2 6 2013

VOL. 62, No. 5

City & State - 2013

January 31 - February 6, 2013

Traded!

www.tsdmemphis.com

75 Cents

At the University of Memphis on Tuesday, Gov. Bill Haslam was greeted by a room full of people eager to hear him, including one man who seized the opportunity to look him right in the eye.

(Photo by Christopher Hope)

Black Caucus preps for legislative session Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Tony Jones

Rudy Gay drives to the basket and is fouled by Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs in a game played at the FedExForum Jan. 11. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

Two hours before State Rep. Larry Miller and the Tennessee Black Caucus that he chairs were scheduled to meet with Gov. Bill Haslam on Wednesday, Miller (D-88) provided an insider’s view of the road ahead for the state’s African-American lawmakers.

The backdrop for his reflections included two key elements: the GOP’s supermajority voting strength; and apprehension within some political circles that the 108th General Assembly will bring harsh decisions for Shelby County’s African-American population.

Miller shared his thoughts with The New Tri-State Defender two days after Haslam’s State of the State address in Nashville. It was also just a day after the governor wowed an audience at the University of Memphis

with talk of an education investment expansion designed to grow employment in Shelby County.

Tri-State Defender: What will be the Black Caucus’s priorities this year?

Rep. Larry Rep. Larry Miller Miller: At the top of the list is, of course, good-paying jobs for citizens of the state. Each member must be concerned with his or her district being fairly included for economic opportunities, but we have to work together for the good of the state’s African-American population, and the general state population a whole.

SEE CAUCUS ON PAGE 2

Rudy Gay no longer a Grizzly Tayshaun Prince, 2 others headed to Memphis; Haddadi part of the deal Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kelley Evans

In the past two weeks, talk among NBA followers and Memphis Grizzlies’ fans have centered around forward Rudy Gay and trade rumors.

Well, it’s no longer a rumor!

A three-team deal late Wednesday sent Gay to the Toronto Raptors.

When the smoke cleared, Gay was gone, along

with reserve center Hamed Haddadi, with three players – the most notable being small forward Tayshaun Prince of the Detroit Pistons – now added to the Grizz grind squad.

“Thanks to the fans and my teammates in Memphis for the memories,” Gay said in a latenight Tweet. “Came in a 19 year old kid now leaving a 26 year old man. thank you!”

The trade also lands the Raptors’ power forward Ed Davis in Memphis, along with Austin Daye of the Pistons.

“We are excited to add three players who bring with them a tremendous amount of value to our team and have achieved incredible success on the SEE TRADE ON PAGE 3

State of the City…

Saying that Memphis as a city can do more, Mayor AC Wharton Jr. unveiled his Blueprint for Prosperity during his State of the City address. See page 6. (Photo by Christopher Hope)

Faith in prayer power drives ‘Hands Around 201 Poplar’ Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Tony Jones

Rev.Ralph White

Bloomfield Baptist Church will conduct a prayer vigil at the Criminal Justice Center, 201 Poplar, from 10:30 a.m. until noon on Saturday (Feb. 2).

“Hands Around 201 Poplar” –

MEMPHIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

year two – is to send the message inside and outside of the city’s lockup that a wholistic approach must be included, if American society is to stem the plague of violence dominating the news daily.

“We are doing this to declare a moratorium on crime for the month of February,” the church’s pastor, the Rev. Ralph White,

- INSIDE -

• Hillary as president: better for African Americans? See Opinion, page 4.

H- 3 7o - L - 3 0o Su nny

H- 5 0o - L - 3 4o Few Sho wers

REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS

Friday H-45 L-33 H-32 L-25 H-55 L-35

H- 5 5o - L - 4 1o Mo stl y Sun ny

Saturday H-58 L-34 H-40 L-31 H-63 L-42

Sunday H-62 L-42 H-45 L-31 H-61 L-41

• Miami Mike – the manager for Soulja Boy. See Business, page 7.

• Does God influence sporting events? See Religion, page 8.

• A Grizz night out helps senior with career choice.

See Sports, page 14.

said. “As people of faith, we are asking others who believe that prayer can make great changes to come join us to pray for the inmates, law enforcement personnel and the innocent throughout this city.”

Bloomfield’s commitment is part of a self-described movement led by the church under the

title “God So Loved Memphis.”

With that declaration emblazoned on red T-shirts, the communitybased unit stage a Gas For Guns event last year that city leaders termed a big success.

White said such events are not about trumpeting his or Bloomfield’s name. They have to be done to bring home the message

that we can all fight crime through the singular method of personal concern, he said.

“This is not just a one time effort. We’re going to be doing this every week of the month in high crime areas,” White vowed.

SEE PRAYER ON PAGE 3

Smooth moves...

Tangela Mathis of the Stax Academy doing the Electric Slide with recording artist and Chief Creative Officer of the Stax Academy, Kirk Whalum. See story on page 2. (Photo

by Warren Roseborough)

NEWS

Page 2

Tri-State Defender

January 31 - February 6, 2013

The other side of the game: Staxtacular 2013 biggest ever Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kelley Evans

Grizzlies Head Coach Lionel Hollins laughed with people stepping to him for photos and conversation as guard-forward Tony Allen walked around reading a wall that reflected information about music legends dead and alive.

“Tony, may I take a picture with you,” one fan asked.

“Hey can you take our picture,” Tony asked, turning to me. I obliged.

“Anytime I can come by here and see a lot of fans and see the history in here, it’s all in good spirits,” Allen said.

“This is my third year here. I look forward to coming to this event every year.”

The place? The Stax Museum. The Occasion? Staxtacular 2013 – a joint effort between the Grizzlies and the Soulsville Foundation. Presented by SunTrust, the event was hosted by Allen and teammates Mike Conley, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph.

Located in the heart of South Memphis, the historic museum usually closes at 5 p.m. on a Saturday. But it was well after that hour last Saturday (Jan. 26) as players and coaches of the Memphis Grizzlies circulated throughout the museum enjoying the company of fans who came out to support the Stax Music Academy and rub shoulders with their favorite team player.

“The blues, the rock and roll, the soul, everything in Mem-

David Porter (left) and Grizzlies assistant coach Barry Hecker find electronic common ground at Staxtacular 2013. (Photos by Warren Roseborough) phis is tied together and Stax is a part of that,” Hollins said.

“It’s important that we continue to support the museum so that people will know the history.

This is something that they (the players) look forward to.”

Since its inception in 2005, Staxtacular has raised more than $800,000 for the Stax Music Academy.

“It’s a great thing that raises money for the city, for Stax and for the kids,” Randolph said. “It gives the kids a chance to pursue their dreams. It’s a bunch of things were doing in the community.”

The Stax Music Academy is a unique. Founding in 2000, the Stax Music Academy has served more than 3,000 young people, many of them at risk.

It’s a learning center crafted to

inspire young people and enhance their academic, cognitive, performance, and leadership skills by using music, with a strong focus on the legacy and tradition of Stax Records “To be able to support the cause they are doing and see how the kids get involved with the program, then you see how good they are,” Gasol said.

“They travel all over the world performing. It’s a great feeling to be able to help them.”

Students of the academy have performed at Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and many other venues, including performances in Italy, Australia, and Germany. Every high school student enrolled in the Stax Music Academy has

CAUCUS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Next will be expanded support for the state’s AfricanAmerican museums, which of course means the largest in the state, the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. They’ve done a great job of creating positive international impact for the county and the state, directly impacting the tourism dollar base. It’s estimated that every dollar in tourism generates thirteen dollars in economic impact, so those museums are a significant line of income for the state.

Then, a priority must be centered upon the state’s business development support for small, minority and women-owned businesses. The direct impact deep within our communities can’t be exaggerated.

TSD: What are your impressions of Haslam’s opening platform?

Rep. Miller: Of course the devil is in the details as they say, but the education investments he outlined for Memphis are a good thing. We start budget hearings tomorrow (Thursday). We seem to be in a good position overall. The governor has suggested reducing the state grocery sales tax by 5 cents, but I will be introducing legislation requesting a larger reduction, at least 5 or maybe even ten cents.

It could be a good thing, but we’re well aware that in Shelby County voters may be requested this year to approve a sales tax increase, which would essentially nullify any tax relief the state could create. So the people in Shelby County wouldn’t really benefit unless the state reduction is larger.

TSD: Are other cities proposing such moves? (Miller is a member of the Local Government committee).

Rep. Miller: It’s really too early to say. I would be surprised. But knowing the environment of this general assembly, legislation suggesting any type of unfunded mandates will have a tough time getting through. Anything involving taxes and revenues is going to be very closely studied.

TSD: What is your view on how Speaker of the House Mark Norris (R-Dist. 32) continually tried to leverage state power in the debate over school unification?

Rep. Miller: Sen. Norris, (Sen. Curry) Todd (R-Collierville) and others should take a hands-off approach when it comes to the school issue in Shelby County. We learned a lesson when the federal court ruled against their proposals. Millions of dollars

Gov. Bill Haslam detailed his investments in education in Memphis during a stop at the University of Memphis on Tuesday. (Photo by Christopher Hope) were lost in attorney fees that could have been applied to benefit all the children in Shelby County.

I have not seen any current legislation that will undermine the unification process. But will I be surprised when some arises? Not at all. I anticipate some will be introduced.

(Rep.) John DeBerry (D-90) and (Rep.) Lois DeBerry (D91) are the Black Caucus members on the education committee. After the Republicans redrew the districts last year, I also represent Bartlett now, so I will have constituents fighting hard on both sides of the issue.

TSD: Haslam presented an upbeat budget picture this week. How should the AfricanAmerican community react to take real advantage of the current positive momentum?

Rep. Miller: I know it’s difficult for our constituency to travel to Nashville from time to time to express our viewpoint on certain issues, but with access to the Internet we need to

be diligent to engage in the conversation and make our views known through that medium, and especially for Shelby County. And do not limit your communication to just your own representative, contact whomever you can. In many cases we may not all agree, but when we do agree and come together to make our views known on issues in which we’re on the same page, Shelby County is a significant force.

The citizens of Shelby County have got to be on top of the education issue. We have to know the bills that are in consideration will affect their children’s education and make it known what their positions are.

I’ll give you an example by name. Sen. (Brian) Kelsey (R31) will be sponsoring a bill pushing school vouchers. The governor has stated his support for vouchers. This bill should be carefully studied by the community (to see) how it will affect education funding in Shelby County.

For Grizzlies Tony Allen, Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, this part of the Staxtacular 2013 auction was a laughing matter.

gone on to college.

Staxtacular is the largest fund-raiser of the year for Soulsville. Since 2004, Jenny Turner Koltnow has served as the executive director of the Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation and has experienced the event each year from start to finish.

“Staxtacular is my baby,” Koltnow said. “I remember when the idea was born in the Fall of 2004. I care deeply about the success of this event and making sure that everyone

who attends has a great experience, but at the same time they know why they are here.”

Koltnow glanced around at the attendees shaking hands with players.

“It’s thrilling because this year the stars really aligned for Staxtacular,” Koltnow said.

“We’re thrilled that this is really going to ultimately help so many young people at the academy pursue their interests and make the most of the music and mentoring at Stax Music Academy.”

NOTES: Stay tuned to The New TriState Defender to find out how much money was raised at Staxtacular 2013.

The Grizzlies will host the Fourth Annual Grizz Gala, presented by Gold Strike Casino Resort and SunTrust, at Gold Strike Casino Resort (1010 Casino Center Dr., Tunica 38664) on Saturday (Feb. 2) from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. All proceeds to benefit the Memphis Grizzlies House at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

NEWS

Tri-State Defender

TRADE

“In these players, we welcome NBA Champion and CONTINUED FROM FRONT Olympic gold medalist pro, college and Olympic lev- Tayshaun Prince, as well as els,” said Grizzlies General up-and-coming athletic Manager and Vice President of forwards Ed Davis, who Basketball Operations Chris won an NCAA title at North Wallace.

Carolina, and Austin Daye.”

“In these players, we welChris Wallace come NBA Champion and

Olympic gold medalist Tayshaun Prince, as well as upand-coming athletic forwards Ed Davis, who won an NCAA title at North Carolina, and Austin Daye,” Wallace said in a statement released by the Grizzlies.

“On behalf of the Memphis Grizzlies, we especially would like to thank Rudy Gay for his contributions to the Grizzlies and the City of Memphis both on and off the court. We wish him and Hamed the very best.”

The Grizz also get the Raptors’ 2013 second-round draft pick.

At 26, Gay now is a sevenyear veteran who entered the season with career averages of

PRAYER

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

“Black, white, all denominations, it’s a pro-active effort for people who believe that prayer is a force in their lives and can be a force to help others.”

Today’s problems are spiritual and have to be addressed in a manner that will heal people’s spirits, White said. “The government and leaders of politics can address the issues in their way, but speaking as a man of faith, for myself and others, we have to work on taking the hate out of the hearts.”

Pointing out the work of the God So Loved initiative, the Stop The Killing campaign and the dedication of others such as “Uncle” Joe Hunter in Frayser, White said those who call such efforts naïve can visit Bloomfield or many other churches to written and walking testimony that faith-based methods help reform criminal mindsets.

“We’ve seen the impact here and in other counties where we’ve saturated the message by putting out yard signs,” said white. “But we’re not just using signs, we’re going out and using bodies to go out witnessing and praying in highcrime areas. This is not just an event, it’s a movement.”

And it’s an everyday thing for him, White said.

“Right after the 2011 new year, an attorney called and asked me did I know this certain guy. I asked him, ‘Do I need to know him?’ He said, ‘Well, he knows you.’ (Eventually) I served as a character witness for him and he’s moved to Chicago and has done great things,” said white.

“I often take street guys, even gang “I often take members and street guys, gang leaders, to lunch just even gang to talk to members and them. Not trygang leaders, ing to get to lunch just them to come to church, just to talk to to talk to them. Not them.

You trying to get have to work them to come with them, be involved. A to church, just to talk to lot of them feel divorced them.” from society Rev. Ralph and we make White it very difficult for them to get back in the mainstream.

‘They can’t get jobs so they turn to other elements,’ said White. “We know that the camaraderie they find in gangs is not real, it’s superficial, but we have to show them that we have their back.’

White said some members of fraternities and sororities differ with him when he relates the camaraderie that Greekbased organizations experience with that shared by gang members.

“We do things for our frat brothers and sisters and the gangs give kids who feel dispossessed the same type of connection. Most members of gangs, male and female, are simply searching for a connection to something.”

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January 31 - February 6, 2013

17 points, five rebounds and 1 assist. He is the all-time franchise leader in steals.

Prince is averaging 11.7

points. The 32-year-old NBA veteran earned an NBA title with the Pistons in 2004.

Gay, who ranks 20th in the NBA in scoring, has a $37 million contract left over the next two season. In July of 2010, he signed an $82 million, fiveyear contract under former owner Michael Heisley.

Prince’s contract is $15 million.

Daye and Prince were inactive when the Pistons played the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.

Gay and Haddadi’s trade makes five players that the Grizzlies have moved off their roster in less than two weeks.

Marreese Speights, Wayne Ellington and Josh Selby are now with the Cleveland Cavaliers in a deal that helped Memphis avoid paying a $4 million luxury tax.

As the trade rumors circulated, Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins said that he preferred that the team he had at the time would stay together for the entire season.

Tayshaun Prince

Ed Davis

Austin Daye

Page 4

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Hillary as president: better for African Americans?

The same day that President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made headlines for their first joint interview, on “60 Minutes,” NAACP President Ben Jealous delighted conservatives with his headline-making interview on another Sunday news program.

Appearing on “Meet the Press,” Jealous said, “Right now when you look at joblessness in this country – the country is pretty much back to where it was when this president started. White people are doing a bit better. Black folks are doing a full point worse.”

Also on “Meet the Press,” onetime vice presidential candidate, and current member of the House, Paul Ryan, offered this theory regarding the current economic battles facing our country: “Look, if we had a (Hillary) Clinton presidency, if we had Erskine Bowles as chief of staff of the White House or president of the United States, I think we would have fixed this fiscal mess by now,” Ryan said. “(But) that’s not the kind of presidency we’re dealing with right now.”

Both pronouncements raise questions that have been pondered by some political watchers since the conclusion of the 2008 presidential election: Would African Americans have fared better under a Hillary Clinton presidency than under Obama (and will they if she runs and wins in 2016)?

Does President Obama get a pass?

Jealous’ remarks illustrate a reality that has disappointed some African Americans, who were hopeful that a black presidency would lead to an improvement in conditions for black America. However, addressing that disappointment has been tricky, particularly for black lawmakers.

In a previous interview with The Root, the former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), said, “Well, I’m supposed to say he doesn’t get a pass, but I’m not going to say that. Look, as the chair of the Black Caucus, I’ve got to tell you, we are always hesitant to criticize the president. With 14 percent (black) unemployment, if we had a white president, we’d be marching around the White House.”

Cleaver added, “The president knows we are going to act in deference to him in a way we wouldn’t to someone white.”

Cleaver’s point, that African Americans would be tougher on a white president regarding the dismal unemployment numbers that have plagued the black community, lends credence to the notion that black Americans might actually have fared better under Clinton – if you accept the premise that a politician will address the needs of a constituency that holds him or her accountable.

In an interview with The Root, African-American radio host Mark Thompson, the host of Sirius Radio’s “Make It Plain,” described the difference between a Hillary Clinton presidency and Barack Obama’s this way: “If she had won, I think that the African-American community would have held her to a higher level of accountability and would have even demanded more and probably would have been more willing to agitate ... for its needs.”

He continued: “The current scenario is politically, the first AfricanAmerican president doesn’t want to appear to show favoritism towards African Americans, and African Americans in turn don’t want to harm and confront the first African-American president – so we’ve pretty much neutralized each other.”

African-American Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) once made a similar argument, saying that many black members of Congress were worried that their constituents would be displeased if they were perceived as being too tough on the first black president.

Adding to the complexity Thompson speaks of, Obama has faced end-

OPINION

January 31 - February 6, 2013

less, unfounded criticism for allegedly being biased toward African Americans since taking office. One poll found that 31 percent of Republicans believe the president is “a racist who hates Keli white people.”

Goff Former Fox News host Glenn Beck famously called the president a racist “who has a deep-seated hatred for white people or the white culture.”

Did Clinton lose her pass?

During their “60 Minutes” appearance, Obama and Clinton intimated that part of what made their presidential primary fight so bitter is that they actually had few policy differences.

When it comes to policies directly affecting African Americans, for instance, both support affirmative action.

The secretary of state and her husband enjoyed immense support and trust among the black community – so much so that former President Clinton was once dubbed “the first black president.” But their image within the black community was somewhat tarnished by controversial comments the former president made about his wife’s then foe. Among them, Bill Clinton seemed to dismiss the viability of Obama’s campaign for the presidency by saying of his South Carolina primary win, “Jesse Jackson won South Carolina in ’84 and ’88. Jackson ran a good campaign. And Obama ran a good campaign here.”

Former President Clinton also faced criticism that by shepherding policies like welfare reform, he ultimately did more harm than good for low-income people of color, who were hit disproportionately by such measures.

But the reason the question lingers as to whether black Americans would have done better under Hillary Clinton can perhaps best be summarized by a baseball analogy. In a previous interview with The Root, when asked to give President Obama a grade for handling the economy, civil rights activist the Rev. Jesse Jackson gave the president a solid B. But he went on to draw parallels between the president and Jackie Robinson.

“When Jackie got drafted, everyone who was black was a Jackie fan and a Dodgers fan,” Jackson said. But he continued that after a few years, as more players of color joined the league, “we could be fans based on productivity.” His point? That’s where black Americans can be now with the president: judging him on results.

Unprompted, Mark Thompson mentioned the Jackie Robinson analogy, too, but for a slightly different reason.

“The phenomenon in our relationship (between the black community and the president) is we are following the version of the Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson ‘Don’t fight back’ mantra.”

Thompson was referring to the white baseball executive who famously coached Jackie Robinson to be a pioneer for his people by integrating the major leagues, but warned him that doing so would require that Robinson turn the other cheek – at least in the beginning.

“But that ban,” Thompson noted, “was lifted after two years, and no one messed with Jackie after that.”

“Enough time has elapsed that the rule has been lifted for both of us (African Americans and Obama) – but we are both still acting on that rule,” he continued. “The AfricanAmerican community has been silenced out of fear of hurting the first African-American president. If it had been Hillary, we would not have been afraid (to criticize).”

(Keli Goff is The Root’s political correspondent. Follow her on Twitter.)

Tri-State Defender

Obama slights loyal following

Boy Scouts shouldn’t become ‘Gay Scouts’

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. This statement is the best way to express my thoughts and feelings about what the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is constantly going through.

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the U.S., with more than 2.7 million youth members and more than 1 million adult volunteers. It is estimated that more than 110 million Americans have been members of the BSA since in founding in 1910, including me.

The BSA’s stated goal is to train youth in responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs, and, at older age levels, career-oriented programs in partnership with community organizations. For younger members, the Scout method is part of the program to inculcate typical Scouting values such as trustworthiness, good citizenship, and outdoors skills, through a variety of activities such as camping, aquatics, and hiking.

I am fed up with the relentless attacks launched against the BSA by the homosexual community. The reason for the attacks? Because the Boy Scouts of America prohibits avowed gay and lesbian children and adults from participation, citing its principle to be “morally straight.”

They also do not allow atheist and agnostics to participate citing its “duty to God principle.”

In 2000, the Supreme Court ruled in Boy Scouts of America v. Dale that Boy Scouts, and all private organizations, have the constitutionally protected right under the First Amendment of freedom of association to set membership standards. In 2004, the BSA adopted a new policy statement, including the following as a “Youth Leadership” policy: “Boy Scouts of America believes that homosexual conduct is inconsistent with the obligations in the Scout Oath and Scout Law to be morally straight and clean in thought, word, and deed. The conduct of youth members must be in compliance with the Scout Oath and Law, and membership in Boy Scouts of America is contingent upon the willingness to accept Scouting’s values and beliefs. Most boys join Scouting when they are 10 or 11 years old. As they continue in the program, all Scouts are expected to take leadership positions. In the unlikely event that an older boy were to hold himself out as homosexual, he would not be able to continue in a youth leadership position.”

Wow, what a terrible group, a group that actually instills values and morals into developing kids based on the principles of Christianity. These are the values that makes remote that a child reared with the values of the Boy Scouts of America will become a nonproductive member of society. They teach children that there is a right and a wrong; there are things that are legal, but yet not moral; that the Bible is a great guiding, moral book to base one’s behavior on.

As opposed to constantly trying to destroy the BSA because they have moral objections to homosexuality; why do they not start their own group to indoctrinate the youth into their desired sexRaynard ual preferences?

Jackson They can call their group HIM and HERS. Homosexual Indoctrination of Males (HIM) and Homosexual Enlightenment Regarding Shemales (HERS). They are free, as a private organization, to create any rules of membership they choose.

And yes, they can discriminate against heterosexuals who stand for Christian values.

I am sick and tired of Christians apologizing for their beliefs. The BSA is not anti-homosexual, but is pro-Christian. I, nor should the BSA, will not apologize for my beliefs and values. I, nor should the BSA, change their values in order to make others feel good.

I find it amazing that the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) never opens their mouth when homosexuals discriminate against heterosexuals.

Tonya Parker, a Black, homosexual elected judge in Dallas County, Texas, refuses to marry heterosexual couples until she can legally marry.

“I do not perform them because it is not an equal application of the law.

Period,” she said. I guess the HRC has laryngitis when it comes to discrimination from within their community.

The homosexual agenda has little to do with the BSA, they are just a convenient target; and more to do about them forcing society to accept their personal lifestyle choices. They are free to set up any type of private club they want and indoctrinate anyone who chooses to join.

It was reported Monday that the national BSA board will meet next week and is expected to announce that it will allow gay Scouts and troop leaders. According the the Associated Press, the board is expected to announce that local sponsors of Scouting will be able to decide for themselves whether to bar gays or welcome them into scouting.

We, who believe in Christian values, have an obligation to take a principled stand in support of the BSA;s current position of banning homsexuals and not leave them to fight this battle alone.

I will be making a personal contribution to the BSA and strongly encourage you to do the same. If not us, who? If not now, when?

(Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a Washington, D.C.-based public relations/government affairs firm. He can be reached through his Web site, www.raynardjackson.com.

You can also follow him on Twitter at raynard1223.)

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President Barack Obama has the opportunity, in this second term, to put his feet on history. He won an election that his opponent had ess e n t i a l l y claimed, he has been firm about Julianne that which he Malveaux would negotiate on, and he has offered a progressive inauguration speech that offers up a liberal agenda, embracing Social Security and Medicare, uplifting immigrants and gay rights, and embracing ways to address inequality.

One could not help but applaud the strong direction of President Obama’s speech. But those of us in the African American community wonder why we could not get a shout out about high unemployment and poverty rates, inner city challenges, and income, economic and unemployment disparities.

Failing to address the community that offered him 97 percent of their vote indicates that there is a reckless disregard of his strongest supporters.

I understand that President Obama is the president of the whole United States, not the president of Black America. At the same time some of the evils that affect African Americans are issues that any president would address. To be sure, some of the gaps that are recorded and experienced have not changed since the 60s. Imagine the impact this president could have if he made a minor attempt in closing the gaps.

The inauguration speech spoke to all of us when it offered a progressive agenda. It spoke to some when it called out other communities and offered advancement some of them, but it spoke to none of us in the African-American community unless we chose to parse the subtleties, the Bible, the references to Detroit, and the acknowledgement of inequalities.

Hundreds of thousands of people thronged to the site of the inauguration speech. Many of them were parents and grandparents who were determined that their children and grandchildren had the opportunity to witness history. A second term for President Obama is actually more exciting than a first term because now this president is freed from the shackles of reelection possibilities and free to do his thing.

Will his thing improve the lot of all of us, some of us, or none of us?

In the African-American community, many think we won’t get a thing but an amazing and uplifting symbolism. There are still those who cheer simply because we have an African-American president. Can we put our cheer on for results?

In the next 18 months, President Obama has the opportunity to do whatever he wants to do. He can target resources and opportunities to any community he choses to embrace his targets. For example, more than $500 million was directed to a failed wind experiment in California. What about offering the same opportunity to inner cities?

President Barack Obama can make a difference by targeting the African-American community, either directly or subtly in his choices about public policy. While this president has a window of opportunity, who will gain? All of us, some of us, or none of us?

Our president will leave a legacy when he decides that African Americans deserve the same focus that other communities do. We need our President to target disparate unemployment, unequal wages and wealth, and differential access to education and opportunity. Immigration and marriage equality addresses some of us. Why can’t we address the inequality that faces all of us?

(Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. She is president emerita of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C.)

Tri-State Defender Platform

1. Racial prejudice worldwide must be destroyed.

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

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

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

5. Complete cessation of all school segregation.

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

DISTRIBUTION: Tri-State Defender is available at newsstands, street sales, store vendors, mail subscription and honor boxes throughout the Greater Memphis area. No person may, without prior written permission of the TriState Defender, reprint any part of or duplicate by electronic device any portion without written permission. Copyright 2013 by Tri-State Defender Publishing, Inc. Permission to Publisher, Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. Back copies can be obtained by calling the Tri-State Defender at (901) 523-1818, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Tri-State Defender

January 31 - February 6, 2013

Page 5

NEWS

Page 6

Tri-State Defender

January 31 - February, 2013

‘As a city we will do more,’ says Wharton Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Tony Jones

Forty-eight hours before he stepped to the podium to deliver the annual State of the City address this past Friday before a packed room at the Pink Palace, Mayor AC Wharton Jr. riffed on how running the city has personally affected him.

“You remember that movie ‘The Strange Life of Benjamin Bratt?’ That’s how I feel,” Wharton told The New TriState Defender. “I’ve always looked old, but the job is truly energizing, despite the pitfalls,” Wharton said with a good-natured laugh.

An upbeat aplomb underlined his presentation two days later. Notably included in the presentation was the sales tax hike rejected by voters this fall, and a game plan for addressing prosperity.

Leading off with the city’s fiscal structure, Wharton acknowledged that proponents did “a terrible job” of advocating for the sales tax hike rejected by voters in November.

“There are some rough times ahead for the city, however, we do see some light at the end of the tunnel, especially if we can get citizen approval for the sales tax,” he said. “That would provide for a property tax reduction. Add that to the termination of our obligation to the school system, and what appears to be an easing of the recession, we are cautiously

optimistic” Wharton e listed a few lineitem specifics backing his view.

“Our bond rating remains sound at AA, there’s over 60 million dollars in our rainy day fund and we are reigning in the cost of government.”

The speech listed 214 employees cut from the city’s payroll as an example of Wharton’s push for leaner, more efficient government.

As an example of economy of scale models his administration is pursuing, Wharton pointed to a new line of credit card-ready parking meters that will be enforceable 24 hours a day (as opposed to the sundown and Sunday cutoff for writing parking tickets) and a 311 call center.

Moving forward with his long term plan to instill a sound pre-K program brought him back to the proposed sales tax increase.

“The first obstacle, and the general resistance of voters to any kind of tax increase is certainly understandable, and it is a substantial hurdle that we have to overcome, but it’s for a good cause,” Wharton said.

“It’s a must if we are going to better this city.”

Recently embattled Memphis Police Director Tony Armstrong sat in the front row for the speech as Wharton stated his complete support for how Armstrong was running the department.

“Tony has my full support, absolutely. The key emphasis

“We know we are a city that can,” said Mayor Wharton. (Photo by Christopher Hope)

on crime will be a very comprehensive array of innovations on the local level,” said Wharton.

Later that evening, the need for them to remain closely in sync was tragically underlined by a shooting at Westwood Community Center just as they were about to convene a press conference introducing a new platform in the mayor’s anti youth violence project.

But it was what Wharton said at the end of the speech that prompted a standing ovation. Referring to the renovations of the Cleaborne and Foote Homes area, Wharton emphatically seared his critics who see him as strictly a silkhankercheif executive. Noting that the city’s poverty rate remains a constant despite any modern growth for the city, Wharton emphasized that balance has to be the priority.

“Having almost a full 25 percent of our population shackled by poverty is untenable and unacceptable. For too many peo-

ple all of this is just an illusion to them, a nightmare. This is why we will unveil and implement our Blueprint For Prosperity,” said Wharton.

“Notice that we didn’t say our fight against poverty. People start looking for excuses when you say you’re going to fight poverty. They start looking for passages in the Bible where it says the poor will always exist.

“As a former Legal Services attorney and a public defender, I can tell you that folks don’t want you coming to them saying, ‘I’m going to pull you out of poverty,” said Wharton.

“They want you to come saying I got a job for you, a training program so you can pull yourself out of poverty.”

Referring to the Constitution, the Emancipation Proclamation, the March on Washington and the recent second inauguration, Wharton said, “Our work still continues.

We will not rest until we better educate all of our children dur-

ing their earliest years and we will not rest until the sound of gunfire is no longer the accepted soundtrack of too many of our neighborhoods.

“As Memphians, we have a proven history of overcoming adversity from the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King

to the yellow fever epidemic.

We are up to the challenge,” said Wharton.

“We know we are a city that can. We always say that those who can do, we say those who care do more. We are a city that can, we are a city that cares and as a city we will do more.”

Tri-State Defender

LIVING WELL

Big steps for starting a small business Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by LaTanya White

For the budding entrepreneur who made a resolution to start a business in the New Year, there are literally 100 LaTanya things to White consider before taking a risk in the marketplace.

Here are a few tips to get you started that will address the most pivotal steps needed for success in every industry.

Self-evaluate

Self-evaluation is key. Are you passionate about being a business owner? Starting a business is no crystal stair. It requires lacing up your work boots to prepare for the marathon you will run the first year. Guy Kawaski’s book “The Art of the Start” suggests keeping your cash outflows to a minimum during the start-up phase. Money has an interesting way of testing your commitment to your business aspirations. So, it’s important to be confident in your decision to be self-employed from the outset.

Build relationships

Having relationships with prospective customers, suppliers, and vendors is imperative. If you plan to hire employees, however, these are the relationships you should focus on first. Establish clear objectives and roles for your employees that are motivational. While the employees work in your business, there will be time for you to work on the business.

Know your roles

In Michael Gerber’s book, “The E-Myth Revisited,” he reveals the myth of entrepreneurship and why many small businesses fail. In a nutshell, his position is that just because you have a technical skill (like a great bartender), that does not necessarily mean that you will be great running a business involving that skill (like a brewery or a local pub).

The book goes on to state that there are three separate personas that every business owner possesses: the technician who actually possesses the skill; the manager who delegates how, when and where this skill is applied; and the entrepreneur who wants to solve the world’s problems by using this skill. It is important to understand the different

BUSINESS

Page 7

January 31 - February 6, 2013

MONEY MATTERS

Your credit score and how to look beyond

functions of each role.

Prevent burnout

The $1 million question: how do you prevent physical burnout without burning through your start-up capital (because you have already secured start-up capital, right)?

The answer is to develop the proper systems and strategies that allow the three business roles to function seamlessly.

The technician must have the creative freedom to enjoy the technical aspects of work.

The manager must avoid becoming overwhelmed by delegating minute duties to others.

The entrepreneur must remember to execute the overall vision before over focusing on short-term goals.

It is a lot to remember, but developing an operating system that is unique to your business is key. For example, write a position description for your role as owner that outlines your responsibilities and duties for each role you play. This will help remain accountable and assist with time management.

Be innovative

Without innovation, what will separate your business from the one down the street? The one that already has an existing customer base, a marketing plan and is generating revenue.

The greatest barrier to entry for any new business is a lack of innovation. Your business should solve a problem and your solution has to be different those currently provided in the marketplace. The book “Blue Ocean Strategy” offers ways to build innovation into any business model that will identify and deliver the total solution for your customers.

This is indeed a lot to consider but do not be discouraged. Organizations like the FAMU Small Business Development Center or a local chamber of commerce exist to help you succeed.

Take full advantage of these resources and consider reaching out to the business departments at a nearby college or university to seek assistance.

Also, engage college students as future business leaders by establishing an internship program that serves as a servicelearning opportunity.

Follow these tips and next New Year we will toast to your first successful year in business!

(LaTanya White, MBA is a professor in the School of Business and Industry at Florida A&M University, where she teaches management and entrepreneurship classes. Join White on Jan. 31 at 6 p.m. for a live Twitter chat for expert advice on how to start a small business. Follow @ FAMU_LivingWell.)

The ability to manage personal credit apparently is one of those things that gets better with age. A consumer reporting agency study indicated that people aged 66 and older had the highest average credit scores, followed by those aged 47 to 65.

Your credit score can affect your ability to obtain credit and the interest rate you pay.

So having a high score could be helpful to your overall financial strategy. But a good credit rating doesn’t always mean you are in a strong financial position. Consider these other factors for each age group.

Ages 66 and older. The average total debt for this group

is about 51 percent below the national average.

That’s g o o d news and may reflect the fact that m a n y Charles Sims Jr., CFP p e o p l e have paid d o w n their mortgages and are less likely to have student loans.

The not-so-good news is that this age group carries credit-card debt that is 43 percent higher than the national average. This trend is

of particular concern for those who are retired and living on a reduced or fixed income.

Ages 47 to 65. The average total debt for baby boomers is about 30 percent above the national average, which is not surprising considering that many people of this age have mortgages and may be helping to pay for their children’s college educations. However, second mortgages for baby boomers are also well above the national average, which could prove to be a burden as they transition to retirement.

The good news is that many baby boomers are in their prime earning years, and their other consumer debt

(such as credit cards and auto loans) is at or below the national average.

Regardless of your age or personal situation, it would be wise to monitor your credit report on a regular basis.

You can order a free report annually from each of the three major consumer reporting agencies at annualcreditreport.com or by calling (877) 322-8228. You’ll typically have to pay to see your actual credit score.

(Charles Sims Jr. is president/ CEO of The Sims Financial Group. Contact him at 901-682-2410 or visit w w w. S i m s F i n a n c i a l Group.com.)

The business of entertainment

ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

Miami Mike, the manager In the entertainment industry, the manager is primarily responsible for providing advice and guidance as to the career and development of an artist. It takes a person with the patience of a saint to deal with the creative brains of talent.

When it comes to creativity and accomplishment in the industry, few can argue that DeAndre Cortez Way, better known as Soulja Boy, doesn’t fit in the category. But it takes a village to make sure that Soulja Boy – the rapper, record producer, actor and entrepreneur – remains relevant and on top. Part of that village is Michael J. Sykes, who is better known as Miami Mike, the manager of Soulja Boy. Well respected in the music industry, Miami Mike gets the credit for signing Soulja Boy to a major record deal.

Also known as a philanthropist, Sykes, along with De’Shea Townsend of the Pittsburgh Steelers, has the Palm Tree Foundation, which supports low-income families, the homeless, as well abused wives and kids.

Carlee McCullough: Tell me about yourself?

Michael J. Sykes: I am from Panola County, Miss. and I’ve been in the business since 1994. Most people call me MIAMI (“Money. Isn’t.

A. Major. Issue”) Mike. I started off in the business by promoting parties.

CM: As an entertainment guru, give us a little bit of your accomplishments in the business for those that may not know who you are?

MJS: I am the C.E.O. of Palm Tree Entertainment, which is my record label, and I am the president of S.O.D.M.G. I promote concerts nationally. I am a moti-

vational speaker and (I have) a managem e n t company ( P a l m T r e e Management).

O v e r Carlee McCullough the years we have worked with 50 Cent, Young Jeezy, T.I., Soulja Boy, Arab, Jbar, Gucci Mane, L.L. Cool J., New Edition, Bobby Brown, Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, Trey Songz, Pleasure P., Twista, Juvenile,Yo-Goti,8Ball & MJG, Franky Beverly & Maze, G-Unit, Skinny Pimp, Gangsta Boo, Yung Keyz, Dirty Dan (a music producer from Arizona), Julius Massalay (a music producer from Columbus, Ohio, Grayvee (Flava of Love 3), Miss Mississippi (Palm Tree Entertainment Model), DeShea Townsend (5x World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers), Pooh Bear (R&B singer from North Carolina), Erika Michelle (R&B singer from Memphis), Julius Francis (R&B singer from Seattle, Wash.), Honey Bunz (comedian from Atlanta, ) and a host of models, producers, R&B singers, comedians, and D.J.s.

CM: What does a manager do for the artist?

MJS: He’s like an assistant and friend in some ways. But the manager tries to help the client get to the next level and believes in the client.

CM: What are the biggest challenges you face as a manager of an established artist?

How do you overcome those challenges?

MJS: A lot of stuff goes on and when an artist makes mil-

Michael J. Sykes, aka Miami Mike (Courtesy photo)

lions of dollars they sometimes are not as focused as they are when they were broke. You have to keep the artist motivated and focused on the goal. I tell them to grind until you get signed and when you get signed, to grind like you are still unsigned.

CM: Are you familiar with Memphis music? If so, what do you feel about the state of Memphis music and the music business?

MJS: Yes, I am familiar with Memphis music. Memphis artists need to try to stick together. They should do mix tapes and albums together which in turn helps everyone other out. They need to get together and make the city shine brighter when they get a buzz for themselves because Memphis has a lot of talent!!

CM: Where are you seeing the money being made for an independent artist?

MJS: I-tunes, Google play, YouTube, merchandise, shows, and the Internet in general.

CM: What advice would you give an artist/producer that would like to make money in the industry rather than just the fame?

MJS: Producer, writers, and ghostwriters make money also. They can also do movie soundtracks and television sound tracks because there is a lot of money behind the scenes. There is more money behind the scenes than on camera. For example, if a song makes $100 million, the artist gets $1 million and the label gets the rest after retail.

CM: Parting words?

MJS: Your Net-Work increases your Net-Worth.

Grind until you get signed and when you get signed, grind like you’re still unsigned!

(Contact information: Natasha Scott:MLSBooking Agency@Gmail.com.)

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

RELIGION

Page 8

Tri-State Defender

January 31 - February 6, 2013

LIVING THE LIFE I LOVE

Dig deep into truth and let it set you free

Tim Tebow celebrates as he walks off the field after his Florida Gators won the BCS National Championship game on Jan. 8, 2009. In the black below Tebowʼs eyes, John 3:16.

(Photo: news.blogs.cnn.com)

Does God influence sporting events?

CNN

by Dan Merica

With millions of Americans set to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, a new survey finds more than a quarter of Americans believe that God “plays a role in determining which team wins” at sports events.

The survey by the Public Religion Research Institute also found that more than half of Americans believe “God rewards athletes who have faith with good health and success.”

“In an era where professional sports are driven by dollars and statistics,” said institute CEO Robert P. Jones, “significant numbers of Americans see a divine hand at play.”

Asked if they believe God plays a role in who wins, 27 percent of Americans said yes. Poll results varied among regions and religions: 36 percent said yes in the South, 28 percent in the Midwest, 20 percent in the Northeast and 15 percent in the West.

Among nonwhite Christians and white evangelicals, 40 percent and 38 percent said yes, respectively; 29 percent of Catholics and 19 percent of white mainline Protestants also responded that God plays a role.

Jones said these figures reflect many Americans’ belief in a very active God. Minority Christians and white evangelical Christians “have a very personal view of God, a God that is very active in their daily lives and very concerned about the things that matter to them,” Jones said.

“So far as sports are one of the things that matter, it stands to reason that God is playing an important role.”

Faith and sports have long gone hand in hand; many athletes regularly thank God

after their team wins, and some even write references to Scripture on their gameday gear.

After Kurt Warner’s 1999 Super Bowl victory with the St. Louis Rams, the evangelical Christian used his postgame interview to thank God. “Well, first things first,” Warner told a reporter.

“I’ve got to thank my Lord and Savior up above – thank you, Jesus!”

Sunday’s game between the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers could see the same profession of faith. Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, who will make this Super Bowl his last game in the NFL, has regularly thanked God in the Ravens’ somewhat improbable run to the Super Bowl.

After earning a berth in the big game by defeating the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship, Lewis told reporters, “God doesn’t make mistakes. He’s never made one mistake. ... God is so amazing.”

“I’ll tell anybody. One thing about God’s will, you can never see God’s will before it happens,” Lewis said after the game. ‘You can only see at the end of it. For his will to happen this way, I could never ask for anything else.”

In the Public Religion Research Institute poll, 50 percent said they approved of these types of faithful expressions, while 45 percent said it doesn’t matter and 4 percent said they disapproved.

“That is a minuscule number,” Jones said of the people who disapprove.

“Even if you look at religious unaffiliated Americans ... only 8 percent said that they disapproved.”

The telephone survey was conducted January 16-20 with a random sample of 1,033 adults and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

Dear Lucy: This is the year I plan to clear up and get rid of all the junk in my life. I don’t care if it’s people or all the stuff I own. When I walk into my house, I feel overwhelmed, guilty and downright dysfunctional because of having too much! I have tried all last year to get rid of it but every time I get rid of a little bit, some more just shows up.

I am not a hoarder, just too much stuff. Help!

– Too much stuff

Dear Too much: Every year about this time I get a letter about clutter. As we think about bringing newness into our lives it is natural to think about making room for it.

I love your perfect description of what having too much stuff makes you feel...overwhelmed, guilty and dysfunctional. Those feelings have to come from inside of you because we know that “things” don’t create feelings. We create the feelings.

A good place to start is by first recognizing that what you are feeling is “noise.” It is the noise of your emotions attached to having things you think you shouldn’t. The noise

shows up as overwhelm and guilt that results in dysfunction. Who w o u l d n ’t be dysfunctional when your mind is Lucy chattering Shaw on and on about how you ought to get rid of that stuff and don’t you feel guilty for having so much? Nobody can talk to us as bad as we talk to ourselves. Lol. Now what can you do?

Maybe you have been asking the wrong question. Instead of demanding yourself to give them up “cold turkey,” ask yourself this: “Why I am I are holding onto them?”

Recently, I asked that question about shoes. I had Pradas with heels that I will never wear again because I simply can’t do three-inch heels anymore. I was holding on to them just because they were Pradas. I went through this with every pair of shoes and some clothes that I will never

fit into again. I took them to a consignment store and got a nice fat check two weeks later.

Some of the things just were not that easy to let go of. So then I asked another question.

“If I didn’t have it, what would I miss about it? How would I feel if I came in and didn’t see it?”

Now this can get deep because sometimes you will find out that “stuff” doesn’t always mean what you think it does.

My mother had fine china that she cherished and never used; beautiful sleepwear that she was saving for the day she got sick. We are influenced by our parents’ ways of being. I have a drawer full of lingerie waiting for the right man for heaven’s sake! Some of the things we hold onto represent our hopes, some represent our fears, some may represent our desire to never be poor or do without.

Some things have a story behind them. My elderly Aunt has a collection of 100 little glass statues. They mean nothing to me but she cherishes the memories associated with each one. She can talk about each one as if it was yesterday.

I love the way those stories

make her light up.

Releasing clutter is all about processing deeply held feelings and stories around the things we hold onto. And yes, the stuff will continue to come back until we fully address the reasons behind why we feel what we do about the things we hold on to.

For years, shoes and clothes just showed back up no matter how many I gave away. They did not sneak into the house by themselves! Try my advice and expect to dig deep into the truth and let the truth set you free.

Letting go!

Lucy

(You can watch Lucy on Channel 17 (Comcast) every Thursday at 10:30 am. (Send your questions to her by U.S. mail to: Heartworks4U, LLC; 4646 Poplar Ave. Ste 201, Memphis, TN 38117 or by email to lucy@heartworks4u .com. Get your free gift at http:// www.heartworks4u.com/) (For help with the feelings that get in the way of prayer and peace of mind, get Lucy’s new book, “BE NOT ANXIOUS.” Order it directly from her at 901-907-0260 or from her website.)

In word, song and praise…

The Rev. Dr. Melvin Charles Smith and Mt. Moriah-East Baptist Church at 1248 Haynes Street presented the 2013 version of Super Sunday last Sunday (Jan. 27). There was something for everyone, including a program by the churchʼs Youth Ministry on Saturday evening and the 12-hour, non-stop worship celebration on Sunday.

(Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

PRAISE CONNECT -A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-

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

767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126

ASSOCIATE MINISTERS

901-946-4095 fax 948-8311

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

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

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

Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter

TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

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

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

WEEKLY SERVICES

Sunday Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Night YPWW 5:00 p.m.

Night Service 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday Night Prayer 6:00 p.m.

Bible Study 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.

Friday Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.

Night Service 7:30 p.m.

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

No Telecast Service

Dr. David Allen Hall Pastor

— Proverbs 1:7

“The Founder’s Church”

First Pastor: Senior Bishop C.H. Mason

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

—Revelation 1:8

ST. ANDREW A.M.E. CHURCH

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

—Ecclesiastes 3:1

867 SOUTH PARKWAY EAST Memphis, TN 38106

(901) 948-3441

Early Morning..........7:45 AM Church School..........9:45 AM Morning Worship......11:00 AM Bible Study For Youth and Adults Tuesday - 7:00 PM “Spirit, Soul, and Body!”

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

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

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

“Ministering to Memphis-Spirit, Soul and Body”

Tri-State Defender

RELIGION

Welcome ‘home’…

January 31 - February 6, 2013

The Rev. Hubon P. Sandridge Jr. and the congregation of Thomas Chapel Baptist Church celebrated the churchʼs 72nd anniversary last Sunday (Jan. 27). The theme was “The Return of Godʼs Faithful Saints.” Rev. Sanders has been Thomas Chapelʼs pastor for 37 years. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

Page 9

ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, January 31 - February 6, 2013, Page 10

WHAT’S HAPPENING MYRON?

Football: are you ready for some?

OK, now that I have confirmed that the two teams I thought were playing really are the correct ones playing in the Superbowl this weekend, I can get on with my column.

Many of you have not missed a Myron game on Sunday, Mays Monday, Thursday or Saturday of the entire season. You have lived, breathed and consumed football.

You’ve been there for every party and every disappointment. On game day or night you have been glued to your television, breaking away only for the commercials.

As a matter of fact, you have managed to do more during a commercial break than most people do all day. And,you will be glued to your television once again for the best game of them all! Right?

Again, for the record, I am not much of a football fan and I did not watch a lot of it during the season. I have, however, watched a ton of commercials. Which pretty much means that come Superbowl Sunday, I will be looking forward to the best commercials ever…seriously.

Superbowl Sunday commercials, it seems, are the most entertaining and most creative ones ever made. This is done mostly because there is a very large audience tuning in…those who love the game and those who love the commercials. No doubt we will be in for a lot of surprises, and I will be conspicuously positioned near the television. I might actually stick around for some of the game too.

Can you believe that there are actually other things happening in the month of February besides football?

Will Downing & Lalah Hathaway

For those of you who will be extending Valentine’s Day through the weekend, here is one you’d probably want to put on your list. It’s gonna be a night of love as crooner Will Downing and Donnie’s baby girl, Lalah Hathaway, make their way back to Memphis for a great show.

Also in the lineup is my good friend and Memphis’ own, Karen Brown. The show goes down on Feb. 17 at the Cannon Center. You can get tickets at the Cannon Center Box Office or Ticketmaster at 1-800-7453000 or online at ticketmaster.com.

Willie Clayton at the Fitz

Legendary Soul Man Willie Clayton is coming to the Fitz Casino and Hotel on Feb. 23. You know his hits, “Boom Boom Boom,” “Be with Me” and “We Both Grown,” right? Tickets are $25 general admission and $30 reserved. There’s also a concert package available. Get your tickets by contacting the Fitz Gift Shop or Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.

Alicia Keys at the Landers Center

This Girl is on fire! Alicia Keys proves that with her latest hits “Girl on Fire” and “Brand New Me.” Hear those and more when she makes her way to the Mid-South on March 27 at the Landers Center for the “Set the World on Fire Tour.” Miguel will be joining her. Tickets are on sale starting Friday (Feb. 1). You can get your tickets from the Landers Center Box Office or Ticketmaster.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. sharing a Pall Mall cigarette with Lorraine Motel housekeeper, Camae. An avid chain smoker throughout the play, King discovers Camaeʼs true identity upon watching her light a cigarette without a flame. (Photos by Nicole R. Harris)

If Dr. King were a man, oh, he was!

Memphianʼs play delivers city a powerful message Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Nicole R. Harris

Servant. Leader. Activist. Saint. If one were to ask 1,000 different people how they would describe the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it is certain that 1,000 different replies would be received.

The clergyman, known best for his nonviolent civil rights efforts, has been immortalized in the minds of many as a man who could do no wrong. Even so, Dr. King was human. Though a triumphant civil rights leader, King was a man. He was human; a side that many people did not see.

In a society where clergy are revered and put on pedestals of unimaginable heights, native Memphian and play-write, Katori Hall, broke the often unspoken barrier in the recent Memphis premier of her play, “The Mountaintop,” at the Circuit Playhouse. Inspired by her mother, who was unable to attend King’s last speech at Mason Temple, the play gave Hall the opportunity to bring history to life on stage.

“This play is not only an homage to one of our greatest heroes, but also an homage to my mother who – as a living history book – decided to share this story of her deepest regret,” said Hall.

Making its debut in Memphis on MLK weekend, viewers were taken back to April 3, 1968, the night before King’s assassination at the Lorraine Motel. Set in the Lor-

raine Motel, audience members were immediately ushered into a scene of a nervous Dr. King preparing for what would be, unbeknownst to him, his last speech.

Pacing the room, feigning for a Pall Mall (cigarette), a nervous King struggled with his message. After placing a call to the front desk to request a newspaper, he was visited

by Camae (actress Detra Payne), a housekeeper on her first night of duty.

Keeping King company as he waited for his counterpart to return, Camae fulfilled his desire for a cigarette and the two engaged in playful, seemingly inappropriate, banter.

Audience members were drawn to the dynamics between the two characters. Though Camae had great respect for “Dr. King,” as she repeatedly referred him in her Southern accent, she also tempted him with her good looks and flirtatious conversation.

In time, things took a turn and the pastor begins to vent in frustration of the ways of the world. In an effort to calm a manic King, Camae calls out to him, “Michael, Michael.”

King, played by actor Lawrence Blackwell, came to a sudden pause, and went further into rage accusing the maid of being a spy.

Michael was the birth name that only few knew about.

Camae soon reveals to King that she is not a maid, but an angel sent by God to bring him to the other side. After much pleading and even a phone call to God, King agrees to go willingly, if Camae will show him the future. In awe and tears, King views images, including Angela Davis, Jessie Jackson, negative stereotypes and the first AfricanAmerican First Family.

Camae, actress Detra Payne, details her racially motivated death to Dr. King in the final moments of “The Mountaintop,” a play by Memphis native Katori Hall.

While the play entertained a sold-out crowd, the MLK weekend premier also delivered a powerful message: Memphis, the place of the unfortunate assassination of Dr. King, is the dress rehearsal for the beginning. In a city that some argue is still very much racially divided, there is still work to be done. Although Dr. King was taken from this world in an untimely manner, he left behind the manuscript for civil rights. It is up to the people of Memphis, the people of this nation, to continue writing the story and making history.

The play shows viewers that extraordinary things are done by every day, ordinary people.

“The Mountaintop” will run at The Circuit Playhouse through Feb. 10th.

Black History Month

February is Black History Month and as usual there’s a lot going on.

Believe it or not, history is still being made. I will share those things with you on next week. In the meantime, be sure to check out the Stax Music Academy Black History Month Musical, with gospel icons The Rance Allen Group.

In this story, the Stax Music Academy marries the ideas of blues and gospel traditions in paying homage to the gospel legends that were spawned out of the Soulsville community. The show is gonna be held on Feb. 5t at the Cannon Center at 7:30. Tickets are $10 and $20 for special seating. Go to staxmuseum.com for more information.

Until then, that’s what’s happening!

(Got an event you’d like for me to cover or attend? Email me at Myron@whatshappeningmyron.com)

BOOK REVIEW

Author perfects art of wearing hair ‘natural’ NNPA News Service

by Bobbi Booker “Better Than Good Hair: The Curly Girl Guide to Healthy, Gorgeous Natural Hair!” (Amistad, $14.99) is the fresh new handbook on how to achieve and maintain stylish natural hair, from the savviest and most revered expert on coils and curls.

So says Nikki Walton.

A force in the natural hair care movement (she founded the popular CurlyNikki.com), Walton is a natural hair blogger and online hair therapy expert who counsels thousands

of textured women every day on how to care for their hair and for themselves.

In “Better Than Good Hair,” this gifted “curl whisperer” educates women on how to transition from relaxed to completely natural hair, with advice and styles for every length – from Fierce Braid-andCurls to Fancy Faux Buns. She also counsels those considering the “big chop” – cutting it all off at once to sport a bold and beautiful “teeny weeny afro.” Here, too, is essential guidance for parents of mixed-race children dealing with new and unfamiliar hair textures and styles.

Combining Walton’s expansive knowledge with tips from other experts in the field, this is a book that encourages women to be bold, be healthy, and most importantly — be themselves.

With easy step-by-step illustrated directions for nearly two dozen hairdos, from frohawks to twistouts, this guide is part Bohemian Chic, part beauty trend and part manifesto – and is a must-have natural hair care bible that will help women of all ages and styles achieve their natural beauty.

(Special to the NNPA from The Philadelphia Tribune)

ENTERTAINMENT

Tri-State Defender

Page 11

January 31 - February 6, 2013

OPENING THIS WEEK

Kam’s Kapsules:

Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun

Angela Davis (clockwise from top left), Cornel West. James Cone and Ramona Africa in “Mumia: Long Distance Revolutionary” (courtesy photos) Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kam Williams

For movies opening Feb. 1, 2013

BIG BUDGET FILMS

“Bullet to the Head” (R for profanity, nudity, drug use, graphic violence and bloody images) Grisly revenge thriller, set in New Orleans, about a hit man (Sly Stallone) and a detective (Sung Kang) who form an unlikely alliance to track down the killers of their respective partners. Featuring Christian Slater, Jason Momoa and Jon Seda.

“Warm Bodies” (PG-13 for violence and profanity) Romeo and Juliet re-imagined as a romantic horror comedy set in a devastated, post-apocalyptic America and revolving around a zombie (Nicholas Hoult) who falls in love with the girlfriend (Teresa Palmer) of one of his victims. With John Malkovich, Rob Corddry and Cory Hardrict.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

“The Gatekeepers” (PG-13 for violence and disturbing images) Oscar-nominated Best

Documentary chronicling the exploits of Shin Bet, Israel’s national security agency entrusted with the country’s closely held top secrets.

Includes archival footage, computer animation and in-depth interviews with all six surviving former heads of the organization. (In English and Hebrew with subtitles)

“Girls against Boys” (R for nudity, sexuality, profanity and violence) Battle-of-the-sexes slasher flick about a college coed (Danielle Panabaker) who embarks with a girlfriend (Nicole LaLiberte) on a retaliatory, man-hating killing spree after a series of dates gone bad. With Liam Aiken, Andrew Howard and Michael Stahl-David.

“The Haunting in Connecticut 2: The Ghosts of Georgia” (R for disturbing images) Scream sequel finds a married couple (Abigail Spencer and Chad Michael Murray) settling into a historic home in the South where their young daughter (Emily Alyn Lind) suddenly starts seeing dead people visible only to her.

Supporting cast includes Cicely Tyson, Katee Sackhoff and Andrea Frankle.

“Koch” (Unrated) Intimate portrait of Ed Koch, the intensely-private, former Mayor of New York who occupied Gracie Mansion from 1978 to 1989. With reminiscences by

Congressman Charles Rangel, the Rev. Calvin Butts, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and current Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

“Mumia: Long Distance Revolutionary” (Unrated) Reverential biopic about Mumia Abu-Jamal focusing on the controversial cause célèbre’s literary career while carefully tiptoeing around the question of the convicted cop killer’s guilt or innocence. Featuring commentary by Dr. Cornel West, Amy Goodman, Angela Davis, Hurricane Carter, Ruby Dee and Dick Gregory.

“Sound City” (Unrated) Retro rockumentary, directed by Foo Fighters’ founder and front man Dave Grohl, about Sound City, the fabled, L.A. music studio where everyone from Neil Young to Fleetwood Mac to Tom Petty to Johnny Cash to Charles Manson have recorded albums.

“Stand Up Guys” (R for profanity, sexuality, violence and drug use) Mobster comedy about a recently-paroled, aging ex-con (Al Pacino) who reunites with a couple of geezer gangsters (Christopher Walken and Alan Arkin) for a last hurrah, only to end-up double-crossed by one of his buddies. With Julianna Margulies, Lucy Punch and Mark Margolis.

HOROSCOPES

Jan. 31-Feb. 6, 2013

ARIES A party or gathering with friends from the past gives you the opportunity to strut your stuff a bit. You’ve made tremendous strides and accomplished much in your life, so be pleased with yourself this week. Pass some of your wisdom along to others.

TAURUS Do not throw a wrench in someone else’s plan and undermine their project to get ahead in what you are trying to do this week. You will go further than you think by helping co-workers and friends.

GEMINI This week your fortune will delight you in ways that you’ve never experienced before.

Don’t be slow in sharing good fortune with others who helped you achieve what you have.

Fill their coffers as yours are being filled.

CANCER Do not seek the “highest” source of information for your answers. Look towards a humble source for the truth about your vibrations this week. The ability to learn from any of God’s creation will lead to better answers than finite human knowledge will produce.

LEO This week your strong fortitude will be able to carry you though hurdles that you once perceived as insurmountable. Don’t begrudge your situation. You will become a better person when you overcome any stumbling blocks in your path. You will look back and count it as a milestone.

VIRGO One of your greatest talents and gifts is the ability to give freely to others. Exercise it this week with a passion. You are very timely when others are in need. Your capacity to be a stronghold for others is remarkable. The power of giving will always supersede the feelings of neediness.

LIBRA Living in the past has been one of your favorite things, do it this week. Memory will give you clues to the answer to a pressing problem.Ask for help in finishing up the week’s work. Be diplomatic and you’ll get all the help you need. Pretending to be a little bit helpless can work to your favor.

SCORPIO There is a fresh discovery about yourself that you can make by taking a poll of friends.

They are especially aware of your real self. It shines through on the surface of your life. Ask others what they see and listen well.

SAGITTARIUS It is amazing how a restless soul like you can button down when you have to. This week is the kind of week when obligations must be met. The best way to get it done is to think about it with only half your mind. Let the other half roam around restlessly.

CAPRICORN You’ve done a lot of things in life that no one has agreed with at the beginning. Finding agreement this week will be difficult, but it should not deter you from moving forward.

AQUARIUS You should know by now that trying to be in two places at once is very taxing to your nerves! Give yourself a head start on all road trips so that you have time to enjoy the view.

PISCES An afterglow surrounds you during the week, and you may not feel like getting immediately into work-mode this week. It’s okay to go with your feelings; the world will wait for a little while. Treasure happy moments.

Source: NNPA News Service

Page 12

HEALTH

CLASSIFIEDS

January 31 - February 6, 2013

CHEF TIMOTHY Legal notices

A safe and simple apple pie

make. No baking is required for this great tasting pie.

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

It is unrealistic to think that most resolutions made in January will be fulfilled by the end of the year. A new month has already begun, and old habits, I’m sure, will return. We set goals, but aren’t motivated enough to see them through.

We fall short of our goals because we don’t know how to get there. We desire to achieve positive results without concentrating on the means necessary to attain them. This is especially true for people who have declared this to be the year they will eat healthy and lose weight.

The number one challenge often facing us is our self. As we consider making changes to improve our health, we come up with many selfdebasing excuses sometimes such as, “I’m too fat for this diet to work.” Or, “My daddy ate what he wanted and lived a long life. Why can’t I do the same?”

At number two on the challenge meter are the outside influences that play a big part in derailing our lives.

People are social creatures. We are always sharing our excitement with others. This can create negative reactions, which can stop our quest to take on new and healthy ideas.

To protect your psyche from these naysayers, you should never reveal your plan to others. You must look for and surround yourself with people who are like eagles, who soar high in their quest for good health and a better quality of life.

The final and most important part of the solution in all of this is nutrition and learning how to incorporate it into our daily lives. This can be simple for some and a challenge for others. The dilemma might be more than just our ability to understand the importance that food plays in our lives.

The most important meal in anyone’s diet is a well-balanced breakfast. Unfortunately, the majority of us skip this meal and try to make up for it later in the day by overeating those forbidden foods that are known to cause, for example, allergies, upset stomachs, diarrhea and headaches.

So what should we eat? A beginning meal could be oatmeal, brown rice, white rice, an apple, a salad or some simple carbohydrates that are not processed. Most of us would resolve to eat better if we knew what to eat that looks or tastes similar to foods we have habitually grown to love.

In light of this revelation, I will publish a series of healthy recipes to help in your quest to return to a healthy lifestyle. This week, I’m going to share with you a simple but safe apple pie recipe that is easy to

Nut pie crust recipe:

Dr. Timothy Moore

Yields 2, eight-inch pie crusts or 1 large crust.

1 1/2 cup of almonds, 1 1/2 cups of walnuts, 1 1/2 cup of pitted dates, 1 teaspoon of vanilla

power.

Place all the nuts into the food processor until the mixture looks like flour.

Add date and vanilla power to mix and process until mixed well.

Do not over mix.

Place the mixture into an 8-10 inch glass pie pan, press.

You may choose to reserve 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the mixture to sprinkle as a topping over the pie.

Chef note: crust can be frozen to use at a later date.

Apple pie ingredients

6 golden red apples, 3 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1/2 cup pitted medjool dates, 2 teaspoons of flax seeds ground fine, 1 teaspoon vanilla power.

Steps

Prepare piecrust according to the recipe and press into pie pan.

Place 1/3 of the golden apples, cinnamon, all the dates and vanilla power into the food processor and process until the mixture looks like applesauce.

While processing, add the other apple to the process until chopped into small pieces. Do not over chop.

Stir in the ground flax seed. Mix well and let sit for about 10 minutes.

Place this into the crust mixture.

You may choose to sprinkle the remaining crust mixture at this time.

Allow the pie to firm. Can keep in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Share and enjoy.

(Dr. Timothy Moore teaches nutrition, heart disease and diabetes reversal through a plant-based lifestyle. He is a professional speaker, wellness coach and personal plant-based chef. He is the author of “47 Tips To Reverse Your Diabetes.” He can be reached by email at cheftimothy@cheftimothymoore.com, visit him at www.chef timothymoore.com or follow him at www.twitter.com/cheftimmoore.)

LEGAL NOTICE TO FURNISHERS OF LABOR AND MATERIALS TO PRO-SITE CONSTRUCTION, LLC FOR SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS ALONG HOLMES ROAD SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOLS CONTRACT NUMBER CA1214394 Notice is hereby give that SHELBY COUNTY is preparing to make settlement with PRO-SITE CONSTRUCTION, LLC for necessary and related work for the construction of SIDEWALKS ALONG HOLMES ROAD/SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOLS All persons holding claims against the Contractor, PRO-SITE CONSTRUCTION, LLC or their agents for materials or labor entering into the construction of this project must file itemized notice of such claim (two copies) with the original copy sworn to before a Notary Public. This notice to be received at the office of Clifton Davis, Administrator of Purchasing, Suite 550, 160 North Main, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, on or before March 27, 2013 in order to obtain the advantages afforded to claimants by legal statute.

Respectfully submitted, Clifton Davis Administrator of Purchasing Shelby County Government

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NOTICE TO BIDDER(S) Shelby County Government is soliciting proposals from local consultants or consultant teams for the provision of professional services as indicated below.

Interested parties must download the solicitation directly from the Countyʼs website, unless otherwise indicated in the solicitation invitation. Please visit the Countyʼs website at www.shelbycountytn.gov. All solicitations are listed under “Purchasing Bids.”

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DUE THURSDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2013 AT 4:00 PM RFP #13-001-37 Capacity Building and Community Engagement for the Mid-South Greenprint and Sustainability Plan 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) Interested parties must download the solicitation directly from the Countyʼs website, unless otherwise indicated in the solicitation invitation. Please visit the Countyʼs website at www.shelbycountytn.gov. All solicitations are listed under “Purchasing Bids.”

DUE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013 AT 2:30 PM SEALED BID SBI-000197 MUDVILLE ROAD BRIDGE PROJECT Pre-Bid Conference: A voluntary pre-bid conference will be held at 9:00 AM, Monday, February 11, 2013 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 eth-

nic origin, age, disability or military service.

THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED By order of

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COMMUNITY

Tri-State Defender

BRIEFS & THINGS Hopson named MCS interim superintendent

Pledging that he will work to ensure that Memphis City Schools students “continue the strong academic gains they have demonstrated over the last year,” Dorsey E. Hopson II accepted appointment as interim superintendent of MCS on Tuesday night.

Hopson, general counsel for MCS, was unanimously approved by the Shelby County Board of Education during its regular business meeting. He was nominated by Commissioner Chris Caldwell. The appointment followed the board’s approval of the resignation of Dr. Kriner Cash, who has served as MCS’ superintendent for nearly five years.

“I am humbled and honored that the Board has placed such trust and confidence in me,” said Hopson. “I will also focus on winding down the Memphis City Schools’ operations and assisting Supt. John Aitken as he leads the merger process.”

Hopson, a native Memphian, earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Memphis and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Georgia State University College of Law. Since 2008, Hopson has served as general counsel for MCS. Prior to joining MCS, Hopson served as assistant general counsel and interim general counsel for the Atlanta Public Schools, and as general counsel for Clayton County Public Schools in Jonesboro, GA.

Page 13

January 31 - February 6, 2013

Retirement bittersweet for longtime school nurse

by Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Irma Morgan Moore’s family and friends respect her ability to make sound decisions. So after Moore decided to retire from her job as a nurse circulating through Memphis City Schools, more than 100 of them gathered at Precious Moments Banquet Hall to honor her and acknowledge her choice.

“I was assigned and traveled to three or more schools a day,” said Moore, a traveling nurse who was assigned to schools from Collierville to Millington. “It was good experience. I was able to bond with the children and I knew that I was helping them.”

After nine and a half years of service, Moore retired from Memphis City Schools in December.

“I knew it was time (to retire),” said Moore after her retirement party (Jan. 20). “I miss my students, but this is

what I’ve worked so many years for.”

Moore’s career began at John Gaston Hospital, where she worked second shift as a licensed practical nurse on the second floor in the TOBY unit. After about 10 years, Moore transferred to the Shelby County Schools system, where she remained for the same amount of time.

Last August, Moore was assigned to Scenic Hills Elementary School. When her students learned that she was retiring they thanked her for service and dedication.

“It was a difficult decision to leave. I notified management and went to the board to put in my two-week resignation. I had an empty feeling riding home that day. It reminded me of my last day of high school,” said Moore.

“This is the first retirement party I’ve been to,” said Moore’s sister Claudia Sims.

“Irma is my only and oldest sister. She has worked hard and long for this day and we are happy for her.”

Irma Morgan Moore (center) is flanked by family and friends at her retirement party. (Photo courtesy of Yvonne D. Nelson)

The event’s theme was “Career Journey,” Evelyn Morgan emceed, and the program included remarks by family and friends.

“She’s a tremendous lady,” said former MCS co-worker Nelson Luster. “I was honored to come out…because of all the people Irma knows she found room for me (to speak).”

Other speakers included Moore’s childhood friend Ruthie Neal; former co-workers Doris-

tein Turner, Allison Perry, and Maxine White; granddaughters Tyra Jones and Moniqua Morgan; her children Harold Morgan, Isaac Jones, Michelle MooreLindsay, and Timothy Moore; and 12-year-old grandson, Collin Lindsay, who performed two selections on his violin.

“My mother enjoyed taking care of her students,” said Moore’s son, Isaac Jones, who is currently employed at SCS, working on his Ed.D., and en-

gaged to Mona Roberson, a school nurse. “Watching my mother throughout the years and listening to her talk about so few men in the field helped me to decide early on to pursue a career in education.”

Everyone was given a glass of champagne and Moore’s special friend Clinton Taylor made a toast.

“For years I have heard you say that you wouldn’t take a wooden nickel for your children,” said Taylor. “Irma, I just want you to know that I wouldn’t take a wooden nickel for you!”

Moore’s son, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Moore, was happy to be able to come home for the party.

“My wife is expecting,” said Moore, a 16-year serviceman.

“She and my two children are at home in Texas. My job was just to get here. I’m glad my mother has retired, but I’ve got another job for her.

“Now that she can sit and relax, she can take care of her grandbaby that is expected in March!”

BAEO, Dr. Sapp push options for education

The Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO) is partnering with award winning gospel artist Dr. Marvin L. Sapp for a community dialogue on educational opportunities for Black families in Tennessee.

The free event featuring the Grammy nominated Sapp – a Grand Rapids, Mich. pastor and Dove, Stellar and BET award winner – will be Friday (Feb. 1) at Greater Community Temple at 5151 Winchester Rd. It begins at 7 p.m., with the doors open at 6 p.m.

The session will include a discussion about the status of education for African-American students and the options that are available for parents seeking better educational opportunities for their children.

Dr. Sapp will accent the evening with a special concert.

The event is part of BAEO’s “Give Parents a Choice, Give Children a Chance” campaign, which is aimed at mobilizing and educating members of the community about the value of parental choice in helping to increase achievement for African-American students.

Attendees will receive information about educational options available as well as learn how they can play a more active role in supporting parental choice and educational options in their community. BAEO is a national, non-profit, membership organization. Its mission is to increase access to highquality educational options for African-American children by actively supporting parental choice policies and programs that empower low-income and working-class African-American families.

Turkessa Helton, 8th grade Language Arts teacher at Bellevue Middle School, teaches her students through an interactive English and grammar exercise. (Courtesy photo)

Teacher finds value in student feedback Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Alisha Tillery

Turkeesa Helton, an 8th grade Language Arts teacher, is working during her planning period at Bellevue Middle School dressed in a plaid shirt, necktie and argyle socks as part of Tacky Day for Homecoming Week.

Her willingness to participate in the school’s activities isn’t the only reason students may think she’s pretty cool.

Her Tripod scores say so.

The Tripod is a survey in which students evaluate their teachers by providing feedback on their classroom experiences according to the 7C’s: caring, controlling, clarifying, challenging, captivating, conferring and consolidating. Students evaluate teachers by rating statements, such as “My teacher knows when the class understands and when we do not.”

The scores account for five percent of the new evaluation model, the Teacher Effective-

ness Measure (TEM), to rate teachers. Memphis City Schools (MCS) is the only school district in the nation to use student perception as an evaluation component.

Helton, who’s been teaching for 12 years, was one of 120 MCS teachers randomly selected last fall to participate in the Tripod 7C’s Professional Development Research Project, which included Tripod training and professional development consultancy.

“I think students should have a voice in the way they’re educated,” Helton said. “It could be very beneficial to know the students’ perspective and perception of you because it can help you realize what you need to do to possibly improve your class to make it better for them.”

Students district-wide were administered the survey. Teachers were to receive a detailed report on their Tripod scores last week.

“After getting some scores (from the pilot), I’m comfortable with where I am,” said Helton.

“I’m tough, but my rapport with the kids is good.

They know I respect them, and they respect me.”

Monica Jordan, coordinator of Reflective Practice and Teacher Support, said the Tripod and observation components work together to help enhance teachers’ classroom experience.

“The (Tripod) results enable teachers to focus on his or her craftsmanship. Both sources of data offer an ongoing and fluid dialogue about which to best support teachers’ goals and continuous growth towards accelerating student achievement.”

After scores are released, teachers can take advantage of professional development consultancy and opportunities to improve where scores may indicate. Helton attended a differentiated learning conference last summer in Chicago. She said the survey, along with the professional development can help all teachers.

“That’s beneficial, especially to a new teacher,” she said, adding, “Not just for new teachers, but for veteran teachers, too…. to know, ‘You’re doing a good job, but this is an area you can focus on more and try to improve upon.’”

Deltas set Red Heart Fashion Extravaganza

The local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host its Red Heart Fashion Extravaganza at the West Memphis Civic Auditorium at 228 Polk Ave., on Saturday (Feb. 2).

The fundraiser begins at 6 p.m. and the admission is $10.

Attendees are encouraged to bring extra funds because there will also be vendors with specialty items for sale. For tickets, contact Atara Dorsey at 870-635-0526, Sheri Lowe at 870-636-1811, or Leonard Pegues at 901-240-9601. Tickets also be available at the door.

Models from the West Memphis and Memphis area will showcase attire from local businesses as well as personal items, with Red the main color worn. Thr fashion show is for all ages with modeling also to include kids attire, casual, church, swimwear, lingerie, and evening wear.

Representatives from the local Health Department will provide Heart Facts between the scenes and there will be youth entertainment. The narrator will be azz singing diva Sandra Bray.

New deadline for TSD teacher essay contest

The press in the news…

On Monday (Jan. 28), the press and its future were explored at a League of Women Voters meeting held at the Benjamin L. Hooks Library. The panel featured (r-l) Chris Peck, editor of The Commercial Appeal, Otis L. Sanford, now a distinguished professor at the University of Memphis Department of Journalism, and Bernal E. Smith II, president and publisher of The New Tri-State Defender. (Courtesy photo)

Here’s your chance to win an iPad Mini and $250 to $500!

In no more than 500 words tell The New Tri-State Defender about “The Teacher That Changed My Life!”

The TSD – in partnership with New America Media (NAM) and other media collaborators – are presenting this essay contest opportunity. The deadline has been extended and now is set for Feb. 11. Mail-in entries must be postmarked by then, and all entries are subject to the contest’s Official Rules.

Every entry will be entered into the raffle for the iPad Mini.

Eligible contestants

All contestants must reside in the city of Memphis or Shelby County. You can only enter one of the following categories: Teenagers between 14 to 18 years old;

Write about a teacher, who is not your relative, who teaches in a public or private school in the city of Memphis or Shelby County.

Adults 19 years of age and older; Write about a teacher, who is not your relative, who teaches in a public or private school in the city of Memphis or Shelby County who have changed your life or the life of your child.

Teachers in memory

Write about a teacher, who is not your relative, who might have passed away or whom lost contact with, or a teacher who taught you in your home country.

For more information, including official rules and an entry form, visit www. tsdmemphis.com and click on the essay contest icon.

SPORTS Tri-State Defender, Thursday, January 31 - February 6, 2013, Page 14

After Manti Teʼo spoke to ESPN, where he denies he was part of girlfriend hoax, this was what the morning paper from South Bend looked like. (Photo: Kevin Myers/CNN)

Te’o tale caught sportswriters napping CNN

by Roxanne Jones Whitehaven High School senior Chelsie P. Maclin shadows TSD columnist Kelley Evans, getting a behind-the-scenes look at sports coverage. (Photos by Warren Roseborough)

A Grizz night out helps senior with career choice Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Chelsie P. Maclin

Many perceive a high school student’s senior year to be one of the most fun and enlightening times of a person’s life. This special year is supposed to be a period of profound memories and in most cases that’s just the way it turns out.

I’m a senior and I can tell you that the final year of high school is also a year of great decisions. We have to decide on schools, majors and occupations. Experience and passion greatly affect the decisions.

Recently, I had a sports-related experience that helped me firm up my decision about what path I would like to pursue after high school.

The New Tri-State Defender granted me an opportunity to accompany Kelley Evans, the newspaper’s NBA columnist, to the FedExForum for the game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the New Orleans Hornets. It was an eye-opening experience.

The Grizzlies suffered an upset lost to the Hornets, ending a four-game home stand that included high-note wins against the Brooklyn Nets (10177) and the Los Angeles Lakers (10693). Being at the game and getting Kelley’s full play-by-play of a reporter’s job really helped me out in my decision to become a sports news broadcaster.

Kelley was great at showing me around. She gave me pointers on how to become an extraordinary reporter.

While at the game I was treated like an actual reporter. I was able to get up close and personal with the coaches and players. That interaction was a key part of a full experience that I needed to confirm how I feel about my future potential career.

A special thanks to the TSD’s “All Over Town” columnist, Nyah Nile, who is mentoring me and who helped me hook up with Kelley and the newspaper.

Former Grizz Greivis Vásquez encounters determined opposition from Memphisʼ Mike Conley, who has backup in forward Zach Randolph. The Hornets knocked off the Grizzlies 106 to 93.

Whitehavenʼs state champion football team shared its winning spirit at the Memphis Grizzlies-New Orleans Hornets game on Sunday night, as the crowd showed its appreciation.

Despite price hike, football fans still flock to chicken wings CNN

by Kristina Sgueglia No matter if they’re honeydipped, sauce-slathered, mild or volcanic, chicken wings will cost more for Super Bowl party hosts and pub patrons across America this year.

That’s mainly because the most severe and extensive drought in 25 years blazed a path of destruction through the Midwest during the sizzling summer of 2012. It damaged and destroyed major portions of fields, caused crop prices to rise and created a domino effect on overall food prices.

“The prices of corn and soybeans went way up. That caused many of the (chicken growers) to cut back on production,” said David Harvey, an agricultural economist and specialist in poultry at the United States Department of Agriculture.

Corn and soybeans are “the primary components of chicken feed, and chicken feed is probably the single biggest cost of growing the chickens,” according to Harvey.

Harvey said that the average wholesale price of wings in the Northeast market is up 26 percent to $1.90 a pound in December, an increase from $1.51 this time last year. In supermarkets across America, that translates to an average of $1.48 per pound according to a recent Consumer Price Index, up 10.6 percent from what it was a year ago, according to Bureau of Labor and Statistics economist Ken Stewart.

Still, wing fans won’t be deprived of finger-licking goodness on game day. While chicken production is down 139 million pounds, Harvey insisted there would not be a shortage of chicken wings for the showdown between the

Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers.

Reports claiming there would be fewer wings available sent fans into a wingsnatching frenzy at supermarkets and tackling pre-orders from their favorite wing-centric restaurants. But while the fate of the 47th Super Bowl championship lies in the hands of the football gods one thing seems certain: despite the higher cost, Americans will still get their wing fix on Sunday.

According to the National Chicken Council, Americans will consume 1.23 billion chicken wings during the game.

The lobbyist group crunched numbers based on chicken production estimates, data collected from Nielsen reports on supermarket chains, and National Purchase Diary consumer reports, according to council spokesman Bill Roenigk.

Fans who “chicken out” on

hosting super soirees, or simply don’t want the hassle, venture out to their favorite bar or wingery and fight to sit in their lucky seat.

“We already have over 40 pre-orders,” said Terry Mohamed. He’s the manager of one of 20 New York City outposts of Atomic Wings, a chain named for their explosively spicy wing sauces that range from mild to “abusive,” “nuclear” and “suicidal.” His particular franchise sold 200,000 chicken wings during last year’s Super Bowl.

The price of wings generally escalates around the Super Bowl, Mohamed explained, but not as much as it did this year, rising one whole dollar a pound. Customers were warned about the price hike, and while some complained, Mohamed said, “They just want to get their wings and get back to their football.”

A colleague of mine cringes every time he’s introduced as a sports journalist. “Please, just call me a journalist,” he said the other day. “I don’t want anyone to think I’m a sloppy sports reporter. I check my facts.”

You see, he wants no association with the fantastical Manti Te’o soap opera.

And after working as a sports journalist myself for nearly 15 years, I feel his pain.

It hasn’t been the best year for sportswriters, who’ve been caught unaware and downright out-hustled on some of the biggest sports stories: The sex abuse case of former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky sat untouched for years by sportswriters until it was uncovered by a dogged, young crime reporter, Sara Ganim (who works for CNN now).

Lance Armstrong, one of the biggest names in sports, was able to silence writers around him who whispered throughout his seven consecutive Tour de France wins that he was racing dirty. When he was finally caught by the U.S. AntiDoping Agency after the evidence and witnesses grew too loud to deny, he gave his widely watched confession to Oprah Winfrey, who is not exactly a sports insider.

And now, it’s Katie Couric to the rescue, delivering the first sit-down interview with Te’o since his fake love story was exposed by the sports blog Deadspin.

Maybe Couric can explain how media giants as savvy as Sports Illustrated and ESPN were conned about the Notre Dame star linebacker’s tragic tale of a beautiful girlfriend, Lennay Kekua, who slipped into a coma after a terrible car crash and later died of leukemia on the eve of one of the biggest games of the season. Despite his grief, Te’o helped lead the Fighting Irish to a 20-3 victory over Michigan State.

Sounds like a perfect script for a Hallmark movie, and just as make-believe. It was not true. The girl didn’t exist. According to Te’o, he’d been catfished – tricked by friends who played an online prank against him and made up the girl he met online and fell in love with, though they’d never met in person.

Sports journalists failed here. Failed to do their job, which is not simply to entertain fans and promote the games we love, but to inform, illuminate and deliver factual information.

Call me old-school, but I think journalists owe it to readers and viewers to make certain, to the best of our ability, that the news we deliver is accurate. Doesn’t the public trust still matter, or, is our work just all for entertainment these days?

“We got, got,” said Garry D. Howard, award-winning editor and chief of The Sporting News. “This is a wake-up call for us to remember not to take shortcuts. We always have to ask

Roxanne Jones

tough questions and confirm all the f a c t s o u r selves, even if they’ve already been reported by other

media.”

Howard is no lightweight.

He’s mentored hundreds of sports journalists, some of the best in the business.

When he was my editor at The Philadelphia Inquirer, he was constantly on my case. “Jones, get in here,” he’d bark at me from his office door if he found even one comma out of place in a story I’d edited, or a fact that didn’t quite add up.

People lie to reporters all the time. We’re a nosy bunch, often asking questions others think are none of our business. Sometimes the questions are personal, oftentimes they are painful.

I’m sure it can get annoying.

But our job is to probe. We know that politicians sometimes lie. Nice people lie.

Criminals rarely admit they’ve done the crime. And, yes, even star athletes have been known to exaggerate the facts. So in these multitasking times that require reporters and editors to blog, tweet, write and rush to break stories on-air, it’s also necessary to be a skeptic and remember the basics. Check everything.

Working in sports is a dream job most days. We meet fascinating people, mingle with superstars, travel the world and go to games for free. And most of us actually like the people we write about, but there’s a danger in getting so close to our sources that we shy away from pushing them on the facts for fear we’ll lose a story. Asking a tough question or verifying the information through independent sources is not insulting, or insensitive, it’s our job.

Just a few simple questions in the Te’o story could have sniffed out the falsehoods.

There was no obituary or death certificate for Lennay.

No record of any car crash.

No reporter had ever met her or spoken with anyone in her family. And Stanford University had no record of her ever attending school and playing on the volleyball team, as Te’o had told reporters. Following up on these alleged facts would not have been investigative journalism, just routine factchecking on a story that seemed innocent on the surface.

I just hope Couric can help to put an end to Te’ogate for us all. It’s time to move on to more important news. I’ve got Super Bowl picks to make: I’ll take the Baltimore Ravens by 13.

Forget the facts, who cares that San Francisco 49ers are favored by 3.5 points?

That’s my fantasy and I’m going with it.

(Roxanne Jones is a founding editor of ESPN The Magazine and a former vice president at ESPN.)