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