VOL. 63, No. 23
June 12 - 18, 2014
www.tsdmemphis.com
75 Cents
Silence is not an option! Coalition steps up to spotlight economic and business disparities
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Carlissa Shaw, Esquire “We are sending a clear signal that we can no longer afford to do business as usual in this community,” said Darrell Cobbins, president and chief executive officer, Universal Commercial. Cobbins was among a group of notable minority business owners and leaders who gathered at the National Civil Rights Museum to address economic and business disparities in minority business contracts in Memphis and Shelby County on Tuesday (June 10th). The first of those business leaders to address the crowd of media, business owners and concerned citizens was Ron Redwing. “Our goal is to spotlight these disparities in a way that brings about swift and significant change,” said Redwing, president of 100 Black Men of Memphis. “If Memphis is to rise and become a ‘world-class’ community, all of its citizens must be active participants in its economy.” The coalition’s aim is to increase the number of minority- and womenowned business contracts in Memphis and Shelby County over the next five years, aligning its efforts with the City of Choice and Blueprint for Prosperity initiatives. As a group, the coalition has committed to target this change based on a focused agenda carried out through dialogue, strategic partnerships and direct action. During his address, Cobbins highlighted Memphis’ well-known
- INSIDE -
Wharton, Luttrell respond to call to put disparities on front burner The New Tri-State Defender staff
Ron Redwing (speaking) and Darrell Cobbins (left) helped give voice to a coalition formed to address economic and business disparities in minority business contracts in Memphis and Shelby County. (Photo: George Tillman Jr.) poverty statistics, as well as the multiple disparity studies that have been conducted. Those sources clearly show that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. “We all own some of the problem,
but we now should own some of the solution,” Cobbins said, emphasizing that “the task before this community is not recruiting a middle class, but creating one.” Patrick “Trey” Carter, a self-de-
scribed “second generation social entrepreneur” and President of Olympic Career Training Institute, SEE SILENCE ON PAGE 2
kajanaku@tri-statedefender.com
Rickey Smiley
• Take 10-plus with comedian Rickey Smiley. See Entertainment, page 8. • Fatherhood: Rising to the ultimate challenge. See Opinion, page 4. • The Fulton Four: A family of artists. See Community, page 11. • True soldier Jim Brown on ‘A Little R&R on Sports.” See Sports, page 12.
Lionel Hollins (left) NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown
MEMPHIS WEEKEND SATURDAY
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Friday H-84 L-68 H-84 L-65 H-85 L-70
SEE DISPARITIES ON PAGE 2
Health, well-being and good business: a ‘happy’ combination at McD’s by Karanja A. Ajanaku
FRIDAY
If a group of business and community leaders succeed with the initiative they announced Tuesday morning, increased minority business participation within the public and private sectors of Memphis and Shelby County will become a front-burner issue. Determined to affect what they called “the disproportionate number of contracts awarded to minority and women businesses over the last twenty years,” the group sounded an alarm at a press conference at the National Civil Rights Museum.” Leading up to Tuesday’s announcement, the group made two backdrop observations: Census data from 2007 finds that black-owned businesses in the Memphis metro area received one percent of business receipts in the Memphis MSA. Although the City has improved MWBE prime participa-
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Fast-food giant McDonald’s USA is on a mission to help nurture a healthier America, with Dr. Cindy Goody, director of nutrition, carrying a supersized load of responsibility. Goody and a crew of McDonald’s representatives brought their message to The New Tri-State Defender recently after visiting 50-plus students Director of with ages five to nine at nutrition an area Boys and Club. The push visits TSD Girls there was telling the kids how they could eat from the MyPlate recommended food groups “wherever they are as well as at McDonald’s” They also talked to a similar number of 10- to 14-year-old students. The level of engagement overall was impressive said Goody, weaving in the fact that promoting “movement” is part of McDonald’s education awareness outreach. “It’s not about weight loss. It’s about self-esteem and feeling good about one’s self,” said Goody. McDonald’s is divided into regions and the great southern states are a
Dr. Cindy Goody, director of nutrition for McDonaldʼs USA, said social responsibility relative to nutrition is good for business. (Photo: Shirley Jackson)
model, said Goody, in talking about health and well being among children specifically. Three years ago, McDon-
ald’s USA – 14,000 restaurants, 27 million people each day served – made a commitment to improve nutri-
tion choices offered at its restaurants. “One of the keys and pillars of that strategy was championing children’s well being in what we serve, what we offer to children, what we market to children.” The push includes a new mascot, Happy, whose job is to be a brand ambassador for health eating and physical activity. And coming to a restaurant near you (July 4th nationally) is a low-fat Strawberry Go-Gurt made by General Mills exclusively for McDonald’s. McDonald’s, said Goody. has committed to advertising meals to children under the age of 12 “that fulfill certain nutrition criteria that have been outlined by the U.S.D.A. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010, as well as the Institute of Medicine. And there are other advertising guidelines.” Also, there is a commitment to offer produce or low-fat dairy automatically in every Happy Meal. At the end of the day, however, McDonald’s is a business, a big business. And while some might have difficulty taking the company’s business interests in stride with the declared push on health and well-being, Goody said SEE GOODY ON PAGE 3
Dr. Angelou’s ‘giving spirit’ felt at memorial service DʼArmy Bailey at the memorial service for Dr. Maya Angelou, which was held at Wait Chapel on the campus of Wake Forest University on June 7th (Photo: Courtesy of DʼArmy Bailey)
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by D’Army Bailey
(Attorney and former Circuit Court Judge D’Army Bailey, a civil rights activist, author and actor, attended the memorial services for Dr. Maya Angelou, along with his wife, Adrienne Bailey. This is his special account.)
Dr. Maya Angelou was memorialized Saturday (June 7th) at Wait Chapel on the campus of Wake Forest University with full recognition of her broad political and literary influence across the globe. A diverse crowd from across the country, and some from abroad, filed in under the banner hanging at the chapel front featuring a picture of Dr. Angelou and the words “A Celebration of Rising Joy.” Inside, abundant long stemmed white lilies flowed from large vases and white roses formed a broad ribbon in front of the podium. On display were massive black and
white photographs of Angelou in her younger years, of President Obama placing a medal around the seated An-
gelou’s neck, and of a graceful and spiritual older Angelou accompanied by the phrase: “I’ve learned that people
will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Among those paying respects were Attila Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X, gospel singer Bobby Jones and his choir, Michael Eric Dyson, Bernice King, daughter of Dr. King, Elaine Steele, former aide to Rosa Parks, Adrienne Bailey, Belva Davis Moore, first major black woman broadcaster in San Francisco, India Arie, Julianne Malveaux, Atty. Gen. Eric Holder and Donna Brazile. During the service President Bill Clinton spoke of Dr. Angelou’s perseverance and poetic resonance. Valerie Ashford Simpson sang; Andy Young talked of his great admiration and Cicely Tyson spoke of their decades long friendship and spiritual bond. First lady Michelle Obama told the crowd that ordinarily her mother doesn’t try to tell her what to do but on learning of Dr. Angelou’s death said to SEE ANGELOU ON PAGE 3
NEWS
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DISPARITIES
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SILENCE
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tion since the 1994 Disparity Study, there still remains “significant disparity between the utilization and availability of MWBEs (minority and women business enterprises.) Citing what is dubbed as the “lack of accountability and passive oversight in the awarding of contracts in the Memphis MSA,” the group’s way forward relative to its concerns includes meeting with Mayor AC Wharton Jr., Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell, Memphis Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer, Phil Trenary, Shelby County Schools Superintendent, Dorsey Hopson and Memphis Tomorrow. The New Tri-State Defender reached out to Wharton and Luttrell. Here are their comments:
Rep. G.A. Hardaway answers media questions after the press conference announcing plans for a concentrated push to increase minority business participation within the public and private sectors of Memphis and Shelby County. (Photos: George Tillman Jr.)
Mayor Wharton
“The r e sources the City spends in contracting and procurem e n t opportunities with minority a n d women-owned businesses is an issue we have tried to improve in a number of ways. We have created a volunteer board of local business executives and community leaders to review and critique our contracting practices. We have created online services that make it easier for potential businesses to review existing contracts and contracting opportunities offered through City government. We have expanded our outreach efforts to educate potential business partners. “And while we have seen successes in a number of our major projects during my term as Mayor, I must say that the
Tri-State Defender
June 12 - 18, 2014
“We can no longer be indifferent about an issue that affects the economic viability and sustainability of this community,” said Beverly Robertson, president of the National Civil Rights Museum. criticism of our numbers is fair in that we have been unable to sustain some of those advances
and better diversify the number of minority and women-owned businesses that are contracted
by the City. “I accept this criticism hoping that the attention
said, “Twelve years ago I went off to college to get an education. My father told me to bring that education back to Memphis to help your city and make sure you can make a difference in your community (which is what I did). “It is going to take more than a conversation to make Memphis a city of choice for young professionals; there has to be action to ensure the legacy continues.” Beverly Robertson, president of the National Civil Rights Museum, said it was particularly fitting that the group take its stand at the museum, which incorporates the site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated after coming to Memphis about the same issues: income inequality and poor working conditions. “Dr. King also said we die brought to this matter will inspire local minority and women-owned businesses, especially those who offer professional services and goods and supplies, to initiate the process of becoming a vendor with the City. I have found that far too many of these businesses that actually offer what we seek have not attempted to become a part of our network or bid for upcoming opportunities. “This is where I want to encourage those who are interested in this subject to promotememphistn.gov/business as the one-stop shop where they can get more information on how to do business with the City of Memphis. “Working together, we can move the needle in the right direction, and build on the successes that we have realized.”
Mayor Luttrell
“We’ve made strides to en-
when we become silent about issues that matter, and this is an issue that matters,” said Robertson. “Ensuring that minorities receive their fair share of contracts with the city and county government is an issue that matters.” Under her leadership the National Civil Rights Museum underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, with Robertson proclaiming that 45 to 50 percent of the work went to minority contractors. The intended lesson from that reference was clear: there are qualified and available minorities, if you are intentional about inclusion. “We can no longer afford to be silent,” said Robertson. “We can no longer be indifferent about an issue that affects the economic viability and sustainability of this community. A rising tide floats all boats and we want the tide to rise for all the citizens of Memphis, Tennessee.”
sure locally-owned small businesses do work with Shelby County Government. “While progress has been made for the small businesses owners, e c o nomic development eff o r t s specifically for minori t y owned businesses h a v e been a challenge. “We have, through the years, worked closely with Mr. Redwing and other minorityowned business leaders. “We look forward to their recommendations and suggestions about how minorityowned businesses can work more closely with us at Shelby County Government.”
Tri-State Defender
NEWS
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June 12 - 18, 2014
ANGELOU
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
In a session with TSD President/Publisher Bernal E. Smith II and Executive Editor Karanja A. Ajanaku, Dr. Cindy Goody, director of nutrition for McDonaldʼs USA, said one of the keys and pillars of McDonaldʼs strategy is “championing childrenʼs well being in what we serve, what we offer to children, what we market to children.”
GOODY
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
social responsibility relative to nutrition is good for business. “It is good for business, absolutely,” she said. “As a registered dietician, I am proud to say that when I joined the company six years ago there were two registered dieticians globally for the business. The corporation believes in this and now we have evolved to have seven registered dietician nutritionists. We are committed to nutrition at the U.S. level and at the global level.” (For a more complete account of the TSD’s conversation with Dr. Goody, visit TSDMemphis.com on Friday for the Q&A.)
“Itʼs not about weight loss. Itʼs about self-esteem and feeling good about oneʼs self,” said Dr. Cindy Goody, director of nutrition for McDonaldʼs USA. (Photos: Shirley Jackson)
her daughter, “I know you’re going to the service.” The first lady replied, “I don’t know, I’ll have to see what my schedule looks like” and her mother responded, “I know you are going!” Mrs. Obama said she was pleased to learn soon after that she had been scheduled to attend. In her remarks Mrs. Obama saluted the vast influence and example Angelou set for black Americans, young and old. She was followed by Oprah Winfrey, who spoke of her long and close friendship with Maya. Winfrey spent several days in North Carolina leading up to the service, planning and setting up things, working with Dr. Angelou’s aides and her son, Guy Johnson. The night before the memorial a cocktail buffet was held at the estate of longtime Angelou friend, E.C. Hanes of Hanes underwear, a company founded by one of the leaders of the North Carolina eugenics and sterilization movement. An invitation only repast followed the chapel service, with plentiful buffets, open bars, and foot stomping entertainment by Shirley Caesar, India Arie and Bebe Winans. There were some shortcomings. I was a friend and strong admirer of Dr. Angelou, most importantly for her leadership in civil rights, and as an inspiration to a generation of activists, outspoken entertainers
A page from Dr. Maya Angelouʼs Memorial Service program booklet. (Photo: Courtesy of DʼArmy Bailey)
and black political leaders. Yet few from those worlds were included in the service or attended the activities. What I will remember most about her is her giving spirit. She was always willing to help someone or some cause she thought worthy. In my last political race for judge in 2006, she campaigned for me in Memphis at her own expense and told her audience:
“All those years ago, while D’Army Bailey was a Councilman in the City of Berkeley – the truth was, for all intents and purposes, he was the Mayor of Berkeley. The real mayor was D’Army Bailey. And when issues arose which questioned the right for black people, and white people, gay people and straight people, fat people and thin people and pretty ones and plain – D’Army Bailey was always on the right side. He was there without fear or favor, with a loud mouth, for those for whom there were very few platforms, for those who didn’t have someone to speak for them. And I fell for him then. I have been in his camp ever since.”
There will be other memorials to come – this weekend in San Francisco, and later in New York, Washington, and possibly Memphis. And so there will be time for others to salute, and the public to be more personally involved in tribute, as the world continues to sketch out the further dimensions of this great woman.
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OPINION
Tri-State Defender
June 12 - 18, 2014
• Bernal E. Smith II President / Publisher • Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Executive Editor
A plea deal for Snowden? No break for a Black Panther?
FLASHBACK: 2010
The Root
Fatherhood: Rising to the ultimate challenge
(Every year, fathers – biological and non-biological – are honored for their impact on their families and the community and placed in the Memphis Training Camp for Dads Hall of Fame. Ovr the last few weeks, The New Tri-State Defender has highlighted past award recipients in the series, “Where Are They Now?” The fourth annual event is Saturday (June 14th). This commentary is by keynote speaker Etan Thomas, an NBA veteran and author of “Fatherhood: Rising to the Ultimate Challenge.”
It’s an honor to be a part of the 4th annual Memphis Training Camp for Dads, which Mayor A C Wharton Jr. will host on Saturday (June 14th) beginning at 9 a.m. at The University of Memphis Fogelman Executive Center. Since the release of my book, “Fatherhood Rising To The Ultimate Challenge” and my CD, “Fatherhood Words Of Passion,” I have traveled the country to encourage young people that they can be anything they want to be in life no matter what their circumstances. It always amazes me how much hearing that message from an athlete or rapper or actor they recognize resonates with them. It’s the reason why I started a fatherhood movement and connected with a wide a range of men to give personal accounts about responsibility, triumphs, struggles and what it takes for young people to succeed. What’s reaffirming to me is that the young men we encounter want to do something with their lives – they want to make the right decisions and have an impact on the world. They just are looking for guidance. That fact is sometimes lost on many who still see young people as the scourge of society. Many of the young people who will attend the 4th annual Memphis Training Camp for Dads will be from single-parent households and will be starting their own families soon, if they have not already. While panelists will discuss fatherhood from different perspectives, we want all the young men and adult fathers to know that being a good father is the most important job they will have in life. You can be a great father even if you didn’t have one growing up to learn from. That will be our overall message. Will there be obstacles? Yes. Will it be easy? Absolutely not! And yes, the statistics are alarming: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in November of 2009 there were approximately 13.7 million single parents in the country, with those parents responsible for raising 21.8 million children (approximately 26 percent). 63 percent of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (U.S. Dept. of Health/Census) – five times the average. 90 percent of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes – 32 times the average. 85 percent of all children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes – 20 times the average. (Centers for Disease Control) 80 percent of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes – 14 times the average. (Justice and Behavior, Vol 14, p. 403-26) 71 percent of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes – Nine times the average. (National Principals Association Report) 75 percent of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes – 10 times the average. (Rainbows for All God’s Children) 70 percent of youths in state-operated institutions come from fatherless homes – 9 times the average. (U.S. Dept. of Justice, Sept. 1988) 85 percent of all youths in prison come from fatherless homes – 20 times the average. (Fulton Co. Dept. of Correction) Still, there are many examples of
Tri-State Defender Platform
1. Racial prejudice worldwide must be destroyed. 2. Racially unrestricted membership in all jobs, public and private. 3. Equal employment opportunities on all jobs, public and private. 4. True representation in all U.S. police forces. 5. Complete cessation of all school segregation. 6. Federal intervention to protect civil rights in all instances where civil rights compliance at the state level breaks down
Etan Thomas
successful men from so-called “broken homes.” They made the right decisions and became wonderful fathers. Most notable among them is President Barack Obama. That’s not to say that he didn’t feel the pain and anger of not having his fa-
ther around. In “Dreams of My Father,” President Obama described meeting his wife’s family for the first time as “the vision of domestic bliss.” He continued: “Upon seeing the joy of the Robinson house, for someone like me who had barely known his father, who had spent much of his life traveling from place to place, his bloodline scattered to the four winds, the home that Fraser and Marian Robinson had built for themselves stirred a longing for stability, a sense of place that I had not realized was there.” Mr. Obama’s words reflect how deep-rooted feelings for a father can remain in the heart of someone years after reaching adulthood; feelings that can affect lives and the future. On the eve of Father’s Day Weekend in 2009 at a White House Town Hall, the president made these powerful and inspirational statements: “I say this as someone who grew up without a father in my life. I had a heroic mom and wonderful grandparents who helped raise me and my sister, and it is because of them that I am able to stand here today. But despite all their extraordinary love and attention, that didn’t mean that I didn’t feel my father’s absence. That’s something that leaves a hole in a child’s heart... “Some of the young men who are here today might have their own concerns one day about being a dad. Some of you may be worried that if you didn’t have a father, that you may not know how to be one when your turn comes. Some of you might even use that as an excuse to say well, if my dad wasn’t around, why should I be. “Let’s be clear, because your own father wasn’t there for you is no excuse for you to be absent also. It’s all the more reason to be present. There is no rule that says you have to repeat your father’s mistakes. Just the opposite. You have an obligation to break the cycle and to learn from those mistakes. To rise up where your own fathers fell short and to do better with your own children. That’s what I try to do in my life. “When my daughters were born I made a pledge to them and myself that I would do everything I could to give them the things I didn’t have. And I decided that if I could be one thing in life, it would be to be a good father. I haven’t always known exactly how to do that. I’ve made my share of mistakes. I had to ask a lot of questions. But I have also learned from men that I admire.” That’s why events such as this 4th annual Memphis Training Camp for Dads are so important. People need to hear words of encouragement similar to this from the people who have their attention. Not that any one of us believes we are some fatherhood experts who have all the answers, but if we can provide not only some motivation but some helpful tools from experience, we can and will have a positive impact. The goal of this event is to show everyone the beauty of fatherhood, not from a shaking our finger at them standpoint. But from the sharing of other’s experiences. Helpful tools. Resources to help you along the way. None of us are fatherhood experts, I don’t even think there is any such thing, but we can all learn from each other.
(For more about Etan Thomas, visit: www.etanthomas.com.) DISTRIBUTION: Tri-State Defender is available at newsstands, street sales, store vendors, mail subscription and honor boxes throughout the Greater Memphis area. No person may, without prior written permission of the Tri-State Defender, reprint any part of or duplicate by electronic device any portion without written permission. Copyright 2013 by Tri-State Defender Publishing, Inc. Permission to Publisher, Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. Back copies can be obtained by calling the Tri-State Defender at (901) 523-1818, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Fact: U.S. has always ‘negotiated’ with terrorists
I disagree with President Obama’s decision to trade five Taliban leaders being held at Guantanamo Bay for Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, an apparent deserter who is believed to have been the only U.S. solider being held as a prisoner of war in Afghanistan. My opposition is based on the firm belief that such exchanges only encourage future violence against the U.S. For proof, we need to look no further than statements made by Taliban leaders after the exchange of prisoners. Time magazine quoted one Taliban commander: “It’s better to kidnap one person like Bergdahl than kidnapping hundreds of useless people. It has encouraged our people. Now everybody will work hard to capture such an important bird.” Even so, Obama critics are incorrect when they claim that President Obama is departing from past U.S. practices. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), for example, said, “The reason why the U.S. has had the policy for decades of not negotiating with terrorists is because once you start doing it, every other terrorist has incentive to capture more soldiers.” Cruz is right about incentive, as we have already seen, but he is dead wrong about the U.S. not negotiating with terrorists. Michael Reiss, who worked for the State Department under George W. Bush, has written a book titled, “Negotiating with Evil.” He traces the practice of the U.S. negotiating with terrorists all the way back to George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Politifact, quoting Reiss, said the three “accommodated what today would be viewed as terrorists.” The author stated, “They each authorized payment to the Barbary pirates, and the U.S. Senate even ratified a treaty that enshrined the annual provision of naval supplies as ‘protection.’ “ According to USAToday, “… Security experts like Bruce Hoffman, director of Georgetown University’s Center for Security Studies, said that however common the refrain ‘we do not negotiate with terrorists’ has become, it is ‘repeated as mantra more than fact.’ “‘We have long negotiated with terrorists. Virtually every other country in the world has negotiated with terrorists despite pledges never to,’” Hoffman said. “‘We should be tough on terrorists, but not on our fellow countrymen who are their captives, which means having to make a deal with the devil when there is no alternative.’” In that same newspaper article, Charles “Cully” Stimson, who helped coordinate the Pentagon’s detainee operations under President George W. Bush, said both Democratic and Republican administrations have relied on terrorist groups for “information, supplies, personnel – a lot of different topics.” He told USAToday, “We have had very quiet negotiations, or discussions at least, with terrorist groups over the years on a whole host of things. They just haven’t usually come to light.” But many have come to light. Quoting Reiss’ book, Politifact notes: *After the North Koreans captured the U.S.S. Pueblo in 1968, President
Lyndon Johnson apologized for spying as part of negotiations to secure the release of 83 American prisoners. *In 1970, President Richard Nixon pressured Israel, Switzerland, West GerGeorge E. many and Britain Curry to release Palestinian prisoners after two airlines were hijacked by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. *During the Iran hostage crisis of 1979 to 1981, President Jimmy Carter agreed to unfreeze $8 billion in frozen Iranian assets after more than a year of negotiations with the Iranian revolutionaries. *In perhaps the most famous swap, after seven Americans were captured in Beirut, Lebanon, President Ronald Reagan agreed to send missiles to Iran in what became known as the IranContra scandal. *President Bill Clinton’s administration sat down with Hamas in attempts to negotiate peace with Israel. His administration also worked directly with the Taliban nearly two decades ago on several occasions to see if the group would hand over Osama bin Laden and other al-Qaida leaders. The website added, “Reiss also noted that President George W. Bush engaged in negotiations with Iran and North Korea even after decreeing them part of the ‘Axis of Evil.’” Defending such actions has become a sophisticated game of hair-splitting technicalities. Factcheck.org observed, “…The U.S. does not consider detainees held at the Guantanamo Naval Base in Cuba to be prisoners of war. The State Department calls the detainees ‘enemy combatants.’ In fact, the U.S. specifically declared in 2002 that ‘Taliban detainees are not entitled to POW status. … The Taliban have not effectively distinguished themselves from the civilian population of Afghanistan. Moreover, they have not conducted their operations in accordance with the laws and customs of war.’ That complicates any assertion that this was a simple swap of prisoners of war.” The word game does not end there. “For what it’s worth, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf said in a press conference on June 4 that the State Department doesn’t claim that it won’t ‘negotiate’ with terrorists, but rather that it does not make ‘concessions’ to terrorists,’” Factcheck.org noted. “She said the swap was not a concession to terrorists, but rather was part of a longstanding, historical precedent of exchanging prisoners “‘during a time of war.’” (George E. Curry is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service. He can be reached via www.georgecurry.com. Follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge and George E. Curry Fan Page on Facebook.)
FACEBOOK FAN OF THE WEEK Name: Sandra D. King
Sandra D. King is this weekʼs TSD Facebook Fan of the Week! The owner of SDK Solution, King is health conscience and enjoys “Juicing”. She also loves sports and classical music. Thanks Sandra D. King for excelling in Memphis and for being a part of the TSD Facebook family!
Question: What’s the secret to going on the lam as an antigovernment global superstar and getting set up in a nice, cushy exile in a country that’s a rival to your own? Answer: Be a Charles D. keyboard-tapEllison ping, suburbanraised white guy who gives away national secrets and then puts a “patriotic” spin on it. You’ll lock in big-conference speaking stints over an encrypted Skype feed and get a prime-time interview on network news, and the federal government might even consider offering you a sweetheart plea deal while you’re at it. At least that’s what the Washington Post’s intelligence insider, David Ignatius, managed to pry from the intelligence community recently about Edward Snowden, quoting a source saying, “If he came back and told everything he knows, then perhaps some accommodation could be reached.” It’s something that Snowden himself alluded to in his recent interview with NBC News’ Brian Williams, and it’s a “discussion” that National Security Agency Deputy Director Rick Ledgett suggested might be entertained when he was backed into it by zealous techies looking to shield Snowden from the clutches of embarrassed G-men. And if that plea deal ever happens, it’ll be a little bit like the 15-month slap on the wrist that was handed out to Piper Kerman – the real-life memoirist on whose experiences the hit Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black” is based – especially when compared with the 24 years that a similarly situated black woman, Kemba Smith, got for pretty much the same crime. Kerman got a show, and Oliver Stone just announced plans for a biopic about Snowden. Smith can’t even get a Lifetime movie. With the early talk of a deal for Snowden, I can’t help comparing his situation with that of nonwhite antigovernment “revolutionaries” who have been in similar tough spots. If Snowden were black and exiled in another country, not only would any talk of a plea be actively dismissed, but he’d be openly ridiculed and spat on as a treacherous militant. Just contrast his story with that of former Kansas City, Mo., Black Panther Party Chairman Pete O’Neal, who is permanently exiled in Tanzania after fleeing a 1969 conviction for transporting a shotgun across state lines. And though his cousin, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), has exhausted all channels for a plea or clemency deal, you won’t be hearing about that coming to pass anytime soon. It’s a double standard. A black revolutionary draws no sympathy when lined up against the big-data play of white geek Snowden, who has a fairly large reservoir of supporters who say he did the right thing. The difference in Snowden’s case is that he used much more sophisticated technological tools and tactics. But if the government’s claim – that Snowden’s actions placed an entire nation and its allies at risk – is true, then why would he get a deal when the guy who took a shotgun across state lines won’t? (Charles D. Ellison is a veteran political strategist and regular contributor to The Root. He is also Washington correspondent for the Philadelphia Tribune and chief political correspondent for Uptown magazine. Follow him on Twitter.) SUBSCRIPTIONS: Mail subscriptions to the Tri-State Defender are available upon request. One Year, $30.00; Two Years, $55.00. Domestic subscriptions must be addressed to: Subscriptions, Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. Delivery may take one week. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. GENERAL INFORMATION: Any and all inquiries can be made in writing, by calling (901) 523-1818 or by e-mail. TELEPHONE: Editorial and Administration: (901) 523-1818. Display Advertising (901) 523-1818. Classified Advertising (901) 523-1818. Fax: (901) 578-5037. E-MAIL: Editorial e-mail (press releases, news, letters to editor, etc.): editorial@tristatedefender.com; Display advertising email (ads, advertising price requests, etc.): advertising@tri-statedefender.com; Classified advertising e-mail (ads, advertising price requests, etc.): classifieds@tristatedefender.com; Subscription/Circulation e-mail (subscriptions, subscription price requests, etc.): subscriptions@tristatedefender.com; Production e-mail (technical questions/specs, etc.): production@tri-statedefender.com. The Tri-State Defender (USPS 780-220) is published weekly by Tri-State Defender Publishing Co., 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38103. Second Class postage paid at Memphis, TN.
NATIONAL
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June 12 - 18, 2014
The new Atlanta stadium and the 31 percent The Georgia Black Constructors Association is concerned that minority participation may not reach the required 31 percent goal outlined in the Equal Business Opportunity Plan.
NNPA News Service
by Stan Washington Attorney General Eric Holder
Nonviolent drug offense proposal – how far away is it?
NewsOne
by D.L. Chandler
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday a proposal currently being examined by the U.S. Sentencing Commission that will pave the way for certain individuals who have been charged with nonviolent drug offenses to be eligible for reduced sentences. The news is the latest in a series of moves by the Justice Department to adjust the federal guidelines for drug offense sentencing and aims to lessen overlong sentences, prison overcrowding, and an overhaul of mandatory minimum sentencing. Attorney General Eric Holder used Tuesday’s announcement to urge the Sentencing Commission to consider the proposal. The Commission, which sets the guidelines for sentences given to federal criminal defendants, approved a proposal back in April to lower the base offenses connected to amount drugs the defendants were caught with as a result of trafficking charges. In July, the Commission will vote on the proposal, which will lower base offenses by two levels and reduce sentences by 23 months on average. An added bonus of the proposal is that defendants already in prison will have the changes to their sentences applied retroactively.
Representatives from a minority business association say they are concerned that minority participation in the building of the new Atlanta stadium may not reach the required 31 percent goal that is outlined in the Equal Business Opportunity Plan. The Georgia Black Constructors Association expressed their concerns June 2nd on the sidewalk outside of the construction site for the new stadium. The association has been attempting to meet with the Arthur Blank Foundation, Atlanta Falcons President Rick McKay and Bill Darden, project manager for the new stadium. “The Foundation has shown no clear transparency as to how or where the 30 percent minority participation will occur,” said GBCA President Margaret Muhammad. “And to-date, we have not received a response on the purposed meeting date with Darden, the project manager for the Atlanta Falcons.” The Equal Business Opportunity Program for the $1.2 billion stadium set to open in 2017 calls for roughly $300 million to go to small, minority and female businesses in the construction and design of the retractable roof stadium, which will replace the Georgia Dome. When the plan was approved in 2013 by the board of the Georgia World Congress Center, McKay applauded the plan as big plus for female and minority businesses. “The EBO Plan …lays out a thorough and transparent process for encouraging and engaging qualified minority and female businesses in the new stadium project,” McKay said. “This plan provides a roadmap for us, as well as our
From Attorney General Holder:
“Under the department’s proposal, if your offense was nonviolent, did not involve a weapon, and you do not have a significant criminal history, then you would be eligible to apply for a reduced sentence in accordance with the new rules approved by the Commission in April,” Holder said. “Not everyone in prison for a drug-related offense would be eligible nor would everyone who is eligible be guaranteed a reduced sentence. But this proposal strikes the best balance between protecting public safety and addressing the overcrowding of our prison system that has been exacerbated by unnecessarily long sentences.” During a formal hearing held on Tuesday at the Commission, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia Sally Yates and Director Charles Samuel testified on behalf of the Justice Department.
From the DOJ
“We believe that the federal drug sentencing structure in place before the amendment resulted in unnecessarily long sentences for some offenders that has resulted in significant prison overcrowding, and that imprisonment terms for those sentenced pursuant to the old guideline should be moderated to the extent possible consistent with other policy considerations,” Yates said in a DOJ press release. Under the plan supported by the department, Yates added, “Retroactivity would be available to a class of non-violent offenders who have limited criminal history and did not possess or use a weapon, and thus will apply only to the category of drug offender who warrants a less severe sentence and who also poses the least risk of re-offending.” The proposal falls under the umbrella of the DOJ’s “Smart On Crime” initiative. To learn more, visit: http://www.justice.gov/ag/smart-on-crime/.
The Georgia Black Constructors Association expressed their concerns June 2nd on the sidewalk outside of the construction site for the new stadium. architects and general contractors, to achieve our goals.” But being a small minority or female business doesn’t automatically qualify a firm to work on the new stadium. The business must first be certified. In order to be counted towards the 31 percent participation goal, each M/FBE must be considered a “Georgia Certified Contractor or Vendor,” requiring certification in the City of Atlanta’s Equal Business Opportunity Program as a Female Business Enterprise (FBE), an African American Business Enterprise (AABE),
The Koch Brothers
Koch Brothers donate $25 million to the United Negro College Fund NNPA News Service
by Frederick H. Lowe The ultra conservative Koch Brothers have announced that they have donated $25 million to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), whose members include 37 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) The donation from the Koch Industries Inc. and the Charles Koch Foundation will provide nearly 3,000 merit-based awards to African-American undergraduate, graduate and post-doctorate students. Key elements of the donation include: •$18.5 million is directed to the UNCF/ Koch Scholars Program and its administration. Funds will be provided for exemplary students with demonstrated financial need and an interest in the study of entrepreneurship, economics and innovative ways to contribute to the well-being of individuals, communities and society. The funds also will be used to provide an annual summit, mentorship opportunities and school programs; •$6.5 million is provided for general support to HBCUs and the UNCF, with $4 million set aside for the 37 UNCF – member schools, HBCUs and their students to provide financial relief related to the Parent PLUS loan crisis. The UNCF has published a 20-page report titled “The Parent Plus Loan Crisis: An Urgent Crisis Facing Students at the Nation’s HBCUs,” which stated that restrictive U.S. Department of Education guidelines have made it difficult, if not impossible, for needy students to attend HBCUs. “America faces an ever-in-
creasing need for college-educated African Americans and other Americans of color,” the report said. “But instead of making college more accessible to low-income, minority students, the U.S. Department of Education has erected barriers with unnecessarily restrictive eligibility criteria.” Because of the restrictions, HBCUs lost $156 million in PLUS loan funds, a 35 percent reduction, during the 20122013 academic year, the report stated. Charles Koch, chairman of CEO of Koch Industries, said, “Increasing well-being by helping people improve their lives has long been our focus. Our partnership with UNCF will provide promising students with new educational opportunities that will help them reach their full potential.” Michael Lomax, chairman and CEO of the United Negro College Fund, said hopefully the new commitment from Koch Industries and the Charles Koch Foundation will spur others to donate to the UNCF. So what does this all mean? The Koch Brothers, who are billionaires, are riding to the rescue of the UNCF, whose member colleges have been suffering under misdirected guidelines put together by the U.S. Department of Education under President Barack Obama. At the same time, the Koch Brothers have spent millions of dollars supporting groups like Americans for Prosperity that have worked to suppress African-American voter turnout. Koch Industries is based in Wichita, Kan., and the Charles Koch Foundation supports college, universities and other non-profit organizations.
an Asian (Pacific Islander) American Business Enterprise (APABE), or a Hispanic American Business Enterprise (HABE). Darden told the GWCCA board that the EBO plan was being “patterned” after the city’s experience in building the new Maynard H. Jackson International Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The city’s first African-American mayor was responsible creating a minority business set aside program for the city of Atlanta. The GBCA also claims they
obtained little or no information from a recent town hall meeting held by Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell for businesses about the new stadium. The meeting featured representatives from HHRM, the lead contractor on the project, the City’s Office of Contract Compliance and the Atlanta Falcons. The lack of “specific detailed” information from that town hall concerns their membership said Muhammad. “We want to ensure fairness and inclusion,” said GBCA First VP Ron Baker. “One
clear sign we are looking for, that would assure us that the Blank Foundation and the Falcons are sincere and committed to fairness and inclusion is if they were to set a teaming/partnering meeting.” In statement released following the town hall, Mitchell said that there would be several other town hall meetings for businesses looking to do business with the Atlanta Falcons in the building of the stadium. (Special to the NNPA from The Atlanta Voice.)
BUSINESS
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Tri-State Defender
June 12 - 18, 2014
ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY
The business of fashion from a ‘P.K.’ perspective
Being labeled a P.K. (preacher’s kid) isn’t all that bad when you’re Chris Whitfield, who has defied stereotypical mindsets that often conform to the whims of society. Though Whitfield is passionate about the people in his circle, he is just as passionate about his work in the fashion industry. Whitfield’s apparel and custom designed clothing, which is marketed under the banner of Brand Ya Lyfe, makes a statement that suggests originality of style. In fact, the young designer is most comfortable with being himself and creates custom designed clothing for the individualist. Carlee McCullough: Thank you for taking the time to share with our readers your experience and knowledge. Tell us about Chris Whitfield? Chris Whitfield: I am a young 29-year-old AfricanAmerican male. I have my bachelor’s degree from Bethel University in Business with a concentration in Organizational Leadership and Development. I am the proud son of Bishop Michael and Lula Robinson. Yes, that’s right I am a P.K. (Preacher’s Kid). I enjoy inspiring and motivating my peers. I am very passionate about my friendships, relationships and my brand. I mostly enjoy being creative with my fashion brand as well.
C.M.: How did you get into the fashion industry? C.W.: I took a message that inspired me throughout the
years and put it on a shirt and the rest is history.
C.M.: What do you do in the fashion industry today? Carlee C.W.: I McCullough oversee my own apparel brand and custom design clothing. I do not sew, although I wouldn’t m i n d learning in the near Chris future. I Whitfield also style individuals from time to time.
C.M.: What is the status of the up and coming fashion industry in Memphis? C.W.: Well, I feel that Memphis is definitely becoming more open to the different styles of fashion that is presented. Many people are now stepping up to the plate and embracing their own sense of style. It feels good to see people step out and follow their passion in fashion. As long as we remain positive and supportive of others and their endeavors, we will definitely continue to drive in the right direction.
thing. I call it a fashionable voice with no sound.
C.M.: What inspired you to get into the fashion business? C.W.: I’ve always been empowered by fashion since I was younger. I would find myself designing custom pieces for my mom on special occasions. I would also play around with my own style and customize things for myself. Once I noticed that I love to be original, it all started to make sense. Upon finishing college, I adopted the message entitled, “This Is Not A Game.” It meant so much to me and I used it a few times and realized this message is for the world. So I paired it with fashion and it went from there. C.M.: What are the necessary elements that go into a
successful business? C.W.: Professional Branding, Marketing, Excellent Communication Skills and Originality.
C.M.: How would you describe your artistic and creative style? C.W.: I have a very simple yet sleek style. I like to be original with an emphasis on details. I definitely believe that the person makes the outfit and not the outfit makes the person. As long as I can be “ME” in whatever I have on, that is what makes what I have on actually stand out. If that makes sense… I love to be able to connect with others through my apparel. It’s like sending a message through fashion without saying any-
C.M.: What emerging trends do you see in fashion industry? C.W.: I feel the vintage style is making a total comeback. For example, baby doll dresses, gown style fitted skirts and dresses that are being worn by ladies now. Men are definitely trending toward a more fitted and custom style suit. Plaid is becoming popular for the professional gentleman and classy women now more than ever. I also see the retro look for the younger generation. This is making a popular statement in today’s society as well. Black is the new favorite color and leather is the new favorite material to either wear or use when designing clothing. C.M.: What are the components to bringing a concept to market? C.W.: I like to shop the concept around to some of my celebrity stylist, industry friends and other stylish individuals. I feel if they will wear it, or style it, on someone then it’s definitely a GO. C.M.: As a business owner, what is your greatest reward? C.W.: I would have to say seeing my apparel make an impact on others is one of the joys in what I do. I also love to give back. Just to be able to make a positive mark in my community means a lot to me. C.M.: What’s most chal-
lenging as a business owner? C.W.: Making sure I am being the best business individual I can be. I believe in meeting the needs of my customers when it comes to providing a service.
C.M.: What’s most challenging as a business owner in Memphis? C.W.: Remaining relevant and innovative. C.M.: What’s your overall goal in this industry? C.W.: I plan to grow and expand throughout the world. I want to not only make an impact on my community but the world as well. C.M.: Any closing remarks? C.W.: I want to challenge everyone to pursue every passion and purpose that is within them. I read a quote some time ago that states, “We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities.” Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Just walk through the doors.”
(Contact Christopher Whitfield at 662-601-8845. Visit www.BrandYaLyfe.com or email: BrandYaLyfe@yahoo.com)
(Contact Carlee McCullough, Esq., at 5308 Cottonwood Road, Suite 1A, Memphis, TN 38118, or email her at jstce4all@aol.com.)
MONEY MATTERS
529 programs could make saving for college a little easier
529 Lesson Plan: A tax-advantaged college savings plan that has no age restrictions and no income phase out limits – and one you can use to pay for more than just tuition.
High Scores for 529 College Savings Program
Looking for a tax-advantaged college savings plan that has no age restrictions and no income phase out limits – and one you can use to pay for more than just tuition? Consider the 529 college savings plan, an increasingly popular way to save for higher-education expenses, which have more than tripled over the past two decades — with annual costs (for tuition and fees, and room and board) of more than $40,000 per year for the average private four-year college. Named after the section of the tax code that authorized them, 529 plans (also known as qualified tuition plans) are now offered in almost every state. Most people have heard about the original form of 529, the state-operated prepaid tuition plan, which allows you to purchase units of future tuition at today’s rates, with the plan assuming the responsibility of in-
vesting the funds to keep pace with inflation. M any state governments guarantee that the cost of an equal Charles Sims number of units of edJr., CFP ucation in the sponsoring state will be covered, regardless of investment performance or the rate of tuition increase. Of course, each state plan has a different mix of rules and restrictions. Prepaid tuition programs typically will pay future college tuition at any of the sponsoring state’s eligible colleges and universities (and some will pay an equal amount to private and out-of-state institutions). The newer variety of 529 is the savings plan. It’s similar to an investment account, but the funds accumulate tax deferred. Withdrawals from state-sponsored 529 plans are free of federal income tax as long as they are used for qualified college expenses. Many states also exempt withdrawals from state income tax for qualified higher education expenses. Unlike the case with prepaid
tuition plans, contributions can be used for all qualified highereducation expenses (tuition, fees, books, equipment and supplies, room and board), and the funds usually can be used at all accredited post-secondary schools in the United States. The risk with these plans is that investments may lose money or may not perform well enough to cover college costs as anticipated. In most cases, 529 savings plans place investment dollars in a mix of funds based on the age of the beneficiary, with account allocations becoming more conservative as the time for college draws closer. But recently, more states have contracted professional money managers — many well-known investment firms — to actively manage and market their plans, so a growing number of investors can customize their asset allocations. Some states enable account owners to qualify for a deduction on their state tax returns or receive a small match on the money invested. Earnings from 529 plans are not taxed when used to pay for eligible college expenses. And there are even new consumerfriendly reward programs popping up that allow people who purchase certain products and services to receive rebate dollars
that go into state-sponsored college savings accounts. Funds contributed to a 529 plan are considered to be gifts to the beneficiary, so anyone – even non-relatives – can contribute up to $14,000 per year (in 2014) per beneficiary without incurring gift tax consequences. Contributions can be made in one lump sum or in monthly installments. And assets contributed to a 529 plan are not considered part of the account owner’s estate, therefore avoiding estate taxes upon the owner’s death.
Major benefits
These savings plans generally allow people of any income level to contribute, and there are no age limits for the student. The account owner can maintain control of the account until funds are withdrawn – and, if desired, can even change the beneficiary as long as he or she is within the immediate family of the original beneficiary. A 529 plan is also extremely simple when it comes to tax reporting — the sponsoring state, not you, is responsible for all income tax record keep-
ing. At the end of the year when the withdrawal is made for college, you will receive Form 1099 from the state, and there is only one figure to enter on it: the amount of income to report on the student’s tax return.
Benefits for grandparents
The 529 plan could be a great way for grandparents to shelter inheritance money from estate taxes and contribute substantial amounts to a student’s college fund. At the same time, they also control the assets and can retain the power to control withdrawals from the account. By accelerating use of the annual gift tax exclusion, a grandparent – as well as anyone, for that matter – could elect to use five years’ worth of annual exclusions by making a single contribution of as much as $70,000 per beneficiary in 2014 (or a couple could contribute $140,000 in 2014), as long as no other contributions are made for that beneficiary for five years. (If the donor makes the five-year election and dies during the five-year calendar period, part of the
contribution could revert back to the donor’s estate.) If the account owner dies, the 529 plan balance is not considered part of his or her estate for tax purposes. As with other investments, there are generally fees and expenses associated with participation in a Section 529 savings plan. In addition, there are no guarantees regarding the performance of the underlying investments in Section 529 plans. The tax implications of a Section 529 savings plan should be discussed with your legal and/or tax advisors because they can vary significantly from state to state. Also note that most states offer their own Section 529 plans, which may provide advantages and benefits exclusively for their residents and taxpayers. By comparing different plans, you can determine which might be available for your situation. You may find that 529 programs make saving for college easier than before. (Charles Sims Jr., CFP, is President/ CEO of The Sims Financial Group. Contact him at 901-682-2410 or visit www.SimsFinancialGroup.com.)
RELIGION
Tri-State Defender
Christening puts hope on display At Morning View Baptist, family celebrates with third adopted child Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Tony Jones
Morning View Baptist Church is located in the heart of South Memphis at 926 Carnegie St. in an area known as Lauderdale Sub. At one time, it was notoriously known worldwide as the “Dirty, Dirty” by the city’s underground rap scene. It is an area where American success stories seem few and far between. The church pastor, the Rev. Alvin Fleming, holds a regular Sunday breakfast talk at the corner of Essex and Humber trying to get young men off the street and into the church, or anywhere they can find hope away from the too numerous sad tales. This past Sunday, hope was on display inside Morning View where the Crutisons – father Maurice, mother Deborah, 12year-old Aaliyah, 3-year-old Marissa, and 19-year-old Nicholas Williams – were dressed in all white to observe the christening of Marissa and several other children from the church. Aaliyah is the third child the Crutisons have adopted over the past decade. Working with the Department of Children Services, their home has been designated as a safe haven for children needing rescue. Sisterin-law Verna Farwell also steps in as chief babysitter. Best friend Sheila Taylor steps into an auntie role when needed. The family was the focus of a big dinner celebration at the Hollywood Community Center, not far from their North Memphis home. A sophomore studying business administration at Lambuth University, Nicholas shared with the guests his life with the Crutisons. “If it wasn’t for my mother and father, I would have never, ever had the chance to go to college,” he said. “I have never felt nothing but love and welcome
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In-laws Ramon and Mignon Mendez join Deborah and Maurice Crutison for the christening of their 3-year-old adopted daughter, Marissa. in our home and it’s been that way since we came together.” He recalled the day when he and his sisters were taken away from their biological parents. “It was a real struggle,” he said, “but it all started straightening out when I met my dad,” which is how he refers to Crutison. “He kept telling us to keep praying, to keep pushing, and it would one day be alright. We finally got to them and that’s when my life started getting better,” said Nicholas, recalling an incident when he had to be disciplined after a fight in ninth-grade. “It wasn’t my fault, but my dad came right up to the school and straightened it out. I love him.” While Aaliyaha was headed to the community center with the church’s spirit dance team, their mother Deborah reciprocated at the microphone for a highly emotional testimony of what the children have done for her. She has issues with her heart
that has weakened her vocal chords, but it was her emotions that made it difficult for her to speak. Most of the family and friends at the dinner knew her story and cried in gratitude with her. “These children have been my strength. You all know this illness has been hard on me sometimes, but they give me a reason to fight back and make every day better,” she managed to say between tears. “This has been such a very, very special day, and it means so much…” Her sister Mignon Mendez spoke next, filling out the story. They are natives of Panama, where she and her husband Ramon had come from. She explained the special significance of it all. “My sister is very ill,” she said. “We know it gets hard on her sometimes and I truly believe that having these children has been the best medicine for her. You can see the love in this family. And for this day to happen on the very same day as the anniversary of our mother’s
death, I will always cherish this moment being here.” The patriarch of the Crutison family urged everyone to enjoy his or her food, and then took a moment to reflect. “What do I say to people who ask me about being a DCS parent? It’s easy. All you have to do is have faith in God and do what you know is right for your children.” It shows when people love their children and do right by them, said Crutison, justifying that statement with the following observation: “Are they clean? Are they fed well? Do the children look happy?” Crutison’s brother is a supervisor with DCS in Vallejo, Calif. He said he became aware of the need when three of his cousins were brought into the system. He couldn’t take them all in, but vowed never to turn a child away from his door. “Look at my baby!” he laughed, before rushing over to haul Marissa back into his arms.
Line Dance-A-Thon accents spiritually holistic approach at Unity Christian Church
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Unity Christian Church in Whitehaven held its inaugural Line Dance-A-Thon last Saturday (June 7th). Led by the Rev. Eric Ovid Donaldson, the church’s pastor, the event was the first for the year for U.C.C.’s Health Ministry. “The U.C.C. Health Ministry has a mission to bring awareness to health and healing and is partnering with the community to promote healthier lifestyles,” said Lorri Harris, the ministry chairperson. The Mid-South has been cited with having one of the highest percentages of obesity in the country, which convinced Harris that activity and movement are important in improving one’s physical, mental and spiritual well-being. The idea was born, she said, after meeting with Donaldson. “All of a sudden we began to talk about ‘FUN’ raisers for the community and the church; events that raise awareness and raise consciousness about the importance of healthy, spiritual living, not just raising funds alone.” Enter the Line Dance-athon, the result of the meeting with the pastor. Line dancing, Harris said, is a fun physical activity for all ages and can be family centered. “Our vision at Unity Christian Church is to be a center of spiritual service and activity through worship, teaching, counseling, healing, charity and spiritual self-realization,” said Donaldson. “We are committed to the growth, care and development of the whole person: spirit, soul, body, as demonstrated by Jesus in fulfilling the practical needs of all humanity.” More than 100 people packed the church’s fellowship hall. Some of them were young,
but many were middle age or older. Each dance was led by one of three line dance instructors – Nicole Powell, Betty Kyles, and Vanessa Saine. “I’ve never seen an activity like line-dancing where people, regardless of age, can be a part,” he said. As a result of the overwhelming response, U.C.C. will start a weekly line dance class on Monday evenings from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., beginning after Father’s Day. Saine, who is known to treat line dancing as a ministry, will lead the class. “I see this as a bridge to many of the other classes and activities we offer at the church such as meditation and daily inspirational text messages that encourage people during the day and, of course, during our Sunday services,” said Donaldson, noting that unity is a positive path toward spiritual living. “We want to show people how to bring balance and blessings into their lives by offering a spiritually holistic approach to health and well-being,” he said. “Spirituality is essential to everything we do, and we are partnering with other entities and institutions in the community, like Methodist South Hospital’s Congregational Health Network, to accomplish that goal.” Donaldson offered healing for anyone who overexerted themselves dancing. There were no takers. “That’s because we had a prayer breakfast before the Line Dance-A-Thon,” he said. “But I remain on-call.” (For more information about U.C.C. Health Ministry, call Unity Christian Church at 901-3969961, visit online at www.unitychristianchurch.info, or like the church on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UnityChristi anChurch.)
Eugene Waller Scholarship Prayer Breakfast extols the virtues of faith Special to The New Tri-State Defender
The Eugene Waller Scholarship Prayer Breakfast was held Saturday (June 7th) at the Holiday Inn-University of Memphis. More than 300 guests gathered to pay homage to the late Rev. Eugene Waller, former pastor of Cummings Street Baptist Church, the scholarship’s namesake. The theme: “Championing the Future Through Faith.” The guests celebrated the legacy of Waller’s faith, scholarship, and service. The Rev. Bonnie Oliver-Brandon of Mt. Zion Baptist Church set the tone of the program by preparing the audience for the “aus-
picious, substantive, but brief” event. Minister Barbara Tolbert followed with the devotion/invocation, followed by the occasion by Waller’s granddaughters, Atty. Kristi Faulkner and Kimberli Waller. They shared their grandfather’s devotion to scholarship and his conviction that all people should prepare for their calling in life. Church deacon Henry Ford Jr. uplifted the audience with his version of “melodies from heaven.” Accompanied by Kevin Willis, Ford shared new and old favorites as well. The occasion was somewhat of a reunion. Two special tributes high-
lighted the morning: one to the late Dr. David L. Boyle and another to the recipients of both the Eugene Waller Faithfulness Award and the Aurelia Waller Virtuous Woman Award. The Missionary Society rolled out its tribute to the late Dr. Boyle for planning and supporting the prayer breakfast from its initiation until his passing. The Rev. OliverBrandon extolled Dr. Boyle’s scholarship, pastorships, and devotion to Waller and his principles. And Peggy Faulkner added that he was truly a friend and a “Testament of Faith.” The Eugene Waller and Aurelia Waller awards were de-
signed to spotlight individuals who exemplify Christian principles, personal integrity and loyalty to the customs and traditions that support the Cummings Street Baptist Church family. Kenneth Waller, Waller’s son from Atlanta, Ga., presented Deacon Maynard Montgomery with the Eugene Waller Faithfulness Award. He spoke of Montgomery’s devotion to duty, call to service, and strength of character. A lifetime member of Cummings Street, he has served as Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher, and currently serves on the deacon board. The 2014 recipient of the Aurelia Waller Virtuous Woman
Award was Vernice Jones. The 91-year-old member of the Missionary Society was lauded for her beauty, warmth, cooperation and longevity. She is softspoken, independent and active in church ministries. The Montgomery and Jones families joined the audience in congratulating all the recipients as they received the coveted awards. The Rev. William Watson of the historic First Baptist Church in Jackson, Tenn., reminded the audience that “we’ve come this far by faith.” Mirroring the program’s theme, Watson shared several scriptures and scenarios proclaiming the value of faith in our personal, spiritual, and professional lives.
PRAISE CONNECT -A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-
METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., Pastor
767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126
ASSOCIATE MINISTERS
901-946-4095 fax 948-8311
No Cross... No Crown
Rev. Davena Young Porter Rev. Linda A Paige Rev. Luecretia Matthews SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
SUNDAY Sunday School .....................8:30 am Morning Worship Service ....10:00am
WEDNESDAY Bible Study .........................10:30 am Mid-Day Prayer Meeting .....12 noon Evening Prayer Meeting........7:00pm
FRIDAY Cable Channel 17 ............... 8:00pm
Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter
“Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
– Psalm 55:22
Attend the church of your choice
Attend the Church of your choice
Faulkner presented Ada Westbrooks, the Missionary Society president, with red roses for exemplary leadership and fortitude. Beatrice Clark, the event chairperson, concluded the morning with words of gratitude and for the continued support of the scholarship program. More than 75 students have benefited from The Eugene Waller Scholarship, thus launching their college careers. The event remains a monument to Waller’s belief in the value of excellence, the rewards of service, and the strength of faith. The Rev. Gary L. Faulkner is senior pastor of Cummings Street Baptist Church.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. —Phillipians 4:13
ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, June 12 - 18, 2014, Page 8
Women’s Theatre Festival of Memphis gets its woman
Look no further than LaRita Shelby if you’re in need of a voice to express the understanding that theater is a vehicle for telling stories and that “our stories give us the power to transform ourselves LaRita and others.” Shelby Shelby, former Memphian, actress, singer, writer, broadcaster and media professional, has been named honorary chairperson of the second biennial Women’s Theatre Festival of Memphis (WTFM) August 7-9. “I got my start in the theatre in Memphis and received exemplary training,” said Shelby, who has appeared on the air, on stages and on screens around the globe. “I accept this honor with a charge to build domestic and global cohesiveness within the creative community, and to forge new alliances among those in the creative and performing arts.” The Women’s Theatre Festival of Memphis (WTFM) will shine the spotlight on the works of female playwrights, directors, and artists, etc. during the three-day event specifically designed to give more exposure to women in the arts. The event takes place at four venues in the Midtown Theatre District of Memphis: Playhouse on the Square, The Circuit Playhouse, TheatreWorks and the new Hattiloo Theatre. As honorary chairperson, Shelby will emcee the Gyneka Awards Gala, the opening ceremony for WTFM. Gyneka is the Greek word for woman. Grecian women were denied the right to perform in the theatre and the Gyneka Awards represent “barrier breakers and strong women who never gave up their God ordained talent.” Thirty-six performances, workshops and readings will take place during the festival. WTFM received submissions from over 50 theatrical and dance companies in the U.S. and abroad and this year accepted an international submission from Australia. Organizers said it is the first international women’s theatre festival in the world. “As we highlight and recognize women for their artistic talent and dedication, LaRita Shelby exemplifies what we are about, and as a former Memphian she was a perfect fit, said WTFM Founder and Executive Producer Karen Moore. Shelby currently has a stage production in development with Memphis playwright Levi Frazier Jr. and she is a contributing reporter for EURweb.com. Her film acting credits include “Walk By Faith, Kings of The Evening” and the movie “South Central.” On Aug. 8th at 3 p.m. at The Circuit Playhouse, Shelby will conduct a special workshop titled Acting: From The Stage to the Soundstage. (To donate, purchase tickets or for more information, call 901213-7566; email: registration@womenstheatrefestivalofm emphis.org; visit: www.WomensTheatreFestivalof Memphis.org.)
While he didnʼt call it a philosophy, Rickey Smiley says heʼs always working on making sure his audiences leave with smiles. (Courtesy photo)
Take 10-plus with
Comedy show set for June 20th
Rickey Smiley Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Tony Jones
The sound of laughter will be bouncing off the walls, ceiling and floor of the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts when the Rickey Smiley & Friends Comedy Show takes center stage on June 20th. Presented by Marcus Dorris of Mix and Mingle Entertainment, the show is set to kick off at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com. In advance of the big evening, The New Tri-State Defender reached out to Smiley with a few questions to get a feel for Rickey Smiley’s thoughts on Rickey Smiley and more!
The New Tri-State Defender: You’ve always seemed to enforce a moral sense to your comedy. On your best days, what do you want your audience to take from your show? Rickey Smiley: Just to be able to laugh and forget about their problems.
TSD: What are some of the fundamentals as a comedian that you had to learn and who was your best teacher or gave you the best advice that you still adhere to? R.S.: Timing and delivery of a joke, and Steve Harvey best teacher. TSD: Who is your favorite Hall of Fame level comedian, and who do you see on the come up that you wish you could reach out and give a break? R.S.: Eddie Murphy. Love to see all comics get a break. TSD: What do you consider your breakthrough?
R.S.: Doing what I do everyday.
TSD: What’s the next level breakthrough you’re hoping for? R.S.: Whatever God sees fit; win (the) NAACP Image Award.
TSD: What would you like to improve on in your presentation and are you working on it? R.S.: Just always make sure that my audience leaves with a smile on their face. TSD: Has acting proved difficult? R.S.: No, it is challenging and I like challenges.
TSD: What are the reality shows that you like and dislike and why? R.S.: I don’t watch reality TV. I look at the news constantly to stay aware. TSD: Memphis is a city of history. Besides the most familiar figures, what are some of the civil rights-era stories or figures that have influenced or inspired you? R.S.: I love Memphis for the culture and the people. They are so real. TSD: Do you really have any off time? Any consistent hobbies or a non-entertainment endeavor you would like to tackle? R.S.: When I have any free time I love being with my kids and being on my boat. TSD: Was Lil Darryl inspired by someone in your life? R.S.: (Laughs) He is someone I know.
When it comes to comedy, Rickey Smiley is serious business.
Wendy Moten – right on time
Grammy-nominated vocalist Wendy Moten recently returned to the studio to do what she does best. On June 6th, the Memphis-born vocalist, who has more than 20 years in the music industry, released her first solo album of jazz standards titled “TIMELESS: Wendy Moten Sings
Grammynominated vocalist Wendy Moten performed cuts on her new CD at STAX Museum of American Soul Music. (Photo: Tony Jones)
Richard Whiting.” The CD release party was held at STAX Museum of American Soul Music and attracted Moten fans – including Grammy-winning saxaphonist Kirk Whalum, president and CEO of the Soulsville Foundation – who’ve grown up with her
music or who’ve learned to appreciate one of the industry’s most powerful voices. Moten’s resume is impressive. She’s recorded a number of top-selling albums that charted in the United States and overseas, and collaborated with various top-tier artists such as
Michael Bolton, Eric Clapton, Al Jarreau, Joss Stone, Buddy Guy, Kenny Rogers, Jeffrey Osborne, Alice Cooper, Stevie Wonder, Kirk Whalum, and others. Genres include contemporary, R&B, jazz, rock and country. Moten is perhaps most noted as a
featured vocalist on tour with Latin crooner Julio Iglesias. She traveled with Iglesias for 15 years, “connecting with worldwide audiences.” “TIMELESS: Wendy Moten Sings Richard Whiting” is produced by Woodward Avenue Records, Alachua, Fla.
Grammywinning saxaphonist Kirk Whalum, president and CEO of the Soulsville Foundation, came out to support Moten.
ENTERTAINMENT
Tri-State Defender
June 12 - 18, 2014
OPENING THIS WEEK
Kam’s Kapsules:
Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun
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JoeAnn Ballard, founder of non-profit Neighborhood Christian Center, Inc., authors new book Author to host book signing Thursday, June 19th
Ice Cube reprises his role in “22 Jump Street” as an undercover college student bent on taking down a narcotics ring on a college campus. (Courtesy photo) For movies opening June 13, 2014
by Kam Williams
BIG BUDGET FILMS
“22 Jump Street” (R for sexuality, violence, drug use, brief nudity and pervasive profanity) Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum reprise their roles as ill-matched LAPD partners, this time going undercover as college students to crack a narcotics ring operating on campus. With Ice Cube, Amber Stevens and Nick Offerman. “How to Train Your Dragon 2” (PG for action and mildly rude humor) Animated adventure, set five years after the original, pits Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and his faithful pet, Toothless, against a diabolical, cave-dwelling villain (Djimon Hounsou) bent on world domination. Voice cast includes Cate Blanchett, Jonah Hill, Kristen Wiig, America Ferrara, Gerard Butler and Craig Ferguson.
INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS
“The Amazing Catfish” (Unrated) Strange bedfellows dramedy about a lonely supermarket clerk (Ximena Ayala) with appendicitis who finds herself befriended by her hospital roommate (Lisa Owen) and family. Support cast includes Sonia Franco, Wendy Guillen and Andrea Baeza. (In Spanish with subtitles) “Burning Bush” (Unrated) Czech docudrama, set in 1969, chronicling the student protests of the Soviet invasion of Prague
launched by a martyr who set himself on fire. Starring Tatiana Pauhofova, Jaroslave Pokorna and Petr Stach. (In Czech with subtitles)
pose’ questioning whether a U. S. college degree is still worth the investment.
“Evergreen” (Unrated) Cannabis documentary examining the state of affairs in Washington after the legalization of the recreational use of marijuana.
“See You Next Tuesday” (Unrated) Dysfunctional family dramedy, set in Brooklyn, about an unemployed, pregnant woman’s (Eleanore Pienta) toxic relationships with her mother (Dana Eskelson), her lesbian sister (Molly Plunk), and her sister’s live-in lover (Keisha Zollar). Support cast features Taylor Dior, Stephan Goldbach and Michele Meises.
“A Coffee in Berlin” (Unrated) Tragicomedy about a just-jilted college student (Tom Schilling) who drops out of school after being cut off financially by his father (Ulrich Noethen) only to end up aimlessly wandering around the streets of Berlin. With Katharina Schuttler, Andreas Schroders and Marc Hosemann. (In German and English with subtitles)
“Hellion” (Unrated) Dysfunctional family drama about a juvenile delinquent (Josh Wiggins), being raised by an emotionally-distant, widowed dad (Aaron Paul), whose anti-social behavior leads Child Protective Services to award custody of his imperiled little brother (Deke Garner) to their very protective aunt (Juliette Lewis). Supporting cast includes Augustine Frizzell, Jonny Mars and Annalee Jeffries.
“I Am I” (Unrated) Father-daughter drama about the frustrations encountered by a young woman (Jocelyn Towne) who belatedly befriends the brain-damaged dad she’s never known (Kevin Tighe) when he shows up unexpectedly at her mother’s funeral. With Simon Helberg, Jason Ritter and James Morrison. “Ivory Tower” (Unrated) Education ex-
“The Rover” (R for profanity and gory violence) Post-apocalyptic drama, set in the Australian Outback a decade after the collapse of civilization, about a hard-boiled Army vet’s (Guy Pearce) search for the gang of criminals that stole his only possession. With Robert Pattinson, Scoot McNairy and David Field.
“The Signal” (PG-13 for violence, profanity and mature themes) Sci-fi thriller revolving around a couple of MIT freshmen (Brenton Thwaites and Beau Knapp) driving across the Southwest with a girlfriend (Olivia Cooke) who take an ill-advised detour in the desert at the suggestion of a computer hacker with a hidden agenda. Featuring Laurence Fishburne, Robert Longstreet and Sarah Clarke.
“Violette” (Unrated) Lesbian biopic about French novelist Violette Leduc (Emmanuelle Devos), a write remembered for her sexually-explicit passages and as the life mate of Simone de Beauvoir (Sandrine Kiberlain). With Olivier Gourmet, Catherine Hiegel and Jacques Bonaffe. (In French with subtitles)
A unique story that details how a woman and her husband created a ministry that began with fostering 75 children in their Memphis home without any financial support from the state or federal government is outlined in a new book entitled “Called: How One Couple Served A City.” JoeAnn Ballard, the JoeAnn book’s author, explains Ballard how she and her late husband, Monroe Ballard, transformed a labor of love into an endeavor that eventually led to the founding of Neighborhood Christian Centers, Inc. in 1978. “Called: How One Couple Served A City,” by Southern biographer Sheridan Hill and published by Real Life Stories, LLC, describes how Ballard’s childhood set the stage for a lifetime of compassionate service. A book signing is scheduled on Thursday, June 19 from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 4055 Poplar Ave., in the Fellowship Hall. The event is free and open to the public. The author will discuss her lifelong commitment of service to those in need and sign copies of her book. The Ballard’s ministry started when Monroe Ballard, a high school teacher at the time, noticed that a student had threadbare clothes and was always hungry. The very next weekend, the Ballards invited the student to come to their home. They fed her, took her shopping, and brought her to church. The Ballards soon found other children in need of their help, and word spread throughout the black community. What started as a simple answer to meet the needs of one young student grew into a lifelong ministry of serving their neighbors in need. Today, the non-profit organization serves over 60,000 neighbors annually. Core programs and services include parent training for early childhood brain development, afterschool and recreation, college and career preparation, family enrichment and marriage support, job skill training, and emergency assistance for those in crisis. “My husband, Monroe, and I answered a calling to meet the needs of our neighbors that became a lifelong journey of service. Everything we did, we did in Christ. My hope is that others will be inspired to join me in compassionate service using their individual talents to serve neighbors in need,” said Ballard. Year after year of consistent relationship building – first among the materially poor and then among the materially rich – laid the groundwork that eventually built a spectacular community organization that includes six community centers within the most impoverished zip codes of Memphis.
COMMUNITY
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Tri-State Defender
June 12 - 18, 2014
Young chef Robinson ready to serve with D. Arthur’s Catering Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Wiley Henry
Desmond Robinson had his fill working as a senior education coordinator for training and development at Regional One Health, formerly the Regional Medical Center at Memphis. He’d spent his time in the labor pool and decided to follow his dreams. “I quit so I could become a fulltime caterer,” said Robinson, who’d been catering public and private parties, events, weddings, bridal showers and the like for more than two years before officially launching D. Arthur’s Catering. He has clients in Memphis, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Arkansas, Louisiana and Dallas. “I enjoy catering much better and always wanted to be a chef,” said Robinson, 28. On June 1st, the young chef provided an ample sampling of his palatable treats during a “Brunch Showcase” at the newly-built Beale Street Landing on the Riverfront. The atmosphere was conducive for such a showcase and replete with succulent, attractive food that included chicken and waffles, seafood mac & cheese, loaded potatoes mac & cheese, pepper jack mac & cheese, veggie
Desmond Robinson (right) prepares to serve food that he prepared at his “Brunch Showcase” at the newly-built Beale Street Landing on the Riverfront to officially launch D. Arthur’s Catering. (Photos: Wiley Henry) crepes, collared greens egg rolls, mini fish tacos, chicken drumettes, and five different desserts stations. Robinson’s parents, Arthur and Anniece Robinson, stood proudly among the crowd, observing while their son worked his magic. He donned
a white chef uniform, served and mingled with guests that numbered more than 125. They came expecting a treat and Robinson delivered. “He is an all-around renaissance kind of guy and an upstanding kind of fellow,” said Anniece Robinson, expressing
how happy she’s been after her son decided to stay in Memphis to pursue his career in the culinary arts. “We have too many of our children leaving Memphis, and I’m glad he stayed,” she said. A pretty good cook herself,
Robinson encouraged her son to seek his own path and offered to do all she could to help him get to where he wants to go. “I’m sure he’ll do just fine,” she said. During his formative years, Robinson observed carefully the Food Network’s Emeril John Lagasse, an American celebrity chef, restaurateur, television personality and cookbook author. Smittened, he envisioned “throwing down” just like Emeril. “Now that I’m older, I’m a fan of so many chefs. I don’t have a favorite,” he said. Would Robinson like to become the next superstar chef on the Food Network channel? “Sure, I would love an opportunity to cook on the Food Network,” he said. Robinson actually has limited formal training in the culinary arts. After graduating Whitehaven High School in 2003, he received a Bachelor’s of Art degree in communications from the University of Memphis in 2007, and a master’s degree in higher education and administration from Louisiana State University in 2011. “It wasn’t until after undergrad in 2008 that I decided to go to culinary school,” said Robinson. “I went for one quarter and didn’t finish.”
Attending culinary school really wasn’t an option, he said, particularly after acquiring the skill set firsthand from his mother, aunts and grandmothers on both sides of the family. The bloodline, he surmised, makes him a bona fide cook. “There are a lot of good cooks in the family. I got it naturally. That’s been my niche,” said Robinson, adding that if food is tantalizing to the taste buds and looks scrumptious, people would purchase it. Robinson creates his own recipes and takes other recipes up a notch or two. He has a team of 20 people – servers, drivers, trainers, dishwashers and cooks – to help him create the ambience that his clients expect. “We’re looking for other cooks who are experienced and qualified to come in knowing what to do,” said Robinson, who hopes to take his catering business to a whole new level to attract a broader clientele locally and nationally. Memphis, however, is his hub of operation. “It allows me to be flexible and creative. I can create different menus everyday of the week and design tables, food, and the overall décor.”
Agencies to explore how Title VII remade America
On Friday (June 13th), the Birmingham and Memphis District Offices of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will join several other government and educational entities in a continuing legal education seminar (CLE) entitled Remaking America: 50 Years of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII is the portion of the Civil Rights Act that prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion and sex. The seminar will be held at the Cecil C. Humphreys School of
Law from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The other participating offices are the Office of the United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, the Ben F. Jones Chapter of the National Bar Association, and the University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. The CLE will examine the past, present and future of Title VII from the perspective of lawyers and federal judges. EEOC General Counsel David Lopez will participate on two panels involving the evolution of Title VII and current issues in litigating such cases. The featured luncheon
speaker will be Paulette Brown, an attorney with Edwards Wildman in Morristown, N.J., and president-elect of the American BarAssociation (ABA). In February, Brown was nominated as the ABA’s president-elect for 201415. If elected by the ABA‘s House of Delegates inAugust, she will become the first woman of color to serve as ABA president. Mayor A C Wharton Jr. will open the CLE program, followed by Shelby County Commissioner and attorney Walter Bailey and attorney W.J. Michael Cody, who will present a historical context of the
City of Memphis prior to the enactment of Title VII. Other participants on the panel include federal judges who hear Title VII cases in the Eastern District of Arkansas, the Western and Middle District of Tennessee, and lawyers who litigate the Title VII cases. EEOC Birmingham District Director Delner Franklin-Thomas and Memphis District Director Katharine Kores will highlight some of the important cases involving Title VII. “We are excited about the program because it will demonstrate that while Title VII remade
America, we still have great strides to make in achieving justice and equality in the workplace for all groups.” said Faye A. Williams, the EEOC’s regional attorney in Memphis, and one of the organizers of the CLE. Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, said America has come a long way since the days of “No Colored” and “No Women” want-ads. “While impermissible discrimination still exists, it does not exist in the open and notorious way that it did prior to 1964,” he said.
“African Americans, women and minorities have made great strides in obtaining employment opportunities once thought unimaginable. …Title VII’s role in opening opportunities for all of America’s cannot be overstated.”
(The CLE offers four-and-onehalf hours of credit for lawyers. For registration information, or to register, go to Eventbrite. For more information about the EEOC, visit www.eeoc.gov. Those interested in attending the event may also contact Brenda Webber at 901-544-0122.)
Just energy policies championed by NAACP and partners
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Fresh on the heels of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s first-ever proposed nationwide limits on carbon pollution from existing power plants, the Memphis Branch NAACP and several community partners recently held a media event to amplify the need for “just energy policies.” Held June 5th at the Benjamin Hooks Main Library, the session also followed last month’s government release of its third National Climate Assessment. The assessment, said session organizers, documented “the alarming extent to which climate change already is adversely impacting Tennesseans, underlying the importance to take strong and just action to curb pollution from power plants before the impacts worsen.” Gloria Sweet Love, NAACP national board member and president of NAACP Tennessee branches, presented the NAACP report on climate change and energy policies. Jacqueline Patterson, the author of the “Just Energy Policies and Practices: Tennessee Report on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Policies,” was also on hand to present the results of
Memphis NAACP President, the Rev. Keith Norman, addresses the environmental justice roundtable as panelists, (l-r) Becky Williamson, Memphis Light, Gas and Water Div., Kirk Williamson, Memphis Bioworks and Gloria Sweet Love, National NAACP Board Member and Tennessee State President of NAACP Branches look on. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley) the Tennessee study. Patterson’s report concluded that: Tennessee has no renewable energy standard. Therefore Ten-
nessee must establish an aggressive policy to reach the recommended goal of at least 25 percent renewable energy (solar,
RETIREMENT CELEBRATION
Forty years of teaching excellence
Ocie Goodson Yates, a retired educator from the Legacy Shelby County School System, was honored on June 4th by family and friends during a retirement celebration at Texas de Brazil. Yates’career spanned over four decades; she’d served as a teacher, Instructional Facilitator, Reading Specialist, and Library Information Specialist. Known for her high expectations for students, Yates encouraged and worked with them individually to achieve their potentials. Her track record as an educator was duly noted across the curriculum physically, emotionally, socially as well as academically.
(Photo: George Tillman Jr.)
wind & geothermal) by 2025. Tennessee has no energy efficiency standard, therefore an energy efficiency policy must be es-
tablished to meet the recommended standard of at least 2 percent annual reduction of each previous year of retail electricity sales. Tennessee has not met the net metering standard, which would require utility companies to provide retail credit for excess renewable energy produced by consumers. (The MLGW representative indicated that this is not a valid point due to the relationship MLGW has with its consumers.) Tennessee has met one provision of the NAACP recommendation and that is to implement a training, funding and communication program to ensure minority participation for jobs and contracts for energy projects. The NAACP, the Sierra Club and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) are backing the recent EPA effort by the Obama Administration to reduce carbon emissions from coalfired plants. Such emissions, the groups argue, “affect the health of our children and seniors and especially impact those in low income minority communities.” Environmental justice is seen as a civil rights issue along with education, health, criminal justice and housing. “Communities of color na-
tionwide are, and have historically been, beset by human and civil rights violations, including disproportionate exposure to pollution, crime, substandard living conditions and more,” according to Patterson’s report. Community leaders from west Tennessee NAACP units, Sierra Club members and SACE members and interns were present for a roundtable discussion on climate change in Tennessee. Memphis Bioworks Foundation member, Kirk Williamson, described the Bioworks job training programs for energy projects, which develop skilled workers for the new energy environment. The Rev. Keith Norman, president of the Memphis Branch NAACP, emphasized the impact of renewable energy policy on employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. It was noted that some people estimate job losses without identifying the changes in the workplace with cleaner, healthier job opportunities. Rita Harris, Sierra Club environmental justice representative, said there would be future meetings to “communicate and address community issues involving climate change and environmental justice.”
Juneteenth goes live this weekend at Robert R. Church Park on Beale
The Juneteenth Urban Music Festival is set to go live Father’s Day weekend, June 13-15, on the grounds of the historic Robert R. Church Park on “world famous” Beale Street in downtown Memphis. “We have worked around the clock to bring you some of the best local talent in Memphis and Shelby County,” said Telisa Franklin, Juneteenth’s executive director. “Many of them have already achieved national recognition.” Juneteenth has a 21-year history in Memphis, making it one of the longest running festivals celebrating the heritage and freedom of African Americans from slavery. Festival-goers can expect three days of relvery and fanfare, said Franklin, including lots of food and vendor booths on the grounds. Music has always been an integral part of the festival. On Thursday (June 12th), dozens of artists will be honored at the 1st annual Juneteenth Urban Music Festival Awards at The New Daisy Theater, 330 Beale St., starting at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Artists working in various genres – gospel, R&B, hiphop, neo-soul, jazz, country, and more – will be awarded for their contributions to music. “Juneteenth is here to stay,” she said. “We’re going to get bigger and better.”
COMMUNITY
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June 12 - 18, 2014
BRIEFS & THINGS Man of the House Mentoring Event set for June 14th
More than 100 young men from across Memphis and Shelby County will be treated to a Power Lunch for Boys at this year’s Man of the House Mentoring Event this Saturday at the National Civil Rights Museum. The 6th annual gathering of men and boys at the historic civil rights site kicks off a new Bicycle Repair & Safety program bringing vocational skills and training to boys in the Soulsville community. The Power Lunch for Boys features mid-day remarks from Shelby County Sheriff Bill Oldham, who is the presenting sponsor for this year’s MOH Mentoring Event. Also on the lunchtime schedule are James “Jay” Robinson, CEO of Methodist-South Hospital, Dr. Todd Motley, two young Birmingham Alabama business owners Isaiah & Immanuel Armstrong, Memphis attorney Chris Taylor of Taylor & Toon, and Real Estate developer Henry Turley. Museum President Beverly Robertson and 24-Hour Bail Bond Company owner Maurice Bryant are slated to receive awards during the presentation for 100 urban boys at the noontime activity. Activities start at 8 a.m. and the event is free to all of the young participants, most from single-parent homes in Soulsville and surrounding communities. For more information, and to register a young man between the ages of 12-18, contact Tony Nichelson at manofthehousementoring@gmail.com, or call 901336-2399. Parents can also register their sons online at manofthehouse.net.
Methodist South to open Diabetes Wellness and Prevention Center June 13
According to the Centers for Disease Control in a report released Tuesday, Diabetes is affecting over 29 million people in the United States, an increase from the 26 million diagnosed in 2010. Another 86 million people, one-third of the population are thought to have blood sugar levels high enough to be diagnosed as pre-diabetic. In an effort to support the numerous diabetes patients here in the mid-South, Methodist South Hospital will open its Diabetes Wellness and Prevention Center from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, June 13. The center is located in the Medical Office Complex, 1251 Wesley Drive, Suite 151. “Diabetes is a very prevalent disease in our community,” said Dr. Jay Robinson, Methodist South Hospital CEO. “This center will help diabetics manage their illness while getting healthy and feeling better.” The Center will provide patients with comprehensive exams, self-monitoring and management tools, care coordination services, targeted educational materials and personal check-up calls between visits. The care team for the new center includes two supervising physicians, an endocrinologist, a family nurse practitioner, case manager and a health educator. The service hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. -5 p.m. For more information call, 901-297-0929 or to schedule an appointment, call 901-516-9000. BRIEFLY: In recognition of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month, The Alzheimer’s Association will hold its 3rd Annual Diversity Conference at the Baptist Memorial Hospital MemphisGarret Auditorium & Education on June 19th from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free but does require pre-registration.
The Fulton Four: Walter Fulton Sr., Gloria Fulton Singleton, Vickie Fulton and Jerome Fulton.
The Fulton Four: A family of artists Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Wiley Henry
A current of creative energy flows through one Memphis family and sparks the imagination of four of the matriarch’s eight children. Decades ago, Willie Bell Fulton and her now deceased husband, Walter Fulton Sr., would discover that something within four of their children needed to be expressed on paper, canvas, fabric, furniture, wall, glass, wood or any other surface. Walter Fulton Jr. (also known as “Atoosie”), Gloria Fulton, Jerome Fulton and Vickie Fulton each possesses a talent for either drawing, painting, designing, illustrating, cartooning, quilting, sewing, upholstering, crocheting, and simply bringing to life works of art that depict their myriad experiences. Gloria Fulton calls this talent a “gift” and added that her parents be-
Walter ‘Atoosie” Fulton Jr.: In pursuit of opportunities
It would be futile to try to define Walter Fulton Jr. or attempt to box him into a single category. He has the skills to move linearly or laterally in the art world and has no qualms about taking his art on the road or settling for a stint in a bustling city for artists. Fulton has lived in Florida 12 years; New York, 5; Los Angeles, 4 ½; Atlanta, 5; and Las Vegas, 2 ½. When he’s back in Memphis, he’s painting, drawing, cartooning, illustrating, designing fashions or sewing clothes and, to no one’s surprise, preparing to globe-trot to the next city for another adventure. “All my life, I’ve been somewhere,” said Fulton, 64, always in pursuit of making a living even if opportunity isn’t knocking. “You might as well enjoy yourself. God will provide what you need.” Although Fulton generally follows the market that is conducive to his style of art, the thought he’s had of launching a line of clothing – after designing and manufacturing them – has not faded from memory since he first learned to sew. He hopes to develop the idea into a business and employ people. “I love to paint and draw, but I would love to manufacture cotton clothes – shirts, pants, dresses and skirts – and be a viable player in the game (the fashion industry),” said Fulton, noting that Memphis is the purveyor of cotton, “so why not use cotton to manufacture clothing?” Fulton understands the world around him – its beauty, significance and functionality. “Everything you do has art in it,” he said. “The only thing is how do you take it and put it on the market.” When he was budding as an artist, Fulton received art scholarships from the 10th to the 12th grade at Douglass High School to attend summer school at the former Memphis Academy of Art. After graduating high school in 1968, he received another scholarship to the art school – this time as a bona fide college student. Like his siblings, Fulton has a spiritual side that radiates when he speaks. He recounted a story that he shared with homeless men, comparing stones to talent. “I work with the homeless and often tell them about the story of David, how he defeated the giant with five smooth stones. I tell them that the stones are talents and that they have to use their stones to defeat their giants.”
Gloria Fulton Singleton: Recycling discards into works of art
If art is the explicit purpose of man’s existence on earth, then everything that Gloria Fulton Singleton sees in her mind’s eye can be transformed or repurposed as a work of art. She is the quintessential recycling artist who sees beauty and meaning in discards. A painter, muralist, interior designer and decorator, woodworker, upholsterer, art teacher and seamstress, Singleton parlays her skills into works of art that are useful, functional and appealing to the homeowner. “I’ve always been around creative people,” said Singleton, 62, adding a tagline to her style of art: “Fulton’s Art & Home Furnishings.” The artist attributes her creativity to her mother, a seamstress; her late father, a painter and woodworker; and her late grandmother, a shoemaker. She credits her brothers Walter and Jerome for
queathed one to each of them. “My mother had a thrifty hand; she was creative,” she said. “But painting and construction came from my dad. For example, I remember him painting a portrait of my mom.” Willie Bell Fulton, who was married to her children’s father for 64 years, busied herself in the early days with cooking, cleaning and sewing clothes to make ends meet in the Hyde Park community. However, she wasn’t aware at that time that her children were budding as young artists – with the exception of Walter Fulton Jr. “The only child of mine that I really noticed with the talent for art was ‘Tootsie,” she recalled. “I saw a creative spirit in him at an early age. He was a different child. But the others…I was busy at that time taking care of them.” Now they are making their own mark in the world as individual artists and collectively as the Fulton Four.
hewing a path in the arts for her to follow and esteems Estella Cash, who taught sewing in the Hyde Park community. “If you wanted something, you made it, painted it, or recycled what you had,” said Singleton, drawing her experiences from her youth while growing up in a household of nine other family members. Those early influences, however, would enable her to harness her creative energies. “I like a beautiful, peaceful and cohesive environment. That’s what I strive for,” said Singleton, who works with children at Mustard Seed Studio teaching them the art of sewing, crocheting and knitting. Her ultimate goal is to teach children and employ women. Singleton graduated from Douglass High School in 1970 and afterward matriculated at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Ray Vogue School of Fashion Design in Chicago, the Tennessee Technology Center at Memphis to study carpentry, and the University of Memphis. Her current focus is on art and home furnishings.
Jerome Fulton: Recreating the Old South in multi-media
There’s a little history and antiquity in the artwork that Jerome Fulton creates. He’ll take you back to the Old South and elsewhere, where life for African Americans is seen through a kaleidoscope in cotton fields and rolling landscapes, where multi-colored, multi-patched quilts are suspended from clotheslines while a slight breeze nip at their fringes, and where the blues reverberates from guitar strings. “I’ve always been fascinated with Africans, the drums, and their music. It’s part of who we are. It’s in our bloodline,” said Fulton, 60, whose varied images of the Old South speak the language that he conveys on paper, canvas and through various found objects that comprise some of his wood constructions. It was during the summer months in Clarksdale, Miss., that images of southern life would emerge and eventually become a focal point in some of Fulton’s mixed media paintings and drawings. An aunt, he said, lived in Clarksdale and visits there would open his eyes to a new world, which stirred his interest to recreate the era’s enduring legacy – albeit good or bad for African Americans. “It was in Clarksdale that I learned to appreciate music, experience the great feel of country air and love for southern folks,” said Fulton. “The first sunset that I saw at the age of 8 inspired me to always look for beauty in colors.” Fulton is a graduate of Douglass High School. He’d dreamed of creating beautiful
works of art on paper, but discovered a watercolor technique that he’d borrowed from his instructors – watercolorists Dolph Smith and Fred Rawlinson – at the former Memphis Academy of Art (Memphis College of Art), where he graduated in 1976. “I love watercolors,” said Fulton, who took what he learned from his instructors and breathed new life into the fluid technique of watercolors by inserting, transferring or adhering photographic images of rusty shacks, people and building to a watercolor board. After college, Fulton lived in Chicago for 28 years drawing and illustrating and returned to Memphis 5 years ago to give us a history lesson on southern culture.
Vickie Fulton: Communicating through patchwork quilts
Hand gestures and a radiant expression frames Vickie Fulton’s face when she expounds upon her newly discovered talent for quilting. It had been a long time coming – an innate ability that was once dormant – but the creative urge to speak through her quilts has emboldened her and awakened the artist within. “When I’m sewing quilts, I’m singing, meditating, praying, and listening to God, and trying to solve the world’s problems,” said Fulton, 58, who took three quilting classes from Anne Harper and Andrew Hayes at the Josephine K. Lewis Center for Senior Citizens at the corner of Bellevue Boulevard and North Parkway. However, before finding solace in stitching quilts, Fulton taught in the legacy Memphis City Schools for 25 years. She’d devoted considerable time in the classroom teaching the curriculum and imparting to her students a sense of history from an African-American perspective. Although the field of education was foremost Fulton’s passion, it is quilting that piques her interest of late and imbues her with sheer joy. “I’m still in the line of education,” said Fulton, who delights in designing each quilt in a way that educates, that tells a story. For example, in “Secret Code Quilt,” the artist stitched a colorful patchwork using images of African American slave quarters and abolitionist Harriett Tubman, each juxtaposed against vibrant colors symbolizing secret messages that were deciphered by slaves seeking to escape to freedom via the Underground Railroad. “When I wake up in the morning, I start quilting and don’t stop until the night,” said Fulton. “In my sleep I’m sewing. I’m always thinking about new projects. My spirit and soul are in my quilts. They are like children. “It’s therapy to me. I’m engrossed in thought on each piece,” said Fulton, noting that she hasn’t sewn since high school but picked it up in a snap. “I love it. It’s a lost art. And my goal is to bring it back.” Fulton graduated from Northside High School in 1974, from Southwestern Christian College in 1976 with an associate’s degree in social work, and from Lipscomb University in 1979 with a bachelor’s of art in social work.
SPORTS Tri-State Defender, Thursday, June 12 - 18, 2014, Page 12
A LITTLE R&R ON SPORTS
Jim Brown: A true soldier
...Jim grew up with no father, endeavoring instead to learn lessons of manhood in sports and in the streets.
Jim Brown is a soldier. Anybody not understanding that doesn’t have any sense. Absolutely not intending to impugn anybody’s intelligence, this simply means that perhaps they don’t have any sense of who he is or any sense of his story. T h i s Saturday ( J u n e 14th) on “A Little R&R on Sports” we have the privilege of speaking to Larry Brown – Robinson social activist, actor and one of the greatest running backs ever in the NFL. While not all do, many soldiers fight. Jim Brown is definiteHoward ly of the Robertson fighting ilk. He’s had to fight his way through since beginning life in 1936 in St. Simon Island, Ga. His father left while Brown was still an infant and his mother left too. But she left to go “up north” to find work, leaving him to be raised by his great-grandmother. When he was eight he moved to New York to live with his momma, who was working as a maid in Long Island, N.Y.
NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown was greeted by then-Griz coach Lionel Hollins prior to the 11th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day game in January 2013. (Photo: Warren Roseborough) Like too many of today’s professional athletes, Jim grew up with no father, endeavoring instead to learn lessons of manhood in sports and in the streets. By all accounts, he was a natural, in both venues. He excelled in football, basketball, track and lacrosse. For a time, he was too good in high school, which caused him to be benched to give much less talented white kids more playing time. Jim was recruited by 45 colleges, and then chose Syra-
cuse University, where he was only able to afford the tuition to attend because friends in Long Island passed the hat. Then he had to fight to receive a full athletic scholarship. During his sophomore year, after one of those less talented white kids went down with an injury, he finally got his chance. By the end of that game Syracuse fans were chanting his name. By the end of his career at Syracuse he was a 10x letterman: three times in football, three times in lacrosse and
two times each in basketball and track. He even qualified in the Decathlon for the 1956 Olympics but did not participate. The All American running back graduated from Syracuse in 1957 and was drafted in the first round by the Cleveland Browns that same year. For ten seasons in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, #32 completely dominated professional football. He was the prototype “hybrid” running back with speed and elusiveness to run around de-
fenses, the power and explosiveness to run through them plus the hands and leaping ability to catch passes over them. Arguably the greatest running back of all time, he became one of the first successful athlete-endorsers as a spokesperson for Pepsi. Then came acting, with his first role being in a movie called “Rio Conchos,” where he played (of all things), a soldier. His post-football careers as an actor and activist are well documented.
Appearing on “The Arsenio Hall Show,” Brown said if he were assembling another summit of athletes today – like he did on Muhammad Ali’s behalf nearly 50 years ago – he wouldn’t call Kobe Bryant. Particularly since he was speaking hypothetically, he has every right to say what he said. He’s earned it. Jim Brown is a warrior kind of soldier that will fight no matter what the venue and no matter whom the enemy may be, if he believes in the cause and the principle. Bryant is more of a soldier of fortune. Soldiers of fortune pick their battles very carefully, measure their enemies thoroughly and most importantly to them, make sure the money is worth the fight. We can all relate to a personality like Jim Brown’s because most of us have a relative that is going to say exactly what he or she thinks regardless of consequences or what anyone else thinks. As long as they’re not lying, and especially if their lives have positively impacted others, the community or the world in any way, shape or form…they deserve to have their say. Different battles require certain types of soldiers. We still have a great many battles where we can use soldiers like Jim Brown. (“A Little R&R on Sports” is a nationally syndicated radio show heard on hundreds of radio affiliates and digital platforms. In Memphis, listen every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. on 790 AM ESPN Radio.)
5 things to watch for in the NBA Finals
superstar we saw back in his Toronto Raptor days. Valuable role players like Battier and Udonis Haslem are on their last legs. They still have LeBron. And frankly, that may be all they need. But it’s hard to see continued dominance from this particular Heat team moving forward.
theGrio
by Stefen Lovelace This NBA season has been full of compelling storylines. The Indiana Pacers collapsed. Kevin Durant finally claimed his first MVP trophy. Donald Sterling opened his mouth and was then shown the door. These storylines held our interest through the dog days of the NBA season. One year after one of the most competitive NBA Finals in recent memory, we’re back at where we started: Miami Heat. San Antonio Spurs. The rematch. The Spurs suffered heartbreak in 2013 but have regrouped. The team that finished with the league’s best record this season has another chance to dethrone a Heat team looking for its third straight title. Here are five things you should be looking out for:
The revenge factor
Judging by the early war of words, these teams clearly aren’t friendly. Tim Duncan started the sniping, claiming the Spurs will “do it this time” and topple the defending champs. LeBron James countered, claiming the Spurs don’t like the Heat — whatever that means. The chatter continued when LeBron and Dwayne Wade claimed to feel “slighted” that fans and media feel the Spurs gave the title away last year. The way the Spurs lost last year would’ve haunted most teams. Instead, the Spurs refocused. I believe it when they say they want to play this particular Heat team again. The 2014 Spurs – with a better Kawhi Leonard, a healthy Manu Ginobili, a more experienced Danny Green, a more assertive Boris Diaw, and vital additions in Patty Mills and Marco Belinelli — are better than the 2013 version.
The Finals…where legacies are defined
LeBron James (Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) and Tim Duncan (Photo: Kevin C. Cox/ Getty Images) Conversely, this Heat squad has looked worse than their previous two title teams. Wade finally looks human, Shane Battier looks brittle, Mike Miller is gone, and LeBron is being asked to do even more than usual. The Spurs want payback. And they actually have a chance to get it.
Timmy and Pop’s last stand
You’ve heard this one before: this is officially Duncan and Gregg Popovich’s final swan song. We’ve been predicting for five years that the two of them have to be close to hanging it up, and yet, they’re back each season leading the Spurs deep into June. This seems like the right time for a definitive conclusion though. Even with Popovich’s masterful management of minutes, Duncan is a not-so-spry 38 years old. For
Popovich, it’s hard to imagine he can accomplish much more in his career. Plus, the long hours are really hurting his wine game. I know it was said last year, but it’s worth saying again: this is the Spurs’ best and potentially last chance at a title. Simply put, the Western Conference is loaded. Factoring in health, luck, and age, it’s just unrealistic to think the Spurs will have many more opportunities. This could be the last we see of the Timmy/Pop dynasty.
Stepping up when it counts
There’s a popular axiom that former players and coaches like to preach: the Finals come down to role players. In 2013, star-turned-roleplayer Ray Allen hit one of the most clutch shots in NBA Finals history. Before he saved the Heat season, it looked like
the Spurs’ Danny Green had the unlikely opportunity to win an NBA Finals MVP. Which player will become a Finals folk hero this year? Will Rashard Lewis continue his miraculous resurgence and win a game by himself with hot three-point shooting? Will Patty Mills, who was playing on international rosters just two years ago, spark the Spurs offense when Tony Parker sits? Will Leonard make the expected leap this playoffs from really, really good player to star? LeBron will get his. On most nights, Wade will get his too. Parker will show his normal wizardry, while Ginobili will display his typical craftiness. Duncan will be the leader we’ve come to expect from 17 seasons of brilliance. But the guys we don’t typically talk about will be the ones who swing the series. And they’ll be the ones who have a chance to stand out.
Three-peat
When this Heat team was constructed, everyone expected a dynasty (they were pretty confident about it too). They’ve largely delivered on that promise — four straight NBA Finals appearances is as good as it gets. The Heat have a chance at the first three-peat since the 2000-02 Los Angeles Lakers. But this should be the Heat’s most difficult test yet, and it’s fair to wonder if this is the last of the Heat teams as presently constructed that we’ll ever see. They have serious roster management to consider this summer and whether the ‘Big Three’ will resign is still up in the air. Even if they’re all back next year, this is a vastly different team than the one we saw when they joined forces four years ago. Wade is essentially playing on a pitch count. Bosh, while extremely valuable to the Heat, never was the
From a legacy perspective, this Finals may be the most important since the Lakers/Boston Celtics battles in the 80s. Duncan is going for his fifth title and would win it a remarkable 16 seasons apart from his first one. The Spurs have been the best franchise since Michael Jordan retired from the Chicago Bulls. LeBron is going for a threepeat. He would join current and future Hall of Famers Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Bill Russell as the only greats to win at least three titles in a row. Having been to the Finals five times, and taking this particular Heat team to a third straight, it would help vault him into the Mount Rushmore of the NBA he talked about joining earlier this year to NBA TV’s Steve Smith. What makes this storyline sweeter is that there is some history between Duncan and LeBron. They’re 1-1 against each other in the NBA Finals, with Duncan’s Spurs team beating up on a bad Cleveland Cavaliers team, led by a notquite-ready-for-the-moment LeBron in 2007. Regardless of who wins, one future Hall of Famer is cementing his legacy. When you’re a top-10 player of alltime – like both Duncan and LeBron are — it’s series like these that move you up or down on the list. This Finals will dictate how historians tell their stories. What a perfect final chapter. (Follow Stefen Lovelace on Twitter @StefenLovelace.)
Tri-State Defender
Legal Notices
LEGAL NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Sealed bids will be received at the Office of the City of Memphis Purchasing Agent, Room 354, City Hall 125 N. Main, Memphis, TN 38103, _August 1, 2014__ until 2:00 pm, for furnishing the City of Memphis with the following: FOR THE DIVISION OF: PUBLIC WORKS
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF: Main Street to Main Street Multimodal Connector Project – Contract 4.2 Federal Project No.: TIGER M2M(1)
Main Street to Main Street Multimodal Connector Project – Contract 4.2 in Memphis, Shelby County
1. The Prime Contractor and all Sub Contractors must prequalify with the Department of Transportation in accordance with Section 54-5-117 of the “Tennessee Code Annotated” and Tennessee Department of Transportation Rule 1680-5-3 prequalification of contractors before biddable proposals will be furnished.
2. The City of Memphis hereby notifies all bidders that a _7.6_% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal has been set for this project and must be met or exceeded. All contractors identified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) must be on the Tennessee Uniform Certification Program (TNUCP) List at the time of the bid opening. 3. The City of Memphis hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation, and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex or disability in consideration for an award.
4. The City of Memphis is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drugfree with policies of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service. For additional information contact Mary Bright, (901) 576-6545, City of Memphis, Contract Compliance Office, 125 N. Main St, Memphis, TN 38103 5. “Certification by each bidder must be made with respect to nondiscrimination in employment.” 6. A Bid Bond is required.
Because it makes sense…
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JEROME SMITH, CITY PURCHASING AGENT NOTICE TO BIDDER(S)
Shelby County Government is soliciting written proposals, on a competitive basis from qualified companies or professionals to conduct an independent evaluation of the Shelby County Lead Hazard Reduction Program (the “Program”). Information regarding this RFP is located on the Countyʼs website at www.shelbycountytn.gov. At the top of the home page, click on the links “Department,” “P” for the Purchasing Department and “Bids” to locate the name of the above-described RFP.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DUE JUNE 24, 2014 AT 4:00 PM RFP #14-006-63 EVALUATION OF LEAD HAZARD CONTROL PROGRAM
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Anthony “Amp” Elmore hosted the “We are going to South Africa in 2017 Pre-Kickoff Celebration” at his home at 1035 Semmes St. on Saturday. The event reflected Elmoreʼs decade-long pursuit of an African country to honor African-Americans with a “Formal State Reception.” The weekend celebration included African-styled food and live music. For more information about Elmoreʼs initiative, call 452-4330. (Photo: George Tillman Jr.)
By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL, JR., SHELBY COUNTY MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT PUBLIC NOTICE SHELBY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING CLIENT ENROLLMENT FOR REHABILITATION SERVICES
The Shelby County Department of Housing officially announces that it is accepting applications from eligible applicants for rehabilitation services during Shelby Countyʼs 2015 Fiscal Year that runs from July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015. Assistance under Shelby Countyʼs Rehabilitation Programs is available to individuals who meet federal income guidelines, are owner-occupants, and live within Shelby County outside the City of Memphis. All assistance is subject to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developmentʼs approval of the Shelby County Annual Action Plan for the 2014 HUD Program Year. To be eligible for rehabilitation services, households must be considered low-tomoderate income. This means that a household can apply for assistance if annual income by household size is less than: 1 person $31,750
2 person $36,300
7 person $56,250
8 person $59,900
4 person $45,350
5 person $49,000
3 person $40,850 6 person $52,650
Individuals interested in receiving assistance under the above programs administered by the Department of Housing may contact: Ms. Mary Ann Chandler Shelby County Department of Housing 1075 Mullins Station Road Memphis, Tennessee 38134 (901) 222-7619 TTY Number (901) 222-2301
Regular office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Assistance under these programs is provided on a first-come first-served basis and is based on the submission of a fully completed application form. Shelby County encourages applications from income eligible handicapped and elderly individuals whose homes are in need of rehabilitation services that will enable them to remain in their homes. Shelby County is committed to providing the highest achievable quality of services to all residents of Shelby
County without prejudice, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, familial status, or national origin. Para mas información en Español, por favor llame al 901-222-4289.
Attest:
Jim Vazquez, Administrator Shelby County Department of Housing NOTICE OF SUNSET PUBLIC HEARING
In accordance with Title 4, Chapter 29, Tennessee Code Annotated, the Government Operations Committees of the Tennessee General Assembly will conduct a public hearing to receive testimony on whether the entities listed below should be continued, restructured, or terminated. The hearings will be held in the Legislative Plaza, Nashville, Tennessee, as indicated below. Pertinent public testimony is invited. Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at 1:00 p.m., in Room 12
Advisory Committee on Womenʼs Health Board of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors Board of Dispensing Opticians Board of Osteopathic Examination Board of Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists, and Clinical Pastoral Therapists Hemophilia Advisory Committee Perinatal Advisory Committee Renal Disease Advisory Committee Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Council Wednesday, June 25, 2014, at 9:00 a.m., in Room 12
Advisory Council for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing Advisory Council for the Education of Students with Disabilities Baccalaureate Education System Trust Fund, Board of Trustees Health Information Committee Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth
Any changes in the above schedule which may become necessary will be announced at the Government Operations Committeesʼ website at www.capitol.tn.gov/joint/committees/govopps/. For additional information or to request special accommodations for individuals with disabilities, contact: Joe Schussler, CPA, Assistant Director, Division of State Audit, Nashville, Tennessee; telephone: (615) 747-5303; e-mail: Joe.Schussler@cot.tn.gov. Request for special accommodations should be made at least 24 hours prior to the meeting whenever possible.
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