4 11 2012

VOL. 61, No. 15

One Section/Inserts

April 5 - 11, 2012

www.tristatedefender.com

75 Cents

Pushing forward on unfinished business!

On Tuesday (April 3), the Rev. Jesse Jackson requested a one-on-one discussion with The New Tri-State Defender President and Publisher, Bernal E. Smith II, to discuss his work and the work of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition here in Memphis and around the country to bring about legislative, economic and educational growth, particularly for African Americans. After a long day of meetings and speaking engagements and finally a Rainbow PUSH Steering Committee meeting, Rev. Jackson sat down with President Smith to share his plans and answer questions, including some submitted by our TSD Facebook page fans.

Bernal E. Smith II: Rev. Jackson,

I appreciate the opportunity to meet and more importantly to share with our readers your vision and the important work of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition here in Memphis and around the country. Can you share with me key points of the effort and particularly those relating to economic growth and empowerment?

Rev. Jesse Jackson: What we are trying to do, what we are going to do…Rainbow PUSH Coalition, is establish a tri-state unified alliance to work on policy issues and economic empowerment. We have these three states next to each other with rich soil and poor people. We are connecting our Arkansas, Mississippi Delta and Tennessee allies to convene our state legislators, ministers and other lead-

ers to deal with voter ID challenges, stand-your-ground laws and establish an agenda to fight the far right wing agenda that is having a tremendously negative impact in our communities.

The corporations are not giving us our share of advertising, legal business, professional services and other areas where they spend money. We are also putting together a team to pursue more business/economic opportunities to accrue to minority businesses and particularly black-owned business. We will share more about this initiative as we move forward.

B.E.S. II: Memphis, like many urban communities around the country, (is) in the midst of a great transition in public education and some

The media – radio, print, television and any platforms or outlets through which African Americans have a voice – must be used to deal with the myriad issues confronting the community, the Rev. Jesse Jackson told The New Tri-State Defender President and Publisher, Bernal E. Smith II. (Photo by Larry Perry)

turmoil in what that change looks like. As you travel the country, what are the major strategies that you see to make sure that there are fair and

equal opportunities for high quality SEE JACKSON ON PAGE 15

44 years later, a street for Dr. King The New Tri-State Defender staff report

The history of healing in Memphis notched another milestone on Wednesday with the unveiling and dedication ceremony for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.

Some have grumbled that it should have happened sooner – much sooner.

Afterall, they argue, it was 44 years to day on Wednesday that the now iconic Dr. King fell dead after being shot while standing on the balcony of the old Lorraine Motel.

The street unveiling was held at the corner of Linden Ave. and Third St., easy walking distance from where Dr. King was assassinated, and one of myriad events noting the bittersweet commemoration of Dr. King’s death.

The hosts were the 100 Black Men of Memphis, Berlin Boyd, OMPR, The Redwing Group and the Memphis Urban League Young Professionals.

“Where do we go from here?” That was the sobering question asked during the noonday ceremony.

It’s a question that must be mulled in the context of the nerve-rattling and protest-spawning killing of un-armed teen Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla., on Feb. 26, voter ID laws that would seem to threaten the hard-won right to vote, ill-conceived immigration laws and spirit-sapping unemployment and under-employment. And that’s just a partial list of the social challenges in

- INSIDE -

• Prone to allergies? Eat right and breathe a little easier. See Health, page 6.

• Only in Memphis! See Community, page 10.

• ‘MED Night’ was MEDelicious. See Entertainment, page 12.

Grizz bench power – an elixir for victory. See Sports, page 16.

MEMPHIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

H- 6 9o - L - 4 5o Su nny

H- 7 5o - L - 5 5o Mo st l y Sun ny

H- 7 5o - L - 5 1o Partl y Cl o udy

REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS

Friday H-72 L-46 H-67 L-38 H-76 L-50

Saturday H-78 L-56 H-74 L-50 H-80 L-55

Sunday H-77 L-54 H-74 L-46 H-81 L-54

The renaming of a section of Linden Ave. to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. was a thumbs-up experience for local and national dignitaries on Wednesday, April 4 – the 44th commemoration of Dr. Kingʼs assassination. (Photos by Jonwalter Lewis) full effect on April 4, 2012.

On hand for Wednesday’s renaming of a 1-mile stretch of Linden Avenue were numerous local and national dignitaries, including former Memphis Mayor Dr. Willie W. Herenton, Mayor A C Wharton Jr., Rainbow PUSH head and civil rights movement pillar, the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Former City Councilman Berlin Boyd pushed the renaming. The ceremony, he said, reflected that Memphis is moving on, with an eye toward progression.

Dr. Herenton said while Memphis SEE KING ON PAGE 14

Is the ‘Black Church’ too quiet?

Boxing, ‘bloodline’ and business

New ʻmovementʼ sounds Easter Sunday wakeup call

kajanaku@tri-statedefender.com

by Karanja A. Ajanaku There is no known DNA test that can detect boxing in the blood.

Moynette Flowers and his brothers don’t need one. They know it’s true.

“My dad, he fought. My granddaddy fought. I started when I was six, so it’s in the bloodline, said Flowers. “My whole family fought really.

My sisters, I’ve got two sisters that fight too.”

On Tuesday (April 10), Flowers will be fighting again, this time in the main event of a promotion dubbed “Boxing on Beale’s ‘Unfinished Business’” at the Omni New Daisy Theatre at 330 Beale Street.

Tuesday’s boxing card is a product of CDA Promotions in conjunction with Flowers Power Boxing. The conjunction makes this more than a boxing story. It’s also a saga of family, escape, desires, entrepreneurial spirit and a determination to give back.

Flowers Power links Flowers with his brothers – Emmanuel, Nicholas and Duran – in a budding effort to promote up and coming fighters, giving them chances they did not have.

Brothers Emmanuel and Nicholas will be featured on the fight card.

A one-mile stretch of Linden Ave. was renamed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.

Moynette Flowers

Brother Duran is a trainer.

“Nobody didn’t really give us a chance, nobody really tried to help us out,” said Flowers, asked to shed light on the expansion from boxers to businessmen. “So we just studied and learned out what we had to do, and just went from there.”

Eighteen months or so into it, things are going great, said Flowers.

“A lot of people in Memphis are helping us out now, a lot of support.

People are showing up for the fights.

It’s been a good little journey,” he said.

Clift Dates of CDA Promotions is among those who have made their support known.

“I came to meet them at the last fight they had in Memphis (in February). I was so overwhelmed with the style of fighting, the way they fought SEE BOXING ON PAGE 3

(TriceEdneyWire.com) – This Sunday morning, April 8, millions of people will head to Easter services to hear the Gospel on the day that some call Resurrection Sunday.

But, for many, this year will be different.

Pastors of dozens of congregations across the nation will not only preach the good news of a risen savior; but they will also call for their congregants to resurrect the movement for equality and justice in America by registering to vote. A million new voters is the goal.

“I really felt like I couldn’t see or hear where the Black church was becoming engaged in the national conversation relative to the politics of America,” said the Rev. Dr. JamalHarrison Bryant, pastor of the 8,000-member Empowerment Temple in Baltimore, who is leading the drive.

“I couldn’t hear a voice. I really felt like there was a void and our generation was really listening to hear one. And out of that I called the churches together to see what we could do collectively, realizing that

there is strength in numbers.”

According to Bryant, “You can listen to Black Radio, Christian Radio or watch Black Christian television hours on end and not hear pastors say anything of social regard. And I think that this is a call for pastors and the people back to the front lines and to get off of the side lines.”

Bryant, former NAACP National Youth and College director, has called on his pastoral colleagues to raise their prophetic voices through the vehicle of a new non-partisan organization – The Empowerment Movement. The initiative is being birthed amidst tenuous political and social circumstances, including national debates over issues such as same sex unions, President Obama’s health care initiative and the horrendous shooting of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla. Bryant, who led a Justice for Trayvon rally in Sanford last month, was elected by pastors from at least 30 different denominations as president/CEO of the new organization.

They have all agreed to use their pulpits this Sunday to preach both spiritual and political empowerment. “‘Resurrect the movement’ is the SEE CHURCH ON PAGE 3

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April 5 - 11, 2012

Tri-State Defender

Tri-State Defender

BOXING

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

and they have a good following,” said Dates.

A conversation yielded the history of the Flowers family and word of a give-back-tothe-community effort the Flowers’ were anchoring in the Southbrook Mall in Whitehaven. Dates decided to hook up with Flowers Power.

Over in the Southbrook Mall, the Flowers Power project is taking shape.

“We are trying to help the youth, help them in the way we didn’t get help,” said Flowers.

“We have a boxing gym in the new part of the Southbrook Mall and we are working on an arena right now so we can have kids come around and do all kinds of activities, like football, baseball, soccer; just doing something for them….anything that they like, we are trying to do it for them.”

Where does a notion like that come from?

“I played pee-wee football and stuff when I was growing up,” said Flowers, adding that such activity, along with boxing, “kept me out of trouble, out of the streets. So I felt like they needed to be open to something like that.”

The financing mostly is coming out of the Flowers’ pockets ($50k to $100k so far), he said. “We’re just trying to help. We’re making our money back with boxing.”

The Southbrook center is expected to be open into about two months. Construction is underway.

Flowers Power is based out of Tampa, Fla., which is where the boxing trail led, said Flowers, quickly adding, “We’re from Memphis.”

That translates into raised in the Westwood and Whitehaven areas, said Flowers. His mother, Sweetie, and his father, Michael, live in Memphis and raised a large family. “There’s ten of us,” said Flowers.

“Childhood, it was OK. My dad was real strict and I didn’t understand why until I got older, as far as running around with the wrong crowd. Boxing really kept me out of harm’s way and I kind of kept my

CHURCH

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

name of this weekend,” Bryant said in a telephone interview.

“Since the assassination of Dr. King we’ve seen a real slump in activism in consciousness in the Black church and moreover in the Black pulpit.”

All of the churches had been making statements singularly, but not collectively, said the 40-year-old Bryant.

“And the Black church really has not moved in a collective arm on a national level since Dr. King’s SCLC initiative. So, I think when you do something positive many times the press doesn’t pick it up. But, I think that if all of us would come together and beat the drums, somebody will hear it.”

On Sunday, pastors across the nation will not only appeal for voter registration, but people will also be instructed how they can register on their cell phones and lap tops. Facebook and Twitter will also be engaged in the movement with more information found at www.Empowermentmovement.org.

Still, convincing an apathetic people to register and then actually go to the polls and vote will be a major challenge that Bryant readily acknowledges.

“I think a lot of us African Americans think they’ve arrived into equality with a Black President and with the beacon light of billionaires like Bob Johnson or Magic Johnson or Oprah Winfrey. It gives us a false sense of security. In instances like Trayvon Martin, our wake up call, we’ve still got miles to go.”

Among the 25-30 congregations participating in the drive are AME, CME, AME Zion, Baptist, Bible Way, Church of God in Christ, Full Gospel, Gospel Music Workshop of America, United Covenant Churches, Harvest Churches, Fellowship of international Word of Faith, Church of God, according to a release.

Said Bryant: :It is my prayer that just as the religious right has been very strategic in lifting their voice and speaking to their issues and concerns that The Empowerment Movement will really be the epicenter of social-spiritual consciousness for this generation of African Americans.”

NEWS

Page 3

April 5 - 11, 2012

brothers and sisters on track.”

On track now involves traveling broadly, with the Flowers Power crew having recently returned from Asia. It’s a far cry from thoughts he had as a 15 year old.

“Thirteen years ago, I thought living in the projects was the way to be,” said Flowers, who grew up in the Graves Manor and Indian Hills projects in the Westwood area. “That’s why I want to help the kids out, because they think that’s the way you supposed to be, so they don’t ever look for something better. When you come

up, that’s what you think.”

Interviewed by The New TriState Defender on the 44th commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in Memphis, Flowers obliged a request to reflect on that event and what lesson he might fashion for the children who will frequent the Flowers-powered center in Whitehaven.

“I would say that everybody has a chance. Everybody has a future,” said Flowers. “All you’ve got to do is wake up.

Wake up and open your eyes.

You can really do what you wanna do.”

AT A GLANCE

What: CDA Promotions and Flowers Power Boxing present Boxing on Bealeʼs “Unfinished Business” Where: Omni New Daisy Theatre, 330 Beale St. When: April 10; doors open at 7:30, action at 8 p.m.

Tickets: $20 general, $25 stage, $30 ringside; Available at Tickemaster or call 1-813-817-2784.

Prefight party: Memphis Sounds Lounge, 5:30 p.m.

Website: www.flowersboxing.com Backdrop: Next weekʼs fight card bears the “Unfinished Business” label, tying it back to a Feb. 28 outing. “One of my brothers, Emmanuel Flowers, didnʼt fight and that same night I fought a guy and he went the distance,” said Moynette Flowers. “All my fans wanted me to knock the guy out, so itʼs unfinished business. Iʼm coming back to put somebody to sleep. My brothers will be fighting too.”

Page 4

OPINION

Tri-State Defender

April 5 - 11, 2012

John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)

The Mid-Southʼs Best Alternative Newspaper

A Real Times Newspaper

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

John Payton: ‘A true champion of equality’

“Diverse democracies depend on diverse people who know and respect each other.”

– John Payton

Accept what’s given or demand what’s deserved?

by Chad Johnson and Lee Saunders

(Chad Johnson is executive director of Local 1733 of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and Lee Saunders is secretary treasurer of AFSCME International.)

This year marks 44 years since the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the strike by the sanitation workers of AFSCME Local 1733 – two events that changed America and forever linked civil rights and workers’ rights.

For the members of AFSCME in Memphis and across the country, April 4th holds special significance.

It represents both a high water mark in our fight to ensure that all workers have a voice, and a violent end for a truth-telling, eloquent leader who was simultaneously one of our nation’s greatest champions and fiercest critics.

This also marks the 75th anniversary of AFSCME, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. The state workers of Wisconsin who formed our union at the height of the Great Depression wanted the basics: better pay and better working conditions. But, just like the sanitation workers who went on strike here in 1968, they also wanted respect. Those Wisconsin state workers banded together to form this union because they understood that as long as their jobs were subject to the patronage system and dependent upon who they knew instead of what they knew, they had no rights and no voice at all.

Decades later, it was that same desire to be treated with dignity and respect that compelled the sanitation workers of AFSCME Local 1733 to stand their ground. They could have gone along with the status quo, complaining only to each other about unsafe working conditions, awful pay and nearly non-existent benefits – especially given the daunting twin evils of racism and poverty they faced. It is always our choice whether to accept what we are given or demand what we deserve. The sanitation workers of Local 1733 chose to make a demand.

It was difficult for them, as it is for any workers who stand up to powerful interests. Dr. King was drawn to their fight because he understood that workers’ rights, human rights and civil rights are intertwined. His perspective was that they could not be viewed separately or pursued as individual aims. Believing in one meant believing in – and fighting for – all.

On the night before his death, he told a huge crowd gathered at the Mason Temple: “You are demanding that this city will respect the dignity of labor. So often we overlook the work and the significance of those who are not in professional jobs, of those who

are not in the socalled big jobs.

But let me say to you tonight that whenever you are engaged in work that serves humanity and is for the building of humanity, it has dignity and it has worth.”

Chad We all know Johnson what happened in Memphis 44 years ago. Dr. King, standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, was assassinated on the day he was to lead a march through the city.

Less than two weeks later, the sanitation workers won an agreement Lee with the city that Saunders recognized their union and provided better pay and benefits. The strike was settled, but at a terrible price – a revered leader was lost.

The strike of Local 1733, and Dr. King’s involvement in it, had an impact well beyond Memphis. It forced citizens to notice the workers in every community who are taken for granted, but whose labor is essential.

And it also reinforced the principle of solidarity – that workers have the greatest bargaining power and leverage when they act in unison.

A year ago, the U.S. Department of Labor enshrined the sanitation workers in its “Labor Hall of Fame” for taking collective action. They were the first group of workers ever to be honored by the department. Their strike – and its aftermath – continue to inspire members of AFSCME to view our struggle for fairness and a voice on the job through the prism of a broader movement for justice.

That’s why AFSCME and the labor movement took part last month in the re-enactment of the Selma to Montgomery march of 1965. The original march, led by Dr. King, called attention to the poll taxes, literacy tests and other obstacles Alabama officials employed to keep black citizens from voting. This year’s march focused on the 21st century voter suppression laws – in Tennessee and elsewhere – that make it more difficult for citizens to vote.

Rodriguez Lobbins, a sanitation worker who was at the march representing the hundreds of Memphis sanitation workers, said he was there “to stop those forces that want to roll back Dr. King’s work and the progress we’ve made over the last four decades.”

We can honor Dr. King and the sanitation workers by continuing their struggle, adding our own forceful voices to the intensity and passion of theirs.

FLASHBACK

Reparations: How to make it happen

So, how have you fared economically since President Obama took office and the Senate voted to endorse a national apology for slavery?

The Obama presidency is one thing, and the Senate apology is another; but neither has accrued a whit for the majority of African Americans.

Reparations compensation is a subject that is never discussed in America. To the Senate measure, author Randall Robinson insists that “an apology to African Americans is meaningless without reparations payments.” In contrast with AfricanAmericans’ political leadership, Robinson is primarily concerned with speaking out on behalf of African Americans and makes a grand case in his 2001 book, “The Debt: What America Owes to Blacks.”

A lack of African-American leadership on the issue has allowed reparations for slavery to linger on the fringe of American political thought. The legacy of slavery, segregation, and racial violence against African Americans continues to be a divisive issue in America. Whether or not descendants of black slaves are entitled to reparations is an American debate that not only divides whites from blacks, but many blacks from one another.

The money African Americans are owed could cure a lot of our ills. According to Harper’s Magazine, America owes African Americans more than $100 trillion in reparations, based on 222,505,049 hours of forced labor between 1619 and 1865, with a compounded interest of 6 percent.

Mainstream American thought is that “a $100 trillion payoff to blacks is inconceivable” therefore, no real thought or discussion is given it.

Whites have a 400-year head start on blacks in America and want the status quo to remain. Mainstream thinking makes Americans of all races ill at ease on the subject of reparations and causes them to amble into “nonracial discussions” on more acceptable themes of national unity, and adherence to particular political philosophies.

A multitude of African Americans subscribe to mainstream thought and thinking to our own detriment. We accept our conditions at the bottom of the rung in America and make no concerted effort to collect the debt.

Though Obama rejected the concept of reparations long before his election, surely a substantial debt is owed African Americans. The legacy of slavery has hindered the economic progress of blacks in America; and

FACEBOOK FAN OF THE WEEK Anthony “Tony” Currie

Anthony “Tony” Currie is this weekʼs TSD Facebook Fan of the Week. He describes himself as a bridal diamond specialist with Bostonʼs Fine Jewelry, specializing in custom designs for engagement rings, pendants and timepieces. He is also a real estate agent with the Crye-Leike agency.

A graduate of Hamilton High School and a 1989 graduate of LemoyneOwen College, Tony makes this observation in his Facebook profile: “I enjoy life and look forward to the many opportunities it offers.

As a former Marine and father, I have grown to know that I have to lead in my home and community. I enjoy helping others and hope to soon be a philanthropist. I love being transparent. I realize that life is short so you should live like you are dying.”

Tony is married and also is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. We are glad to have Tony Currie as a member of our TSD Facebook family.

Tri-State Defender Platform

QUOTE “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”

– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

reparations would rectify a historical wrong, would give poor African Americans more disposable income, which would increase their living standards and lift entire communities.

William We sure could Reed use a few trillion dollars.

Who among us wants our just inheritance, the trillions of dollars due us for the labor of our ancestors? The more mainstream thinking among African Americans the more we neuter ourselves. Since so many African Americans have ascended into very high places in American politics, church realms, businesses, sports and entertainment, more and more of the African-American population have become confused in exercising our priorities.

Whites continue to support and advocate a system that’s been very good for them these last 500 years.

How to make justice happen for us and get our needed amends in America will require African Americans to reject mainstream programming and agree that present-day racism stems from 246 years of slavery and Jim Crow laws and practices. We should be looking for advocates who agree that American slavery was “one of history’s most brutal genocides.”

While President Obama is on record in his opposition to reparations to African Americans, supporters should be looking to the two dozen members of Congress who are co-sponsors of current legislation to create a commission that would study reparations – that is, payments and programs to compensate African Americans for the damage done by slavery.

Advocates who say African Americans should be compensated for slavery and its Jim Crow aftermath are chalking up victories and could gain national momentum. Civic governments in Washington, D.C., Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Chicago, and a half-dozen other cities have all endorsed “restitution” payments to African Americans. Following African-American leadership such as that of Randall Robinson and joining and supporting local groups dedicated to reparations is a way to make it all happen.

1. Racial prejudice worldwide must be destroyed.

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

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

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

5. Complete cessation of all school segregation.

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

DISTRIBUTION: Tri-State Defender is available at newsstands, street sales, store vendors, mail subscription and honor boxes throughout the Greater Memphis area. No person may, without prior written permission of the Tri-State Defender, reprint any part of or duplicate by electronic device any portion without written permission. Copyright 2012 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.

Over the past century, the most powerful force behind America’s Marc on-going struggle H. Morial for equality has been an outstanding group of civil rights attorneys.

Imagine where we would be today without lawyers like Charles Hamilton Houston – “the man who killed Jim Crow” — or his protégé, Supreme Court John Justice, ThurPayton good Marshall, who in 1940 founded the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund (LDF).

For over 70 years, LDF has been America’s first and foremost civil and human rights law firm. During that time, the organization has had just six leaders: Thurgood Marshall, Jack Greenberg, Julius Chambers, Elaine Jones, Ted Shaw and the LDF’s sixth President and DirectorCounsel, John Payton, who passed away last week at the age of 65.

Whether he was defending affirmative action before the United States Supreme Court or leading the fight to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act, Payton was one of the most brilliant and fearless civil rights champions of our generation.

A graduate of Pomona College and Harvard Law School, Payton’s commitment to civil rights led him from a career at WilmerHale, one of Washington, D.C.’s most prestigious law firms, to his leadership of LDF beginning in 2008. It was at WilmerHale that Payton laid the foundation as a great civil rights attorney.

According to a statement on the firm’s website, “Beginning in 1997, he led the firm’s representation of the University of Michigan – from the district court through the Supreme Court – in the Gratz and Grutter cases, which hold that public institutions of higher education may consider race as a factor in admissions in order to achieve the educational benefits that flow from having a racially-diverse student body.”

Payton continued his exemplary defense of civil rights at LDF where, in 2010, he won a Supreme Court employment discrimination case on behalf of a group of Chicago African American fire fighters. He also won a Supreme Court victory in Northwest Austin v. Holder, which upheld a core provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

On a personal note, John Payton was a dear friend and colleague. I worked closely with him on a number of initiatives, including a new effort to develop a collective voice on Education among civil rights leaders. He also recently arranged for the National Urban League to sign onto an amicus brief on the Health Care case that (was) argued before the Supreme Court.

I admired John’s sharp intellect and enjoyed the lively talks we had about the law and Supreme Court strategy. He was a seasoned, thoughtful litigator who earned a place alongside great civil rights lawyers like Charles Hamilton Houston and Thurgood Marshall.

President Obama called Payton “A true champion of equality who helped protect civil rights in the classroom and at the ballot box.” I will miss his friendship, his partnership and his humanity. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Gay McDougall, and his wide circle of family and friends.

(Marc H. Morial is the President and CEO of the National Urban League.)

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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.

Tri-State Defender

NATION

Memphis’ Pastor Norman nets White House honor

George Zimmerman (left) remains free after the Feb. 26 fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin (right).

The Trayvon Martin case:

‘Too much’ coverage in the eye of the beholder

(NNPA) – A funeral director who handled the body of Trayvon Martin said he saw no evidence that the 17 year old, who was shot and killed by a Neighborhood Watch volunteer, had been in a recent fight.

Funeral director Richard Kurtz said he saw no sign of struggle on Martin’s hands and no indication that Martin had punched Zimmerman in the face.

Martin’s Feb. 26 shooting continues to capture widespread public interest. According to the Pew Research Center’s latest weekly News Interest Index Survey (March 29April 1), Martin’s shooting was the public’s top story for the second consecutive week. But interest in the teenager’s death is deeply divided along partisan, as well as racial, lines. The differences also are apparent in reactions to news coverage of the incident: Far more Republicans (56 percent) than Democrats (25 percent) say there has been too much coverage.

African Americans are far more likely than whites to say they are closely tracking news about the Florida teenager’s death. Fully 58 percent cite news about Martin’s killing as their top story, compared with 24 percent of whites. Fourty-three percent of whites say the story has received too much coverage, Kurtz made his assertion March 28 on Headline News’ “Nancy Grace Show” amid claims by Sanford, Fla. law enforcement officials and George Zimmerman’s father that 17-year-old Martin attacked Zimmerman, an armed Neighborhood Watch volunteer, the night he was killed.

“First of all when I received the body with the death certificate, I noticed the gunshot wound,” Kurtz said. “But (with) his hands and his knuckles; I didn’t see any evidence that he’d been fighting anybody.”

Asked to clarify, Kurtz said there were no cuts or bruises on Martin’s hands or any other injuries on his body aside from the gunshot wound.

Kurtz’s observations are at odds with the account that Zimmerman’s father, Robert Zimmerman told WOFL Fox 35 in Orlando.

“It’s my understanding that Trayvon Martin got on top of him and just started beating him,” Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman, a former magistrate in the Virginia state court system, said that his son started to follow Martin because he thought it was suspicious that Martin was walking between the houses in the gated community instead of using the street or the sidewalk on a rainy night. He said Martin approached his son after Zimmerman got out of his vehicle.

“He went to the next street, realized where he was and was walking to his vehicle,” Zimmerman said. “It’s my understanding; at that point, Trayvon Martin walked up to him and asked him, ‘Do you have a (expletive) problem?’

George said, ‘No, I don’t have a problem,’ and started to reach for his cell phone… at that point, he (Martin) was punching him in the nose, his nose was broken and he was knocked to the concrete.”

Many viewed Robert Zimmerman’s story as incongruent with video of George Zimmerman released by the police.

The first released video did not show signs that George Zimmerman had been in a fight. An enhanced version of the video, say some observers, does reflect what seem to be injuries to Zimmerman’s head.

Meanwhile, calls for Zimmerman’s arrest continue throughout the nation, including another held in Memphis at Northside High School on Saturday (March 31) morning.

(Special to the NNPA from Afro-American Newspaper)

Page 5

April 5 - 11, 2012

On the steps of the John Wilson Building in Washington, D.C., a little girl is making the sign of the gun and holding the Skittles that Trayvon Martin had when he was shot. Thousands of people were at Freedom Plaza on March 26 in honor of Martin. (Photo courtesy of NNPA/Roy Lewis.)

The White House on Wednesday (April 4) honored Memphis Pastor Keith Norman as one of twelve leaders recognized for their work to prevent youth violence within their communities.

The recognition came as part of the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention.

Launched at the direction of President Obama in 2010, the forum is a network of communities and federal agencies working together to share information and build local capacity to prevent and reduce youth violence. Rev. Norman, along with the Forum’s Memphis team, reported on their progress at a national summit Monday in Washington, D.C. “I’m proud leaders like these have found new and innovative ways to prevent youth violence,” said Director of the Office of Public Engagement Jon Carson. “If we’re going to combat violence and keep our kids safe, then we need to ensure we dedicate time and manpower to the issue. These leaders have done just that, and this is what makes them true champions

for their communities and our country.”

T h e White House released this description of Rev. Rev. Keith Norman: Norman “(He) h a s served as the Senior Servant Leader of the First Baptist Church Broad Avenue (FBCB) for the past 12 years. Prior to his service at FBCB, Pastor Norman was a highly successful business leader. After leaving the corporate community, Pastor Norman continued to use his skills to revitalize the community in which his church resides.

“During his tenure, he has led the church in more than $10 million worth of capital improvements serving a wide range of needs from education to homeless services and community development. He serves on numerous local and

“If we’re going to combat violence and keep our kids safe, then we need to ensure we dedicate time and manpower to the issue. These leaders have done just that.”

Jon Carson

national boards of directors where he uses his influence to bring resources and manpower to serve the people of his church and community.”

The Champions of Change program was created as a part of President Obama’s Winning the Future initiative.

Each week, a different sector is highlighted and groups of Champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community leaders, are recognized for the work they are doing to serve and strengthen their communities.

To learn more visit w w w. w h i t e h o u s e . g o v / champions.

More information on the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention and Memphis’ role is available at: www.findyouthinfo.gov.

HEALTH

Page 6

Tri-State Defender

April 5 - 11, 2012

CHEF TIMOTHY

Prone to allergies? Eat right and breathe a little easier

by Chef Timothy Moore Ph.D, N.M.D, C.N.

Special to the Tri-State Defender

The smell of dogwood is in the air and flowers and trees are in full bloom. Springtime is definitely here and pollen is waging war on allergy sufferers and wreaking havoc on swollen eyes and sinuses. Is there any relief for the springtime blues?

In this part of the country, allergens run amok and sufferers are looking for relief. But are the allergens caused by pollen in the air or the type of food you’re eating?

You may never know until you’re tested. Meanwhile, you can test yourself to see if a certain food is the culprit.

It’s quite simple. If you swell or break out after eating a certain type of food, don’t eat the same food that is causing the problem and see what happens.

Allergens invade the body through the eyes, nasal passage and skin. There are a number of telltale signs: coughing, sneezing, wheezing, a runny nose, sinus pressure, difficulty breathing, redness in the eyes, hives, and an itchy nose, eyes, throat or skin. There are mold allergies, pet allergies, dust allergies and food allergies as well.

A food allergy, for example, is when the body is unable to

process certain f o o d s , which trigger a reaction in the immune system.

Some people are allergic to peanuts, shellfish, tree nuts, s o y , Dr. Timothy g l u t e n , wheat, Moore c o w ’ s milk, and other foods that can wreck the immune system.

Did you know that eating chicken eggs could cause problems for the allergy sufferer, particularly for children? Children who are allergic to eggs are at risk of developing hives, flushing, eczema, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, wheezing, a running nose, a rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, or heart problems.

That’s because they’re allergic to the protein in the egg whites, or the protein in the yolk.

Eggs are found in all kinds of food. Therefore it is incumbent upon parents to steer their young children away from eggs or foods containing eggs. Older children must take on that responsibility themselves. Some children will outgrow their egg-allergy; others won’t.

Allergies can be prevented and arrested. If it’s a food allergy, it may be quite simple to weed out the problem food and replace it with food that is less taxing on the immune system.

Allergies can be prevented and arrested. If it’s a food allergy, it may be quite simple to weed out the problem food and replace it with food that is less taxing on the immune system. That means you’d have to be conscious of what you eat.

Food allergies can also mask environmental conditions and mimic other health problems. Your allergies could be triggered as well by an emotional problem that arrives at an unsuspected time in your life. It could be something that happened to you as a child, a teenager or an adult.

In some cases, it can be difficult to pinpoint.

There may not be anything you can do about environmental conditions unless you decide to change your environment or opt for a new start in a less pollenated city. But don’t be surprised if your allergies follow you and flare up again.

What I’ve learned is that eating the right food – save for the foods that cause your allergies to run amok – and living a healthy lifestyle could make all the difference in the world. Why not fresh fruit and

vegetables? Now that’s a start – a launch pad to a healthier you.

If you’re going to make a change in the food you’re eating, start planning on preparing allergy-free food that will keep you away from the doctor’s office. This is the key to surviving the onslaught of allergens, which are a part of our daily lives.

If you’re shopping for fruit and vegetables, you may want to stay away from the fruit(s) that causes your body to react. The fuzz on a peach, for example, could send you into a tailspin and cause a violent reaction: sneezing, wheezing, itching and watery eyes.

Eating fresh fruit and vegetables are good sources of vitamins, minerals and fiber. They contain the building blocks to good health. Allergies and most illnesses can be prevented if your choice of food is considered wisely. Don’t be fooled by the ingredients on the package. If gluten is part of the ingredients and you’re allergic to it, you should avoid that particular food at all cost.

The key is eating a healthy plant-based diet, getting plenty of exercise, drinking pure water, learning to relax and appreciating what you have in your life and treasure it. Don’t let allergens – whether it’s

from food or the environment – stop you from living a healthy life.

If you’re prone to allergies, make the necessary changes so you can breathe a little fresh air.

(Dr. Timothy Moore teaches nutrition, heart disease and diabetes reversal through a plant-based lifestyle. He is a professional speaker, wellness coach and personal plantbased chef. He can be reached by email at cheftimothy@cheftimothy moore.com or visit him on the Web sites at www. cheftimothymoore.com or w w w. t w i t t e r. c o m / cheftimmoore.)

BUSINESS

Tri-State Defender

Page 7

April 5 - 11, 2012

ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

Focus: Sports-related businesses For many children, schoolyard play gives way to organized sports competition and along the way they develop dreams of reaping the accolades and lifestyles of superstar athletes such as Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Walter Payton and Jerry Rice.

The reality, which is sometimes learned as a painfully sobering life lesson, is that very few children will become sports-playing professionals.

Some, however, do become savvy business folks, who take their love of sports and create businesses that link them to their long-held passions.

This month in On Our Way To Wealthy, we are featuring entrepreneurs who have tapped into their creativity and inventiveness and successfully built sports-related companies.

Physical training

While Memphis is home to the world’s greatest barbeque establishments and soul food restaurants, many Memphians are focusing in on their physiques. With the assistance of professional trainers to provide advice on workout and diet, your

body can undergo a metamorphosis that is worth every penny paid to the trainer. Although the owners of physical training businesses may not be on the greens or on the courts, they are maintaining a Carlee McCullough presence in the sports business.

Some trainers have even ventured into the world of training professional athletes.

Sports events

Memphis hosts a large long-standing sports event, which not only includes the big game, but also includes concerts and fashion shows.

Money is made on many levels with sporting special events. The promoter benefits financially as well as the community and surrounding businesses. There is definitely room in the market place for other events related to sports. We will soon explore

those in upcoming articles.

Martial arts franchises

From the extreme workouts to its competitive nature, martial arts are highly physical activities that often take years to master. Discipline, confidence, self-esteem, self-defense and form are only a few of the things learned from martial arts. Memphis is home to quite a few franchises.

The glow on a kids face when he/she receives those colored belts representing the different levels of accomplishment is priceless. The children are all so excited and learn valuable lessons in the process. The owners of the franchises can make a lucrative living while helping to train and mold little minds with the concepts of discipline and control.

Sports apparel

Creative thinkers and doers in the sports products area have developed a wide variety of items, which include athletic shoes, clothing and equipment. Apparel for men, women, boys and girls run the gamut in color

and design. Although Nike appears to have cornered the market, there are some independents that have created niches. Independent shoe companies have created custom shoes, with colors and designs provided by the client.

Certain sports industries have also spurred the creation of clothing lines such as NASCAR. While men traditionally dominate in driving the laps, women overwhelmingly contribute to the fan base and have ecently become the target market of enterprising clothing designers as well as corporations.

Sports beverages

Move over Gatorade and Powerade. Private label manufacturers are providing innovative business owners with the opportunity to put their names and logos on beverages. An even bigger bonanza may await those that create a sports beverage. Red Bull, Rockstar and 5-hour ENERGY may only be the tip of the iceberg.

Sports games

Wii, Nintendo, Xbox, and Play

Station are only a few of the instruments that gamers use to play video games these days. As cellular phones have evolved and become more sophisticated, the games have become more mobile and downloadable.

Madden and Tiger Woods are popular games, however, hundreds of games exist and more are rapidly being created. The more innovative and realistic the game appears with graphics and images, the more demand is generated.

Sports facility management

Some inventive entrepreneurs have built businesses around sports facility management. From golf courses to tennis courts, the management of the facility is an increasing opportunity as agencies and firms seek to outsource those services. Locally, private management companies have even managed football stadiums. Those management contracts may include oversight of all maintenance, rental of the premises, and coordination with contractors and various subcontractors.

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

MONEY MATTERS

Getting the most out of ‘my gift’ How can your church/charity and you both benefit from your gift?

You could receive an immediate income tax deduction. With a properly structured gift, you could realign your investment portfolio without paying capital gains tax on appreciated property. Another strategy may allow you to pass your estate on to your children while avoiding both probate and estate taxes.

You’re free to give your property to whomever you choose. To retain the tax advantages associated with planned giving, however, your gift must be made to a qualified organization.

The vast majority of donations are made to charitable organizations. To qualify, a charitable organization must have been organized in the United States, be operated on a strictly non-profit basis, and not be politically active.

In addition to common charitable

organizations, you may give to veterans’ posts, certain fraternal orders, volunteer fire departments, and civil defense organizations.

You can contribute almost anything to a qualified organiCharles zation. The deSims Jr. duction limits are more restrictive for gifts other than cash, but you are free to give almost any property of value.

Gifting strategies?

In addition to making an outright donation, there are a number of different gifting techniques you can use.

You can give life insurance. This enables you to give a large future gift at a relatively modest cost.

A charitable remainder trust allows you, or your beneficiaries, to receive payment of a specified amount annually, and at the end of the trust period, the designated charity the remainder assets. With a charitable lead trust, you can give the income to the charitable organization and at the end of the trust period, the remaining assets are paid to you or your beneficiaries.

(Charles Sims Jr., CFP®, is President/ CEO of The Sims Financial Group. Contact him at 901-682-2410 or visit www. SimsFinancial Group.com. The information in this article is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties.)

Summitt reflection…

President Barack Obama on Monday (April 2) met with Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada (left), and President Felipe Calderon of Mexico during a White House summit aimed at promoting economic growth and creating jobs throughout North America. (White House photo by Chuck Kennedy)

RELIGION

Page 8

Tri-State Defender

April 5 - 11, 2012

LIVING THE LIFE I LOVE

With love and gratitude …

The flip side of debt

Dear Lucy: I have been reading your articles and video emails about debt but I just want one thing that I can do to ease all of these negative feelings about myself and this debt. I feel so afraid and helpless. The more I try to get out the bigger the burden seems.

– Thank you, BT

Dear BT: We had our debt seminar on this past Saturday (March 310 and I wish you had been there. Maybe, next time. The joy of teaching for me is in what I learn or remember as I am teaching.

Three points for you:

Debt vs Credit

If you could close your eyes and remember the largest items on your list of debt, do you remember when you went to make the purchase? Do you remember how excited you were, how anxious you were about getting the credit approval, why you wanted to make that purchase? Do you remember all of the joy and relief you felt when you were able to walk out with that purchase?

And, oh how wonderful it felt when they said, “yes!” You felt such gratitude and you were so proud that you had been found worthy of being granted that credit. And all along, you assured the people extending the credit that your intention was to pay them back, right? Of course your intention was to pay them back!

Today, even as you spend hours every day working, worrying, feeling unworthy and dishonest, sorry, angry at yourself, angry at them for trusting you, sad etc., what hurts the most is the shame of having broken your intention, being seen now as not being credible and behaving as if you are no longer grateful for the trust placed in you.

Debt starts out as credit, mutual benefit, joy and thanksgiving for the borrower and the lender. When we no longer feel these it is because something unexpected happened along the way. In the drama of circumstances we forget that we really are wonderful human beings with infinite potential for recovery, hope and power. You are not your circumstances. You are what you think about your circumstances. As you work diligently at being aware of how you are thinking about yourself and judging according to appearances you can begin to decide or choose a better, more productive way of being.

Intention

Circumstances changed, maybe you made some mistakes. But, you would not be feeling this pain and anguish over this debt if you were no

A celebration of life was held Monday (April 2) for the Rev. Dr. James Sylvester White, pastor emeritus of Saint Jude Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. White died March 23, a few days before his 90th birthday.

Services were held at Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church at 1098 South Wellington St., where the Rev. J.L. Payne is the host pastor. The Rev. Chester Berryhill Sr. delivered the eulogy. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

longer the deserving person of hope, integrity and purpose who secured the debt in the first place.

Are you truly any Lucy less of a Shaw person of worth because of your debt? If you had the money, would your intention to repay the debt change?

Are you still grateful for whatever that debt represents in what it purchased? Maybe it was a home for shelter; a car to get to work or help others get somewhere or utilities to keep you and your family warm and clean. Were you only thinking of yourself when you made the debt or were you thinking of how the purchase would benefit your family and others? Most of us have good intentions that include others.

‘A prince… and a great man’

Bishop Bettye J. Alston accepts the flag that draped the coffin of her late husband, the Rev. Dr. Neasbie Alston, who died March 27. A grand, 90th birthday celebration for Dr. Alston was held Jan. 30 at the Hilton Memphis. Services were held Tuesday (April 3) at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, with burial in National Cemetery. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

Gratitude

So here is what you can do.

Gratitude is one of the highest of emotional attractors for good. The Word says, “in all things give thanks.”

First, give thanks for the credit, which signifies your capacity to be trusted. Look at that stack of bills and remember that they are a testimony to how you have been trusted.

Then give thanks that you are the same person of integrity who was honored with that credit and that your intentions of honoring that credit remain the same.

Then act on those intentions by developing an honest and reasonable repayment plan that does not rob you of the ability to continue to enjoy the right to liberty and happiness. Don’t commit to do something that you cannot do. Put it in writing, give it to your creditors and honor it diligently. There are laws that protect you when you follow them. Research them.

Lift up your head and give thanks that you are and always will be God’s beloved.

In gratitude, Lucy

(Check out Lucy Shaw’s website at http://www.heartworks4u .com. You may send your questions to her by U.S. mail to: Heartworks4U, LLC; 4646 Poplar Ave. Ste 201, Memphis, TN 38117 or by e-mail to lucy@heartworks4u.com.)

(For help with the feelings that get in the way of prayer and peace of mind, get Lucy’s new book, “BE NOT ANXIOUS.” Order it directly from her at 901-907-0260 or go to her web site www. heartworks4u.com.)

‘For such a time as this’ 13th District says farewell to Bishop McKenzie

by Valeria Cummings Swope Specials to the Tri-State Defender

She’s only been in office a few months, but 13th District Missionary President Gwen Fugh Dillihunt has hit the ground running. Her first major event is in the books, serving as the event coordinator for the farewell celebration for Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie.

Dillihunt worked with the 13th District’s Presiding Elders, who spearheaded and helped to execute what turned into a heartwarming tribute at the Marriott East Hotel on March 23. Teaming with the Rev. Maxine Thomas from Kentucky, she help plan a program that outlined the eight years of service Bishop McKenzie has given to Kentucky and Tennessee.

State and local officials, representatives from the National Civil Right’s Museum and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, with various leaders within the 13th Episcopal District, paid tribute to Bishop McKenzie for her success as a preacher and church administrator, public servant and civic leader. The occasion was marked by a Tennessee House of Repre-

sentatives resolution commending “Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie for her many years of devoted public service, saluting her impeccable character and her stalwart commitment to living this life with courage and conviction.”

“We could not have done this without the love and support of the district, pastors and laity alike,” said Dillihunt.

As Episcopal Leader of the 13th District, Bishop McKenzie led the YPD, Missionaries and others on a mission trip to Jamaica where they helped build homes and assisted in clothing children for school, and to Canada to trace the Underground Railroad. During her tenure, she also focused on educating young people on the art of giving back and spearheaded the creation of “Nehemiah Nation” that has men across the district working together in kingdom building.

“This is not goodbye, simply farewell for now,” said Bishop McKenzie. “I’ve seen what this district can achieve and I know great things are still ahead. Now, as we prepare to leave this place, let’s do it in style and slide right out the door.”

With that Bishop McKenzie took the floor and joined everyone in the electric slide.

“A party atmosphere of love and fellowship,” said Dillihunt. “That’s what this celebration was all about.”

PRAISE CONNECT -A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-

Greenwood Christian Methodist Episcopal Church 3311 Kimball Ave. Memphis, TN 38111 (901) 744-7531 (901) 744-7664

Clarence Kelby Heath Wednesday Pastor

Noon - 1 p.m.

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126

9 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

901-946-4095 fax 948-8311

(901) 948-3441

Early Morning..........7:45 AM Church School..........9:45 AM Morning Worship......11:00 AM

Rev. Davena Young Porter Rev. Linda A Paige Rev. Luecretia Matthews

Bible Study For Youth and Adults Tuesday - 7:00 PM “Spirit, Soul, and Body!”

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

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

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

Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter

TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

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

Sunday Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Night YPWW 5:00 p.m.

Night Service 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday Night Prayer 6:00 p.m.

Bible Study 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.

Friday Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.

Night Service 7:30 p.m.

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

No Telecast Service

ST. ANDREW A.M.E. CHURCH 867 SOUTH PARKWAY EAST Memphis, TN 38106

Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., Pastor

ASSOCIATE MINISTERS

Worship Services

Sunday Sunday School Worship Service

METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH

Hundreds gathered to wish AME Bishop Vashti McKenzie farewell on March 23rd at the Memphis Marriott East. Pictured here (l to r) are husband, Stan McKenzie, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and brother Carl Murphy. Bishop McKenzie will be reassigned at the National Conference this June in Nashville. (Courtesy photo)

Dr. David Allen Hall Pastor

“The Founder’s Church”

First Pastor: Senior Bishop C.H. Mason

THE BLVD Ea s t 6745 Wol f Ri v e r B oule v a r d @ Ki r by Pa r k wa y ( i n t he Cl a rk Ope r a Me mphi s Ce nte r ) Me mp h i s T N 3 8 1 2 0

Dr. Frank A. Thomas Senior Servant

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

“Ministering to Memphis-Spirit, Soul and Body”

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

— Proverbs 1:7

Tri-State Defender

RELIGION

April 5 - 11, 2012

Bishop Brandon B. Porter once again will guide the “Miracles in Memphis outreach to help those facing financial hardships.

(Courtesy photo)

Digging ‘in’ for the power of miracles ʻGood Saturdayʼ coming to Greater Community Temple

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to the Tri-State Defender

“Ministry is finding a need and then meeting that need.

We are called to discern hurts and heal them. What better way to demonstrate the love of God than addressing the needs of those who are suffering? Our church name says it all – Greater Community Temple. Our vision is to build a greater community of believers by reaching out to support Mid-South families in need…”

Bishop Brandon B. Porter Greater Community Temple COGIC

This Saturday (April 7) has been decreed “a day of miracles” by Bishop Brandon B. Porter and the Greater Community Temple family.

But, says the mega-church pastor, it’s going to take a concerted effort of generosity and sacrifice.

“We’re going to need the help of all those who believe in giving,” said Porter. It was a reference to “Miracles in Memphis,” which he and the church organized to demonstrate the love, care and concern of Jesus Christ by providing thousands of dollars in clothing, food and healthcare services to those who may be experiencing financial hardship.

“Our doors will be open all day on Good Friday to receive monetary gifts, household items, clothing, and personal hygiene products,” said Porter.

“More than 400 families were represented at the inaugural event last year. Because so many more families are in need, we expect for that number to nearly double.”

Thousands are projected to convene on Greater Community Temple COGIC at the

church’s south Memphis location, 5151 Winchester Rd., from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

“Greater Community Temple was the first church to act as a satellite location for distributing government cheese and other aid to north Memphis residents,” said Barron McGlothlin, the church’s event planner. “We believe that we can’t feed people spiritually until we feed them physically. We become the conduit for God’s provision.

The power to make miracles happen lies in us.”

In addition to food and clothing, three additional outreach efforts have been added to this year’s occasion: free healthcare screenings, a job fair and gas cards.

“My father, Bishop W.L. Porter, started Greater Community Temple in its original location at 924 North Dunlap.

I was 12 years old at the time, and I watched him reach out to people in the surrounding community. He had a very benevolent heart, and I’m committed to carrying on that legacy of giving. That is just who we are,” said Porter Because the event takes place on the eve of Easter Sunday, baskets, dresses, and suits will be given to all the children.

“We’re calling it ‘Good Saturday’ because it follows Good Friday, said Porter.

“Many families have no health insurance and need to be screened for things like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Many are in need of securing gainful employment. The job fair will address that need.

“We decided to provide gas cards since prices are so high at the pump,” he said. “We gave out gas cards last year, but it was kind of an impromptu thing. A lady shared that she didn’t have enough gas to return home for our

RELIGION BRIEFS

BRIEFLY: Keel Avenue M. B. Church – “The Avenue” – will feature its Easter celebration service on Sunday (April 8) beginning at 9 a.m. The Easter sermon will be delivered by the Rev. Robert C. Jones Jr., host pastor, with min-

church. She believed that God would somehow make a way for her to get home. That’s how the gas cards became a vital part of our effort.”

A challenge to churches and businesses

When the church doors open early Friday morning, other churches, sororities, fraternities, social and civic organizations, individuals, and local-area businesses are being asked to donate non-perishable food, new or slightly worn clothing, household supplies, toiletries, and monetary gifts.

“I’m off from work on my present job, but I’ll be at the church all day to receive the clothing and other donations,” said McGlothlin.

“Miracles in Memphis helps us grow in stature and grace.

Jesus paid the ultimate price for us. He gave His life. We are most like Him when we are found giving, “Outreach must always show forth the love of God, and those who need to experience that unconditional love are those outside the church walls,” said McGlothlin. “Jesus’ ministry took place, not in church, but outside where people were. He turned over tables inside the church. But healing, deliverance, and His teaching were witnessed outside. We must be relevant in addressing practical needs.

That is real ministry.”

Miracles in Memphis will take place on the church grounds on Winchester Road.

“We like to say that we’re not new to this, but we’re true to this,” said Porter.

(For more information, or to make a donation, call 901527-9255, or visit www.gctministries.org.)

ister in dance by the children and senior adults ages 65 to71. There is a message for the young and the old. “The Avenue” is located at 778 N. Bellevue Blvd. For more information, contact the church at 901-278-6408.

Page 9

COMMUNITY

Page 10

BRIEFS & THINGS Cohen to host sessions on education and infant mortality

Congressman Steve Cohen will join with the U.S. Department of Education, the Corporation for National and Community Service, and the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships to host “Together for Tomorrow: A Town Hall on Community Engagement in Education” at Westside Middle School – located at 3389 Dawn Drive – on April 12 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

The Town Hall is designed to help spotlight and foster partnerships between schools, families, national service programs, and community-based organizations to help improve our lowest-performing schools.

On April 14, Cohen will host a “Forum on Infant Mortality” from 10 a.m. to noon at the Hollywood Community Center located at 1560 North Hollywood St., Memphis, TN. Participants include: Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, acting director of HHS Office of Minority Health; Tonya Lewis Lee, national best-selling author, award-winning TV producer and the face of a national infant mortality campaign; Dr. Ramasubbareddy Dhanireddy, UTHSC, Leader of The MED’s Newborn Center; A local peer educator from the “Health Baby Begins With You” Campaign; and Keisha M. Walker, administrator, Office of Early Childhood and Youth.

Tri-State Defender

April 5 - 11, 2012

Only In Memphis!!

The New Tri-State Defender’s new readercontributed column – Only In Memphis – is rolling forward. Keep your submissions coming. Remember to send your anecdotes, experiences, photos, videos or just your thoughts about things that could be Only In Memphis!

Hard out here for a…

Today a Chevy Impala drove past me. They had a custom paint job with the word “Pimpala” written down almost the full length of

OIM!

the car! Only in Memphis!!!

– T.R.

About time

Only in Memphis would it take 44 years to simply rename a street for the most important human rights leader, arguably in the history of the world.

– D. L.

Roll before you walk

OIM would bike lanes be approved of and placed on a major road such as Brooks Road

off of Elvis Presley, when there are NO sidewalks for pedestrian traffic.

– V.R.

By the light of the moon

Why in the hell would the city/MLGW decide to tear Union Avenue up during the busiest time of the day? I mean when I travel to other cities they do this type of work in the evening or off peak times. Only in Memphis!!

– I.S.

(Email your accounts and experiences (no more than 300 words) to onlyinmemphis@tristatedefender.com.)

Memphis’ Shannon Wright advances in Boys & Girls Clubs regional competition

Shannon Wright, a senior at Kingsbury High, has been selected to represent Tennessee at the Southeast Regional Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year Competition.

Wright represented the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis (BGCM) after being selected from six candidates representing each of the Memphis clubs. Each candidate had to be nominated by a Boys & Girls Club staff member, submit an essay and compete in an interview and speech competition.

The Youth of the Year contest evaluates a member’s poise, character, comShannon munity service, academics Wright and service to his or her club. Many of the contestants’ essays focus on the life-changing impact of BGCM and the personal challenges and obstacles they have overcome.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to represent the state of Tennessee,” Wright said.

“It is an awesome feeling having this kind of responsibility!”

Wright has been a member of the Ira Samelson Jr. Branch for many years. She represented BGCM at the state level in 2011 and was named second runner-up. In her year as BGCM Youth of the Year, she spoke in front of the Black Caucus, appeared on “Good Morning Memphis,” and recited her speech in front of more than 700 people at the United Way Luncheon.

For more information, contact info@bgcm.org, call 901-278-2947 or visit www.bgcm.org.

Early registration looms for Summer Camp 2012

Early Registration for City of Memphis Summer Camp 2012 is April 14 from 9 a.m. until noon at all Memphis Community Centers. Over 2,100 campers are expected to attend 25 camps throughout the city this year, including one camp for special needs.

Camp is open to children ages 5 to 12 years old and a Teen Camp will be held for teenagers 13 to 15 years old. The dates are June 11 through July 27. The hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, Monday through Friday The City of Memphis resident fee is $162 per child or $81 (discount rate) per child on verified government assistance. The non-resident fee is $324. The early arrival fee is $35 for one child and $55 for two or more.

Parents who take advantage of early registration have the option to pay in full and have a guaranteed spot or pay half of total fees and have a guaranteed spot for 30 days. Balance of partial payments must be received on or before regular registration May 12. Payment is to be made by money order or cashier’s check only.

Regular Registration will be Saturday, May 12 from 9 a.m. until noon and late registration will be June 9 from 9 a.m. to noon at all centers with available slots. Participants with special needs should register at the Raymond Skinner center. For more information, call 901-5764203, your local community center, or visit www.memphistn.gov and follow the link to Summer Camp 2012.

LOC’s Concert Choir tuned up for annual spring concert

The LeMoyne-Owen College Concert Choir’s annual spring concert is set for April 18, beginning at 7 p.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1000 South Cooper.

The choir, accompanied by a chamber orchestra, will perform Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and other standards from the choral repertoire. Choir director Dr. Allen Todd says concertgoers should be prepared to enjoy a diverse program.

“We’ll also sing spirituals and gospels, along with music from Africa,” said Todd.

The concert is free and open to public.

For more information, contact Dr. Allen at 901-435-1310.

BRIEFLY: In an effort to promote health and wellness to the local community, Methodist South Hospital will host its fourth annual Whitehaven Healthy Community Day on Saturday, April 14 at 1300 Wesley Drive. For more information, visit www.methodisthealth .org/healthwalk or call 901-516-3580.

TJ Malveaus, a 13 year old staying in Memphis at the Ronald McDonald House while he is treated for cancer, would rather read a book than play video games, said his mother, Vijaya Malveaus. (Courtesy photo)

Faith and Memphis’ embrace anchor teen battling cancer away from home Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Brittany Fitzpatrick Every morning, 13-year-old TJ Malveaus makes his way down the hallway at Ronald McDonald House® of Memphis, stopping to greet each staff member along the way.

He politely refers to each staff person as Mr. or Miss, smiling and waving as his black-rimmed glasses gleam in the fluorescent light. After observing him, one gets the sense that TJ has never met a stranger.

“He met most of the staff here before I did,” said his mom, Vijaya.

One would never know from his cheerful disposition that this 13 year old who loves chocolate ice cream is battling a rare form of cancer.

According to Vijaya, TJ started complaining of headaches at the age of 5.

“We kept taking him back and forth to the doctor and they never found anything,” explained Vijaya. It wasn’t until Feb. 8, 2012 that an MRI revealed that TJ’s headaches were the result of a brain tumor that had also spread to his spine.

“The tumor had been there so long that it had shifted the bone in his head….That explained a lot of the things that had been going on with him over the years,” Vijaya said. TJ was diagnosed with Intracranial Girmanoma, a form of cancer that affects 0.7 per million children, according to the Journal of NeuroOncology.

TJ’s cancer was so rare that no local hospital had the expertise to provide his

treatment. On Feb. 22, they were referred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and headed to Memphis from their hometown of Ruston, La., that same day.

“We really didn’t know what we were coming into. They Vijaya didn’t say anything Malveaus about placement or where we would be staying, they just said you need to pack a bag for a week or two, at the most, and get on the highway. So that’s what we did. We had no idea what we were going to do, but we arrived and were given a place to stay and we’ve been very comfortable,” said Vijaya.

“When we got to Ronald McDonald House, we expected to have a room and that was it. We didn’t know about all of the other rooms – the kitchen, the meditation room, the teen room, the exercise room. We’re not stressed or worried about anything because it’s just like home,” she said.

Because of his cancer type, TJ’s tumor had to be removed right away. His surgery was scheduled for February 27.

“What do you like?” the nurses asked before putting him to sleep.

“Football,” TJ replied.

“What do you want to dream about?” they asked. “Most kids want to dream about driving or cars…”

“I just pray that God blesses you all to

do your job and make me well,” he replied.

“I wasn’t scared when the doctors told me I had cancer,” he said.

“He’s very grounded with his faith and that keeps me going,” said his mother.

Although TJ says he misses his friends, teachers, and schoolmates, the math lover says he’s also made friends at Ronald McDonald House.

The self-described “mama’s boy” said that he has also enjoyed spending time in Memphis with his mom. “We go downtown and ride in the horse carriages. We go to the zoo and the River Walk. TJ loves the water,” said Vijaya.

“Here, I feel very comfortable and appreciative,” TJ said. “I’ve made a lot of friends. They’ll smile at me sometimes and ask me to chase them around. Sometimes I do, but most of the time I just walk around, watch TV, or read a book.”

Vijaya says her son would rather read a book than play video games.

“I like to read about football, and I like to read the Bible,” said TJ. His favorite bible verse is Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

“When I leave here, I’m going to have a long story to tell,” said TJ. Currently reading a book about brain tumors, TJ says his story has inspired him to become a doctor so that he can help other kids.

“He’s happy,” Vijaya said. “It’s a battle, but he says he’s gonna win it. And I believe him.”

TJ looked back at her, smiling with his signature gleam.

I’m with you…

Nicole Cleaborn, a descendant of Edward O. Cleaborn, the namesake of the old Cleaborn Homes, was overcome with emotion during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Cleaborn Point development last Friday (March 30).

Robert Lipscomb, director of the Division of Housing and Community Development and executive director of the Memphis Housing Authority, was there for comfort. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

Tri-State Defender

COMMUNITY

April 5 - 11, 2012

Achievement leap…

The Memphis Branch NAACP held its ACT-SO competition on Tuesday night (April 3) at Colonial Middle School. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

‘Duty of the Hour’ premiere to spotlight Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks Annual Civil and Human Rights Conference, April 18-20

“Duty of the Hour,” a film on the late Rev. Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks, will explore the long, complex, and difficult history of race in America and highlight how our nation was, and can be, transformed by committed visionaries, such as Hooks.

Through interviews, archival film footage, and period photographs, the documentary examines Hooks’s rise from the streets of segregated Memphis to the national stage of policymaking and advocacy.

This red carpet event begins at 5:30 p.m. on April 20 at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Memphis.

Dr. Hooks, nominated by President Richard Nixon, was the first African American to serve on the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC). He used this platform to champion increased ownership and employment in the media industry as well as to expose the detrimental impact of negative images of African Americans in the media.

As Executive Director of the NAACP, he continued to further a civil rights agenda, including demanding corporate, government, and individual accountability in addressing social justice inequities. On Nov. 5, 2007, President George W. Bush awarded Dr. Hooks the nation’s highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in recognition of Hooks’ significant contributions to the nation’s advancement of civil rights for African Americans and others.

The Hooks Institute Conference, Toward a More Perfect Union: Civil Rights, Human Rights and Creating a New Age of Social Responsibility, on April 18-20 precedes the Red Carpet Premiere and complements the public release of “Duty of the Hour.”

The Civil and Human Rights Conference will explore the civil rights activism of Dr. Hooks, the current state of civil rights activism and its relevance to life in America today, and the role of the Civil Rights Movement in shaping and defining issues being tackled by international human rights movements.

Conference highlights include plenary addresses by Kevin Cassidy, Communications and External Relations Officer for the International

Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks

Labour Organization of the United Nations (New York), who will address the United Nation’s role in fostering human rights through poverty reduction, education of women, and creating inclusive markets; and Professor George Chauncey, Department of History, Yale University, who will speak on the history of gays in America and the African American experience.

Julian Bond, noted civil rights activist, will deliver the keynote address. Bond was the founding member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, the first African- American U.S. vice presidential nominee, former chairman of the NAACP, and narrator of the award-winning documentary, “Eyes on the Prize.” He is also the narrator of “Duty of the Hour.”

The conference will feature scholars from the United States and abroad. Distinguished panelists include Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, currently a Commissioner on the FCC and the first African-American woman to hold that position; Dr. Birgit Spiesshofer, Berlin, Germany, an environmental attorney and partner with the Gaemo

Group, whose mission is to assist businesses in combining economic goals with responsible leadership; and Melanie Hudson, Executive Director of Children’s Health Forum, an organization co-founded by Dr. Hooks and the late Honorable Jack Kemp, former member of Congress and Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

On the evening of April 18, Hattiloo Theatre will present the one-hour play, “Who Will Bell the Cat?” – a portrayal of Hooks telling his story through a series of pivotal life events.

All Conference activities will be held on the University of Memphis campus, with most events taking place in the Michael D. Rose Theatre.

(Parking is available in the Zach Curlin garage adjacent to the Rose Theatre.)

With the exception of the Red Carpet Premiere of “Duty of the Hour” and the Hattiloo Theatre production, all Conference activities are free and open to the public. The public may purchase tickets to the Red Carpet Premiere at the Orpheum Theatre’s website, www.orpheum-memphis.com.

Tickets to the Hattiloo Theatre performance are $10 each and may be purchased by faculty, staff and students and the public online or directly from the Bursar’s Office.

The Red Carpet Premiere and “Duty of the Hour” were made possible by the contributions of many, including the following principle sponsors: DuPont Corporation; The Hyde Family Foundations; FedEx; First Tennessee Bank; Wal-Mart; Allstate; International Paper; Temple Israel – Rabbi James A. Wax Fund; AT&T Tennessee; and the African and African American Studies program at the U of M. (For more information, visit www.memphis.edu/benhooks)

Page 11

ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, April 5 - 11, 2012, Page 12

WHAT’S HAPPENING MYRON?

‘Think Like A Man’

Steve Harvey’s “Think Like A Man” movie will be hitting theatres real soon – more proof that the comedian, radio talk shot host, television game show host and bestselling author is showing no signs Myron of slowing down.

Mays “Think Like A Man” stars Kevin Hart, Gabrielle Union, Jerry Ferrara, Meagan Good, Taraji P. Henson and Michael Ealy and it’s based on Harvey’s bestseller. The film follows four interconnected and diverse men whose love lives are shaken up after the ladies they are pursuing buy Harvey’s book and start taking his advice to heart.

For Harvey, “Think Like A Man” the movie is another step on a journey that many first tuned too when he hosted television’s “Showtime at the Apollo.” Then came “Me and the Boys” and the “Steve Harvey Show.”

Did you know that Harvey’s radio show is the second most listened to syndicated radio show in the country, only second to Rush Limbaugh?

A couple of years ago, Harvey became the first African-American host of the long running game show, “The Family Feud.” Later this year, he will be hosting his own syndicated talk show simply titled “Steve Harvey.”

He made room for this by retiring from doing stand-up comedy.

Now the guy is making films. I get the feeling that this is only the beginning. It’s a smart move for him. At some point, every comedian stops being as funny as they once were. Then what? Their popularity starts to wane and the next thing you know, they stop being relevant.

I can’t see this happening with Harvey, simply because he gets it. Comedy is only one part of his talent. He’d be crazy to put all of his eggs in that basket. He has proven that diversity is his key to success. I’m just wondering what the guy is gonna do next.

Wanna check out the movie before it hits theatres? I got a little inside information on how you can catch a sneak screening of the film on Wednesday, April 18, courtesy of Soul Classics 103.5. Here’s how you get your tickets; just visit the station’s website at www.soulclassics1035.com.

If you are interested in knowing what the movie is all about, just check out the trailer at www.thinklikeaman-movie.com.

Happy Birthday to comedienne Kecia

Join my friend and “play sister” Kecia as she celebrates her 45th birthday this Friday (April 6) at the Blu Restaurant and Lounge located at 3895 Hacks Cross Rd. I’m surprised that she even revealed her real age. I was expecting for her to say she’d turning 21 or something. (lol) The celebration goes down from 8 p.m. until 3 a.m. And everyone gets in for free the whole night long.

There is a strict dress code enforced.

That means you must wear jeans and a T-shirt! I’ll be in the house.

Don DC Curry at the Funny Bone

Wow, I have to give the people at Harrah’s Casino Tunica credit. They do a wonderful job at making sure they keep a steady stream of urban comics coming through the MidSouth. April 12-14, you can check out comedian Don DC Curry at the Funny Bone. You’ve seen him as Uncle Elroy in two of the “Friday” movies and he has also been featured on “The Steve Harvey Show” as well as his own Comedy Central special.

Now you can see him on stage. Get your tickets by visiting www.funnybonetunica.com.

V101 & Funk Fest 2012

V101 presents Funk Fest 2012 at the Mud Island Amphitheatre June 15-16. Special guests are Erykah Badu, Keith Sweat, Charlie Wilson, Keith Sweat, Cameo and Old School hip hop Veteran Special Ed. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and ticketmaster.com. For more info, go to www.funkfest2012.com.

Parting shot

You know, it just occurred to me that I have not gotten my taxes done.

Time to switch gears! (lol) Until then, that’s what’s happening.

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

“I have no intentions of stopping what Iʼm doing. This is my calling. I still love it.” – Thelma Houston (Photos by Warren Roseborough)

‘MED Night’ was MEDelicious Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Dorothy Bracy Alston For the second consecutive year, “MED Night: A Soul Celebration” transformed the Peabody Hotel’s Grand Ballroom into a packed house.

The 26-year-old MED Foundation sponsored last Saturday’s (March 31) event, which was co-chaired by Susan Scheidt Arney and Leigh Shockey.

It was fun – fun for a good cause. During the reception, the crowd’s energy was high and electric with expectation of a good time, many reminiscing about the event’s first successful year.

The reception’s vigor carried over into the Grand Ballroom, evidenced by the smiles and bursts of laughter. The sponsors, supporters and guests shared the same mission: to commemorate and ensure The MED’s continued success, under the leadership of President and CEO, Dr. Reginald Coopwood, who has guided The MED from a financially strapped healthcare institution to a thriving state of the art medical facility.

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Robert Sumter, PhD, said in an earlier interview with The New Tri-State Defender, “The road ahead is very bright. We now have the ability to be the hospital of choice. It’s closer now than it’s ever been.”

Board member and co-chair Arney echoed those sentiments on MED Night.

“I was asked three times to be on the board and said no, but when Dr. Coopwood took me on a tour and I actually saw what great work the MED does, I was hooked. I immediately said yes,” said Arney.

“What The MED does is such a well-kept secret. I live in East Memphis. I love The MED so much, I would get care there.”

The evening’s accents included a live auction, with a professional auctioneer offering trips to such places as Paris, France; Tuscany, Italy; China, Bali Hai in the South Pacific, and so much more, with every auction item sold.

Still more excitement was to come, as the headlining Grammy Award winning entertainers prepared to grace the stage. Thelma Houston; Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., formerly of the Fifth Dimensions; The Temptations Review, featuring Dennis Edwards; and The Four Tops have been crowd pleasers for decades, beginning in the sixties and seventies when rhythm and soul ruled the charts.

Thelma Houston, wearing an electric gold metallic outfit, kicked things off with her soulful disco style music. Her stage persona, big voice and musical notes seemed effortless. She wowed guests to the dance floor, moving them to party hardy, as she sang “Do You Like Good Music” and other soul-stirring hits. After forty years of entertaining, she still has the “it factor.”

In an interview Friday (March 30) evening with The New Tri-State Defender, Houston said, “I have no intentions of stopping what I’m doing. This is my calling. I still love it.”

The party was on. No, there was no popping and locking; no dropping it like it’s hot; no breakdancing, because no one came to “break a leg.” It’s The MED, remember – representing a place where people are healed and aren’t encouraged or cajoled to risk injury, but where quality care in orthopedics and other services is highly valued.

Oh, but the “souled-out” crowd danced the night away. They swayed, rocked, glided, twirled and sashayed to the up-beat disco and bluesy tempo of husband and wife, McCoo and Davis, who recently celebrated 40 years in the industry and 42 years of marriage. They sang their classic hits and several love songs from their “Many Faces of Marriage” CD, such as “You Are So Beautiful To Me.” People who’d been sitting all evening, rushed to the stage during the performance

The Temptations showed that they could make grandmas get up on their sore aching feet and do their thang.

The MED Night groove included the up-beat disco and bluesy tempo of husband and wife, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, who recently celebrated 40 years in the industry and 42 years of marriage.

of Motown’s soulful, timeless and classy ensemble, The Temptations, who showed that they can make grandmas get up on their sore aching feet and do their thang. At their disposal were such beloved classics as “My Girl,” “Get Ready, Here I Come,” “Poppa Was a Rolling Stone,” and “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg.” When you’ve developed a longstanding love and passion for the Motown rhythm and soul movement, it never ends. The Four Tops, like The Temptations, only have one founding member, Abdul “Duke” Fakir, but you’d never know it. Their traditional hits: “It’s The Same Old Song,” “I’ll Be There,” “Reach Out For Me,” and others sounded just as good as when they were first released.

Yes, The MED Foundation event was “A Soulful Celebration.” It fed the soul and the body. It was literally “souled-out,” with a scrumptious meal, headlining entertainment and wide-ranging financial supporters.

(Dorothy Bracy Alston is a journalist, author, freelance writer and, adjunct English professor. Visit Dorothy’s blog at http://www.CisbaAssociates.blogspot.com; join her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dorothybracyalston, email her at DBAlston@hotmail.com or call 901-570-3923.)

President and CEO, Dr. Reginald Coopwood, has guided The MED from a financially strapped healthcare institution to a thriving state of the art medical facility.

Tri-State Defender

ENTERTAINMENT

Page 13

April 5 - 11, 2012

OPENING THIS WEEK

Kam’s Kapsules:

Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun

van Stapleton.

“Keyhole” (R for sexuality, violence, profanity and graphic nudity) Surrealistic crime saga about a Prodigal mob boss’ (Jason Patric) nostalgic return home where he proceeds to reminisce while slowly searching the premises for his wife (Isabella Rossellini), much to the chagrin of his impatient henchmen waiting downstairs with a drowning victim (Brooke Palsson) and a bound-andgagged hostage (David Wontner).

Cast includes Udo Kier, Kevin McDonald and Daniel Enright. (In English and French with subtitles)

Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Kam Williams

For movies opening April 6, 2012

BIG BUDGET FILMS

“American Reunion” (R for nudity, profanity, drug use, teen drinking, pervasive crude humor and graphic sexuality) 4th installment in the American Pie franchise finds the four former classmates (Jason Biggs, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Chris Klein and Thomas Ian Nicholas) again up to their old tricks over the course of their high school reunion weekend. Ensemble cast includes Eugene Levy, Seann William Scott, Jennifer Coolidge, Alyson Hannigan, Mena Suvari, John Cho and Natasha Lyonne.

“MIS – Human Secret Weapon” (Unrated) World War II documentary belatedly crediting the contributions made by patriotic Japanese-Americans translating intercepted messages and cracking enemy codes, despite the fact that their families were caged like animals in desert internment camps. Narrated by Lane Nishikawa, and including interviews with Norm Mineta, Tamlyn Tomita and Sen. Daniel Inouye.

“Titanic” (PG-13 for nudity, sensuality, violence, peril and brief profanity) 3D re-release of Oscar-sweeping disaster epic about the whirlwind romance of two star-crossed lovers (Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio) who meet aboard the RMS Titanic during the ill-fated ocean liner’s maiden voyage. With Kathy Bates, Billy Zane, Frances Fisher and Gloria Stuart.

“We the Party” (R for profanity, sexuality and teen drug use) Comingof-age, hip-hop driven dramedy, written and directed by Mario Van Peebles, revolving around the angst of five high school students confronting their feelings about sex, bullying, romance and materialism.

With Mandela Van Peebles, Simone Battle, Moises Arias and Patrick Cage II.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

“The Assault” (R for violence) Fact-based thriller recounting the Christmas Eve hijacking in 1994 of Air France Flight 8969 from Algiers to Marseilles by four Islamic terrorists determined to crash the plane into the Eiffel Tower. Starring Vincent Elbaz, Gregori Derangere, Melanie

“Player Hating: A Love Story” (Unrated) Brooklyn-based documentary about hip-hop artist Half-aMill’s attempt to rap his way out of the ‘hood to superstardom with help of his talented crew.

Bernier and Aymen Saidi. (In French with subtitles)

“ATM” (R for violence and terror) Psychological thriller about three coworkers (Brian Geraghty, Alice Eve and Josh Peck) who end up in a desperate fight for their lives after being barricaded in a bank vestibule by a creep with an unknown agenda.

“Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope” (Unrated) Documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock un-

characteristically stayed behind the camera to take an intimate peek at the quirky comic book fans who attend the industry’s annual convention in San Diego. With appearances by director Kevin Smith, actor Seth Rogen and Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee. “Damsels in Distress” (PG-13 for sexuality and mature themes) Female empowerment comedy about three college coeds (Greta Gerwig, Carrie MacLemore and Megalyn Echikun-

woke) who decide to do something about the chauvinistic environment on campus. With Analeigh Tipton, Ryan Metcalf and Jermaine Crawford.

“The Hunter” (R for profanity and brief violence) Willem Dafoe stars in the title role of this action adventure about a mercenary hired by a biotech company to track down the last Tasmanian tiger living in the Australian wilderness. With Sam Neill, Frances O’Connor and Sulli-

April 5-11, 2012

“Surviving Progress” (Unrated) De-evolution documentary suggesting that supposed technological advances such as materialism and mass consumption might merely be an unsustainable trap sealing the fate of the polluted planet and clueless humanity. Featuring physicist Stephen Hawking, conservationist Jane Goodall and environmental activist Margaret Atwood.

“We Have a Pope” (Unrated) Psychological drama about a newly-appointed pope (Michel Piccoli) who consults a shrink (Nanni Moretti) after experiencing panic attacks at the start of his tenure as pontiff. With Jerzy Stuhr, Renato Scarpa and Camillo Milli. (In Italian, German, Latin, English, Spanish, Polish and French with subtitles)

HOROSCOPES

ARIES Look forward to excellent financial news based on something you’re likely to do this week. Wow! It’s about time. This week might be an excellent week to window shop for a dream vacation or luxury purchase.

You can even window shop in your imagination for the best possible dream vacation location!

TAURUS You’ll have a busy week, as the energy around you seems super-charged. With everyone rushing about, you’ll wonder how you’ll get anything done, much less the things you feel you must get done. Not to worry. Stay calm and flexible and a way will be found.

GEMINI Stand up and get ready. Be a public speaker this week. Any subject you choose is ripe for your “rap.” Spin the tale. Tell the story. People will be fascinated by the way you see things. They’ll be impressed.

Watch out for a jealous friend when attention is on you!

CANCER Be as sharp as you can be this week. Make being alert a personal challenge. Watch carefully for details that might otherwise escape your notice as you search for the best way to get things done at work. Be steadfast in your determination and don’t be pulled into conflict with coworkers.

LEO You may feel a bit crabby about your health this early this week. If you feel you need a physical checkup, make the appointment this week. If you want to feel and look better this week, skip lunch and take a walk instead.

VIRGO Like-mindedness is going to be hard to achieve among your coworkers, but there are likely to be a few who see things as you do. Choose carefully and find someone to walk with you on this week’s journey. Some words of encouragement might be needed to enlist the person you choose.

LIBRA Where are you going in such a hurry?

What you want you already have. Stop looking around yourself trying to find out what’s missing. Nothing is missing. The best kind of discovery this week is self-discovery.

SCORPIO Get out and enjoy the sunshine this week.

Remember that the sun is always shining somewhere in our big island home, so use your imagination if the weather isn’t perfect where you are. You can still enjoy your week and the sun that is shining whether you see it or not!

SAGITTARIUS Look for an increase in your personal prosperity this week, my little darlings.

You’ll either be receiving a long-overdue debt, an unexpected bonus, a lucky lottery ticket, or you may just find cash laying at your feet as you are out for a stroll. Lucky! You love feathering your nest and this week the Universe is helping you.

CAPRICORN Dive into it! Don’t be intimated by the unknown. Your adventurous spirit can take you to a new place of celebration this week. If you can, bring someone along who can celebrate in the same manner with you. Harmony and peace is the motto that you should chant when you accomplish what you want to do!

AQUARIUS You may find that discussions at home have taken a sudden, spiritual orientation.

Give everyone room to express their personal beliefs without trying to preach your point of view. Your open-mindedness helps you with deep learning this week.

PISCES Feeling bold, are we? Well, go with the flow of your feelings! No other sign can call on inner courage as easily as you. Whether at home, at work, or out on the town, let your personal statements be stylish and bold!

Source: NNPA News Service

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Notice of Public Design Meeting The Uptown Partnership, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Riverfront Development Corporation invite you to a Public Meeting regarding master planning for the Uptown West study area, to be held on Tuesday, April 10, 2012, 5:30-7:00pm at the BRIDGES Center, 477 N. 5th Street, Memphis, TN 38105. The meeting will include a presentation, design discussion, and question and answer period to discuss the Draft Master Plan for the area bounded

by A.W. Willis Avenue, Second Street, N. Island Drive, and the Wolf River Harbor in the Uptown neighborhood. For information contact: Steve Auterman, LRK, 175 Toyota Plaza, Suite 600, Memphis, TN, (901) 5211440 or www.uptownmemphiswest.com.

PUBLIC NOTICE EXECUTORʼS NOTICE Estate of TERRY WAYNE GREEN, late of Memphis City, County of Shelby, and State of Tennessee, deceased. Letters of testamentary of said estate having been granted to the undersigned, all persons firms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 21st day of April, 2012 for settlement and closure to: Office of Executor: Clinton-Levi: Ali c/o 384 E. GOODMAN ROAD Apt. #229, Southaven [zip code exempt] MISSISSIPPI STATE PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of Name Correction Public notice is hereby given that Terry Wayne Green a/k/a Terry Green has corrected his name to Clinton Levi Ali Effective 3/21/2012.

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LEGAL NOTICE TO FURNISHERS OF LABOR AND MATERIALS TO CHRIS HILL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, LLC FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A BIKE/PEDESTRIAN TRAIL BETWEEN TILLMAN AND SHELBY FARMS PARK “CSX RAILS TO TRAILS CONTRACT NUMBER CA104426 Notice is hereby give that SHELBY COUNTY is preparing to make settlement with CHRIS HILL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, LLC for necessary and related work for the rehabilitation and/or construction of CONSTRUCTION OF A BIKE/PEDESTRIAN TRAIL BETWEEN TILLMAN AND SHELBY FARMS PARK “CSX RAILS TO TRAILS ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS. All persons holding claims against the Contractor, CHRIS HILL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, LLC or their agents for materials or labor entering into the construction of this project must file itemized notice of such claim (two copies) with the original copy sworn to before a Notary Public. This notice to be received at the office of Clifton Davis, Administrator of Purchasing, Room 550, 160 North Mid-America Mall, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, on or before May 12, 2012 in order to obtain the advantages afforded to claimants by legal statute.

Respectfully submitted, Clifton Davis Administrator of Purchasing Shelby County Government

There are too many guns in our society, Dr. Frank Anthony Thomas, pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, told a crowd at the National Civil Rights Museum. (Photo

by Warren Roseborough)

The Rev. Jesse Jackson (l-r), Rabbi Ben Kamin, author of a new book about Dr King, and Dr. Thomas lay a reef on the balcony where Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968. (Photo by Warren Roseborough)

Real estate

The Greenwood CME Church has lease space available for schools, day care, or office use. Please contact 901-744-7531 for an appointment.

Vendors sold shirts bearing the images of Trayvon Martin and Dr. King outside the National Civil Rights Museum, which encompasses the old Lorraine Motel where Dr. King was fatally shot. (Photo

by Warren Roseborough)

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The crowd attending the street renaming in honor of Dr. King included sanitation department workers. (Photo by Jonwalter Lewis)

KING

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

has pushed past the tragedy forever marked by the death of Dr. King, “we still have a long way to go.”

In the crowd were Memphis sanitation department employees, who attended the ceremony to pay tribute to the man who gave his life representing the striking workers of the union in 1968.

They rubbed shoulders with members and alumni of Dr. King’s fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha.

And with the likes of Lifeline Success employees, who took a break from daily activities to attend, along with Founder/Executive Director, Minister DeAndre Brown Sr. Many will remember the closing moments of the two-hour event.

The Rev. Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr., pastor of The New Olivet Baptist Church, asked the crowd to kneel down, extend hands, and bless the

With hands extended, the crowd helps bless the aveneue that now bears Dr. Kingʼs name. (Photo by Jonwalter Lewis) street, which is now christened Dr. Martin Luther King Ave.

(This story reflects a report by Jonwalter Lewis.)

NEWS

Tri-State Defender

Page 15

April 5 - 11, 2012

JACKSON

The moment is but a minute, it becomes a fad, but the movement is where sustainable change takes place. It took us nine years to get from the back to the front of the bus. It took us ten years to go from the front of the bus to the right to vote. So it’s not the sensation of the moment but the effort over the long haul.

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

public education?

Rev. Jackson: One issue is to fight for equal funding; another issue is to stop the disproportionate suspension of black males, which is driving them into truancy and other issues. Let us not forget that when Trayvon Martin was first suspended from school he was suspended for an un-chargeable criminal offense, something that should have been dealt with within the school.

They put him out of school, then he goes to Sanford, then he’s profiled and then he is killed….It started with a school suspension….

I want you to read today’s Chicago Sun Times; there is an article that references the inequity in school discipline policies and approaches. In that article, it is stated that in just (the) last school year students in Chicago lost a total of nearly 307,000 days of school due to out-of-school suspensions. What’s worse is 76 percent are African American.

What do they do? Where do they go? We’ve got to take that on. A major challenge to academic performance particularly amongst AfricanAmerican students is driven by suspension, expulsion and truancy, things that keep our children out of schools and in many instances criminalizes them creating a school to prison pipeline.

B.E.S. II: As a board member of a charter school (MAHS) here in Memphis and a former member of the Disproportionate Minority Contact committee working to reduce the referrals of AfricanAmerican students from schools into the juvenile justice system, I know well that challenge. I recall when I was in high school at Whitehaven, there was maybe one time that the police ever had to come to our school, maybe.

Rev. Jackson: I was saying similarly the other day; I do not remember a single expulsion or suspension when I was in school. Maybe a few guys got into something crazy, but the principal called their parents and/or their pastor, but there were no out-of-school suspensions. Now, truant officers are police. A truant officer used to be someone that would go to the child’s home and figure out what happened. Nowadays there is no truant officer, just the police.

B.E.S. II: You are right and it starts the criminalization of our kids at an early age.

Rev. Jackson: You are absolutely right, our children are being criminalized for things that were once dealt with sensibly that kept them in school and on the path of learning.

B.E.S. II: Transitioning to another critical issue, what are the broader strategies to ensure a high level of voter registration and turnout, combat voter suppression and oppressive voter laws?

Rev. Jackson: First of all there are 450 seniors at Whitehaven High School that we registered to vote this week. Those students will walk across the stage with a diploma in one hand and a voter’s registration card in the other. This is doable, all the high school students preparing for the next phase of life should register, and all those in college who want lower tuition and more affordable access to college should register and vote. Another block of support for all voter issues should be our churches. They must prioritize voter disenfranchisement, voter ID issues and voting as major issues on which they work and educate. Then the media – radio, print, television any platforms or outlets through

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The Rev. Jesse Jackson addresses administrators and students at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. At the table (left) are Dean Marie Chisholm-Burns, first African American to lead the nationally ranked UTHSC College of Pharmacy, and (center) UTHSC Chancellor Steve J. Schwab, MD. (Courtesy photo) which we have a voice – must be used to deal with these issues.

B.E.S. II: Speaking of media, I always say we live in what I call a celebrity culture, where fame and celebrity are powerful drivers of and influencers on popular culture. One of the things we saw during 2008 was the engagement of celebrities and hip-hop stars to ignite and excite young people to get involved with the voting process. It seems that as we have begun this election year in 2012 there is an absence of the stars, the Puffy’s, Jay-Z’s etc., and the energy that was generated to motivate young people to the polls. Why do you think that is and how do we get that back?

Rev. Jackson: The President (Barack Obama) at that time represented and generated unprecedented hope in the eyes of so many. But now it has to be his strategy and priority to revive that same hope by addressing people’s real needs. Black kids need more than good advice, they need jobs. We need to revive the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to deal with continued injustice in this country. A rising tide will lift some but not all boats, some of us are not in boats but barely treading water. We must do the best we can, but the burden is on the President and the DNC (Democratic National Committee). They have the most resources. They must utilize those resources to motivate the base to action.

B.E.S. II: So, how important do you think it is, given the climate of the country, to get President Obama re-elected?

And do you think he will get re-elected?

Rev. Jackson: Well, two things he has going for him.

One is the Republican right wing has been so self-destructive. The right wing agenda has alienated a lot of people. That’s one thing. The other one is that we were losing 800,000 jobs a month when he took office, now jobs are growing in some sectors. The automotive industry was gone, it is now back.

The health care plan to help millions is in place, it’s under attack but is in place. So the foundation is there, but convincing people – the base and independents – that their vote will have returns is the priority and something we all must work on. I know that if the right wing gets back in with a return to state’s rights, we’ll be set back a half century. If they get to appoint two Supreme

Court justices, our lifetime will never see the end result of that and it certainly won’t be positive for the masses of the people. We may see it on the current health care issue, we just don’t know yet.

B.E.S. II: Speaking of health care, if it’s stricken down, where do we go relative to providing health care to millions?

Rev. Jackson: It means it creates (a) condition where many people will die. People without jobs or the ability to buy increasingly costly health insurance, which is driven up by the fact that there are so many people who can’t pay for the services, will be forced to go without and suffer because of it. Ultimately we have to determine if we value the lives of all people or just those with money. If we do value all, we will find a way to provide health care coverage to them.

B.E.S. II: The tragedy of the murder of Trayvon Martin has sparked national discussion, debate and action. Is there any update on the case and potential arrest of (George) Zimmerman (who says he fatally shot Martin in self-defense)?

Rev. Jackson: Zimmerman being arrested is a limited goal.

For example, with Rosa Parks the bus driver stops the bus and says police arrest her. If we had gotten the bus driver and the police officer arrested, it wouldn’t have mattered to change the condition that created the situation. It was state law that allowed them to do what they did and it is the Stand-Your-Ground law that allowed Zimmerman to do what he did without arrest.

Twenty-five states have stand-your-ground law. In Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi there is a stand-your-ground law and we have to fight it. We have to fight to ban assault weapons and access to those kinds of high-powered weapons in the streets. We have to fight to end voter suppression laws. At least those three things have to be high priority. Stop voter suppression laws, stop standyour-ground laws and revive the ban on assault weapons.

B.E.S. II: So the triumph that will be born out of the tragedy in Florida is the legislative change or bigger than that?

Rev. Jackson: It’s the way people are aware and how they respond. There’s a case in Chicago where a man was shot 28 times by police and he is

about to be sentenced. There is another case in Chicago where an autistic kid was shot and killed by police. You’ve got Diallo in New York and Trayvon in Florida. So the hope is that it will arouse a new energy, a new fight for justice for the Trayvon in your town and for justice overall and certainly against violence. That means blacks will become less tolerant of crime, violent crime and certain for black-on-black crime. We must take a different position on violence overall and this issue has at least caused us to look at that issue in a new light.

B.E.S. II: In some instances

Trayvon has been called a modern-day Emmett Till, sparking a national consciousness and debate. Given the outcry and action that has been borne out of this situation, is it possible to create a sustainable movement for change from this?

Rev. Jackson: If our goals are clear, yes. If our goal is to turn this anger into massive demonstration and actionable change, yes. If you have your voter’s registration card underneath your “hoodie” headed to the polls, it’s a big deal; if not, you’re just hoodwinked. What Dr. King knew, and what he taught us is that it wasn’t the moment; it was the movement.

B.E.S. II: You bring up a point that brings up generational issues. We live in a generation that looks for immediate results – a fast food, microwave generation if you will. If I don’t feel or see the change today or tomorrow, I’m disheartened and the effort is not sustained. How do we adjust to or deal with that?

Rev. Jackson: Well, in some ways I understand that.

Obviously we have to keep fighting, but when you see that the banks got immediate change, the insurance companies got immediate change, the automotive industry got immediate change. The people need and deserve immediate change. They need an infusion of jobs and targeted job training now. We need good public transportation and access to jobs now. So a key to sustainable social change is immediate change and equity in economic opportunities for low-income and middle-income families to get back on track again, otherwise there is a growing social unrest.

B.E.S. II: As a pioneer and international leader, what are your words of advice for the next generation of AfricanAmerican leaders?

Rev. Jackson: Maintain the gains and keep pushing forward. Maintain the gains of the past and keep pushing forward. Stem the tide of backwards movement and thought, then focus on maintaining the gains that we’ve achieved and keep pushing forward to complete unfinished business!

SPORTS Tri-State Defender, Thursday, April 5 - 11, 2012, Page 16

GRIZZ TRACK

Damion Wooten of Lausanne is looking to contribute right away to the university of his choice, Freed-Hardeman.

(Photo by Evan Devould)

Gilbert Arenas comes up with a steal against Richard Jefferson of Golden State. (Photos by Warren roseborough)

Bench power – an elixir for victory Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Kelley Evans

The Grizzlies have grown.

They are no longer a young team filled with inexperienced hardworking players. And other teams have taken notice.

“They’re a veteran basketball team that turned up the volume and turned up the heat,” said Warriors head coach Mark Jackson.

On Tuesday night (April 3) at the FedExForum, Grizz head coach Lionel Hollins looked to players who could pull up and pull out when it mattered most.

He went to his reserves and they collectively scored 52 points, securing a 98-94 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

Bench power and deepened depth has been the answer in the last two games and was a factor in the Grizzlies clawing back from a deficit for the win.

At halftime, both teams went to their locker rooms with the score tied at 50. The crowd, 14,301, was growing weary.

Why couldn’t Memphis get ahead of the curve, gain a substantial lead and top the Warriors.

“We have to beat this team,” one fan said as he walked to the concession stand.

And that’s just what the Grizzlies did to finish the game.

The third quarter was a backand-forth tussle, with Golden State ahead. At the start of the fourth quarter, Hollins reached for answer.

“We were really struggling in the first three quarters, especially the third quarter,” Hollins said.

“I thought our defense was good in the first quarter. We just couldn’t score and then the second quarter we actually scored but didn’t do much defensively.

Then in the fourth we finally found a group. I had Tony

Going all out…

A Wooddale Middle School sprinter breaks the tape first in the boyʼs 100meter dash, with runners from Cordova and Airways middle schools on his heels during a recent meet at Halle Stadium.

(Photos by Andre Mitchell)

(Allen), O.J. (Mayo), and Gilbert (Arenas) playing together along with Marc (Gasol) and Dante (Cunningham). They just finished it up and brought it home.”

Mayo led six Grizzlies in double figures with 19 points, his third consecutive game to lead the team in scoring while coming off the bench. Cunningham returned after experiencing a left ankle sprain in the March 30 game against Houston and finished tying his season-high 13 points and five rebounds. Gasol finished with 12 points.

“I think it was a good night for a few of us who came back from last night,” said Mike Conley who finished with 18 points.

“DC (Cunningham) did a great job coming off of the bench tonight on his game back after his ankle (injury). He did a good job of coming back and being aggressive. We picked up where we left off.”

With the Golden State win, Memphis extended its winning streak to three games after beating the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night (April 2).

The Warriors are a different team than the Grizzlies faced on March 7 at ORACLE Arena.

There is no more Monta Ellis. He was sent to the Milwaukee Bucks. Seth Curry was out with a mild right ankle sprain. Richard Jefferson was picked up from the San Antonio Spurs. And center Andrew Bogut has a fractured left ankle.

Still, the Warriors were up for the challenge. Memphis could not gain an offensive rhythm for three quarters and the Warriors took advantage. But after Golden State took a 12-point lead (8674) with 10:09 remaining in the fourth quarter, Memphis scored 13 consecutive points to take a one-point lead.

Golden State’s David Lee scored a game-high 22 points and

Dante Cunningham of the Grizzlies applies tenacious defense, helping to stop Richard Jeffersonʼs progress.

grabbed 13 rebounds for his 25th double-double of the season.

“They’re a good team,” Lee said of the Grizzlies. “They’re a playoff team. Their depth is their bench tonight and that’s who shot the best percentage and everything for them. At some point in the game, they turned up their defensive pressure, and we didn’t react well to it. We had

MIDDLE SCHOOL

some turnovers. Give them credit. They hit shots down the stretch.”

NOTE: The Grizzlies lost to the Dallas Mavericks 95-85 at the American Airlines Arena on Wednesday (April 4), with Mayo’s scoring power (17 points) leading the team off the bench.

Lausanne prep star Wooten chooses FreedHardeman Special to the Tri-State Defender

by Evan Devould

Lausanne High School’s star point guard, Damion Wooten, signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Freed-Hardeman University on Monday (April 2) evening.

Wooten was widely considered as one of the top guards in the city. He averaged 17.3 points per game while dishing out five assists per game as well. His role in helping Lausanne earn a sub-state title game berth netted him West All-Region team honors.

Other schools in the chase for Wooten were Belmont, Lincoln University and Wright State.

So, why pick Freed-Hardeman?

“The chance to play right away,” Wooten said, noting that Freed-Hardeman is a great school academically.

The prep star has a family athletic background. His father, Harold Wooten, played football at Jackson State University, and his mother, Pamela Pointer, played basketball at Lane College.

Freed-Hardeman head coach Jason Shelton attending the signing and his excitement about Wooten’s decision was evident.

Shortly after seeing Wooten play for the first time, Shelton said he got on the telephone and told one of his assistance, “If we are not recruiting this kid we better get on it now.”

Wooten’s IQ for the game and an ability to make players around him better is what caught his eye, said Shelton, who added, “I expect him to come in and contribute right away.”

Harold Wooten said his son chose to play basketball on his own and that neither parent pressured him about what university to choose. While mother and father were together on two key factors – a good academic program and a paid for education – they were determined to support their son’s choice.

Freed-Hardeman is located in Henderson, Tenn.

Winning stride…

The 200-meter dash crown in this race goes to a Cordova sprinter, who outdistanced runners-up competition from American Way and Wooddale.