February 5, 2015

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH See Calendar of Events on Page 15

February 5 - 11, 2015

VOL. 64, No. 4

www.tsdmemphis.com

75 Cents

Insure Tennessee kicked to the curb

by Lucas L. Johnson II Associated Press

NASHVILLE – Gov. Bill Haslam’s proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans has failed during a special legislative session.

The Senate Health Committee defeated the Republican governor’s Insure Tennessee plan Wednesday on a 7-4 vote.

Haslam spent 21 months negotiating with federal officials for a special deal for Tennessee that included market-based elements such as vouchers to buy private insurance, co-pays and assurances that the state could pull out of the deal if it ended up being more expensive than expected.

Hospitals pledged to cover the $74

Gov. Haslam’s health plan fails in legislature

million state share, meaning taxpayers wouldn’t be on the hook for extra health insurance costs.

Opponents of the Insure Tennessee proposal objected to adding to the federal debt by having the state draw down $2.8 billion in federal money under President Barack Obama’s health care law.

However, supporters of the plan said they were comfortable with the accountability measures the governor has included, and that the proposal is needed to help those Tennesseans in dire need of health coverage.

Republican Sen. Kerry Roberts of Springfield said one of the reasons he voted against the measure is because

Gov. Bill Haslam said he would not have proposed Insure Tennessee if he wasn’t sure it was good for the state. (Screenshot)

he wanted to see more details about consequences the state would face if it pulled out of the plan.

“This was a very agonizing decision for everyone on that committee,” he said.

Nurse practitioner Cathy Hill-McKinney of Troy said her conservative Republican beliefs had not influenced her support for the plan. She said a cancer patient she cared for – who couldn’t afford treatment and eventually died – could have utilized the governor’s plan.

“I wish you would at least give it a shot,” she said earlier in the day.

“We’ve got an opportunity to do something really good.”

With the plan’s failure in the Senate, SEE INSURE ON PAGE 2

COMMENTARY

Reality TV & images of African Americans

by Kelvin Cowans

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Kim Keenan, president and CEO of the Multicultural Media & Telecom Council, speaking at the NNPA mid-winter convention in Nassau, Bahamas (Photo: NNPA/Ann Ragland)

The call: Ramp up involvement in Internet issues

by George E. Curry NNPA News Service

NASSAU, Bahamas – African Americans need to become more involved in what might appear to be arcane debates over “net neutrality – having an open Internet – because the fast-evolving Internet will have a major impact on their lives, including how they consult with medical providers in the future, says Kim M. Keenan, president and CEO of the Multicultural Media & Telecom Council (MMTC).

“The next wave is going to be telemedicine,” said Keenan, referring to what the American Telemedicine Association defines as the use of medical information exchanged from one site to another via electronic communications – including smart phones, email, and video – to improve a patient’s clinical health status.

“The day is going to come when better care is going to come through telemedicine and if our grandparents don’t have access to broadband – fast broadband – they are going to be left out.”

Keenan, who recently assumed her new position after serving as general counsel and secretary of the NAACP, made her comments here in an address to publishers attending the mid-winter conference of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).

SEE MEDIA ON PAGE 3

MEMPHIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

H-51o - L-39o Sunny

REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS

H-61o - L-49o

Partly Cloudy

SUNDAY

H-58o - L-38o

Partly Cloudy

Friday Saturday Sunday H-54 L-39 H-63 L-48 H-62 L-38 H-47 L-37 H-57 L-47 H-52 L-37 H-57 L-37 H-67 L-50 H-68 L-44

Yes, I realize that reality TV is only partially true. I have made note that it’s awfully strange how people who seemingly hate each other still effortlessly find their way into the company Kelvin of one another.

Cowans I’m aware that it’s almost impossible to meet up with people you despise and had previous physical altercations with this many times without somebody ending up in the hospital or, even worse, deceased.

I get it when you Dr. Sheena Harris say nobody can be as emotionally broken yet professionally sound in the same five-minute span as Joseline Hernandez of “Love and Hip

The ‘truth’ about reality TV

Hop Atlanta” without a catch to it, also known as a script. I haven’t fallen off the turnip truck, my elevator does go to the top floor, the earth is round, O.J. got away with two murders, C-Murder picked the wrong rap name and Elvis and Tupac are both dead, OK! Yet, I find the supposedly truthbased reality TV shows and the sprinkling of truth in them to be a mix worth watching. It’s just entertainment, right?

On Tuesday, I spoke by telephone with Dr. Sheena Harris, an assistant professor of History at Tuskegee University, as she made her way to Memphis to speak Wednesday at The LeMoyne-Owen College on this subject: “Do Reality TV Shows like Real Housewives of Atlanta tarnish the image of all African Americans?”

Dr. Sheena Harris: From the historical perspective, I’m looking at black women from the colonial or

slavery times up until the present.

When you look at reality TV Shows like “Love and Hip Hop Atlanta” or “Real Housewives of Atlanta” the imagery is out of control. It’s not that I’m for or against these shows, I’m more speaking about what these shows reveal and so I ask the questions: “Do we just look at it through the eyes of respectability politics?

Does someone who is black within this genre speak for the entire race or do their actions only speak for themselves?”

Kelvin Cowans: … I watch these different shows for entertainment and at least I’m watching employed African Americans, basically actors.

Television executives couldn’t even put together ideas of this nature if some of it was not true in our community. So, are you and others really being fair to these African-American men and women who are doing a job? They’re employed.

Dr. Harris: I think that it sort of lends itself for criticism because it is in this public arena. And I think that we can be fair and it can be valid, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t SEE REALITY ON PAGE 3

‘Memphis is worth fighting for’ Shelby County’s State of Affairs State of the City is ‘sound and strong,’ says Wharton

Luttrell issues children-based challenge

“Emerging from the recession, it became clear that city government Special to The New Tri-State Defender could not afford business as usual,” said Wharton, adding that one of the Center stage at the Hattiloo The- biggest threats to the future involves atre, Mayor AC Wharton Jr. began his the City’s finances. “Faced with a State of the City address with what shrinking property tax base, $550 seemed to be a stream of accolades million unfunded liability in our penfor the city of Memphis in the last sion fund and $1.3 billion in OPEB, year from Forbes Magazine, CNN and a change in state law requiring Money and others. He promised that that we adthe best is yet dress our unto come. funded liabil“In 2014, ities, we had our city was to make some recognized tough choices. around the The mayor nation for made it clear the right reathat those sons (and) choices had 2015 will be to be made in no different,” the context of Wharton said creating a suslast week (Jan. tainable Mem29th) to an au- “As we move ahead we will focus on phis. dience of city results rather than politics and on pol- “We are creleaders, entre- icies rather than personalities,” Mayor ating a clean preneurs and A C Wharton Jr. said in his State of the balance sheet, concerned cit- City address. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley) a City that is izens. in the best fi“This is the nancial condition possible to hand year when all the momentum we to the next generation,” said Wharhave created and the unique partner- ton, who in recent months has been ships we have forged will converge on the receiving end of high-profile to make this a transformative year for criticism for making cuts in the city our city.” pension program and other areas.

Wharton proclaimed the State of “We made tough decisions to enThe City “sound and strong,” using sure that city government can do what the newly developed Overton Square it was created to do in the first place: district as an example of the city’s to efficiently deliver vital services that “innovative, active, and assertive role are needed by our people and to crein shaping our future.” ate the climate that makes Memphis The shape of city government was one of his first focuses.

SEE WHARTON ON PAGE 2

The New Tri-State Defender Staff

by Carlissa Shaw, Esq.

criminal behavior, all before they reach the age of 13.”

If Shelby County Mayor Mark H. So with all of the community’s asLuttrell Jr. could fast forward his vi- sets, there is room for improvement sion for the future there likely would in some keys areas, Luttrell said. be signs at the entry points to Tennes“Health indicators in this community see’s largest county declaring it the are too poor, especially given the wealth “Most Child-Friendly Place” in the of great healthcare institutions in Shelby United States.

County. Violent crime and unemployConvinced that it can happen, Luttrell ment are higher than national averages. on Wednes20.8 percent day (Feb. 4th ) of the populaused his State tion, or roughly of the County 195,000 peo2015 address ple, were livto “challenge ing below the us all to work poverty line in to make” it Shelby County happen. His as of 2013. Edimmediate ucational attainaudience was ment in Shelby those in attenCounty is lower dance at the than what we Kiwanis Club would like to of Memphis Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell see as we seek Luncheon held Jr. answers media questions after his to grow and diat the Universi- State of the County address. (Courtesy versify our local ty Club at 1340 photo) economy.”

Central Ave. All of the is“The unfortunate incident (youth sues, he said, connect to core functions mob attack) that took place in the of County Government: public health; Kroger parking lot last fall didn’t just public safety; education; and economstart there,” said Luttrell, who talk- ic development. Having worked to put ed about what he labeled the inter- structures and procedures in place to connectivity of challenges. “It goes begin to move the needle in each of back to the household and those early these areas, Luttrell said the stage is set years of cognitive formation.” for more rapid progress.

Too many children are being raised “I’m not naive enough to believe in single parents struggling with that government is going to be able to limited education, relatively low resolve all of the ills of society. But I job skills, he said, adding that, “Too do believe that if we can continue to many children are being exposed to convene the right stakeholders and poor learning environments; hunger; poor nutrition; domestic violence and SEE LUTTRELL ON PAGE 2

February 5 - 11, 2015

Page 2

WHARTON

CONTINUED FROM FRONT more competitive for jobs and investment. We sent a message to the rest of the country that Memphis is worth fighting for,” said Wharton.

“So many of the challenges in Memphis stem from our region’s high poverty rate, which is unquestionably our most intransigent problem. To address it we have developed the Blue Print for Prosperity, which will reduce the poverty rate by 10

LUTTRELL

CONTINUED FROM FRONT collaborate with our resources like we have done in my first term, we will improve the lives of children in this community.”

Luttrell vowed to continue working to ensure adequate funding to all seven school systems in Shelby County, noting that in FY 2015 Shelby County provided an additional $3 million to support the expansion of Pre-K classrooms to 400 students. His administration proposes to continue that level of funding so that it can be used as leverage for a $17 million federal grant awarded to the State of Tennessee in December to support Pre-K classrooms in Shelby County and Davidson County.

Touting the work of tnAchieves, a nonprofit that works to provide scholarships to students for 2-year colleges, Luttrell voiced his support for Gov. Haslam’s expansion of the program to all Tennesseans through the TN Promise Scholarship. And he made a pitch for mentors, which are critical to the success of such efforts.

Turning to economic development, Luttrell pointed to ongoing interest from companies looking to grow in Shelby County and those with aspirations of moving into the community. And while strong leadership is in place to support such moves, there still is a workforce issue, he said.

“Shelby County, like the rest of our country, is experiencing a “skills gap” – today we have nearly 14,000 unfilled jobs in this community, while at the same time we have high unemployment. If we expect to fill those 14,000 jobs – and frankly if we expect to retain and attract industry – we simply must have a workforce that’s prepared to meet industry hiring needs.”

That need is driving his partnership with the City of Memphis and business leaders to form the Greater Memphis Alliance for a Competitive Workforce, a business-driven effort to collaborate with K-12 and post-secondary education to meet the hiring needs of employers across the Mid-South.

A paramount concern is the physical health of Shelby County’s residents, said Luttrell, who highlighted the local effects envisioned with passage of Gov. Haslam’s Insure Tennessee initiative.

“The passage of Insure Tennessee is critical to both the health of the citizens of Shelby

INSURE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT it appeared unlikely that the House would move forward with its version of the proposal.

However, House Speaker Beth Harwell said Tuesday that she has offered to have her committee chairmen draw up alternate suggestions for Haslam should his plan appear to be headed for defeat.

More reaction “Ultimately, the absence of a clear, written agreement between the federal government and the State of Tennessee made passage impossible... We could not in good conscience put our stamp of approval on a mere verbal agreement with the Obama administration.”

– Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville.

“The failure of Lt. Gov. Ramsey and Speaker Harwell to exhibit leadership in the face of partisan politics means over a quarter of a million hard working Tennesseans will continue to go without critical health care.”

– State Democratic Party Chairwoman Mary Mancini “I anticipate the Governor will continue offering ideas for reform and the Legislature will continue working with him to make Tennessee a leading state for conservative innovation.”

– State Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney “Tennesseans will die and hos-

NEWS

points in 10 years,” he said, Wharton pitched the plan at last year’s State of the City.

And while he didn’t provide any more specifics, he promised the public would know more information soon.

Turning to job creation, Wharton highlighted what had been done over the last year.

“We had to create jobs, because we knew it would take years for our economy to recover and create the number of jobs that we needed. The results can be seen at The PyrCounty and to the economy,” he said before the measure failed in a crucial committee vote.

“Without this plan’s approval, very tough cost-cutting decisions are on the table that will have negative health care and economic consequences for this community.”

Referencing the Healthy Shelby initiative, a collaboration of public health institutions he pulled together to combat problem healthcare areas such as infant mortality, chronic diseases and end of life care, Luttrell embraced progress, such as a decrease in infant mortality rates in Shelby County for the first time.

It’s necessary to begin to view public safety as a public health issue,” said Luttrell. “As we explore resources and partnerships to address our public safety challenges, I believe that we should include our partners from the health community. Through our Operation Safe Community, we are beginning to look at new partners to bring to the table, including schools, faith leaders, and healthcare institutions.”

None of the results sought are possible without the financial affairs of Shelby County Government being stabilized and in good order,” said Luttrell, emphasizing the county’s excellent bond rating, the fund balance at a desired level, annual reduction of debt and the benefits derived from an efficiency study.

“Early projections indicate that budgeted revenues for FY 2016 may increase by roughly $4.7 million, primarily from increased property tax collections,” he said.

“My Administration will propose additional funding of $1 million for blight control. … We also plan to propose a pay increase of 1.7 percent across the board for all employees. This is in line with national cost of living adjustments this year, which are projected to be between 1.7 percent and 2.5 percent. The best part is that we will achieve this with NO tax rate increase.”

Luttrell concluded with an emphasis on the need to continue investing in programs that will enhance the lives of the county’s youth.

“The initiatives that I have outlined today are just the beginning of what I believe it will take for us to become the “Most Child Friendly County” in America, but we are committed to making the investments that it takes to move us towards that end.” pitals will close as a result of our cruel state legislature. Rarely in state history have we seen such a devastating lack of leadership.”

– U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tenn.

“Ultimately, seven legislators made a decision that prevented the full General Assembly from having the opportunity to debate this extremely important issue. We are hopeful that members of the General Assembly will continue to consider ways for Tennessee to provide coverage to the hundreds of thousands of uninsured in our state.”

– Craig Becker, president and CEO of the Tennessee Hospital Association “Foolish, foolish, foolish.

Sad, sad, sad. Sick, sick, sick.”

– U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn.

amid, AutoZone Park, Tiger Lane, Sears Crosstown, Broad Avenue, American Queen, Overton Square, Hattiloo Theatre, and in plans for the Fairgrounds and Pinch Historic District,” he said.

“The City of Memphis has created $776 million in job creation. For every dollar of CIP funding from Memphis, taxpayers leveraged a $30 return in funding from other sources, notably the private sector, creating an annual economic impact of $467 million

a year,” said Wharton.

Among those on hand and paying particular attention to the job creation focus was Kevin Woods, executive director for the Workforce Investment Network (WIN).

“I was excited to hear Mayor Wharton address the city’s continued focus on job growth,” said Woods. “The more of our citizens that we can train and help enter the workforce, the better.”

In a speech that was about an hour long, Wharton touched on

The New Tri-State Defender

myriad issues, including tourism, minority business contracts, blight and youth violence.

“Our number one priority never changes: safer communities,” said Wharton. “We have made strides in reducing domestic violence, assaults, drug violations, and property crimes, but the murder rate remains stubbornly high.

This is the difficult violent crime to combat because most often it stems from personal conflict or arguments between friends and family.

“Despite this, Memphis

Police Department is using new tactics to deal with the spike in homicides,” he said.

“We are working with leaders across Memphis to take action on a grassroots level to reduce crimes in their neighborhoods.”

With candidates lining up or considering jumping into the race for Mayor, Wharton, who is seeking reelection, said, “As we move ahead we will focus on results rather than politics and on policies rather than personalities.”

The New Tri-State Defender

February 5 - 11, 2015

Page 3

NEWS

MEDIA

CONTINUED FROM FRONT The Multicultural Media & Telecom Council, which recently changed its name from the Minority Media & Telecom Council, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving equal opportunity and civil rights in the mass media, telecommunications and broadband industries, and closing the digital divide.

Keenan said African Americans should be concerned about the elderly, young students and everyone in between, all of whom are affected by a digital divide.

According to a study by John B. Horrigan, there is an economic divide that parallels the racial divide.

It found that compared to more affluent students, 12.3 percent of all low-income students either lack access to the highest speed tier or were overrepresented in the bottom tier. It also found that “13.8 percent of all African-American students who, compared to whites, either lack access to the highest speed tier or are overrepresented in the lowest tier.”

Keenan said that gap will likely expand under some programs, such has those launched

by Google, that will target certain neighborhoods with service that will be 10 times faster than other offerings.

Although there is universal agreement that the Internet should be open to all, there is sharp disagreement on how that should be implemented.

MMTC favors placing consumer broadcast services under the jurisdiction of Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, but others – including President Obama – believe it should be covered by Title II of the act, an older section that initially covered telephones and other utilities.

Obama said in his Nov. 10

REALITY

CONTINUED FROM FRONT be critical as well. And yes I do understand the perspective of being employed, but I think that some of the images, although they are getting paid for it, reinforce a lot of negative things in our society.

I totally get the thing of if there wasn’t a market for it, then they wouldn’t be able to have the ratings that they have. I totally agree. I can recall when “The Cosby Show” was on television and there was an outcry against the show saying that it doesn’t depict the holistic black experience, and because of that there was a push in Hollywood to have more diverse images of blacks on television. Then came more relatable shows such as “Martin” and even now a show like “Blackish.” So it’s a slippery slope because on one hand people say you can’t be so critical, but on the other hand it does lend itself for analysis. And even though we know they are not real, it doesn’t stop us from thinking that they are real.

KC: But for adults, aren’t we able to distinguish what is real? We have free choice when we pick that remote up and if we don’t want to watch reality TV, then we don’t have to.

Dr. Harris: This is true.

We have the choice to turn the channel. But I do know a lot of people who don’t turn the channel and can’t tell the difference of real and fake when they watch it. I believe that it’s important to have these conversations and open discussions because to just say that someone is an adult and they automatically understand the imagery and what that imagery means, I don’t think that’s fair.

Whether they are negative or positive I think we should still have the conversations.

Do I think they should be taken off of the TV? No. I wouldn’t go that far. I’m just wondering what does it mean when a little girl watches it.

KC: What would a little girl be doing watching it?

Dr. Harris: It happens and it’s unfortunate.

KC: …So, I’m an executive producer of reality TV shows and we’re coming to Tuskegee, Ala. to film a reality TV show called “The Assistant Professors of History Unplugged and who Momma is that”…and I have a check for you for eight episodes (roughly three months) for $80,000 and a red 2015 BMW Convertible. Can I get you to be on the show?

Dr. Harris: Lol!!!!!! Red, huh? ... That’s tempting, but I

Kim Keenan said African Americans should be concerned about the elderly, young students and everyone in between, all of whom are affected by a digital divide. (Photo: NNPA/Ann Ragland) statement, “The FCC is an independent agency, and ultimately this decision is theirs alone.”

In its filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), a coalition representing more than 40 major racial and ethnic civil rights organizations, including MMTC, Rainbow PUSH and Blacks in Government (BIG), said: “Without broadband access, low income and middle-class Americans – and particularly people of color – cannot gain new skills, secure good jobs, obtain a quality education, participate in our civic dialogue, or obtain greater access to health-

care through tele-health technologies. “…If strong consumer protections are adopted and enforced, and a presumption against paid prioritization is adopted, Section 706 would be well suited to meet the goals of the Commission and communities of color. This authority will enable the Commission to adopt and enforce smart net neutrality rules that meet the goals of transparency and equity, while fostering broadband adoption and informed use. Section 706 has been successful in paving the way for today’s open Internet, pro-

can’t.

I may put forth an upright effort for a sensible character of the show, somebody else is probably going to usher in the foolishness and that’s going to define the entire show. I couldn’t do it. Could you?

KC: What’s your favorite sports team?

Dr. Harris: The Miami Heat.

KC: OK, so we’re also throwing in season tickets to the Miami Heat, front row, that’s 41 games, free.

Dr. Harris: Wow! Front row, huh? … I’m going to have to say no. While this is a great offer, it’s just not worth it. I understand the power of imagery and images and while

KC: Of course I would.

You’ve got more dignity in your shoe selection than I’ve got for public perception. In fact, they could hire me for $40,000 and a box of envelopes.

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

tecting consumers, promoting digital literacy and civic engagement, connecting schools and communities, and stimulating employment and entrepreneurship.”

Because major Internet service providers, such as Comcast and AT&T, also favor coverage under Section 706, the civil rights coalition has come under blistering criticism.

Lee Fang, writing in the

online publication Republic Report said, “In other words, something close to half of the entire civil rights establishment just sold out the Internet.”

MMTC issued a statement saying, “These recent posts are false, and we believe they subtly embrace coarse racial stereotypes.”

It continued, “MMTC and the national minority organizations formed their views

on the Open Internet independently of the telecom companies, with no financial quid pro quos. Their position in the Open Internet rulemaking is the same as FCC Chairman Wheeler’s position except that the minority organizations sought stronger consumer protections than the Chairman did – specifically, a fast-track complaint process modeled after Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.” Keenan was still bristling at such criticism when she addressed NNPA publishers.

“People have basically said.

‘They bought y’all out. That’s why y’all have this position.’”

Kennan said. “It’s so insulting that people think that as black people, we can be bought or that we don’t care about who will make it right for our community – that we won’t do what’s right like normal people do.”

Keenan praised Jesse Jackson’s push to diversify Silicon Valley.

“Much has been said about Rev. Jackson, but if I were to look back over his lifetime and say, ‘What is the most significant thing that he’s done,’ I would point to this,” she said.

“A company (Intel) invests $300 million and comes out and says, ‘We’re going to make our workforce look like America, we’re going to make sure we have black engineers, but not just engineers. They need to have black lawyers, black accountants.’ People focus only on so many engineers, but there’s a whole lot of these other people.”

She also lauded black publishers, saying, “When you tell our story, it gets told in our voice.”

February 5 - 11, 2015

Page 4

The New Tri-State Defender

OPINION

How Dick Gregory got his star

John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951-1997)

The Mid-South’s Best Alternative Newspaper Powered by Best Media Properties, Inc.

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

Open letter to school leaders on teacher compensation

I am writing this letter as a frustrated teacher who understands completely the concerns of so many of my colleagues (about) the lack of raises and monetary compensation.

At times I, of course, feel like most teachers: underappreciated, overworked and ineffective. However, these are not the circumstances that are at the root of my frustrations. Nor am I frustrated by the district’s current teacher compensation proposal.

Today I am troubled most by the lack of due diligence on full display by so many of my peers and colleagues who are allowing themselves to fall victim to those who seek to muddy the waters of public discourse with misinformation and provocation.

If as teachers we want to truly be taken seriously as professionals and continue to have our voices heard at the table of negotiations, we must resist a path of expedience fueled by finger pointing and blame. Discussions driven by misinformation, anger and personal gain have never helped and will never help to facilitate the progress we seek. All of us have a responsibility to read and learn exactly what is in this proposal so that we may move this conversation forward through calm and honest discourse based on the facts and facilitated by a common sense approach.

We teachers must take full advantage of this moment by staying focused on realistic and sustainable solutions oriented by a logic that will benefit not just teachers, but also help to improve the teaching and learning of the students for which we have pledged to serve.

For the first time in a long while, we have the opportunity to move this discussion forward in a measurable way by supporting a system that recruits, retains and rewards excellent teachers. However, I do understand the concerns of teachers who feel that, because of circumstances beyond their control, their TEM score will not be an accurate representation of their hard work and abilities as a professional. This proposal will

not solve every problem we have as teachers, but we should not “let the perfect be the enemy of the good.” This proposal is by no means perfect, but it is a good step in the right direction.

Jeffrey I am optimisMonroe tic that this new compensation system will allow us to finally move the conversation beyond a system that rewards regardless of teacher effectiveness and based only on seniority.

I appreciate and welcome the opportunity to be a part of teacher voice during the rollout of this proposal, especially with an administration that seems to be attempting to make teacher morale a priority.

For these reasons, I fully support this proposal and urge board members and district leaders to move forward with its implementation, provided that they continue to address teacher’s concerns pertaining to TEM rubric inconsistency and rigor. A system in transition can only benefit from the input of teacher voice…a voice strongly committed to the success of our district in improving student teaching and learning.

I close with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Even a superficial look at history reveals that no social advance rolls in on the wheels of inevitability. Every step towards the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals. Without persistent effort, time itself becomes an ally of the insurgent and primitive forces of irrational emotionalism and social destruction. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”

(Jeffrey Monroe, a chemistry teacher at Hollis F. Price Middle College.)

Every day is Ferguson; ‘our’ schools prove it We are all justifiably outraged at events that have occurred in Ferguson, Mo. For a while, it seemed as if there were daily headlines screaming about new incidents of racial violence boiling over in a town struggling to overcome its troubled history.

While prominent African-American leaders shout their outrage from microphones and television studios and the rest of us express our sadness and anger in barbershops, salons and churches, we fail to realize an essential hard truth. Incidents such as those associated with Ferguson happen every day in classrooms across America.

An academic assault occurs each school day as the needs of students – especially African-American students – are neglected, ignored or buried at the bottom of another batch of standardized test score results.

Consider the following statistics compiled by the Black Alliance for Educational Options: • 42 percent of black students attend schools that are under-resourced.

• Poorly performing black males are three times more likely to be suspended or expelled from school than their white peers.

• Black boys are 2.5 times less likely to be enrolled in gifted and talented programs, even though they have proven they can do the work.

What’s more alarming than these dismal student statistics is the ambivalence or numbness exhibited by us adults. Where’s the outrage?

Where’s is the by-any-means-necessary mentality in this case as we are so quick to show in cases such as Ferguson?

The sad stats notwithstanding, there are pockets of transformational change happening across the United States with leaders of color doing so by any means.

Geoffrey Canada, the former president and CEO of the Harlem Children’s Zone (now serving as

president of its board), created a ground-breaking, block-byblock approach to tackling academic and economic poverty in urban neighborhoods, including a network of Promise Darrell Academy CharAllison ter Schools.

The Chicago-based Urban Prep Academies, founded in 1992 by Tim King, has boasted a 100-percent acceptance rate to four-year colleges and universities for all of its high school male seniors for four consecutive years.

Dr. Steve Perry, the founder and principal of Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, Conn., has achieved sending 100 percent of the school’s predominantly low-income, minority, first-generation high school graduates to four-year colleges every year since 2006.

These strong African-American male education leaders are doing what is necessary to educate our children; however, the means by which they do this is parental school choice. Via schools of choice, these leaders have the flexibility, leverage and authority to customize an education program that has the best chance of truly reaching every kid.

At the end of the day, who cares about the politics of parental school choice, especially when it is our children who are suffering the most? If we don’t have honest discussions about what school choice means for our children and consider replicating the successful models offered by Canada, King and Perry, it will continue to be just another day in Ferguson in schools across America.

(Darrell Allison is president of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina.)

Joyce Kyles shares quality time with a participant at the teen dating violence conference hosted by Beautifully Spirited Women.

(Photo: Ya’Keyah Chanique Clark/ Generation Y Photography)

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: Things young & old must know In the fall of 2014, I attended a youth violence summit hosted by the Shelby County Crime Commission and the Department of Justice.

There was a panel top heavy with law enforcement and judicial dignitaries, who spoke about youth crime and provided a number of statistics.

Many in attendance seemed quite surprised to learn that 50 percent of all crimes committed by juveniles in Shelby County are related to domestic violence.

According to loveisrespect.org, one in three teens in the U.S. is the victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse by a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds other types of youth violence. And while domestic violence alone is not to blame for our youth’s troublesome behavior, statistics show it is a weighty factor.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Awareness month, a time for focused consideration of facts such as this: Children who witness abuse at a young age grow up with the potential of becoming the abuser, the abused or both as adults.

During the youth violence conference, the most valuable segment was the panel discussion featuring the young people. Among other things, they told us they need and want mentors; that they want people to not be afraid to talk to them; and leaders who care about their interests.

Many of our youth live in environments where the parents or caregivers are fighting or dealing with some form of abuse. Many of them are the victims of abuse. With such a backdrop, what can we do as a community to help the young people who are dating?

Here are three ways to address the

concern: 1. “Real talk” needs to be more than a popular phrase. We have to speak plainly and honestly about what it means to love self, to set goals and boundaries and to know the Joyce signs of abuse.

Kyles Our youth need help understanding the consequences of dating a person who doesn’t practice or know how to love or respect them.

2. Stop acting as if young people don’t see or hear the abuse in our homes or the places that serve as caregivers for our children. They may not verbalize it, but please know that they are affected by it. If they aren’t getting the love and attention they want and need from the sources that they should, they will find it where they can.

3. We must be the mentors and leaders that our young people need.

That means getting the necessary training, including learning about myriad organizations and resources available to escape abuse.

Just as there are adults who are not receptive to assistance or instruction, the same holds true for our youth.

However, there are many that want and need our help and support. It’s time to stop being outraged and start being outgoing in our approach to ending violence, domestic and otherwise.

(Joyce Kyles is executive director of Walking Into A New Life, Inc. Visit www.wianl.org.)

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Activist/ SiriusXm satellite radio host Joe Madison was helping on a campaign to get the Four Tops a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame when he noticed another serious omission.

George E. “You go to Curry Hollywood and Gene Autry had five (one in each category).

Big Bird had a star.

When we did our campaign to get the Four Tops a star, I said, ‘My God, Dick Gregory doesn’t have a star.’” In 1997, seven years after Dick getting inducted Gregory into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Four Tops finally were awarded a star.

But Madison couldn’t get over the fact that Dick Gregory, the first black comedian to earn more than $1 million a year yet gave up his career to actively support Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), hadn’t been recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

“You can walk down there and not see Dick Gregory, but you’ll see Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor and Whoppi Goldberg,” Madison said. “ I don’t know of any entertainer from the era who sacrificed more than Dick Gregory.”

About 10 years ago, he set out to change that.

“The first time we tried it, we filled out a very complicated application and the committee – the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce – didn’t award him a star,” Madison remembered. “I tried again and they still didn’t accept it. We let some time go by. This time (in 2013), I said, ‘Look, this is ridiculous.’ That’s when I got Sheila Moses, who helped write Dick’s last book, help word the application. E. Faye Williams, president of the National Congress of Black Women, helped and we put the application together and sent it in. Finally, the committee accepted him in the class of 2015.”

At the age of 85, Gregory joins a class that includes Kool & the Gang, Pharrell Williams, Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler. The induction ceremony was carried live Monday on national and international television.

Before Gregory could receive his honor, $30,000 had to be submitted on his behalf to cover the creation and installation of his star as well as maintenance of the Walk of Fame.

A small group of supporters got together to strategize. The first idea was to reach out to some of the biggest names in Hollywood who could write the $30,000 within the blink of the eye, including fellow comedian Bill Cosby and Hugh Hefner, who lifted Gregory to national stardom in 1961 by regularly booking him at Chicago’s Playboy Club. The second idea was to identify 30 people willing to donate $1,000 each.

But Joe Madison had a better idea.

He recalled, “I got with Sherry (his wife and radio producer) and said, ‘Let’s go on the air and make this very simple – 1,000 people with $30.

If I don’t have 1,000 listeners who can afford $30, I need to be off the air.’”

The $30,000 goal was reached in two weeks.

“What it really speaks to is Dick,” he said. And it’s hard to find anyone who has not been touched by Dick Gregory in some way.

As a teenager growing up in Tuscaloosa, Ala., I remember hearing him speak at First African Baptist Church, the nerve center of our efforts to desegregate my hometown. I was stunned by the way he boldly attacked segregation, keeping us laughing along the way.

Callers into Joe Madison’s radio show shared their special memories.

Madison remembers the call-ins: “One guy, who’s a doctor in New Orleans, said, ‘Dick Gregory spoke at Xavier University. I was a student and I still have the notes from that speech.’ He was in school in the 70s.

“An executive from Caterpillar in Peoria, Ill. said, ‘I am the only black sitting up here on the 7th floor and I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Dick Gregory. I know you asked for $30, but I am sending $1,500.”

Most of the contributors were everyday people who donated $30.

“It had to be done,” Madison said of the campaign. “People say, ‘Who cares about a star on the Walk of Fame?’ It’s about marking your territory.”

(George E. Curry, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service.)

The New Tri-State Defender

February 5 - 11, 2015

Page 5

TENNESSEE CLERGY FOR EDUCATIONAL CHOICE & SCLC MEMPHIS CHAPTER Petition Drive In Support of Educational Choice SCLC Memphis Chapter has initiated a Petition Drive In Support of Educational Choice. Currently, we have garnered the support of over 25,000 who have signed the petition.

The strategy has been to send workers out into various communities and shopping centers acquiring signatures for the petition. Pastors have been getting members of their congregation to sign the petition as well. SCLC Memphis will continue to call upon pastors and concerned parents and community member across the state of Tennessee to sign on to the petition drive and join us in a press conference in Nashville, TN. The purpose will be to present the Petition Supporting Educational Choice to the Governor and the Legislature and appeal of the people for the passage of the Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP) this session.

Parents with financial means have options, those with limited financial means do not. An educational choice program like an Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP) shifts power to low income parents. The OSP, for the first time, will give parents of limited means the power to do what is best for their children. • The Opportunity Scholarship Program should be given to all low income Tennessee families. Access to quality education should not be limited to children of wealth families. • Low income families should have more power, not less, and our children should have more options, not fewer.

Please join our coalition of ministers, representing approximately 50,000 congregants, which has been following the debate regarding education policy in the General Assembly with great interest. We strongly support the passage of voucher legislation and would ask the Governor and the Legislature to strike a balance between the Governor and any other proposals put forth in the Legislature. We look forward to standing alongside you and those elected officials who will put our Tennessee children first and foremost.

If you agree, please add your name to the other 25,000 who have signed the petition, and take the added step of contacting your legislator, sharing it with your friends and having them contact their legislator in support of passing the Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP).

Thank you for your interest.

Warm Regards, Dr. Dwight Montgomery Pastor, Annesdale Cherokee MBC President, Memphis Chapter, SCLC 901.488.4798 | sclcmemphis@yahoo.com

February 5 - 11, 2015

Page 6

OPINION

Danger: Irresponsible anti-vax politics Could transfer risks of disease to communities of color As the Center for American Progress’ Sam Fulwood III aptly pointed out in his recent analysis of the impact of the economic downturn in communities of color, there’s an old saying that also applies when we’re talking about health outcomes: “When white folks catch a cold, black folks catch pneumonia.”

And with the concerns of urban communities already less heard and less addressed in general, it’s crucial that science and data dictate vaccination policy – not politics. So when our leaders make misguided and misinformed statements outside their space of expertise, it can undermine medical professionals who are trying to save lives.

Of course, that may not be the first thing on the minds of Republican presidential aspirants like Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey and Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who made irresponsible assertions this week that it’s OK for parents to choose to ignore the science when it comes to decisions about the vaccination of their children. While Christie quickly backpedaled on his statements after a firestorm of public criticism, Paul – who is a physician – doubled down, stating that vaccines were to blame for “profound mental disorders” such as autism. This is simply not true.

These scientifically baseless assertions can lead to profoundly dangerous public health policy, particularly in communities of color.

The ramifications for many African Americans and other minority groups are greater than for those who have better access to quality health care – as has been shown – even as the Affordable Care Act takes shape. These concerns are primary in densely populated urban centers or metropolitan areas, where communities of color are disproportionately concentrated.

As The Guardian’s health editor Sarah Boseley correctly points out, infectious diseases “spread horrifyingly fast in cities.” This was one major reason why, during my time as chief health officer of Washington, D.C., we instituted an ambitious citywide emergency school immunization campaign in 2002 upon finding 21,000 public school students who had not been vaccinated to meet established standards. This was considered one of the largest immunization drives in U.S. history, and within just eight weeks we experienced a 99 percent success rate.

There was no conversation about choice, simply a conversation about how we could best protect the nearly 600,000 residents in the nation’s capital and the tens of millions of people from across the world who visit each year. And at that time we

“choice,” it’s not an urban issue, but it is an example of mostly more affluent individuals imposing their preference on underresourced and vulnerable popula-

were extremely sensitive about contagions and the spread of lethal infections, especially in the immediate wake of managing the country’s first bioterrorism attack.

What’s sigDr. Ivan nificant to note Walks here is that we did this in a city that had, at the time, a majority-black population (more than 56 percent) and a public school population that is overwhelmingly African American.

In describing these communities, we frequently use the term “underserved.” But in reality, communities of color in highly populated metro areas are highly underresourced. This makes these communities much more vulnerable to major epidemics, including measles. The need for surge capacity and an adequate emergency health care response is critical.

Measles is actually much more contagious than another disease that recently grabbed headlines, Ebola.

Which makes the current political “debate” peculiar. Elected officials like Christie didn’t hesitate to quarantine medical staff returning from fighting the disease in West Africa but appear somewhat nonchalant about fast-infecting measles. More alarming, and what some political leaders won’t say, is that diseases like measles will spread faster in cities.

That will put people of color, especially African Americans, in the direct line of epidemiological fire, since nearly 20 of the largest cities in 13 states have black populations of 50 percent or higher.

The last major outbreak of measles in the United States erupted less than 25 years ago. More than 56,000 Americans were infected, including 11,000 nationwide who were hospitalized and, sadly, 123 reported fatalities. And as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention later found, a disproportionate share of those infected were “inner-city, American Indian, Hispanic, non-Hispanic black and low-income children aged five years (or younger) who had not been vaccinated.” In fact, the CDC discovered that “(r)acial/ethnic minority children were at three to 16 times greater risk for measles than were non-Hispanic white children.”

This risk disparity is of particular concern to public health professionals and planners, and it was a main driver behind the federal government’s creation of the Childhood Immunization Initiative in 1993.

For those who advocate for

THE TIME IS ALWAYS RIGHT TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT. – Martin Luther King Jr.

The New Tri-State Defender

tions of color – which means, ultimately, that they are transferring the risk.

(Dr. Ivan Walks is the former chief

health officer for the District of Columbia. He is also founder and CEO of Ivan Walks & Associates. Follow him on Twitter.)

The New Tri-State Defender

February 5 - 11, 2015

Page 7

February 5 - 11, 2015

Page 8

MONEY MATTERS

BUSINESS

ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

Social Security benefits for spouses This week our column focus is on spouses and Social Security. Twice a month I answer legal questions on WDIA with Bev Johnson. This week there was an overwhelming amount of questions that pertained to spouses and Social Security. I realized that a number of people had similar questions. So for those interested here is a brief overview and answers to questions.

My spouse died. Can I apply for his or her Social Security?

Are your beneficiaries up-to-date?

The end of the year is a time when families often gather together. It might also be a good time to make sure you have Charles Sims accurately Jr., CMFC, designatLUTCF ed family members as beneficiaries in your will, insurance policies, and retirement accounts.

This is especially important if there have been changes in your life, such as the birth of a child or grandchild, a death in the family, a divorce, or a remarriage. But even if your family situation remains the same, it’s a good idea to review your beneficiary designations to be sure they are complete and reflect your current wishes.

Beneficiary forms generally trump your will A will is a legal document for designating your heirs and is used to facilitate distribution of your assets when your estate goes through the probate process. However, the assets in most pension plans, qualified retirement accounts, and life insurance policies convey directly to the people named on the beneficiary forms — even if they are different from the people named in your will — and are not subject to probate.

Fortunately, it’s easy to designate or change your account beneficiaries. Unlike a will or a trust, which may incur costs to update, a new beneficiary designation form can easily be filed with the appropriate financial institution or insurance company.

Here are some issues to consider.

If you’re married, your current spouse is entitled to be the beneficiary of an ERISA-governed retirement account such as a 401(k) plan. If you want to designate your parents or children from a previous marriage as the account beneficiaries, you must obtain a notarized waiver from your current spouse.

It’s advisable to designate secondary (contingent) beneficiaries in the event that any of your primary beneficiaries predecease you. Otherwise, proceeds would be distributed according to the default method specified in the plan documents and/or state law.

Some insurance policies, pension plans, and retirement accounts may not pay death benefits to minors. If you want to leave money to young children, you should designate a guardian or a trust as beneficiary.

The use of trusts involves complex tax rules and regulations. There are expenses associated with the creation of these legal instruments. Consider the counsel of an experienced estate planning professional and your legal and tax advisors before implementing a trust strategy.

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

The New Tri-State Defender

When a person dies, certain members of his or her family may be eligible to receive benefits based on the deceased earnings record from the Social Security Administration (SSA) often called Survivor’s benefits. If the deceased earned a sufficient amount of work credits and paid into Social Security, the surviving family may receive monthly checks.

According to the SSA the following may receive Survivor benefits: 1.

The surviving spouse may receive Social Security benefits if he or she has reached the age of 60.

2.

The surviving spouse may receive benefits if he or she has reached the age of 50 and is disabled.

3.

If the deceased has children under the age of 16 or disabled, the surviving spouse may receive benefits at any age.

4.

If the deceased has an ex-spouse that was married to him or her for at least ten (10) years and the ex-spouse has reached age 60, the surviving ex-spouse may receive benefits if he or she is not currently married.

5.

If the deceased has an ex-spouse at any age that is caring for a child under the age of 16 or disabled, the surviving ex-spouse may receive benefits.

6.

The surviving unmarried children under the age of 18 may receive a benefit.

7.

The surviving unmarried children under the age of 19 that are still attending school full time may receive a benefit only up to grade 12.

8.

The surviving dependent parents that have reached age 62 may receive a benefit.

This is a generalization and may be exceptions to the rule.

But this is a guide for surviv-

ing benefits.

How do I apply for Social Security benefits?

T h e first step to receive Carlee McCullough, benefits is to apply.

Esq. The benefits do not start automatically. An application may be filed online by going to www.ssa.gov. The process is pretty self-explanatory. However, for those people that are not computer savvy, an application may be submitted via the telephone at (800) 772-1213 or in person by going to any local Social Security Administration office.

If my spouse receives a Social Security benefit, will my retirement benefit decrease?

Generally speaking, benefits paid to your spouse will not decrease the retirement benefit paid to you from the Social Security Administration. From a strategy perspective, the benefits received by your spouse may impact the decision on when it is best for you to start receiving benefits.

If benefits are received early, they may be permanently reduced, thereby potentially reducing the overall benefits received.

Additionally benefits paid to a divorced spouse should not decrease the amount of benefits you or your family receives from the Social Security Administration.

Can my mother or father leave their Social Security benefits to my son or daughter?

Social security benefits are not to be treated as assets are under a will. There are very limited circumstances in which a grandchild may receive Social Security benefits from a grandparent upon his or her death. If the grandparent has adopted the grandchild, the same rules would typically apply as if the grandchild is the “birth child” of the grandparent. The adopted grandchild would be eligible to receive a benefit up until the age of 19 if

they are unmarried and still attending school full time up to the completion of grade 12. Remember that once a grandchild is adopted, that child is treated as if they were the “birth child” of the grandparent. In sum, think of your frequent deposits to Social Security as an investment and a form of social insurance, which helps to protect people from financial hardships.

On another note, in an effort to be responsive to The New Tri-State Defender audience, please feel free to email me questions regarding legal issues if you would like answers. Additionally, if you have a business or know of someone in business that would like to be highlighted in On Our Way to Wealthy, email me the name of the business and owner along with the contact information at jstce4all@ aol.com.

Remember we are On Our Way to Wealthy and want to highlight great businesses on their way.

(Contact Carlee McCullough, Esq., at jstce4all@ aol.com.)

The New Tri-State Defender

February 5 - 11, 2015

Page 9

BUSINESS

Why African Americans are in desperate need of mortgage help

by Marcia Griffin

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Buying a house or a piece of property to call your own is part of the American Dream. But, if you’re African-American, that dream is becoming further and further out of reach.

Whether you’re a renter trying to buy your first home or a homeowner looking for a modification to avoid foreclosure, it has become more difficult than ever to get approved for a loan and just as challenging to understand the nuances of what lenders are looking for. For African-Americans, the mortgage landscape is particularly harrowing.

According to sociologists from Rice and Cornell Universities, African-Americans are 45 percent more likely than whites to go from owning their homes to renting them. There are many factors contributing to this startling statistic. Among them: • African Americans are more likely to lose their homes to foreclosure.

• African Americans have been more targeted by predatory lenders.

Marcia Griffin • African-Americans have less wealth to put toward homeownership in the first place. During the so-called Great Recession between 2007 and 2010, wealth for African

Americans dropped by an average of 31 percent, home equity dropped by 28 percent and retirement savings dropped by 35 percent. During that same period, whites lost 11 percent in wealth, 24 percent in home equity and actually gained 9 percent in retirement savings.

So are African-Americans destined to fall further behind? Not if they are aware of the statistics and trends and how to overcome them.

For example, in inner cities, conveniently located houses will go to non-minority people who can afford the down payment and have excellent credit. Meanwhile, African Americans will be pushed further and further out, making it increasingly difficult to get to work plus getting stuck with sky-high rents and slum landlords.

Already, Wall Street investors have bought thousands of foreclosed homes once owned by African-Americans. They are now the owners and we are the renters. This is the scheme. Rents are predicted to go up 20 percent per year. To make matters worse, when investors sell

the properties, African Americans are not the buyers. The mortgage approval requirements are exceedingly high. Today, the average mortgage denial has a 722 credit score.

The average score for the people we serve is 630. Since 96 percent of African-American wealth is in our homes, we lose.

While these statistics and trends are grim, they are certainly not insurmountable. With goal-oriented financial education and information, thousands of homeowners have achieved their financial goals in recent years. Many families have achieved zero percent foreclosure rates – a remarkable feat in the recent economy.

Here is some valuable information that could lead in that direction: • Remember, the mortgage industry is in business to make lots of money by any means necessary. The less you know, the fewer your options and the more you can be taken advantage of.

• Non-profit counseling and credit assistance for distressed homeowners and prospective homebuyers is available, but rarely marketed. A lot

of this is valuable, free information from experts in mortgage and credit fields.

• In many states, there is government home-buying money that goes unused. This money is also not marketed. Call your Department of Housing as soon as possible.

• Limit the financial information you get online. Speak to a professional over the phone or in person so you can check out their credentials.

• Without some guidance and information, the mortgage process can be confusing, difficult and misleading. One wrong decision and thousands of dollars can be lost. So get the information you need.

(Marcia Griffin is founder of HomeFree-USA, an intermediary for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, committed to turning around home-ownership rates for African-Americans and other minorities. For more information: marciaghfusa@msn.com; 202288-8510; or call toll free: 855-4934002. Also visit HomeFreeUSA.org; Twitter: @marciahomefree .)

February 5 - 11, 2015

Page 10

RELIGION

The New Tri-State Defender

Bishop Gerald Coleman Sr.: Interceding for God’s people men had arranged the meeting.

“I fellowshipped with him (Clinton),” the prophet recalls.

From Memphis to Chicago to New York to Florida and cities in between, Coleman has ministered to and prayed for people.

He has been called the “Prophet of Memphis” and has strong connections in Africa and the United Kingdom.

by Wiley Henry

whenry@tsdmemphis.com

More than 20 years ago, Gerald Coleman Sr. traveled the United States as an evangelist with Tennessee’s 5th Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ.

During his travels he noticed that men and women were struggling to overcome obstacles. Touched by their plight, he reached out with “a willing spirit and a hand of mercy” to make a difference in their lives. And with a succinct message from God, he left with them a prophetic word that would henceforth change their lives for the better.

Most people address him as Prophet Coleman, a God-fearing man who prophesizes, preaches, teaches, counsels and intercedes on behalf of bishops, pastors, deacons, evangelists and laymen all across the United States – and abroad for that matter – who look to the prophet for spiritual direction and for his uncanny ability to see beyond the realm of this world.

Coleman knew he was different than most people. He could see the intangible – what the naked eye can’t see – even as a 6-year-old child. Some people might go so far to describe his ability as otherworldly. Coleman, however, describes it as a “gift” and that God has indeed anointed him to speak the unadulterated gospel truth.

“As a child, I could see things.

I had several visions. I knew I wasn’t normal. I was always seeing things. I was prophesizing,” he says. “I would always be in front of people. God showed me how to be a leader of His people.”

Coleman actually began his ministry 31 years ago. He is currently the spiritual leader, or the shepherd, of a faithful flock at Faith Keepers Ministries, a thriving church in the Raleigh-Frayser community. He has been at the helm for 10 years.

Originally from Corinth, Miss., Coleman’s family moved to Memphis when he was 10 years old. He grew up with 11 sisters and brothers. Although their parents are deceased, Coleman is their second oldest child.

“Preachers run in my family,” Coleman noted. “I was about 24 years old when I received my calling.”

The Rev. Kenneth L. Coleman is the pastor of God’s Ministries in Cordova, Tenn.

Another brother, Charles Coleman, teaches Sunday school at another church and plays an integral part in the church’s music department. His sister, Prophetess Betty Coleman, has the uncanny ability to see beyond the realm as well. Each one, however, is working in the vineyard for Christ, Coleman says.

“You have to have a heart for ministry and a love for God,” says Coleman, the father of four children: Ashley Shaw, Marquita Palmer, Brittany Whitaker and Gerald Coleman Jr., Faith

Kingdom building…

Bishop Gerald Coleman Sr. and first lady Marlene D. Coleman of Faith Keepers Ministries in the Raleigh-Frayser community. (Courtesy photo) Keepers’ drummer. Marlene D. Coleman, Coleman’s wife of 13 years, is an evangelist and the first lady of the church. She oversees the women’s ministry, Women Operating in Faith.

A ‘fisherman’ of men…

In Coleman’s role as prophet, he refuses to confine himself to the church’s pulpit to reel in men and women for Christ. Instead, he travels the highways and byways casting a wide net in an effort to capture the soul of God’s people, as if he is indeed a “fisher” of men.

“I’ve done a lot of traveling and evangelistic work,” he says.

“I’ve dealt with whites, blacks, Hispanics. I’m multicultural.”

Laymen and clergymen alike have called on Coleman for any number of reasons. Like a prophet from the biblical days, he responds to their calls without hesitation and travels to and fro without the need for fanfare, bells and whistles.

In a society that places a premimum on abundant living and the accumulation of wealth, the prophet is not moved or influenced one iota by luxurious living that some clergymen seem to enjoy. He is steadfast nonetheless and does not waver from his Christian duties. And he is not highfalutin or vainglorious, either.

“I don’t believe in living off the people because I’m the shepherd,” says Coleman, who once pastored the church without receiving a salary. “I teach holiness. I teach the Word. I preach from Genesis to Revelation.”

He also reaches out to transform the total man, he says, regardless of race, creed or color.

“I want to reach the total man.

I want to go after the soul, and

I want to establish feeding programs and youth programs.”

As genteel as he is, Coleman’s reputation precedes him.

Because he is a prophet, he’s compelled and imbued with a Christian spirit to lead God’s people in the “right direction” – towards heaven. He also counsels them, prays for them, and intercedes on their behalf.

“That’s my ministry,” he says.

G.E. Patterson, the late presiding bishop of COGIC, was the beneficiary of Coleman’s prophetic anointing before Patterson was elevated to the bishopric of the worldwide 5 million-member Pentecostal denomination. Coleman said he saw Patterson’s ascension in his vision.

He said he’s received phone calls for advice and blessings from other leaders as well, such as Bishop Eddie Long, the embattled pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Ga.; Apostle Alton R. Williams, pastor of World Overcomers Outreach Ministries Church; and Bishop Edward H. Stephens Jr., senior pastor of Golden Gate Cathedral.

“One of the strongest leaders and one of the most influential persons in my life is Archbishop Leroy Bailey,” said Coleman.

“I’ve also ministered to a very close friend of mine, Rev. Bartholomew Orr of Brown Missionary Baptist Church.”

Coleman has also counseled and advised Rev. Leo Holt, pastor of Grace Christian Fellowship Church; Bishop Larry Smith, pastor of Abundant Faith World Ministries; and Bishop Raymond Williams, pastor of Shekinah Glory International Ministries Church.

In 1989, he met former President Bill Clinton at Olivet Baptist Church. A friend and clergy-

In October 2006, Coleman began serving as priesthood bishop under Archbishop Leroy Bailey Jr., senior pastor and Chief Executive Officer of The First Cathedral in Bloomfield, Conn.; Archbishop Rainer Laufers of Old Holy Catholic Church in Ottawa, Canada; and Bishop Benjamin K. Watts, pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in New London, Conn.

On May 3, 2008, Coleman was ordained a bishop at Churches Covered and Connected in Covenant (C4/IBC), “a gathering of churches, Christians, leaders and servants to worship, learn, and pray together in order to present Christ by all means everywhere to everyone.” The group brings churches together from all over the nation to worship and learn together. Bailey, the presiding prelate, established the group in 2002.

Whether you refer to Coleman as bishop or prophet, it probably wouldn’t matter – for those who seek his counsel, advice, or a prophetic word, you’d be instantly moved by his candor and impressed with his gift of prophecy.

Speaking of prophecy: A woman who had suffered from

three aneurisms was reportedly healed after Coleman foretold that God would heal her within 14 days. It happened on the 12th day, Coleman said. He also prognosticated the building that houses Holy City Church of God in Christ. Supt. Jerry Taylor, the church’s pastor, would see it come to past.

Coleman has also established a number of churches. Three individuals launched their own ministry after serving under the prophet’s leadership and teaching at Faith Keepers Ministries.

He also established a hospital and street ministry more than 18 years ago.

A champion for Christ…

For Coleman, the path to the pulpit began like it would with others who are making incremental steps in their own careers to achieve success – with a vita of accomplishments, educational pursuits and objectives.

Although Coleman’s accomplishments – or spiritual gifts per se – are widely known, he studied the Word of God in his quest for spiritual enlightenment and served under the tutelage of reputed clergymen. In the early years of his life, he was just as attentive in public school as he is now as a servant of Jesus Christ.

Coleman grew up in the Orange Mound community, matriculated at Hanley Elementary and graduated from Melrose High School in 1974. Always with an eye on the ministry, he would go on and graduate from C. H. Mason Bible College, where he obtained his degree.

Because he is dedicated to

ministry, one would be surprised to discover that the prophet is skilled in construction work.

“I’ve always been a worker all my life,” he says. “I’ve been in construction since I was in the eighth grade.”

Here’s another surprise: Coleman was a professional kick-boxer who reigned as the undefeated middleweight champion for five years. He also was the sparing partner for Anthony “Amp” Elmore, the five-time PKA (Professional Kickboxing Association) World Karate/Kickboxing Champion.

It was the 1980s, and while Coleman was battling tough opponents in the squared ring, he fought as well to vanquish what he believed were evil spirits that pervaded the mind, body and soul of God’s people through prayer and intercession.

“I was ministering even as a professional fighter,” says Coleman, who was well equipped to handle himself in the ring. But then he remembers a spirited match with an opponent that didn’t go too well.

“It was in the 5th round on ESPN at the Cook Convention Center,” he recalls. “I was fighting Oliver Miller for the MidSouth Middleweight title. One kick caused me the fight – so they say… but everybody knew I’d won.”

After the loss and subsequent fights to come, Coleman assessed his future in the harsh, physical sport that he loved so much. “God gave me a choice.

He said, ‘You can become a champion for a season or a champion for a lifetime.’”

Coleman made a decision. He pursued the latter.

GAME DAY

You’d think the Denver Broncos had played the Dallas Cowboys during Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday (Feb. 1), considering that Bishop Charles H. Mason Patterson Sr. (center), a die-hard Broncos fan, found himself surrounded by “Cowboys” fans after they’d watched the New England Patriots beat the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 during their Super Bowl watch party at Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

ENTERTAINMENT The New Tri-State Defender, February 5 - 11, 2015, Page 11

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou

by Latrivia Nelson

V

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Victory, Valentine and Vagina.

That’s what the ‘V’ in V-Day means. A celebrated February experience, locally and around the word.

In Memphis, the ‘v’ should also stand for Volunteers, as volunteers from across the Mid-South are preparing to roll out their heavily anticipated annual V-Day events and wow audiences again with heartfelt performances.

A non-profit 501©3 corporation, V-Day generates broader attention for the fight to stop violence against women and girls, including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation (FGM) and sex slavery worldwide. It also distributes funds to grassroots, national and international organizations and programs, with $100 million raised in its 16 years of existence.

V-Day in Memphis is a catalyst that promotes creative events to increase awareness, raise money and revitalize the spirit of anti-violence organizations.

In five years, the event has gone from one day to four, with various theatrical performances designed to evoke emotion, action and benefit Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region. It has also doubled money raised since its inception, with over $15,000 in proceeds donated from last year’s events. Ten percent of proceeds go back to the national V-Day non-profit.

“We are honored that V-Day events in Memphis will once again benefit Planned Parenthood’s health care, community education, and advocacy programs. These are powerful shows and celebrations of human dignity that are not to be missed,” said Ashley Coffield, CEO of Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region.

This year, three special productions will be showcased to celebrate the nationally recognized V-Day: “Memphis Monologues”; “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer”; and Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues.”

“Memphis Monologues” is produced by Elizabeth Cawein. “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer” and Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” are produced by Jakatae Jessup and directed by Kimberly Hooper. Cawein is a board member of Planned Parenthood and owner of the PR firm, Signal Flow. Jessup and Hooper are Memphis educators and active in the community.

V-Day Memphis:

A celebration

of women

On Feb. 12th, a brand new V-DAY production will premiere at the Circuit Playhouse.

Entitled “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer,” the collection of monologues by world-renowned authors and playwrights will be performed via small excerpts that are meant to rise up in a collective roar to break open, expose and examine the insidiousness of violence at all levels: brutality, neglect, a punch, even a put-down.

“Producing this play is an honor and a joy. For me, it is old-fashioned consciousness-raising,” said Jessup. “I came of age in the 70’s, and as a teenager, I fully expected to live in a world of full-gender equality. That isn’t a reality yet, but I trust that the strong women who encouraged me were right – gender equality is attainable in my lifetime.

“Every year the women who bring this play to the stage remind me of our mission and renew my dedication,” said Jessup.

“The cast members are from different backgrounds, and volunteer for their own reasons. But they always come with hopeful, unstoppable energy and passion.”

The volume features such authors and topics as: Edward Albee on S&M; Maya Angelou on women’s work; Michael Cunningham on self-mutilation; Dave Eggers on a Sudanese abduction; Edwidge Danticat on a border crossing; Carol Gilligan on a daughter witnessing her mother being hit; Susan Miller on raising a son as a single mother; Sharon Olds on a bra; Patricia Bosworth on her own physically abusive relationship; and Jane Fonda on reclaiming our Mojo.

‘The Vagina Monologues’

On Feb. 13th and Feb. 14th, Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” will be performed by a host of extraordinary Mid-Southerners at the Circuit Playhouse.

‘Memphis Monologues’ V-Day Memphis events will kick off with the “Memphis Monologues” on Saturday (Feb. 7), which is already sold out, at Amurica Studios on Cleveland.

The “Memphis Monologues” is a uniquely Memphis evening developed by Cawein, taking the concept behind Eve Ensler’s play, “The Vagina Monologues,” and reimagining it for Memphis. Memphis women will tell real, personal stories.

Some will be funny, some uplifting, some sad and some eye-openers. Each will be celebrated with an intimate crowd over cocktails and great food with the purpose of helping others.

This year’s performers of the “Memphis Monologues” will be Gale Jones Carson, Christine Davenport, Leah Keys, Deidre Malone, Chloe Evans O’Hearn, Holly Whitfield, and Adriane William. Past performers include Savannah Bearden, Elaine Blanchard, Kym Clark, Kerry Crawford, To-

‘A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer’

On Feb. 13th and Feb. 14th, Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” – the play that many have loved both on and off Broadway for years – will be performed by a host of extraordinary Mid-Southerners at the Circuit Playhouse.

“The Vagina Monologues” is made up of a number of monologues read by various women cast members. Each of the monologues deals with an aspect of the feminine experience. A recurring theme throughout the piece is the vagina as a tool of female empowerment, and the ultimate embodiment of individuality.

“V-Day is a movement. ‘The Vagina Monologues’ is an experience. One in which I have embraced as a change factor in my life,” said Hooper. “As a young Southern black woman, I learned to own my femininity by being in this production, among other graceful, powerful, soulful women.

“This is my sixth year as a cast member, second year as the director. It is an incomparable experience to become acquainted with people in your city who share your thoughts about change and empowerment, then work together tirelessly to present a show that educates, entertains, and empowers others.”

Admission

The cast of “The Virginia Monologues”: Jessie, Shayla, Laura and Kimberly.

(Courtesy photos) nya Dyson, Christiana Leibovich, Elizabeth Lemmonds, Ursula Madden, Sen. Beverly

Marrero, Bianca Phillips, Mamie Shannon and Kacky Walton.

Regular admission is $20. Student/Senior admission is $15 (present ID at Box Office), and $10 for groups of 10 or more. Also, $10 of each ticket purchased is non-deductible for charitable purposes.

Tickets for each event are available online: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ planned-parenthood-memphis-tennessee/ monologues.

(For more information, visit www.ppgmr. org or contact Grace Weil at gweil@ppgmr. org or 901-725-3008.)

B-A-M-M!

Myron Mays with young author Shiloh Sanders.

(Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

Bust a Move Monday (B-A-M-M!), created by Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr., pastor of The New Olivet Baptist Church, to support African-American businesses in Memphis, focused on the What’s Happening Myron Book Club and local authors on Monday (Feb. 2). Pictured (l-r): Dr. Ivory Taylor and the Rev. Noel G. Hutchinson Jr., pastor of First Baptist Church, Lauderdale.

Page 12

February 5 - 11, 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

The New Tri-State Defender

Master hip-hip class set with L.A. superstar choreographer “Jupiter Ascending” is a futuristic adventure from Chicago directors Lana and Andy Wachowski (“The Matrix”) starring Gugu MbathaRaw, who plays Famulus, a young, destitute woman targeted for assassination by the Queen of the Universe. (Courtesy photo)

by Kam Williams

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

For movies opening February 6, 2015 BIG BUDGET FILMS “Jupiter Ascending” (PG-13 for violence, partial nudity and some suggestive content) Mila Kunis stars as the title character in this futuristic sci-fi as a humble housekeeper who learns from an intergalactic emissary (Channing Tatum) that she’s actually an alien aristocrat and the heir apparent to planet Earth.

With Eddie Redmayne, Terry Gilliam, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and James D’Arcy.

“Seventh Son” (PG-13 for intense violence, frightening images and brief profanity) Screen adaptation of “The Last Apprentice,” Joseph Delaney’s fantasy epic about a righteous knight (Jeff Bridges) who, with the help of a young apprentice (Ben Barnes), attempts to thwart an evil witch (Julianne Moore) bent on world domination. Cast includes Djimon Hounsou, Alicia Vikander, Antje Traue and Olivia Williams.

“The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water” (PG for mild action and rude humor) Screen adaptation of the animated TV series finds everybody’s favorite, sea-dwelling invertebrate (Tom Kenny) coming ashore with his friends to retrieve a stolen recipe from a dastardly pirate (Antonio Banderas). Voice cast includes Bill Fagerbakke, Rodger Bumpass, Thomas F. Wilson and Slash.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS “3 Nights in the Desert” (Unrated) Intriguing romantic romp revolving around the awkward love triangle drama which arises when a musical trio reunites in the desert a decade

after the band members went their separate ways. Co-starring Wes Bentley, Amber Tamblyn and Vincent Piazza.

“5 Hour Friends” (Unrated) Romantic dramedy revolving around an unrepentant womanizer (Tom Sizemore) who gets a taste of his own medicine when he finally meets his match (Kimberlin Brown). With Musetta Vander, Dan Hewitt Owens and Leilani Sarelle.

“1971” (Unrated) Freedom of Information documentary recounting the break-in at a Pennsylvania FBI office by whistleblowers who found proof of the existence of an illegal surveillance program monitoring the movements of thousands of U.S. citizens.

“Ballet 422” (PG for mild epithets) Behindthe-scenes documentary following wunderkind Justin Peck around backstage as he choreographs an upcoming New York City Ballet production.

“Enter the Dangerous Mind” (Unrated) Psychological thriller about a reclusive musician (Jake Hoffman) who starts dating a homeless woman (Nikki Reed) he meets at a shelter until he is manipulated into sabotaging the budding relationship by his skeptical roommate (Thomas Dekker). With Jason Priestly, Scott Bakula and Gina Rodriguez.

“Love, Rosie” (R for profanity and sexuality) Romantic comedy, based on “Where Rainbows End,” the best-seller by Cecelia Ahern about a couple of lifelong BFFs (Lily Collins and Sam Claflin) who take forever to realize they were meant for each other. Support cast includes Suki Waterhouse, Tamsin Egerton and Art Parkinson.

“Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine”

(Unrated) Reverential biopic about Matthew Shepard (1976-1998), the University of Wyoming student sadistically beaten and left to die tied to a fence for being gay. An intimate portrait painted from the perspectives of the friends and family members who knew him best.

“On the Way to School” (Unrated) Thirst for knowledge documentary illustrating the great efforts which four children (one each from Kenya, India, Morocco and Argentina) make on a daily basis to get to school, whether by foot, wheelchair or horseback. (In French with subtitles) “One Small Hitch” (Unrated) Romantic comedy about best friends since childhood (Shane McRae and Aubrey Dollar) who make believe they’re engaged for the sake of dying dad’s (Daniel J. Travanti) last wish. With Janet Ulrich Brooks, Mary Jo Faraci and Robert Belushi (son of Jim).

“The Other Man: F.W. De Klerk and the End of Apartheid” (Unrated) Revisionist biopic reassessing the legacy of the last president of apartheid-era South Africa.

“Pass the Light” (Unrated) Faith-based drama revolving around a 17 year-old, high school senior (Cameron Palatas) who decides to run for Congress mounting a grassroots campaign with a Christian platform. With Dalpre Grayer, Alexandria DeBerry and Colby French.

“The Voices” (R for profanity, sexual references and graphic violence) Crime comedy about a factory worker (Ryan Reynolds) whose crush on a colleague (Gemma Arterton) takes a sinister turn after she stands him up on a date. Cast includes Anna Kendrick, Jacki Weaver and Adi Shankar.

Rosero McCoy’s handiwork makes stars move. On Sunday (Feb. 8th), the Los Angeles-based artistic director and choreographer will be in Memphis to share his talents and skills.

Nationally recognized as a dancer/choreographer, McCoy will present two Master HipHop Classes – at 5:30 p.m. for beginners and at 7:30 p.m.

Rosero for advanced dancers from the McCoy Greater Memphis area.

The FireHouse Community Arts Academy of the Memphis Black Arts Alliance (MBAA) is presenting the event.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the FireHouse Community Arts Center, 985 South Bellevue Blvd. at the Gateway to Soulsville, USA. For online purchases, visit http://firehousemasterclass.bpt.me.

The event highlights the MBAA’s Mission: “To build the community with high quality heritage-based arts experiences which inspire, nurture and celebrate making all Greater Memphians feel good about themselves and others.”

McCoy’s career path is accented by work with numerous high-profile musical artists. He has choreographed for Usher, Ross Lynch, KeKe Palmer, Zendaya Coleman and Bella Thorne.

Several hit movies also feature McCoy’s choreography, including: “Step Up,” “Honey 2,” “Hair Spray” and “Alvin and The Chipmunks.” His television work has been a part of shows such as MTV’s “Americas Best Dance Crew,” Disney’s “Shake it Up,” “Austin & Ally” and “The Sing Off.” McCoy is known for his versatility in all styles of dance. That versatility has shown through in commercials for Shoe Carnival, Volkswagon, Target, Sprint and Playtex, as well as music videos and stage shows for N’Sync, Ellen Degeneres, Outkast and Gloria Estefan.

According his website, McCoy’s strengths include collaborating with production to “enhance the overall visual quality of any movement oriented project.”

Most recently, Rosero worked with first lady Michelle Obama, on several occasions as a part of her Healthy Living campaign.

According to McCoy, who was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area, he was performing in front of his seventh grade class when he first locked in on his passion for dance. At John O’Connell High School of Technology in San Francisco, McCoy entertained thoughts of doing mechanic work. That is until he came to see that he could make a career through dance performance.

Moving to Los Angeles in 1990, McCoy sharpened his training in choreography’s technical aspects. He got his start in the entertainment industry dancing and choreographing for Usher, Celine Dion, Snoop Dogg and N’Sync.

A lover of all types of music, McCoy has been known to visit Los Angeles dance clubs three times a week to keep up with the younger generation of evolving dancers.

McCoy’s sons, Emil and Eric, have followed in his creative footsteps. One is a musician and the other is a writer.

The New Tri-State Defender

Help Wanted WKNO-FM RADIO PROMOTIONS/DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Plan and implement NPR News/Classical Music station promotions, community engagement and fundraising activities including on-air pledge campaigns and securing program sponsorships. Reports to Director of Radio.

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing or other related field with three years’ work experience. Web/Social media, Promotions and fundraising experience required.

Write or Email: Deb Smith (dsmith@wkno.org) WKNO Executive Assistant 7151 Cherry Farms Road Cordova, TN 38016 Job is open until filled – EEO – No phone calls please

Legal Notices NOTICE TO BIDDER(S) Shelby County Government is soliciting Seal Bids for the provision of Construction Services to provide asphalt resurfacing and associated pavement markings for various roads in Shelby County Tennessee. The Seal Bid is located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn. gov, click the link “Department” at the top, then P for the Purchasing Department, ten click on the link “Bids.”

DUE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015 AT 2:30 PM SEALED BID #SBI-000294 2015 ASPHALT RESURFACING PROJECT Voluntary Pre-Bid Conference: A prebid conference will be held at 9:00 AM, Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at the following location: Shelby County Roads and Engineering Department, Conference Room, 6449 Haley Road, Memphis, TN 38134.

Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service.

THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL, JR., SHELBY COUNTY MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT NOTICE TO BIDDER(S) Shelby County Government is soliciting Seal Bids for the construction of the following project. The Seal Bid is located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn.gov, click the link “Department” at the top, then P for the Purchasing Department, and then click on the link “Bids.”

DUE THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015 AT 2:30 PM SEALED BID SBI-000295 SHELBY COUNTY CMP SIGNAL SYSTEM SET 4 Pre-Bid Conference: A Voluntary PreBid Conference will be held at 9:00 AM, Thursday February 12, 2015 at Shelby County Roads & Bridges, Conference Room, 6449 Haley Road, Memphis, TN 38134 Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service.

THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL, JR., SHELBY COUNTY MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT NOTICE TO BIDDER(S) Shelby County Government is soliciting Seal Bids for the construction of the following project. The Seal Bid is located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn. gov, click the link “Department” at the top, then P for the Purchasing Department, and then click on the link “Bids.”

DUE THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2015 AT 2:30 PM SEALED BID SBI-000296 SHELBY COUNTY SIGNAL SYSTEM, SET 6 Pre-Bid Conference: A Voluntary Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 9:00 AM, Thursday February 12, 2015 at Shelby County Roads & Bridges, Conference Room, 6449 Haley Road, Memphis, TN 38134 Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service.

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

by Kam Williams

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

“Illuminating both the serious harms of state surveillance and the ways in which imaginative writing can withstand and exploit it, ‘F.B. Eyes’ is a groundbreaking account of a long-hidden dimension of African American literature.”

– Excerpted from the Bookjacket

Allen Ginsberg’s epic poem “Howl” begins, “I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked, dragging themselves through the negro

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NOTICE OF PROPOSED NOMINAL CONSIDERATION CONVEYANCE OR SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2509(d), that Shelby County Government has received a Request for a Nominal Consideration Conveyance to acquire the following property: Greater Love for Life Ministries, Inc. Tax Parcel #06009100000770 Tax Sale #0803 Exhibit #326964 List Price: $5,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional requests for Offers to Purchase may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional Offers to Purchase are received and found acceptable, all prospective Purchasers will be notified and the property will be re-advertised based upon the acceptable offer. If no additional acceptable Offers to Purchase are received, the property will thereafter be conveyed to the above purchaser for Nominal Consideration as approved by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners “AS IS -WHERE IS” without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Melvin Brown Tax Parcel # 04803000000710 Tax Sale #1002 Exhibit #1018 Price Offered: $4,500.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:00 a.m. on February 24, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Cedric Williams Tax Parcel # 04301400000180 Tax Sale #0205 Exhibit #7087 Price Offered: $200.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on February 26, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: SUPP Homes, LLC Tax Parcel # 01102500000010 Tax Sale #0305 Exhibit #365 Price Offered: $50.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on February 26, 2015, to be held in the Shelby

streets at dawn…”

I couldn’t help but recall that iconic line while reading “F.B. Eyes,” a damning expose’

by William J. Maxwell illustrating the FBI’s long history of monitoring, policing and infiltrating the ranks of African-American writers.

For decades, from the Harlem Renaissance of the Twenties clear through to the Black Arts Movement of the Seventies, J. Edgar Hoover not only closely monitored the movements and

February 5 - 11, 2015

Page 13

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County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Elmer Moore, III Tax Parcel # 02606300000310 Tax Sale #0703 Exhibit #3213 Price Offered: $1,200.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on February 26, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Jasmine Simms Tax Parcel # 0420310000019C Tax Sale #1002 Exhibit #819 Price Offered: $5,400.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 11:00 a.m. on February 26, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Michiel Jackson Tax Parcel # 07510300000110 Tax Sale #0803 Exhibit #331307 Price Offered: $1,100.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:30 a.m. on February 27, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Elisha Hobbs Tax Parcel # 02100700000350 Tax Sale #1002 Exhibit #98 Price Offered: $3,150.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least

BOOK REVIEW

work of black authors but employed agents to create and promote content as a counterintelligence measure.

These revelations are rather disturbing to me as a Black Literature major-turned-aspiring novelist who failed to get either of my books published after getting a masters degree from an Ivy League institution. It never occurred to me way back then that the reason for all the rejections from publishers might have had more to do with interference on the part of government spies than the quality of the work itself.

However, the degree of FBI interference chronicled here is nothing short of shocking, between the abuses of power and infringements

ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on February 27, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Knowledge Quest, Inc. Tax Parcel # 02502600000040 Tax Sale #1001 Exhibit #4566 Price Offered: $600.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:00 p.m. on February 25, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Adam Guerrero Tax Parcel # 04203300000300 Tax Sale # 0703 Exhibit # 7228 Price Offered: $500.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:30 a.m. on February 25, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Adam Guerrero Tax Parcel # 04203400000730 Tax Sale # 0204 Exhibit # 6762 Price Offered: $100.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:00 a.m. on February 25, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Larry Galloway Tax Parcel # 01305500000580 Tax Sale # 0101 Exhibit # 1099 Price Offered: $50.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 11:00 a.m. on February 28, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A.

of Constitutional rights. This meticulously-researched opus reveals the Bureau to be a diabolical outfit dedicated to the destruction of the African-American intelligentsia by any means necessary.

For example, we learn that after Amiri Baraka founded the Black Arts Repertory Theater (BART) in Harlem in 1965, Hoover planted moles in the group to ensure the organization’s early demise. He even had the temerity to allow a white assistant director, William Sullivan, pose as black while ghostwriting everything from best-sellers to letters threatening the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A daunting discussion of the FBI’s

§ 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Ana Gavida Tax Parcel # 07205800000320 Tax Sale # 1002 Exhibit # 1593 Price Offered: $3,150.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on February 27, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Tamela Eskridge Tax Parcel # 05003600000150 Tax Sale #0803 Exhibit #324704 Price Offered: $1,200.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on February 28, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Arika Spraggins Tax Parcel # 07508900000140 Tax Sale #0102 Exhibit #18427 Price Offered: $50.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 3:30 p.m. on February 26, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Carlos Earl Tax Parcel # 07101500000240 Tax Sale # 0903 Exhibit # 4884 Price Offered: $9,000.00

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 11:00 a.m. on February 27, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE TO PUBLIC

The following person(s) has asked the city of Memphis Alcohol Commission for permission to sell beer for ON premise consumption.

Applicant: Ji Young Baik DBA: MNN Grocery Location: 1841 Winchester Rd. Memphis, Tenn. 38116

Anyone desiring to circulate a petition FOR or AGAINST said establishment selling BEER at this location must secure the petition blanks for the undersigned Commission at 2714 Union Avenue Extended 1st Floor. Must be filed no later than Tuesday, February 17, 2015. Barry Chase, Member; Eugene Bryan, Member; Sherman Greer, Member; Erma Hayslett, Member; Jared Johnson, Member; Africa Gonzalez-McCloy, Member; Johnsie Wallace, Member; Wayne West; Billy Post, Chairman

Aubrey J. Howard, Executive Secretary City of Memphis Alcohol Commission

chilling effect on the writing careers and private lives of members of the black literati.

“F.B. Eyes” “How J. Edgar Hoover’s Ghostreaders Framed African American Literature”

by William J. Maxwell Princeton University Press Hardcover, $29.95 384 pages, Illustrated ISBN: 978-0-691-13020-0

(To order a copy of “F.B. Eyes,” visit: http://www.amazon.com/exec/ obidos/ASIN/0691130205/ref%3dnosim/thslfofire-20.)

February 5 - 11, 2015

Page 14

The New Tri-State Defender

COMMUNITY

Memphis Black Expo teams with Brinson Tax Service #Beinspired with Brinson Tax Service on April 9-13 at the sixth annual Memphis Black Expo (MBX). For the third consecutive year, Brinson is the title sponsor for the community event, which will be held at Agricenter International.

MBX is a five-day cultural celebration that serves to “highlight entrepreneurship, promote cooperative economics and support the stability and growth of small, women and minority-owned businesses.”

With more than 25 years of experience, Selma Brinson, the owner and CEO of Brinson Tax Service, has been in business at 1864 Madison Ave in Mid-town for five years.

“I am excited to be back for The Memphis Black Expo.

I have networked with some truly inspiring and unique people and it has made a tremendous difference in my business. Memphis Black Expo can count me in again and again!” said Brinson. “Just

like other local cultural celebrations, this event is an important opportunity to display the black culture of Memphis and highlights a real need to showcase small black owned businesses.”

To learn more about how to participate, sponsor or to become an exhibitor at MBX, call 901-605-1552 or go to www. memphisblackexpo.com. For more info about Brinson Tax Service, call at (901) 729-7244 or visit www.brinsontax.com Join Castalia Baptist for 10th annual college tour Castalia Baptist Church is now accepting applications for its tenth annual college tour.

Under trustee Meka Egwuekwe, the church will lead more than 40 high school students on a tour of eight historically black college campuses across Alabama and Georgia as part of its annual schedule of tours.

This year’s tour coincides with the beginning of Shelby County Schools’ spring break and is open to all students

BRIEFS & THINGS

from grades 9 to 12, regardless of religious affiliation or school district. Starting Monday, March 16 and continuing through Wednesday, March 18, students will visit the following colleges and universities: Alabama A&M University, Talladega College, Miles College, Alabama State University, Tuskegee University, Morehouse College, Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University “We are excited to continue our annual college tour into our tenth year, and are honored to have kids from as far as Nashville and Chicago participate this year as well,” said Egwuekwe. “We are visiting some excellent schools, and look forward to God blessing us with another successful tour.”

The cost of this year’s college tour is $60 for members of Castalia, and $175 for non-members. The deadline for applications is Feb. 22, with all payments due by March 9. Find the application at http://castaliachurch.org.

For more information, contact

Egwuekwe at 901-484-4203 or emeka2001@gmail.com.

Local center part of Sudden Death in the Young study The West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center (WTRFC), which is managed by the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), is one of four Tennessee locations participating in the new Sudden Death in the Young (SDY) Case Registry, a national data collection project to learn more about the reasons for sudden and unexplained deaths of those under the age of 20.

The Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have funded the project in a total of 10 states or regions. The Tennessee Department of Health will oversee data collection at the four centers in the state.

After consent is obtained, data from deaths that meet specific criteria will be collected using nationwide standards

of practice. All information will be entered into a database to provide a nationwide registry of information that can be analyzed.

“The hope is we will learn something about why these children are dying,” said WTRFC’s Karen Chancellor, MD, chief medical examiner for Shelby County. Dr. Chancellor, a neuropathologist and forensic pathologist, served on the task force that wrote the autopsy protocol for the registry. She is also a professor of Pathology at UTHSC. It is estimated that more than 260 young people die each year in Tennessee without a known cause. Besides the WTRFC, Tennessee data collection will be done at the Hamilton County Forensic Center, Forensic Medical Management Services in Davidson County, and the William L. Jenkins Forensic Center in Johnson City.

BRIEFLY: The St. Augustine Leadership Team presents the Mardi Heart 2015 Celebration from 8 p.m. to

midnight on Feb. 7th at the St. Augustine Church W. L. Porter Gymnasium at 1169 Kerr Ave. Tickets: $10 in advance, $15 at the door. For more information: staugustineleadershipteam@gmail.com BRIEFLY: The Tennessee Small Business Development Center and Waller Lansden Dortch and Davis LLP present part one of the “Protecting Your Intellectual Property Series” on Feb. 12th from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the Renaissance Center located at 555 Beale St. Participants will learn about patents, copyrights, trademarks, nondisclosure agreements and more to protect their businesses. To register, call 901-333-5085 or visit www.tsbdc.org/swtcc.

BRIEFLY: Castalia Baptist Church, 1540 Castalia Rd., will host its Annual Family Day with observances at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Sunday.

The day includes selection of the Family of the Year 2015.

The chairpersons are Rollie and Eloise Fisher, Family of the Year 2014. Host pastor: Dr. Randolph Meade Walker.

MENTORING MATTERS The Memphis Cares Mentoring Movement, Inc.’s Seventh Anniversary and Annual Mentoring Awards Program featured selections by the Ridgeway Middle School Choir. It was held Jan. 31st at the Memphis Education Association Bldg., 126 Flicker St. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

Porter-Leath’s Generations Program (represented by Clara Wells, left) won the Imani Mentoring Award; The Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson and the Rev. Marilynn S. Robinson were winners of the Mayor A C and Attorney Ruby Wharton Mentoring Award.

Also pictured (second right): Memphis Cares Board President Willie Brooks and the keynote speaker, Grand Master Arwin W. Glass, Prince Hall Mason – State of Tennessee.

The Future is Now! Internet Television

Bringing News to Life and Life to News

Global Vision q

Local Focus

Join the Movement! Subscribe now at tsdmemphis.com!

Upcoming Guests: Bishop Brandon Porter, Senior Pastor, Greater Community Temple C.O.G.I.C., Minister Ishmael Muhammad, National Assistant to the Honorable Minister Louis Farrahkhan Upcoming Segments: Wintertime Fashion and Make-up Tips for Sisters and “Look Book” with Denisha Locke

Powered by BEST Media Properties, Inc. and The New Tri-State Defender q Information • Inspiration • Elevation

The New Tri-State Defender

February 5 - 11, 2015

Page 15

COMMUNITY

African-American History Month Calendar 2015 Originally started by Carter G. Woodson as “Negro History Week” in 1926, African-American History Month has evolved from seven days meant to highlight African-American history to 28. A variety of events will be taking place in Greater Memphis and the region.

Ballet Memphis presents four original works in its winter mixed-repertory show, “I Am,” which will run Feb. 20-22 at the Playhouse on the Square, 66 South Cooper.

Feb. 20 at 8 p.m.; Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. (Pay-what-you-can Community Day. Advanced reservations/purchase by phone or in person encouraged. $5 minimum for credit cards.); Feb. 21 at 8 p.m.; Feb. 22 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: $10, $22, $43, $72, with group rates available; For more info: 901-737-7322; visit www.balletmemphis.org.

The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis: Feb. 24, noon-1:30 p.m. in the Bluff Room (UC 308) – Hooks Institute National Book Awards Luncheon. Daniel Matlin, history lecturer at King’s College London will speak about his book, “Around the Corner: African-American Intellectuals and the Urban Crisis”; 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., River Room (UC 300) – Mapping Civil Rights and Tent City Website Release Event.

Christian Brothers University: Feb. 6 – Know Your Worth College Tour: Domestic Violence Forum, Montesi Executive Center, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Sponsored by Phi Beta Sigma and featuring Aaron Jordan Jr., author of “The Power Within, A Woman’s Worth: From Both Sexes.” Panelists to include Dr. Timothy Doyle, associate vice president for Student Life, Dr. Kelli James, assistant professor, and Dean of Students Karen Barnett; Feb.

13 – Open Mic Night: “Ebony Expressions of Love”- poems, singing, etc., 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; Feb. 12 – BSA and Student Life Movie Night: “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Spain Auditorium.

Created Equal Film Series: Feb. 5 – “Slavery by Another Name” at the National Civil Rights Museum, 450 Mulberry St., from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Feb. 12 – “The Loving Story” at the Memphis Public Library & Information Center, 3030 Poplar Ave., Meeting Rooms A-C, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.; Feb. 19 – “The Abolitionists” at the Memphis Public Library & Information Center, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.; Feb. 26 – “Freedom Riders” at the National Civil Rights Museum, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Cossitt Branch Library, 33 South Front St.: “Sammy Davis, Jr., the Truth” will be at the library throughout February.

The Lemoyne-Owen College: Feb. 6 – Counseling Center, “It’s All About the Family”; Feb. 7 – HBCU Wellness Project - Wear Red Day and National Black HIV/ AIDS Day; Feb. 8-14 – Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Week; Feb. 14 – Mid-South Transplant Foundation and HBCU Wellness National Donor Day; Feb. 21 – Harambee Festival. Feb. 22-28 – Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Week; Feb. 23 – Counseling Center, Making the Grade; Feb. 28 – National TriO Day Celebration. For more information: http://www.loc.edu.

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art: On Feb. 26 at 7 p.m., curator and activist photographer, Matt Herron, will give talk related to the the exhibit “This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights Movement,” which opens Feb. 14 and features

Beverly C. Robertson, who retired as president of the National Civil Rights Museum, received the 2015 Authur S. Holmon Lifetime Achievement Award on Jan. 30 during the Black History Month opening reception at The University of Memphis Michael D. Rose Theatre. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley) 157 black-and-white images by nine activist photographers from 1963-67. Numerous events are planned to coincide with the exhibition, including a free community day, a secondary exhibition with three local artists - Marcellous Lovelace, Frank D. Robinson and Siphne Sylve - and a photography exhibition running currently at the National Civil Rights Museum featuring images by Ernest Withers from the Brooks’ permanent collection. For more information: www.brooksmuseum.org.

Rhodes College: Feb. 5 – “When Slaves are Rulers and

Rulers Are Slaves: Slavery and Identity in the Ottoman World” lecture by Dr. Giancarlo Casale, Blount/Buckman Lobby, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; Feb. 18 – Communities in Conversation: Dr. Nell Irvin Painter presents “The History of White People” lecture from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., McCallum/Crain Reception Hall. Reception at 5:30 p.m., with a booksigning after the lecture; Feb. 24 – International Studies guest lecturer, Dr. Toyin Falola, will present a lecture on “African Immigrants in the U.S.” from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Slave Haven Under-

The sky is the limit…

ground Railroad Museum at 826 No. Second St.: Feb. 7 – Spirit of Harriet Tubman & African Music & Spirituals, Ekpe Abioto; Voices of the Ancestors: Slave Narratives, Readings, Poetry, Spoken Word, featuring guest writer Calentine Thompson; Feb. 14 – Freedom Quilts: Uncovering the Secrets; Feb. 21 – Memphis Black Authors Booksignings: Dr. Miriam DeCosta-Willis – “Black Memphis Landmarks”; Earnest Lacey – “Free Joe” and “The Search for Free Joe”; Larry Batchlor – “The Juneteenth Story”; Florence Howard: “From Saggin’ to Success”; Tobbie Ingram – “The Black Soldier”; Children’s Book-Renea Gott – “Mommy, What Is God Doing Up There?”

Feb. 28 – Young Artists Market: Memphis Talented Black Artists, featuring artist/ entrepreneur Maurice Bridges, owner of Mo’s Bo’s; artists’ exhibits. Admission: $10 adult, $8 students (ages 4-17); Group rates available. Reservations: call Heritage Tours at 901-527-3427 or email: heritagetours@bellsouth.

Southwest Tennessee Community College: Feb. 10 – The Carter G. Woodson Award of Merit Ceremony at 10:45 a.m. at the Verties Sails Gymnasium, Union Avenue Campus. The award recognizes individuals, groups, or agencies who have contributed to, preserved, or promoted the African-American experience and who support Dr. Woodson’s legacy of “historical accuracy through inclusion.”

Tennessee State University: Feb. 10 – An Historical Examination of African-American Performers: The Rise of R&B Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story, 7 p.m., Performing Arts Center, Recital Hall, Room 174. For more information,

visit www.tnstate.edu.

University of Memphis: Feb. 6 – Gospel Explosion, featuring Markevius Faulkner and Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis, Rose Theatre, 7 p.m.; Feb. 11 – SAC Cinema “Love and Basketball” at Rose Theatre, 4 p.m.; Feb. 12 – Musical Memory in Motion, Rose Theatre, 6:30 p.m.; Feb. 13 SAC Cinema “Love and Basketball” at UC Theatre, 7 p.m.

Feb. 15 – AKA Prominent Black Women’s Banquet, UC Ballroom, 3 p.m.; Feb. 17 – An Evening with Alfre Woodard, Rose Theatre, 7 p.m.; Feb. 18 – Education Career Fair, UC Ballroom, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Feb. 20 – Mahogany Awards and Freedom Ball, UC Ballroom, 7 p.m.

Feb. 22 – First Baptist Church-Broad, 10:45 a.m.; Alpha Phi Alpha, Miss Black and Gold, Rose Theatre, 7 p.m.; Feb. 24 – Lunch w/ a leader, Dr. Douglas Scarboro, 1 p.m.; Stand Your Ground Panel Discussion, UC Theatre, 7 p.m.; Feb. 25 – Igniting Excitement, Fountain View Room, 1 p.m.; SAC Cinema “Lincoln” in the UC Theatre, 4 p.m.; Feb. 27 – Closing Ceremony with Arthur S. Holmon, UC Bluff Room, 1 p.m.; SAC Cinema “Lincoln” in the UC Theatre, 7 p.m.; Feb. 28 – Personal Branding Conference, University Center.

University of Mississippi: Renowned author, educator and syndicated radio host Michael Eric Dyson, a sociology professor at Georgetown University, will deliver a keynote address at 6 p.m. on Feb. 19 in the Gertrude C. Ford Ballroom at the Inn at Ole Miss.

Admission is free and open to the public. (For more information about UM Black History Month events, visit http:// inclusion.olemiss.edu/ or call the Center for Inclusion at Cross Cultural Engagement at 662-915-2191.)

by Pam C. Roberson

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

As a young boy growing up in Wicomico, Va., Carroll Waters always thought the sky was the limit. At that time, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was President of the United States, the Great Depression was still impacting most of the nation and the struggle for civil rights was ongoing.

But he credits his humble beginnings for molding him into the young man he needed to be to achieve what turned out to be historic accomplishments.

Waters joined the US Army in 1958 after graduating from college and eventually made his way to the Army Aviation Center of Excellence in Fort Rucker, Ala. One of his teachers was Walter Crenshaw – an original member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen.

“I’ll never forget the experiences that I had with Mr. Crenshaw and all that he taught me,” says Waters.

After more years of training, Waters went to Vietnam as a combat pilot, flying a CV2B, a two-engine, short take-off and landing plane.

That tour of duty was like “stepping into Hell,” he remembers.

Waters completed his objective with distinction. He was honorably discharged in 1966 and was the recipient of a Bronze Star, an Air Medal, and a National Defense Service Medal among other distinctions.

But jobs for pilots were scarce when Waters returned home to the States. So he changed course and partnered with a friend to start a consulting agency working with the government on anti-poverty programs. Things were going fairly well, but he missed flying. Then one day came the phone call from a buddy at an employment agency – a call that changed his life.

“Are you flying?” the buddy asked.

“No,” said Waters. “Just

Capt. Waters at the OBAP Convention wearing his Vietnam Veteran cap. flying on weekends for recreation.”

“No, man, I mean flying for a career.”

“Nobody’s flying,” Waters scoffed, wondering why his friend seemed unaware that most of the airlines had no pilot jobs available.

But the buddy persisted. He told Waters about a young businessman who was starting a delivery airline in Little Rock, Arkansas. Waters said although he didn’t know much about Little Rock, the offer sounded too good to pass up. So he called the number his buddy gave him.

Waters says as soon as he heard “hello,” he started the conversation with “I’m a Black pilot and I’m looking for a job.” The man on the phone said, “When can you get here?”

That man, of course, was company founder Fred Smith.

Soon after that conversation, Waters met Smith in person.

It was Jan. 1, 1973. On that day, Waters became employee #373 of what was then known as Federal Express – the third of the fledgling company’s three pilots.

“When we hired Carroll Waters, our main focus was getting the most qualified people to work for FedEx and help it grow,“ says Smith.

Waters began flying as a Captain on a DA-20 aircraft, also known as a Falcon. A

Capt. Waters with Al Glenn, another FedEx pilot. (Courtesy photos)

“Carroll was a great contributor to the development of the corporation, and we are grateful to him for his dedication and 23 years of loyal service. I’m also glad to call Carroll a friend as well as a colleague.”

– Fred Smith

Capt. Carroll Waters with FedEx Chairman/CEO Fred Smith at the unveiling of a portrait of the two of them.

This unveiling took place at an OBAP Convention (Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals) in 2013. short time later, the company relocated to Memphis. He recalls that there were only about 20 packages in the plane on the first night. Today, the average number of packages handled throughout the FedEx system is approximately 10 million.

“Never did I think that I would be part of the team to create such a business,” he

said.

When he wasn’t flying, Waters committed himself to help encourage minority students to seek careers in aviation.

In 1976, he became one of the founders of OBAP – the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (formerly known as the Organization of Black Airline Pilots).

Today, out of approximate-

ly 4,200 pilots at FedEx, 129 are African American.

That includes Albert Glenn, who has known Waters since 1975.

“He was the first Black airline pilot I had seen. He had that quintessential look of a very professional and strictly business pilot,” said Glenn.

“At the time, I didn’t know that first impression would set the tone for my aviation career. Carroll became my mentor and to this day treats me like one of his sons.”

Waters treasures his 23-year FedEx experience. “Some days, it hardly felt like work.

It felt like a privilege,” he says. “Without the opportunity that Fred Smith gave me,

who knows if I would have flown professionally again or, if I had, if I would have been treated so genuinely.”

Waters retired in 1996, on his 60th birthday, having flown as a captain of the DA-20, the 737, the 727, the DC10 and the DC10-30. His last five years were spent on international flights.

Waters and his wife Beverly now live in Seattle, Wash.

He’s been the focus of many newspaper and magazine articles over the years.

“Carroll was a great contributor to the development of the corporation, and we are grateful to him for his dedication and 23 years of loyal service. I’m also glad to call Carroll a friend as well as a colleague,” says Smith.

“For 23 years, I watched as this company grew from this little puttering, homespun idea to this huge enterprise that is the FedEx Corporation,” says Waters. “Twenty-three years of flying around the world, seeing that the sky really wasn’t the limit.”

(Special to The New TriState Defender from Pam C. Roberson of FedEx Corporate Communications.)

Pioneering golfer Charles Sifford after President Barack Obama presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during an East Room ceremony at the White House Nov. 24, 2014, in Washington, D.C. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor. (Photo: Alex Wong/ Getty Images)

Charlie Sifford was no ‘quitter’ First African American on PGA Tour dies at 92

by Doug Ferguson Associated Press

Charlie Sifford, who only wanted a chance to play and broke the color barrier in golf as the first PGA Tour member, died Tuesday night, the PGA of America said.

Sifford, who recently had suffered a stroke, was 92. Details of his death and funeral arrangements were not immediately available.

PGA of America President Derek Sprague called Sifford “an uncommon and faithful servant.”

“His love of golf, despite many barriers in his path, strengthened him as he became a beacon for diversity in our game,” Sprague said. “By his courage, Dr. Sifford inspired others to follow their dreams. Golf was fortunate to have had this exceptional American in our midst.”

A proud man who endured racial taunts and threats, Sifford set modest goals and achieved more than he imagined.

Sifford challenged the Caucasian-only clause and the PGA rescinded it in 1961. He won the Greater Hartford Open in 1967 and the Los Angeles Open in 1969. He also won the 1975 Senior PGA Championship, five years before the Champions Tour was created.

His career was fully recognized in 2004 when he became the first black inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Last November, President Barack Obama presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer are the only other golfers who received that honor.

“Charlie won tournaments, but more important, he broke a barrier,” Nicklaus once said. “I think what Charlie Sifford has brought to his game has been monumental.”

The one goal that eluded him was a chance to play in the Masters, which did not invite its first black player until Lee Elder in 1975.

Sifford remained bitter, though the pain was eased when Tiger Woods won the first of his four green jackets in 1997.

Woods often has said he would not have played golf if not for Sifford and other black pioneers.

“It’s not an exaggeration to say that without Charlie, and the other pioneers who fought to play, I may not be playing golf,” Woods said in an email to The Associated Press late last year. “My pop likely wouldn’t have picked up the sport, and maybe I wouldn’t have either.”

The road was never easy.

Sifford was born on June 22, 1922 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He worked as a caddie and dominated the all-black United Golfers Association, winning five straight national titles. He longed to play against the best players, only to run into the same barriers that Teddy Rhodes and Bill Spiller faced – the Caucasian-only clause.

In his autobiography, “Just Let Me Play,” Sifford told of meeting Jackie Robinson in California about the time Robinson was trying to break the color barrier in baseball.

“He asked me if I was a quitter,” Sifford wrote. “I told him no. He said, ‘If you’re not a quitter, you’re probably going to experience some things that will make you want to quit.’”

During the 1952 Phoenix Open, one of the few events that blacks could play, Sifford found human feces in the cup when he got to the first green. He received death threats over the phone at the 1961 Greater Greensboro Open and heard racial slurs as he walked the fairways. He finished fourth, and didn’t quit.

Sifford also received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland for his career as a pioneer.

SPORTS

The New Tri-State Defender, February 5 - 11, 2015, Page 16

Kobe Bryant’s curtain call

by Omar Tyree NNPA News Service

At age 36, superstar Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Kobe Bryant is apparently at the end of his rope.

On his final professional contract, a two-year $48 million deal to make sure he retires as a Laker, Bryant is presently mulling over his third straight season-ending injury after a Omar recent rotator cuff tear in Tyree his shoulder that needed immediate surgery. As mentally tough as we all credit Bryant for being over his 18-year professional career, it’s no longer about Kobe’s mind over body… because his body obviously has had enough.

NBA analyst Charles Barkley likes to say, “Father Time is undefeated.” Which means you can’t force your body to do things that it used to do five, 10 and 15 years ago – at least not on a regular basis without paying the piper. Surely, we’ve known Kobe to play through nagging injuries before, but that wasn’t the case two years ago when his Achilles tendon popped before the Lakers’ final playoff appearance.

With Dwight Howard and Steve Nash on his team that year, there was no way on God’s green earth that Bryant would have allowed himself to sit out with an injury after he had single-handedly dragged his team into the playoffs if he could have played through it.

However, there are certain injuries that athletes simply can’t fight their way through, no matter how tough they are. A ruptured tendon is one of them because you can’t push forward or jump.

The serious conversations that off-season surrounded how long it would take for Bryant to return from the tendon injury, if he would return at all. Would he still be the same high-flying, hard-charging, take-no-prisoners assassin that we knew him to be, or some new, game-managed, old man, veteran? Kobe put that talk to rest with a reckless abandon, when he returned full blast in last year’s season, only to suffer a left knee injury in his sixth game, while just starting to get his full wind back and minutes up.

With the Lakers not being a playoff-contending team last year, and with a serious need for quality draft picks, Kobe and team management decided to shut him down for the season instead of coming back and possibility making it worse in a meaninglessly season. So Bryant strengthened his mind and body for a second return this season, while excited about a new coach in former Lakers player and champion, Byron Scott, only for the Lakers to lose their No. 7 draft pick, Julius Randle, in the first game of the season, while

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers maneuvers in search of an opening against the defense of Memphis’ Courtney Lee during a visit to the FedExForum earlier this season. (Photo: Warren Roseborough) Kobe comes up ailing once again before the All-Star break.

Some lucky No. 7 that turned out to be. And the waiting game for Kobe is on again. However, few of us see much of a need for him to come back to a brutal NBA Western Conference, where the Lakers are nowhere near making the playoffs.

Sorry, Lakers fans, but a miracle is not happening this season. It’s best to shut Bryant down again and hope for the best bouncing balls to draft some new recruits with cap space money to see if Kevin Love would like to come back home to California next season and leave Cleveland and LeBron. There is a chance of that happening.

In the meantime, I’m beginning to pull out all of my Kobe “Bean” Bryant memories. I remember watching the Philadelphian-born baller on the local high school sports shows, where a long-limbed and bald-headed Kobe outshined the inner-city competition, while playing for a suburban Pennsylvania school in Lower Merion. The swaggerlicious kid then prepared to jump the college ranks and go pro, while asking a very popular Brandy Norwood if she would like to attend his senior prom with him.

“What? This kid has that kind of confidence?” I remember asking. Drafted No. 13 overall by the original Charlotte Hornets in 1996, Kobe was traded to the one and only Los Angeles Lakers – when they were still the kings of the mountain – for veteran center Vlade Divac.

“Are you kidding me? This 18-year Philly

kid goes to the Lakers now?” It sounded like something created in a Walt Disney movie room.

A new Afro-style Kobe then proceeded to take over a young, star-laden team that included the likes of Shaquille O’Neal, Nick Van Exel, Eddie Jones, Robert Horry and Jerome Kersey, where the fearless rookie shot a famous air-ball in a 4-1 series loss to Utah Jazz in the playoffs.

Bryant would soon recover in the following years to become the Lakers most athletic player as he sparred for leadership rights with the bigger, badder and broader Shaq Attack.

The dynamic, clashing duo went on to appear in four straight NBA Championship Finals, in which they won the first three.

Close to 39,000 points later, with five NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVPs, four All-Star Game MVPs, 17 All-Star Game appearances, two NBA scoring titles, one Slam Dunk Contest title, and three Gold Medals in Olympic and World Championship competition, it may now be time for the “Black Mamba” to finally hang up his professional shoes and join the halls of legends as the Los Angeles Lakers all-time leading scorer and international icon.

Just don’t tell Kobe that. He still wants to keep playing.

(Omar Tyree is a New York Times bestselling author, an NAACP Image Award winner for Outstanding Fiction, and a professional journalist. View more of his career and work @ www.OmarTyree.com.)

GRIZZ TRACK The streaking Memphis Grizzlies pushed aside the Oklahoma City Thunder 85-74 at the FedExForum on Satur-

day night. Two nights later, they were in Arizona, where they pulled out a down-tothe wire win over the Phoenix Suns. On

Jeff Green of the Memphis Grizzlies (left) guarding Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma Thunder. The Grizzlies defeated OKC 85-74 at the FedExForum on Saturday.

Wednesday night, Memphis continued its road trip with a 100-90 win over the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.

Tony Allen of the Grizzlies (left) goes for the steal against Kevin Durant of OKC. Marc Gasol of the Grizzlies drives pass Russell Westbrook of OKC and scores.

(Photos: Warren Roseborough)

Serge Ibaka (left) and OKC had a tough time guarding Zach Randolph of the Grizzlies during Saturday’s game at the FedExForum.