Celebration (DCAAHSC) will honor 25 leading African American women trailblazers from DeSoto Count on Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. at Whispering Woods Hotel & Conference Center in Olive Branch. The Honorable Bernice Donald, United States 6th Circuit Court Judge, will be the keynote speaker. Tickets are $40 per person and $380 for a reserved table of ten.

For more information, contact Michael Smith at 901-481-3968 or email: smithm410@yahoo.com.

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February 9 - 15, 2012

Dads and daughters set for unforgettable night Girls Inc.ʼs fifth Annual Red & White Ball Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Shawn Pachucki Long-committed to enriching lives, Girls Incorporated of Memphis provides a safe, fun and educational environment for girls ages six to 18.

Each year, the organization dedicates one very special night to making sure the girls it serves know what love and respect feels like.

Girls Inc.’s Red & White Ball gives girls a chance to shine with the confidence, strength and beauty that they have learned to believe in as Girls Inc. members. This year’s ball, entitled “One Moment in Time,” takes place Saturday (Feb 18). More than 50 girls, ages six to eighteen, are expected to attend.

As Community Director of Memphis Athletic Ministries (MAM), Randy Odom told The New Tri-State Defender that he became involved with the Red & White Ball last year as a volunteer sup-

porter and shared that he was blown away by its impact.

“We always hear how young men need father figures, but little is said or done for the young ladies in regard to that,” said Odom.

Deborah Hester-Harrison, president and CEO of Girls Inc., acknowledged that fathers sometimes get left out because most of Girls Inc.’s Randy family-oriented activities and Odom programs focus on the mother. The Red & White Ball, she added, allows dads to step up and boldly show how much they love and support their daughters.

“This event is a good way for men in the community to show our girls how a gentleman should treat a lady – with respect, kindness and consideration,” said Hester-Harrison.

Odom filled one of the most critical needs for last year’s event by recruiting volunteer surrogate

fathers to escort girls without a father figure in their lives. MAM is recruiting volunteers again this year. Odom has also donated the MAM Grizzlies Center as the host site for the Red & White Ball.

According to Hester-Harrison, The Grizzlies Center will be transformed to look like a senior prom. After a day of pampering, including hair, manicure and spa treatment, the girls will arrive at the ball feeling and looking like princesses.

Each girl will walk arm in arm across a red carpet with their father or escort as they enter the room and end the evening with a father-daughter dance.

“A girl’s first sweetheart is often her dad,” shared Hester-Harrison. “. . . This event will be a special moment in time to spend it with him.”

(Community support for the Red & White Ball is still needed, especially from local restaurants that are interested in donating catering services.

Additionally, adult males interested in volunteering as a surrogate father should call 901-744MAM1.)

Integration of Memphis City Schools told in local film’s broadcast premiere

For a better smile…

More than 100 sixth and seventh graders from the Memphis Academy of Health Sciences visited the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Dentistry on February 3 to receive free oral care. The event was part of the American Dental Associationʼs annual Give Kids a Smile Day when dentists and their staff members provide free care to low-income families across the country. Dr. Tonya D. Biles, Principal of the Memphis Academy of Health Sciences, reported that 20 to 30 percent of the children who visited UTHSC had never seen a dentist before. (Courtesy photo)

You be the judge

Job shadowing was the order of the day last Thursday (Feb. 2) when Cordova High School Students visited the General Sessions Court Clerkʼs Office as part of Junior Achievement. (Photos

by George Tillman Jr.) “Job Shadowing is just one of the many ways that the community can show support in encouraging young adults to continue on the path of acquiring an education, networking and staying motivated in spite of. Not only are the students encouraged, the staff at General Sessions look forward to the yearly activity which serves as a catalyst that boost employee morale and motivation.” – Keith Shelton Sr., Administrator, General Sessions Criminal Court.

Fifty years ago, 13 AfricanAmerican first graders took courageous steps to enter four formerly all-white elementary schools and break the practice of segregation in the Memphis City Schools. A half century later, their story is being told with the broadcast premiere of a new local documentary film, “The Memphis 13.”

WKNO will air the film on Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. on Channel 10.

“The Memphis 13” features interviews with all thirteen pioneering families, as well as white students, a teacher, and civil rights movement leadership. Although each interviewee’s experience was unique, the film presents several common themes: the contrast of normal students trying to have a normal schooling experience amidst an extraordinary moment; the isolation of the children at the forefront of this social change; the angst of parents deciding whether to undertake the risk of sending their children to the first desegregated schools.

Narrated by Mayor A C Wharton Jr., “The Memphis 13” made its public premiere on Oct. 3, 2011, 50 years to the day after the thirteen students first entered allwhite schools, at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.

Daniel Kiel, the film’s director, writer, and executive producer, is a law professor at The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. He has written extensively on race in education in Memphis and elsewhere. Kiel is a native Memphian and a graduate of Memphis City Schools; he has a degree in history from the University of Texas at Austin and his law degree from Harvard Law School. Kiel worked with local filmmaker Jane Folk (Producer, Director of Cinematography, who also produced “Pork Chop Day,” which aired on WKNO) and David Kiern (producer, editor, cowriter) to produce “The Memphis 13.”

Kiel received a grant from the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute of Social Change to collect oral histories of individuals involved in the initial Memphis City Schools desegregation in 1961. Further support was provided by First Tennessee and The Assisi Foundation of Memphis. Working with local filmmaker Folk, Kiel compiled 21 interviews that are collected in the documentary.

“The Memphis 13” airs Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 18 at 2:30 p.m.; and Feb. 19 at noon on WKNO/Channel 10. It also airs Feb. 18 at 9:30 p.m. on WKNO2, available over the air on Channel 10.2 and on Comcast Cable Channel 910.

(For more information: wkno.org.)

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RELIGION

Tri-State Defender

February 9 - 15, 2012

LIVING THE LIFE I LOVE

Popping the question best suited for ‘level of honest intentions’

Dear Lucy: I have been dating the same woman for three years now and I am thinking about getting married to her. But each time I get ready to pop the question, I see something about her that I don’t like and I am happy that I don’t have to live with her. Now, when we disagree, she can go to her house until we are ready to fool with each other again. If I keep doing this I will never marry this really wonderful woman. I don’t know if I just get scared or if deep down I just don’t want to be married.

We have lots of fun together but I just don’t know what being married to her and unable to send her home would be like. Help because I want to have my cake and eat it too!

– RC

Dear RC: Now before any readers get upset with you, I have to say that this letter could be written by a man or a woman. There are women who feel this way. The way we live today and the freedoms that our culture allow make it easier to avoid commitment to the hard work that goes into having lasting, loving relationships.

Maybe the question is not one of being afraid to get married. Maybe it’s the fear of the hard work that is required within relationship. There are lots of folk using lots of excuses for living alone. Yet, I am convinced that the marriage commitment is all about having someone to partner with in the human need to learn and to grow. You just can’t do that on an island by yourself! Do you have to get married to do it.

No. But there must be something to it.

The good news is that you seem to understand that being married is serious business.

When I finally met the man of my dreams, I had been married and divorced more than once!

Why? Because before I met him, I got married for the wrong reasons. I prayed diligently to God to teach me how to choose with wisdom.

When my Prince showed up, I was so intent on listening for God’s OK that the poor man almost got sent away!

I want to tell you what I did to help myself during our courtship. We dated for three years.

During that time, I found lots of things to criticize or try to run away from. But, I also knew that he was probably seeing some of the same in me. Once I knew that he was the one with the spirit, the values, the love of the Lord, and a man who genuinely liked women as a species, I made a commitment to ask these questions when I didn’t like him or what he was doing at the time. So here they are.

• Does this cause me to change my mind about who I believe him to fundamentally be?

Super Gospel…

The 13th annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, an NFL sanctioned event, rolled into Indy during Super Bowl XLVI Weekend, as legendary NFL Pro Bowlers, Super Bowl Champions and MVPs were on stage with Grammy Award-winning artists. (Courtesy photo)

• Is this behavior a deal breaker and are we both clear on the boundaries of our values or is this a chance to clarify something?

• Am I speaking and acting my truth and allowing him to do the same?

• Am I expecting him to be a wimp and not a man? Is he expecting me to not have Lucy an opinion?

Shaw • And this is the most important question of all: What if I was married to him? What would I do? What if I had made a commitment before God to be with him, to support him, to love and care for him, to listen to him and to allow him to do all of these things for me as well...what would I do?

The purpose of these questions is to put your will and your imagination to work helping you to create the life you can love. To will means to exercise the power of choice and choosing. In every moment we are called to choose. We may do so consciously or unconsciously. But, either way we are exercising our freedom to choose how we want our lives to be. Imagination is the power to use the visioning capacity of the mind to “see” how we want our life to be and then using our will power to hold to that vision instead of a vision of what we don’t want in our lives.

Learning to do the work that it takes to choose, to visualize and to commit to creating a life with another person is the most important decision you can make. In fact, why don’t you both agree to use the “what if” when differences arise instead of running away? Maybe it’s time to take the game to another level. The level of honest intention. What are your intentions?

Intending to succeed!

Lucy

(Check out Lucy Shaw’s website at http://www.heartworks4u.com. You may send your questions to her by U.S. mail to: Heartworks4U, LLC; 4646 Poplar Ave. Ste 201, Memphis, TN 38117 or by e-mail to lucy@heartworks4u.com.)

(For help with the feelings that get in the way of prayer and peace of mind, get Lucy’s new book, “BE NOT ANXIOUS.” Order it directly from her at 901-907-0260 or go to her web site www.heartworks4u.com.)

Catholic bishops, GOP backers hammer President over employee health rule TSD Staff and wire reports

Page three of the bulletin distributed last Sunday (Feb. 5) at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 1695 Central Ave. featured a letter from The Most Rev. J. Terry Steib, bishop of the Diocese of Memphis. It urged a reading and reflection and then a call to “take action as both Catholics and citizens.”

The letter signaled Memphis-area participation in an ongoing effort of Catholic bishops across the country. The bishops are out front in contesting a new rule that requires employers to provide birth control services, including contraception, in their employee insurance plans.

In his letter, Steib said the matter strikes at the “fundamental right to reliBishop J. gious liberty for all citiTerry Steib zens of any faith.” He said the ruling announced by the U.S. Department of “(We) Catholics Health and Human Ser- will be vices puts Catholics in compelled difficult position, if it is either to violate not overturned. “(We) Catholics will be our compelled either to vio- consciences, or late our consciences, or to to drop health drop health coverage for coverage for our employees (and suffer the penalties for doing our employees so). The administration’s (and suffer the sole concession was to penalties for give our institutions one doing so).” year to comply,” wrote Bishop J. Steib.

Terry Steib Although it exempts churches, the rule does apply to Catholic hospitals and universities and other such institutions. This is the case even though Catholic teaching does not support contraception.

Acknowledging the pushback, aides for the administration of President Obama have indicated a willingness to talk about finding an

PRAISE CONNECT -A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

—Phillipians 4:13

METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH ASSOCIATE MINISTERS

901-946-4095 fax 948-8311

(901) 948-3441

Bible Study For Youth and Adults Tuesday - 7:00 PM “Spirit, Soul, and Body!”

AM 1070 WDIA Sundays, 10:00-10:30 AM

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

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

FRIDAY Cable Channel 17 ............... 8:00pm

TV Cable Access Broadcast Tuesdays, 7:30 PM, Channel 17 Website:www.saintandrewamec.org

Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter

TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

672 So. Lauderdale 38126 P.O. Box 314 Memphis, Tn 38101 Phone (General) 774-1572 Pastor: 775-0740 Secretary: 775-1909 WEEKLY SERVICES

Sunday Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Night YPWW 5:00 p.m.

Night Service 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday Night Prayer 6:00 p.m.

Bible Study 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.

Friday Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.

Night Service 7:30 p.m.

BROADCASTS 9:30 a.m. Sunday WDIA - 1070 AM

No Telecast Service

ST. ANDREW A.M.E. CHURCH Early Morning..........7:45 AM Church School..........9:45 AM Morning Worship......11:00 AM

Rev. Davena Young Porter Rev. Linda A Paige Rev. Luecretia Matthews

WEDNESDAY Bible Study .........................10:30 am Mid-Day Prayer Meeting .....12 noon Evening Prayer Meeting........7:00pm

agreed upon path to putting the rule into play in August 2013 after a phase-in period.

On Wednesday, GOP leaders and presidential candidates were increasing the pressure on the White House to reverse course on the rule.

Harkening to “generations past” that stood up and protected the Catholic Church’s “sacred rights and duties,” Steib wrote that he hoped and trusted that the present generation would do the same.

He asked for a commit to prayer and fasting that would allow wisdom and justice to prevail and restore religious liberty.

“Second, I would also recommend visiting www.usccb.org/conscience, to learn more about this severe assault on religious liberty, and how to contact Congress in support of legislation that would reverse the Administration’s decision,” wrote Steib.

867 SOUTH PARKWAY EAST Memphis, TN 38106

Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., Pastor

767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126

President Barack Obama – now under fire by Catholic bishops and GOP supporters – delivers remarks during the National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. last Thursday (Feb. 2). (White House photo by Pete Souza)

Dr. David Allen Hall Pastor

“The Founder’s Church”

First Pastor: Senior Bishop C.H. Mason

THE BLVD Ea s t 6745 Wol f Ri v e r B oule v a r d @ Ki r by Pa r k wa y ( i n t he Cl a rk Ope r a Me mphi s Ce nte r ) Me mp h i s T N 3 8 1 2 0

Dr. Frank A. Thomas Senior Servant

Child Care Center (901) 948-6441 Monday-Friday 6 AM- 5:30 PM Emergency Food Pantry Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, Pastor & Clothes Closet Rev. Marilynn S. Robinson, Co-Pastor Wednesday 6 PM-8 PM

“Ministering to Memphis-Spirit, Soul and Body”

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

— Proverbs 1:7

ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, February 9 - 15, 2012, Page 11

WHAT’S HAPPENING MYRON?

Love & Laugh for Valentine’s Day

Love and laughter collide this Valentine’s Day as the Comedy & Blues Tour makes it way to Beale Street at the New Daisy Theatre.

BET & Comedy Central brand name funny guys B-Cole and Honest John will be serving up Myron the laughs while the Mays world renowned Blues Diva Toni Green will be taking the stage and delivering the blues. This show is hosted by my good friend Comedian Spank E, one of the busiest hosts in the Mid-South.

Here’s more good news: this show will make monthly visits to the New Daisy and will also make its way to Batesville, Miss. in April as well. The Batesville show will feature Bruh Man from “Martin.” I know you remember Bruh Man from the “FIF FLO” right?

You can purchase your tickets at the New Daisy Box Office, online at comedyandbluestour.com or call 662-8551601. Also, I will be giving away tickets on my Facebook page this Friday (Feb. 10), so stay tuned.

After you catch the “Lovers Laugh Jam,” you should do something different and go on a carriage ride with your mate. I know you’ve been seeing those horse and carriages all over downtown for the longest and thought to yourself, “You know, we should do that one day.”

Well, here’s your chance! Call them at 901-527-7542. Do something different for a change, lol!

Emissaries of Memphis Music

On March 29, the Memphis & Shelby County Music Commission will honor its 2012 Emissaries of Memphis Music at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis.

Presented during Women’s History Month, It’s the fourth Music Commission salute to remarkable women who have made significant contributions to Memphis music. Eight women have been selected to receive accolades. They are: Alexis Grace, Anita Ward, Ann Peebles, Anne Pitts, Bethany Paige, Bev Johnson, Nita Makris and Wendy Moten.

Proceeds benefit the Memphis Musicians Healthcare Plan, a service that provides free healthcare to Memphis musicians. Tickets are on sale now and start at $50! To get yours, visit http://emissariesmemphismu sicefbevent.eventbrite.com.

Love Zone 2012

Were you born in February? Well, check out the Pre-Valentine’s Day Birthday Bash, Friday night (Feb. 10) at the Sky Grille located at 668 Union.

Join local model Coco in celebration of her birthday, along with all the other sexy, fabulous February birthday gentlemen and ladies of the month!

Party with DJ Jeff Lee, along with my good friend and fellow radio personality Angela Jackson of V101. In addition, featured will be a few other local models, and some surprise offthe-chain musical guests. Doors open at 9 p.m. and the party continues until 3 a.m. Advance tickets are $10.

‘Love Thang’ with Karen Brown

“It’s a Love Thang” with Karen Brown Live! Sunday, February 12 in downtown Memphis at the Rumba Room! This “Love Thang” will be hosted by none other than my funny friend, Mzzz. Check out Kecia and Entertainer Mark Baker! Doors open at 6 p.m. Advance tickets are $15. Karen is a heck of a promoter, so you can call her personally to get your tickets at 901-5736092! Early arrival is suggested if you wanna get a seat! She really packs them in.

Kirk Whalum (left) and his brother, Kevin Whalum, are a powerful team on the new CD “Romance Language,” No. 29 for Kirk Whalum. (Photo by Raj Naik)

Whalum to ‘Romance’ the web New CD gets Valentineʼs Day debut via concert steamed live Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Shirley Jackson

Valentine’s Day and good jazz music is pleasure to the squared power. The equation is simple math that will work its way into myriad hearts on Feb. 14.

With the aid of a concert streamed live, Grammy winning saxophonist will launch his newest album (No. 29) – ‘Romance Language’ – on the day reserved for special expressions of love. The live two-hour concert streams at 10:30 p.m.

I love to sample all genres of music. Jazz, which is way up there on my favorites’ list, can be defined as Kirk Whalum in my book.

See the number of his CDs that I have for punctuation. ‘Romance Language’ is just one more example of the profound musician he is.

The Feb. 14 webcast will be powered by StageIt and available via Whalum’s Facebook page. Viewers should get set for rare behind-the-scenes glimpses. The encore rebroadcast is slated for Feb. 18 at 7 p.m., with Whalum on hand for a live Q&A session.

Whalum fans, who have come to appreciate the stamp that he puts on the silky smooth sound of the saxophone, will love his latest creation. It is billed as Whalum’s re-imaging of the classic album of duets recorded in 1963 by sax titan John Coltrane and sterling vocalist Johnny Hartman.

Kevin Whalum, Whalum’s younger brother, is showcased on the new CD, that also features fresh arrangements and live-sounding production by Whalum and John Stoddart, Whalum’s musical director and keyboardist. Kirk and Kevin’s 83-year-old uncle, Hugh “Peanuts” Whalum, contributes a strong vocal performance on “Almost Doesn’t Count.”

My description of “Romance Language” strings these words: “warm, sexy, soothing, stimulating, relaxing, romantic and mellow.” My favorite selections are “Almost Doesn’t Count,” “I Wish, I Wasn’t,” and “They Say It’s Wonderful.”

A Rendezvous Music release, “Romance Language” is A+++ in my collection of jazz music. The buildup for the release notes that it is the “world’s first complete LiveAudio optimized album for JAMBOX by JAWBONE.” That translates into “music to be enjoyed in a 3D-like, surround sound experience from a single, small

Bluetooth wireless speaker.”

The Webcast includes a partnership with Portland Prime, Hilton Portland & Executive Tower and BMW & MINI Portland. During the live stream, Whalum will give away a JAMBOX and announce an exclusive JAMBOX offer as a gift to his fans.

Musicians scheduled to accompany Kirk, Kevin and special guest Hugh “Peanuts” Whalum on the Valentine’s Day webcast from the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower are Stoddart (keyboards), Marcus Finnie (drums), Braylon Lacy (bass), and Kevin Turner (guitar).

Tickets for the Valentine’s Day “Romance Language” live concert stream and the Feb. 18 rebroadcast can be purchased for $3 from www.StageIt.com or (For more information www.kirkwhalum.com.)

about

Kirk

Whalum,

visit

‘Two Trains Running’

Gospel Explosion at U of M

Here’s a little good news! In celebration of Black History Month, the University of Memphis presents the 2012 Gospel Explosion on Saturday (Feb. 11) at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public.

The concert, which features award winning recording artist Kierra Sheard, takes place in the Rose Theatre.

Oh yeah, don’t forget “What’s Happening Wednesdays” is now in effect each Wednesday night at Cotton Bowl Lanes in Southaven. Come and get your bowl on with me, enjoy some Karaoke and you can even get to hear me perform some of my favorite hits. Yes, can you believe I have actually gotten up the nerve to sing? Me either, lol. Visit whatshappeningmyron.com for more info!

(If there is an event you’d like for me to cover or attend, send me an email at myron@whatshappening myron. com! I am so there!)

At the Hattiloo Theatre, the current production is “Two Trains Running,” which runs through February 26. For more information, call 901-502-3486, administration, or the box office at 901-525-0009. The award winning play by August Wilson is about the characters that frequent a diner in 1960s Pittsburgh. (Courtesy photos)

Page 12

ENTERTAINMENT

Tri-State Defender

February 9 - 15, 2012

February 9-15, 2012

T.J. Martin (left) and co-director, Dan Lindsay, chronicle the selfless efforts made

by Memphisʼ Manassas High School football coach Bill Courtney on behalf of underprivileged members of his team. (Photo by The Weinstein Company)

T.J. Martin: The ‘Undefeated’ interview Oscar-nominated director & his heartwarming documentary Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Kam Williams

Born Sept. 7, 1979, Thomas McKay Martin Jr. was raised in Seattle and graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in American Cultural Studies. In 2002, T.J. made an auspicious directorial debut with “A Day in the Hype of America,” which won the Best Documentary award at the Rhode Island International Film Festival.

He next shot a short entitled “Loves Martha” before making “On the Rocks,” a docudrama about drug and alcohol addiction. T.J. collaborated with Dan Lindsay on his latest movie, “Undefeated, an inspirational documentary chronicling the selfless efforts made by Memphis’ Manassas High School football coach Bill Courtney on behalf of underprivileged members of his team.

The film has been nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Documentary category. And here, T.J. talks about the possibility of becoming the first African-American director to win an Oscar.

Kam Williams: Hi, T.J., thanks for the time, and congratulations on the Oscar nomination.

T.J. Martin: Thank you very much for the kind words. It’s been an amazing experience.

KW: What interested you in making “Undefeated?”

TJM: I was really drawn to two things. First, my directing partner, Dan Lindsay and I are interested in making documentaries where the action unfolds in front of the camera versus a talking head piece. We saw this as an opportunity to make a coming-of-age film that was much more experiential and less anecdotal. Second, I feel that often times the stories that come out of neighborhoods like North Memphis are sensationalized pieces exploiting the pitfalls of the community. I saw this film as an opportunity to show both the good and the bad, and to really celebrate the community and all of the possibilities that lay before it.

KW: How did you come to hear about Coach Bill Courtney?

TJM: Our producer, Rich Middlemas, graduated from the University of Tennessee. He follows their recruiting every year. In 2009, he came upon a recruit named O.C. Brown. He had never heard of him and decided to do a little research. He Googled his name and the first thing that appeared was an article from The Commercial Appeal, a local Memphis paper, about his living parttime with his grandmother in North Memphis and part-time with his offensive line coach in East Memphis. He had never worked in the documentary world, so he sent the article to Dan and me. We thought that it was an interesting enough story to see if there was potential for a feature-length documentary. While trying to track down O.C. Brown we met Coach Bill, and from there everything changed!

KW: Why do you think he was so successful in turning Manassas High School’s football program around?

TJM: I think he was successful for a few reasons. First of all, he understands that the sport of football cannot be the foundation for building and grooming

young men. As he states in the film, “Football doesn’t build character, it reveals it.” Secondly, he stayed committed to his student/athletes. One of the biggest issues we found in that community was a lack of consistency in the kids’ lives. Bill not only said that he would turn the program around but he also showed up everyday and proved to them and the community that he was committed to the cause. Lastly, I was always impressed at how Bill treated the students with respect and spoke to them like young adults and not like they were little kids. He didn’t assume they would respect him simply because he’s an adult. He put in the time and effort and earned that trust and respect from the students as well as the community.

KW: Do you think he’s had an effect on his players as a role model that will last long past their playing days?

TJM: Absolutely! Good coaches often become surrogate parental figures and can be very influential, especially during the adolescent years. One thing that stood out to us and that is not seen in the film much is how often Bill would hug his players and tell them that he loved them. This would happen every day to just about every single player on the team. There’s no doubt that when Bill takes the time to share that level of intimacy and respect with his players, it has a positive, long-lasting effect.

KW: What message do you hope people will take away from the movie?

TJM: We set out to make an intimate, coming-of-age film that is, more than anything, a human interest piece. With that said, we never shy away from the race and class dynamics that are very prevalent in the film. I would hope that after being emotionally drawn into the human aspect of the story, the film can inspire a greater dialogue about the serious divide between the haves and have-nots in this country, as well as looking at the ties between race and class and how they affect each other.

KW: How do you feel about the possibility of becoming the first black director to win an Academy Award?

TJM: First and foremost I’m extremely honored for such recognition.

At the same time, I would have a hard time claiming such an achievement since I’m half black. My experience navigating the world is night and day different than that of someone whose parents are both black. I personally identify much more with being mixed race. It would be hard for me to accept such an achievement without also acknowledging my Native American, Scandinavian, Chinese and Jewish roots as well! I definitely think it warrants a greater conversation. I wonder if there’s some kind of designation for being the first mixed race director to win for best documentary? Probably not….

KW: The Toure question: Who is the person who led you to become the person you are today?

TJM: I don’t think I can attribute that to just one person. I bounced around a lot growing up, living with various family members, friends, etc. I think I gleaned a little bit of inspiration and insight from everyone that I’ve spent a considerable amount of time with. Oh, and the movie “The Color Purple” changed my life... so maybe I should thank Spielberg!

KW: The Judyth Piazza question: What key quality do you believe all successful people share?

TJM: The ability to learn from your mistakes….

HOROSCOPES

ARIES Check the fine print carefully this week.

You may find yourself in a number of positions this week to advance your financial state. Be sure you have scrutinized the details before signing on any dotted lines. A partner or relative could seem to be urging you toward one of these opportunities; examine that one with love and common sense.

TAURUS Keep your sunny side up and avoid arguments with anyone who seems to give off any negative vibes in your direction. You know in your heart that what you do in the world is much needed. Others know too, they just may have a hard time admitting it this week. Look for love to give you a lift.

GEMINI Your philosophical principles are ready for a larger congregation. Your hard work, patience, and determination to present a positive outlook will be paying off this week. You’ll be blessed with an intuitive flash of all that you have going for you, and the realization will make you very happy. You’ll be encouraging many others with your manner of being in the world.

CANCER Be cautious about when and where you present your ideas this week. There’s some minor jealousy lurking about, and it wants to rain on your gorgeous parade. Be calm and keep your faith in yourself high. You’ve earned the respect and admiration of many by simply acting with complete faith in the rightness of your actions. Take all criticism, constructive or otherwise, with a grain of salt.

LEO Your charm is unstoppable, and your poise is unflappable, sweeties. Continue to take advantage of all of your gifts this week and be your whole, wonderful self. If you take a high road where shared property is discussed, you may wind up with more than you started with.

Exercise some caution when dealing with negative energy, whether from people or just a vague intuition.

VIRGO You need to stay in a positive zone to make your magic happen. A flirtation on the part of a younger person towards you needs to be gently discouraged. Trust has been placed in you; don’t inadvertently betray it. If in doubt, retire to your home and do some cleaning and catching up by telephone with the folks back home.

LIBRA A happier mood is in store if you spend some of your emotions on a mate or family member. Your sensitivity to criticism should be kept in check as much as possible this week, because you don’t really want to spend your perfect moments feeling temperamental, do you? Others mean well, they just don’t express themselves perfectly every time.

SCORPIO A very pleasant week is in store as peace seems to be the dominant current. Your experience will tell you how best to proceed with a close relationship. Right words and actions can restore all to the previous beauty.

SAGITTARIUS Friends call and you should answer their requests to join them. You’ll have a nice week out if you go, with lots of camaraderie and good fellowship. You’ll be creating energy for a very inspiring environment.

CAPRICORN Authority issues may arise early in the week.

You can handle these thoughts by observing them and letting them go. Listen to some music that fills you with positive vibrations.

AQUARIUS You have strong physical energy this week.

Make the most of it and get a lot of the work done that you’ve been meaning to get around to. This week’s a great week to get around to it! You’ll be very pleased at the end of the week with what you have created.

PISCES Freedom needs may be high this week. Use your powerful imagination to discover a way to feel freer in your current situation. At least in your personal space, let yourself be free and surrounded by objects and vibes that set your spirit soaring.

Source: NNPA News Service

OPENING THIS WEEK

Kam’s Kapsules:

Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun

Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Kam Williams

For movies opening February 10, 2012

BIG BUDGET FILMS

“Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” (PG for action adventure and a mild epithet) 3-D sequel sends Sean (Josh Hutcherson) on a mission to the South Pacific in search of the mythical island of Atlantis where his longlost, explorer grandfather (Michael Caine) is rumored to be marooned. Cast includes Vanessa Hudgens, Luis Guzman and Kristin Davis.

“Safe House” (R for profanity and graphic violence) International action thriller, set in Capetown, South Africa, about an inexperienced CIA Agent (Ryan Reynolds) who ends up on the run with the veteran spy-gone-rogue (Denzel Washington) he’s supposed to bring to justice. With Vera Farmiga, Sam Shepard and Brendan Gleeson.

“Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace” (PG for sci-fi violence) 3-D re-rerelease of the 1st installment of the prequel trilogy, an episode perhaps best remembered for the distracting antics of Jar-Jar Binks (Ahmed Best). With Natalie Portman, Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor and Terence Stamp.

“The Vow” (PG-13 for sexuality, profanity, an accident and partial nudity) Romance drama about a young newlywed (Channing Tatum) who works hard to win his wife’s (Rachel McAdams) heart all over again after her memory is erased by a car accident. Support cast includes Sam Neill, Jessica Lange and Scott Speedman.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

“Bonsai People” (Unrated) Reverential biopic recounting the humanitarian effort of Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunis to wipe out poverty in the Third World by lending penniless people the seed money to start their own businesses. (In Bengali with subtitles) “Chico & Rita” (Unrated) Oscar-nominated animated feature, set in Cuba in 1948, about the turbulent love affair of a talented jazz pianist (Eman Xor Ona) and a beautiful bolero singer (Limara Meneses). Voice cast includes Mario Guerra, Jon Adams and Lenny Mandel. (In Spanish and English with subtitles)

“In Darkness” (R for nudity, sexuality, profanity, violence and disturbing images) Holocaust drama, set in Nazi-occupied Poland, recounting the real-life exploits of a selfless sewer worker (Robert Wieckiewicz) who risked his life to save a dozen Jewish refugees from extermination by hiding them in tunnels under the city of Lvov for over a year. With Benno Furmann, Herbert Knaup and Marcin Bosak. (In Polish, German, Yiddish and Ukrainian with subtitles) “The Dish & the Spoon” (R for profanity and sexual references) Mumblecore Movement romantic comedy revolving around a revenge-minded married woman (Greta Gerwig) who seduces a British teenager (Olly

Denzel Washington in “Safe House” (Courtesy photo)

Alexander) she meets on the beach soon after learning that her husband has been unfaithful.

With Amy Seimetz, Adam Rothenberg and Eleonore Hicks.

“Perfect Sense” (Unrated) Apocalyptic sci-fi thriller about a gourmet chef (Ewan McGregor) and a research scientist (Eva Green) who fall madly in love in the midst of a biological epidemic that robs people of their sensory perceptions. Cast includes Connie Nielsen, Stephen Dillane and Liz Strange.

“Private Romeo” (unrated) Homoerotic reinterpretation of Romeo and Juliet set at a military school where a couple of star-crossed cadets (Seth Numrich and Matt Doyle) fall in love while staging a classic by the Bard of Avon. Featuring Hale Appleman, Charlie Barnett and Sean Hudock.

“Rampart” (R for violence, sexuality and pervasive profanity) Woody Harrelson stars in this cop drama, set in 1999, as an LA police officer whose career and private life take a downward spiral after he is videotaped beating a suspected perpetrator. A-list cast includes Ben Foster, Cynthia Nixon, Steve Buscemi, Sigourney Weaver, Ned Beatty, Ice Cube and Anne Heche.

“Return” (Unrated) Post-traumatic stress drama about a soldier’s (Linda Cardinelli) frustrating attempt to readjust to civilian life in the Rust Belt following a tour of duty overseas. With Michael Shannon, John Slattery and Talia Balsam.

“The Turin House” (Unrated) Nietzscheinspired meditation on the meaning of human existence, set in Italy in 1899, as seen through the eyes of a horse whisperer (Janos Derzsi) and the farmer’s devoted daughter (Erika Bok). (In Hungarian and German with subtitles)

Page 13

AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH February 9 - 15, 2012

CALENDAR

National Civil Rights Museum

Through August 20 – “For All the World to See: Visual Culture and the Struggle for Civil Rights” Exhibit; Museum Gallery, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

First Thursday Film Series: February-August, Museum Auditorium, 6 p.m. To complement the, “For All the World to See Exhibit”, the museum will host films that reflect the various themes of the exhibit.

February 15, 22, 29 – Children’s Story Hour, Peach Room, 10 a.m., designed for children 8 and under to have an opportunity to learn about history and provide cultural enrichment during AfricanAmerican History Month. Does not include museum tour.

February 18 – Exhibit Reception and Presentation, Auditorium/Gallery, 5:30 p.m. “For All the World to See” exhibit opening program. Martin Berger, PhD, and author of “Seeing Through Race: A Reinterpretation of Civil Rights Photography.

Berger, professor and chair of History of Art and Visual Culture at the University of California at Santa Cruz, is the author of “Man Made: Thomas Eakins and the Construction of Gilded Age Manhood (2000)” and “Sight Unseen: Whiteness in American Visual Culture (2005).”

February 22 – Lunch & Learn: “African American Women in the Civil Rights Movement,” Rose Room, 5:30 p.m. This year’s national theme for Black History Month is “Black Women in American History and Culture.” The discussion will look at the role African-American women have played from 1619 to 1968. Free, bring your own lunch; 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.

Rhodes College

Feb. 13 – “Soul Food and Sitcoms”: Rhodes’ Black Student Association will discuss the images and the ideology of black sitcoms while viewing “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “Living Single”; Meal provided by Melanie’s Soulfood Restaurant, 7 p.m., Orgill Room, Clough Hall.

Feb. 20 – Moving Beyond Prejudice: “Prom Night in Mississippi” Documentary viewing and conversation with the director, Paul Saltzman, 7 p.m., Buckman Hall, Blount Auditorium.

Feb. 28 – “State of the Black Community” sponsored by Rhodes’ Black Student Association, 6 p.m., Orgill Room, Clough Hall.

(Events are co-sponsored by Rhodes’Mike Curb Institute, African American Studies Department, Kinney Program, Black Student Association, Film Studies & Multicultural Affairs. For more information: contact Sabrina Brown, Rhodes’ Office of the Multicultural Affairs, at browns@rhodes.edu or 901-843-3529.)

University of Memphis

Theme: “Black Women in American History and Culture: Passionate, Powerful and Proud.” Many of the events are free and open to the public free.

Dates, times and venues include: Feb. 11 – noon-3 p.m., tour of Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum; 7:30 p.m., Gospel Explosion, featuring Kierra Sheard, Rose Theatre.

Feb. 12 – “A Night With Star Jones,” 7 p.m., Rose Theatre Feb. 14 – “Black Indians: An American Story,” 1-2:30 p.m., Univ. Center Bluff Room.

Feb. 17 – NAACP Freedom Ball, 7 p.m., University Center Ballroom.

Feb. 21 – “The Help,” play and panel discussion, 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m., UC Theatre.

Feb. 22 – Igniting Excitement, 2 p.m., Rose Theatre Entertainment Lobby.

Feb. 23 – “An Evening with Debbie Allen,” 7 p.m., Rose Theatre.

Feb. 24 – SAC Movie Night, The Help, 7 p.m., University Center Theatre Feb. 26 – Black Women Who Write: Playwrights and Publishers Extraordinaire, 4 p.m., University Center Theatre.

Feb. 29 – Closing Ceremony, 1 p.m., University Center Bluff Room.

(More information, is available online at www.memphis.edu/multiculturalaffairs/events.htm or from the U of M Office of Multicultural Affairs at 901-678-2054.)

University of Tennessee

The Black Student Association (BSA) at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) is hosting its 20th Annual Awards & Recognition Ball at the Holiday Inn, 3700 Central Ave., beginning at 6 p.m. on Feb. 18.

The event is a celebration of BSA members’ accomplishments throughout the academic year.

Michelle Skinner, PharmD, executive director, NovoNordisk A/S, and a 1995 graduate of the UTHSC College of Pharmacy, will be this year’s speaker.

Individual tickets, $45; Table of ten $450.

Funds raised support BSA events. For tickets or more information, contact UTHSC Special Events – 901-448-5618 or 1-800-733-0482.

African American Read-In

Southwest’s InfoNet Library will celebrate Black History Month by participating in the 23rd National African American Read-In. Join various students and faculty as they read excerpts from the works of their favorite African-American writers and speakers.

The event begins at noon on Feb. 20.

Locations/contacts: Bert Bornblum Library (Room 122-Macon Cove Campus), Lisa Coleman or Jane Harris; Gill Center Library, Ron Claxton; Maxine A. Smith Center Library, Marcia Hunter; Parrish Library (Room 101-Union Avenue Campus), MaLinda F. Wade; Whitehaven Center Library (Breakroom), Verneta Boone.

The event is free and open to students, staff, faculty and the general public.

For more information, call 901-333-4706/5135.

Arts-A-F!RE Youth Theater Troupe

Memphis Black Arts Alliance’s Arts-A-Fire Youth Theater Troupe will present an original musical entitled “Testament” during Black History Month. On stage Feb. 10-12 at Evergreen Theatre, 1705 Poplar, “Testament” is the second original production that the youth troupe has written and produced.

Directed by Leslie Reddick, the play is a com-

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Dr. Rosie Phillips Bingham was saluted with the University of Memphis Authur S. Holmon Lifetime Achievement Award during a presentation at the Michael D. Rose Theatre on Feb. 1, the first day of African-American History Month. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

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Teamwork...

Fred Jones, founder of the Southern Heritage Classic, was honored during last Mondayʼs Memphis Grizzlies-San Antonio Spurs game at the FedExForum. The Grizzlies and McDonaldʼs of the Mid-South are teaming up once again to recognize those who have touched the lives of others in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. throughout the month of February as they celebrate Black History Month with the Community Heroes Program. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

pilation of narrative, poetry, dance and song that celebrates the rich American heritage, past and present of African-Americans. Show times are 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for MBAA members and $10 for children under 12 and groups of 10 or more.

For information and ticket reservations, call the Memphis Black Arts Alliance, Inc. – FireHouse Community Arts Center at 901-948-9522, visit the center at 985 South Bellevue Blvd., or send an email to mbaafirehouse@gmail.com. Tickets also can be purchased online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/220201.

‘Art & Beauty of Black History’

Twenty-seven Memphis-area residents will be honored and never-before-seen images of renowned photographer Ernest C. Withers will be on display during the Golden Historic Art Exhibit & Gala.

The three-day, African American History Month event will run Feb. 23-25 at the Southbrook Mall in Whitehaven.

The gala is set for Feb. 25 and will celebrate “Memphis black achievement.” Those set to be honored include Al Bell, Yvonne Acey, Elaine Turner, Milton Bolton, Thomas Burrell, Judge Bernice Donald, Roquita Coleman, Sharon Coleman, George Tillman, Kurl Mckinney, Levi Frasier and many more.

The art exhibit will include photographs of Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Issac Hayes, Rufus Thomas, President Obama, and the growth of civil rights era of Memphis. Works by Andrew Rome Withers and Larry Walker will be featured.

The hours and times are: Feb. 23-24 – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Feb. 25 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the gala from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Exhibit admission is $4 and gala tickets $25.

Booth space is available. For more information, call Kendra Calico at 901-643-9905.

Stax Music Academy

As its way to celebrate Black History Month this year, the Stax Music Academy (SMA) is presenting an original, Broadway-style musical production, “Welcome to Soulsville,” on Feb. 28 at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts.

There will be three performances: 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. All performances are free and open to the public. The daytime performances are geared toward Memphis City Schools students and other young people and advance reservations are required. The evening performance is geared toward the general public. Seating is on a first come first served basis and reservations are required for groups of 50 or more.

The musical, written by SMA vocal director/operations director Just Merrick, is based on the history of the community surrounding the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Stax Music Academy known as Soulsville, USA. It is the story of a group of young people and their journey through Soulsville, USA seeking to find out the real meaning of “soul.” Told through music, dance, drama, and fashion, the production includes new,

original music as well as numbers by Isaac Hayes, Aretha Franklin, Sam & Dave, Eddie Floyd, Tina Turner, and many others.

Bar-Kays lead singer Larry Dodson will appear as a special guest as will Soulsville Foundation CEO and Grammy-winning musician Kirk Whalum.

“Welcome to Soulsville” is sponsored by ArtsMemphis, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Wilson Family Foundation, and The Commercial Appeal. For reservations, contact Leona Johnson at Leona.johnson@staxmusicacademy.org.

Genealogy workshops

The Memphis Chapter of the African American Historical and Genealogical Society will meet Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library at 3030 Poplar Ave. “We know that many persons are interested in expanding their knowledge about their roots. Our AAGHS chapter invites them to join us during Black History month,” said Jack Hampton, AAHGS Memphis Founder.

AAHGS President April Branch said, “We offer creative and entertaining research activities and techniques and want to extend our reach across the Greater Memphis area to share in the completion of our mission to assist families with genealogy and historical research.”

Hampton said AAGHS Memphis is also excited about its new connection with The Alex Haley Museum in Henning, Tenn. AAGHS Memphis will conduct a genealogy workshops at a meeting at the Alex Haley Museum on Feb. 25 at 10 a.m.

Slave Haven

At the Slave Haven Underground Railroad and Museum (Burkle Estate) at 826 North Second St. African-American History is on display throughout the year, with additional emphasis during African American History Month.

Jacob Burkle, a German immigrant, was among those in the anti-slavery movement who risked their lives to help escaping Africans by harboring them in their homes and aiding them on their journey to freedom,” according to the Slave Haven website. Burkle, a stockyard owner, operated an underground Railroad way station on what then was the outskirts of Memphis from around 1855 until the abolition of slavery.

Tour hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, and $5 for students (4-17). Group rates are available.

For more information, call 527-3427 or 901527-7711, or email heritagetours@bellsouth.net.

Visit http://www.slavehavenundergroundrailroadmuseum.org/slavehaven.html.

BRIEFLY: Former NBA player and University of Memphis standout Elliott Perry will join Darrell Walker, another former NBA player, on Feb. 26 at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. for a presentation titled The Collecting of African American Art VIII: Elliot Perry and Darrell Walker in conversation with Michael D. Harris. Harris is associate professor of art history and African American studies, Emory University. The presentation will be at 2 p.m.

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS The Board of Education of the Memphis City Schools District will be accepting written proposals for External Mentor Principals due by 2:00 p.m./cst on March 15, 2012.

Visit our website for additional RFP information: http://www.mcsk12.net/aboutmcs_ procurements_bids.asp Questions concerning proposals should be addressed to Procurement Services at (901) 416-5376.

ALL INTERESTED BIDDERS The Board of Education of the Memphis City Schools will accept written bids for New Auditorium Seating and Lighting at Various Locations.

Visit our website for additional information: www.mcsk12.net/departments.asp, Procurement Services link, click on Bids & RFPs. Questions concerning bids/RFP should be addressed to Procurement Services at (901) 416-5376.

Thank you for supporting Memphis City Schools.

Jacqueline Saunders, Director Memphis City Schools – Procurement Services

Meals on Wheels Nutrition Contractor MIFA Meals on Wheels requests bids for a contract to provide nutrition services to older persons under Title III of the Older American Act and to Charter Schools. The nutrition program is made possible by a grant from the Aging Commission of the Mid-South, the City of Memphis along with federal, state, and private funds and contributions. Bids for the program, which runs July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2015 will be accepted until March 15, 2012 at 4:00 p.m.

Bid specifications are available at MIFA.org/rfp or at 910 Vance Ave., Memphis, TN 38126 up until the bid due date during the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Information relevant to the bid request may be obtained by contacting Trent Cobb, Metropolitan Inter-faith Association, PO Box 3130, Memphis, TN 38173-0130 or by calling 901-529-4549.

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SPORTS Tri-State Defender, Thursday, February 9 - 15, 2012, Page 14

Big win, big new conference for the Tigers Big East calls, U of M answers

Special to the Tri-State Defender

by J.R. Moorhead

For the University of Memphis, the word of the week is conference.

Conference! Conference! Conference!

In the last week, Memphis has achieved its first “signature” nonconference win, returned to the top of the Conference USA standings, and merged into the Big East Conference.

Last Saturday (Feb. 4), The Tigers took on the Xavier Musketeers at the FedExForum. The game was an unusually late non-conference game,

but judging by preseason rankings, it was supposed to be a top 25 match up made for ESPN. Unfortunately for the big networks, both teams were sitting at 15-7. The game wasn’t on ESPN, but it should have been. The Tigers put on their best performance of the year.

With Memphis trailing by 10 with 10 minutes left in the game, Xavier seemed to have an answer for everything the Tigers had to offer. But as time ticked down, Memphis made a late run. As the crowd went ballistic, the Tigers made an epic comeback and topped the Musketeers by a final of 72-68.

Head Coach Josh Pastner said he believed that the crowd actually “willed the team to victory.”

Next, the Tigers were headed to Greensville, N. Car., where were slated to play the Pirates of East Carolina. Memphis beat the Pirates handily by a score of 70-59. It was a big conference win for the Tigers, considering they need to win out to have a chance at wearing the conference crown.

On Wednesday (Feb. 8), the win in Greensville might not have been the most important variable for Memphis, but rather the fact that Southern Miss lost to UAB. The stumble for USM puts them into a tie in conference with Memphis. Both now have two losses each.

The tunnel is getting brighter and Memphis seems to be on a one-way trip to the big dance, but it still isn’t a shoe in for the Tigers.

Aside from all these games and how the season is going, Memphis is making moves. The Tigers are headed to the Big East.

This move is huge for the Tigers.

HUGE! Many thought Memphis would never be able to move to a bigger conference. The basketball team is competitive, but the football program is less than desirable.

With a new head coach for the Tigers’ football team and a possible pipeline to Texas recruits, Memphis’ football program has nowhere to go but up….Literally.

As for basketball, the Big East would definitely be a step up in competition. The Tigers would not be a favorite to win the conference every season.

They will be playing the Louisville Cardinals every year, not to mention UConn and Cincinnati.

Things will definitely get tougher, as they should.

For now, Memphis hopes that the step up will bring better recruits to both teams and an automatic bid to a BCS game for the football team, if they won the conference.

There are no guarantees in sports.

Memphis could continue to grow as an athletic whole, or falter with the switch in conference.

Play on, Tigers! Time will tell.

MIDDLE SCHOOL NOTES

Small Division: Girls The Corry Lady Eagles is the lone Memphis area team still alive in West Tennessee’s Middle School Sectional Tournament.

Tourney play will continue on Thursday (Feb. 9) at Geeter Middle School.

Games start at 3 p.m.

Small Division: Boys The Lester Lions defeated Airways and the Vance Eagles got past MAHS to continue their quests for tourney gold. Vance will face Fayette East Middle at 6 p.m. and

Lester will take on Lake County at 7:30.

Large Division: Girls & Boys Both the girls and boys teams at Snowden are still rolling along in the tourney play. All other Memphis area teams, including the defending champions, Ridgeway, have been knocked out of the championship hunt for 201112.

The TMSAA large division tournament is being held in Jackson, TN. – by Andre Mitchell

Grizz guard O.J. Mayo forces a jump ball call as he ties up a Timberwolves player. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

Champs

Mount Vernon Baptist Church – Westwood claimed the championship in church league competion for boys 11-14 last Friday (Feb. 3)

D-up!

Mt. Vernon and Greater Middle Baptist played for the championship trophy. (Photos by Tyrone P. Easley)

Grizz beat fatigue and the Timberwolves Three-game losing streak halted Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Kelley Evans

On the painful side of a threegame skid, the Memphis Grizzlies took care of business at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday (Feb. 8).

It helped to be back in the FedExForum, where the players will you several factors converge to make it easier to get over the hump of playing tired and fatigued during a home stretch.

“Guys are more rejuvenated and taking care of their bodies,” said Grizz guard Mike Conley. “We are getting full tub treatments now since we’re home. I hope guys will continue to take care of their bodies.”

After playing nine of the previous 12 games on the road, Memphis is in the midst of a stretch of playing seven of the next eight games at home.

Grizz guard O.J. Mayo said being home after an extensive road stint makes a difference in the momentum of the game.

“Anytime you’re able to get home, sleep in your own bed and get some home cooking, it makes a difference,” said Grizz guard O.J. Mayo. “We’re getting rest so we can capitalize and get some more home wins, like tonight.”

The Grizzlies came out with a burst of energy, defeating the Min-

nesota Timberwolves 85-80. Fans roared their approval of the high-energy dunks thrown down by forward Rudy Gay, who finished the game with 19 points and nine rebounds.

Two days earlier against the San Antonio Spurs, an all-too-familiar pattern was on display: Grizzlies play lackluster in the first half, fight to get ahead in the second half, only to lose their way because of fatigue in the final quarter. The 89-84 loss was the third to the Spurs this season.

Grizz Coach Lionel Hollins said on Monday that he wasn’t disappointed with the team’s effort in the game.

“I have to do a better job of managing the minutes and trying to have confidence in some of the perimeter people to do their job so that we cut down the minutes of our guys a little bit,” Hollins said. “Especially in the first part of the game, so that they will have a little more in their tank at the end of the game.”

Hollins made the adjustment going into Wednesday’s game against the Timberwolves (13-12). Marreese Speights and Quincy Pondexter started, along with Gay, Conley and Marc Gasol. Speights finished with a career-high tying 15 rebounds. Pondexter started in his second consecutive game, scoring a career-high 17 points and six rebounds.

“I want to commend Quincy (Pondexter),” Hollins said. “He came in and had a really nice game and played freely. It was something we

really needed. All those guys who played well, we really needed it.”

Memphis out rebounded Minnesota 59-47 and outscored them 20-12 in fast break points.

“It’s starting to get late,” Gay said. “Guys have to start doing those little things that they haven’t been doing before because honestly, guys are getting tired.”

“There are guys that still don’t know what we’re doing,” Hollins said. “We’re drawing things up, we’re showing them on film, but repetition is definitely the best way to improve. We’re just holding on and like tonight, it’s just a scrappy night.”

“The start of the third quarter we played really tired,” said Timberwolves head Coach Rick Adelman said his team really played tired at the start of the third quarter.

“Our effort has to be a little higher than that.”

Timberwolves guard Jose (J.J.) Barea led the team with 17 points and six assists.

“We didn’t come out with energy,” Barea said. “That put us deep in the hole. With teams like this, you can’t fall far behind.”

GRIZZ NOTES: Tony Allen has missed two straight games due to a sore hip/knee and is listed as day-to-day.

The Grizzlies will face the Indiana Pacers on Friday (Feb. 10), the Utah Jazz on Feb. 12 and the Houston Rockets on Feb. 14, all in the FedExForum.