VOL. 62, No. 10
March 7 - 13, 2013
Choosing Judge Higgs’ successor Gov. Haslam must weigh history and the future besmith@tri-statedefender.com
by Bernal E. Smith II Among the many items on Gov. Bill Haslam’s plate is an opportunity to demonstrate his political acumen and savvy relative to an appointee to
serve out the remaining term of the late Shelby County Criminal Court Judge W. Otis Higgs Jr. Higgs died unexpectedly on Feb. 15, leaving a tremendous legacy of service on the bench and to the City of Memphis and Shelby County. This is an important appointment for many reasons. First, the replacement of a jurist the caliber of Judge Higgs is critical for those with business before criminal court division two and for main-
taining the relative efficiency with which cases are dispersed and disposed of throughout all the criminal courts of Shelby County. Secondly, Judge John Fowlkes’ recent appointment to the federal bench – combined with Judge Higgs’ passing – has left a glaring lack of diversity in the criminal courts, where the preponderance of the litigants are African American in a city and county with a majority AfricanAmerican population.
www.tsdmemphis.com
Gov. Bill Judge W. Haslam Otis Higgs Jr. Although justice is supposed to be blind, both distant and recent history (Juvenile Court findings by the Justice Department for example) demonstrates that in many instances that simply isn’t the case. Cultural relations and experience matter in how justice is ultimately relayed. Gov. Haslam has gained a reputation as a moderate conservative, with SEE JUDGE ON PAGE 2
75 Cents
China & the race problem A country in denial
SPECIAL REPORT NNPA
by George E. Curry
BEIJING – In absolute numbers, China probably has more beautiful women than any other country in the world. But one could never tell that by looking at the squeaky-clean glass display windows in upscale stores in this capital city or in Shanghai, whose architecture has been often compared to London, Paris and Rio. The classic image of beauty in those stores and elsewhere across China are modeled after the American and European standard of beauty – white, blue-eyed and blond. That’s remarkable in a country that has long considered itself the center of the universe. “From the most ancient times, the Chinese chose to call themselves white, with a light complexion highly valued and likened to white jade,” Martin Jacques wrote in “When China Rules the World.” “By the beginning of the twelfth century, the elite attached a heightened meaning to being white, with colour consciousness amongst the elite sensitized by the maritime contacts established during the Southern Song dynasty (AD 11271279). “During this period even the newly popular Buddha was converted from a ‘swart half-naked Indian to a more decently clad divinity with a properly light complexion,’ rather as Jesus was whitened in the Western Christian tradition.” Sun Yat-sen, who led the revolution SEE CHINA ON PAGE 3
- INSIDE -
• I was wrong about Jesse L. Jackson Sr. See Opinion, page 4. • Julia B. Hooks – ‘Angel of Beale Street.’ See Business, page 5.
Whoa dude!
Mike Conley of the Grizzlies is knocked out of bounds and fouled by Wesley Mathews of Portland. Conley was OK and Memphis once again came back from a double-digit deficit, racking up a 91-85 victory at the FedExForum. See related story, photos in Sports. (Photo: Warren Roseborough)
nyah@tri-statedefender.com
by Nyah Nile
SEE HAMILTON ON PAGE 2
• Mitchell back to state after sectional win. See Sports, page 12.
Community help needed for sickle cell group home
Catching up with Anthony Hamilton
Contemporary soul and R&B star Anthony Hamilton recently gave me a message for Memphis and Mississippi. “Memphis and Mississippi, I love you,” said the ultra-cool Hamilton in an exclusive, backstage interview with The New Tri-State Defender after his performance at the Landers Center in DeSoto County last Sunday night (March 3). That love, said Hamilton, goes beyond Memphis-area support for his music. It’s a genuine affection that reflects his recognition that people here enjoy life and aren’t afraid to go to a concert and have a good time. “Every time I come here, I’m handling your passion,” said Hamilton, who’s touring with Mary J. Blige, the “Queen of Hip Hop Soul.” “Just the whole scene tonight was beautiful, and I thank you all for … letting me ride down my sweet chariot. I appreciate you all!” Without a doubt, one of the best voices in soul and R & B belongs to Hamilton. The chart-topping hits say it, the sold out shows prove it, and his soul-shaking vocals on blockbuster movie soundtracks make you a believer. Fresh evidence is “Freedom” on the soundtrack to the Oscar-nominated “Django Unchained.”
• MPD awareness campaign has feel of a family affair. See Community, page 11.
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Tony Jones
For Anthony Hamilton, last Sundayʼs concert at the Landers Center in DeSoto County was a chance to get into a comfortable place and let go. (Photo: Warren Roseborough)
The Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee is on the verge of opening its first group home and the community’s support is needed to push the project to the finishing point. Located at 35 West Brooks Rd., the next step in the Foundation’s expanding outreach effort was brought to my attention by TSD reader Mario Martin. I ran into him while on a supply run at Office Max. Martin’s an entertainment and real estate entrepreneur. After explaining that he had added security systems (Maximum Security) to his products and services line, Martin mentioned that the company had donated a state-of-the-art system to a house for the Sickle Cell Foundation. Foundation CEO Trevor Thompson agreed to a preview tour of the nearly-completed home. Modestly beaming, Thompson said the Foundation expects to have the 3,500-sq. ft., six-bedroom facility ready for ribbon cutting by SEE HOUSE ON PAGE 2
Mary J. Blige
• A special delivery from Mary J. Blige. See Entertainment, page 8.
MEMPHIS WEEKEND
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
H -60o - L-45o S u nny
H- 6 5 o - L - 5 4 o P a r tl y C l oud y
H- 6 3 o - L - 4 7 o Sho wer s
REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS
Friday H-63 L-48 H-56 L-34 H-68 L-45
Saturday H-70 L-57 H-66 L-48 H-71 L-55
Sunday H-64 L-43 H-68 L-54 H-71 L-51
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JUDGE
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
an ability to work across the aisle and build consensus while using a “down home” sense of people and easy communications to build social and political capital with constituents and legislators. He is a quick study relative to the pertinent facts and history of an issue. There are a number of pertinent historical facts for Haslam to consider relative to this appointment. In 1965, then-Gov. Frank G. Clement made a bold and historic move, appointing 40year-old Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks to fill a vacancy in the Shelby County criminal court. The move made Dr. Hooks Tennessee’s first AfricanAmerican to serve as criminal court judge. A year later, he won a full term to that same judicial seat. In 1964, H.T. Lockard become the first African American to hold elected office in Shelby County since Reconstruction when he won a seat on what would be the predecessor to the County Commission. In 1975, he would become Judge Lockard. In 1970, Higgs, 37, was appointed by then-Gov. Buford Ellington to Division 4, Shelby County criminal court. He served until 1975, at which time then-Gov. Ray Blanton appointed Lockard (at age 55) to fill the seat. Judge Lockard retained the seat through subsequent elections, retiring in 1994 following an illness. Meanwhile, Judge Higgs moved on to hold several positions of distinction, including becoming the only African American to hold the position of Shelby County Sheriff. In 1998, he ran successfully for the judgeship in division 2. He was re-elected in 2006 for a term that expires in 2014. Interesting how interconnected things are; how they seem to come full circle. Lockard, Hooks, Higgs,
HAMILTON
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
Humble, kind and genuinely an all-around nice guy and family man, period. That’s the Anthony Hamilton I first met back in May 2009. It was the same setting as Sunday night’s concert, except this time I wasn’t shaking with nearly as much nervousness. With no hesitation, he agreed to a reunion of the minds. After a hug and a few laughs, we headed to the dressing room for a candid exchange. Here’s a sampling of our conversation:
Anthony Hamilton: How have you been doing? It has been a while since I saw you. Nyah Nile: I have been doing fine, thank you so much for asking. I was not sure if you would remember me.
AH: I did remember. You brought me carrot cake the last time. Hey, you look great. I am glad you’re doing well. NN: (laughter) Thank you … Anthony, I’ve been talking to the people out there and they love you!
AH: Really? NN: Yes! Oh yes! Those people have been dancing all night and on their feet for you! AH: I know, I know, I love that! Memphis shows me love every time.
NN: Catch me up. What’s been going on? AH: Sure. Well, this past week we had CIAA, which is an event held in Charlotte, North Carolina. Of course you know that’s my hometown. This year, instead of partying, we took the initiative to party for a purpose. We did something similar to Anthony Hamilton’s Big Payback. Now that is where we donate $15,000 to three different charities.... One of the charities was the man shelter, then the women and children’s shelter of Charlotte, then we donated a truckload of food and supplies to Second Harvest Food Bank, and we gave to a children’s place. So really, four different charities and we were extremely happy about that. It was just great.
NN: That is wonderful. Tell me about that clothing line, because you know I’m a fan. AH: Well I’m still trying to work on it, it is coming. I am going to work it out though. Speaking of fashion, you’re
NEWS
Tri-State Defender
March 7 - 13, 2013
Lockard and back to Higgs – each bold, a pioneer, African American. All were relatively y o u n g when iniDr. Benjamin tially appointed or L. Hooks elected, and all in Memphis and Shelby County. It’s also notable that during the ’60’s many African Americans were members of the Judge H. Republican T. Lockard Party (the party of Lincoln). So, in some instances you had a Caucasian governor of a different political party appointing African Americans across the aisle. Now in that legacy and tradition, Gov. Haslam has an opportunity to appoint someone to the remaining year of Judge Higgs’ term. He can identify and appoint someone with the opportunity to be a new-era pioneer and a catalyst for change for a new generation.
Potential candidates
Each candidate must meet several basic criteria, which include being an attorney, at least 30 years of age, a resident of Tennessee for five years and a resident of the district for one year. While there are myriad potential candidates, what about those with an interest, high potential, experience and a penchant to adjudicate the cases and serve the people before the court with fairness and compassion? What about those cut from the cloth of Hooks, Lockard and Higgs?
looking very dapper today, and on point. NN: Ahhhhh, thank you. I just was channeling my inner Mary J. AH: (laughs). Well, you look great! NN: You look great too. I love the shoes you had on stage. You look good head to toe…. Did you feel it out there? There is something in the air. Every little thing you did made the ladies scream. What’s all the recent sex appeal about? (Laughs) AH: (he cannot stop laughing) NN: Seriously, what is going on? The swag is definitely turned up. AH: (laughs) You know what it’s all about? Getting into a place where you’re comfortable and letting go. That is what I have been doing, and I am working out a lot lately.
NN: (laughter) You are always moving on stage. AH: Yeah, I have a trainer and she is amazing! She has me doing two hours of cardio and crunches. I’m just trying to get my sexy stomach action in there. NN: All right now. Last time I saw you perform, I was so impressed. You ran (during) an entire song called “Soul on Fire.” AH: Yeah, I haven’t done that in a while. I messed up once performing that song…. I used to jump during that song. I had to have surgery. I came back with my crutches though, still performing….and was still doing the same kind of show… I had to get back to doing shows.
NN: Now that’s what I’m talking about. Glad you’re doing well. So what is next for you?
I’ve been able to identify three to whom Gov. Haslam should give the highest consideration. They are: Damon Griffin – Age, 37. Experience: Assistant District Attorney General, serving as a member of the Special Prosecution Unit (SPU) and the Gang and Narcotics Unit. A successful trial attorney in that office, trying over 30 jury trials, including the state’s most horrific mass murder, and other cases featured on the A&E Network’s “The First 48.” Currently, Chief Ethics Officer for Shelby County Government. Service/Unique Experience: Provides pro bono services to the Headquarters Jurisdictional Assembly, Church of God in Christ, Inc. (COGIC), where he serves as parliamentarian and counsel for the Assembly. An ordained and licensed youth minister in COGIC and adjunct professor at Southwest Tennessee Community College. Ten years of legal experience. Carolyn Watkins – Age, 52. Experience: Served as an Assistant Public Defender, handling felony preliminary hearings to capital murder cases. Currently, Administrator for the Shelby County Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance. Service/Unique Experience: Member of numerous non-profit boards, including Op-Act, Grace House, The Klondike CDC and the “Stop the Killing in Klondike Task Force.” Volunteered time on issues from crime reduction to economic growth and development. Over 23 years of legal experience. Glenn Wright – Age, 57. Experience: Served as an Assistant Public Defender, Assistant District Attorney, and a lawyer in private practice. Also served as a Special Judge in both General Sessions Criminal and Criminal Court of Shelby County. Currently, in private practice. Service/Unique Experience: Served as a prosecutor, public defender and in private practice. Twenty-eight years of experience. AH: What”s next? Well, I just got back from South Africa…we went there and we took in the whole culture. We documented a lot of stuff, so we are in the editing process now to create a documentary. We did concerts over there and everything. It is important to show just show how important travel is…also it is so important to see where most of us are coming from…Man I just have a whole different appreciation….An appreciation without judgment, without any preconceived notions or any motives. I just have love now. Just love. (Leans over to me) Hey, I want to know though I am like Justin Bieber over there! NN: What? (Laughter) AH: Yes, I am like Usher and Justin Bieber wrapped into one! Over there, I had to have police escorts and everything! NN: WOW! Give me the scene. Give me details; that’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
AH: I know, right. Truly it is an overwhelming anxiety feeling….it’s a 27-hour flight. And the whole flight you had that same feeling, the whole time. I’ve been over there three times and every time I’m overwhelmed. I can never sleep because I’m so excited. When I get there they greet me with so much love. At the airport, they walk me through and people just start screaming, even when I get off the plane people are screaming… and it’s like that every time I go, and it’s growing and growing. (For more information on Anthony Hamilton, visit his official web site: www.anthonyhamilton.com.) (For questions, or if you would like Nyah Nile at your next big event, email nyah@tri-statedefender.com.)
HOUSE
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
late March or early April. “There are a few things we still need, such as b e d s , linens, etc., but the final renovations and painting is completed,” s a i d ThompTrevor son, notThompson ing that Home Depot donated $2,500 worth of appliances. “We are hoping that this will be the start of us creating a widespread and consistent service plan to assist people suffering with Sickle Cell.” This initial step will be a boarding house for up to six males functioning with Sickle Cell. It’s a base for each to build upon. “They will be responsible for their own rent and food,” said Thompson. “There are going to be consistent programs to give them the opportunity to work on their soft (employment) skills, improve literacy, strengthen their command of the disease. “Our research found many people in the sickle cell population were suffering from not having a stable living environ-
ment. This is our humble first attempt to start helping them mainstream themselves.” Thompson’s own battle with the disease gives him a real-life point of reference for understanding the way sickle cell can wear a person down. “With sickle cell, unpredictablility is a major downside. Changes in the weather can trigger a crisis,” said Thompson. “Employers have to know the challenges of dealing with the disease. But if you work in the right way to control it, the symptoms cannot stop you from having a successful life and career. It can knock you down, and we want to offer a hand to help you get back up.” The plan originated with the house’s donation to the Foundation by member Kenneth Carpenter, who has sparked great interest in the Foundation by pushing its annual 5K Run. A small vacant lot also came with the house, and
Thompson said plans are in the works to build from the ground up, as well as duplicate facilities to house females. The Centers for Disease Control website (cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/in dex.html) reports that great progress has been made in battling the onset of sickle cell in infants, but the disease still affects 1 of 12 African Americans and 1 out of every 36,000 Hispanic-American births. “You have to remember that you are dealing with a population that regularly has to face the issue that you may not live to become 18 or 25, and we still lose too many of that age, but you have to battle it,” said Thompson. “Look at me. I’m 45, have two kids and I am pursuing another degree. If you have the support and the will, you can beat it. This is the Foundation’s attempt to help you do so, and we plan to do more.”
NEWS
Tri-State Defender
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March 7 - 13, 2013
CHINA
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
to overthrow the Qing dynasty in 1911, had a clear-cut view on race. “Mankind is divided into five races,” he said. “The yellow and white races are relatively strong and intelligent. Because the other races are feeble and stupid, they are being exterminated by the white race. Only the yellow race competes with the white race. This is so-called evolution among the contemporary races that could be called superior, there are only the yellow and white races. China belongs to the yellow race.” In both old and new China, whiteness – or proximity to it – is prized. “In the Chinas today there is a clear racial social hierarchy based on the assumption of racial superiority,” wrote M. Dujon Johnson, author of “Race & Racism in the Chinas: Chinese Racial Attitudes Toward Africans and AfricanAmericans.” “The comfort level and the acceptance of a foreigner in the Chinas are directly proportional to the skin pigmentation of that non-Chinese.” Acknowledged or not, racial discrimination is indeed a problem in China that manifests itself in strange and sometimes unique ways. Lynne Coleman, a former school administrator in China, has been a recipient of white preference. “China is a place where my white skin-color gains me much broader entry to places than my Chinese counterparts, particularly those who do not speak Mandarin with the proper accent,” Coleman recalled. She and her husband would be walking down a street in Beijing and suddenly find themselves surrounded by Chinese eager to take a photo with her. Coleman said, “I’ve had my photo taken with un-numbered families who wanted my blond self to hold their babies for luck.”
Julia Wilson discusses recent changes in China with Jiang Haishan, vice president of the China Executive Leadership Academy Pudong in Shanghai. (Photo: Ann Ragland/NNPA)
And Chinese women make no secret of wanting to climb the social ladder by marrying Mr. White. They go to great lengths to alter their color as Julia Wilson, a chocolate-colored African American, discovered first-hand. “I went to the grocery store to get some lotion,” said Wilson, CEO of Wilson Global Communications in Washington, D.C. “I said to this girl, ‘I want the best body lotion you have because my skin is really dry.’ She said, ‘Fine’ and took me by the hand to the lotion section and said, ‘Here you go.’ She handed me skin whitener. I looked at her and said, ‘No, no, no, Sweetie. I don’t want to lighten my skin.’ She said, ‘You don’t want to lighten your skin?’ I said, ‘No, honey, I love this.” That was not Wilson’s only memorable experience involving race. “When I went to the beach and people had all of their clothes on,” recalled Wilson, who was in China last year to deliver a lecture. “I asked, ‘Why do you have all of your clothes on?’ They said, ‘We don’t want to get brown.’ I am looking at this and not believing my eyes. You can find pictures of women with a total mask on their face on the beach so that they don’t get a tan.” Some visitors to China have told of accidently brushing up against a Chinese, only to wit-
ness them trying to brush imaginary blackness from their clothes. Others recall walking into a subway car and suddenly having an entire area to themselves. Beginning with the beating of a Zanzibar student in Beijing in 1962, there have been more than a dozen race-inspired riots or public demonstrations. Most of the incidents were ignited by a racial slur or tensions over African students, most of whom are male, dating Chinese women. Boubacar Traore, a philosophy student from Ghana, told the New York Times in 1988, “When we walk on the street, people insult us. The call us black devils, and so on. Even if we’re alone, they insult us. And if we’re with a girl, they say she’s a hooker and is doing it for the money.” Nicholas D. Kristof, writing in the Dec. 30, 1988 New York Times, observed, “…It is common here to hear racial stereotypes that would make most Americans cringe.” While Americans recoil at such treatment of African Americans by Chinese, critics say they are in no position to lecture anyone. In the “Dred Scott” decision in 1857, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that the federal government had no power to regulate slavery. Chief Judge Roger Taney, writing for the majority, said authors of the U.S. Constitu-
Lynne Coleman (right) became accustomed to people in China, like this unidentified woman, asking to be photographed with her. (Photo: Craig Trygstad)
tion viewed all blacks as “ beings of an inferior order, and altogether unfit to associate with the white race, either in social or political relations, and so far inferior that they had no rights which the white man was bound to respect.” The Supreme Court’s Plessy v. Ferguson decision in 1896 upholding racial segregation in public accommodations remained the law of the land until the 1954 Brown school desegregation decision. It was not until 1967 that the Supreme Court, in Loving v. Virginia, invalidated state laws prohibiting interracial marriage. Several Chinese officials, urging more patience with China, pointed out that blacks weren’t able to fully exercise their citizenship in America’s democratic system until passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. “Race is not as large a factor compared to the United States,” said Carl Humphrey, an African American who lives in Shanghai. “In China, you are a laowai or foreigner first then you are an American foreigner. Only after that are you a black, white or yellow foreigner.
That’s very different from home.” Humphrey said he has seen an improvement in how Chinese view blacks. “The locals over the years have been used to seeing the majority race represented abroad,” he said. “With the media spotlighting people such as our current president, entertainers and sports figures, we are looked upon in a very positive light outside of the United States. It’s very strange to me to witness the respect of President Obama here in China. He is loved everywhere in the world by individuals of all races.” Johnson, author of the book on Chinese attitudes, believes the country would benefit from a more open discussion about race. “The images of beauty which stress American and European centric racial characteristics and notions of beauty are acceptable to an astonishing degree by the Chinese even though it attacks at the very core of Asian values and the concepts of Chinese and Asian beauty,” Johnson said. And the people best positioned to help Chinese get past
Atlanta native Carl Humphrey says image of blacks has improved in China. (Photo: courtesy of Carl Humphrey)
that problem are those darkskinned people that many look down on. “Ironically, the cure for this social and cultural malady can be found where Chinese society dares not look: in the communities of peoples of color who have themselves fought this internal cultural battles years ago,” Johnson said. “What the African-American community learned and could teach the Chinese community is that definitions of one’s cultural wealth and beauty are not defined externally but internally.”
(This story is part of a series that grew out of a week-long African American Media Leaders Mission to China sponsored by the China-United States Exchange Foundation, a non-profit organization whose goal is to foster a better understanding between the people of China and the United States. Neither the foundation nor government officials in China had any input in the stories or saw them prior to publication. The 7-member U.S. media delegation was led by Cloves Campbell, Jr., publisher of the Arizona Informant and chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association. The trip included visits to Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai.)
Page 4
John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)
The Mid-Southʼs Best Alternative Newspaper
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OPINION
Tri-State Defender
March 7 - 13, 2013
• Bernal E. Smith II President / Publisher • Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Executive Editor
It’s time to man up – I was wrong about Jesse L. Jackson Sr.
First, some background. I wrote a column in 2008 under the title, “Winners and Losers from Election ’08” in which I listed Jesse Jackson Sr. as one of the biggest losers of that year. Here is what I said: “His past contributions to America are undeniable, but his future place is uncertain. Every time he opened his mouth in the past year, he said something negative about Obama. First, Jackson criticized Obama for ‘acting white’ because he was not as forceful as Jesse wanted regarding the Jena 6 case in Louisiana. Then there was the infamous Fox News open mic incident where Jackson is heard saying, ‘See, Barack has been talking down to black people…telling niggers how to behave…I wanna cut his nuts out.’ “Finally, in October Jackson was speaking at the first World Policy Forum in Evian, France. Published reports have him saying if Obama is elected as president, ‘fundamental changes in U.S. foreign policy’ will occur. He said the most important change would occur in the Middle East, where ‘decades of putting Israel’s interests first’ would end. Jackson’s reputation has been forever tarnished.” Jackson accused Obama of “acting white” in response to Obama’s tepid response to the Jena Six, the case of six black high school students in Jena, La. arrested and charged with attempted second-degree murder for the beating of a white student. The charges were later reduced to aggravated second-degree battery and conspiracy. Many believed the prosecutor filed the more serious charges because the accused juveniles were black. As we all know, Obama has no history of taking strong positions on anything when it involves blacks. As much as I hate to admit it, Jackson got it right when he accused Obama of “talking down to black people.” Everyone, including myself, eviscerated him for making the comment and accused him of being jealous of Obama. How can we forget when Obama spoke at the Congressional Black Caucus dinner a couple years ago and told blacks to “stop complaining?” Obviously, Jackson saw something in Obama early that the rest of us missed. Now, we are paying the price
for it, especially blacks. Jackson was also right on point with his prediction about the changing U.S. relations with the Middle East. Our relationship with Israel has never been more Raynard volatile than it is Jackson now. The blacks in America – along with a good number of whites – wanted so badly to show the world that in 2008 our country could be held up as the model for true democracy and equality. America wanted to prove that anyone, regardless of background, who played by the rules and had a vision, could finally be president of the United States. To his credit, Jesse Jackson saw beyond the rhetoric and somehow had the ability to see deep inside of Obama’s soul and tried to warn us, however clumsy, of what we were getting. So, Rev. Jackson, again I was wrong and you were right. You saw a level of arrogance and detachment from the black community that most of us were blinded to – or didn’t want to see. You knew he would not pay attention to the high unemployment rate in the black community. You knew he would not spend much political capital on the high murder rate in Chicago. You knew he would continue to talk down to black people. You were rightly ostracized for the way you expressed yourself back in 2008. But on the issue of Obama’s disdain for blacks; you must be embraced and brought back into the fold. We wanted Obama to win on many levels. But Jesse Jackson, you have taught us that we should never allow emotions to cloud our judgment. I’m not always right, but I am rarely wrong – and this time, I was definitely wrong. (Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a Washington, D.C.based public relations/government affairs firm. He can be reached via www.raynardjackson.com. Follow him on Twitter at raynard1223.)
White in Philly? What could be wrong with that?
Robert Huber recently penned a piece for Philadelphia Magazine with this memorable headline: “Being White in Philadelphia.” He covers many streets on the complex map that is race relations, yet this particular graph summed it up best for me: “I’ve shared my view of North Broad Street with people – white friends and colleagues – who see something else there: New buildings. Progress. Gentrification. They’re sunny about the area around Temple. I think they’re blind, that they’ve stopped looking. Indeed, I’ve begun to think that most white people stopped looking around at large segments of our city, at our poorest and most dangerous neighborhoods, a long time ago. One of the reasons, plainly put, is queasiness over race. Many of those neighborhoods are predominantly African-American. And if you’re white, you don’t merely avoid them – you do your best to erase them from your thoughts.” Interestingly enough, the first poison darts to fly toward Mr. Huber are coming from the white community. A blog by Daniel Devir of City Paper summed up the article with these words, “Whites must criticize Blacks more.” Hmmm. Personally, I don’t see anything wrong with writing about the white experience or about European Americans’ private beliefs. Most African Americans are never invited to the cocktail parties and halls of powers where such things are discussed, but still we pick up on it in a multitude of ways, as we walk the streets. The lowered eyes, the fearful gestures, the lack of attention to our concerns and worries, says alot. Huber exposes a simple truth that the City’s journalists ignore far too
often: Philadelphia is one town, sharing two distinct futures. One community is on the way down; the other is on the way up. One is multicultural, the other is predominantly white. One grapples with Linda j o b l e s s n e ss, S. Wallace crime, school closings and foreclosure, while the other focuses on building casinos, designing condos, reclaiming neighborhoods and crime. Crime is the singular bridge that unites us. Increasingly, opportunity is a railroad track that keeps us from discovering one another or learning about the other side. I, for one, would congratulate Mr. Huber for recognizing that the white experience exists, and that it should not be the only one journalists use in measuring the city, or explaining its challenges. His article provides an opening for journalists to come together, not to fight, but to learn. Just as the city is segregated, so are many of our major newsrooms. So, journalists, schedule a meet-up. Share ideas. Examine how key issues are framed by mainstream media. Then review how differently those issues are framed by the African American, Hispanic and Asian press. Don’t be content to tell us what’s wrong. Show this city what’s possible. Lead. (Linda S. Wallace is The Cultural Coach. Follow her at http://theculturalcoach.typepad.com/ cultural_iq/)
Ending violence against women
March is the official month to “discuss” women and it could not arrive too soon. What is sad about both Black History Month (February) and International Women’s Month (March) is that too many of us think that those are the only legitimate times of the year to discuss the issues affecting these respective groups. In either case, attention to the plight of women, in March or any other month, is warranted. Last year seemed to be the year to attack women. The language of many on the political Right during election season was so phenomenally backward that in a different context you would have wondered whether it was all an act. Suggesting that there are acceptable and unacceptable forms of rape, for instance, once again puts the burden on women for the violence that they experience. This issue of violence against women needs much greater attention and we must realize that it is not only a domestic issue. A very good friend of mine had to flee her country of origin because of the physical and emotional abuse she was experiencing from her husband, knowing that her community would never believe that someone of the stature of
her husband would be capable of such crimes. More to the point, she knew that her community would somehow conclude that she, rather than her husband, was the source Bill of the problem. Fletcher Jr. Stories over the past year about assaults on women in Egypt have made any sane person’s skin crawl. But we should recognize that such assaults – rape and molestation of politically active women – are not new. There is a long history of rape and other forms of violence being used – domestically and internationally – as a means to subjugate politically active women, and those women who dare to speak out on social, economic and political issues, and not necessarily just on womenrelated issues. This year’s Billion Rising protests were aimed at bringing international attention to the matter of violence against women. The consciousness and concerns raised by this and oth-
er such efforts needs to be sustained throughout the rest of the year. Real attention needs to be focused on young men so that they understand that violence against women is totally unacceptable. A different sort of attention needs to be focused on women such that those who experience violence do not internalize this experience, blaming themselves. But the attention must also go to other women who, because of the male supremacist societies in which we live, will on occasion close their eyes and ears to the pain of victimized women, in the worst case joining in the chorus of putting the blame on women. March 2013 is just the right moment to raise popular attention to violence against women. We have to shift the impulses, particularly of men, such that violence against women is not met with silence, nor met with excuses, but is met with support to women and condemnation of all perpetrators of violence.
(Bill Fletcher Jr. is a Senior Scholar with the Institute for Policy Studies. Follow him at www.billfletcherjr.com.)
Slamming the NRA’s racial doublespeak
The NRA pushes inaccurate and harmful messages about the black men and boys who are disproportionately impacted by gun violence, using race-baiting language that plays Rashad to deep-seated Robinson stereotypes of black males as criminals. By continually repeating the mantra of “drug dealers, gang members, felons,” the NRA hopes we won’t ask questions about how crime guns get into the wrong hands in the first place. It’s through relentless, profit-driven arm-twisting of state and federal elected officials – resulting in both the no-paperwork-required private seller loophole and toothless interstate trafficking provisions – that the NRA ensures communities struggling to reduce high levels of gun violence remain awash in guns. While with one breath the NRA uses black males as a stand-in for criminality and scapegoat for the deadly results of its own profit model, with the next it finds a way to exploit the toll of gun violence in our communities, crassly proclaiming to be the lone champion for the “nameless” black victims that no one else cares about. The hypocrisy of an organization dedicated to ensuring unrestricted gun access claiming to speak on behalf of families victimized by gun
In an ad cobbled together from preexisting YouTube footage produced by “urban gun enthusiast” Colion Noir, the NRA is banking heavily on the novelty of a young black male spokesperson.
violence is deepened by the NRA’s outright dismissal – as “media hysteria” – of the efforts of Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin to speak out for their son Trayvon. In perhaps its most naked abuse of racialized imagery and messaging, the NRA repeatedly appropriates the language and history of the civil rights movement, attempting to paint the unsavory quest to sell more guns with the brush of morality and natural rights. It’s directly co-opted the struggle for human equality and dignity by the likes of Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and unashamedly equates commonsense efforts to reduce gun violence with racial discrimination and the legal subjugation of human beings. Now, the NRA is hyping its hire of a new contributor to “NRA News” intended to ensure that this deeply problematic take on race stays front and center in the national discussion about gun violence. In an ad cobbled together from preexisting YouTube footage produced by “urban gun enthusiast” Colion Noir, the NRA is banking
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heavily on the novelty of a young black male spokesperson – who’s willing to state that “the answer to the gun violence in the inner city is more guns,” and “it’s not a gun problem, it’s not even a violence problem, it’s a culture problem” – to lend the organization some muchneeded credibility. Unfortunately, Noir fails to challenge the fact-free, NRA-driven premise that a nation drowning in guns – and the gun violence that comes with it – is something we’ll just have to adapt to. The reality is that the ease with which guns are acquired by those who would do us harm, the ease with which ever more guns are trafficked into black and brown communities already wracked by gun violence, is the foreseeable and deliberate result of the NRA’s profit model. The NRA doesn’t care about the rights or safety of black folks – it cares only about selling more guns to anyone who will buy them. (Rashad Robinson is executive director of ColorOfChange.org.)
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 Tri-State 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, TriState 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
BUSINESS
Page 5
March 7 - 13, 2013
ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY
Womenʼs History Month:
Julia B. Hooks – ‘Angel of Beale Street’
I am of the mindset we should celebrate the many contributions of women throughout the year. However, March is the month that has been designated as Women’s History Month – a dedicated time to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women across the country. According to the National Women’s History Project (NWHP), “recognizing the achievements of women in all facets of life – science, community, government, literature, art, sports, and medicine – has a huge impact on the development of self-respect and new opportunities for girls and young women.” Among Memphis’ notable women of achievement stands Julia B. Hooks, whose accomplishments have laid the ground work for the growth and development of many of today’s business women. This month, “On Our Way to Wealthy” salutes her excellence.
‘Angel of Beale Street’
Julia Britton Hooks (18621942), was among the first black women in the country to attend college. Frequently referred to as the “angel of Beale Street,” she taught in the public schools and later founded the Hooks Cottage School.
‘Changing of the Chairs’…
While her grandson, the Rev. Benjamin L. Hooks, b r o k e through numerous barriers on the way to become a Carlee McCullough community icon, he was not the first Hooks to contribute great things to society. He built upon the fortitude of his grandmother, a gifted musician whose pupils included W.C. Handy, the “Father of the Blues.” As an early leader for social welfare, Julia B. Hooks, founded the Negro Old Folks and Orphans Home in 1891, playing concerts to pay for the building. In 1917, she was a charter member of the NAACP. As a musical prodigy, Hooks enrolled in an interracial program that allowed her to study music and instruct white students in piano. This powerhouse of a woman also participated in the successful campaign of Blanche K. Bruce, one of the first blacks to serve in the U.S. Senate. Hooks was a noted leader in African-American cultural and educational affairs. In
MONEY MATTERS
Are you ready for E-Social Security?
Julia Britton Hooks (The Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture)
1883, she and Anna Church, the wife of noted Memphis businessman, philanthropist, community activist and political leader Robert Church Sr., launched a club to promote classical music and raise money for scholarships for promising black musicians. She founded the Hooks School of Music, whose students included Handy, Sidney Woodward and Nell Hunter. Dissatisfied with the poor quality of public education for Memphis’ black children, she opened the Hooks Cottage School (kindergarten and elementary education) in 1892. Hooks considered it part of her mission to relieve the suffering of impoverished black Memphians. In 1891 she became a charter member of two institutions: the Colored Old Folks Home (later Hooks-Edwards Rest Home) and the Orphan Home Club. In 1902, Memphis established a juvenile court for African-American offenders. Julia and Charles Hooks supervised the detention home, which was next door to their own home. In 1917, Charles Hooks was killed by an escaping juvenile, but Julia Hooks
Julia Britton Hooks (Memphishistory.com)
continued to provide counseling and guidance to the juvenile facility. Ahead of her time in terms of the civil rights movement, Hooks despised the racial inequality and Jim Crow segregation of her day. She championed personal character building as well as government protection for embattled black citizens. Equipped with a true love of the arts, and in true Rosa-Parks style, in March 1881 Hooks was escorted from a Memphis theater, arrested, and fined five dollars for refusing to move from the white section to the “colored balcony.” With Julia B. Hooks as our starting point, this month “On Our Way to Wealthy” shares the stories of local Memphis women who – in their own ways – are putting their marks on current-day Memphis. (NOTE: To learn more about Julia B. Books, see the Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture.) (Contact Carlee McCullough, Esq., at 5308 Cottonwood Road, Suite 1A, Memphis, TN 38118, or email her at jstce4all@aol.com.)
Dorothy R. Leavell, editor and publisher of the Crusader Newspaper Group (Chicago and Gary, Ind.), is the new chairperson of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. Also pictured: activist and comedian Dick Gregory (left) and Harry Alford, president and CEO of the NBCC. (Photo: NBCC)
Hispanic Marketing Group joins Tennessee PR Alliance The Tennessee Public Relations Alliance, formed in late 2011, has added a new member: Hispanic Marketing Group of Nashville. “This further extends our footprint from West Tennessee to East Tennessee and into the state’s most rapidly growing demographic group,” said Mark McNeely, senior partner of McNeely Pigott & Fox Public Relations of Nashville. Other charter members of the alliance are The Carter
Malone Group of Memphis and Moxley Carmichael Public Relations of Knoxville. The statewide alliance was formed to provide blanket geographic coverage for products and issues in Tennessee. Hispanic Marketing Group was founded in 2002 by Marcela Gómez. It is the leading full-service bilingual and bicultural marketing and communications agency in Middle Tennessee, providing strategic counsel and services to con-
sumer, corporate, nonprofit and other clients. Gómez, a native of Bogotá, Columbia, has worked with clients in diverse industries, including sports, transportation, education, government, finance and health care. She is very active in the Nashville community, and she serves on the board of directors for the Tennessee Latin American Chamber of Commerce. “This relationship gives Hispanic Marketing Group
some exciting new opportunities to reach a m u c h wider demographic,” said Gómez.
Marcela Gómez
As of March 1, paper Social Security checks became a thing of the past, with all retirement and disability payments (with minor exceptions) slated for electronic distribution. Beneficiaries were given the opportunity to choose to receive their monthly payments by direct deposit to a bank or credit union account or to a Direct Express® debit card. The Social Security Administration has been transitioning to electronic payments for some time, so most recipients are already enrolled. If you did not sign up by March 1, you will automatically receive a Direct Express debit card. Find more information at the Treasury’s website ( www.godirect.org) or by calling (800) 333-1795. By eliminating paper checks, the federal government anticipates saving about $120 million annually and 12 million pounds of paper during the first five years. The program is also intended to make accessing the funds safer and more convenient. Beneficiaries will no longer have to wait for a monthly check to arrive in the mail, take the time to deposit or cash it, or risk having it stolen from the mailbox.
New scams for new times
Unfortunately, thieves adjust to changing times, and
there is a growing trend tow a r d fraudulent access to electronic benefit p a y ments. In a typical Charles Sims Jr., CFP scam, the t h i e f gains access to personal information (such as a name and bank account number) and then contacts the Social Security Administration, requesting that payments be rerouted to a different account. If you are already receiving benefits, you can help protect your account by visiting www.socialsecurity .gov/blockaccess, where you can block electronic or telephone access to your account until you contact the agency again and verify your identity. Of course, it’s good practice for all consumers to be wary of any requests for personal information. You should never provide account numbers or Social Security numbers in person, over the phone, or online unless you are absolutely sure that the transaction is secure and appropriate.
(Charles Sims Jr. is president/ CEO of The Sims Financial Group. Contact him at 901-682-2410 or visit www. SimsFinancialGroup.com.)
RELIGION
Page 6
Tri-State Defender
March 7 - 13, 2013
LIVING THE LIFE I LOVE
Goals, planning & backtracking; How to get over the hump Dear Lucy: I have been working on my goals for this year. I have ideas that I know are good and will help me as well as others. But I keep going back thinking about all of the ways I have tried and failed in the past. If I am not thinking about the past, I am thinking about what could go wrong with my plans. Is this just natural when we start to plan a new life? – Backtracking
Senior Pastor Alvin Ray of Greater Memphis Pentecostal Assembly and Presiding Bishop Charles H. Ellis III of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (P.A.W.). (Photo: Shominique Burton)
A big-time Pentecostal conference – is one in Memphis’ future?
Praises went up and the blessings came down at the Greater Memphis Pentecostal Assembly during Installation and Rededication services last Sunday (March 3). The guest speaker was Presiding Bishop Charles H. Ellis III of the Pentecostal Assembly of the World (P.A.W.). Ellis, senior pastor of Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, delivered a moving message of love to the standing-room only congregation at the GMPA’s newly-built facility. The P.A.W. has over 4,000
churches in the United States and around the globe. It is the world’s oldest Apostolic organization. Ellis was elected Presiding Bishop in August 2010. Planning has started for the 2014 annual international convention, with locals eager for Memphis to be selected as host, said GMPA Senior Pastor Alvin Ray. Pentecostal Assemblies of the World reports 1.3 million members. Source: Deborah Powell Alexander
Dear Backtracking: To doubt, fear or worry is not natural. It can, however, be habitual. An unruly, undisciplined mind rebels when we begin to change our old ways of being. Perhaps your old way of being was one where you did not trust your own judgment or right to have the desires of your heart. Make a choice right now. Choose happiness, joy and prosperity as your divine right. Certainly, being made in the image and likeness of God we are entitled to all of the wonderful qualities and attributes of God. Choose those as your inheritance! Doubt, fear and worry means that we don’t believe that we can have what God has promised nor the power of God to deliver. We have been thinking this way for a long time so we must persist in thinking a new way. We often react to life and circum-
stances instead of responding. To react means that we let our feelings of fear and doubt lead without reasoning through to the truth of God’s promises. To respond requires thoughtful consideration, calmness and faith in our capacity to use right Lucy judgment. Shaw Being still and choosing how to think and act restores our control over our lives. Habits are automatic actions. They often lead us into places we don’t really want to go, doing things we don’t really want to do. In the process they steal away our love for self. We don’t like the person who is not in control of his or her actions. So what can you do? With each goal, when you are tempted to be afraid or doubt success do this: Ask yourself what you would do right this minute if you didn’t believe your goal was impossible or if you were not afraid. Make a list of possible positive choic-
RELIGION BRIEFS
Progressive MBC gearing up of 95th anniversary
Progressive Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate its 95th Church Anniversary this month with multiple services, including a gospel music special event. Billed as a pre-opening celebration, the “Family and Friends Gospel Musi-
Earned credit…
“Mother” Ida M. Porter, the mother of COGIC Bishop and General Board Member Brandon Porter (left), and Brian Brown (right), president of the National Organization for Marriage, were conferred degrees by American Urban University during a ceremony last Sunday at Holy City COGIC, 3200 James Rd. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)
cal” will take place at the church – 394 Vance Ave. – on March 15, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The lineup includes various local groups and a soloist. Two anniversary services will be held on Sunday, March 17. The Rev. Dr. James B. Collins, the host pastor and chairperson, will speak during the 11 a.m. service. The Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Joyner and Koinonia Baptist Church will be the guests during the 3 p.m. service.
es. Choose one and DO IT NOW! Most important, stand guard at the gate of your mind. That means make a decision for the power of good and stick to it no matter what. Half the task of achieving our goals is how we choose to think about them. Staying positive and believing that you can have your hearts desire and that you can be led by Spirit every step is essential. Just stay on the side of the street of positive belief. Do what seems right in every moment with motives that are pure and good for you and anyone around you. 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 e-mail to lucy@heart works4u.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 901-9070260 or from her website.) For more information, call 901-5277738.
BRIEFLY: Castalia Baptist Church, 1540 Castalia, will host the 7th Annual Associate Ministers Conference on March 16 from 8 a.m. until noon, with registration at 7:30 a.m. The host pastor is the Rev. Dr. Randolph Meade Walker. For more information, call 901-2767295.
On the ‘Wild’ side…
Frances Kelly and Jerrine Simmons take to the floor during the annual Country Fair and Wild Game Dinner held last Friday (March 1) at Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ at 229 S. Danny Thomas. (Photo: 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
—Revelation 1:8
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
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
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.
— Proverbs 1:7
Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter
ST. ANDREW A.M.E. CHURCH
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. —Ecclesiastes 9:11
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
March 7 - 13, 2013
Page 7
ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, March 7 - 13, 2013, Page 8
WHAT’S HAPPENING MYRON?
‘American Idol’ ratings – don’t dump it all on Nicki Minaj
“American Idol” is back in the news and this time it’s not all Nicki Minaj...well, maybe just a little bit. Apparently ratings are at an alltime low, with reports that viewers are just not Myron feeling Nicki. Mays Might be true, but I’ll be fair. I don’t think it’s all Nicki. The show itself is partially at fault as well. It has stayed around too long and has been essentially forced upon us lately. I’ll put it this way, if “American Idol” is the houseguest who stayed too long, Nicki Minaj is like an extra houseguest the invitee brought along with getting an OK. They showed up in the same car. Now, don’t get me wrong. I don’t have anything against Nicki Minaj. She might be a little out of my range when it comes to my musical taste, or even my generation for that matter. However, she is who she is – wild and out there. That’s her thing. She is good for what she does. However, I think when it comes to a talent-type show such as “American Idol,” it should come down to “talent,” even when it gets down to the judges. Before I need security, let me explain. In Hollywood, there’s two types of superstars, maybe three. The first is the one with undeniable talent. For example, people such as Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin would fall in this category. And just to keep it fair to today’s music, so would R. Kelly and Beyoncé. Their talent speaks volumes and sustains their careers for long periods. Then there’s the second type of superstar. You know, the one who has that “thing”. You can’t really identify what that “thing” is, but you know he/she has it. For instance, I think Kanye West has it, and I’d say that M.C. Hammer had it back in the day. They can sell a lot of records and are exciting…at the moment. But then, some thing happens. That “thing” passes and the excitement goes away. Sometimes, someone with another niche comes along and takes away the attention. I think Nicki Minaj falls in this category. Nothing against her, it’s just where she falls. As for that third category, anyone with the last name Kardashian would fall within this group. I’d even go so far as to add Antoine Dodson and Sweet Brown as well. I can’t really explain what garnered them their level of notoriety. Luck perhaps? Again, nothing against any of these people, it’s just where they fall. But back to “American Idol,” it’s not a “marketing” competition. It’s a “talent” competition. It should be judged by those with the type of talent that stands on its own and who have had long and successful careers. Turning to those who are only poised to be around for a minute is not only unfair to the contestant, but also unfair to the artist doing the judging as well. How is it unfair? Nicki is a rapper. But “American Idol” does not let rappers compete. Where’s the logic? The scenario doesn’t give the contestants what they need to be successful in their “possible” careers, and it’s putting the judging artists in positions to judge something they are not really familiar with. So who really wins here? No one does actually. Including the viewer…you remember them, don’t you? No longer the top-rated show, “American Idol” struggles to make the Top 5. As it stands, the show will be ending its run after the May 16th finale. Not saying that I’m happy about it. Perhaps the show could have gone on for many more years. However, everything has an expiration date. And when that “thing” has passed and the excitement goes away, it’s sometimes because someone with another niche comes along and takes away the attention. Ever heard of “The Voice” on NBC?
ALL OVER TOWN
A special delivery from
Mary J. Blige
The ʻQueen of Hip-Hop Soulʼ
nyah@tri-statedefender.com
by Nyah Nile
So, by now you know if you were not at the Landers Center (formerly DeSoto Civic Center) in Southaven, Miss. Last Sunday night (Mar. 3) you missed a fabulous show! The long-awaited return of Mary J. Blige to the Mid-South has been the talk all over locals’ Facebook pages, Instagram, Twitter, the workplace, and even at my son’s school For sure we proved our admiration for her with the sold-out show. Days before the concert, seats were even made available behind the stage for those who wanted in on the jammin’. If you are familiar with going to a show at The Landers Center, then you know that part of the experience are the traffic jams you encounter on the way to your exciting event. Sunday stuck to script, with carpool plans just as much a part of the evening’s blueprint as the outfit for the night. Now, I would love to jump right in and just tell you how great Mary J. Blige was, but let me slow down a bit for the firsttimers. Of course, when catching a concert, there are the basics: the excitement of mingling, checking out the vendors, people watching, fun, food and friends. I had the opportunity to settle in a suite for a little mingling before jetting to catch the show.
The line-up
The line-up before “The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul” was on point! The night began with V101’s Stan Bell welcoming the audience and then introducing the strikingly beautiful New York native Bridget Kelly. I enjoyed the Grammyaward winning songwriter/ singer on multiple levels, taking particular note of her performances on album bangers “In the Morning” and “Special Delivery.” By the way, Kelley’s signed to Roc Nation Jay Z’s Label. (OMG She is!) She paints pictures with piercing words and you can’t help getting lost in the SEE BLIGE ON PAGE 9
The long-awaited return of Mary J. Blige to the Mid-South met the expectation.
Jay Lamont (above), Bridget Kelly (right) (Photos: Warren Roseborough
Terrence Howard:
The ʻDead Man Downʼ interview Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Kam Williams
Terrence Howard talks about his latest film, “Dead Man Down,” where he plays crime boss Alphonse Hoyt opposite Colin Farrell, Noomi Rapace and F. Murray Abraham.
Kam Williams: Hi Terrence, thanks for the time. It’s nice to have another opportunity to speak with you. Terrence Howard: Thank you, Kam, for taking the time.
KW: What interested you in “Dead Man Down?” TH: Being able to work with Niels (director Niels Arden Oplev), given the work he’s done. Some of those Swedish films (such as “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”) were breathtaking. And he has an interesting style that mixes traditions of old with the allure of mystery. And I’m impressed with his Shakespearean approach to storytelling. It’s always about these relationships which become unwound. I was also interested in working with Colin (Farrell) again. We made “Hart’s War” together back in 2002, and I’ve always appreciated his artistry. So, I jumped at the chance to continue our friendship.
KW: The cast has a lot of other big names, too: F. Murray Abraham… Noomi Rapace… Isabelle Huppert… TH: And everyone in there came to play. Everyone!
KW: Marianne Ilaw asks: “Is a movie with an intricate plot like this one difficult to shoot?” TH: To me, we’re all one, and everything is basically about trying to get back to a balanced state. We have our in-harmonics, our harmonic, and our beginning. Everybody’s trying to get back to that, and with this work, even as a director or as actors, we’re all trying to get back in harmony. But to expand, you have to become in-harmonic for a moment. So, the story’s about the battle to get back there, and that’s how it works out. Alphonse (Howard’s character) could’ve been a simple bad guy who goes around killing people. But when you add a conscious element, and an element of reciprocity, a karmic recompense that he’s aware of, that simple ideal mushrooms to the point where it becomes palpable for everyone by association. The audience can now see his humanity because they’ve been in a compromised position. That’s the point of the film, to help someone learn.
The stars of the film “Dead Man Down” hit the red carpet at the Arclight Hollywood, including Terrence Howard (left), Noomi Rapace and Colin Farrell.
Take Colin’s character who was left for dead and whose family was murdered. Yet, here he has an opportunity for brand new love and to continue on and to just appreciate the fact that he’s still alive. But he’s willing to risk all of that to payback the debt, which nobody really knows the value of. When you take another person’s life, whether you survive or not, you only lose your own humanity in the process. That was one of the mistakes Alphonse made early on, which caused him all of these problems down the line. So, I love how Niels was able to
lay out these complicated plotlines. And Noomi’s character is also on a vendetta and harbors a grudge that she won’t let go of. The film really questions the morality and ethical stances of all the characters. KW: Attorney Bernadette Beekman asks: How did you prepare to play Alphonse Hoyt? TH: I got a process, a perm in my hair. (LOL) That was my preparation. (To see a trailer for “Dead Man Down,” visit: http://www.youtube .com/watch?v=9a1J5Cs-e7U)
ENTERTAINMENT
Tri-State Defender
OPENING THIS WEEK
Kam’s Kapsules:
Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Kam Williams
For movies opening March 8, 2013
BIG BUDGET FILMS
“Dead Man Down” (R for sexuality, violence and pervasive profanity) Multilayered whodunit, set in NYC, about a couple of grieving neighbors (Colin Farrell and Noomi Rapace) who flirt before bonding because of a mutual passion for revenge. A-list cast includes F. Murray Abraham, Isabelle Huppert, Terrance Howard, Dominic Cooper and Armand Assante. “Oz the Great and Powerful” (PG-13 for action, scary images and brief mild epithets) James Franco stars in this prequel to “The Wizard of Oz” as a shady circus magician who gets a shot at redemption after being swept by a tornado from Kansas to an enchanting, faraway land. With Michelle Williams, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Bill Cobbs and Zach Braff.
INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS
“The ABCs of Death” (Unrated) A to Z horror flick, shot by 26 directors, with each one’s segment titled by a different letter of the alphabet and illustrating a unique way to die. Starring Dallas Malloy, Lee Hardcastle and Lucy Clements.
BLIGE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
story she tells. The New Yorker showed Memphis what she was made of, for sure! Up next was a side-splitting good time with comedian/impressionist and musician Jay Lamont. The man gives an on-point (too on point?) impersonation of several musical greats and President Obama. Mixeing surges of comedy with a splash of impressions, Lamont flashed why many know him as “The Ultimate Entertainer!” With the audience all-tuned up for Anthony Hamilton, the Memphis favorite did not disappoint, giving a true get-out-of-your-seat performance. People were dancing like they were in a cardio work out session as he performed some of his greatest. Some unforgettable moments were the performances of “Ain’t to Proud to Beg,” and his new single “Pray For Me” – another hit from his latest album, “Woo,” a feel-good, up-tempo ode to a woman.
Screams for the ‘Queen’
Page 9
March 7 - 13, 2013
Mary J. Blige has plenty of hardware befitting her superstar status – eight multi-plat-
“Emperor” (PG-13 for violence, smoking and brief profanity) Romance drama set in postwar Japan where a U.S. General (Matthew Fox) searches for an ex-girlfriend (Eriko Hatsune) while deciding the fate of Emperor Hirohito. With Tommy Lee Jones, Aaron Jackson and Kaori Momoi. (In English and Japanese with subtitles) “The Girl” (PG-13 for profanity, violence, disturbing images, smoking and mature themes) Dysfunctional family drama, set in Texas, about a struggling single-mother (Abbie Cornish) who loses custody of her son (Austin Wayne West) to the foster care system only to have things go from bad to worse when she gets caught trying to make some easy money by smuggling an undocumented alien across the border. With Geoffrey Rivas, Austin West and Will Patton.
“Greedy Lying Bastards” (PG-13 for brief profanity) Eco-documentary exposing the corporate interests thwarting scientists’ efforts to inform the public that the upsurge in droughts, wildfires, tornados, glacier loss and wildfires are the result of man-made climate change. (In English and Spanish with subtitles) “Gut Renovation” (Unrated) Gentrification documentary chronicling the erection of luxury condos in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn by real estate developers following the eviction of the struggling artists and working-class families living in the community.
“Language of a Broken Heart” (Unrated) Romantic comedy about a just-jilted, love guru (Juddy Talt) who abandons NYC for his hometown of Rockford, Illinois where he finds himself falling for a free-spirited bookseller (Julie White). With Kate French, Oscar Nunez and Lara Pulver. The Other Side of the Ice (Unrated) Atlantic and Pacific documentary chronicling a family’s attempt to sail from Newport, Rhode Island to Seattle, Washington by way of the treacherous Northwest Passage.
“The Silence” (Unrated) Copycat crime thriller about a 13 year-old (Anna Lena Klenke) who vanishes from the same spot where another little girl (Melina Fabian) was raped and murdered decades earlier by a handyman (Ulrich Thomsen) never brought to justice. With Wotan Wilke Mohring, Katrin Sasz and Sebastian Blomberg. (In German with subtitles)
“Somebody Up There Likes Me” (Unrated) Buddy comedy about best friends (Keith Poulson and Nick Offerman) who are both in love with the same woman (Jess Wexler). Cast includes Kevin Corrigan, Megan Mullally and Stephanie Hunt. “The We and the I” (Unrated) Day-in-thelife drama revolving around the exploits of a group of Bronx teens boarding a bus at the start of their summer vacation. Starring Joe Mele, Meghan Murphy, Alex Raul Barrios, Michael Brodie and Teresa Lynn.
inum albums and nine Grammy Awards. When she hit the stage, loyal fans embraced her pure, unadulterated and empowering presence with screams for the “Queen.” If you’re a true Mary fan, then you know the compilations of her albums are like a journey through all of her growing pains – the ups and downs. Her hit records offer reflections into her often-dark past, along with what some might view as crystal-ball like glimpses into her future. And her live concert performance is no different! She manages to take you on a quick trip into her life. That’s been Mary J. Blige’s calling card ever since her 1992 multi-platinum debut album, “What’s the 411?” At the Landers Center, Blige radiated like a living legend to the sold-out crowd. With each album and every performance it seems she just continues to develop. ”I know who I am and what I can do,” says Blige. “With each album, it’s just me continuing to grow.”
(For more information on all the artists above, visit www.bridgetkelly.com; www.jamminjaylamont.net; www.anthony hamilton.com; www.maryjblige.com) (For questions, or if you would like Nyah Nile at your next big event, email nyah@tristatedefender.com.)
Mary J. Blige (Photo: Warren Roseborough)
HOROSCOPES
March 7–13, 2013
ARIES Partnerships continue to be featured this week. This week is especially favorable for a fresh start or a new beginning for you in love. Avoid distractions at work and you’ll get much accomplished. TAURUS Friendship remains highlighted; you may be attending a social event with good friends, or may be planning one. Whichever, it will be a very happy occasion. Be happy! You’ve got many loving friends. GEMINI You may find out this week that the project you didn’t really want to work on has been scrapped. That leaves you plenty of time to finish up the stuff you want to work on! Money concerns ease up. This week a romantic get-together will remind you of what bliss really is! CANCER Keep an eye on your budget, but also indulge your senses with the visual and the tactile. You might find yourself wanting to “feel” something new in your hands. Just the feeling may be enough; you don’t necessarily have to spend money to satisfy your artistic urge this week. LEO Call early in the week and make a date so you can catch the person that you want to spend time with this week. An old love may turn up in your romantic mix, and romance will be very sweet if you rise above the temptation to remember why you split in the first place! VIRGO This is a good week for exercising that clever mind of yours. Luck will be with you in all endeavors you start. Luck is with you always because positive outlook attracts positive vibrations. LIBRA Exercise will work off some of your excess energy. Take a walk and remember that your world is made up of many beautiful parts. The part you are focusing on so intently this week is not your entire world. Proceed accordingly! SCORPIO Everything seems to be moving along in a very pleasant way this week. Friends are helpful, family is supportive, even the sun seems to be shining just for you! Enjoy this harmony and count your blessings. Finish a task at work. SAGITTARIUS You have very creative mental energy this week! You’ll probably be wanting to talk or write or read about health or career matters. Your ability to absorb information is remarkable. Make phone calls for work early in the week, then phone calls for play in the afternoon! CAPRICORN Remember that exercise is a wonderful tension-reliever if things get too intense. A walk over your lunch hour could make all the difference in how you feel. Love yourself and reward yourself with perfect health and happiness. AQUARIUS Take a week off from sparkling at work and spend some time thinking about what is most important to you. The solution comes while you are thinking about love. Healthy habits are easy to keep. PISCES If you want to keep your positive outlook intact, avoid gossip and those who might want to just cry the blues for no good reason. You’ll be happiest if you keep busy and keep your opinions to yourself. However, good advice is available from an older female relative. Source: NNPA News Service
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HEALTH
CHEF TIMOTHY
Don’t be a sleep scrimper! by Chef Timothy Moore Ph.D, N.M.D, C.N. Special to The New Tri-State Defender
If you’re suffering from insomnia, or just can’t get enough rest, you should avoid getting behind the steering wheel. Your instincts may not be as sharp as you think they are. And then, too, there may be other drivers on the road who’re just as drowsy, or even asleep, behind the wheel. Either way, a collision is waiting to happen. We spend a third of our lives asleep, which our body needs in order to function properly. Imagine how long you would be able to survive without the right amount of oxygen. If oxygen is essential for survival, then a lack of sleep can be just as deadly. After studying 150,000 adults ages 18 and older, the Centers for Disease, Control and Prevention noted that 4.2 percent reported falling asleep while driving at least one time during the previous 30 days. Tens of thousands of people are not getting the proper rest and rely on coffee and drugs to help them stay alert. This practice actually causes coffee drinkers and drug users to become drowsier and irritated. Many of them may actually lose control of their sense of wellbeing. This condition is caused by sleep deprivation. Accidents happen every day. Many of these drivers have admitted to being fatigued or asleep. Another problem is texting while driving. Together, these two situations can cause wreckage and, in many cases, death. Falling asleep at the wheel is tantamount to drinking alcohol and doing drugs. It impairs your thinking and lulls you to sleep. Some people actually believe they can get by with less sleep, but I beg to differ. Everybody needs to sleep. Adults need anywhere from 6 to 12 hours a day, but many of them get only 3 to 5 hours of sleep a night. Some people rely on sleeping pills to fall sleep and may not realize that some of these drugs may produce zombies. Could insomnia and sleep deprivation derive from an illness? In some cases, an emotional upheaval – such as the death of a loved one, a relationship breakup or an unexpected job loss – can cause sleep deprivation. Children badgering their parents for money can cause stress and the inability to sleep as well. This could be temporary or last for weeks until the problems are dealt with and resolved.
There are some proven ways to help you get a good night sleep, if you put them into practice. One of these is reading before going to bed. But be careful to avoid certain content that could challenge your mind while Dr. Timothy you’re sleeping. A favorite or Moore pleasant book tends to relax the mind, which causes drowsiness. In most cases, we will awake with the book across our chest. Another way to relax the body and mind is to exercise. Physical activity replenishes cells and helps the body heal itself. It is important not to exercise too strenuously as our bodies need a chance to cool down. An hour or so before our intended bedtime is desirable. To ensure a good night sleep, establish a bedtime schedule or routine. Turn off the cellphone and shut down both Facebook and Twitter pages, without succumbing to the urge to make just one more post. Also, eat a well-balanced diet. Make sure you finish your dinner or meal hours before going to bed. This will give your body time to digest the food. Also, before bedtime, try to avoid stimulants, such as chocolate, caffeine, cigarettes and sodas. They can confuse the brain and keep it wired even at bedtime. In most cases, it will be difficult for you to fall asleep. So start listening to your body. You don’t want to cause harm to yourself or to someone else just because you didn’t get enough sleep. Remember, you must get the proper rest if you want a healthy mind and body. If your eyes are blurry, heavy or become watery, you may need to pull over or stay home – for the life you save may be your own.
(Dr. Timothy Moore teaches nutrition, heart disease and diabetes reversal through a plant-based lifestyle. He is a professional speaker, international 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.cheftimothymoore.com or follow him at www.twitter.com/cheftimmoore.)
First lady on weight loss (CNN) – First lady Michelle Obama has some advice for children on losing weight: Don’t think about appearances. “The first thing that we want to make sure that we do is not make this an issue about looks,” Obama said Monday in her first Google+ Hangout. For the third year in a row, the first lady is pushing her “Let’s Move” campaign against childhood obesity. The initiative has taken her on the road in recent days, stopping by for some nowviral “mom dancing” on Jimmy Fallon’s late-night comedy show, and holding events in Illinois, Mississippi and Missouri. She also
taped two public service announcements with one of Sesame Street’s biggest stars, Big Bird. Speaking to one of the Google participants – who said he lost 200 pounds down from 400 – in the session, Obama addressed ways to teach kids how to combat weight loss without thinking about weight. “We should really talk to kids about how they feel, how they feel inside so that we are not just dealing with the physical manifestations of the challenge but we are really tapping into what is going on inside that head of that child,” she said. “And then we want to talk about ways to make it fun.”
March 7 - 13, 2013
Legal notices NOTICE TO BIDDER(S) Shelby County Government is soliciting proposals from consultants or consultant teams for the provision of professional services 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 MARCH 28, 2013 AT 4:00 PM RFP #13-003-57 GREENWAYS AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE, HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT 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 LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS to provide consulting engineering services Airside Electrical Vaults (1 - 4) Seismic Retrofit Memphis International Airport Memphis, Tennessee MSCAA Project No. 13-1360-00 Statements of Qualifications for furnishing Consulting Engineering Services, as hereinafter set forth, will be received by Staff Services Division, Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA), 3505 Tchulahoma Road, Memphis, Tennessee, 38118, until 2:00 PM local time on Thursday, March 21, 2013. Use the above address for all means of delivery. A complete Information Package with submittal instructions, additional data, selection criteria and response format may be found on our website (www.mscaa.com) on or after March 5, 2013. The scope of work generally consists of the design for a Seismic Retrofit to the structure and internal utilities of Airside Electrical Vaults 1 thru 4. These retrofits are necessary to maintain a level of serviceability following a 2,475 year earthquake event. The project includes structural/seismic design, architectural design, limited electrical design, and construction support services. The design shall include provisions for the buildings and airfield electrical control equipment inside to remain fully functional during construction. This is a compressed-schedule project with construction bids to be received in early August 2013. Speed and efficiency are paramount to the success of the project, and the design schedule must accommodate that deadline. The MSCAA, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4a and Title 49, Part 26, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all Proposers that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) will be afforded full opportunity to submit proposals in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin or disability in its hiring and employment practices, or in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services and activities. The DBE participation goal for this contract is 35% in accordance with the requirements of the Information Package. This project will be funded with state grants. A Notice to Proceed for Design will be issued once funding is established. The MSCAA reserves the right to reject any and all responses to this solicitation, and is under no obligation to award this project to any of the firms or teams of firms responding to this request. MEMPHIS-SHELBY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY Larry D. Cox, President & CEO
NOTICE TO BIDDER(S) Shelby County Government is soliciting written proposals, on a competitive basis from qualified companies or professionals for the services 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 WEDNESDAY MARCH 27, 2013 AT 4:00 PM RFP #13-002-44 MID-SOUTH REGIONAL HOUSEHOLD TRAVEL SURVEY, FREIGHT SURVEY, TRANSIT ON-BOARD SURVEY AND TRAVEL DEMAND MODEL UPDATE 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.
CLASSIFIEDS TRI-STATE DEFENDER CLASSIFIEDS 203 Beale Street, Suite 200 Memphis, TN 38103 PH (901) 523-1818 FAX (901) 578-5037 HOURS: Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm
THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL, JR., SHELBY COUNTY MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT
MEMPHIS AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY (MATA) PROPOSED POLICIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964 In response to recent changes made by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on the Title VI Requirements and Guidelines for FTA Recipients, MATA seeks public comment on the following proposed policies regarding major service changes and the corresponding impacts on fixed-route services: • Title VI Major Service Change Policy • Title VI Disparate Impact Policy • Disproportionate Burden Policy Comments will be accepted from the public on the proposed policies stated below up until Monday, March 25, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. Copies of the proposed policies may be obtained at the North End Terminal, American Way Transit Center, and Airways Transit Center. They may also be viewed or downloaded from MATAʼs website at www.matatransit.com. Oral and/or written comments will also be received at the Board meeting on March 25, 2013 at 3:30 p.m.; however, the public is encouraged to submit their comments in writing ahead of time to allow sufficient time for review. All written comments must be addressed to the MATA Board of Commissioners. They may be mailed to MATA, at 1370 Levee Road, Memphis, TN 38108; faxed to 901-722-7123 or may be sent via e-mail to TitleVI.Coordinator@matatransit.com. MATAʼs Board of Commissioners will review and consider the comments at the March 25, 2013 Board meeting. If approved, the proposed policies will be effective immediately. TITLE VI MAJOR SERVICE CHANGE POLICY MATA proposes to establish this Major Service Change Policy in compliance with applicable federal requirements (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 49 CFR Section 21 and FTA Circular 4702.1B). FTA requires that recipients of FTA funding prepare and submit service equity analyses for proposed major service changes. The purpose of this policy is to establish a threshold that defines a major service change and a definition of an adverse effect caused by a major service change. An adverse effect is defined as a geographical or time-based reduction in service which includes, but is not limited to, span of service changes, frequency changes, route segment elimination, rerouting, or route elimination. A major service change is defined by MATA as meeting one of the following criteria: 1. The establishment of new fixed-route bus or rail service; 2. The elimination of fixed-route bus or rail service without alternative service or a replacement route within 3/4 miles of the existing service; 3. A reduction of service for an existing route or set of routes serving a similar transit market or service area, with net decreases of more than 25% in route configuration (route directional miles), or 25% of daily revenue service hours and 1,000 annual revenue hours; 4. A major modification of an existing route or set of routes serving a similar transit market or service area, with net increases or decreases of more than 25% in route configuration (route directional miles), or 25% of daily revenue service hours and 1,000 annual revenue hours, or rerouting an existing route, or system wide restructuring of transit service greater than 5% of total revenue service hours. The following service changes are exempt: 1. Minor frequency adjustments of less than 15 minutes; 2. Temporary route detours caused by road construction, maintenance, closures, emergencies, labor strikes, fuel shortages, or safety concerns; 3. Seasonal service changes; 4. Route number or branch letter designation changes; 5. Any temporary service addition, change or discontinuation of a demonstration route with less than 12 months of operation; 6. Changes on special service routes such as sporting events, special events, or service contracted with other cities or agencies; 7. Any service change that does not meet the conditions of a major service
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change defined above. MATA shall consider the degree of adverse effects, and analyze those effects, when planning major service changes. TITLE VI DISPARATE IMPACT POLICY MATA proposes to establish this Disparate Impact Policy in compliance with applicable federal requirements (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 49 CFR Section 21 and FTA Circular 4702.1B). FTA Circular 4702.1B requires that recipients of FTA funding prepare and submit service equity analyses for proposed major service changes (defined in MATAʼs Major Service Change Policy). The purpose of this policy is to establish a threshold which identifies when the adverse effects (defined in MATAʼs Major Service Change Policy) of a major service change are borne disproportionately by minority populations. For the purpose of this policy, minority population is defined as any readily identifiable group of minority persons who live in geographical proximity, and if circumstances warrant, geographically dispersed/transient populations (such as migrant workers or Native Americans) who will be similarly affected by a proposed program, policy, or activity. The Disparate Impact threshold is described as follows: Should the impact of any major service change require a minority population to bear adverse effects greater than 20% than those adverse effects borne by the non-minority population, that impact will be considered a disparate impact. Should a proposed major service change result in disparate impact, MATA will consider modifying the proposed change to avoid, minimize, or mitigate the disparate impact of the change. If MATA finds potential disparate impacts and then modifies the proposed changes in order to avoid, minimize, or mitigate potential disparate impacts, MATA will reanalyze the proposed changes in order to determine whether the modifications actually removed the potential disparate impacts of the changes. If MATA chooses not to alter the proposed changes, the agency may implement the service change if there is substantial legitimate justification for the change and the agency can show that there are no alternatives that would have less impact on the minority population and would still accomplish the agencyʼs legitimate program goals. DISPROPORTIONATE BURDEN POLICY MATA proposes to establish this Disproportionate Burden Policy in compliance with applicable federal requirements (Executive Order 12898 and FTA Circular 4702.1B). FTA Circular 4702.1B requires that recipients of FTA funding prepare and submit service equity analyses for proposed major service changes (defined in MATAʼs Major Service Change Policy). The purpose of this policy is to establish a threshold which identifies when the adverse effects (defined in MATAʼs Major Service Change Policy) of a major service change are borne disproportionately by low-income populations. For purposes of this policy, low-income population is defined as any readily identifiable group or households who are at or below 150% of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines. This disproportionate burden threshold is described as follows: Should the burden of any major service change require a lowincome population to bear adverse effects greater than 20% than those adverse effects borne by the non-low income population, that impact will be considered a disproportionate burden. Should a proposed major service change result in a disproportionate burden, MATA will consider modifying the proposed change to avoid, minimize or mitigate the disproportionate burden of the change. If MATA finds potential disproportionate burdens and then modifies the proposed changes in order to avoid, minimize, or mitigate potential disproportionate burdens, MATA will reanalyze the proposed changes in order to determine whether the modifications actually removed the potential disproportionate burden of the changes. If MATA chooses not to alter the proposed changes, the agency may implement the service change if there is substantial legitimate justification for the change and the agency can show that there are no alternatives that would have less impact on the low-income population and would still accomplish the agencyʼs legitimate program goals. MATA does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment. EOE/Affirmative Action/Drug Free Workplace/ADA/ADEA/Title VI/Title VII William Hudson, Jr., President/General Manager
COMMUNITY
Tri-State Defender
Page 11
March 7 - 13, 2013
MPD awareness campaign has feel of a family affair Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Christopher Hope
Memphis Police Association President Michael Williams surveyed the intersection of Poplar & Highland and locked in on officers who brought their children to the union’s public awareness protest “It affects their entire family,” Williams said. “This is a big deal to us. It’s our livelihood. It’s how we feed our families. So it’s really good to see a lot of officers come out and support.” The event last Saturday (March 2) was part of the union’s ongoing effort to heighten awareness about what Williams and union officials say is a need for a higher priority on funding police safety. City Councilwoman Janis Fullilove devoted time to the outing. “I think every citizen of Memphis should be in support of our police department,” said Fullilove. “They are there to protect and serve us and they do such an outstanding job to keep our city safe. As an elected official, I’m going to do everything I can do to make sure they get their pay back and that it’s not taken away at all.” Essica Littlejohn, the union’s vice president, said the turnout signaled “that all of the officers are concerned about our benefits. A lot
Rep. Barbara Cooper (center) recently welcomed Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. members from Memphis to Tennessee AKA Day at the Capitol in Nashville. Members from Beta Epsilon Omega, Mu Epsilon and Epsilon Epsilon Chapters participated in the activities. (Courtesy photo)
Memphis Police Association members are concerned about their benefits. (Photos: Christopher Hope)
of times we work different schedules/shifts so we can’t always come out. We’ve had officers to take off work to come out here so the public can see that we are really concerned about our benefits.” Officer Chauncey Owens made note of what he called “a big step.” “It’s the first time it’s happened since I’ve been an officer,” said Owens. “It’s a nice big step to show the city how important it is to us. We need this! We need this moral boost. “In the past six months, we’ve
had a lot of issues on the police department and this is just a way to help us get back to where we need to be and pick it up as a department.” Officer Mario McNeil said, “When you take money from our pay checks, you’re taking money from our families. I feel like if you’re going to do it, I’d rather pay a higher tax than you take money out of our checks.” Police work, McNeil said, is “not a job you do for the paycheck. You do it to protect the one’s you love.”
Service, salutes and training to mark AKA Regional Conference The 81st South Eastern Regional Conference of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will convene in Memphis March 14-17. The conference is expected to attract 3,000-plus sorority members from the 105-yearold international sorority’s South Eastern Region – Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi (known as the “ATM.”) Additional guests are expected to pour into the “Bluff City” from various points – nationally and internationally. The conference theme is “Global Leadership Through Timeless Service: Let the Good Times Roll Through Timeless Service.” All public events will be held at the Memphis Marriott Downtown and the Memphis Cook Convention Center. Planned activities during the four-day conference include: • The ATM “Investing in Our Future” Girls’ Youth Summit; March 14, 8:30 a.m.2 p.m. at the Memphis Cook Convention Center. The summit is free and open to fifth through 12th-grade girls. Sessions will include: “Tips on Protecting Yourself,” “Fight-
ing Teenage Obesity,” “Loving My Black Hair,” and “Why Girls Fight.” • Community service projects, including a school supply and gift card collection throughout the conference for Karat Place, Inc.; the Memphis Union Mission’s Moriah House; and the YWCA of Greater Memphis. Sorority members with expertise in human resources are also scheduled to host a preconference job readiness workshop on March 12 at 6 p.m. at the Moriah House for the shelter’s clients. • A public meeting and reception will be held on March 14 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. It will feature recognition of Tennessee and Mississippi public servants in social justice and human rights, and health, with a focus on asthma prevention and environmental stewardship and sustainability. Those being honored are Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr.; Bolivar County Sheriff Kelvin Williams; Jackson (Tenn.) City Councilman Ernest Brooks II, Esq.; Dianne Collins Mitchell; the Honorable Jack Reed Jr.; Mississippi state Rep. Kelvin O’Neal Buck; Daphne M. Nelson; and A.J. Stovall, Ph.D.
An ongoing effort is underway to heighten awareness about what the MPA says is a need to make public safety and supporting police a higher priority.
Church family exhibit on display through May 9 at U of M
The University Libraries at the University of Memphis are displaying “Impact and Influence: The Church Family of Memphis” in the rotunda of the Ned R. McWherter Library through May 9. The exhibition, which features more than 30 documents and artifacts from three generations of the Robert R. Church family, reflects the cultural, political and racial climate of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Prominent Memphians and active in the Republican Party, members of the Church family were influential in business, politics and public service both locally and nationally. They were heavily involved in the early civil rights movement and gained the respect and admiration of presidents, activists and key historical figures. In 1976, Sara Roberta Church donated nearly 100 boxes of material from her family’s personal archives to
Standing up for right…
the University Libraries. The exhibition includes souvenir programs from local events honoring President Theodore Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington, along with personal correspondence from both men. One display features an assortment of letters, pamphlets, and historical publications, such as an original 1906 issue of W.E.B. DuBois’ “The Moon,” the first weekly African-American magazine and the precur-
The Rev. Dr. L. LaSimba Gray Jr. (right) was the closing speaker at the U of Mʼs 2013 Black History Month Program last Thursday (Feb. 28). Upon hearing of the fundraising effort to support Shanyna Isom, who is battling a health challenge, Gray doubled the $2,500 raised. Pictured (l-r), U of M President Shirley Raines, Daniel Tillman, Harlee Lowder, Isom and Gray. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)
sor to The Crisis. Another display highlights the achievements of women during the civil rights movement and includes letters from Ida B. Wells-Barnett, as well as Church’s copy of her 1920 publication The Arkansas Race Riot. “Impact and Influence: The Church Family of Memphis” is free and open to the public during regular library hours. For more information, visit www.memphis/libraries.
At 75…
Dr. William George discovered a birthday party in his honor when he arrived at the Marriott East last Saturday (March 2.) Pictured (l-r): Bishop E. Lynn Brown, George, Bishop William Graves and Georgeʼs daughter, Yolanda George Turman. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)
Stellar students….
On the last day of Black History Month, 24 students at the Memphis School of Excellence were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. Guidance counselor Amber Thomas organized the ceremony, with the students pinned by administrator Alise Keel-Pruitt. The MSE choir performed under the direction Sheila Houston. Carole Wilson of AmeriCorpsʼs TLC program was the guest speaker. The principal is M. Turkay. (Photo: Deborah Powell Alexander)
SPORTS Tri-State Defender, Thursday, March 7 - 13, 2013, Page 12
Road-tested Tigers now ready for final home game Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by J.R. Moorhead
The University of Memphis has sealed a regular season conference title and a first round bye in the CUSA tournament. With three games remaining on the schedule, the Tigers are merely playing for seeding in the NCAA tournament. After a big let down on the road last week against Xavier, Memphis knows that another loss from this point forward could substantially affect the number in front of its name when the brackets are filled. And with back-to-back road games against UCF and UTEP still left, the Tigers had to be focused to come away with wins. So when they took the court against UCF (Mar. 2), the Tigers had to know they were going to get the
Knights’ (No. 2 in C-USA) best effort. The game was definitely heated. At halftime, the U of M led 34-29, but the game was far from sealed. Just five minutes into the second half, UCF had rallied to within one. And they wouldn’t go away. Memphis was able to stretch the lead, but the Knights would keep it close. Tempers flavored as the game came to a close. Tigers’ guard Joe Jackson received a technical foul and was sent to the locker room with mere seconds remaining. Yet, Memphis was able to come away with a 76-67 victory in hostile territory. Up next, a trip to El Paso to take on the Miners, who were led by prolific coach Tim Floyd. Historically, the Don Haskins Center has been a tough place for the Tigers to come away with a win. Tuesday night (Mar. 5) would be no different. After the first 20 minutes, the
teams were locked at 22. UTEP did a great job defending the Tigers in the first half, holding Memphis to its second lowest point total in a half this year (20 at Xavier). As the second half started to unfold, it became clear that this game was going to go to the wire. With about three minutes left on the clock, the scored was tied (51-51). The Tigers would go up by three in the next minute, but the last 60 seconds were the most interesting. Up by two, with five ticks remaining, Tarik Black fouled UTEP’s C.J. Cooper during a desperation three-point attempt. If Cooper had connected on all three free throws, the Miners would have held a one-point advantage with seconds to go; however, he missed the first shot. He made the second to bring the Miners within two and was forced to miss the third on purpose, in hopes that one of his teammates
could come away with the rebound and a tip-in for the tie. Black stopped that plan in its tracks. He got the rebound and was immediately fouled. Two converted attempts from the charity stripe would’ve sealed the deal. But poor free throw shooting has plagued the Tigers this season, and Black missed the front end of the 1 and 1. A stroke of luck for Memphis came as Miners’ players fought for the rebound and knocked it out of bounds. The game seemed in the Tigers’ grasp, but the excitement wasn’t over. Geron Johnson tried to heave the ball to the backcourt to Joe Jackson to simply run the time off. Instead, the pass stolen by Jacques Streeter, who chunked up an off-balanced shot as the final horn sounded. The shot never really had a chance and Memphis was able to close out their final road trip with two straight
wins. The Tigers now return home for their last home game against UAB this Saturday (Mar. 9). In front of the home crowd, a win would improve the Tigers to 16-0 in conference, their last season in the CUSA. This seems like a real possibility and will only give Memphis more momentum headed into the conference tourney in Tulsa. The Tigers are currently ranked No. 25 in the nation. If they win out, including the C-USA tournament, it will likely land them a seven seed in the big dance in a couple weeks. But a loss would be very costly, potentially dropping Memphis to an 8 or 9 seed, if not lower. An 8 or 9 is not a favorable seed, not only because they would have to play a very evenly-matched opponent in the first round, but it would also match them against a No. 1 seed in the second round.
Mitchell back to state after sectional win Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Christopher Hope
The Mitchell High School gymnasium had the atmosphere of a NBA playoff game during the TSSAA Class AA sectional on Monday. With music, cheerleaders, majorettes, the dance team AND the pep band in attendance to help create havoc, the Tigers (23-7) defeated visiting Liberty Tech from Jackson, Tenn. by 17 points – 59 to 42. The victory cleared the way for Mitchell’s advance to the state championship game for the second consecutive year. The Tigers’ defensive pressure and balanced scoring from their big three helped to turn back a late rally by Liberty, which cut the lead to single digits late in the fourth period. Jeremiah Martin led the way for Mitchell with 17 points. “I’m feeling motivated right now...trying to get back there (state championship) and just win,” said Martin. “We played together and followed the game plan and held each other accountable.” Naba Echols collected 16 points and Khalia Spencer finished with 14 points to help lift Mitchell to victory. “I’m feeling great,” said Echols. “This is my first time ever going to state. Transferring to this school was the best deci-
“I’m a tough, hard-nosed coach and these kids never wavered away from what I want from them and what my goals are for them. I’m so happy for them.” coach Faragi Phillips
sion of my life!” “It took effort. Extreme effort,” said Spencer. “Coach always says give extreme effort and the rest will play out.” “I feel good, but most of all I feel good for these kids,” added head coach Faragi Phillips. “I’m a tough, hard-nosed coach and these kids never wavered away from what I want from them and what my goals are for them. I’m so happy for them.” Mitchell’a fans were happy too, as they danced, jumped and screamed ecstatically across the gym floor. Now they can dance their way down I-40 east to the state tournament, where they hope to do one game better than last year when they finished as the runners-up.
Other developments
Southwind easily handled Craigmont with a 95-36 win and earned the school’s first trip to the state tournament. The Jaguars will take a 30-6 record to Murfreesboro.
Mitchell High School knocked off visiting Liberty Tech from Jackson, Tenn., to advance to the state tournament for the second straight year. (Photos by Christopher Hope)
Grizz stage another comeback, this one with key men down Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Kelley Evans
After the Memphis Grizzlies split a two-game road trip by losing to the Miami Heat and defeating the Orlando Magic, they eased past the Portland Trailblazers with a 91-85 victory at FedExForum on Wednesday night. It was another comeback – the 10th when trailing by 17 or more since the start of the 2009 season. The Grizzlies (40-19) went into the half on the short end of a 50-38 score. Grizz guard Tony Allen said going into the locker room they knew what they had to do. “We know what we are doing,” Allen said. “Guys just have to be better.” The Grizzlies clamped down on defense, picked it up on offense and began to score. Down by 13 with
three minutes remaining in the third quarter, they went on a 12-1 run and took the lead in the fourth quarter after guard Jerry Bayless scored on a three-point shot. “J.B. (Jerryd Bayless) is a stronger point guard, more physical,” said Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins. “J.B. was able to take some of the bumps and still be on him (Blazers guard Damien Lillard).” Bayless finished with 13 points off the bench. “I was just trying to get it going,” Bayless said. “We were obviously down and (I) just tried to get it going and just tried to get them a lift. I think everybody did well. especially (the ones) that came in that hadn’t been playing a lot. We just have to continue it and hopefully get the other guys back as soon as possible.” Ed Davis got his first start of the season with the Grizzlies and Jon
Leuer and Dexter Pittman received some playing time. The Grizzlies played without forward Zach Randolph, who missed his second game after an ankle injury he sustained during the Miami Heat game, and Darrell Arthur, who was injured during the Orlando game. Center Marc Gasol led all scorers with 23 points, also grabbing 12 rebounds en route to his 14th doubledouble of the season. Mike Conley added 20 points from the starting point guard spot. Lillard led the Blazers with 20 points. J.J. Hickson and Eric Maynor each pitched in 12. Hickson added 13 rebounds, putting up his 33rd double-double of the season. “They (Grizzlies) came out and played a lot harder than we did as far as energy and getting loose balls,” Lillard said. “They are a good defensive team. In the second half I
Ed Davis (left) got his first start of the season with the Grizzlies. (Photo: Warren Roseborough)
thought we worked hard to get what we got, but they out-worked (us) and I thought they definitely turned it up defensively and made some shots.”
NOTE: The Grizzlies face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday (March 8).