From Mammy to Michelle Obama:
VOL. 63, No. 11
March 13 - 19, 2014
www.tsdmemphis.com
75 Cents
The evolution of the perception of African-American women
good heart, but is not…bright or even…trustworthy…” 2. Jezebel – “named after an evil queen in the Bible, is a loose woman who wants sex all the time … she uses sex to draw men in to get what she wants. Sometimes it’s money. Sometimes, it’s to destroy them…” 3. Sapphire – “named after a character in ‘Amos ‘n’ Andy’(the sitcom)… She is an overbearing, hard, and undesirable woman who drives men away.”
Special to The Tri-State Defender
by Brittney Gathen The inaugural American Athletic Conference Tournament kicked off at the FedExForum Wednesday night and concludes with the championship game on Saturday. See Sports, page 14.
OPINION
Can the NBA ever stuff the criminal stereotype?
Mammy and first lady Michelle Obama may seem like an odd pairing – two figures that couldn’t be more different, some might say. One being a Princeton University and Harvard Law School alumna; the other a symbol of joyful servility, a stereotype used to justify slavery. At first blush, just the consideration of the two might seem to indicate that perceptions of African-American women have come a long way and evolved for the better. But how much progress has actually been made relative to perceptions about African-American women? March annually is observed as Women’s History Month. And with scholars such as syndicated columnist Julianne Malveaux noting that, “It pains me to watch Black Women’s History so swallowed that we are almost invisible,” The New Tri-State Defender decided to probe the stereotypes and perceptions.
Repackaging Mammy?
Michelle Obama
As a point of reference, let’s start with Julian Abagond of Abagond.wordpress.com, who writes that there are three main stereotypes of African-American women that have been around for hundreds of years:
Nancy Green, aka ʻAunt Jemimaʼ
1. Mammy – “the Aunt Jemima black woman. She is fat…she is happy with her life of faithful service to white people. She smiles and laughs. Maybe too much. She has a
The Root
by Stefen Lovelace
State Rep. Pat Garofalo, a Minnesota Republican, has become the latest, in a long line of bigots, to let the immediacy of Twitter shed a light on their idiotic views. On Sunday Pat (March 9th), Garofalo Garofalo tweeted: “Let’s be honest, 70% of teams in NBA could fold tomorrow + nobody would notice a difference w/ possible exception of increase in streetcrime.” If you want to be charitable, you can call Garofalo’s tweet “controversial.” But, like the state representative said, let’s be honest: it was unequivocally racist. Once the tweet was sent, reported, analyzed and rightfully judged, the next steps were fairly predictable. First, Garofalo claimed his statements were the always popular: “taken out of context.” When Deadspin reached him for comment, Garofalo chose conjecture and bias opinion to support his claim, writing: “I was talking about the NBA’s high arrest rate and that their punishment for positive drugs tests are weaker than other leagues. No intent beyond that. The culture among many pro athletes that they are above the law is the problem, not people like me pointing that problem out.” As you’d expect, that explanation was met with collective eye rolls. So Garofalo made the predictable second move. He fell on his sword, apologized, expressed shock that anyone would label him a racist (he tutored inner-city youth after all!), and released a prepared statement a full day after the original tweet stating: “In the last 24 hours, I’ve had the opportunity to re-learn one of life’s SEE STEREOTYPE ON PAGE 3
MEMPHIS WEEKEND
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Dr. Zandria Robinson, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Memphis, is familiar with the stereotypes. “In terms of Mammy propaganda, ‘Gone with the Wind’ etc., I think in some ways we’ve come along way, and then in some ways, what we’ve done is just repackage the Mammy narrative for contemporary moments,” said Dr. Robinson. SEE EVOLUTION ON PAGE 7
Memphis lands ‘community conversation’ on schools, closing achievement gap Linked to National League of Cities and Dept. of Education
President Obama last week announced his “My Brotherʼs Keeper” initiative during an event in the East Room of the White House.
ANALYSIS
‘My Brother’s Keeper’ must address structural racism NNPA News Service
by Freddie Allen WASHINGTON – If President Barack Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative expands educational and work opportunities for young African American and Hispanic males, but fails to address the burdens of structural racism that threaten their lives, the program might not succeed, some community activists believe. “Let’s say they do all the right things, let’s say they excel in the classroom, let’s say they are involved in community activities, but then they go out on the street and they are harassed by police, profiled and arrested,” said Walter Fields, executive editor of the NorthStar News a news website that caters to African Americans. “Or they go to college and they get a degree, then they go out on the labor market and they are discriminated against. How do we control that, after you have told these young men that they have to rise above it and be better, then they run into a system that is designed to cut them
down?” President Obama launched the “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative in the East Room of the White House, joined by key players in business, philanthropy and public policy. Philanthropic foundations and private corporations have pledged $200 million dollars over the next five years in an effort to “to make sure that every young man of color who is willing to work hard and lift himself up has an opportunity to get ahead and reach his full potential,” the president said. Obama said that he was inspired to create the initiative following the tragic death of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed, African-American teen who was pursued, shot and killed by George Zimmerman, a volunteer neighborhood watchman in Sanford, Fla. Martin’s shooting and Zimmerman’s ultimate acquittal of murder, sparked nationwide protests and an investigation by the Justice Department. Since then, a similar case has been in the news. Michael Dunn, a white computer programmer, shot to death Jordan Davis, another African-American
teenager in Florida in the parking lot of a Jacksonville, Fla., convenience store following an argument over what Dunn described as “thug music” playing in the teen’s SUV. Like Zimmerman, Dunn was found not guilty of a first-degree murder. Unlike Zimmerman, Dunn was convicted of three counts of attempted murder. Jawanza Kunjufu, a prominent educator who has written extensively about African-American males, said he’s in total support of what the president is doing with his initiative. He worries whether financial support pledged so far will be enough to prevent more parents from mourning the loss of their young sons due to gun violence. “I don’t know if money could have eliminated what happened to Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis,” said Kunjufu. While some openly express doubts about the president’s new plan, many others applauded President Obama for raising the visibility of the startling racial disparities that exist in education, the labor market and the SEE KEEPER ON PAGE 2
Memphis plans to partner with the National League of Cities (NLC) and the U.S. Dept. of Education to hold a “community conversation” to discuss strategies to advance learning, enhance student engagement and improve schools. Three goals for cities to focus on – early childhood education, afterschool and postsecondary attainment – were outlined Monday (March 10th) in a memorandum of understanding between NLC and the Dept. of Education. The memorandum was unveiled at NLC’s Congressional City Conference in Washington. “We understand that increasing our educated workforce in specific areas directly improves Memphis’ economic future,” said Mayor A C Wharton Jr. “This partnership with the City of Memphis, the National League of Cities, the Department of Education and America’s Promise with support from AT& T will assist the City of Memphis in creating pathways to prosperity for more of our citizens.” Memphis will host a session focused on college and career ready standards that lead to viable employment in the region. The convening will be part of America’s Promise’s GradNation Community Summits initiative. It will reflect the input of senior U.S. Department of Education officials and the National League of Cities, with support from AT&T. The convening is designed to serve as a vehicle for a “results-focused discussion” mainly among business leaders. It also will include educators, parents and community partners. Together they will explore how they can improve opportunities for local young people through college- and careerready standards. “We are proud to partner with the Department of Education in this extremely important effort to provide better educational opportunities to children nationwide,” said NLC President Chris Coleman, mayor of Saint Paul, Minn. “This ‘memo of understanding’ expands a local-federal partnership that is focused on supporting local efforts to improve schools and close the achievement gap. Through our ‘community conversations’ with local leaders, families and community organizations, we can formulate acSEE SCHOOLS ON PAGE 2
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criminal justice system. By the time they reach fourth grade, 86 percent of African-American boys are reading below grade level compared to 58 percent of white boys who read below proficiency levels. Even though the national graduation rate for African-American males increased from 42 percent to 52 percent from 200110, according to a report on public education and black males by the Schott Foundation, “It would take nearly 50 years for black males to secure the same high school graduation rates as their white male peers.” According to a 2011 report by the Children’s Defense Fund, “A black child is only half as likely as a white child to be placed in a gifted and talented class. A black child is more than one and a half times as likely as a white child to be placed in a class for students with emotional disturbances.” An overwhelming majority of African-American students enrolled in special education programs are males and at the other end of spectrum, white females are least likely to land in special education programs, said Kunjufu. Differences in learning styles between male and female students and an inability of teachers to relate to African-American male students contribute to the stigmatization of the group targeted by the president’s new initiative. According to a 2011 study by The National Center for Education Information (NCEI), a private, non-partisan research group in Washington, D.C., 84 percent of public school teachers are white and 7 percent are black. African-American males account for 10 percent of African-American teachers and less than 2 percent of all teachers, White females account for 85 percent of white teachers and more than 70 percent of all teachers. According to data from the U.S. Department of Education’s Civil Rights Data Col-
NEWS
Tri-State Defender
March 13 - 19, 2014 lection (CRDC), “when outof-school suspension rates were examined by race, one in five b l a c k males and Dr. Jawanza more than one in 10 Kunjufu black fem a l e s were suspended in 20092010—higher than any other race.” CRDC data also showed that African-American students account for 18 percent of national student enrollment and 42 percent of students referred to law enforcement and 35 percent of arrests, compared to white students who account for more than half of all students, 25 percent of law enforcement referrals and 21 percent of arrests. Kunjufu said that getting more African-American male teachers into our nation’s classrooms has to be a part any strategy that seeks to provide better educational opportunities and outcomes for young African-American males. “It’s very important for students to see teachers that look like them,” said Kunjufu. “The question becomes, are school districts and superintendents willing to go the extra mile to recruit African American male
teachers?” Like others who have waited for a targeted program like this from the White House, Ron Daniels, president of the Institute of the Black World 21st Century, a group that works for social, political, economic and reform that impacts the African-American community, said that the “My Brother’s Keeper” programs have to be multi-faceted. “It’s not just about mentoring. Mentoring by itself won’t end these problems,” said Daniels. “There will be some who will be able to change their behavior and to escape and to be successful, but to look for (solutions) alone absent structural issues is to virtually take a Booker T. Washington approach: clean up, brush up, paint up have good values look decent and everything will be fine.” Daniels added: “Well, everything won’t be fine. It’ll take more than that.” The African-American community shouldn’t expect the “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative to solve those structural issues alone. Daniels said that Attorney General Eric Holder’s aggressive push to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline, to reform mandatory sentencing guidelines, and to reduce the disparities in sentencing between crack and powder cocaine has to work in tandem with the “My Brother’s Keeper.”
Young African Americans continue to be over-represented in a criminal justice system that cost the United States economy $57 billion to $65 billion per year in lost output of goods and services related to depressed wages and underemployment of ex-offenders. Even as the president urged business and civic leaders, members of the faith community and foundations to support this new initiative he often returned to a “no excuses” message directed squarely at the young African-American and Hispanic males. He did so as he tip-toed lightly around the structural racism that will likely slow their success. It’s a message that has generated eye rolling from African-American thought leaders throughout his presidency. “What the president is saying, in a very coded way is that, ‘Yeah, we know racism exists, but you have to rise above it,’” said Fields. “I don’t know how you rise above it. We’ve never risen above it. We’ve managed it, but we’ve never truly risen above it.” Fields said the difficulty in offering such a critique is that there is so little done for this population that one hates to criticize anything that is done for them. Said Fields: “But when it comes from the most powerful elected official in the world, we have to hold him to a higher standard.”
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tionable strategies that improve educational opportunities for all.” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said strong schools are at the heart of strong communities. “That’s why we’re excited about this new effort with the National League of Cities to help local leaders form partnerships with families and educators, which will better ensure that every child has the opportunity to access a high-quality education, and, ultimately, that every American has the chance to pursue their dreams.” Community conversations will initially occur in 14 cities. Local leaders, educators, families and community leaders are expected to discuss strategies for providing children with the foundational skills needed to enter school ready to learn, access to high-quality afterschool learning experiences and achieving postsecondary attainment. The conversations will also focus on closing achievement gaps (including for young men of color) and increasing student outcomes, including non-
academic outcomes, with specific focus on socialemotional skills. The announcement was made at NLC’s annual Congressional City Conference held at the Marriott Wardman Park through Wednesday. More than 2,000 local elected officials and leaders were in attendance. In addition to Memphis and Mayor Wharton, the participating cities and mayors are: Avondale, Ariz. – Mayor Marie Lopez Rogers Berkeley, Calif. – Mayor Tom Bates Dayton, Ohio – Mayor Nan Whaley Gary, Ind. – Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson Hattiesburg, Miss. – Mayor Johnny Dupree Kansas City, Mo. – Mayor Sly James Louisville, Ky. – Mayor Greg Fischer Madison, Wis. – Mayor Paul Soglin Phoenix, Ariz. – Mayor Greg Stanton Pittsburgh, Pa. Mayor William Peduto Saint Paul, Minn. Mayor Chris Coleman Salt Lake City, Utah Mayor Ralph Becker Savannah, Ga. Mayor Edna Branch Jackson
Tri-State Defender
NEWS
March 13 - 19, 2014
If Ebony Wilkerson has a mental illness, it’s a wake-up call for all African Americans
by Terrell Jermaine Starr NewsOne
Ebony Wilkerson is sitting inside a Florida jail cell, but should she be viewed as a coldblooded criminal or a mentally-ill person in need of long-term mental health care? Wilkerson, 32, has been charged with three counts of attempted murder and is being held on $1.2 million bail after she drove herself and her three children (two girls and a boy, ages 3, 9 and 10) into the Atlantic Ocean in Daytona Beach last week. While it has not been confirmed, reports suggest that Wilkerson may have been suffering from a mental disorder, thus renewing public conversations on how the mentally ill should be treated by the legal system and society in general. Jessica Harrell, Wilkerson’s sister, called 911 hours before her older sibling drove her vehicle into the ocean March 4. “She’s talking about Jesus, that there are demons in my house, that I’m trying to control her, but I’m trying to keep them safe,” Harrell, 28, said during the 911 call. An officer pulled over Wilkerson’s black Honda Odyssey after getting the 911 call. He said Wilkerson told him she and her children were escaping her abusive husband in South Carolina. Leonard Ross, the attorney who is representing Wilkerson’s husband, Lutfill Ronjon, said that the abuse allegations are “baseless.” But The Post and Courier reports that Ronjon was arrested in May of 2005 for domestic violence. While the police report redacts the wife’s name, it cites the wife’s sister as Jessica Harrell. A Volusia County judge has ordered Ronjon to stay away from Harrell after she reported that he threatened to kill her since Wilkerson’s arrest. In Florida, Wilkerson could
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lessons: whenever any of us are offering public opinions, it is best to refer to people as individuals as opposed to groups. Last night, I publicly commented on the NBA and I sincerely apologize to those who I unfairly categorized. The NBA has many examples of players and owners who are role models for our communities and for our country. Those individuals do not deserve that criticism and I apologize. In additions (sic), its been brought to my attention that I was mistaken and the NBA policy on drug enforcement is stronger than I previously believed. Again, I offer my sincere apologies for my comments.” And as expected, no one is buying it. It didn’t help that basketball website TheDissNBA.com had already undressed Garofalo, easily debunking his theory on the NBA and its crime rate with actual facts and data. In 2012, the NBA’s arrest rate was actually a full two percent lower than the national average.
Ebony Wilkerson
have been taken into custody under the Baker Act, a state law that allows authorities to involuntarily take people into custody if they seem to be a threat to themselves and others. But the officer who pulled her over did not feel the need to do so, because the children were sitting in the back smiling and did not seem to be in danger. “It was clear during my conversation that Wilkerson was suffering from some form of mental illness, but she was lucid,” the Daytona Beach police officer said in his report, according to the Associated Press. Wilkerson told her children that she was “trying to take them to a better place,” according to authorities. Dramatic video of the rescue efforts show Good Samaritans frantically pulling the children out of the minivan. The children were placed in child protective services. Even if Wilkerson did suffer from a mental illness, using it as a legal defense in court could be tricky. “The difficulty in the Black community is that we don’t get diagnosed,” NewsOne legal analyst and Birmingham, Ala.,based criminal attorney Eric Guster said. “We treat mental illness as a horrible thing and
The fact that Garofalo made a clearly racist comment is disappointing but not surprising. We see very public racism through social media all the time. And just because Garofalo is in public office, it really shouldn’t shock anyone that there are intolerant individuals in positions of power. What’s a bigger problem is the consistent negative image and stigma given to NBA players. Basketball is one sport where we see the athlete’s faces. At games, fans are within touching distance. Fans see chiseled, tattooed, mostly black giants up close for hundreds of games a year. Claiming crime would rise if the NBA disbanded is really just a variation of calling these athletes our favorite racist codewords: criminals, gangsters, and thugs. This statement fits nicely into that narrative. We remember 20-year-old Marcus Smart pushing a middle-aged white man. We remember an angry Ron Artest throwing punches at fans in the stands. We forget the athletes whose second passion behind basketball is charity work. We ignore that drug use in the NBA, while not perfect, is signifi-
never talk about it or get help. That makes it difficult in a defense because there’s not a diagnosis already…. Without the history, it’s much more difficult to prove the illness. A person can lie and say, ‘The voices made them do it,’ as opposed to a person previously diagnosed with a history.” Wilkerson’s family said that she has no history of mental illness, according to the Orlando Sentinel. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that African Americans are less likely to seek help from a mental health professional than whites. The reluctance has much to do with the stigma attached to mental illness in our community – even if seeking help could be a life-saving decision. …. “Our first instinct when something goes wrong is not to get evaluated,” Cheryl Donald, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Brooklyn, N.Y., told NewsOne. “Our first instinct is maybe see our pastor or go to ‘the word.’ Those are all cultural things that we tend to do.” Alexis Clarke, a licensed clinical psychologist at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center in Chicago, told NewsOne that many African Americans view therapy as treatment for the weak. Clarke added that African Americans are often in situations where they are “working with a mental health provider who is not multi-culturally competent, so they end up having an experience that’s not helpful and they don’t want to go back. There is a high rate of African American clients dropping out of therapy because of this.” Only 2 percent of psychologists, 2 percent of psychiatrists and 4 percent of social workers in the United States are African American, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
cantly less prevalent than it was in the ’70s and ’80s. We dismiss the NHL’s fighting as just “part of the game.” Comments like Garofalo’s help strengthen the constant negative stereotyping of NBA players. What was shocking was that Garofalo was dumb enough to hit “send” on his tweet, not that he actually believed it. There are millions who agree with him but just don’t have the platform to showcase their stupidity on such a national stage. The fact that Garofalo actually has defenders proves that. Garofalo apologized, we’ll talk about it for another day, and we’ll forget about it. Garofalo will probably win re-election. We’ll shrug it off as a racist politician who said something dumb. We’ll move on with our lives. Others will say more racist things too. People will continue to view NBA players as thugs. The negative stereotypes will live on. Crucifying Garofalo may make us feel better. Unfortunately, it won’t bring any progress. (Follow Stefen Lovelace on Twitter @StefenLovelace.)
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OPINION
Tri-State Defender
March 13 - 19, 2014
• Bernal E. Smith II President / Publisher • Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Executive Editor
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Even our greatest fears shouldn’t deny Tennessee children school vouchers
The Tennessee state legislature is currently debating two versions of a bill that would bring school vouchers into existence in our state. The Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO) welcomes and encourages the delivery of means-tested school vouchers to Tennessee, but our reasons for supporting vouchers aren’t for any of the politically charged ideas that are often cited when school vouchers are discussed. No, we support vouchers simply because they can help low-income and working class families access quality educational options for their children that would otherwise be out of reach for them. The side that typically opposes school vouchers is interested in making sure the financial stability of public school systems remain in tact. The opposition is also well known for its willingness to fight to prevent parents from utilizing vouchers as a way for their children to leave failing schools. And while some may find their arguments valid, BAEO rests with our message that all families need access to high-quality options despite their income-level and geographic location. Access can come in form of a voucher, tax credit, charter school, or even in a traditional public school. We understand there is hesitation around allowing vouchers into a state. We faced the same opposition when we advocated for them in Washington, D.C. 10 years ago. Not only was the DC Opportunity Scholarship program implemented, it has harvested many of the fruits we believed we would reap – low-income families have been able to send their children to high-quality private schools, and many of these children have become the first person in their family to attend and graduate from college. It continues to provide a proven path of educational options for families in the nation’s Capital,
who otherwise would not have one. What should we tell Tennessee families who can’t afford to make choices about their child’s education? Do we tell them their child Jennifer must stay in a Littlejohn failing public school that might not be the best place for them? Do we tell these families the funding mechanisms of our public schools are more important than the education and future of their child? BAEO fights everyday to create, protect, and expand programs that increase opportunities for low-income and working-class families to access high-quality education for their children. The families we fight for lack the resources to send their child to a private school or move to a neighborhood with better schools. We advocate for policies that will bridge the gap in resources to help these families meet the educational needs of their children. It’s understandable that we sometimes get locked into our positions on issues, and making means-tested school vouchers available to low-income parents in Tennessee is certainly an issue with strong opinions on both sides. But we have an obligation to remember the most important point in the debate on school vouchers – that our children deserve a highquality education. If a school voucher helps in the delivery of that good, we must support it for the future of our children and the future of Tennessee.
(Jennifer Littlejohn is State Director of Tennessee Black Alliance for Educational Options, #TNBAEO.)
New assessment test will tell whether our kids are learning Remember back when you were in school. At some point, you probably wanted to play for the basketball team or be a majorette. Now, you knew they wouldn’t take just anybody. You had to show the coach you could play, so you would go in and show that you could shoot or handle a baton. You tried out. The academic subjects – your reading, writing and math – are no different. You have to show your teachers that you’ll have the skills you need to graduate and get a job. You may have heard something about Common Core, which I talked about in these pages last month. The Common Core is a new set of standards that Tennessee schools are starting to use. The standards help us know what our kids learn is up to the same standards as other kids around the country, and they will help our children better compete in the workforce after school. Now that we’ve set such a high bar for our students, we need a way to know they’re meeting the challenge. Teachers need a way to know they’re teaching them well, and parents need to know they’re in good hands. That’s where the PARCC Assessment comes in. Created by the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, the new assessment represents an important advance over previous assessments in several ways: First of all, it is a more useful test. Instead of all multiple-choice questions, PARCC will have questions that require writing and explanation. PARCC will authentically measure what students know and can do. Second, it will be more interesting for students. Both the technology and the design of PARCC will hold their interest. Finally, it will have real significance for students’ future opportunities. Currently, 60 percent of students require more help when they go to community college or a university. Students pass classes, get good grades, pass the state tests and still need extra help.
That’s been a big problem when students get to college. This disconnect is a problem, and PARCC will offer part of the solution. All public community colleges and uniSen. Reginald versities in Tennessee have Tate agreed to use PARCC scores to know if students are ready. That means if a student passes PARCC, they will not need to revisit high school subjects. So, what are we doing at the state level to support our local schools as they start to use the new PARCC test? The state department of education has followed a gradual, three-year transition. They’ve narrowed the current tests and started using a version of the PARCC test that doesn’t count toward a student’s progress for the two years before introducing the actual test. The state has trained more than 40,000 teachers and 3,000 school and district leaders. Another 30,000 teachers will be trained this summer. Here in Memphis, the district is updating technology used to take the test, and some grades have started taking the online writing test to expose them to the test before taking it in 2015. This spring, a small sampling of classrooms in 190 Shelby County Schools will take part in the PARCC field test. With the right standards in place for our kids, and the right tools for teachers to measure their success, we can prepare our kids for a future that includes a high school diploma, a path to community college or a university and a good job.
(State Sen. Reginald Tate represents part of Shelby County in the General Assembly. He serves as vice chairman of the Senate Education Committee.)
Civilian oversight of law enforcement needed more than ever in Memphis
In 1994, the controversial shooting of Jesse Bogand – a 68 year old resident of Orange Mound – outraged the citizens of Memphis. This and other similar incidents pushed the Memphis City Council to create a Civilian Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB), which according to the City Of Memphis website would be “an independent, non-police Mayoral Agency with...the power to receive, investigate, hear cases, make findings and recommend action on complaints.” Though seemingly a positive step forward for our city, many have lamented that CLERB has insufficient power to accomplish its assigned tasks. For instance, CLERB can only hear a case after the Memphis Police Department’s Internal Affairs has completed their investigation. Moreover, CLERB has no subpoena powers, and as such MPD officers’ presence at a hearing is purely voluntary. More troubling is the fact that the extent of CLERB’s disciplinary power is a non-binding recommendation to MPD. In 2008, prompted by the video of the savage beating of Duanna Johnson, a transgender woman then in MPD custody, Councilwoman Janis Fullilove introduced a resolution calling for an audit of all Internal Affairs (IA) procedures as well as CLERB. This audit, presented in 2009, verified that CLERB was unable to function as a proper independent investigative agency. Councilwoman Fullilove introduced a second resolution calling for the creation of an ad-hoc committee to bring recommendations regarding CLERB. However, this committee, has yet to be convened. Furthermore, it has recently come to light that two years ago, our CLERB was disbanded by the Wharton administration. This occurred without public notice or input of any kind, nor were the members of the Memphis City Council notified. To this day City Council still assigns a liaison to CLERB and according to council members continues to allocate funding for CLERB in the city budget. The webpage quoted above is still active on the city website, though the phone number goes to the Memphis Legal Department where it is answered by someone with nothing to do with CLERB. And yet our leaders wonder why the public seems so cynical without faith and trust in the government. We currently have a police department with zero civilian oversight. So if someone wishes to file a com-
plaint, that individual must go, in person, to either an MPD precinct workstation or to IA. Many know first hand that this process is long and frustrating. In 2012, Homeless Organizing for Power and Equality – H.O.P.E. – had its members harassed by officers as they left their weekly meeting at Manna House. Three H.O.P.E. members filed complaints with MPD, but after nine months of calls and emails they received nothing but an ambiguous letter from IA. They then had to file a Freedom of Information Act request for the officer’s personnel file. This took a week and half and cost $50 in printing fees. It took all of this simply to discover the officer had received a written reprimand. This entire debacle could have been avoided were it not for IA’s policy that disciplinary hearings be held without the presence of the citizen who lodged the complaint in the first place. For Memphis to move forward, the breach between the community and MPD must be bridged through a process of accountability that can bring balance to the system and restore confidence. This is why Memphis United was formed, a grassroots coalition of organizations and concerned citizens. Memphis United has drafted a resolution, wherein we urge that there be nine public forums in each council district, co-hosted by Memphis United and the respective councilmember, to hear from constituents as to what they envision for the role and function of CLERB in Memphis. Subsequently, Memphis United would consolidate feedback and present our recommendations to the Council this June so that they can act with the broadest array of community support and input possible. We hope that you will join this effort. When we work as one, the community wins. (Submitted by Brad Watkins on behalf of Memphis United.)
(Memphis United includes The Memphis Center for Independent Living, Homeless Organizing for Power and Equality, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, Subliminal Thought, The South Main Cypher Series, Memphis Bus Riders Union, Pro-Memphis Project, Manna House Memphis, ADAPT of Tennessee, The Bridge and the MidSouth Peace and Justice Center. The coalition meets Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at Caritas Village, 2509 Harvard, in the Binghampton community.)
FACEBOOK FAN OF THE WEEK Name: Dwayne Hampton
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
Dwayne Hampton is this weekʼs TSD Facebook Fan of the Week! He is a Memphis native, who graduated from Southside High School and later from the University of Memphis. He now does freelance work in his free time. Dwayne enjoys meeting new people, and he lives by the quote, “Be water my friend.” Thanks Dwayne Hampton for excelling in Memphis and for being a part of the TSD Facebook family! 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, Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. Back copies can be obtained by calling the Tri-State Defender at (901) 523-1818, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
I have started to hear it all over again. The intense and record cold weather has led ideologues on the political Right to proclaim: “You see, there is no global warming! How can there be Bill global warming Fletcher Jr. if we are freezing?” It is almost tragic that the term “global warming” became the popular means of explaining climate change. While it is absolutely and incontrovertibly confirmed that the temperature of the planet Earth has been increasing, what too many people continue to miss is that it is not happening all at once. Neither is it happening in the same way across the planet. For that reason it is more accurate and useful to discuss “climate change” and “extreme weather.” What has been unfolding, as the temperature of the planet increases, is that weather patterns are also shifting. California, for instance, suffered an extreme drought leading to near panic. That has been followed by a massive deluge of rain that has resulted in dangerous mudslides. The Midwest and the East Coast have been subject to cold snaps that have taken us way below normal temperatures, along with subjecting us to snow storm after snow storm. To this must be added the torrential rains and flooding in southern England and the complete unpredictability of the modern hurricane season that now seems to range from almost nothing to the sorts of intense storms that have hit Cuba, Haiti and Central America, not to mention Hurricane Sandy’s assault on New Jersey and New York. In other words, the fact that this winter has been cold and snowy – as one would expect in a winter – for the Midwest and East Coast should not be interpreted as a return to normal. There is no return to normal outside of activities that must begin right now on the part of human beings. This starts with taking on fossil fuels and the fossil fuel industry. This is what makes the struggle around the Keystone Pipeline so important. The danger with the pipeline is not mainly the possibility of pipeline rupturing, though that is always a real danger. The danger lies with tapping into the tar sands of Alberta, Canada and the use of fuels that will, more than likely, have a devastating impact on the environment. The problem rests with the amount and type of energy that is needed in order to separate the oil from the sands. So, let’s put this together. While the climate of this planet has been known to change in various eras, the speed and nature of the current changes are clearly related to human, industrial activity and, specifically, the use of fossil fuels. With such fuels, the planet heats up and this sets in motion climate change on a planetary basis typified by extreme weather. None of this means that each day’s weather becomes more extreme than the last’s. Rather, we start to see irregular and disastrous patterns emerge that make long-term survival a question. Time to stop engaging in wishful thinking and, instead, take actions to reverse this trend. It not only can be done; it must be done…and now. (Bill Fletcher Jr., a Senior Scholar with the Institute for Policy Studies, is a racial justice, labor and global justice writer and activist. Follow him on Facebook and at www.billfletcherjr.com.) SUBSCRIPTIONS: Mail subscriptions to the Tri-State Defender are available upon request. One Year, $30.00; Two Years, $55.00. Domestic subscriptions must be addressed to: Subscriptions, Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. Delivery may take one week. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. GENERAL INFORMATION: Any and all inquiries can be made in writing, by calling (901) 523-1818 or by e-mail. TELEPHONE: Editorial and Administration: (901) 523-1818. Display Advertising (901) 523-1818. Classified Advertising (901) 523-1818. Fax: (901) 578-5037. E-MAIL: Editorial e-mail (press releases, news, letters to editor, etc.): editorial@tristatedefender.com; Display advertising email (ads, advertising price requests, etc.): advertising@tri-statedefender.com; Classified advertising e-mail (ads, advertising price requests, etc.): classifieds@tristatedefender.com; Subscription/Circulation e-mail (subscriptions, subscription price requests, etc.): subscriptions@tristatedefender.com; Production e-mail (technical questions/specs, etc.): production@tri-statedefender.com. The Tri-State Defender (USPS 780-220) is published weekly by Tri-State Defender Publishing Co., 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38103. Second Class postage paid at Memphis, TN.
OPINION
Tri-State Defender
Is it hip-hop homophobia over French nails & skirts?
Fashion battles expose hip-hopʼs struggle with black masculinity boundaries The Root
by Travis L. Gosa, Ph.D.
Apparently, veteran gangster rapper Snoop Dogg still enjoys defying all the rules of socalled authentic black masculinity found in mainstream hip-hop culture. After reinventing himself as a devoted father and Snoop Lion – the reggae-infused advocate of black consciousness and universal love – he is now using Instagram to promote his fierce, duo-chrome French manicure, complete with marijuana leaf and dollar sign. Do real Gs get manis? The news has left hip-hop fans debating whether Snoop is “gay” or mind-controlled by the “Illuminati,” while rapper 50 Cent has questioned Snoop’s sexuality. In response to 50 and the haters, Snoop replied that he is still a gangster: “Real playas keep they nails fly fresh n dipped at the tip.” A few days later, 50 Cent posted photos suggesting that P. Diddy, Steve Stoute and Rick Ross are in a gay love triangle. In the mind of a hip-hop homophobe, “something ain’t right (#smsaudio)” when black men get their nails done, wear pink and/or hug each other. We could dismiss 50 Cent’s antics as a misguided marketing stunt for his new line of SMS Audio headphones, were it not for another style-centered controversy surrounding Omar Epps in a man-skirt. The back and forth shows how black men’s passion for fashion has become the new battlefield over definitions of acceptable masculinity.
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Last week, Epps, wearing a black leather skirt over his jeans, appeared on “The View” to promote his new show, “Resurrection.” Lord Jamar, of the legendary rap group Brand Nubian, took to Twitter to denounce Epps as a new member of “the skirt gang.” According to previous rants by Lord Jamar, the gay mafia – a group of queer white men – have feminized hip-hop and have pressured artists like Kanye West and Trinidad James to wear skirts. On Twitter, Marlon Wayans attempted to defend Epps’ fashion choice by arguing that it is time for black men to move beyond the 1990s ghetto style of baggy pants, hoodies and Timberland boots. Lord Jamar fired back that Wayans was a “sell out,” whose movies encouraged homosexuality among black men. A retweeted photo of a bare-chested Lord Jamar wearing a kufi with tassels only escalated the Twitter beef over fashion and sexuality. The prominence of hip-hop’s antigay lyrics has been debated for decades, but this string of online controversies surrounding French nails and man-skirts highlights how black men’s fashion has been surveilled and reprimanded by hip-hop culture. Despite claims that hiphop empowers black men, sexism and homophobia have severely limited the fashions, styles and expressions deemed acceptable within the narrow boundaries of heterosexual black masculinity. Looking back over the years, it would seem that every fashion-forward trend has at some point been attacked as “gay”
Memphis parent backs HB190 and the value of school choice ʻ...I happen to live in a neighborhood with schools that meet the needs of my kids.ʼ
and a threat to hip-hop’s realness. Remember those glittery suits and punk-rock chains worn by the Cold Crush Brothers and Dr. Dre (of the World Class Wreckin’ Cru) during the late 1970s and early 1980s? A few years later, the disco-funkR&B outfits became the homophobic punch lines in Easy E’s beef with former NWA group member Dr. Dre. Hip-hop’s changing definitions of authentic black masculinity can even been seen in the treatment of stereotypically urban street wear, including sagging pants. Public-service announcements against sagging pants and visible male underwear have attempted to scare youth into pulling up their pants by associating the style with male prison sex. Born-again Christian rapper Dooney Da Street Priest reinforced this point with the lyric, “I think it’s rude, but some of y’all think it’s cool. Walkin’ around showin’ yo behind to other dudes.” Perhaps the most wellknown response to the sagging phenomenon is the “Date With the Booty Warrior” episode of “Boondocks” that portrayed black youth who are “scared stiff,” providing a satire of the homophobic rhetoric. When Triple XXL white tees became the uniform of choice, Andre 3000 of Outkast told black boys to “look like a man,” stop wearing “night gowns.” Hip-hop artists are increasingly courting the high-fashion industry, a move that might help the culture become more accepting of diverse fashion
choices. Pharrell’s Vivienne Westwood hat and sequin shoes show that artists are moving beyond the T-shirt and urban-wear market. However, the advent of social media may also work to further ridicule and restrict their fashion experimentation. In 2011, Lil Wayne’s leopard-print women’s leggings at the MTV Video Music Awards became the laughing stock of the Internet with the @Waynes_Leggins Twitter account, while Wiz Khalifa suffered a similar leggings scandal in late 2013. Instead of the haterism and homophobia, Snoop Dogg and Omar Epps should be celebrated for pushing the boundaries of what fashion-forward black men can rock in public. In fact, Epps’ reply to Lord Jamar should serve as a warning to the ignorant. What appeared to be a skirt was really African tribal gear, according to Epps: “The uninformed couldn’t understand my contemporary ode to the Zulu warrior roots. The Maasai, Fanti, etc ... it’s all tribal, study our history.” Is this the beginning of a tipping point in hip-hop? Can we foresee a time in which black men can wear actual dresses and be hashtagged #fierce and #yougoboy? Or would that still be too real for hip-hop? (Travis L. Gosa, Ph.D., is assistant professor of Africana studies at Cornell University, where his research focuses on racial inequality and African-American youths. He has written for Ebony, the Chronicle of Higher Education, Fox News and a number of academic journals.)
There are few things more important to me than the quality of my children’s schools. After all, I know that a great education is crucial to their success as adults. I also believe that parents know their kids better than anyone else, and should be able to decide what is best for them. Fortunately for me, I happen to live in a neighborhood with schools that meet the needs of my kids. But many families across Tennessee are not as lucky. Thousands of students across the state are forced to attend schools that are failing or otherwise inadequate. That’s why I support HB190, a bill that would provide opportunity scholarships to low-income students in failing situations. This would allow those students to attend a school because it fits their needs. Creating these scholarships would go a long way towards guaranteeing all of Tennessee’s students a great education. I admit that opportunity scholarships sounded unnecessary to me at first. Why would the state provide money to families to help them pay for schools when all students already have schools to attend? But then I put myself in the position of the many parents in Tennessee whose children are stuck in failing situations. I know that I would demand a better option so my children could get a great education. And if I would want that choice, how could I deny it to other families? The idea behind HB190 is pretty simple. Taxpayer education dollars are already designated for each student and sent to their school district. But with this legislation, families would be able to choose to use that money to pay for a differ-
ent school – empowering them with a variety of options. When you think about it, it’s common sense. All parents know that no two kids are the same – they have different interests, learning styles, and needs. It follows that a school that is right for one child might not be a good fit for another. Yet currently our education system gives families little choice about the schools their children attend, unless they can afford to move to a different neighborhood or pay for private school By passing out of ocket. HB190, they pThat’s just can give fam- not right. ilies the Parents in situeducation failing a t i o n s choices they should be to need and de- able choose a serve. school that meets the needs of their child. The Tennessee General Assembly has a golden opportunity to fix this. By passing HB190, they can give families the education choices they need and deserve. It’s true that this bill may face opposition from special interests that are committed to maintaining the status quo. But I have a message for our legislators: imagine if your own child were receiving an inadequate education. Wouldn’t you want an opportunity to choose a different school? If the answer is “yes,” you should support the bill. As a parent and proud Tennessean, creating a great education system that truly serves all kids is a priority for me. By passing HB190, we can take a big step towards that goal. (Colessia Porter is a Memphis parent and a member of StudentsFirst Tennessee.)
NATIONAL
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March 13 - 19, 2014
SAT officials hope to score high in eliminating racial bias NNPA
by Jazelle Hunt
WASHINGTON – Administrators of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) have announced with great fanfare that they are overhauling the standardized tool that helps determine whether an applicant will get accepted into the college of his or her choice. But in revamping the test, SAT officials are facing a test of their own. “The redesign is trying to get a sense of what students learned in high school…and trying to help students demonstrate their critical thinking skills instead of just picking an answer. And that’s all well and good,” said Michelle Cooper, president of the Institute for Higher Education Policy, a college-access policy think tank. “But the real question is, are all students getting the same opportunity to learn those skills before they Michelle get to colCooper lege? Students, especially low-income black students, often go to schools that are under-resourced. Will they have ever been exposed to the type of questions to be asked on this test, or will it all just reinforce the bias we already see?” In part because of what some perceive as racial and cultural bias – along with poor schools – many African Americans don’t do well on the standardized test. Last year, only 15.6 percent of African-American students who took the SAT reached or exceeded College Board’s ‘SAT College and Career Readiness Benchmark’ score of 1550 (out of 2400 possible points). According to College
Board, the nonprofit education giant that created and develops the exam, this score is associated with a 65 percent chance of earning a college freshman year GPA of a B- or higher. The figure was up from 14.8 percent in 2012. Averaged scores for individual sections of the SAT were lowest among African-American test takers, hovering around 430 (out of 800) per section. The average scores for their white and Asian-American counterparts were in the mid- to upper-500s. Everyone else’s scores – Native Americans, Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Latinos, and students identifying as “other”—averaged about 450 and above. Although the test’s intended use is to assess college readiness, researchers, educators, and policy makers allege that it has had a hand in creating the access disparities it now intends to fight. For example, there are the test-prep courses and books that give students an edge – if they can afford it. College Board’s online course is currently $69.95 and the book is $31.99; another popular option is Kaplan’s SAT classroom prep for $699, or if on a budget, its online course is $299. “Testing is a big moneymaking industry at this point. The SAT is inherently flawed,” says Okaikor Aryee-Price, who taught eleventh grade for 11 years and now teaches seventh grade while pursuing a doctorate in Instructional Design. “Standardized tests came out of the eugenics movement, to say that people of color were not as intelligent as whites. They’re not used the same way anymore, but they still test the same things. These access gaps were intentionally created.” Even post-secondary institutions have begun to wonder whether the SAT is worth their time. According to a list compiled by the National Center for Fair & Open Testing, more
SAT revamp might help African Americans. (The redesigned SAT aims to address college access disparities. (Photo: Flickr user ecastro under CC license)
than 800 colleges and universities have gone “test-optional” or “test-flexible” (meaning it is either only partially counts toward admissions considerations, or not at all). The list includes highly ranked institutions such as New York University, American University, and the University of Texas at Austin. However, the majority of colleges and universities require SAT scores (or its competitor, the ACT) as part of the application. Many schools (and organizations) also use these scores as thresholds for awarding grants and scholarships. Still, College Board says the redesign is in direct response to these and other questions and criticisms. For starters, they’re expanding two existing programs that provide personalized college information packets, along with four college application fee waivers, to high-achieving low-income students. The organization will also make free test-prep programs and practice materials available for all students.
“Our members, including admission officers, school counselors, teachers, and students, have called on us to change the SAT and go beyond assessment to deliver opportunity,” the College Board explained on its website. “Our goal is to support college readiness and success for more students and to make sure that those who are prepared take full advantage of the opportunities they’ve earned through their hard work.” According to College Board data, African Americans have consistently had the lowest average score on the essay portion since 2005, when it was added to the test. The new SAT makes the essay portion optional. Students will still have to write the essay – it simply may or may not count toward their score, depending on the discretions of their intended colleges, and their high school district. According to Patte Barth, director of the Center for Public Education for the National School Boards Association, the essay option will likely get
mixed reviews. “School systems right now are already under pressure anyway with all these changes related to implementing (K-12) Common Core standards,” she explains, adding that 45 states and the District of Columbia are mired in the curriculum transition. “To the degree that the SAT is better able to align to what high schools are teaching, alleviates one issue – because if the curriculum teaches on thing and then teachers have to stop to teach another thing for this test it is frustrating.” The essay section is designed to more closely resemble actual high school and college assignments, and will now be based on analyzing a reading passage. The prompt itself will be disclosed to students in advance and will remain constant from exam to exam; only the reading material will change each time the test is taken. The essay section was changed and made optional for two reasons: There is no data to suggest that one essay is pre-
dictive of college success; and because there was no consensus among college admissions officers regarding the value of the essay. Other changes to the test include eliminating questions on flowery “SAT vocabulary words;” abandoning point deductions for incorrect answers; and shrinking the focus of math sections to more common branches (i.e. algebra and word problem-solving). “Because a test alone can’t change student outcomes, assessments such as the SAT must be integrated with rigorous classroom instruction, and through their results, propel students to greater opportunities,” a statement reads. “The redesigned SAT will ask students to apply a deep understanding of the few skills and content areas most important for college and career readiness. The questions will be more familiar to students because they’ll be modeled on the work of the best classroom teachers.” Not everyone is convinced. “It all sounds like doubletalk to me,” says Bernard Hamilton, president of the National Alliance of Black School Educators. “We want to make college more accessible, so let’s make a new test so we can eliminate students based on the test? If a state measures student results in your district based on the test, then schools will change their curriculum to reflect that test, since they are being evaluated on it. The test goes from being a predictor of college success…to being used outside of why it was created.” The new SAT will be administered for the first time in 2016, as today’s high-school freshmen begin preparing for college. Cooper said, “I’m positively optimistic that the redesign will help many students (gain access), but I want to make sure they are addressing the inherent cultural, racial, and income bias that has long been a staple of the SAT.”
NEWS
Tri-State Defender
Sarann Knight Preddy was the first African American woman to own a gaming license in Nevada.
Dr. Sadie Alexander
Elizabeth Keckley became the leading society dressmaker in Washington, D.C., including making dresses for first lady Mary Todd Lincoln.
Trish Millines Dziko
(Black) Women’s History Month
“It pains me to watch Black Womenʼs History so swallowed that we are almost invisible.”
NNPA News Service
Do you know about Elizabeth Keckley, Maggie Lena Walker, Sarann Knight Preddy, Gertrude Pocte Geddes-Willis, Trish Millines Dziko, Addie L Wyatt or Marie-Therese Metoyer? What about Ernesta Procope, Dr. Sadie Alexander, or Dr. Phyllis Wallace? What about Bettiann GardJulianne ner, Lillian Lambert, or Malveaux Emma Chappell? What about Ellen Holly, Mary Alice, or Edmonia Lewis? If we knew anything about these women, it might cause all of us — African-American men and women — to walk a bit more lightly and hold our heads a bit higher. March is Women’s History Month. So it’s an ideal time to celebrate black women who often get overlooked by other women as well as their own race. History belongs to she who holds the pen, she who will speak up, speak out and tell the whole story. If the names of the sisters listed above aren’t as well known as others – like Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and Mary McLeod Bethune – it is because no one has chosen to tell their stories. There are thousands of unsung heroines for every one we lift up and know, women who have made phenomenal contributions to the arts, literature, money, finance, and economic development. Why write this now? African American History month (February) is usually about notable black men. Women’s History Month (March) is usually about notable white women. A book edited by Gloria T Hull, Patricia Bell Scott, and Barbara Smith is titled “But Some Of Us Are Brave: All the Women Are White, All the Blacks Are Men: Black Women’s Studies.” As the title suggests, some of us are brave – and our young girls need to know that. What difference would it make to our daughter and nieces if they knew about Septima Clark or Claudette Colvin? Had they read Lucille Clifton’s poetry, would they find it easier to breathe life into their words? It pains me to watch Black Women’s History so swallowed that we are almost invisible. The most benign interpretation of this phenomenon is that those who lift history up are too myopic to consider African-American women. Is there is a sinister interpretation? Is it that both racism and patriarchy combine to swallow black women’s history? International Women’s Day was March 8. Annually, the United Nations sets a theme for the commemoration. This year it was “Equality for Women is Progress for All.” According to the UN, countries with more gender equality have better economic growth. Companies with more women leaders perform better. Peace agreements that include women are more durable. Parliaments with more women enact more legislation on key social issues such as health, education, anti-discrimination and child support. The evidence is clear: equality for women “means progress for all.” We can’t make progress if we bury our history. We can’t put Melody Hobson in context if
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Edmonia Lewis
we don’t understand Maggie Lena Walker. We can’t truly celebrate women’s history unless we celebrate black women’s history. Black women’s history is women’s history too. It should be realized that both the African-American community and the world community cannot progress if any segment of that community is relegated to the sidelines. The place African-American women hold in our history celebrations is quite similar to the space we occupy in contemporary life. We can get tens of thousands or more folks to turn out (as they should) in response to the massacres of Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis, but the killing of unarmed Renisha McBride has caused much less of an outcry. Theodore Wafer, the White man (yes, race matters) who shot young Renisha, will be tried for second-degree murder in June. Will we remember this effrontery in the same way that we rallied for Trayvon and Jordan? The sidelining of Black women is one of the reasons that the late C. Delores Tucker worked tirelessly for more than a decade to ensure that a bust of Sojourner Truth be placed in our nation’s capitol. And why not? Susan B. Anthony, Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton are there. The fight to get Sojourner Truth to the capitol was led by Tucker, a lifelong leader and a founder of the National Congress of Black Women, Unfortunately, she did not live long enough to see the fruits of her labor. Wondering who was Delores Tucker? That will be a whole column by itself. If you know nothing about the women I’ve mentioned, Google them, or check my website, www.juliannemalveaux.com for more information. (NNPA columnist Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. She is President Emerita of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C.)
Dr. Zandria Robinson
EVOLUTION
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
As an example, she referenced Patricia Hill Collins’ book, “Black Feminist Thought.” Collins discusses actress S. Epatha Merkeson’s character (Lt. Anita Van Buren) on the television drama “Law & Order” as an example of Mammy repackaged. The character Van Buren is a lieutenant who’s strong and nurturing, but is a tough-love type figure. “I think a lot of times, we see larger black women being cast as Mammy figures. The Mammy figure might now be a sidekick person,” said Dr. Robinson. “We still want black women to mother us as a society. We still see black women’s role as caregivers, and when they’re not caregivers, they become angry b———.” Michelle Obama, said Dr. Robinson, is subject to society’s need for African-American women to be nurturing, mothering caregivers. “I think Michelle Obama has kind of responded to criticism of her being stoic (by doing) very motherly-type things to try to counter that. She’s got the garden, and she’s all like, ‘Let’s move with the kids!’ Because for her to have a political voice…is seen as threatening, she has to balance that with a lot of mothering and nurturing…. “Also, because her physical body doesn’t meet the expectations of the propaganda Mammy, she has to work against that and be nurturing.”
Images and the ‘Tilted Room’
Dr. Beverly Bond, an associate professor of history at the University of Memphis, said the images of the Mammy, the Jezebel and the Sapphire have long been used by society to control African-American women. “Are they any less apparent in today’s society? I’m not really sure. No, I don’t think that they’ve disappeared. I think they’re just discussed in a different way,” she said. Dr. Bond mentioned the ‘tilted room’ in Melissa Harris-Perry’s book, “Sister Citizen.” Perry asserts that the images create what she calls a tilted room in which African-American women have to adjust their ideas of who they are and what they’re supposed to be to stand in the room. “Images really grow out of people’s mind,” said Dr. Bond. “If you have a society that feels that they need to see AfricanAmerican women as mammies in order to not see them as threatening, then they will see African-American women as mammies.” Dr. Earnestine Jenkins, an art history professor at the University of Memphis, pondered the question about stereotyped perceptions of African-American and said, “In some ways I think it’s changed, and in some ways I think it hasn’t changed a whole lot. “I think the ideas around stereotyping black women as being…the person that they (other women) come to with their problems, always forcing her to be in a nurturing, sort
Dr. Beverly Bond
of subsidiary kind of role is to some degree still here.”
Television and perceptions
From “Being Mary Jane” and “Scandal” to reality television shows, how big a role does television-programming play in shaping perceptions, and what messages are they perpetuating? “In ‘Being Mary Jane,’ the problem that I have with it is that…there’s this mythology around no matter how well black women seem to be doing economically and in terms of status, there’s this stereotype of them not being marriageable,” said Dr. Jenkins. “And the women in ‘Being Mary Jane,’ if they don’t have partners, they’re OK with going with married men. …There’s another stereotype of the hard black woman (Sapphire), and I think there’s some of that in ‘Being Mary Jane.’” “Scandal” is interesting, with a complexity to that “particular character (Olivia Pope) that does go beyond mammy stereotypes,” said Jenkins. “I think that particular character is fleshed out very well and is complicated.” Dr. Jenkins said. Does television really play as big a role as some might think? Dr. Robinson doesn’t think so. “Do I think we’re at a point in our society where we can show complex, black women figures who are perfect and everything? No. Do I think we’ll ever be at that point? No. Do I think that means that we don’t have complex figures? No. “We should be able to grapple with these figures who are deeply flawed,” she said.
Moving forward past stereotypes
“I think one of the things that AfricanAmerican women have to work against is letting those images define who they are,” Dr. Bond said. Dr. Jenkins said it’s important to have African-American writers and producers, particularly when talking about film and TV productions. “It’s important to have representation behind the camera, because that’s where a lot of the real power lies,” she said. Dr. Robinson thinks we are beginning to see a broader set of representations of African-American women on television, and said, “in a way the diversity of black women’s roles is a sign of progress. “However, until we as a society are ready for dynamic representations of black women as more than stereotypes…black women’s representations may represent new archetypes.” NOTE: Nancy Green was an AfricanAmerican storyteller. She was one of the first African-American corporate models in the United States, becoming known as “Aunt Jemima.” In the late 19th century, the Aunt Jemima character was prominent in minstrel shows.
BUSINESS
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ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY
New business owners tend to hit the ground rolling – eager and exited to prove to the world that it can be done. A byproduct, however, is that the owner often works so hard that life is not balanced. Time flies, the years – 2, 3, 4, 10 – pass and these well-intentioned entrepreneurs are still grinding. The kids are growing rapidly, recitals are missed and sports activities have to be watched on cell phone video. Going to work becomes something to dread and when they get there they have little to contribute other than being present. Such owners may be experiencing entrepreneurial burnout, a state of emotional and physical exhaustion. With the weight of the livelihood of others in their hands, small business owners cannot afford burnout. Still, it is a troubling occurrence that happens all too frequently.
Entrepreneurial burnout The signs
1. Exhaustion. Are you tired when you wake up? Feeling physically exCarlee hausted McCullough before you even get to work? Are you mentally drained? Do you dread going to work?
2. Depression or negative feelings toward business. Are you depressed? Do you have negative feelings about the business because it is underperforming? Are you overwhelmed from the responsibilities of the business? Do you have no feelings of satisfaction with the business? 3. Performance reduced.
Are tasks that were customary and ordinary now difficult to complete? Are your views of those tasks now negative? Is it hard to concentrate on the activity of the business? Do you lack a creativity contribution to the business?
4. Stress level is high. Is your stress level high?
5. Physical symptoms. Have you experienced chest pain, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations?
How to avoid burnout
Life must be balanced. If the owner is all work and no play, burnout can set in easily. If the owner is all play and no work, the business will suffer quickly. So over the years I have learned to live by the following motto, “Work Hard! Play Hard! Pray Hard!” Success in business requires working hard and smart.
Playing is participating in any activity that does not involve work. It could include sleeping, meditating, getting a massage, spending time with friends or family, vacationing, reading or partying. But don’t party to the point of needing to recuperate for days after the party. Adequate rest and relaxation is required to avoid burnout. Lack of rest increases the likelihood of stress, high blood pressure, weight gain and other related illnesses. Prayer helps provide a sense of calm when all appears to be chaotic. Whether the business owner mediates or prays to a higher being, time out for this activity adds balance to the scale. Entrepreneurs are so focused on the business and others that they rarely take time to focus on themselves. Their focus should include a great diet. Good eating habits are a major factor in avoiding burnout.
Communicate with a colleague, confidante, friend or life coach. Business owners can become isolated in their own worlds, shackled with their many problems. By talking out issues with others the owner can reap beneficial advice.
How to overcome
It is imperative to achieve early diagnosis of burnout. The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner the business owner can overcome it and the less damage is done to the business. Identification of the cause of the burnout is the first step to overcoming it. Once it has been identified take steps to remedy it. Document what causes stress in the business. Move toward removal of the stress. This may entail delegating some job responsibilities to others, taking some time off, or hiring additional staff.
Proper rest is a must. Balanced diet goes hand in hand with the rest and exercise. Exercise will help with the physical and in turn with the stress levels. Exercise helps clear the mind. Re-evaluate the goals of the business and the owner. When the business was started, the owner may have established a goal. It may be time to reevaluate that goal to see if it is still appropriate or whether it is still in line with the goals of the owner. Remove negative thoughts. Infuse positive thoughts into daily activities. So whether you are burned out or feel burnout is on the horizon, focus on the problem and it can be overcome. (Contact Carlee McCullough, Esq., at 5308 Cottonwood Road, Suite 1A, Memphis, TN 38118, or email her at jstce4all@aol.com.)
MONEY MATTERS
When your child should file a tax return If your child only has earned income reported on a W-2 and the total isn’t more than $5,350, then a return does not need to be filed. However, you’ll want to file a return for a refund if there was any federal withholding, see Form W-2, box 2. If the total of earned income is over $5,350 a return must be filed. Earned income includes wages and salaries on Forms W-2. If the child is self-employed, the Schedule C net income is included as earnings. If the child received any 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, or 1099-B tax documents in addition to those W-2s, then unearned income was received and the rules does not apply.
Only unearned income
What if your child has no earned income (W-2 or self-
employment) but does have unearned income ( a l s o known as investment income). The answer deCharles Sims Jr., CFP pends on how much unearned income there is for the tax year. To find the child’s unearned income, look for Forms 1099INT, 1099-DIV, and 1099-B with the child’s social security number. Unearned income includes taxable interest, dividends, capital gains (including capital gain distributions) and distributions from trusts. The child’s tax return only needs to be filed if the total unearned income is more than
able to elect to have the child’s income included on their tax return. If the parents make this election, the child does not have to file. The tax ramifications of this election will be discussed in a future article.
Earned/unearned mix
This is where is gets complicated. In short, if your child has any earned income reported on a W-2, then a return must be filed if they also had unearned income greater than $300. The only exceptions to this are if the combined income is less than $850 or the earned income is greater than $5,150.
529 savings plans $850. There is another option if
your child is in this situation – the child’s parents may be
These savings plans generally allow people of any income level to contribute, and
there are no age limits for the student. The account owner can maintain control of the account until funds are withdrawn — and, if desired, can even change the beneficiary as long as he or she is within the immediate family of the original beneficiary. A 529 plan is also extremely simple when it comes to tax reporting — the sponsoring state, not you, is responsible for all income tax record keeping. At the end of the year when the withdrawal is made for college, you will receive Form 1099 from the state, and there is only one figure to enter on it: the amount of income to report on the student’s tax return.
(Charles Sims Jr. is president/ CEO of The Sims Financial Group. Contact him at 901-682-2410 or visit www.SimsFinancialGroup.co m.)
Unemployment rate for black women falls to single digits NNPA News Service
by Freddie Allen WASHINGTON – During another slow month of economic recovery, the unemployment rate for black women 20 years and older fell to 9.9 percent in February, the lowest rate for that group in five years, according to the Labor Department. Meanwhile, black men and black teenagers continue to lag behind other major worker groups. In March 2009, the unemployment rate for black men 20 years and over was 15.4
percent. According to the latest jobs report, the jobless rate for black men is 12.9 percent, the same rate recorded in February 2013. The unemployment rate for white men 20 years and older was 6.3 percent a year ago and now it is down to 5.5 percent. The unemployment rate for white women was 6 percent in February 2013 and has declined to 5.1 percent in February 2014. The economy added 175,000 jobs in February and the jobs numbers for December and January were revised up for a net gain of 25,000 jobs.
The unemployment rate ticked up a little to 6.7 percent, most likely because some workers became more optimistic about finding a job and re-entered the labor force, said Bernard Anderson, an economist and professor emeritus at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. “The February report is an accurate indication of where the economy is now,” said Valerie Wilson, who was recently named director of the Program on Race, Ethnicity, and the Economy at the Economic Policy Institute. “We are in a recovery. Things are moving
in the right direction, but they are moving very slowly and until we are able to increase demand to a point where employers start hiring again, we are going to continue to see these slow job reports.” The number of long-term unemployed workers increased by 203,000 according to the Labor Department, accounting for 37 percent of the unemployed. Blacks account for 23 percent of the longterm unemployed in the United States. “The longer people are out of work their skills erode more and they face discrimination in hiring,” said Wilson.
“They have a difficult time getting into the labor force the longer they’ve been out. It’s a matter of labor underutilization. We have people that are willing ready and able to work, but are unable to find jobs.” Wilson said that increasing the minimum wage and extending emergency unemployment compensation to millions of Americans would likely increase demand and stimulate the economy, two proposals that have come under fire on Capitol Hill. In a statement on the Labor Department’s jobs report, Congressman Elijah E. Cum-
mings (D-Md.), ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and a member of the Joint Economic Committee, said that we must ensure that every American has the opportunity to participate in the job market and receive fair compensation for that work. “It is past time for an up-ordown vote on raising the minimum wage, which would lift hundreds of thousands of Americans out of poverty and help us address the growing economic inequality in our nation,” said Cummings. “America succeeds when we can all earn a livable wage.”
RELIGION
Tri-State Defender
Page 9
March 13 - 19, 2014
RELIGION BRIEFS
‘Boondocks’ creator bringing ‘Black Jesus’ to television
Associate Ministers Conference at Castalia
The annual Associate Ministers Conference at Castalia Baptist Church will be held Saturday (March 15) from 7:30 a.m. to noon at the church at 1549 Castalia Rd. Dr. Randolph Meade Walker, Castalia’s pastor, said this year’s conference is the eighth and like the others is designed to assist associate ministers in their professional growth and development. Dr. Stan Wood and Dr. Andre Johnson of Memphis Theological Seminary, and Dr. Lynn Dandridge, pastor of Central Baptist Church, will be the presenters. Here are the conference sessions: “Recognizing the Diversity of America” – Dr. Wood; “Recognizing the Diversity Within the African-American Community/Church” – Dr. Johnson; “Function and Character of the Associate Minister” – Dandridge. On site-registration will be begin at 7:30 a.m. For more information, call 901-276-7295.
Aaron McGruder, the politically incorrect mind behind the cult cartoon hit “The Boondocks,” has even more irreverent premise up his sleeve. McGruder has inked a deal with Adult Swim for a live action show called “Black Jesus,” which will co-star comic actors John Witherspoon and Charlie Murphy. According to the Hollywood Reporter, “the new halfhour live-action scripted comedy finds Jesus living in present-day Compton, Calif., on a daily mission to spread love and kindness throughout the neighborhood with the help of his small but loyal group of downtrodden followers.” Largely unknown actor Gerald “Slink” Johnson will take on the lead role and the series is expected to debut sometime this year. Meanwhile, McGruder’s long delayed fourth season of “The Boondocks” is set to air this April on Adult Swim.
Aaron McGruder (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/G etty Images for NAACP Image Awards via theGrio)
Men’s Month continues at The New Olivet Baptist
The annual Men’s Month celebration at The New Olivet Baptist Church continues at 11 a.m. Sunday (March 16th) with an address by educator, author and speaker Dr. Steve Perry. The program begins at 11 a.m. The month-long celebration is designed to raise money for the King Solomon Scholarship Fund for young African American male college freshmen. It features a series of speakers and began March 2nd, with Kenneth Whalum III. Journalist and syndicated columnist Roland S. Martin was the March 9th scheduled speaker. Here is the list of the upcoming speakers: March 23rd, 11 a.m., Dr. Claud Anderson; March 30th, 11 a.m., the Rev. Michael Williams; March 30th, 6 p.m., Dr. Thomas L. Murray with ATOP Male Chorus The New Olivet Baptist Church is located at 3084 Southern Ave. The host pastor is the Rev. Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr. For more details regarding Men’s Month and the King Solomon Scholarship Fund, call 901-454-7777.
Country and western gospel...
Jennie Cheatham Chandler (singing) and her band played gospel music with a touch of country and western Friday (March 7) in celebration of the 2014 Country Fair and Wild Game Fellowship at the Pentecostal Church of God in Christʼs Lofton-Gates Dinning Hall at 229 South Danny Thomas Blvd.
Because it makes sense…
Chandler backs Elder Charles Mason Patterson with a hearty handclap while he sings his own brand of country and western gospel music. Patterson is the senior pastor of Pentecostal Church of God in Christ. (Photos by Tyrone P. Easley)
Citing statistics that link childrenʼs lack of access to books at early ages with negative impacts on student achievement and graduation rates, Pastor Aaron Litzsey and The Word Church at 3852 Park Ave. recently gave away over 1,000 books to Shelby County Schools teachers, parents and children. (Courtesy photo)
PRAISE CONNECT -A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-
METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., Pastor
767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126
ASSOCIATE MINISTERS
901-946-4095 fax 948-8311
Rev. Davena Young Porter Rev. Linda A Paige Rev. Luecretia Matthews SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
SUNDAY Sunday School .....................8:30 am Morning Worship Service ....10:00am
WEDNESDAY Bible Study .........................10:30 am Mid-Day Prayer Meeting .....12 noon Evening Prayer Meeting........7:00pm
FRIDAY Cable Channel 17 ............... 8:00pm
Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter
“Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
– Psalm 55:22
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. —Matthew 7: 1-2
Attend the Church of your choice
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. —Phillipians 4:13
ENTERTAINMENT Th e Si ngle Mo ms Club
Tri-State Defender, Thursday, March 13 - 19, 2014, Page 10
STILL DATING MY SPOUSE
Your friends influence how you love As you live and breathe, how you love and feel about love is influenced by a variety of factors, including your circle of friends. As we discussed in the post, Love is a Learned Behavior, much of Pamela S. who you are, King what you do, and what you believe in was (and is) influenced by your parents, family, friends, and any adult interactions growing up and now. Your thoughts and actions are influenced by the circle you keep! It is so important to recognize how those in your circle are influencing your behavior toward love: whether positively or negatively they will influence you. Look at your circle of influence and access what type of influence they are depositing into your life. Just being aware of the impact your circle has on how you love is powerful. Now don’t get me wrong, you will spend time with friends and family. They will also spend time with your spouse but make sure you have a healthy balance and respect among all. Emotions are infectious. When you spend time with friends and family, you will display some of their emotional state unconsciously. You will internalize the conversations you have with them and become preoccupied with their situation. This preoccupation can impact your marriage and your interaction with your spouse. It is OK to set boundaries to protect your marriage, your spouse, and yourself. It is your responsibility to enforce these boundaries and make sure YOUR friends and family adhere to them. Be ALERT concerning your circle of influence and protect the love you have for yourself and your spouse. Whether you are married or single, your circle of influence is important. Ultimately you are responsible for yourself, but you make decisions based on many things. Know what your goals in life are. The saying “you become like the 5 people you spend the most time with” is true. If you want to develop an attitude of excellence, you should surround yourself with such people. Remember, the LOVE you save SHOULD be your own! Take ownership of who you allow into your space. Everyone has a reason and a season to be in your circle. Regardless of the time they are with you, they will influence you; just make sure it is the influence you want. Love yourself, your spouse, and your life enough to be able to cut off those that are not depositing positively into your life. (Pamela S. King is co-founder of Still Dating My Spouse. Visit www.stilldatingmyspouse.com for more marriage articles)
NIA LONG
an
S
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Kam Williams
tunningly-attractive leading lady Nia Long returned to the big screen last fall in the highly-anticipated sequel “The Best Man Holiday” where she reunited with original cast mates Taye Diggs, Terrence Howard, Morris Chestnut and Harold Perrineau. Early last year, she joined the all-star cast of Showtime’s “House of Lies” alongside Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell. Here, Nia talks about co-starring as May in “The Single Moms Club” opposite her son Massai, as well as Amy Smart, Zulay Henao, Tyler Perry, Terry Crews, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Cocoa Brown.
Kam Williams: What interested you in “The Single Moms Club?” Nia Long: The title alone. I think it’s a world we haven’t explored on film. And I feel that single mommies don’t get enough praise and accolades. I’ve had first-hand experience. My mother was a single mom. As far as I’m concerned, mommies, in general, rule the world. And single mothers just take it to a whole other level. KW: Congratulations on the latest Essence Magazine cover! NL: Oh, thank you!
KW: I don’t know many that makes. I’ve lost count. Besides this one, which of your Essence covers is your favorite? The August 2012 issue with your sons? NL: Honestly, it’s so hard, because each Essence cover represents a different special moment in my life. So, I can’t really judge them. It’s hard to judge yourself, too. But I do love the one with my boys. That was probably the closest one to me myself. This one is about keeping it sexy in my 40s, so I’m not mad about that either.
interview
KW: Harriet Pakula-Teweles asks: “What would you say is the overall message of ‘The Single Moms Club?’” NL: Try to find fellowship… And try to find sisterhood… And try to find that village that can help you support your journey and your kids and your experiences. Never lose a sense of yourself throughout the process, and still pursue your dreams as a mom. Listen, when all is said and done, don’t be afraid to get out there and date, and have a little bit of fun. We’re still women… we’re still feminine… and we still have needs.
KW: Patricia says: “You have been in the entertainment industry for decades. I’ve followed your career since ‘Boyz n the Hood.’ What is the secret to your longevity? NL: Probably my last name. (Chuckles) No, I feel it’s that I don’t ever give up on myself, and I’d rather run a marathon than a sprint. Personally, I think I’m a slow learner who’s getting better every year, every moment, every project. I’ve met so many amazing people along the way. And there’s no gimmick with me. What you see is what you get. The journey might be longer, but it’s definitely been sweeter. I can look at myself in the mirror every night knowing I’ve never ever pretended to be someone I know I’m not for the sake of this industry. I believe that it’s important to live by your truth in order to be able to sleep peacefully when you rest your head at night. I’ve gone off and taken breaks, not necessarily by choice, but life has a way of giving you breaks, even when you don’t want them, especially in this industry. So, I’ve had a chance to raise my children and to be a mom, and to come back to do more in film and television. I really cannot complain.
KW: Editor Lisa Loving asks: “What is the most surprising thing you’d like people to know about you?” NL: That I’m really, really silly and slightly clumsy. I had to re-teach myself how to walk in high heels after the birth of Kez. (Chuckles) ...
KW: Editor/Legist Patricia Turnier asks: How was it Nia Long stars as “May” in Tyler Perryʼs “The Single Moms having your son, Massai, KW: Eddie Cibrian, who Club.” (Photo: K C Bailey) play your son, and what actplayed your love interest in ing advice did you give him? “The Best Man Holiday,” is also in “The Single Moms Club.” Did NL: I actually sent him to my acting coach, Betty Bridges. it feel weird that your characters weren’t romantically-linked this time around? KW: Todd’s mom? (Todd Bridges of the TV show “Different NL: No, I never actually saw him on set, because we didn’t have Strokes”) any scenes together. But it was sort of funny seeing him in the NL: Yes. She worked with him for several days. And then, my film. I was like, “Omigosh! I totally forgot!” own mom recorded him on her iPhone. It was one of those situations where I didn’t want to be a part of the process, because I felt KW: The Sanaa Lathan question: “What excites you?” it was important for him to go through the process and earn it. So, NL: I know this sounds shallow, but a good pair of new shoes we sent the video over to Tyler. When we didn’t hear back after a really gets me going. couple of days, I was like, “Omigosh! What if he doesn’t get this job? How am I going to break the news to him?“ KW: What do you want that you don’t have yet? NL: That question’s so loaded! (Laughs) I’d say more choices, Fortunately, Tyler thought he was great and he did get the job. At more options, more opportunities that force me to grow as an artist the end of the day, I was really happy with the outcome of the and challenge me to grow in a way that I haven’t as of yet. scenes. Working opposite him was such a gift, and something I’ll have on film forever. I don’t know whether a star was born, but KW: Congratulations on the success of “The Best Man Holiday” I’m sure it was an experience that can only help benefit his develand on the announcement that another sequel is in the works. opment as a young man. NL: Thank you. KW: Director Rel Dowdell says: “In the movie there’s a poignant scene where your character, May, has the chance to say disparaging things about her son’s father to her son, but doesn’t. Did that scene have any special resonance with you, since your real-life son was playing your son?”
NL: Well, my son’s dad is committed, and involved, and amazing. We’re actually really good friends. But I think it’s dangerous to speak negatively to the child about your ex or the absent parent, because, believe it or not, they learn very quickly who the other parent is. And it’s important that they develop their own attitudes and opinions about that other parent based on their experiences, not based on what someone has said about them. Fortunately, there’s mostly more positive than negative. When there isn’t, that’s just the way life happens. You just don’t want your child to ever feel like they have less of an opportunity to succeed based on the circumstances in which they were born. I try to be optimistic about everything. There are no victims in my home.
KW: But will we ever get to see a “Love Jones” sequel? NL: I have no idea. There have been a lot of rumors, and some bad versions of scripts. I don’t know what’s going to happen. All I do know is that unless it’s right, we won’t do it. … KW: You’ll be playing a lawyer on “The Divide,” a dramatic TV series debuting this summer. Have you started shooting the first season yet? NL: We have been shooting in cold Toronto. We only have one more episode to go. I’ve been working with Tony Goldwyn, Richard LaGravenese and an amazing group of actors. I play a strong, successful mom. KW: What’s the show about? NL: All of us have moments in our lives when we have to SEE LONG ON PAGE 11
STUFF HAPPENS, THEN WHAT?
Husband’s waywardness tests wife’s moral compass
The Dilemma: I’ve been married for 35 years to what I thought was a wonderful man. Last week I went on a trip with my girlfriends. I missed my husband so much that I decided to return home early to surprise him. Well, low and behold, I was the one surprised. I walked into our bedroom and he was in bed with another woman and a man. I was furious! I’m 56 (years of age) and look really good for my age. My husband claims he is not on the DL or bi-sexual. But what am I to think? I don’t know what to do. I love this man and afraid if I divorce him, I will be alone for the rest of my life. We talked and he wants to start swinging! I believe in monogamy! I
Yvette George
thought he was faithful, but now he wants me to join in or look the other way. This may be the only way to save my marriage by allowing this to happen with or without me. I’m a homemaker and too old to start working now. He
is a good provider. Are there NO MEN that practice monogamy anymore? Should I just close my eyes, mouth and pretend everything is OK? He refuses to go
to counseling and I signed a prenuptial agreement. I thought our love life was good, that’s what he told me. Do you have any advice?
The response: Oh my goodness, I had to think long and hard. There’s a lot that comes into play with your unfortunate situation. Morals, ethics and character come to mind. You obviously still love this man, 35 years is a long time, which I understand. Infidelity is a deal breaker for quite a few women. But this is your life. If you can see yourself forgiving this man, won’t constantly hold it against him and move on, then that’s your choice. However, he’s asking a lot. First,
you have to deal with his adulterous ways, and then decide if you want to start swinging when it is obviously against your code of conduct. You need counseling. You had a traumatic experience. Believe in yourself and the powers that be, whatever that may be to you. Step out and take control of the situation at hand, take care of yourself. Decide what your beliefs are and commit to them. Be strong, whether you forgive and go back to him or make a clean break. You need to find your own voice; this is key. You won’t be alone. There are men out there. Whether they are monogamous, these days it’s so hard to tell. All I can say is try, explore the
possibilities. Go see a lawyer so you can assess your other options. Get back to life and work through this situation. Stuff happens! Pick yourself up, dust off and make a decision about what you are going to do with your three-timing husband. Personally, I would go to court, take him for everything I could and kick that good-for-nothing man to the curb. But you need to do you!
(Stuff Happens, Then What? is an advice and relationship column that answers questions about life issues, situations and challenges. Send questions and dilemmas to StuffHappensThenWhat@yahoo.com. All parties will remain anonymous.)
ENTERTAINMENT
Tri-State Defender
Page 11
March 13 - 19, 2014
OPENING THIS WEEK
BOOK REVIEW
Kam’s Kapsules:
Simmons’ cookbook for a stress-free life
Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Kam Williams
LONG
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
choose between what we know is right and what we feel obligated to do. I think that’s the theme of the show. What is your divide? What are the things you struggle with?
KW: The Viola Davis question: “What’s the biggest difference between who you are at home as opposed to the person we see on the red carpet?” NL: At home, it’s all about my babies and no makeup. On the red carpet, it’s: ‘Am I standing up straight?’ KW: We’re out of time, Nia, and I still have a million more questions for you from fans. NL: I’m so sorry. We can do another one soon, Kam. KW: Thanks Nia. NL: Take care.
To see a trailer for “The Single Moms Club,” visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQNOvfixtpo
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Kam Williams
For movies opening March 14, 2014
BIG BUDGET FILMS
“Need for Speed” (PG-13 for nudity, crude humor, reckless driving and disturbing crashes) High-octane revenge thriller, inspired by the video game of the same name, revolving around a recently-paroled street racer’s (Aaron Paul) attempt to even the score with the wealthy business partner (Dominic Cooper) who’d framed him for manslaughter. With Imogen Poots, Michael Keaton and Scott Mescudi. “The Single Moms Club” (PG-13 for sexuality and mature themes) Tyler Perry wrote, directed and co-stars in this tale of female empowerment about a support group created by five, frazzled single moms (Nia Long, Zulay Henao, Amy Smart, Cocoa Brown and Wendi McLendonCovey) whose kids attend the same private school. Supporting cast includes Terry Crews, Eddie Cibrian and William Levy. “Veronica Mars” (PG-13 for sexuality, violence, profanity and drug use) Kristen Bell reprises the title role in this screen version of the TV mystery series which finds the super sleuth returning home from New York to attend her high school reunion and to assist an ex-boyfriend (Jason Dohring) suspected of murder. With Krysten Ritter, Ryan Hansen and Francis Capra.
INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS
“The Anonymous People” (Unrated) 12-Step documentary encouraging the 23 million American substance abuserss to think of themselves as in recovery rather than as addicts. With commentary by Kristen Johnston, Laurie Dhue and Patrick Kennedy. “The Art of the Steal” (R for profanity and sexual ref-
Brought together by an incident at their childrenʼs school, a group of single mothers from different walks of life create a support group that helps them find comedy in the obstacles of life. Some of the single ladies are: May (Nia Long, left), Jan (Wendi McLendon-Covey, left center), Esperanza (Zulay Henao, right center), and Lytia (Cocoa Brown, right). (Photo: KC Bailey) erences) Crime comedy about an art thief/motorcycle daredevil (Kurt Russell) who hatches a plan with the help of his brother (Matt Dillon) to purloin a priceless book. With Jay Baruchel, Katheryn Winnick and Terence Stamp.
est Whitaker). Voice cast includes Lauren Bacall, Paul Giamatti, William H. Macy, Nick Offerman and Jeffrey Wright.
“Better Living through Chemistry” (Unrated) Crime comedy about a straight-laced pharmacist (Sam Rockwell) whose life unravels when he has an adulterous affair with a seductive customer (Olivia Wilde). Ensemble includes Jane fonda, Ray Liotta, Ken Howard and Michelle Monaghan.
“Himizu (Unrated)” Vigilante drama, set in a posttsunami Japan dystopia, about a couple of crime-fighting 14 year-olds’ (Shota Sometani and Fumi Nikaido) reign of terror against evildoers. Cast includes Megumi Kagurazaka, Asuka Kurosawa and Tetsu Watanabe. (In Japanese with subtitles)
“Bad Words” (R for profanity, crude humor, sexuality and brief nudity) Midlife crisis comedy about a 40 yearold, high school dropout (Jason Bateman) who exploits a loophole in the rules to compete in a national spelling bee. With Allison Janney, Kathryn Hahn and Rohan Chand.
“Dark House” (R for violence and profanity) Haunted house horror flick about a young man’s (Luke Kleintank) search for an abandoned mansion that he thought only existed in his imagination after learning his long-lost father’s whereabouts from his institutionalized mother (Lesley-Anne Down). Featuring Tobin Bell, Zack Ward, Anthony Rey Perez and Alex McKenna.
“The Den” (R for profanity, sexuality, terror, gory violence and graphic nudity) Home alone thriller about a woman (Melanie Papalia) who becomes a masked murderer’s (Brian Bell) next target after witnessing a killing while monitoring a webchat website in her apartment. With Matt Riedy, Adam Shapiro and David Schlachtenhaufen. “Enemy” (R for profanity, graphic sexuality and frontal nudity) Stalker thriller about a jaded college professor’s (Jake Gyllenhaal) obsession with a minor movie actor who looks just like him. Co-starring Melanie Laurent, Isabella Rossellini and Sarah Gadon.
“Ernest & Celestine” (PG for scary moments) Oscarnominated adventure (for Best Animated Feature) about the friendship unexpectedly forged between an orphaned mouse (Mackenzie Foy) and a shy and retiring bear (For-
“Guilty of Romance” (Unrated) Behind closed doors drama about a bored housewife (Megumi Kagurazaka), married to a famous romance novelist (Kanji Tsuda), who secretly decides to spice up her life simulating sex acts while working as a nude model. With Miki Muzuno, Makoto Togashi and Kazuya Kojima. (In Japanese with subtitles)
“On My Way” (Unrated) Road drama about an aging businesswoman (Catherine Deneuve) who embarks on a cross-country trip with her grandson (Nemo Schiffman) to escape both a failing restaurant and relationship. With Gerard Garouste, Mylene Demongeot and Claude Gensac. (In French with subtitles)
“Patrick: Evil Awakens” (Unrated) Sci-fi thriller about a young nurse (Sharni Vinson) on a psychiatric ward who suddenly finds her every move controlled by a brain dead patient (Jackson Gallagher) after he’s experimented on by a mad scientist (Charles Dance). With Rachel Griffiths, Peta Sergeant and Damon Gameau. “The Right Kind of Wrong” (PG-13 for sexuality, nudity and profanity) Romantic comedy about a hopeless dreamer (Ryan Kwanten) who finally spots his soul mate (Sara Canning) on her wedding day to someone else. Featuring Ryan McPartlin, Will Sasso, Catherine Ohara, Kristen Hager and Jennifer Baxter.
“Teenage” (Unrated) Coming-of-age documentary examining how the 20th Century ushered in a new attitude about those rebellious years during which children make the awkward transition to adulthood.
Russell Simmons is best known as the flamboyant playboy who co-founded Def Jam Records back in the eighties. But the matured hip-hop mogul would like you to know that his satisfaction in life now comes less through the sort of shallow materialistic trappings celebrated in the average rap music video than through the peace of mind, body and spirit offered by the relatively-modest practice of meditation. As he puts it, “I had to do a lot of damage before I finally accepted that I liked early-morning meditation better than late-night drinking.” And all it takes him is 20 minutes twice a day to find that state of bliss. The good news is that you can achieve it, too, provided you’re willing to carve out a little quiet space from your hectic schedule to sit in a chair with your eyes closed. Yes, it’s as simple as that, according to Russ, although getting novices to try meditation isn’t as easy as one might think. Apparently, people allow lame excuses such as “I don’t have the time,” “I don’t have a place,” “It’s against my religion,” and “I’m not good at it” to prevent them from even getting started. For that reason, he’s written “Success through Stillness,” a how-to primer designed to make that initiation process painless. Surprisingly, the author actually devotes more ink to advice about eliminating those negative thoughts than to instruction about the art of meditation. He also talks about its tangible benefits, which include improving your health, your eating habits, your ability to focus, even your career. Perhaps more important are the metaphysical improvements that accompany that new “sense of peace, compassion, and balance.” Simmons frequently refers to the ringing endorsements of meditation offered by icons ranging from Oprah to Ellen to Seinfeld to Paul McCartney to Phil Jackson. Consider this quote from Forest Whitaker: “I went through two schools of acting, but I learned more about acting from meditating and my martial arts teacher.” A sacred cookbook for cultivating a satisfying, stress-free life. Excerpt “Why should you meditate? The answer is simple: to be happy. Which is the only reason you’re here. That might sound like a very simple take on the meaning of life, but I believe it with every fiber in my body. Yes, I’m certain that if we strip away our egos, desires, fears, and insecurities, all that would be left is happiness…” – Chapter One (pages 3-4) “Success through Stillness: Meditation Made Simple” by Russell Simmons Gotham Books Hardcover, $20.00 220 pages ISBN: 978-1-592-40865-8
COMMUNITY
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Tri-State Defender
March 13 - 19, 2014
BRIEFS & THINGS
The BlackManCan Institute at JIFF
TheBlackManCan Institute (TBMCI), which was launched in the fall of 2013 by educator, youth advocate and author, Brandon Frame, will hold a special Institute session in Memphis at the Juvenile Intervention and Faith-based Follow-up (JIFF) on Saturday (March 15th). The Memphis stop will be part of the 2014 Spring tour. Frame, along with community leaders and educators, will provide a half-day workshop designed to help young boys in grades 6-12 foster brotherhood. Mr-Opportunity,” George Olukon, a personal life trainer, author, speaker and “thought leader” will be the keynote speaker. All young men attending the Institute session in Memphis will receive ties and a copy of Frame’s debut publication, “Define Yourself Redefine The World: A Guided Book for Black Boys and Men.” Registration begins at 8 a.m. JIFF is located at 254 South Lauderdale St. Contact: 901522-8502
Two SCS Bands set for national music festival
The Central High School Jazz Band and the Overton High School Blue Jazz Ensemble have been invited to take part in the ninth annual Swing Central Jazz High School Jazz Band Competition & Workshop. As part of the 2014 Savannah Music Festival, the event will feature 12 of the nation’s top high school jazz bands. The festival is March 26-28 in Savannah, Ga. Students will work with jazz masters, perform in showcases on Savannah’s River Street, play in competition rounds and attend a variety of performances. Bands participating will have the chance to compete head-to-head for $13,000 in cash awards. On March 27, all bands perform in public showcases at Rousakis Plaza on River Street. On March 27-28, select combos perform on Reynolds Square. Competition rounds take place all day on March 28 at the Lucas Theatre for the Arts. The competitions will be streamed online. For more information, visit http://www.savannahmusicfes tival.org. BRIEFLY: Memphis Kwanzaa International in connection with the University of Tennessee will host a Community Health Fair at the Memphis Kwanzaa Center, 1549 Elvis Presley Blvd., on March 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will include free blood pressure, bone density and diabetes screenings, along with HIV information. For more information, call Dr. Kaia Naantaanbu at 901-210-1218; Regina Hughes 901- 239-4355. BRIEFLY: Runners are invited to register for the 5th annual Kick It 5k event scheduled for 2 p.m., March 23rd at Shelby Farms Park. There also is a one-mile Family Fun Walk. Presented by Baptist Memorial Healthcare, the event also includes live entertainment and a silent auction and is a fundraiser for the Memphis-based Herb Kosten Pancreatic Cancer Research Charitable Fund. For more information, visit www.kickit5k.racesonline.com or to register a team, call 901274-2202 or contact daniel@s2fevents.com. Donations without race registration may be made securely online on the “Donate” page at www.KostenFoundation.com. BRIEFLY: Whitehaven Healthy Community Day, April 12th, 8 a.m.-noon on the grounds across from Methodist South Hospital, 1300 Wesley Drive. Health fair, 5kTimed Run, TwoMile Health Walk, and more. For more information: visit www.methodisthealth.org/health walk or call 901-516-3580. BRIEFLY: The Manassas High School Alumni Association’s 21st Annual Unity Brunch will be April 5th , at the Holiday Inn-University of Memphis at 10 a.m. Proceeds provide scholarships to Manassas graduates who wish to pursue a post secondary education. The event will be the culmination of all former classes at Manassas High School. The Class of 1964, which is celebrating its 50th reunion, will be honored. For more information, contact Cheryl Rivers 901-299-4287 or Joyce Powell 901-581-9111.
Carla Thomas (Photos: www.staxmuseum.com)
Rufus’ daughters set for a Memphis music bow
Vaneese Thomas (Photos: www.vaneesethomas.com)
Memphis music icon Rufus Thomas would be particularly wild and proud of this year’s “Emissaries of Memphis Music.” daughters, Carla Thomas’ Thomas and Vaneese Thomas, are among the honorees who will be saluted during the 2014 Emissaries of Memphis Music Awards on March 20th at the Kroc Center, 800 East Parkway. Hosted by the Memphis Music Commission, the event begins at 7 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Memphis Musicians Healthcare Plan, which provides no cost access to Medical Care for Memphis Musicians. Carla Thomas was the first woman to have a self-written Billboard Top 10 single with her 1961 hit “Gee Whiz.” Her little sister, Vaneese Thomas, is an international performer, recording studio owner and chart topping singer with her 1987 R&B single “Let’s Talk It Over.” This year’s honorees also include: Trenyce – Top 5 finalist on season 2 of “American Idol,” entrepreneur, Broadway and film star, appearing in the 30th anniversary revival of “Ain’t Misbehavin” and opposite Jim Carrey in the movie “Kick Ass 2.”
The Norman Sisters – Memphis’ most notable studio recording artists and background singers, Shontelle and Sharisse Norman have worked and toured with some of the most respected artists in Gospel, Soul, Blues, R&B, and Hip-hop, including Erykah Badu, Bobby Rush, Three Six Mafia, North Mississippi All Stars, Fred Hammond and Ludacris, Lahna Deering – One half of the singing duo Deering and Down, board member for Grammy Memphis, and producer/host at Ditty TV. Pam Hetsel Parham – Director of Operations at Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Barbara Jackson Sago – Minister of music at Faith Temple Ministries Church for more than 20 years, responsible for growing the ministry to include choirs, band, and dance, vice president of Church of God In Christ’s International Music Department and owner of Memphisbased Jackson Studio of Music. (The 2014 Emissaries of Memphis Music Awards begin at 7 p.m. Ticketing link: http://memphismusic.org/Attach ments/Emissaries_Tickets_02182 014_171757.htm.)
City shoots for largest cleanup ever in 2014
Faith in Action Memphis Cleanup 2014, which Mayor A C Wharton Jr. hopes will be the city’s largest cleanup ever, was unveiled at press conference at City Hall on Monday (March 10th). The event, aimed at fighting blight and beautifying Memphis, will take place April 25-27 at sites throughout the city. The collaborative effort involves the mayor’s office, Memphis City Beautiful, and a host of business, community and faith-based organizations. “We became involved in this event because, as a faith-based entity, we believe in doing everything in our power to make Memphis better for all of us,” said Pastor Brandon Walker,
project director of Shepherding the Next Generation, a group comprised of more than 200 local pastors of different faiths. “As a driving force of faith in this community, we want all of our neighbors to live in a safe and pristine environment,” he said. Through grassroots promotions and partnerships, the city expects to recruit up to 10,000 volunteers for the massive three-day cleanup. “We expect to have a wide-reaching and positive impact on our city,” said Eldra White, executive director of Memphis City Beautiful, the first and oldest beautification commission in the nation. The Memphis business community
hopes to play a major role in recruiting volunteers for beautification projects. “All of us are deeply committed to community service and engagement,” said Jeremy Park, president of the Lipscomb Pitts Breakfast Club. “That’s why it’s critically important for us to not only be involved with this, but to also spearhead this for other companies across the Mid-South to get involved.” “This is our home,” Park continued. “This is where we raise our families, this is where we choose to work. So it’s important for us to be part of this city beautification effort.” A prelude to April’s large-scale
cleanup was held last October, with plans of building toward the larger April event. About 4,000 volunteers participated in that effort. “This past October was just a trial run, and we got everything worked out,” said Wharton. “It’s going to be huge. It just goes to show you that people do care about our city, and when called upon, they’ll step up and volunteer and do what it takes to make Memphis a home of good abode and blight-free neighborhoods for everybody.”
(For additional information about the Faith in Action Memphis Cleanup, or to register for service projects, visit www.faithinactionmemphis.com.)
Women of Achievement to note 30th anniversary
Local women who speak out about the violence of rape and for immigration reform, who lead movements to protect the environment, promote the arts and grow businesses will be saluted on March 30th at the 2014 Women of Achievement awards celebration. The 30th anniversary celebration will debut the third volume of Women of Achievement essays, adding to the compilation of stories documenting the lives of remarkable local women. Women of Achievement has captured the history of
218 individual women and two groups since its founding in 1984. A book-signing reception is set for 4 p.m. on March 30 at the Holiday InnUniversity of Memphis, 3700 Central. The 2014 awards presentation begins at 5 p.m. Reservations are $30 and are due by March 24. To make reservations, go to 30thwomenofachievement.eventbrite.com. The 2014 honorees are: Courage – Cristina Condori, Argentine immigrant and activist on immigrant rights and reform;
Determination – Margot McNeeley, founder of Project Green Fork created in 2008 to help homegrown restaurants reduce environmental impacts; Heritage – Bessie Vance Brooks, founder of the Brooks Museum of Art; Heroism – Meaghan Ybos, rape survivor and outspoken advocate for reforms in investigation, prosecution and services to rape victims; Initiative – Gayle Rose, philanthropist, business founder, civic innovator;
Steadfastness – (The late) Martha Ellen Maxwell, promoter and director of fine arts agencies and longtime leader of Memphis in May International Festival; Vision – Elaine Blanchard, storyteller, actor and writer who uses art to create community and connect people with a creative process. For more information, contact Deborah Clubb, Women of Achievement president, at dclubb@memphiswomen.org or 901-3783866 or go to www.womenofachievement.org.
Tri-State Defender
PUBLIC NOTICE THE MEMPHIS URBAN AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
In compliance with federal regulations 23 CFR 450, the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is proposing one amendment to the FY 20142017 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) that was included in an IAC Exempt Packet. The Transportation Policy Board (TPB) will also vote to amend the MPO By-Laws.
The public is hereby given notice that these documents are available for review 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM Monday through Friday in the offices of the Memphis MPO located at 125 N. Main Street, Room 450, Memphis, TN 38103 or for download from the Internet at: www.memphismpo.org. The English and Spanish language copies are also available for public review in the library systems of Shelby, Fayette, and DeSoto counties. Written public comments on the amendments will be accepted through Monday, March 17, 2014. Comments may be submitted to Pragati Srivastava, Memphis MPO, 125 N. Main Street, Room 450, Memphis, TN 38103 or via email at Pragati.Srivastava@memphistn.gov. The Memphis MPO TPB will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 20, 2014, 1:30 PM, at the UT Health Science Center, Student Alumni Building, 800 Madison Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, 38103 to accept oral comments and take action on the proposed items.
It is the policy of the Memphis MPO not to discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin or disability in its hiring or employment practices, or in its admissions to or operations of its program, services, or activities. All inquiries for Title VI and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or for persons with disabilities that require aids or services to participate either in the review of these documents or at the hearing may contact Mitchell Lloyd at 901576-7146, fax (901) 576-7272; or email Mitchell.Lloyd@memphistn.gov to make accessibility arrangements no less than five days prior to the March 20, 2014 Transportation Policy Board meeting.
This notice is funded (in part) under an agreement with the State of TN and MS, Departments of Transportation.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING APPLICATION TO THE TN DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION FOR 2011 CDBG DISASTER GRANT FUNDS FOR USE IN SHELBY COUNTY
Shelby County Government, the City of Bartlett, and the City of Millington will hold a public hearing to discuss applications to the State of Tennesseeʼs Department of Environment and Conservation (ECD) to solicit input from individuals concerning recovery needs from the 2011 Disaster Declaration which is directly related to storms, flooding and wind damage that occurred in April 2011. These Disaster Declarations were issued by the Federal Government under the following Disaster Declarations: FEMA 1974, FEMA 1978, and FEMA 1979. The purpose of this hearing is to discuss potential recovery efforts identified by the various municipal governments of Shelby County and to solicit input from the public on the potential need for additional recovery activities which still remaining from the 2011 Disaster.
The public hearing will involve all municipal governments submitting applications to ECD for Disaster Funds and will be held at the following date, time and location: Monday March 17, 2014 5:00 p.m. Bartlett City Hall 6400 Stage Road Bartlett, Tennessee 38134.
Each municipal government involved in this Public Hearing will use the comments and input gather from this process to identify recovery needs related to the 2011 Disaster and will consider all comments for inclusion in the application for State Funding which will be submitted to the State of Tennessee on or before April 1, 2014. Persons wishing to comment on the above subject but who are unable to attend the meeting may do so by writing, calling, or emailing the following specific individuals. Comments must be received later than Friday March 21, 2014 at 4:30 p.m.
1. Shelby County Projects: Mr. Scott Walkup, Shelby County Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road, Memphis TN 38134. (901) 222-7600, scott.walkup@shelbycountytn.gov
2. Bartlett Projects: Rick McClanahan, Bartlett Engineering Department, 6382 Stage Road, Bartlett, TN 38134, (901) 385-6499, rmcclanahan@cityofbartlett.org
3. Millington Projects: Darek Baskin, City of Millington, Office of Planning and Economic Development, 4836 Navy Road Suite 3, Millington, TN 38053, (901) 8723410, dbaskin@milloped.org
4. Memphis Projects: Grace Hutchinson, City of Memphis, Division of Planning and Development, 125 N. Main St. Suite 468, Memphis City Hall, Memphis, TN 38103, (901) 576-7197, grace.hutchinson@memphistn.gov Shelby County Government, the City of Bartlett, the City of Millington, and the City of Memphis do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. Equal opportunity/equal access provider.
Para mas información en Español, por favor llame al 901-222-4289.
Mark H. Luttrell, Jr., Mayor, Shelby County, TN
A. Keith McDonald, Mayor, Bartlett TN Terry Jones, Mayor, Millington, TN
A C Wharton, Jr., Mayor, Memphis, TN
Attest: Jim Vazquez, Shelby County
Rick McClanahan, City of Bartlett
Darek Baskin , City of Millington
Grace Hutchinson, City of Memphis Notice of Public Comments Being Accepted
The Memphis Area Transit Authority
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(MATA) hereby gives notice that comments will be accepted from the public on proposed fixed-route and MATAplus service changes until 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 24, 2014. No changes to fares or trolley service are being proposed. The proposed service changes are as follows: PROPOSED FIXED-ROUTE BUS SERVICE CHANGES
New Route - Goodlett Farms - Outbound Route: From SWCC Resources Drive, left at Sycamore View, right at Macon Road, left at Century Center Parkway to Goodlett Farms Parkway, right at Appling Road, right at Dexter, right at Garrett Ridge to end of the line. Inbound Route: From Garrett Ridge, left on Goodlett Farms Parkway to Century Center Parkway, right on Macon Road, left at Resources Drive to end of the line. Approximate days and times of service: Weekdays 6:20 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.; Saturday 1:05 p.m. - 3:25 p.m.; Sunday 12:15 p.m. 2:40 p.m. PROPOSED MATAPLUS SERVICE CHANGES
MATAplus service area will be provided within ¾ mile of the Goodlett Farms route during the days and times that the fixed-route operates. Printed materials can be obtained by contacting MATA at 901-722-7105 or publiccomments@matatransit.com.
Written comments can be submitted until 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 24, 2014 and can be mailed to 1370 Levee Road, Memphis, TN 38108; e-mailed to publiccomments@matatransit.com; or faxed to 901-722-7123.
MATAʼs Board of Commissioners will review and consider the comments and address the service change at the MATA Board meeting on March 24, 2014 at 3:30 p.m. If approved, the proposed service changes are expected to be effective in April, 2014. Thomas D. Fox, Interim President/General Manager ALL INTERESTED BIDDERS
The Shelby County Board of Education School District will accept written proposals for Substitute Teacher Staffing and Substitute Educational Assistant Staffing Services. Visit our website for additional information: http://www.scsk12.org/uf/procurement/bids.php Questions concerning bid/proposal should be addressed to Procurement Services at (901) 416-5376.
Thank you for supporting Shelby County Schools. REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS Legal Notice MSCAA Project No. 14-1372-00 to provide Construction Administration Inspection & Program Management Services
Statements of Qualifications for furnishing Construction Administration Inspection & Program Management 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, April 10, 2014. 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 11, 2014. Scope of Services will include, but not be limited to, review of construction documents (prepared by others) for airfield, building and/or other landside modifications and improvements in conformance with MSCAAʼs and the Federal Aviation Administrationʼs standards of quality and consistency; assistance with advertising for and reviewing of public bids; daily construction administrative responsibilities for awarded contracts; provision and supervision of full-time construction inspectors of the required disciplines; coordination and review of quality assurance testing by the airportʼs testing laboratory; monitoring construction progress and schedule compliance; assistance in reviewing and updating detailed construction schedules; opinions of construction costs; delivery of record documents and electronic data files; upon request, providing additional planning, architectural and engineering design; and all other full construction contract administrative and closeout efforts. Individual projects or tasks will be assigned by written Task Order with commensurate scope and fee described. The overall contract with MSCAA will be for an initial three-year period with options for renewal for two additional periods of one year each. All Respondents are hereby notified that all updates, addenda and additional information, if any, shall be posted to the MSCAA website and Respondents are responsible for checking the MSCAA website up to the time of the proposal submission deadline.
The MSCAA hereby notifies that it will review and award contracts 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, Of-
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fice of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act. MSCAA further notifies all Bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, creed, religion, sexual orientation 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 25% in accordance with the requirements of the Contract Documents. This project is Federal Grant Funded. Therefore, the only participation that will be counted toward meeting this goal will be participation by certified DBEs, the owners of which have been certified as having a personal net worth less than $1.32 million.
This project might be funded with Federal and/or 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 in whole or in part 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 By Scott A. Brockman, A.A.E., President & CEO PUBLIC NOTICE THE MEMPHIS URBAN AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
In compliance with federal regulations 23 CFR 450, the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is updating its Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. This plan, which serves a component of the Regional Transportation Plan, will contain policies, goals, and objectives for the coordinated development of pedestrian
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Legal Notices
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March 13 - 19, 2014
and cycling infrastructure in the Memphis MPO study area. In conjunction with this update, the Memphis MPO is conducting a region-wide survey of cyclists and pedestrians about how they travel, their knowledge of traffic laws, and their priorities for funding alternative transportation projects. The survey is available at www.midsouthbikeped.org.
The public is hereby given notice that the Memphis MPO will hold a public meeting Wednesday, March 26, 2014, at 5:30 p.m., at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, 3030 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38111. This meeting is being held to provide information on the plan update and regional survey, as well as to solicit input from the public on goals, objectives, and expected outcomes for the updated Regional Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan. It is the policy of the Memphis Urban Area MPO not to discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin or disability in its hiring or employment practices, or in its admissions to or operations of its program, services, or activities. All inquiries for Title VI and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or for persons with disabilities that require aids or services to participate either in the review of these documents or at the hearing may contact Mitchell Lloyd at 901-576-7146, fax (901) 576-7272; or email Mitchell.Lloyd@memphistn.gov to make accessibility arrangements no less than five days prior to the March 26, 2014 meeting. This notice is funded (in part) under an agreement with the State of TN and MS, Departments of Transportation. NOTICE OF ELECTIONS FEDERAL AND STATE PRIMARY ELECTIONS, STATEWIDE AND SHELBY COUNTY GENERAL ELECTIONS AUGUST 7, 2014 AND NOVEMBER 4, 2014 GENERAL ELECTION
Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA), Sec. 2-12-111 (a), notice is hereby given by the Shelby County Election Commission that pursuant to Sec. 2-13202, TCA, Federal and State Primary Elections, Statewide and Shelby County General Elections will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2014, in all wards and precincts in Shelby County, Tennessee. Party Nomination August 7, 2014 Governor US Senate US Congressional Districts 8 & 9 TN State Senate Districts 29, 31, and 33 TN House of Representatives District 8388,90,91,93,and 95-99 NOTE: The Party Nomination Elections are being held to elect each partyʼs nominees for the offices listed above to be filled in the November 7, 2014 General Election.
State Executive Committee Woman Districts 29-33 State Executive Committee Man Districts 29-33 Statewide & Non-Partisan Offices August 7, 2014
Supreme Court Judge Court of Appeals Judge Court of Criminal Appeal Judge TN 30th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge, Divisions 1-9 Chancellor, Part 1-3 Criminal Court Judge, Divisions 1-10 Probate Court Judge General Sessions Judge, Divisions 1- 15 Juvenile Court Judge Shelby County School Board, Districts 16,8A,10A,11A,and 13A Collierville Municipal Judge Germantown Municipal Judge, Division 1-2 Millington Municipal Judge Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, Sections 2-5-101(a)(2) and Section 2-5204(b)(1) the qualifying deadline for candidates for the Federal and State Primaries, Statewide and County General and for Independent candidates for those offices is Thursday, April 3, 2014 at 12:00 Noon; and the withdrawal deadline is Thursday, April 10, 2014 at 12:00 Noon. NOTICE TO WRITE-IN CANDIDATES
Notice is further given by the Shelby County Election Commission that pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotate, Section 2-8-113(c) any person attempting to be elected by write-in ballots shall complete a notice requesting such personʼs ballots be counted in each county of the district no later than fifty (50) days before the election by 12:00 Noon.
Any person desiring to conduct a write-in campaign shall file a Certification of WriteIn Candidacy Form with the Shelby County Election Commission office, 150 Washington Ave., Suite 205, Memphis, Tennessee or Election Operations Center, 980 Nixon Drive, Memphis, Tennessee no later than 12:00 Noon on June 18, 2014 for the Federal & State Primary Elections on August 7, 2014 and September 15, 2014 for the November 4, 2014 General Election. PHOTO ID LAW Federal or Tennessee government issued photo ID is required to vote in person, unless an exception applies. College student IDs are not accepted. To learn more about the law and its exceptions, please call (901) 222-1200 or visit GoVoteTN.com. SHELBY COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION
Robert D. Meyers, Chairman Norma Lester, Secretary Dee Nollner, Member Steve Stamson, Member Anthony Tate, Member
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SPORTS Tri-State Defender, Thursday, March 13 - 19, 2014, Page 14
Sixth Man of the Year Michael Dixon Jr. consistently brought grit to the court for the Tigers.
Senior guard Joe Jackson, a high school star who stayed in Memphis to play for the Tigers, shares Senior Day with family members.
Freshman Austin Nichols was a beast on defense this year and the lone unanimous selection to the American Athletic Conference AllRookie Team.
No. 7 Rutgers
Shaq Goodwin celebrates a Tigers win. (Photos: Warren Roseborough)
Tigers rack up All-American Athletic Conference honors
No. 9 UCF
Dixon, Goodwin, Jackson and Nichols earn salutes
AAC Tourney crown up for grabs
The tournament kicked off Wednesday night with No. 7 Rutgers downing No. 10 USF and No. 8 Temple losing to No. 9 UCF
The New Tri-State Defender staff
The inaugural American Athletic Conference Tournament is being played out in Memphis, with University of Memphis fans hopeful that their fifth-seeded Tigers can claim the tourney championship. With Cincinnatti, Louisville, SMU and UConn seeded ahead of them, the Tigers are especially happy to have what amounts to home court. Whether it proves to be an advantage will start to show on Thursday when Memphis takes on UConn in a game set to be shown on ESPNU at 8 p.m. Memphis fans will need no prodding to get up for UConn. The Huskies took both games from the Tigers, with Memphis falling short in an overtime challenge at the FedExForum. Cincinnati is seeded No. 1
in the 10-team league’s first post-season tournament after winning a coin toss against Louisville, the defending national champions. The tournament kicked off Wednesday night with No. 7 Rutgers defeating No. 10 (72-68) USF and No. 8 Temple losing to No. 9 UCF (94-90). Memphis head coach Josh Pastner – known for his positive-tinged view of things – was singing the praises of the conference after Memphis knocked off No. 3 seeded SMU at the FedExForum in the team’s last home game of the regular season. “The American is a fantastic league. Every game is tough and you cannot win them all,” said Pastner. “I think this league is easily one of the best leagues in the country this season.” The leagues top five teams do command respect, with Houston at 16-15 the
only team among the bottom five – Houston, Rutgers, Temple, UCF, USF – with a record above .500. Memphis split with Houston this year. Pastner, with a 1-3 record in NCAA tourney games, has ridden the effectiveness of his senior guards this season, with big-time contributions from big men Shaq Goodwin (sophomore) and freshman Austin Nichols. One of those senior guards, Geron Johnson, peeked ahead to the tournament after the Memphis win over SMU on Senior Day. “We would like to make next Saturday (the day of the AAC Tournament Championship game) another Senior Day and win the conference championship,” said Johnson. “We have to have a sense of urgency, and the ability to make plays.”
Two University of Memphis men’s basketball players – freshman forward Austin Nichols and senior guard Michael Dixon Jr. – took home some of the American Athletic Conference’s top hardware, the league office announced prior to the start of its postseason championship in the Bluff City Wednesday. Nichols was named the league’s Rookie of the Year and Dixon Jr. was picked as the conference’s Sixth Man of the Year. The honors for Nichols and Dixon followed an earlier announcement that Memphis’ Shaq Goodwin and Joe Jackson earned All-American Athletic Conference second team honors. Memphis was one of four teams to have two players receive all-conference distinction. Nichols also was the lone unanimous selection to the American Athletic Conference All-Rookie Team. He is the seventh Tiger since 200001 to earn a league Rookie/Freshman of the Year honor. The six other Memphis players were Dajuan Wagner (2001), Sean Banks (2004), Darius Washington Jr. (2005), Shawne Williams (2006), Derrick Rose (2008) and Tyreke Evans (2009). Nichols earned the league’s Rookie of the Week award four times, including the last three in a row. The 6foot-8 forward averaged 9.3 points and 4.3 rebounds. He leads the squad in field goal percentage (60.0) and is second in blocked shots (41). The Collierville, Tenn., native ranks among the league’s statistical leaders in field goal percentage (2nd) and blocked shots (9th). Dixon is the first player in
NCAA Division I high-major basketball (includes ACC, The American, BIG EAST, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 and SEC) to win the Sixth Man of the Year honor in two different leagues. He also received the same honor from the Big 12 Conference in 2011-12. The 6-foot-1 Dixon is the fourth Tiger in the last eight seasons to earn a Sixth Man of the Year award. The other three were Jeremy Hunt (2007), Wesley Witherspoon (2009) and Chris Crawford (2013). The Tigers’ second-leading scorer (12.2 ppg), Dixon leads the squad in free throw percentage (84.3). The Kansas City, Mo., native has 77 assists and 38 steals and is shooting 48.1 percent from the field. He ranks among the conference’s statistical leaders in scoring (17th), field goal percentage (11th), free throw percentage (5th) and three-point field goal percentage (9th).
All-conference
For the third-straight season, the Tigers placed two or more players on the all-conference squads. Jackson was an all-conference pick for a second-consecutive season, as he was named to the All-Conference USA first team in 2012-13. This season, Jackson led Memphis in scoring (14.4 ppg), assists (143) and steals (50). He shot 44.3 percent from the field and 77.7 percent from the free throw line. The 6-foot-1 guard ranks among the league’s statistical leaders in scoring (12th), assists (5th), free throw percentage (11th), steals (8th) and assist-turnover ratio (3rd). A Memphis native, Jackson moved up the Tigers career
charts this season. He enters the postseason on the school’s all-time scoring (8th; 1,655 points), assists (4th; 557) and steals (7th; 187) lists. Goodwin, a sophomore, earned his first all-conference recognition. Last season, he was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman Team. During the 201314 season, the Atlanta, Ga., native was twice named the American Athletic Conference Player of the Week (Dec. 2, Jan. 13). The 6-foot-9 forward is the squad’s third-leading scorer (11.9 ppg) and top rebounder (6.6 rpg). Goodwin leads the Tigers in blocked shots (56) and is second on the squad in field goal percentage (58.8). He ranks among league’s statistical leaders in scoring (21st), rebounding (10th), field goal percentage (4th) and blocked shots (4th). Nichols’ honor gave Memphis an all-rookie/freshman team selection for the 11th time in the last 14 seasons. First Team All-Conference Sean Kilpatrick, Cincinnati* Shabazz Napier, UConn* Montrezl Harrell, Louisville Russ Smith, Louisville* Nic Moore, SMU
Second Team All-Conference Isaiah Sykes, UCF Justin Jackson, Cincinnati TaShawn Thomas, Houston Shaq Goodwin, Memphis Joe Jackson, Memphis Markus Kennedy, SMU All-Rookie Team Amida Brimah, UConn Terry Rozier, Louisville Austin Nichols, Memphis* John Egbunu, USF Chris Perry, USF *unanimous picks
GRIZZ TRACK
Grizz roll on with home-court winning streak Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Kelley Evans
One game at a time. That’s how the Memphis Grizzlies are taking it as they battle for a spot in the NBA Western Conference playoffs. And it’s showing up in the Grind House, aka FedExForum. Notching their seventhstraight home win with seven more home games left in the regular season, the Grizzlies defeated the Portland Trailblazers on Tuesday (109-99). The Grizzlies are back to playing tough defense and they’ve developed a fierce second unit that’s garnering more and more playing time. “We always take it one game at a time,” said Grizzlies guard Tony Allen. “We’ll take the home court. You always
want to play well on your home court. That’s playing defense and understanding how we have to go offensively.” The Grizzlies moved the ball offensively, shooting 50 percent or better in every quarter against Portland and a season-high 56 percent overall. Defensively, they held Portland to under 100 points for the second time, becoming only the third team to do so this year. Portland is second in the league in scoring but only averaged 90 points against the Grizzlies in two contests. Center Marc Gasol led the Grizzlies with 19 points, also dishing out seven assists. Zach Randolph pitched in 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds from the strong forward spot. Starting point guard Mike Conley finished with 17 points. “Tonight takes discipline
and consistency,” Gasol said. “For the most part we had that. We played in different ways.” The Grizzlies bench outscored the Blazers bench 30-22 and won the battle for points in the paint, 54-36. Memphis never led by less than nine points after an 11-3 run in the second half. There were nine lead changes and the game was tied twice. The Grizzlies led by as many as 15 points. Blazers point guard Damian Lillard led all scorers with 32 points, along with seven assists. LaMarcus Aldridge finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds. “I thought we competed really hard,” said Blazers head coach Terry Stotts. “We gave up too many fast break points in the first half, but we controlled that in the second half. They’re a good team. Espe-
cially at home.” So what’s been the difference in this second half of the season for the Grizzlies? “It’s starting to roll for us a little bit,” said Grizzlies head coach Dave Joerger. “Balls are going in, and it seemed like we just didn’t get a roll to start this season. We didn’t get a bounce. Sometimes you make your own luck. You have to go get more of those balls and some of those things. I just think we’re a lot more focused right now. We’re kind of on a mission and just playing one game at a time.” GRIZZ NOTE:
The Grizzlies won the first of three road games over the next four days defeating the New Orleans Pelicans (90-88) Wednesday night.
Marc Gasol of the Grizzlies blocks the shot of Damian Lillard of Portland. (Photos: Warren Roseborough)