VOL. 61, No. 24
June 14 - 20, 2012
www.tsdmemphis.com
75 Cents
Grizz sale no reason for alarm, says mayor
Get healthy...
Wharton reaches out to would-be new owner
The 2012 Community Health Fair and Family Fun Day sponsored by The New Tri-State Defender will take place Saturday, June 16, at the Juneteenth Festival in Douglass Park. See the Health Wise section for details on the health fair and more.
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Kelley Evans
History-making Tennessee state trooper dies
James A. Hall, 73, the first black ever selected to serve as a Tennessee State Trooper, passed away on June 9. Hall was hired on August 1, 1964 and sent to the Driver’s License Division, partly because it could not be determined how or when he would be assigned to duties as a road trooper. It was not until Oct. 1, 1965 that Commissioner Greg O’Rear made the monumental step toward diversity. Three black males, James Hall, Claude Johnson and John Grady were commissioned as state troopers. Because Johnson was processed first, he was long regarded as the first Black State Trooper. However, James Hall had been hired 14 months earlier and was forced to wait until “the time was right”. At the height of the civil rights movement, the three became not only the first black troopers in Tennessee, but the first in the South. Trooper Hall was assigned to the Nashville District and served with distinction before retiring in 1972. Grizzlies banners hang outside the FedExForum. Mayor A C Wharton Jr. said he sees no evidence the sale of the Grizzlies will move the team. (Photo by Brian Ramoly)
As elevator speeches go, Mayor A C Wharton Jr. has one ready and well-tested for the myriad Memphis Grizzlies fans who want to know his perspective on whether the team they have grown to love will stick around. The uneasiness about the future ratcheted up on Monday morning when fans woke up to news that Memphis Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley had reached a deal to sell the team to tech-business owner and “billionaire” Robert Pera for a reported $350 million. “We have every reason to believe and every confidence that they are going to stay here,” Wharton told The New Tri-State Defender on Wednesday afternoon. The transaction is pending approval by the NBA AC Board of Governors, antitrust clearance and other Wharton Jr. conditions. Across from the FedExForum, where the Grizz have established a formidable home-court presence, Wharton fielded more of the questions that have been directed his way since news of the pending sale surfaced. First he noted that the mindset of the Memphis populace as a whole has changed, with people generally tending to focus on “what’s possible, what we can do.” So with that context, Wharton said, “Everyone I have spoken with has said we can keep them (the Grizzlies) here. And they are taking so much heart out of the Oklahoma City Thunder. That’s a new team, that’s a small market area. So they are saying, ‘Gee whiz, look what’s happening with that young franchise. We’re older than them. So hey, we can keep them here.’” Wharton said he had reached out to the new prospective owner, with the expectation of talkSEE GRIZZ ON PAGE 2
Sexual health education – is MCS doing enough? The New Tri-State Defender
Fashion for less...
Money may be tight, but you can still look good if you shop economically smart – and with style. See page 8.
MEMPHIS WEEKEND
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
H- 9 3o - L - 7 2o Su nny
H- 8 8o - L - 7 0o Mo st l y Sun ny
H- 8 8o - L - 6 9o S unn y
REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS
Friday H-93 L-72 H-91 L-69 H-89 L-69
Saturday H-88 L-69 H-89 L-67 H-87 L-66
Sunday H-89 L-70 H-89 L-67 H-89 L-66
The results of the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey show that Memphis City Schools high school students are more likely to have had sexual experience, more likely to have had intercourse with four or more persons and less likely to have used birth control since the survey was last conducted in 2009. The survey – released this week – is a national school-based tool developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and conducted by local education and health agencies. The 2011 survey information was gathered from students in grades 9-12 during October 2010 to December 2011. Shelby County Schools are not required to conduct the survey. The 2011 survey shows: 62.2 percent of Memphis City Schools students who completed the survey reported having had sexual intercourse, up slightly from 61.6 percent who reported ever having had sexual intercourse in 2009. A significant increase in the number of students who report having had sexual intercourse for the first time before age 13; 15.6 percent in 2011 over 12.1 percent in 2009; More students report never being taught about AIDS or HIV infection in school – 22.8 percent in 2011, over 20.6 percent in 2009;
Teen pregnancies, dangers on the rise. See Special Report, page 4.
Students are less likely to have used a condom during their last sexual intercourse – 27.9 percent in 2011, up from 27.6 in 2009. In a release about the survey, Planned Parenthood officials said results in Memphis essentially have been unchanged since 2003, meaning that “two entire classes of students have completed their high school years and graduated without any significant improvement in these sexual behaviors that put young people at risk of unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.” Martavius Jones, a member of the Unified School Board and the Transition Planning Commission, called the statistics alarming. “We are concerned that many of our children do not get involved in the kinds of pursuits and extra-curricular activities – such as sports, music, drama and the creative arts – which channel their talent and energy into more productive endeavors,” said Jones. “As leaders of our school system, it is not lost on any of us that more effort to get our youngsters involved in such must be made. And clearly, SEE SEX ON PAGE 2
- INSIDE -
• Barack Obama is not the first ‘Black President.’ See Opinion, page 4.
• Lucy Shaw: ‘Stupid is what takes us into learning.’ See Religion, page 6.
• Bust A Move Monday – ‘We just keep doing what we’re doing!’ See Business, page 5.
• Boxing world stunned by Bradley-Pacquiao decision. See Sports, page 10.
Heritage Day…
The Rev. Samuel B. Kyles and Monumental Baptist Church celebrated Heritage Day on Sunday (June 10), with an eye toward getting more young people to learn and honor African-American history. See related photo on Religion, page 6. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)
Warning to churches: Change the way you do business Trice Edney News Wire
The head of a national AfricanAmerican bankers organization is warning that growing foreclosures upon churches across America indicate that houses of worship must quickly change the way they do business or possibly face a national crisis. “A trend in church foreclosures is causing national leaders representing African-American communities all over America to focus their attention on potential solutions to avert an impending crisis,” writes Michael Grant, president of the National Bankers Association in a three-page report, released exclusively to the Trice Edney News Wire. “With the advent of the megachurch as a phenomenon, church leaders are being forced to rethink
their growth strategies.” At least 138 church properties were sold by banks last year and about 270 around the nation since 2010, according to CoStar, a Washington, D.C.-based real estate information company. Ninety percent of the sales reportedly result from foreclosure. On March 6, Reuters reported, “Banks are foreclosing on America’s churches in record numbers as lenders increasingly lose patience with religious facilities that have defaulted on their mortgages, according to new data…The surge in church foreclosures represents a new wave of distressed property seizures triggered by the 2008 financial crash, analysts say, with SEE CHURCH ON PAGE 2
NEWS
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CHURCH
“If sound business principles are not adhered CONTINUED FROM FRONT to, the church jeopardizes many banks no longer willing its ability to provide a to grant struggling religious or- valuable benefit to its ganizations forbearance.” congregants.” According to Grant, whose Michael Grant organization has a membership of 37 banks, he sees no major disparity between the numbers of foreclosures upon African American and white congregations. However, he writes, “A preliminary analysis of many African-American churches that pursued aggressive expansion strategies has yielded a few interesting and common patterns.” He ticks off the patterns as follows: Expansion efforts were not usually directed by financial plans constructed by individuals who had the expertise to give church leaders sound financial advice. Many financial decisions by those who oversee aggressive expansion strategies were not rooted in frugal planning or monitored by systems of accountability. Record keeping is often not dictated by accepted accounting practices. Lending institutions are oftentimes not contacted early enough to avail the church of bank assistance in the forms of loan modifications or forbearance. Many church leaders mistakenly believe that bank assistance is available after foreclosure procedures have begun. In reality, by the time the church is being foreclosed on, the bank has exhausted all of the remedies at its disposal. Grant concludes that though many church decisions are made based on faith and visionary leadership, the church must be thought of as a business. “Just as the hospital exists to promote physical health and wellness, it is nonetheless a business,” said Grant. “The church’s business is to promote spiritual health and well-being. It is also a business. If sound business principles are not adhered to, the church jeopardizes its ability to provide a valuable benefit to its congregants.” Church leaders across the nation are being impacted by the economic crisis, not only causing a shortage in the collection plate, but the decreased ability to help parishioners in financial trouble and difficulty paying its own bills, including staff salaries and mortgages. Though small and middlesized congregations are seeing more foreclosures, even mega-
Tri-State Defender
June 14 - 20, 2012
churches have not been exempt from drastic measures. Bishop T.D. Jakes, pastor of the 30,000-member Potter’s House in Dallas, said he was forced to make major cuts three years ago in order to avoid doom. “Membership has gone up. Income has gone down. We’ve laid off about 40 people from our staff. We’ve had to make some hard choices,” Jakes said. “We’ve had to curtail some of the services that we’ve normally had to provide to the community because our resources are hard hit. I’m getting calls from pastors all over the country who are downsizing, cutting back on services, cutting back on office hours because they are being adversely affected by this also.” Church organizational leaders are exploring new ways to operate financially as they await improvement in the economy. The Rev. Dr. Franklyn Richardson, chairman of the Conference of National Black Churches (CNBC), says understanding more about banking, how it works and specifically how African-American banks can help abate financial crisis in churches is on his agenda. He agrees that the African-American church, as an institution, does not fully understand how best to relate to banks. “I don’t think we actually do. I also don’t think we take advantage of what our collective deposits could demand on Monday mornings after Sunday,” said Richardson after holding a session on economics and the Black community during a CNBC meeting last week. “So, we’re looking at – especially given the electronics today, if we were able to bring our Sunday morning deposits together electronically and leverage them in the market, how that could change or have impact on how we can get banking services in our communities. That’s what we’re talking about now.” Bishop Eugene Ward, pastor of Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio is also a board member of CNBC, which comprises nine denominations and an estimated reach of over 10 million parishioners across the U. S.
He says church officials are sometimes actually leery of African-American banks. “I really believe that in most cases we find ourselves being careful when it comes to black institutions. And we migrate more to Caucasian institutions because of our ignorance and our lack of trust for those who are in black banking,” Ward says. “The dry answer and a very good example for us is that many of us look to them to favor us and we abuse them rather than cooperate with them to do the same things that we would do with Caucasian institutions.” Ward adds that church leaders have a skewed view of banks in general. “We really only want banks for money, but a lot of us right now can’t really afford to pay back,” he said. “And because of banking practices, now Caucasian agencies have turned to where they are really not operating to lend money to black churches any more, now we’re finding ourselves in really dire straits because we don’t have anyone to turn to. Had we started to invest with the credit unions and the black institutions, I feel that we would be in much better shape.” Grant outlines 12 basic facts that church leaders need to know about banks. Among them are the following: Churches that seek their bank’s help or assistance as soon as a problem with making payments arises stand a far greater chance of avoiding foreclosure. Loans to churches are classified as commercial (or business) loans. Proportionately and historically, African-American banks make and have made the largest percentage of all loans to black churches. Loans are the primary sources of revenue for banks. Foreclosures could cause banks to diminish their loan loss reserves and negatively impact the community and real estate values. Ultimately, Grant writes that churches must become more like businesses as they seek to survive in the current economic climate: “Identifying qualified financial counselors and utilizing certified accountants is no longer a luxury. If the church is to survive to continue its work, it must have an organization structure that resembles the modern corporation.” (This Trice Edney Wire special was distributed by New America Media.)
GRIZZ
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
ing soon with Pera. “If necessary, I will go see him,” said Wharton. “When you look back, how many franchises have moved,” Wharton asked, noting the Seattle Supersonics’ move to Oklahoma City and the Grizzlies move from Vancouver. Memphis, he said, has a state-of-the art facility in the FedExForum, and that Heisley has shown that is possible to attract talent here. “What is the reason to go into the unknown,” he asked, referring to moving the team out of the city. “You’ve got one of the most loyal followings you’ll find anywhere.” Previous interested buyers wanted to head to the West coast, which was a turnoff to Heisley, who wanted a buyer committed to keep the city’s needs in mind. Existing terms and conditions indicate that the team could not be moved anytime soon without a stiff penalty. The franchise is bound to a current lease that keeps the Griz-
SEX
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
this is going to take a concerted effort on the part of parents, teachers, administrators, and others in the community who are concerned and commit to invest their time and effort in our children’s education and character development. This survey is a wake-up call to us all.” MCS released a statement pointing out that MCS follows the Michigan Model for its Family Life Curriculum. “This age appropriate curriculum begins at the elementary level in grade four and extends to the high school level. Lesson plans include changes the body undergoes during puberty, sexual responsibility, and the prevention of STI’s (sexually transmitted infections). The Family Life Curriculum extends through student’s first
zlies in Memphis until 2021. “I am excited about the opportunity to build on the work that has made the Memphis Grizzlies a highly competitive NBA team,” Pera said in a statement released by the Grizzlies. “I look forward to getting to know the Memphis community and to continuing the team’s success in Memphis.” Pera, the 34-year-old founder and CEO of Ubiquiti Networks, a publicly-traded technology company, is a former engineer at Apple. He left Apple at the age of 25 to start his own company, making wireless networking gear. In March, Forbes magazine named Pera one of the ten youngest billionaires. At the time, his net worth was $1.5 billion. However, in recent months the shares in Ubiquiti Networks dropped, which placed him in the millionaire category (around $850 million). The 75-year-old Heisley attempted to sell his stake in 2006 to Christian Laetter and Brian Davis. Then there was Larry Ellison, whose offer was placed on pause because he was adamant about moving the team to California. “I have enjoyed my owner-
year of high school.” While sexual education is not mandated by the state of Tennessee for students in grades 10 through 12, MCS provides Human Growth & Development for students. “This year-long course is more intensive and focuses on healthy relationships, prevention of STI’s and pregnancy prevention. These curriculums also call for promoting sexual risk avoidance through abstinence – now required by state law in all sexual education curricula. Planned Parenthood emphasized that the problems are not confined to Memphis. “The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s ‘KIDS COUNT: The State of the Child in Tennessee 2011’ study, released last week, showed that children in Shelby County have the highest rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection in all of Tennessee. In fact, nearly half of all the teenage
ship of the Grizzlies and the support for professional basketball in Memphis,” said Heisley. “I am confident that the franchise will continue its development toward being a perennial championship contender and an important member of the Memphis community.” Heisley said he was particularly gratified that “we have put together a team which is poised to continue its improvement. We have an outstanding team of players, coaching staff, and basketball and business management. In Robert, we have a new owner who has expressed a total commitment to build on our success in Memphis.” Heisley purchased the Grizzlies in 2000 when the team was located in Vancouver, Canada. In 2001, the Grizzlies were relocated to Memphis and in 2004 moved into FedExForum. Since moving to Memphis, the team has participated in the NBA playoffs five seasons, including the two most successful campaigns in franchise history in 2010-11 and 2011-12. (This story includes a TSD newsroom report.)
cases of sexually transmitted infections in the state are in Shelby County.” According to Planned Parenthood, Tennessee’s “family life” curriculum is supposed to include information about sexuality and was always inadequate and unevenly taught. A bill passed by the Tennessee General Assembly this spring and signed into law by Gov. Bill Haslam last month will make it even less likely that Tennessee students will get the information they need “to protect themselves,” the group asserts. State Rep. G.A. Hardaway said the new law reflects a gap between ideology and reality. As for the survey results, Hardaway stressed that the African-American community, particularly those in positions of authority and influence, must step up to address the need. That can – and must – happen, said Hardaway.
NATION
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June 14 - 20, 2012
Mom publishes children’s book to help answer questions on skin color and tolerance (PRNewswire-iReach) – “Unexpected” writer and publisher Mayma Raphael hopes her debut children’s book, “I Love The Skin I’m In!,” will help many other parents answer the questions that young children have about skin color and difference, after her own daughter’s questions inspired her to write the book. The journey to writing the book started for Raphael, 38, when her then 3-year old daughter developed a curiosity about color and began asking questions about why her skin color was different from her friends. Raphael offered myriad explanations, but still her daughter was not satisfied, and so she decided that a children’s picture book would be the best way to explain. Although there are children’s books about multiculturalism and books for children of color, there were none that Raphael felt truly worked for her daughter – and potentially for other young children who were expressing similar questions. Determined that the book would be authentic and resonate with all children in a society where skin color is still an issue for many, Raphael created her own publishing company, Mom Publishing (www.mompublishing.com). This put Raphael in full control of the book, from creating the fun, uplifting and engaging manuscript, to finding the right illustrator and book designer, as well as a top international printer to produce the book. The end result, “I Love The Skin I’m In!,” is a fully illustrated 32-page hardcover children’s picture book, which has been possible through the collaborative efforts of Raphael, book designer Rebecca Stone, an Ossining, New York native, and illustrator, Haily Cryan, who hails from Connecticut and is now a Brooklyn, New York resident. “I Love The Skin I’m In!” is set
Presidential meet and greet to be published on June 20, 2012, to coincide with the 5th birthday of Raphael’s daughter. Mayma Raphael, a stay-athome mother whose previous work has included wealth management for a major financial services company, owner of a luxury retail store, and policy analyst, has documented her unexpected journey to children’’s book author and publisher through the book’s blog www.ilovetheskinimin.org. When asked what message she wants her readers to take away from the book, Raphael commented, “I Love The Skin I’m In!” explains in many ways to children that it truly doesn’t matter what the color of their skin is. What matters is that skin color is only on the outside, and children are more alike than they are different.” She further added that, “The book has been written, designed and illustrated to help make that change and create a better understanding in children at a young age that everyone is unique and should be treated with respect whatever their skin color or what they look like. “I hope I Love The Skin I’m In!” will also help other parents in answering their children’s natural inquisitiveness about skin color and difference.” “I Love The Skin I’m In!” is available from Barnesandnoble.com and Amazon.com.
President Barack Obama talks with President Shimon Peres of Israel following their bilateral meeting in the Oval Office on Tuesday (June 12). President Peres gave President Obama a copy of his book. (White House photos by Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama talks with Betty White in the Oval Office on Monday (June 11).
New Ford Escape gets push from multicultural campaign laced with ‘Brand New’ humor
(PRNewswire) – Have you ever heard the saying “You’re acting brand new?” If not, you’ll soon learn exactly what that means courtesy of a new multicultural advertising campaign for the all-new 2013 Ford Escape. The campaign, called “Brand New,” includes a 30second television commercial that debuted last week during the season finale of “The Game,” which aired on BET. “With this campaign, we are using a documentarystyle approach as a way to engage and encourage consumers to learn more about the Escape,” said Shawn Lollie, Ford manager, Multicultural Marketing. “We created a series of characters who have their lives turned completely upside down once the featured family purchases an all-new Escape.” Lollie said Ford wanted to expand on its past efforts of using comedy, which was seen in the 2011 Ford Explorer multicultural creative cam-
paign, as a way to engage consumers while spotlighting the Escape as a vehicle of change in its owners’ lives. The idea behind the campaign was sparked by the concept of being referred to as “brand new.” Brand New, a saying often used in the African-American community, refers to a person who has tried something new or who has bettered him or herself in some form or fashion. In this campaign, it also happens to be the African-American interpretation of the “Go Further” platform recently announced by Ford. The TV spot, shot in Los Angeles, introduces viewers to the Browns, an AfricanAmerican family taking part in activities like kayaking, surfing, hiking and spelunking shortly after purchasing their Escape. During both the 30second and 60-second spots, viewers will witness firsthand how owning the Escape can open their eyes to brand-new and exciting experiences.
In addition to highlighting the fuel economy of the allnew Ford Escape, the spots will also showcase both the available active park assist and the hands-free power liftgate that allows customers to open the rear liftgate with a simple kick of the foot. The vehicle messages are communicated in the ads through the eyes of Stanley the Gas Attendant, Vince the Valet and the Bag Boy, all of whom have been affected by the Browns’ purchase of the 2013 Escape. The fully integrated campaign includes TV, radio and print ads in addition to a digital execution featuring a series of Web videos on www. ford.com/brandnew. The Web videos will also be found on the Ford Escape YouTube Channel and be highlighted on the Ford Escape Facebook page. The radio portion of the campaign will air on the “Tom Joyner Morning Show,” “Steve Harvey Morning Show” and on Radio One stations across the country.
In addition to airing on BET, the TV ads will air on TV One, CNN, The Gospel Music Channel, Bravo, TNT and CBS. The print ads will appear in “Black Enterprise,” “Ebony,” “ESSENCE,” “Jet,” “Upscale,” “Uptown,” “Rolling Out,” “Juicy Magazine,” “Sister 2 Sister” and “Vibe Magazine.” As part of the digital execution for the “Brand New” creative campaign, visitors of www.ford.com/brandnew and the Ford Escape YouTube Channel and Facebook page will be able to check out a music video featuring the Bag Boyz who will rap about the hands-free power liftgate in a song titled “Kick It.” The original song, which takes its cue from old-school hip-hop music, is an ode to the Escape and the technology that opens up the liftgate with a simple kick of the foot. The entire advertising campaign was created by The UniWorld Group, Ford’s African American advertising agency of record.
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OPINION
Tri-State Defender
June 14 - 20, 2012
John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)
The Mid-Southʼs Best Alternative Newspaper
A Real Times Newspaper
• Bernal E. Smith II President / Publisher • Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Executive Editor Roosevelt and family are greatful he is still here.
SPECIAL REPORT
Teen pregnancies, dangers on the rise NNPA News Service
by Zach Burgess
After more than a decade in decline, the United States teen pregnancy has been rising in recent years. According to momlogic.com, the estimated public cost for teen pregnancy in the United States is between $6 billion and $9 billion a year. Eighty percent of teen moms are on some form of public assistance. Seven out of 10 teen mothers are unlikely to receive prenatal care, which of course has great negative health impacts for their children. Aside from the health risks, kids born to teen mothers are at greater risk for emotional and physical abuse, especially if there is no family support. “It really is a public health issue,” said Bill Albert, chief program officer at the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. “This administration and this Congress have made a historic investment in preventing teen pregnancy. In our view, this investment could not be more timely… given the fact that the teen pregnancy rate in the United States is on the rise. I think one might say, without hyperbole…that one of the nation’s great success stories of the past two decades may be in danger of unraveling. So, this investment is right on for content and right on for timeliness.” Teenage mothers are also at higher risk of having emotional and academic problems later in life. Another startling statistic: baby boys of teen mothers are at an increased risk for incarceration later in their lives, while girls born to teens are more likely to become teen moms themselves. In the beginning of 2009, President Barack Obama signed an appropriations bill that ended federal funding for existing abstinence-only-untilmarriage programs and put a new teenage pregnancy prevention initiative in the newly funded Office of Adolescent Health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that was supported with more than $114 million in federal funds. The prevention initiative was being hailed by health advocates for its focus on the evidence. Of the $114 million, $75 million will go toward replicating pregnancy prevention programs that had been thoroughly evaluated and provided the strongest evidence of success, while $25 million went to programs that show promise and innovation. There are roughly 400,000 teen births every year in the United States, with about $9 billion in associated public costs. While the nation’s teen pregnancy rate declined about 40 percent between 1990 and 2005, data released by the Guttmacher Institute in January 2010 showed that the rate rose three percent in 2006. According to the institute, the new data is “especially noteworthy because they provide the first documentation of what experts have suspected for several years, based on trends in teens’ contraceptive use – that the overall teen pregnancy rate would increase in the mid-2000s following steep declines in the 1990s and a subsequent plateau in the early 2000s.” And like many other health issues, the U.S. teen pregnancy rate is checkered with disparities. In 2006, among African American and Hispanic teens ages 15 to 19, there were about 126 pregnancies per 1,000 women, while among white teens, it was 44 per 1,000. Such statistics mean the United States has the highest teen birth rate among Western, industrialized nations. First there was a study from the Guttmacher Institute, a nonpartisan think tank that concluded the teen pregnancy rate is on the rise after more than a decade of decline. Then there was a federally-funded report that said the cure to the problem might just be those much-maligned abstinence-only sex education classes – despite experts’ opinions, offered in connection with the previous report, that those classes are the cause of the rise. Although the Guttmacher report does not discuss the poverty factor in detail, the correlation is easy to see. The report’s rankings of states by teen pregnancy rates look eerily similar to the U.S. Census rankings of states by poverty rates. Mississippi, for example, has the nation’s highest rate of poverty and the third highest rate of teen pregnancies. New Mexico is third in poverty and second in teen pregnancies. Texas
leads in teen pregnancies and comes in ninth in the poverty rankings. Other “risk factors” for teenage pregnancy – being a person of color, being disinterested in school, etc. – similarly dovetail with living in poverty According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, a child born to an unmarried teen mother has a 27 percent chance of growing up in poverty. If the mother has not earned a high school diploma or equivalency degree, the child will grow up in poverty 64 percent of the time. If those numbers are correct, the steep decline in teen pregnancy rates between 1991 and 2002 kept an additional 460,000 children from being born into poverty. Factors shaping the recent rise in teen pregnancy are varied and complex, prevention advocates say, ranging from years of federal support for rigid abstinence-only programs to tempered fears of contracting HIV, to less teen contraceptive use. According to the 2007 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rates of teens who were sexually active and those who used a condom during their last sexual encounter remained statistically stalled from 2005 to 2007, following years of positive behavior change. The CDC reported that of the teens who were sexually active, only about 61 percent used a condom the last time they had sex. And according to Lorrie Gavin, PhD, MPH, a health scientist with the CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health, current trends point to more than just a teen pregnancy problem – “there’s something else going on … improvements in sexual risk behavior have leveled off in recent years, and rates of some sexually transmitted diseases have increased.” “We have the tools we need (to prevent teen pregnancy and disease) — and we can always improve on them — but we need to better apply them,” Gavin told The Nation’s Health. “In addition to disseminating evidence-based sexuality education and youth development programs, it is critically important that we make sure that sexually active youth have access to contraceptive services and that there is a supportive social and policy environment.” With a focus on the evidence, the new federal teen pregnancy initiative could go far in creating such an environment, say prevention advocates, many of whom criticized previous federal support of often ineffective abstinence-only programs. Federal funding of abstinence-only programs increased significantly beginning in the mid-1990s and since 1998; $50 million per year was going toward programs that teach abstinence from sex outside of marriage. The debate over the effectiveness of abstinence vs. contraception made headlines after a study published in the February 2009 issue of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that one specific abstinence-based intervention was successful at delaying sexual initiation. However, the study authors noted that the intervention studied “would not meet federal criteria for abstinence programs… (and) was not moralistic and did not criticize the use of condoms.” For the Obama administration, the sticking point will be evidence, not content, Albert said. “It used to be, to get this federal pot of money, you had to stick to a certain curriculum – the variable was content, not evidence,” Albert told The Nation’s Health. “Now, our ‘sort variable’ is going to be evidence, and for geeks like us, that’s music to our ears.” While garnering praise, advocates warn that the new federal teen pregnancy prevention effort is not necessarily permanent, and that abstinence-only-until-marriage proponents are not giving up. In the health reform bill passed by the U.S. Senate, Sen. Orrin Hatch (RUtah) successfully included an amendment to restore $50 million a year in abstinence-only state funds – a move that extended abstinence-only funds by another five years. In addition, funds for President Obama’s new teen pregnancy prevention effort must be re-appropriated by Congress every year, which means its future is far from secure. (The American Public Health Association contributed to this report. Zack Burgess is the Enterprise Writer for The Tribune. Special to the NNPA from The Philadelphia Tribune.)
Former smokers provide tips on Father’s Day
Barack Obama is not the first ‘Black President’
Professor Fredrick Harris has written in his Op-ed, “Still Waiting for Our First Black President,” that “Obama has pursued a racially defused electoral and governing strategy, keeping issues of specific interest to African Americans – off the national agenda.” Michael Nutter, the mayor of Philadelphia, replied to Harris in the “Huffington Post,” saying, “Barack Obama…has fought every single day to improve the livelihood and wellbeing of the African-American community…We have our first black President, his name is President Barack Obama…” Here’s the reality that must be clearly understood: Obama is not the first black President; he’s the first president who is black. A black president would have come into office with a “black agenda.” If he were the first black president, he would be using his bully pulpit to champion legislation targeting unemployment in urban areas, poverty, income disparity, and other issues. This in no way should be interpreted to challenge his “blackness.” It’s about the agenda, not the man. If Obama were the first black president, the prison at Guantanamo Bay would be closed. He would not have signed the 2012 Defense Authorization Act (DAA) allowing for U.S. citizens to be indefinitely detained. His black attorney general would not have made the case to assassinate U.S. citizens abroad without judicial review. If Obama were the first black president, he would not have supported the assassination of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. A black president would have come into office with a historical appreciation of the FBI’s COINTELPRO program that led to the attack on the civil liberties and civil rights of many individuals involved in the civil rights movement as well as the CIA’s involvement in assassinating other African leaders. A black president would not want to repeat this history by supporting the DAA, and operating assassination lists. President Obama is the first president who is black and as such operates as a functionary of the United States government. A president who is black focuses on the so-called “war on terror” and “protecting American interests abroad” with no other historical reference to guide him. Obama’s primary focus has been on broader national policies such as the Child Tax Credit, Small Business Jobs Act, and saving the American auto industry. All of these (and other policies) are policies from which African Americans have benefitted but do not specifically target the ills impacting the African-American community. This is not to suggest that professor Harris’ premise is wrong; he’s correct. While campaigning for president, Sen. Obama did court the black community for its vote. He did discuss “…racial injustice in front of black audiences” and he did support “targeted and universal policies to address racial inequality.” President Obama has changed his focus because as the Rev. Jeremiah Wright so
adroitly observed, “he’s a politician.” Nutter is wrong to challenge Harris’ assessment that President Obama has pursued race neutral politics. Obama has, as stated by Harris, Wilmer “pursued a racialLeon ly defused electoral and governing strategy…” According to the Washington Post, “Lawmakers (the Congressional Black Caucus) have met with the administration three times this year (2011) seeking support for programs that specifically address the black community, but President Obama has not backed their proposals… The caucus chairman (Cleaver)…slammed the deal negotiated by the administration to raise the national devt ceiling and cut government spending as a “Satan sandwich” that unfairly harms African Americans.” In theory, Nutter is correct when he writes, “Throughout the past three years, President Obama has been focused on building an economy that is built to last. And in spite of the obstacles, the economy is making progress and each month, more and more Americans, and African Americans are getting back to work.” The reality is that while the unemployment rate for the country is 8.2 percent; the official unemployment rate for African Americans is double that at 16.6 percent. The president’s efforts will not address chronic income disparity or the wealth gap. According to Census Bureau, white families made 62 percent more than black families. White median household net worth was about $90,000, compared to a mere $6,000 for the median black household. As the late political scientist Ronald Walters explained in “White Nationalism Black Interests,” these indicators of greater social instability loom large for a substantial portion of the black community that has not benefitted from the economic system. What too many in the black community refuse to accept is as Harris wrote, “If he won’t do it (support black interests) on his own, Obama will have to be pressured to act and to keep the few promises he made to black America in 2008. This is not a failure of Obama; it’s the failure of the community to move from the politics of personality to the politics of policy. Obama’s not the first black president; he’s the first president who is black.” (NNPA news columnist Wilmer Leon is the producer/host of the nationally broadcast call-in talk radio program “Inside the Issues with Wilmer Leon,” and a teaching associate in the Department of Political Science at Howard University. Go to his Prescription @ Face Book.com. He can be reached at www.wilmerleon.com or by email: wjl3us@yahoo.com. Follow him at www.twitter.com/drwleon.)
FACEBOOK FAN OF THE WEEK Tameiko Yancey
This weekʼs TSD Facebook Fan of the Week is Tameiko Yancey, the owner and publisher of BG Magazine. She is a native Memphian, graduating from both Hamilton High School and Southwest Community College. Yancey describes herself as super ambitious, adding this: “I own everything about me, my voice, my mouth, my feelings, my body, all my actions. I own my dreams, my fantasies, my hopes, my fears. I own my triumphs and successes, all my failures and mistakes. Iʼm CRAZY SEXY COOL BLESSED & GRATEFUL and thatʼs the bottom line!” She also expresses her strong sense of spirituality. “I have a spiritual relationship with my God, he is the greatest man in my life!!! Heʼs so awesome and Iʼm nothing without him.” Her motto is live, laugh, love and take over!! We here at The New Tri-State Defender agree with that advice and are glad to have the highly motivated and motivational Tameiko Yancey as part of the TSD Facebook family.
We honor our fathers in different ways. Sometimes, it’s by doing as they did. But for James, it’s by not doing as his dad did. James doesn’t smoke anymore. He had started when he was just 14, because he wanted to be more like his well-liked and influential father. But he quit two years ago, after 30 years of smoking started causing him health problems. And he wants to help others quit, too. That’s why James is part of the national education campaign, “Tips From Former Smokers,” sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “I want to help people like me quit smoking – people in their 40’s,” he says. “Maybe nothing really bad has happened to them yet. Maybe you’re lucky, but you’re probably not going to stay lucky.” Roosevelt of Virginia didn’t stay lucky. Like James, Roosevelt started smoking in his teens. Like James, he only realized he was having health problems because of his smoking in his 40’s. But unlike James, Roosevelt’s health problems came on suddenly and intensely. He suffered a heart attack when he was 45, and has needed bypass surgery on six of his coronary arteries. Roosevelt is also part of the CDC’s “Tips from Former Smokers” advertising campaign. He says of cigarette smoking, “I never thought it would stop me from playing basketball with my kids.” But he and his children are grateful that Roosevelt is still here this Father’s Day. “If you have loved ones who care about you, they will support you,“ he says. But if you smoke and want to see your kids graduate and want to see your grandkids someday, stop smoking.” Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. In 2010, nearly one in five U.S. adults – more than 45 million Americans – was a current smoker. Cigarette smoking accounts for an estimated 443,000 deaths, or nearly one of every five deaths, each year in the United States. And for every smoking-related death, another 20 people suffer with a smoking-related disease. Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and causes many diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer to name a few. More men than women smoke. Smoking causes an estimated 90 percent of all lung cancer deaths in men. Men who smoke increase their risk of dying from bronchitis by nearly 10 times, from emphysema by nearly 10 times, and from lung cancer by more than 22 times. And smoking triples middle-aged men’s risk of dying from heart disease. And if those stark statistics aren’t enough to get smokers to quit, if the stories of men like James and Roosevelt aren’t enough, then there is the national quitline, 1-800-QUIT-NOW. There, smokers can get the help they need to beat the addiction to tobacco. James and Roosevelt know how difficult quitting is. But they also know the benefits are worth it. And Father’s Day is another strong reminder of those benefits, and how worthwhile it is to quit smoking.
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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BUSINESS
Tri-State Defender
Page 5
June 14 - 20, 2012
ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY
ʻThe Church,ʼ community and economic impact
B-A-M-M – ‘We just keep doing what we’re doing!’ No conversation about the church and economic development is complete without referencing The New Olivet Baptist Church and the Rev. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr. For years, Rev. Whalum and First Lady Sheila Whalum have supported African-American business and literally sent thousands of customers to deserving businesses through their Bust A Move Monday Initiative. Carlee McCullough: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Rev. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr.: Memphis born, Memphis bred, and when I die I’ll be Memphis dead. Melrose High School, Morehouse College, Temple Law School, Memphis Theological Seminary. Sheila Whalum is my queen, and Kenneth, Kortland, and Kameron are my progeny.
CM: How do we raise the social consciousness of our community, especially the African-American community in terms of supporting black
businesses? R e v . Whalum: It’s very hard to raise social consciousness when religious leaders are not, themCarlee McCullough selves, socially conscious. We’ve been trying to do just that through Bust-A-MoveMonday for a dozen years, yet not a single African-American congregation has bought into black economic empowerment long-term. I’m sorry, but I don’t have an answer to your question.
CM: How important is it for church leaders to really address issues in our community, such as the current social economic condition, which includes education, crime, drug addiction, income, wealth and housing?
Rev. Whalum: It’s not only important, it’s necessary. The unfortunate thing is that so many of us (pastors in particular) are abdicating our responsibility in this vital arena.
CM: Tell us about the initiative, “Bust A Move Monday” and how may we help with such an important program? Rev. Whalum: B-A-M-M is a 12-year-old initiative Sheila and I started. On the first Monday in every month we select a struggling blackowned business to support. Imagine what a lift you would get if you owned a business that was barely getting by. Then one day, you look up and 300 to 1,000 brand new customers walk in, just because they want to bless you. There’s no charge for B-A-M-M, and we don’t want discounts and freebies. We just want to spend our hard-earned money with you so you can have a chance to leave wealth for your children.
B-A-M-M is based on the passage in the book of Isaiah that says God’s people are the ones responsible for rebuilding, renewing, and repairing our own communities. The only way to do that, really, is with money. Our vision is to “create wealth and to leave wealth for our children’s children.” And we believe that as we bless others in this manner, God will bless us with the same result.
CM: What has been the greatest challenge for you with Bust A Move Monday? Rev. Whalum: The greatest challenge is two-fold: One is that the businesses we B-AM-M usually just aren’t ready for us! They can’t handle the influx of new customers at one time. Secondly, it’s a real challenge to be the only AfricanAmerican congregation committed to this process longterm. Imagine how quickly we could transform Memphis’ economy if just half the black churches in Memphis committed to financially blessing black-owned businesses one
day a month? Not thirty days; just one day a month!
CM: What is the greatest reward in helping AfricanAmerican entrepreneurs? Rev. Whalum: Don’t take my word for this. Just ask some of the people whose businesses we’ve blessed. Talk to Telisa Franklin of That’s Love Florists, or Uncle Lou of Uncle Lou’s Wings on Millbranch, or Miss Daisy at Orange Mound Grill. Tell me what they say!
CM: How do we overcome the myth that black business means subpar performance and services? Rev. Whalum: By facing the fact that some black businesses do provide subpar performance and services. But you don’t stop going to McDonald’s or Macy’s because you have a bad shopping experience, do you? Why is it that we’re so patient with everybody but our own people? The market will take care of subpar performers.
MONEY MATTERS
Designating retirement plan beneficiaries IRAs and defined-contribution plans have become an important component of personal wealth – averaging roughly 60 percent of the assets of U.S. households with $100,000 or more to invest, according to recent research. Designating account beneficiaries (in light of your overall estate conservation strategy) and keeping those designations up to date can be a complex process, especially if you have been married more than once. It may not be wise to assume that your survivors would honor your spoken intentions in the event of a mistake or oversight. The beneficiaries you designate and varied retirement plan rules typically supersede instructions in your will; therefore, a beneficiary form could easily become one of your most crucial estate conservation documents.
Plans play by different rules
Some individuals may not
know that a will does not control who will inherit retirement plan assets, or they may simply forget to make desired Charles Sims Jr., CFP changes in writing. For example, an account holder who is divorced may intend to leave retirement plan assets to his or her children. But a former spouse could receive the money if the account beneficiary form was never updated, even if a will and a divorce decree state otherwise. If no beneficiary is named – or the designated person is deceased and there is no secondary beneficiary – retirement assets may be transferred according to the administrator’s plan documents rather than an account owners preferences. There also may be a signifi-
cant difference in the government rules that apply to employer-sponsored plans and some IRAs. Federal law requires that spouses automatically inherit assets held in workplace plans such as a 401(k), unless the spouse signs a waiver allowing the participant to designate someone else. IRAs, on the other hand, are subject to laws that vary from state to state; spousal waivers may or may not be necessary. In one case, a man who died unexpectedly six weeks after a second marriage accidentally disinherited his children. Courts awarded his employer-plan assets to the new wife – even though his children were the designated beneficiaries – because the wife had not waived her rights to the plan assets.
A few things to remember
Many laws favor spouses, so be careful when you intend to name someone other than your spouse as a beneficiary.
Don’t name minor children without making arrangements for a guardian or trustee to control the assets until the beneficiary is old enough to manage them. Review your beneficiary designations annually, and inform your financial professional when there are changes in your life that could affect your choices, such as the birth of a child, the illness or death of a beneficiary, marriage, divorce, and especially remarriage. Keep in mind that beneficiary designations usually don’t carry over when you roll 401(k) assets to a new employer’s plan or to an IRA, or
if you convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Request an acknowledged copy of each new or updated beneficiary form from the financial institution or your financial professional and store them with your other important documents.
Distributions from traditional IRAs and most employer-sponsored retirement plans are taxed as ordinary income. Withdrawals taken prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10 percent federal income tax penalty, with certain exceptions such as death and disability. Employer-plan distrib-
But at least be willing to give your own people a chance. You’d want someone to patronize your child’s business, wouldn’t you? CM: How can a business owner become a part of the BAMM movement? Rev. Whalum: Simply phone 901-454-7777, or go to the website at www. bustamovemonday.com for details. That’s it.
CM: What’s the next step for BAMM? Rev. Whalum: Simple: We just keep doing what we’re doing!
CM: Any closing remarks? Rev. Whalum: I’m really proud of you, Carlee, for the achievements you’ve made in this community. Keep doing what you’re doing. (Contact Carlee McCullough, Esq., at 5308 Cottonwood Road, Suite 1A, Memphis, Tenn. 38118, or email her at jstce4all@aol.com.)
utions may be penalty-free following separation from service at age 55 or older. IRA distributions may be penaltyfree if used for qualified higher-education expenses or a first-time home purchase ($10,000 lifetime maximum).
(Charles Sims Jr. is President/ CEO of The Sims Financial Group. Contact him at 901-682-2410 or visit www. SimsFinancialGroup.com. The information in this article is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor.)
RELIGION
Page 6
Tri-State Defender
June 14 - 20, 2012
LIVING THE LIFE I LOVE
Hey ‘Just Mad’ – ‘Stupid is what takes us into learning’
Dear Lucy: My heart is just breaking. My daughter has been married for six years to a man that I begged her not to marry. He is just trifling, he’s cheated on her, never held a steady job and now he’s left her with four children, ages 1-6. I am also very angry. I am too old to raise kids but I know I will have to help her out. I wanted to retire this year and now I don’t see how I can. I am a widow and raised my three children by myself. I just did not want this for her. Every time I talk to her, I just want to scream and ask her how she could be so stupid! Help. – Signed: Just Mad
Dear Just Mad: So many women and men at retirement age are faced with dilemmas like yours. Far more than any of us would like to see or hear about. I pray every night for my sons to stay with their wives, help raise their children, endure and learn happiness as a conscious choice. As I watch them as couples and parents go through the many lessons that they call to themselves, I have learned some things myself.
Mostly, I have learned how to do all in my power to stay out of their business! And let me tell you, when you have been where they are and can predict the future with great accuracy, it is hard to Lucy keep your mouth Shaw shut! But then I remember that there is no danger of saying the wrong thing to God, so I tend to take it all to Him and let Him tell me what to say or do or help me to be still. So here are a few things that work for me. Remember that you too have probably been stupid on occasion. Stupid is what takes us into learning. Sometimes the lessons get harder and harder because we stubbornly refuse to learn the lessons that lift us higher. But here is the thing about grace; the lesson will repeat itself over and over until we learn what is essential
for our soul’s growth. It’s her lesson and not yours. You are called to instruct her in wisdom if she will hear it. But you cannot make her listen. Ask God to reveal how her circumstances hold a lesson for you and what that lesson is. I can remember falling on my knees in petition for one of my children for three whole years. Finally, one time I was praying and heard the Lord say to me, “Will you trust him to me? Will you get up this time and not pick him up?” I thought I was hearing things! But the Lord spoke again and said, “Will you trust Me to do it My way?” I got up, left my child with his true Father, never picked him back up and slept all night for the first time in years. I also remembered my own mother telling me that we had all prospered on her praying! So, my sister, pray with the expectancy of being heard, get up and leave it unless you get instructions from on high to do something in particular. What if behind all that judgment and anger was simply all the fear that you are holding for your daughter
and your grandchildren’s future? Fear is always in back of anger and judgment. We judge and condemn others to defend our fear and hold onto it. Of course you are afraid of the pain she and her children may endure. But your judgments and anger will not change circumstances. It can only change you – making you become embittered, sad, depressed, afraid, suspicious and more. And stop blaming yourself. Underneath, there is always the fear that there must be something we did or did not do as parents to have children who behave so stupidly. Be a loving support for your daughter if she can receive it. Let her know that you will help to the extent of reasonableness. Reasonableness means that you will not give up your joy for her. You will have a life and you will not do things that leave you feeling angry and resentful because you did them. Do what you can for her and those children out of a kind and loving heart. Hold your tongue and don’t bad mouth her in front of her kids. Demand respect and give respect.
Take it to the Lord. Take it to the Lord. Pray without ceasing. Psalms 121:2-4 tells us, “My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold he who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” God is not nodding or sleeping on the job. The same God that keeps you also keeps your daughter and grandchildren. Love and blessings, Lucy
(Check out Lucy Shaw’s website at http://www.heartworks4u.com. You may send your questions to her by U.S. mail to: Heartworks4U, LLC; 4646 Poplar Ave. Ste 201, Memphis, TN 38117 or by e-mail to lucy@heartworks4u.com.) (For help with the feelings that get in the way of prayer and peace of mind, get Lucy’s new book, “BE NOT ANXIOUS.” Order it directly from her at 901-907-0260 or go to her web site www.heartworks4u.com.)
RELIGION BRIEFS Pastor, you can cook?
Families Matter of Memphis is hosting the Cooking Clergy Taste Fest 2012 on Father’s Day, June 17, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Bartlett Station Municipal Complex, 5868 Stage Road. Local pastors will be serving their favorite dishes, paintings by local artist Lonnie Wilson will be on display and a silent auction will be held. Families Matter, an organization of Christ Community Health Services, will also be recognizing the “Dad of the Year” through its Dynamic Dads program. The award will be presented by Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell. “Fathers are called to be provider and leaders of their families,” said the Rev. Walter Green, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, advisory board member and chair of the
Families Matter 2013 Walk/Run Committee. Donation: Adults – $20; 4 to 12 year olds - $10; 3 year olds and younger – free.
BRIEFLY: The Leading Ladies Awards annual gala will be held June 22 at the Hilton Hotel. Christian women from around the country will be honored for “diligence in serving others in their church, community and nationally.” For more information, contact kirsha@leadingladiesawards.or g, and visit www.leadingladiesawards.org. BRIEFLY: Revival services at Keel Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, 778 N. Bellevue Blvd., will conclude on Thursday (June 14). The Rev. George Parks of Riverside Missionary Baptist Church on South Third St. is the evangelist. The host pastor is the Rev. Robert C. Jones. For more information, call 901-278-6408.
Our story…
Heritage Day 2012 at Monumental Baptist Church was an opportunity to celebrate Africa and concentrate on the countries on the African continent. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)
PRAISE CONNECT -A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. —John 13:34
METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH ASSOCIATE MINISTERS
ST. ANDREW A.M.E. CHURCH
901-946-4095 fax 948-8311
(901) 948-3441
Early Morning..........7:45 AM Church School..........9:45 AM Morning Worship......11:00 AM
Rev. Davena Young Porter Rev. Linda A Paige Rev. Luecretia Matthews
Bible Study For Youth and Adults Tuesday - 7:00 PM “Spirit, Soul, and Body!” AM 1070 WDIA Sundays, 10:00-10:30 AM
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
SUNDAY Sunday School .....................8:30 am Morning Worship Service ....10:00am WEDNESDAY Bible Study .........................10:30 am Mid-Day Prayer Meeting .....12 noon Evening Prayer Meeting........7:00pm FRIDAY Cable Channel 17 ............... 8:00pm
TV Cable Access Broadcast Tuesdays, 7:30 PM, Channel 17 Website:www.saintandrewamec.org
Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter
THE BLVD Ea s t 6745 Wol f Ri v e r B oule v a r d @ Ki r by Pa r k wa y ( i n t he Cl a rk Ope r a Me mphi s Ce nte r ) Me mp h i s T N 3 8 1 2 0
Dr. Frank A. Thomas Senior Servant
TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
WEEKLY SERVICES
Sunday Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Night YPWW 5:00 p.m. Night Service 6:00 p.m. Tuesday Night Prayer 6:00 p.m. Bible Study 7:15 p.m. Wednesday Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m. Friday Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Night Service 7:30 p.m.
No Telecast Service
— Proverbs 1:7
Dr. David Allen Hall Pastor
“The Founder’s Church”
First Pastor: Senior Bishop C.H. Mason
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. —Ecclesiastes 3:1
Greenwood Christian Methodist Episcopal Church 3311 Kimball Ave. Memphis, TN 38111 (901) 744-7531 (901) 744-7664
Worship Services Sunday Sunday School Worship Service
Clarence Kelby Heath Wednesday Pastor
Noon - 1 p.m. 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Child Care Center (901) 948-6441 Monday-Friday 6 AM- 5:30 PM Emergency Food Pantry Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, Pastor & Clothes Closet Rev. Marilynn S. Robinson, Co-Pastor Wednesday 6 PM-8 PM
“Ministering to Memphis-Spirit, Soul and Body”
672 So. Lauderdale 38126 P.O. Box 314 Memphis, Tn 38101 Phone (General) 774-1572 Pastor: 775-0740 Secretary: 775-1909
BROADCASTS 9:30 a.m. Sunday WDIA - 1070 AM
The Rev. John Wilkins performed during a free gospel concert on the Plaza at the Brooks Museum of Art last Saturday, June 9. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)
867 SOUTH PARKWAY EAST Memphis, TN 38106
Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., Pastor
767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126
Soul man…
9 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. —Revelation 1:8
Tri-State Defender
RELIGION
June 14 - 20, 2012
LEGACY: Morgan Abudu Mukarram Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Tony Jones
Well-known and respected local photographer Abudu Mukarram was buried on Monday, June 11, not long after suffering a brain aneurysm from which his body could not recover. Born Morgan Murrell, he changed his name to reflect his faith in Islam, and was joined in this decision by his wife, Rukiya Jean, who is left to cherish his memory, along with their sons, Diyan Ijaaz and Jibril Riyaad. The news of Mukarram’s death spread swiftly through a wide swath of the city’s business and artistic communities. For as much as he was appreciated as a master of his craft, Mukarram’s one-man photography service, Morgan Photography, became revered for his giving spirit and the burning curiosity that allowed him to happily celebrate other people’s special moments. Known for entering a room with his bright and brilliant smile, he was cherished for leaving many more behind, a key factor in his success as a freelancer who chronicled corporate events. Though many knew of his name change, he often was referred to as “Morgan,” not out of disrespect to his change of name, but after his many years imprint as a photographer it was just natural to do so. To those who knew him personally, (a gift for which this writer will forever be grateful), saying it was a sound you could never get enough of, as recalled by Leon Griffin, one of his colleagues at Channel 13, where Mukarram’s career began as a cameraman. “The first contact with Morgan was when I returned to WHBQ-TV in 1975. I couldn’t believe this youngster with an ‘old-timers’ work ethic,” recalled Griffin. “His attention to detail also separated Morgan from the typical studio crew member. As his experience grew, his superiors’ confidence in his ability elevated him to the head of the class. But he still wanted to be more.” Griffin said Mukarram’s attitude was as special as his talent. “He then added photography to his videography skill,
Morgan Abudu Mukarramʼs sons: Diyan Ijaaz and Jibril Riyaad. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley) and that took him to the next level as he faithfully recorded h i s t o r y, arts and entertainment for t h r e e decades. Morgan Abudu Rarely has Mukarram one person touched so many lives and then shaped facets of life in the Mid-South like Morgan Mukkaram, the boy I watched grow into this fabulous man that I will miss every day I remain on Earth!” I met “Morgan” about this time, working as a writer with the Memphis Star magazine. Our friendship began at Mach 12 and never slowed down. From concerts to the lowliest backwater dump, if there was a story to be shot, Morgan was ready to shoot it, nine times out of ten on his own dime. The funny part about it was that at smaller places, Morgan was always the star of the room. He was just a magnetic guy. A brilliant and humane curiosity created a running soundtrack of questions as he chewed up assignments, developing the bulk of his work in a tiny little apartment in Midtown, the rows of film hanging in the kitchen like curtains. He constantly strived to find true faith in his lifetime, with the bottom line a need to see people treated fairly.
Islam calmed him, and led him to find his wife, and he found peace in his heart. When the boys were born, he doubled his efforts to become even more productive on their behalf. The last moment we spent together was on an adventure getting the boys home from school – a proud moment for me because I could finally assist him in something important, as he had done for me as unfailingly as a raindrop’s fall. He was a Sir Lancelot of his time, the best of the bunch, the type of person for whom the poem “Death Be Not Proud” was written. His wife, Jean, and I shared a smile as we reminisced how we first met. He brought her over to surprise my mother on her birthday, June 7. We found it a comforting thought that our precious Morgan became free on this same date. Once his joy, then his wife, now his widow, they had sixteen years together. She reported to me that the boys would be off to camp seeking their full smiles again, and she will then rest to recuperate to finish the task of raising them in the footsteps of their father. He also leaves his parents, Morgan and Ernestine Murrell; one daughter, Kristi D. Murrell; one grandson, Honor M. Vadel; three brothers, Edwin Murrell, Edward Murrell (Ezilien) and Kenneth Murrell (Relieth); two sisters, Althea Elmore and Tracie Murrell; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
BOOK REVIEW Bishop pens practical, prenuptial primer on marriage
“What in the Hell Happened? An Intimate Look at Love and Relationship with Raw Honesty” by Bishop Alphonso Lee Smith Foreword by Bishop Aubrey Mullen Jr. Dunamis Publishing Associates Paperback, $16.00 62 pages Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Kam Williams
“There is an illusion of marriage created by Hollywood… that only exists in the movies and on TV… All ‘housewives’ are not ‘desperate,’ and ‘How I Met Your Mother’ is seldom an accurate depiction of a Godly marriage… “This book has been written to help couples find fulfillment in marriages and to provide spiritual release to those who have broken the marital covenant and bond by divorce. We want to help save marriages and provide a basis to salvage relationships that may be floundering under the stresses of life or the pressure of current trends.” – Excerpted from the Introduction (pg. 5)
During the traditional exchange of wedding vows, a bride and groom invariably promise to remain together “’til death do us part.” Yet, so many marriages end in divorce nowadays, suggesting that something must be amiss, given the clarity of that unambiguous pledge. As pastor of Destiny Worship Church in
Raleigh, N.Car., Bishop Alphonso Lee Smith has pronounced plenty of couples husband and wife over the years, only to see some of those supposedly-sacred unions ultimately end in divorce. This has led the good reverend to wonder whether “vow-takers really know to what they are committing” or if they appreciate “the gravity of the wedding ceremony.” In “What in the Hell Happened? An Intimate Look at Love and Relationship with Raw Honesty,” he maintains that “marriage, as a practical consideration, should be entered into with wisdom… reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God.” For he feels that engaged couples ought to be fully conscious of the covenant they are about to make with the Almighty. Still, there comes a point in a severely strained relationship where one must assess whether it can be saved, if it isn’t on the rocks already. That is why the author places such an emphasis on premarital counseling. Not being a hypocrite, Bishop Smith admits that even his own marriage failed, and he devotes an entire chapter to sharing that painful story. On those pages, he chronicles the emotional roller coaster ride he experienced as he went through the stages of denial, anger, guilt and self-confrontation prior to arriving finally at a peaceful place, by the grace of God. A practical, prenuptial primer, written from a faith-based perspective, urging couples to reflect and really look before you leap.
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ENTERTAINMENT / FASHION
Page 8
June 14 - 20, 2012
WHAT’S HAPPENING MYRON?
Chris Brown, Rihanna: Is the way they were, the way they are?
Myron Mays
Here’s another good reason not to take anything that happens in the entertainment world too seriously. Remember that time when Chris Brown and Rihanna used to date, and that domestic violence thing that happened in the car right before the
Grammys? Well, of course you do. The story really never went away. It’s seems that their relationship didn’t either. Apparently the two found some common ground recently at Jay-Z’s 40/40, watching the Miami Heat/Boston Celtics playoff game. According to a New York Post account relayed by Eurweb.com, “Rihanna arrived first in a yellow cab, with her family and friends, and was escorted to a private room,” a source told the Post. “Brown arrived a little later and joined her and her family. They sat on the same couch together rooting for the Heat. There was no sign of his girlfriend, Karreueche Tran.” Chris and his friends left after the game, while Rihanna’s group stayed longer, sources reported. It’s unclear whether Chris and Rihanna are any more than friends; however, it seems that they are on the road to what they used to have. I mean, they are recording music together again. Hopefully, whatever happens, it won’t involve the legal system.
Robin Thicke on the Rooftop
Looking for something to get into on the afternoon of June 30? Well, you can hang out and enjoy a nice show by Robin Thicke. The NBA’s Monta Ellis and his ME8 Foundation present the “Romance on the Rooftop Party” featuring Robin Thicke from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Peabody Hotel Skyway and Rooftop. It’s gonna be a daytime party type of thing. For more information, visit www.meafoundation.org. Get them in advance, only a limited amount will be sold at the door.
Book Club updates
The book club meets again on July 7 at McAlister’s at Poplar and Highland at 4 p.m. Our next book is “Fifty Shades of Gray” by E.L. James. I won’t get a chance to start reading until this weekend, but I hear it is a steamy one. You should grab a copy and join us next month. We’d love to see you there.
The Ultimate Family Reunion
The 103.5 WRBO Ultimate Family Reunion is taking place on June 23 at the Levitt Shell in Overton Park. There will be lots of R&B and gospel acts performing during the entire day and later that night hip-hop legend Kurtis Blow will be performing as well. The entire WRBO staff will be on hand, including me. This event is free to the public, so bring your blankets and your entire family out to hang with ours. Go to www.soulclassics .com for more information. We can’t wait to see you!
Happy Fathers Day!
Ah, Father’s Day: an abundance of colorful neckties, power tools and electronics floating around. That day when you get that one chance to relax and do nothing in exchange for everything you’ve done for the last 364 days. A Father’s Day salute is in order, so here goes: Here’s to you Dad – you’re always good for a 20 spot at any given moment. Here’s to you Dad for the sound advice whenever there is a tough decision to be made. Here’s to you Dad, who amazingly knows how to fix anything that becomes broken, even the broken heart of his little girl. Here’s to you Dad, who remains the backbone of his family and will fight to keep it all intact. Happy Fathers Day!
Shopping economically smart – and with style! Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Danielle Taylor
K, the economy generally is down in the dumps, but that does not mean that fashion has to be too. Still want to look fabulous on a few dollars? Well, let’s take a walk down to the fashion corner 411 and confront the challenge of finding something hot – but cool – for the summer.
O
On a recent thrift-oriented excursion for The New Tri-State Defender, we found a bonanza of outfits at Goodwill. Our first look is a pair of rustic Calvin Klein Capri Jeans, with graffiti tee by Vixen, a vest by City Streets, belt by Fossil, a cute striped hobo bag and a cute pair of comfortable closed toes sandals by Highlights all under $20. Yes! What a great bargain, huh? Wait, there’s more; tons of accessories – acrylic earrings and bangles for example – that will make any thrift store find cutting-edge and chic. The best part, of course, is that you don’t have the break the bank. Saving is the name of the game here. Remember this: when looking for great deals, pack a lot of patience to look through all the racks in search of your fashion statement. Let’s take a look at our second outfit; a crimson-fitted blouse by Abercrombie, a denim skirt by Maurice, with a front split, adorned with a thin leather belt, crimson and silver clutch by Apostrophe, and open-toed wedge sandals by American Eagle; all under $15 for the outfit. Don’t forget the accessories: hand-painted earrings, chain necklace with a crimson feather and a few thin bracelets. Reach for another five bucks, and for a grand total of $20 you’re looking deliciously chic and sweet for a day out with friends. For our last thrift store delight, there’s nothing like a fun-in-thesun sundress to keep you nice and cool as you try to beat the summer heat. Here is our absolutely amazing find: a white maxi skirt (petti-hoop) with antique lace on the bottom; white tunic v-neck collar shirt by Quizz, with black floral designs along the sleeves; a black wide belt; a pair of oversized black earrings; a long black beaded necklace; a black handbag to add a little sizzle to this hot and spicy style; with a pair of black flip flops. Accessories are a must to create any perfect ensemble, so, believe it or not, just add $7. The key to thrift store shopping is to know the days when things are 10 percent to 60 percent off. Different days bring great savings. For example: Monday, Wednesday and Friday may be red tag special days with 50 percent off all denim. Or, buy a pair of shoes and get the other pair free, or a free pair of earrings. F.Y.I.: Goodwill has a rewards card – another way to save on clothes. Don’t have the time to visit your local thrift store? You can always shop online. Yes! Thrift shopping has become just that – simple and conveniently right in your home.
Good looking threads donʼt have to cost a fortune. (Photos by Lee Taylor)
While this outfit would be appropriate church ware, it would be just as suitable for an afternoon at the park.
Parting shot
I’m at the Pink Palace Museum this weekend for “Cater to You: A Gentleman’s Way.” Next week, I’ll have a full report for you. Until then, that’s what’s happening.
(If there is an event you’d like for me to cover or attend, email me at myron@whatshappeningmyron.com)
Tri-State Defender
SasʼFyah showing off her brand new clutch.
ENTERTAINMENT
Tri-State Defender
Page 9
June 14 - 20, 2012
June 14-20, 2012
OPENING THIS WEEK
Kam’s Kapsules:
Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Kam Williams
For movies opening June 15, 2012
BIG BUDGET FILMS
“Rock of Ages” (PG-13 for sexuality, profanity, heavy drinking and suggestive dancing) Screen adaptation of the Broadway musical, set in L.A. in 1987, revolving around a waitress (Julianne Hough) and busboy (Diego Boneta) who fall in love at first sight while pursuing their dreams of superstardom. A-list cast includes Oscar-winner Catherine Zeta-Jones, nominees Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin and Paul Giamatti, along with Russell Brand, Mary J. Blige and Will Forte.
“That’s My Boy” (R for nudity, sexuality, drug use, crude humor and pervasive profanity) Prodigal father comedy about a groom-to-be (Andy Samberg) whose life is turned upside-down when his estranged father (Adam Sandler) crashes the wedding, hoping to make up for lost time. With Leighton Meester, Vanilla Ice, James Caan, Tony Orlando, Luenell and Ciara.
INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS
“Extraterrestrial” (Unrated) Screwball, sci-fi comedy, set in Madrid, about two strangers (Julian Villagran and Michelle Jenner) who awaken in bed together the morning after a drunken one-night stand to find a horde of UFOs hovering above an evacuated city. With Miguel Noguera, Raul Cimas and Carlos Areces. (In Spanish with subtitles)
“Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story” (Unrated) Bittersweet biopic about the brother of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a Lieutenant Colonel who died leading the 1976 raid in Entebbe, Uganda which resulted in the successful rescue of 103 hijacked airplane passengers being held hostage by Palestinian terrorists.
“The Girl from the Naked Eye” (R for violence, sexuality and pervasive profanity) Vigilante thriller about a chauffeur (Jason Yee) for a seedy escort service who embarks on a manhunt after the murder of a call girl (Samantha Streets) he had a crush on. With Gary Stretch, Dominique Swain, Ron Yuan and Sasha Grey.
“Ikland” (Unrated) Anthropological adventure chronicling the present-day quest to locate the Ik people, a lost African tribe longrumored to be sadists who torture their own children and practical jokers who defecate in front of each others’ huts for fun. “The Kite” (Unrated) Ensemble drama revolving around a half-dozen tales of transformation unfolding during Uttarayan, India’s annual kite festival staged in the ancient city of Ahmadabad. Cast includes Mukkund Shukla, Seema Biswas and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. (In Hindi with subtitles) “Marina Abramovic: The Artist Is Present” (Unrated) Reverential biopic about Marina Abramovic, chronicling the Serbian performance artist’s preparations for a retrospective at Manhattan’s Museum of Modern Art. “Rowdy Rathore” (Unrated) Romantic comedy about a con man (Akshay Kumar) on the run from a gang of criminals who goes gaga over a girl (Sonakshi
Sinha) he meets at a wedding he wasn’t even invited to. With Yashpal Sharma, Paresh Ganatra and Nassar. (In Hindi with subtitles)
“Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap” (R for sexual references, drug content and pervasive profanity) Hip-Hop documentary, directed and narrated by Ice-T, tracing the evolution of rap music from ghetto kids’ form of experimental expressions into a global phenomenon. With appearances by Chuck D, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and Mos Def. “The Tortured” (Unrated) Revenge thriller about a couple (Jesse Metcalfe and Erika Christensen) who decide to even the score with the psychopathic serial killer (Bill Moseley) who’d abducted and murdered their 6 yearold son (Thomas Greenwood. With Bill Lippincott, Aaron Pearl and Viv Leacock.
HOROSCOPES
“The Woman in the Fifth” (R for sexuality, profanity and violent images) Adaptation of the Pawel Pawlikowski novel about a disgraced professor (Ethan Hawke) who emigrates to Paris to reconcile with his exwife (Delphine Chuillot) and estranged daughter (Julie Papillon) only to instead be seduced by a beautiful widow (Kristin Scott Thomas) implicated in a string of mysterious slayings. (In English and French with subtitles)
“Your Sister’s Sister” (R for profanity and sexuality) Character-driven drama, set on a scenic island on Puget Sound, where a woman (Emily Blunt) offers a grieving friend (Mark Duplass) use of her family’s cabin for solitude only to have the emotionally-fragile ingrate put the moves on her vulnerable sister (Rosemarie DeWitt) during a drinking binge. With Mel Eslyn, Jeanette Maus and Mike Birbiglia.
ARIES Your mate has a sweet surprise. Open up to receive it. Choose your words carefully around a sensitive pal. Listen for good news about a loan or financial matter. TAURUS Enjoy the great insights you have in the area of career objectives. Take a look at what’s out there! An unanticipated financial matter may arise; find the good in it. GEMINI This week is a good week to get in touch with your emotional self. You will respond well to what people close to you will ask from you. Your loved ones will appreciate your kindness when they find out how highly sensitive you are to their needs. CANCER You know what you want and you have the ability to make it happen. Step into action at work this week and you will get a lot done. You can get what you want without being too demanding. Enjoy the time you have with your family. True rewards come from those who are related to you by blood. LEO Live this week with an adventurer’s spirit. Trade in the comfortable for the exciting; the reliable for intriguing; the familiar for the new. Perhaps a change of scenery will get you started. You will rediscover feelings that you have denied yourself for a while VIRGO If you’ve just made a power move in your work life or love life, you couldn’t have timed it any better. There will be a new level of appreciation and admiration for your leadership and forcefulness. LIBRA Don’t respond to situations in a hasty manner this week. Your impulsive side is strong. Suppress it. Play a game called self-control. You know that this is the kind of game that you can win easily. Smile as you play at not being emotionally affected by an important matter, and eventually you’ll really won’t be emotionally affected. SCORPIO Offer to help someone in your office who is struggling with a difficult project that you have mastered in the past. There will be several birthday celebrations that you are invited to. Attend them all! Celebrate! SAGITTARIUS Think of who you like to have fun with. Give them a call. Plan something that diverts you from your unexciting tasks. Spend some money. Find a place that jumps. Jump with it. Flirt. Even serious people flirt once in a while, especially if you’ve worked your buns off all week. CAPRICORN You’re likely to experience a blast from the past. An acquaintance will meet up with you again. Don’t be shy in establishing a more solid friendship this time. It could lead to something important professionally or personally. Love sometimes works better the second time around. AQUARIUS Who are the people who are empowered to assist you? The material objective you are focused on right now is very do-able. All you need is some assistance. Ask for it. It’s coming soon. PISCES Don’t let worry put a strain on your relationships. Concentration is key, but be as light hearted as possible. Open up to romantic feelings. Let love come to you. It may come from inside. Source: NNPA
Page 10
SPORTS
CLASSIFIEDS
Tri-State Defender
June 14 - 20, 2012
Thunder adjusting to NBA Finals by Ron Matthews and Nick Gallo thunder.nba.com
Manny Pacquiao (l) lost in a split decision to Timothy Bradley.
Shock and oh no Boxing world stunned by Bradley-Pacquiao decision
(NNPA) – Boxing fans around the world were shocked as Timothy Bradley defeated superstar Manny Pacquiao June 9 for the WBO Welterweight title by way of a split decision from the judges. Analysts and fight fans were surprised that the 28-year-old California native was credited with winning the fight on even one judge’s card, let alone winning over two judges to claim perhaps the most controversial recent decision. Bradley (29-0 career record) was completely dominated by Manny Pacquiao, from the first round to the 12th, and the ringside punching statistics reflected it. Manny effectively landed 253 punches, nearly 100 more punches than Bradley landed in the fight. HBO analyst Howard Lederman judged that Pacquaio had won 11 of 12 rounds, and most of the fans watching around the world agreed. After the fight, Pacquiao and his corner began to celebrate what they believed would be the 16th consecutive win for one of the most dominat-
ing figures in the history of the sport. Then two judges, Duane Ford and C.J Ross, left the world stunned when they decided in favor of Bradley, 115-113. The only person not surprised by the decision was Bradley, who told the world before the fight that he would take Manny’s title. “I thought I won the fight,” said Bradley, who was so confident heading into the fight that he printed out fake tickets to what would be a Bradley vs. Pacquiao rematch scheduled for Nov. 10. “I didn’t think (Manny) was as good as everyone says he was. I didn’t feel his power.” Top Rank boxing promoter Bob Arum, who represents both Manny and Bradley, disagreed with Bradley. “Can you believe that? Unbelievable,” Arum said. “I went over to Bradley before the decision and he said, ‘I tried hard but I couldn’t beat the guy. ‘I’ve never been as ashamed of the sport of boxing as I am tonight.”
Disappointed or not, Arum confirmed that there will be a rematch on Nov. 10, just as Bradley hinted. “I’ll make a lot of money off the rematch, but this was outrageous,” Arum said. Though Manny may have been “cheated” by the refs, he showed little outrage against the decision, keeping his calm with reporters. “I did my best,” Pacquiao said. “I guess my best wasn’t good enough.” But the fans watching weren’t buying it. “Where is Ashton Kutcher, this has got to be Punked,” tweeted NBA player Ronnie Brewer, referring to the popular TV show which plays practical jokes on celebrities. NFL star quarterback Aaron Rodgers agreed. “That is horrible. Unreal. Ridiculous. Stupid. Bogus. Etc,” Rodgers tweeted. “That fight wasn’t close and I was pulling for Bradley.” (Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspaper)
Historic Joe Frazier Gym on endangered list NNPA News Service
by Donald Hunt
The building where Philadelphia boxing great Joe Frazier trained for his big fights has been named to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. The annual list spotlights important examples of the nation’s architectural, cultural and natural heritage that are at risk of destruction or irreparable damage according to the association. More than 230 sites have been on the list over its 25-year history and, in that time, only a handful of listed sites have been lost. Joe Frazier’s Gym, a three-story building on North Broad Street, is now a converted warehouse. The space where Frazier developed his skills as a heavyweight boxing champion is home to a discount furniture store and there are two floors of vacant space. Despite increased interest in commemorating Frazier’s life following his death last year, the history of the gym is currently not well recognized and the gym is unprotected, with no formal historic designation at the local or national level. “Joe Frazier was a sports legend,”
Joe Frazierʼs Gym, a three-story building on North Broad Street in Philadelphia, has been named to the National Trust for Historic Preservationʼs list of Americaʼs 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. The place where the legendary boxer trained is now a converted warehouse. (Courtesy photo) said Brent Leggs, field officer, National Trust for Historic Preservation in Boston, Mass. “He deserves a place to celebrate his legacy and contributions to the sport of boxing. Placing Joe Frazier’s Gym on the local and national registry is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest athletes of all time. “Our goal is really to protect the building, to keep it safe from any negative alterations that could physically alter the building in any negative way, to prevent it from being demolished and to bring greater visibility and awareness to this historic site.” The first step in recognizing and protecting Joe Frazier’s Gym is to ensure that it is designated at the
local level. This month, students at Temple University started the process. They will submit a nomination form to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places to protect the gym from adverse alterations and demolition. But additional steps are needed, including having the gym placed on the National Register of Historic Places, identifying a buyer now that gym is for sale, and assisting present and future owners in developing possible reuses. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a privately funded nonprofit organization that works to save America’s historic places. (Special to the NNPA from The Philadelphia Tribune)
It was no surprise the young Thunder got out to a bit of a slow start in Game 1 of Oklahoma City’s first ever NBA Finals, but the Thunder shook off a slow start to erase a 13point deficit to get a 105-94 seriesstarting victory. The Thunder scored just 22 points in the first quarter but a strong second-half showing erased the early struggles. For a team whose core consists of two 23-year olds in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook and two 22-year olds in James Harden and Serge Ibaka, the Thunder had to acclimate itself a bit to the Finals experience and Finals basketball. After the initial nerves and anxiety to get the game going washed away, the Thunder got back to playing its brand of hard-nosed hoops. “Everybody is nervous.” Thunder Head Coach Scott Brooks said after the game. “You’re nervous until that ball is tipped up. If you’re not, you don’t care about what you do and our guys do (care).” The Thunder is a resilient team, and has been all season and throughout the Playoffs. It has the poise and courage in its DNA to fight through adversity, and the character and commitment to turn every day into a learning environment. The first-time experience of playing in an NBA Finals game is behind them. The setting and scale will no longer be a surprise. The team has adjusted to practicing at Chesapeake Energy Arena instead of the Integris Health Thunder Development Center per NBA mandates. The additional 2 minutes, 30 seconds of time that is added for the Finals between introductions to actual tipoff will become part of the Thunder’s pregame routine. “You know, just being in The Finals, we were kind of nervous, I guess,” forward Kevin Durant said. “That’s something … it can’t happen next game or the rest of the series.” Added guard Derek Fisher: “I didn’t necessarily sense it, but it made sense as you watched the first half unfold. I wasn’t in each guy’s head or in their mind, but you could expect and anticipate that guys would feel Derek overwhelmed by Fisher the opportunity. Guys work their entire life to get an opportunity to play in the Finals and to play for a championship, so nerves and anxiety are to be expected.” Following practice Wednesday, Ibaka talked openly about the start to Game 1. Ibaka admitted the setting to being “bigger” than expected, but also gave credit to the Heat. In addition, the forward duo looked ahead in typical Thunder fashion to how the team can get out of the gates quicker next game. “Miami was making shots,” Ibaka said, noting the Heat was 5-for-6 from the 3-point line and 11-for-21 overall in the first quarter. “It was our first time to be here, but the good thing about us is we keep playing hard. We just need to play hard basketball.” NOTE: Game 2 – Thursday (June 14) in OKC, 8 p.m.; Game 3 – Sunday, Miami, 7 p.m.; Game 4 – Tuesday, Miami, 8 p.m.; Game 5 (if needed) – June 21, Miami, 8 p.m.; Game 6 (if needed) – June 24, OKC, 7 p.m.; Game 7 (if needed) – OKC, 8 p.m.
African-American racer rolling with the flow Real Times News Service
by Leland Stein III
Since it was race weekend in the Motor City, it is appropriate to recount that an African-American male is breaking barriers in one of the most segregated sports – NASCAR. The young African-American driver is Darrell Wallace Jr. He said he’s gotten a lot of support from the racing community, but he’s also had to deal with some prejudice. Wallace, 18, said that some of his competitors in years past have resented him, assuming he only got his position because he was African American. Wallace said he’s also had racial slurs and taunts thrown his way from the grandstands. But that type of criticism serves as motivation for him. He’s also reached out to the family of Wendell Scott (documented in the Richard Pryor movie “Greased Lightning”), a NASCAR Hall of Fame nominee and the only African American to win a race in NASCAR’s top series. “My goal is to look back at what Wendell Scott has done. Hearing all
the stuff that he went through is definitely a lot different than what I go through now,” Wallace said. “I’m just trying to carry his torch further than he did and do it in the right way.” For now, Gibbs Racing plans to have Wallace run the No. 20 Toyota in four nationwide races this season, including a return trip to Iowa in August and dates in Dover and Richmond. “Right now, I’m just like, ‘OK, cool,’ you know? I don’t think it’s hit me yet. I don’t even know if it will. It takes a lot, and I mean a lot, to get me pumped up. But I mean, this is big,” Wallace said. “The mood I’m in right now is like ready to go. Just kind of ready to see what we’ve got.” In a sport that’s been almost the exclusive domain of white male drivers, it’s impossible to overlook Wallace. He’s one of the most promising African-American drivers to come along in decades and arguably the best talent to come through NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, which was started eight years ago to give women and minorities a better chance of landing a NASCAR seat. However, not to the surprise of
Darrell Wallace Jr. has gotten a lot of support from the racing community, but has had to deal with some prejudice. (Courtesy photo)
those that know Joe Gibbs, the former Washington Redskins Super Bowl winning head coach, he has always been an inclusive person and after retiring and taking on NASCAR, the spirit of the man has not altered. Thus Wallace finds himself with a golden opportunity. “It’s different,” Wallace told reporters. “I get looked at a lot more and talked about a lot more, but it doesn’t bother me at all. It’s actually cool. I mean, some people see it as, this is given to me because of skin
color. But others that have raced with me and have known me for a while have seen that I have the talent and skill, and what it takes to run in this series.” There’s little doubt that Wallace has earned his shot in the Nationwide Series by what he’s done on the track. Wallace grew up in Concord. N.C., just outside of Charlotte, where he got the nickname “Bubba” from his sister. He started running go-karts when he was nine at the urging of his father, and in 2005 jumped to bandolero cars, winning 35 of the 48 races he ran. He won 11 races in 38 starts in a Legends car circuit a year later and was in late models by 2007. Wallace signed with Gibbs Racing in 2009. “It’s not just all of a sudden,” Gibbs said. “Everything he’s done, he’s done it well. When you kind of do it as a younger kid, it usually kind of paves the way for a pretty good career. To have someone that’s really good and is African-American, it will be real valuable for the sport.”
(Source: The Michigan Chronicle)
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Tri-State Defender
Page 11
June 14 - 20, 2012
MCS tech camp prepares students for future Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Christian Ross
For many people, the term “Web 2.0” might as well be foreign language. But for hundreds of Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools students who took part in the 2012 Got Tech summer camp, Web 2.0 meant taking a glimpse at future career options. In its fourth year, Got Tech teaches students to explore the world of technology. Students spent a week creating blogs, podcasting and even tried their hands at video production. “It’s been very fun and it helped me grow more on the computer,” said Antonio Sims II, a 7th grade camp participant, who attends Shillings Farms Middle School. Sims said that application development for the Apple’s IOS and Android operating systems is something that interests him. As an aspiring movie producer/director, the camp’s video production lessons only fed his
“I was expecting copy and paste, maybe a slideshow, but not blogging and video production.” Christy Corbett
desire to pursue a career in filmmaking. Richland Elementary School teacher Chris Yancy said allowing students from different backgrounds to work together helped them to grow and learn from each other. “By the end of the camp, kids were at a point where they were helping each other on the computer. It was such a great thing to see,” Yancy said. Technology-based degrees are in high demand from employers across the country. Got Tech prepares students for academic success by integrating highly sought after technology skills into classroom lessons. Parents are excited about the opportunities created for their children. “With technology constantly changing, it’s great to expose them at such a young age,” said graphic design expert Dawn Newberry, whose
daughter, Autumn, a 5th grade student at Bon Lin Elementary School, participated in the camp. Newberry noted that the camp taught her daughter that the computer is not just for games or music. Got Tech volunteers left the program equally impressed by the caliber of work the students produced. “I was expecting copy and paste, maybe a slideshow, but not blogging and video production,” said Christy Corbett, a senior at the University of Memphis. Corbett added that the students were extremely tech-savvy and far more advanced on a computer than she was in elementary or middle school. Got Tech students completed the camp excited about the possibilities that lay before them. With a head start in a growing industry, these students could easily become CEOs, lead technical application developers, or Academy Award winning producers. “We will definitely be going back to the camp next year,” Newberry said.
Patricia Gray, Overton High School teacher, works with 5th grader Andre Banks of Balmoral-Ridgeway Elementary to help him create an animated avatar for his final project at the ʻGot Techʼ Camp. (Courtesy photo)
BRIEFS & THINGS Special community meeting with MATA
A special community meeting with MATA will be held on June 18 at the Mitchell Community Center, 602 West Mitchell Rd., from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. In the near future, MATA will be proposing changes/cuts in a number of bus routes to the MATA Board of Commissioners. If the proposed changes/cuts in various routes are approved by the MATA Board on June 25, they would go into effect on Aug. 2. The 12 Florida Weaver and the 39 South Third are included in the proposals. For information on the meeting, contact Johnnie Mosley, chairman, Citizens For Better Service, at 7896463. For more information on the proposed changes/cuts in routes, contact MATA at 274-6282, or visit www.matatransit.com.
Relay option added to St. Jude Marathon
A day of legacy…
A portrait of the late Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks, the namesake of the Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks Jobs Corps Center, was unveiled during a ceremony last Friday (June 8). The artist is Larry Walker (right), who unveiled the portrait, along with James T. Harris, the centerʼs director. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)
Boys Scouts and partner target need for doghouses Mid-South Spay and Neuter Services (MSNS) has partnered with the Memphis-area Chickasaw Council, Boy Scouts of America to provide doghouses to those in need. Some of the available doghouses have already been distributed to worthy candidates through an additional partnership with the Memphis and Shelby County Environmental Court and Judge Larry Potter and animal advocate Cindy
Sanders. The remaining doghouses will be available to seniors and those showing proof of government assistance on Saturday (June 16) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on a firstcome/first-serve basis at the MSNS clinic, 854 Goodman Street. Boy Scouts from the Chickasaw Council took charge on making this Eagle Scout project a major success. They raised all the money for need-
ed supplies and constructed nearly 50 doghouses among all the troops. Father-and-son teams worked together on the project, which helped raise family awareness of responsible pet ownership. Some doghouses are primed, painted and shingled, and all are in need of a good home. There will be 30 available on Saturday. MSNS Board President, Patrick Wyatt said of the part-
nership with the Boy Scouts, “This is a great way to build awareness about the importance of responsible pet ownership and spay and neuter to a younger audience. We are proud to be able to build a link between animal advocacy and helping those in need.” The event coincides with MSNS In-Kind Donation Day and Volunteer Orientation. Visit spaymemphis.org for details.
The St. Jude Memphis marathon and half marathon sold out in record time, but there still is an opportunity for runners to take part. For the first time in the race’s history, runners can sign up for the St. Jude Marathon Relay, which allows participants to put together fivemember teams to complete 26.2 miles on Dec. 1. The marathon relay follows the same course as the popular marathon. Each leg of the course showcases the soul of Memphis, including historic Beale Street, legendary Sun Studio and the highlight for every runner – the run through the campus of St. Jude. There are 100 team entries available for the St. Jude Marathon Relay and teams can register online at www.stjudemarathon.org. The combined entry fee is $200 and covers all five team members. Spots are also still available for individuals and teams who sign up to be a St. Jude Hero when they register for any of the races in the St.
Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend except the half marathon, which is completely sold out. St. Jude Heroes commit to raise a minimum of $500 for the kids of St. Jude.
BRIEFLY: Donor Fest 2012, Lifeblood’s weeklong event to increase donations this summer, will culminate in a celebration in Audubon Park on Saturday (June 16) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lifeblood’s six donor centers will remain open for extended hours during the week. BRIEFLY: Memphis City Schools will host the Hearing-Impaired Program Class Reunion on Saturday (June 16) from 4 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at White Station High School. 514 S. Perkins. The inaugural class reunion will host former students from the MCS’ Hearing-Impaired Program. Launched in the 1940’s, the program provides students with vocational training and job placement. Scheduled activities include a school tour, group photos and a performance from the White Station High School Deaf Drama Club. For more information, email Rita Grivch at grivichrs@mcsk12.net. BRIEFLY: The International Free and Accepted Modern Masons and Order of Eastern Star announce the Moses Grand Lodge and Rebecca Grand Chapter State of Tennessee Annual Convention will be held June 22-24 at the Clarion Hotel Airport, 1471 East Brook Rd. For more information, call 901-332-3500, or call Lois Carter at 901789-0876. BRIEFLY: Methodist South Hospital is helping patients manage their Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) through a new support program offered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, 1300 Wesley Drive, Professional Office Building, suite 209. For more information or to enroll in the program, contact Linda Kelly at 516-3212 or linda.kelly@mlh.org.
Father of Year honor reflects honoree’s everyday commitment Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Radford Dockery’s commitment to children – his own and myriad others – has brought a Father of the Year award his way. Committed Fathers Alliance (CFA), a non-profit organization dedicated to the enhancement of father-children relationships, tapped Dockery for the honor, selecting him from numerous nominations from across the United States recognizing worthy fathers for their dedication and commitment to their children and other children in the community. The recognition is linked to those who nominated him, including his daughter, Raebin. “My daughter told me she had written something on my computer about me, but I thought she was doing something for school and I did not pay any attention to it,” said Dockery upon learning of the honor
from the CFA selection committee. “My dad does so many things for the community and the people in it and I love him for what he does,” wrote Raebin Dockery. “He may not be the best or the perfect person in the world but who cares cause he is an outstanding father in my eyes.” While dedicated to other students, Raebin Dockery noted how her father is always there for her and continues to give guidance as she faces challenges in her life, moving towards graduation and then college. In Memphis City Schools, Dockery is a big-time participant in Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) – the father involvement initiative of the National Center for Fathering. Mary Saulsberry, a parent of a MCS student, also nominated him for the Father of the Year honor, detailing his love for the betterment of the community, the future of the students and es-
pecially his love for his children. Besides Watch D.O.G.S., the selection committee pointed to Dockery’s involvement in various other activities, such as fundraisers and other community events, and his determination to still play a part in the lives of his children. This is CFA’s 2nd Annual nationwide campaign for Father of the Year. Dockery was recognized Wednesday (June 13) at the National Partnership for Community Leaders (NPCL) Fatherhood Conference (in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) during the “Spirit of Fatherhood Hall of Fame Luncheon.” The theme for the conference, which runs through Friday (June 15), is “Expanding Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Family Program Connections.” Lance Dickson, founder and executive director of Committed Fathers Alliance, said, “For every bad father
Memphis City Schools Supt. Dr. Kriner Cash (l) presented a proclamation to Father of the Year Ray Dockery (center) during a recent Unified School Board Meeting. Pictured: (first row) Annie Dockery Hudson, Christian Rashad Dockery, Ray Dockery, Raebin Dockery, and Sherry Dockery; (second row): Dr. Cash, David Reaves, Shelby County Schools Supt. John S. Aitken, Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum, and Joe Clayton. (Courtesy photo) mentioned in the media there are at least 10 responsible fathers loving, caring, and being an active part in
their children’s lives. We are very pleased to be able to recognize a responsible father for a job well done.”
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June 14 - 20, 2012
Tri-State Defender