6 25 2014

VOL. 63, No. 24

www.tsdmemphis.com

June 19 - 25, 2014

75 Cents

POLITICS 2014

Signs of conflict rise in Cohen-Wilkins race Reginald Milton

Martavius Jones

‘Tainted’ process does not warrant corrective action in District 10, ruling says The New Tri-State Defender staff

The Shelby County Election Commission failed to follow “all of the procedural requirements” in overseeing the results of the Shelby County Commission District 10 race, but that does not warrant action to correct the results.

The Shelby County Primary Board of the Tennessee Democratic Party’s State Executive Committee and State Primary Board put its stamp on that conclusion Wednesday.

If there are no further challenges, the ruling means that Reginald Milton, who was declared the winner of the May 6th contest by the Election Commission, will take on Republican Geoff Diaz in the general election on Aug. 7th.

Sections of Cooper-Young (Midtown), Chickasaw Gardens (East Memphis), Orange Mound and South Memphis make up District 10.

Martavius Jones, a former member of the Memphis City Schools board, filed the challenge with the Primary Board.

“We find that there is no question that the votes stored in the subject machines at Ward-Precinct 31-02 are in fact the will of the people who voted at that polling location. We do not find any evidence of tampering with those results,” the Primary Board wrote in its ruling.

Jones presented evidence of the following improprieties to the board: 1. There was only one voting machine’s printout / tally signed and sealed on Election Day from Ward Precinct 31-02. The commission did not create a written report of any revisions related to any missing tally tapes.

2. After a challenge by Jones, the Election Commission broke the seals on the machines and printed out “duplicate tapes” from the unreported machines without court order to do so and in violation of state law.

3. The Election Commission certified results from “unsigned duplicate tapes” by way of a “spot audit” as opposed to an audit of every tape from every precinct in Shelby County.

The five-member Primary Board met in Midtown at the IBEW Local 474 hall.

According to the Election Commission, Milton received 2,124 votes, with 2,098 votes for Jones and 731 for Jake Brown. It was Jones who detected that only one tape from one of four machines at Ward-Precinct 31-02 was signed and sealed and taken to the Election Commission’s Operations Center on election night as required by law.

Jones sought the exclusion of the “unsigned duplicate printouts” from the machines in question. Milton argued that such a moved was tantamount to the disenfranchisement of the voters assigned to Ward Precinct 31-02.

“The fact that original tapes could not be found or accounted for deeply concerns this body,” the Primary Board concluded. “However, we decline to disenfranchise any voter at polling place 31-02 and accept the unsigned duplicate tapes as a part of the recording of the will of the people in that wardprecinct.”

Jones makes a “strong argument that the integrity of the process is tainted by the failure of the Election Commission to follow the statutory procedural safeguards,” the board concluded.

MEMPHIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

H- 9 1o - L - 7 2o H- 9 0o - L - 7 2o H- 9 1o - L - 7 1o Isolated T-Storm Isolated T-Storm Isolated T-Storm REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS

Friday H-90 L-70 H-93 L-71 H-91 L-71

Saturday H-92 L-72 H-89 L-69 H-93 L-71

Sunday H-93 L-70 H-90 L-69 H-92 L-71

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Tony Jones

Challenger Ricky Wilkins says four-term incumbent Steve Cohen “needs to get serious and focus on what’s important” in their race for Tennessee’s 9th congressional district seat.

Wilkins statement came in response to Cohen’s campaign filing a complaint to the Federal Election Commission citing Wilkins for incorrect signage for his campaign, which opened its headquarters last U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen Saturday (June 14th) at 3412-14 Poplar.

Cohen’s letter to the FEC asserts that, “Ricky Wilkins’ yard signs completely fail to disclose that the communication has been paid for by the authorized political committee.

There is no disclaimer on the yard signs.”

In the press release introducing the complaint, Cohen’s campaign man-

Attorney Ricky Wilkins opened his 9th congressional district campaign headquarters at 3412-Poplar last Saturday. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

ager, John Marek says, “If you’re asking the people of the 9th District to send you to Congress where you will play a part in creating new laws, you should know the law.”

Wilkins reports that his campaign

had not been contact by the FEC and that a written response had been prepared to “fully address this oversight.”

“We’ve already instituted the fix,” said Wilkins, adding that he would

respond accordingly, if contacted by the FEC. “But this is clearly an indication that Cohen is running scared.

He was shocked at the level of support shown by our campaign opening and they had to shoot for something to try to distract from the fact that we have a real grassroots connection in this race.

“People in the 9th District have to try to find work and get their children something to eat, and he’s playing trivial pursuit.”

The Cohen campaign, however, points out that, “The FEC previously sent Wilkins a Request for Additional Information (RFAI) because of his failure to disclose sufficient information about some of his donors. It is unclear at this time whether he supplied the information before the May 31st deadline.”

Wilkins said his treasurer has been in contact with the FEC reporting employer identity and/or job titles for some of the donors disclosed in the campaign’s last report.

“That additional information is being researched and will be provided shortly. And you will find that my donors are average, everyday working people that actually live and SEE CONFLICT ON PAGE 3

Former bastion of African-American political research pressing to survive

Crucial Fundraiser June 25 for Joint Center Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by TriceEdneyWire.com

Train a dad the way he should be…

Organizers of Mayor A C Wharton Jr.ʼs 4th Annual Memphis Training Camp for Dads say the event held at the University of Memphis Fogelman Executive Center last Saturday (June 14th) was a huge success. Final numbers and session evaluations were still being tabulated at TSD press time and will be used to take TC4Dads to the next level. (Photo: Isaac Singleton)

The LeMoyne-College President Johnnie B. Watson ready to pass the torch Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The LeMoyne-Owen College President Johnnie B. Watson can see the end of his road at the college and he’s put a date on it – June 30, 2015.

Watson announced Tuesday morning that he would retire on that date. It’s been quite a journey for Watson, who attended LOC as a student and ultimately served as its 11th president.

“When I graduated from LeMoyne-Owen in 1960, I never could have imagined having the privilege to serve my alma mater in this capacity,” said Watson. “It has been an enjoyable, fruitful and memorable journey thanks to our talented faculty, dedicated staff, loyal alumni and supportive board of trustees.”

LOC Board of Trustees Chair Robert Lipscomb and his fellow trustees will immediately begin charting the College’s future by assembling a committee to conduct a national search for Watson’s successor.

“Our goal is to assemble a diverse team of individuals who care about the College and have a vested interest in its future,” said Lipscomb.

“Higher education is changing on every front and we are looking for a leader who has the vision to help the

College adapt to the evolving landscape, while ensuring it stays true to its legacy and mission to foster leadership, opportunity, change and justice through education.”

Watson became the first alumnus in the College’s 151-year history to serve as president when he took the reins in 2008 after serving as interim president for two years. During his tenure, LeMoyne-Owen College overcame a crushing deficit to emerge from accreditation probation in 2007.

“We were placed on probation SEE WATSON ON PAGE 2

Johnny B. Watson: “It has been an enjoyable, fruitful and memorable journey.”

(Courtesy photo)

FACT SHEET

1960 Graduates from LeMoyne-Owen College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education 1960 Begins working at Carver High School in Memphis, Tennessee as a social studies teacher 1966 Graduates from Indiana University with a Master of Arts degree in 1966 SEE FACT ON PAGE 2

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, esteemed as America’s foremost think tank for African American political and economic research, is struggling with financial problems so Spencer serious that its Overton political arm has been gutted and its interim president is working for free.

Spencer Overton, the center’s interim president/CEO and a member of the Joint Center’s board, is on sabbatical from his David A. job as a GeorgeBositis town University law professor.

“No, I am not on salary,” Overton confirmed in a brief interview after participating as a panelist for a recent Capitol Hill event.

Overton assumed the interim presidency in February after the Eddie N. departure of Williams Ralph Everett, who was president for about eight years. Upon Everett’s departure Dec. 31, Dr. Brian D. Smedley, director of the Center’s Health Policy Institute, assumed the interim presidency briefly until Dr. Elsie Overton was anScott nounced.

Asked previously about the financial state of the Joint Center, Overton had responded guardedly in an email saying the recession has affected various organizations.

“People of color face significant challenges, however...there is a clear need for a think tank that focuses on policies that affect people of color,” said Overton. “I think if we focus on SEE RESEARCH ON PAGE 5

NEWS

Page 2 WATSON

tendent of Memphis City Schools 2006 L e M o y n e - O w e n College board of trustees appoints him interim president 2008 L e M o y n e - O w e n College board of trustees unanimously appoints him to serve as the College’s 11th president 2010 Memphis Chamber of Commerce appoints him to its board of trustees to help address higher education and workforce development issues in Memphis 2014 Announces retirement from LeMoyne-Owen College effective June 30, 2015

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

due to fiscal instability, not academic inadequacy,” said Watson. “Our academic standards were never in question.”

Last year the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges reaffirmed LeMoyneOwen College’s accreditation through 2023.

Lipscomb praised Watson for bringing stability to the College during turbulent times.

“Johnnie is a staple in this community who is well known and respected. People know him to be a calm, steady leader and that is what we needed.”

Enrollment at LOC fell to 500 students in 2006. Watson leveraged his life and work experiences to right the ship.

“Challenges are nothing new to me. I overcame rheumatic fever as a small child,” he said.

“I also was on the frontlines of the desegregation of the Memphis City Schools in 1973 and was charged with plotting new school bus routes throughout the city. Facing these challenges prepared me to stare down the naysayers and roll up my sleeves and work hand-inhand with the faculty, staff, students, board of trustees, my fellow alumni and supporters to restore my alma mater.”

Enrollment topped 1,000 students in 2013. The $1.7 million deficit was erased and replaced with an endowment.

Campus facilities were renovated and a new, 336-bed residence hall opened last fall.

Watson attributes the success, in part, to his amicable relationships.

“I seek to empower people, build consensus and always treat everyone I encounter with dignity and respect,” he said.

“Another important factor was the support and accessibility of the board members, Chairman Lipscomb in particular.”

Lipscomb credits Watson’s leadership style to the College’s resurgence.

“Johnnie brought the LeMoyne-Owen College family to the table and listened before he made decisions,” he said. “He valued everyone on the team and made them feel

Tri-State Defender

June 19 - 25, 2014

Earlier this year, LOC President Johnnie B. Watson was named Executive of the Year at the Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley) appreciated. He was a calming force during the storm.”

As Watson thanked the College’s many supporters and donors, he asked them to stay the course.

“Higher education faces growing challenges today and LeMoyne-Owen College is not immune,” he said. “The College and the students need the continued support of our dedicated alumni, friends and the corporate community as we transition.”

Watson stressed that he is under no pressure to retire and is confident that the College’s future is bright.

“Because of the current status of the College, I am confident that the board of trustees will find a replacement with the talent and skill to take LeMoyne-Owen to a higher tier,” he said.

“I have been in education for nearly 55 years. It’s time to pass the torch.”

FACT

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

1982 Negotiates the consent agreement between the Memphis Board of Education and the plaintiffs in

the Northcross v. Memphis Board of Education case that resulted in reduced transportation and the return of many students to their neighborhood schools 1988 Memphis Board of Education promotes him to deputy superintendent 1992 Retires from Memphis City Schools and accepts appointment as professor in the Department of Education at Rhodes College 1999 Accepts appointment as Chair of the Department of Education and Distinguished Associate Professor at Rhodes College 2000 Begins 8-year term on the LeMoyne-Owen College board of trustees 2000 Memphis Board of Education appoints him interim superintendent. After a national search did not yield an acceptable candidate, the board unanimously appoints him superintendent later that year 2001 L e M o y n e - O w e n College awards him the Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree in recognition of his distinguished 40-year career in education 2003 Retires as superin-

ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING PRESIDENCY • 10-year SACS accreditation reaffirmed • Implemented Strategic Transformation Plan • Doubled enrollment • Increased focus on student retention • Appointed faculty to President’s Cabinet • Increased community partnerships • Enhanced articulation agreements with other colleges • Led the College’s successful efforts to overcome

a $1.5 million deficit and emerge from accreditation probation • Balanced the College’s budget each year of his presidency—2007-2014 • Retired debt on Steele Hall and old dormitories • Constructed and opened new residence hall in 2013 • Oversaw major facility renovations • Purchased adjacent properties • Addressed salary inequities • Improved campus morale SOURCE: The LeMoyneOwen College

Tri-State Defender

NEWS

“Since he wants to go there, ask him why has he left his signs up from the 2012 campaign, and is it on purpose that they are mostly in the AfricanAmerican community?”

Commissioner Brooks: ‘Justice is being targeted’

by The New Tri-State Defender staff

CONFLICT

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

work in the 9th District and are fighting for a better life in the 9th District,” said Wilkins.

“They’re not special interest groups or from people that have no stake in what is really happening in the district, unlike you will find with Cohen’s.”

Wilkins then fired off a query of his own for Cohen.

“Since he wants to go there, ask him why has he left his signs up from the 2012 campaign, and is it on purpose that they are mostly in the AfricanAmerican community? Has he been paying for the monthly advertising value of those signs or do they constitute in-kind advertising? And if so, has his campaign filed proper financial disclosure reports about the signs? The only real sign here that’s relevant is that Steve is nit-picking because he saw more strength from our headquarters opening than he’s been led to believe.”

Contacted by email, Marek said he was traveling and could not respond by The New TriState Defender’s press deadline.

Wilkins says the matter only gives him more energy.

“This kind of thing is exactly why I chose to run. The whole world is zooming ahead and we still have these old fossils that know how to play the political game but cannot excite the core of the 9th district with any real plans or ideas.

“We still have the same problems of poverty, inequality and lack of vision that have always plagued this city, and this non-issue is exactly why Memphis has always been so slow to progress,” he said.

“This is the best they can challenge our message on?”

Page 3

June 19 - 25, 2014

Ninth congressional district candidate Ricky Wilkins shows a look of concentration during the opening of his campaign headquarters at 3412-Poplar last Saturday.

(Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

The Rev. Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr. (left), who introduced U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen at his East Memphis campaign headquarters on May 31st, said, “Steve has been an excellent representative before he went to Congress.” (Photo: Wiley Henry)

Vowing not to “give up the fight” amid what she labels “attacks,” Shelby County Commissioner Henri E. Brooks says she is moving forward with her quest to become Juvenile Court clerk as the Democratic Party nominee.

Brooks issued a written statement detailing her commitment on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, she resigned as a community/government research specialist in the Faith and Health division of the Congregational Health Network at Methodist. Misdemeanor assault charges are pending against Brooks following a June 10th confrontation in a parking lot that serves the hospital.

Calling the upcoming election the most important in Shelby County in a very long time, Brooks said, “This is our last, best window of opportunity to break the Juvenile Court’s schoolto-prison pipeline.”

On Wednesday morning, The New Tri-State Defender spoke briefly with Brooks, who said she was unable to elaborate on her written statement pending a conversation with her attorney.

Meanwhile, her residency is being challenged, with Commissioner Terry Rowland pushing an investigation by the Shelby County attorney.

In her written statement, Brooks said media portrayal of the parking lot incident, which allegedly involved her throwing water on Liese Nichols in the heat of the confrontation over a parking space, was not accurate.

“However, I sincerely regret that the detractors and those opposed to real change have used this as an opportunity to take the focus off the critical issues affecting our children at Juvenile Court and therefore minimizing all that is at stake in this election,” Brooks said in the statement. “I want you to know that justice is being targeted, because we are standing up and fighting for families, children and women and for justice throughout the system.”

Saying that she was “speaking truth to power” about the public policy decisions that economically affect our community and entrap our children in poverty, Brooks added, “I will continue to fight until the job is done, and there is no longer any reason to fight.”

Commissioner Henri E. Brooks (Photo: Shirley Jackson)

Page 4

OPINION

Tri-State Defender

June 19 - 25, 2014

John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)

The Mid-Southʼs Best Alternative Newspaper

Powered by Best Media

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

Anti-effeminacy in the black community

FLASHBACK: 2006

SPECIAL REPORT

Hollywood gets a low diversity rating

The first detailed study of the relationship between diversity and the bottom line in the Hollywood entertainment industry has found that although diversity pays – literally – people of color and women are still woefully underrepresented throughout film and television.

The study titled, “2014 Hollywood Diversity Report: Making Sense of the Disconnect,” was conducted by the Ralph J. Bunch Center for African-American Studies at UCLA. It looked at 172 theatrical films released in 2011 and 1,061 television shows that aired during the 2011-12 season. It looked at race and gender and key production roles, including cast diversity, the show’s creator, the writer, the director, awards and domestic and international box office.

Frequent moviegoers represent just 10 percent of the population, but purchase half of all movie tickets, the report stated.

“It is important to note here that minorities are overrepresented among the ranks of frequent moviegoers, those who contribute most to overall box office,” it said. “In 2011, minorities accounted for 44.1 percent of frequent moviegoers, a figure that exceeded their 36.3 percent share of the overall U.S. population.”

But you wouldn’t know it by the roles people of color play in the industry.

“Historically, there has been a dearth of gender, racial, and ethnic diversity in film and television – both in front of and behind the camera,” the report stated. “This reality has meant limited access to employment for women and minorities and to a truncating of the domain of media images available for circulation in contemporary society…Media images contribute greatly to how we think about ourselves in relation to others.

“When marginalized groups in society are absent from stories a nation tells about itself, or when media images are rooted primarily in stereotype, inequity is normalized and is more likely to be reinforced over time through our prejudices and practices.”

The report found that although people of color represent 36.3 percent of the population, in film: Of the 172 films examined for 2011, only 10.5 percent of the lead roles were played by people of color and most of them were in such blacktargeted movies as “Jumping the Broom” and Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Big Happy Family.” Women, who make up 51.2 percent of the population, were cast as leads in only 25.6 percent of the movies.

Over half of the films (51.2 percent) featured casts in which minorities were 10 percent or less.

People of color directed 12.2 percent of the films studies, most directed at a targeted audience. Women directed 4.1 percent of the films.

Minorities wrote 7.6 percent of the films, mostly ethnic-niche films; women wrote 14.1 percent.

In television:

People of color were in only 5.1

percent of the lead roles.

Women accounted for 51.5 percent of the lead roles in comedies and dramas, matching their share of the population.

People of color accounted for George E. 15.4 percent of Curry the broadcast reality shows.

Of show creators, only one was a person of color – who created “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice” and “Scandal,” all on ABC. The report proves that diversity pays. “…The 25 films that were from 21 percent to 30 percent minority posted a median global box office of $160.1 million – a figure considerably higher than the medians for all other diversity levels,” the report found. “By contrast, the 88 films that fell into the 10 percent minority or less interval did not fare as well in terms of global box office, posting a median figure of $68.5 million.”

The report added, “If we consider return on investment, which factors a film’s budget into the analysis, we see a similar pattern.” In fact, the return on more diverse films was “significantly greater,” the report found.

Yet, Hollywood continues to travel down the same old tired road.

“The 2014 Hollywood Diversity Report has documented an apparent disconnect between the industry’s professed focus on the bottom line and actual staffing practices in film, broadcast television, and cable,” the report stated.

“That is, while films and television shows with casts that reflect the nation’s racial and ethnic diversity were more likely to post high box office figures or ratings during the study period, minorities and women were nonetheless woefully underrepresented among the corps of directors, show creators, writers, and lead actors that animates industry productions.”

The report concluded, “This disconnect does not bode well for the future of the Hollywood industry.

Women already constitute slightly more than half of the U.S. population, and more than a third of the population is currently minority and the population continues to diversity at a dizzying rate.

“The bottom line for the Hollywood industry – theatrical film, broadcast television, and cable – would be advanced by implementing forward-looking project development and staffing practices that are in sync with these changes.”

(George E. Curry is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) He can be reached via www.georgecurry.com. Follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge and George E. Curry Fan Page on Facebook.)

The conspiracy to whitewash hip-hop (An excerpt from The Root)

When asked about Forbes’ claim that hip-hop is run by a white, blond, Australian rapper named Iggy Azalea, incumbent queen bee Nicki Minaj laughed hysterically. The financial magazine may be qualified to calculate the $250 million valuation of Nicki’s Myx Fusions Moscato wine coolers, Nicki reasoned, but only the hip-hop community can bequeath the throne to Iggy.

One week later, Iggy Azalea became the only artist since the 1964 Beatles to have her first two singles occupy the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and the fourth female emcee to hit No. 1 on the chart.

Nicki has yet to claim the No. 1 spot.

However, the coronation of Iggy as one of the most successful rappers in history has occurred without much support from the imagined hip-hop community or from black people not invested in her brand. …

If Iggy isn’t a great rapper, why is she so popular? Is it her whiteness?

And is her reign part of a larger industry plot to whitewash black music

with the likes of Justin Timberlake and Robin Thicke?

Iggy’s meteoric rise is due, in part, to the music industry’s willi n g n e s s to promote only a handful of supersexy female Travis L. Gosa, Ph.D. artists. … But Iggy is also an heiress to white supremacy, the mix of unearned racial privilege and racial fetish that has historically made black music without black people big business. … … We will know in 20 years if Scarface and other defenders of hiphop are correct about the whitening of hip-hop and whether Iggy is really a carpetbagger intent on exploiting the culture.

(Travis L. Gosa, Ph.D., is assistant professor of Africana studies at Cornell University, where his research focuses on racial inequality and African-American youths.)

Did the UNCF make a deal with the devil?

When the Koch Foundation gave the United Negro College Fund $25 million, it set off a maelstrom of comments in cyberspace and real time. How dare the UNCF take money from the Koch brothers, some asked. They ought to send it back, said others. One woman told me she would never give to UNCF again because of the Koch donation. Another says the Koch donation changes her perception of UNCF. The donation will provide $18.5 million in scholarships, money that is badly needed to get some of our young people out of school, especially with the cuts so many experienced because of reduced access to the Parent Plus loan. Another $4 million will go to the 37 UNCF schools for general support, again to make up some of the losses that came from reduced enrollment due to Parent Plus. The remainder goes to UNCF for their general support.

What’s wrong with this picture?

Koch scholarships will be awarded to students with good grades, financial needs, and an interest in studying how “entrepreneurship, economics and innovation contribute to well-being for individuals, communities, and society.” Sounds like conservative free markets to me.

More than that, it sounds like granting scholarships to further the Koch government-reducing, free market focus. Koch protects its interest by having two seats on the five-member scholarship committee, with the other three from the UNCF. While non-Koch interests are the majority, it will be interesting to see if a donor can sway a committee.

What else?

The Koch brothers are making the most of this gift in the media. Rarely have I seen so many headlines generated by a gift of that size. $100 million, maybe. $250 million, surely.

But while $25 million will mean a lot to the UNCF, schools such as Harvard would likely consider it nothing more than a modest behest. The Koch brothers must think they’ll get some positive publicity from their gift, and they obviously have the PR team to pitch it.

Furthermore, these are the very Koch brothers who have supported voter suppression efforts. They would reduce the size of government, which means the Pell grants that so many students depend on would shrink in size. What one hand gives, in other words, the other takes away.

If the Koch brothers would fight to maintain or increase the size of the Pell grant, fewer would look askance at their gift. Instead, many see this as the cynical manipulation of a deeppockets donor who gets much publicity from their gift.

It kind of reminds me of the Donald Sterling gift to the Los Angeles branch of the NAACP. After Sterling’s racist rant, his donation was returned. Still, the NAACP was in the process of giving him a second lifetime achievement award prior to his verbal rampage. Indeed the 2014 outrage against Sterling had elements of class bias. The multi-million dollar players weren’t angry when he dis-

criminated against African Americans and Latinos in the slum housing he owned – which cost him a couple of million dollars to settle with the Justice Department – but they were dismayed Julianne when he made Malveaux negative comments about them. Their earlier silence equaled acquiescence to Sterling’s racism; their protest suggested that they would get angry only when rancid racism was directed at them.

Do basketball players really think that Sterling is the only NBA owner who harbors racist views? Those owners have enough sense not to articulate them publicly. If they know that other owners share Sterling’s views then they condone closed door racism, not the open door kind. If they are aware, and don’t care or share, they are making deals with the devil.

If the Koch brothers are the devil, then most of our organizations are making deals with the devil. Look at the list of sponsors for any AfricanAmerican organization or event. Sit through a board meeting, and listen to folks review possible sponsors, many corporate. There are “good” corporations whose diversity portfolio is robust, and then there are those who need a little help. The need for funds notwithstanding, are we for sale for the price of a table or a few salmon (used to be chicken) dinners?

On the other hand, when the New York Times criticized the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation for its corporate support, Elsie Scott, the then-director said that if we spent money on certain products it was only right that we get their support.

Does this apply to the Koch donation?

Unfortunately, too many AfricanAmerican organizations buy what we want and beg for what we need.

Many in the African-American community have $25 million to give to the United Negro College Fund.

Many could spend the dollars to support our students. The fact that we do not leaves us vulnerable to contributions like Koch, contributions that come with strings and, perhaps, a conservative agenda.

Should UNCF President Michael Lomax send the money back? Only if someone steps up to replace it. The $18.5 million for scholarships represents 3,700 scholarships for students. If the $4 million is divided equally among 37 schools, it means $108,000 per school, enough to hire back one of the people laid off and to support some programs.

Should Michael Lomax lay down with the devil? Where is the angel?

(NNPA columnist Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.based economist and writer. She is President Emerita of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C.)

Your letters to the editor are welcome. For verification, please include your name, address and telephone number.

Mail to: In The Mail, Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale St., Ste. 200, Memphis, TN 38103 E-mail: inthemail@tri-statedefender.com Maximum length: 300 words (subject to editing for clarity)

IN THE MAIL

Tri-State Defender Platform

1. Racial prejudice worldwide must be destroyed.

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

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

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

5. Complete cessation of all school segregation.

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

DISTRIBUTION: Tri-State Defender is available at newsstands, street sales, store vendors, mail subscription and honor boxes throughout the Greater Memphis area. No person may, without prior written permission of the Tri-State Defender, reprint any part of or duplicate by electronic device any portion without written permission. Copyright 2013 by Tri-State Defender Publishing, Inc. Permission to Publisher, Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. Back copies can be obtained by calling the Tri-State Defender at (901) 523-1818, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Words like sissy and f** can often be heard in the black community to describe a man who falls outside the comparatively restrictive confounds of black male masculinity.

However, Jeremy why black men Bamidele in particular focus on masculinity more than their other racial counterparts is often misunderstood. Two theories seek to explain the culture of anti-effeminacy in the black community.

Sexism is something that pervades our country and society. With the average woman making about four to seven percent, according to the U.S. Labor Department, less than her male counterparts when accounting for differences in total hours worked, job position, and total unpaid hours leave taken during the year.

In other words, the average woman would have to work 7.5 percent more or 168 hours more to earn as much as man. However, sexism can not only be seen in the marketplace when looking at men vis-à-vis women but vis-à-vis masculine vs. less masculine men. Studies show that men with traits that are perceived to be more masculine are more likely than those possessing feminine traits to receive higher starting salaries and receive promotions at a much higher rate than feminine men.

Furthermore, a study comparing the salary of male to female transsexuals pre- and post-transition, shows income falling by approximately one third following transition. In addition, a study by Lee Badgett concluded that gay men earn 11 to 27 percent less than straight men. These studies while focusing on disparate communities, share a common story – as masculine traits decrease, so does income.

Consequently, it is arguable that black men by promoting restrictive and traditional views of masculinity are trying to serve the best interest of the community by keeping black male income higher than it would be with a more effeminate male population. This hypothesis is made further credible since black men earn less than their white male counterparts for the same jobs and positions, giving them further incentive to hoard their wealth. While some hypothesize that intra-gender privilege in the black community results from the desire to attain higher incomes, others point to a historical anthropological perspective.

Many scholars argue that anti-effeminate views in the black male community are rooted in homophobia derived from a historical context wherein black men were repeatedly raped when kept in captivity. This captivity exists not only in the past, but also in the present, with many black men being incarcerated and raped in jails. These individual experiences were and are so pervasive as to become shared cultural memories. According to this theory black men are not naturally anti-effeminacy but instead adopt this trait as a self-protection mechanism against dangers that have existed and continue to exist.

In conclusion, the narrative of black anti-effeminacy is not one produced within the black community, but instead one shaped by the collective black experience. The hatred aimed at its own members seeks to insure the protection and wellbeing of the community as a whole.

(Jeremy Bamidele is a former faculty member at Rancho Santiago Community College in California and now lives in Philadelphia, where he is completing graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania. He can be reached at jbami@sas.upenn.edu.)

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Mail subscriptions to the Tri-State Defender are available upon request. One Year, $30.00; Two Years, $55.00. Domestic subscriptions must be addressed to: Subscriptions, Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. Delivery may take one week.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Any and all inquiries can be made in writing, by calling (901) 523-1818 or by e-mail.

TELEPHONE: Editorial and Administration: (901) 523-1818. Display Advertising (901) 523-1818. Classified Advertising (901) 523-1818. Fax: (901) 578-5037.

E-MAIL: Editorial e-mail (press releases, news, letters to editor, etc.): editorial@tristatedefender.com; Display advertising email (ads, advertising price requests, etc.): advertising@tri-statedefender.com; Classified advertising e-mail (ads, advertising price requests, etc.): classifieds@tristatedefender.com; Subscription/Circulation e-mail (subscriptions, subscription price requests, etc.): subscriptions@tristatedefender.com; Production e-mail (technical questions/specs, etc.): production@tri-statedefender.com.

The Tri-State Defender (USPS 780-220) is published weekly by Tri-State Defender Publishing Co., 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38103. Second Class postage paid at Memphis, TN.

NEWS

Tri-State Defender

New Freedmen’s Bureau records available for Juneteenth celebration

In recognition of Juneteenth, FamilySearch has announced the online publication of additional Freedmen’s Bureau records – popular historic sources for those doing African American research that extends back to the Civil War period when slavery was abolished in the United States.

Juneteenth, which commemorates the abolition of slavery, begins June 19, with some celebrations extending an entire month. On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, enforcing the freeing of the slaves. The celebration of Juneteenth (Emancipation Day) began in the streets of Galveston by the former slaves and is now celebrated throughout the nation every year on the same date by millions of people.

The latest Freedmen’s Bureau records added to FamilySearch.org’s historical record collections are for Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.

In March of 1865, the Federal Government created the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands – the Freedmen Bureau. The Freedman Bureau’s records include documentation of the legalization of marriages entered into during slavery, labor contracts (the beginning of share cropping), military payment registers, hospital logs, former slave owners, the number of children, and other details from the time of slavery – tremendous resources for those doing family history research from this period.

Robin Foster, a National Genealogy Examiner and a member of the South Carolina Genealogical Society, says, “The Freedman Bureau records are crucial to tracing your African American genealogy back past 1870. Until now, we had to travel to national, state, or local archives to have any hope of finding records.

With FamilySearch, many of

Page 5

June 19 - 25, 2014

The online publication of additional Freedmenʼs Bureau records will be valuable sources for those doing African-American research that extends back to the Civil War period. (Courtesy photo)

those records can be seen online on your home computer.”

The new online additions are viewable as digital images of the original records. As FamilySearch’s online volunteers complete indexing them, the searchable name index will be added to the digital images.

“These records are so valuable because they create the bridge from before the Civil War to the 1870s. They provide names; dates of birth, marriage, and death; and clues to past slave owners and locations,” says Foster.

Janis Forté, a lecturer, author, and publisher, and Recording Secretary of AfroAmerican Genealogical and Historical Society of Chicago, stressed the importance of the latest additions.

“This enables all researchers to have access to Freedmen Bureau records at no cost, any time,” says Forté, who has personally experienced the value of the records.

“In one instance, a Bureau record took me back three generations, even mentioning daughters’ names and their married names. I discovered a great-great uncle had two marriages, one I didn’t know about,” says Forté.

“These records cover a transitional period that is hard to imagine. People went from being completely dependent on someone to having to take care

of themselves. People who hadn’t been allowed to learn to read or write now had to compete with the rest of society.

The Freedmen Bureau, Bank, and Societies helped bridge that gap with everything from hospitals to schools, labor contracts to insurance. Now, their records bridge the genealogical gap from slavery to freedom.”

Joan Healy, research consultant with the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, said the Freedmen’s Bureau had vast responsibilities and therefore abundant records.

“The goal of the Bureau was to help 4 million slaves make the transition to freedom. They provided services including rations, medical care, employment assistance, and support for education. Two hundred hospitals were built and 4,000 schools were established.”

Foster encourages everyone to engage in family research.

Search, record and share are the three pillars of good family research, he said.

“Be sure you share. That gives to others and brings information from them. Since I can remember, we had family come visit. I wanted to know about them and remembered every detail. My daughter shouldn’t grow up without knowing the family stories and being true to the name they gave us.”

Source: FamilySearch

RESEARCH

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

the challenges of real people, produce high quality policy solutions to those challenges, maintain responsible internal practices, and clearly communicate the value of our work to potential supporters, we will grow and thrive.”

Overton has spent the last three months meeting with people who have been affiliated with the Joint Center over the years, seeking advice and help. Despite Overton’s public silence on the organization’s financial affairs, long-time political researcher David A. Bositis, who recently left the organization because of its financial woes, was not as subtle.

“They’re having money problems. Basically right now, they’re a health group,” said Bositis, who researched African-American politics for the Joint Center for 23 years.

“They’re trying to hold on.

And they’re not under water from the sense that they’re not closed. I mean they are still open, but the political part of it... politics is not being emphasized anymore.”

Bositis said the health research is extremely important, but African American political research – such as tracking the growth and decline of AfricanAmerican elected officials, voting trends, positions on issues – is still equally as needed, he says.

“I’ve been involved in all sorts of legal cases on voting rights and redistricting. The thing is you need that research to provide information for a lot of the court cases,” Bositis said. “I’ve been talking to a variety of people in terms of where we go from here.”

Overton led the Political Law Studies Initiative at Georgetown and served as a member of the first Obama campaign, transition and administration. He said nothing about political research in an emailed response to questions about his vision from a political perspective. Instead, he referred to health policy as

a “traditional strength” Founded in 1979, the Joint Center, for the first 15 years of its existence, was actually the Joint Center for Political Studies. JointCenter.org now says the “Joint Center uses research, analysis, and communications to improve the socioeconomic status and political participation of people of color, to promote relationships across racial lines, and to strengthen the nation’s pluralistic society.”

Other sources close to the Washington, D.C.-based nonpartisan non-profit have expressed deep concern about the organization’s finances and future. They include the Center’s former 30-year president, Eddie Williams, who assumed the presidency two years after its founding.

“I have a meeting coming up with the new president to get some perspective on that,” he said of the organization’s financial woes. “I won’t speak for the President. I think he would agree with you that you need more information about some of the issues affecting the black community whether it’s politics or health or whatever.

But, it takes money to do that. And I don’t know but I think they have lost money.

That’s my understanding.”

In addition to Everett and Bositis, at least seven staff members have left the organization since late last year, sources confirmed.

The Joint Center’s financial contributions largely come from foundations, corporations, government contracts and individual donors as well as fund-raisers such as dinners and luncheons. The organization’s gala dinner is coming up June 25th. U.S. Sen. Cory A. Booker, former Newark mayor and first African American elected to the Senate since Barack Obama, will receive the Center’s highest award, the Louis E. Martin Great American Award, named after the legendary journalist, presidential confidant and co-founder of the Joint Center.

The Joint Center’s Board of Governors include such political heavy weights as Demo-

cratic strategist Donna Brazile and political scientist Dianne Pinderhughes of Notre Dame University. There is also heavy corporate representation on the board, including Robert R. Hagans, Jr., vice president and CFO, AARP; A. Scott Bolden, managing partner, Reed Smith LLP; Frederick S. Humphries, Jr. vice president, Microsoft; Freada Kapor Klein, trustee, Mitchell Kapor Foundation; Reed V. Tuckson, M.D., chief of Medical Affairs, UnitedHealth Group; Robert Raben, president, The Raben Group; Anne Chow, vice president, Premier Client Group, AT&T Global Services; and board Chair Barbara L. Johnson, partner, Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP. Among the associates that Overton has sought for advice is Dr. Elsie Scott, former president/CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, who raised millions with the CBCF’s annual dinner.

“I’m very impressed with his commitment to try to raise the funds and keep the Joint Center moving and preserve the rich legacy,” says Scott, who confirmed she met with Overton two weeks ago to discuss fund-raising strategies.

“It’s going to be a hard hill for him to climb. But, I think that if anybody can do it at this time, I think he would definitely be a person who has the commitment and drive.”

Dr. Scott, who now heads the Ron Walters Institute at Howard University, says she discussed collaboration between the Joint Center and the Walters’ Center to seek funds for political research using the help of students from Howard and other universities to do exit polls and other surveys.

She also encouraged Overton to “really beat the bushes” to see how many people that he knows who will support the dinner because they believe in him.

“I think the dinner is going to be a major decision point for their board. If they don’t do well, the board is going to have to make some decisions.”

BUSINESS

Page 6

Tri-State Defender

June 19 - 25, 2014

Introducing the do-it-herself diva

Cancer hurdle for NY Times’ Baquet

by F. Sia Ahmadu and Shantella Y. Sherman NNPA News Service

As the heads of many American households, women are increasingly forced to reckon with not only the odd handyman job like mowing lawns or replacing sealants, but also more demanding household repairs including plumbing and electrical work. In fact, what was once considered the man’s terrain within the home has become a space where women actively flex their muscle.

According to a recent survey by the Home Improvement Research Institute, the number of home improvement products purchased by women has increased over the years. Women account for more than $70 billion worth of purchases in the home improvement industry, up from just over $55 billion in 1995. This rising trend is due to women owning their own homes and tackling their own home repair projects.

Industry research shows that single women are purchasing new homes at twice the rate of single men, and within the first year of home ownership, women spend almost $9,000 on home improvement projects. Contributing to the growing trend of women purchasing tools are home improvement shows and hardware stores.

Websites such as See Jane Drill and Be Jane implore women to step up and do the handiwork, rather than wait on a male family member or pay for services they can do themselves.

Be Jane coaxes: “Ladies, you don’t have to be a Jack to be a Jack of all trades. You can Be Jane.

And once you tackle home improvement, then life improvement and even world improvement are just around the corner.”

And while Be Jane and See Jane Drill provide both instruction and support through social networking tools, services and user generated content, a vast array of blogs for female fixers exist to tackle almost any building or repair job.

“There is an enormous demand for home improvement information out there for the beginner, because no one is supplying it,” said Karen DeVenaro, co-founder of See Jane Drill.

“Even a task that sounds simple enough, like using a pressure washer to clean a deck, can be a nightmare for the beginner. Yes, there is information available on how to use the pressure washer, but how do you set it up? How do you start the thing? Nobody tells you the basics,

Dean Baquet is the first African American to serve as executive editor of the New York Times.

such as how to hook up the hoses. That’s the problem in a nutshell. Home improvement resources generally make the assumption that you already know something, but the beginner, the gal or guy that doesn’t know the difference be-

tween a miter saw and a table saw? Where can they go?” Well, no place until See Jane Drill came along.

See Jane Drill provides all the help that many beginner DIY-ers are looking for, and until recently have not been able to find.

Another feature of their company is that they will create videos upon request.

Leah “We often get requests Bolden. from our viewers on how (PRNe to do tasks for which the wsFoinformation available is to/See limited,” points out Leah Jane Bolden, master Drill) craftswoman and cofounder of See Jane Drill.

“We have and will continue to create videos upon request that will then be available to anyone who wants to use them, and for free! How many other websites offer that?”

(Special to the NNPA from The Washington Informer.)

A malignant tumor was removed from the kidney of New York Times Executive Editor Dean Baquet over the weekend, reports Politico.

In a memo to his staff, BaDean quet shared Baquet that, “I had minimally invasive, completely successful surgery on Saturday and my doctors have given me an excellent prognosis. I will be out of the office for about a week while I mend.”

Here is the full memo: “To the Staff: “As some of you may have noticed, I’ve been out of the office for the past few days. On Thursday, doctors found a malignant tumor on my kidney that they felt required immediate attention. I had minimally invasive, completely successful surgery on Saturday and my doctors have given me an excellent prognosis. I will be out of the office for about a week while I mend.

“I know this comes as we are all trying to move forward in the newsroom. During my absence, I will be in touch with the newsroom leadership - perhaps more than they like - and we will continue to push ahead with various initiatives.

“One thing I know will not stall or even slow is our amazing news report. Just in the last few days, we have shown the tremendous power of our reporting as American politics and the Mideast were simultaneously upended and the World Cup matches began in Brazil.

Every day’s report makes me more honored to be part of the newsroom and I assure you that I will be back there as soon as possible.

“Dean”

MONEY MATTERS John F. Kennedy once said, “Change is the law of life.

And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” This is certainly true of preparing for retirement. If we continue to expect that the ways of the past will see us through to our futures, we will be left behind.

The methods that helped prepare us for retirement are quickly disappearing, and we must start using others.

Today’s companies are rewriting the retirement rules for working Americans. Traditional pension plans, which gained prominence in the 20th century, are rapidly disappearing because of the high costs involved in funding them.

Some corporations are defaulting on their plans, and an increasing number of companies have underfunded or atrisk plans.

To help protect employees with corporate pensions, the federal government has enacted laws requiring employers to meet a 100 percent funding target for their defined-benefit plans. Companies that sponsor pension plans are also required to pay higher insurance premiums to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

A new chapter for retirement

(PBGC), which was created by Congress in 1974 to help protect American workers from the risk of pension Charles Sims d e f a u l t .

Premiums Jr., CFP have increased because the PBGC itself is facing a deficit as a result of more companies defaulting on their pension plans.

Because of these costly requirements, it is becoming less and less attractive for companies to provide traditional pensions to retirees.

Employers with underfunded plans may simply choose to eliminate them, and even companies with healthy plans may decide that defined-benefit plans are not worth the cost. As a result, it is likely that more companies will offer defined-contribution plans like the 401(k) to attract new employees and to help employees fund their own retirements.

Thus, it is important to be

aware that you may have less help from your employer and will probably have to rely more on your own savings and investments to fund your retirement.

The government has tried to help by raising contribution limits to most employer-sponsored retirement plans. You can contribute money to these plans on a pre-tax basis. Your contributions and any earnings accumulate on a tax-deferred basis. Of course, remember that distributions from most employer-sponsored retirement plans are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken prior to reaching age 59½, may be subject to an additional 10% federal income tax penalty.

A number of companies are taking steps to help workers fund retirement. Many have instituted automatic-enrollment in their defined-contribution plans to encourage more employees to participate. Some are enhancing the benefits of their plans by increasing the amount they contribute to employee accounts and/or enhancing matching contributions.

Many companies that still have traditional pension plans

should be able to pay their promised benefits. But in light of recent trends, it would be wise to consider all possible sources of retirement income when reviewing your retirement strategy. With the chang-

ing retirement landscape, there may be no better time than now to size up your current situation. Your companysponsored retirement plan will be just one piece of your retirement funding pie.

(Charles Sims Jr., CFP, is President/ CEO of The Sims Financial Group. Contact him at 901-682-2410 or visit www.SimsFinancialGroup.co m.)

RELIGION

Tri-State Defender

Page 7

June 19 - 25, 2014

National Bestsellers List – June 2014 Bestselling authors, Ben Carson (“One Nation” – nonfiction) and Kimberla Lawson Roby (“The Prodigal Son” – fiction) lead the bestsellers list of Black Christian authors on the June 2014 edition of the Black Christian News/Black Christian Book Company National Bestsellers List.

NON-FICTION BESTSELLERS

1. “One Nation: What We Can All Do to Save America’s Future” by Ben Carson (Sentinel HC) 2. “Instinct: The Power to Unleash Your Inborn Drive” by TD Jakes (FaithWords) 3. “The Rules of Engagement” by Cindy Trimm (Charisma) 4. “America the Beautiful: Rediscovering What Made This Nation Grea”t by Ben Carson (Zondervan) 5. “The People Factor: How Building Great Relationships and Ending Bad Ones Unlocks Your God-Given Purpose”

by Van Moody (Thomas Nelson) 6. “Gifted Hands” by Ben Carson (Zondervan) 7. “The Power of God’s Names” by Tony Evans (Harvest House Publishers) 8. “Let It Go: Forgive So You Can Be Forgiven” by T.D. Jakes (Atria) 9. “The Uncommon Life Daily Chal-

lenge” by Tony Dungy (Tyndale) 10. “Kingdom Woman: Embracing Your Purpose, Power, and Possibilities”

by Tony Evans and Chrystal Evans Hurst (Tyndale)

FICTION BESTSELLERS

1. “The Prodigal Son” by Kimberla Lawson Roby (Grand Central Publishing) 2. “The Perfect Affair (The Shady Sisters Trilogy)” by Lutishia Lovely (Dafina) 3. “Feels Like Heaven” (“My Soul To Keep Volume 1”) by Vanessa Miller (Whitaker House) 4. “Forever an Ex” by Victoria Christopher Murray (Touchstone) 5. “Casting The First Stone” by Kimberla Lawson Roby (Kensington) 6. “You Can Do It!” by Tony Dungy (Little Simon Inspirations) 7. “Friday Night Love” (“Days Of Grace”) by Tia McCollors (Whitaker House) 8. “Fortune & Fame” by Victoria Christopher Murray & ReShonda Tate Billingsley (Touchstone) 9. “The Reverend’s Wife” by Kimberla Lawson Roby (Grand Central Publishing) 10. “Practicing What You Preach” by Vanessa Davis Griggs (Dafina)

RELIGION BRIEFS

McDonald’s gospel tour in Memphis on June 20th

Faith-based coalition and TrustEgg, Inc. team to help children via savings

Annual Youth Day at Castalia Baptist

(PRNewswire-USNewswire) – The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI), a faith-based coalition of 34,000 churches, has entered into a strategic partnership with TrustEgg, Inc. to offer one million children the benefit of TrustEgg’s expertise and resources.

The partnership was set for a June 19th announcement at historic Canaan Baptist Church in New York City. The NBCI puts its nationwide membership base at 15 million-plus congregants.

“This collaboration will leverage TrustEgg’s relatable financial resources to help bridge the socioeconomic divide affecting African-American families,” said the Rev. Anthony Evans, NBCI president.

The message to NBCI congregants, said Evans, is that early and often savings is within reach through partners such TrustEgg. “TrustEgg’s resources translate the oftentimes intimidating obstacles of financial savings,” said Evans.

“We are a trusted financial and housing expert in the Black Church community. By leveraging social media networks we can make saving money as easy as logging onto Facebook accounts.

Delivering easy-to-understand financial resources is a difficult task, and TrustEgg makes it possible.”

Over the next few months, the organizations will work together through grassroots efforts to engage as much of the African-American faith community as possible, carrying the word that early financial planning delivers great rewards and creating over one million accounts for families and children.

For more information, visit www.naltblackchurch.com.; www.trustegg.com/.

McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour is coming to Memphis for a free night of inspiration and joyful song in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Memphis.

The free concert will be held Friday (June 20th) at New Salem Baptist Church, 2237 S. Parkway E. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. and the soul-stirring singing starts at 7 p.m.

There will be a VIP meet and greet between the artists and Ronald McDonald House of Memphis families prior to the show from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Music on my mind…

Shaneria Sanders dances to “I Can Only Imagine” during the Juneteenth Urban Music Festival held Downtown last weekend at Robert R. Church Park.

Sanders, 14, is a student at Created Life School.

(Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Castalia Baptist Church at 1540 Castalia St. will observe its Annual Youth Day with two services on Sunday (June 22nd).

During the 8 a.m. service the speaker will be Dr. Randolph Meade Walker, the host pastor. At 11 a.m., the guest speaker will be the Rev. Stoney Butler, associate minister of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Cordova, The program chairpersons are MacKenzie Walker and Chelsea Davis.

PRAISE CONNECT -A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-

METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., Pastor

767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126

ASSOCIATE MINISTERS

901-946-4095 fax 948-8311

No Cross...

No Crown

Rev. Davena Young Porter Rev. Linda A Paige Rev. Luecretia Matthews SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

SUNDAY Sunday School .....................8:30 am Morning Worship Service ....10:00am

WEDNESDAY Bible Study .........................10:30 am Mid-Day Prayer Meeting .....12 noon Evening Prayer Meeting........7:00pm

FRIDAY Cable Channel 17 ............... 8:00pm

Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter

“Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”

– Psalm 55:22

Attend the church of your choice

Attend the Church of your choice

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

—Phillipians 4:13

ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, June 19 - 25, 2014, Page 8

Maxi Priest

hits his groove NNPA News Service

by Dwight Brown Beverly Knight will star in the London premiere of “Memphis The Musical,” which begins in October. (Courtesy photo)

Stax-UK connection featured at B.B. King’s on June 20th

The Stax Music Academy Alumni Band will perform with United Kingdom (UK) star Beverley Knight of the upcoming London premiere of “Memphis The Musical” at B.B. King’s on Beale Street on Friday (June 20th) The performance, which will be taped for “Memphis” promotions for UK, is set for 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Tony Award-winning musical debuted on Broadway in 2009, with the London run beginning in October with Knight as the lead singer/actress.

One of the UK’s most popular soul singers, Knight will film several promotional videos while in Memphis.

In addition to their schedule this year will be performing at area elderly care facilities, performances that will be booked by Memphis’ Creative Aging agency.

Formed last year as a way to offer summer jobs and bring unique entertainment to Memphis, the Stax Music Academy Alumni Band is a group of Stax Music Academy graduates who are in college but home on their summer break. The original band was made up of 10 students, but interest this year was even greater and that number has grown to 20 – enough for two different groups.

Both groups include some six vocalists, along with a rhythm section featuring keyboards, drums, guitar, bass and a horn section. Their repertoire of Stax hits and other soul music standards is billed as a highly charged, high-energy act designed to entertain and engage audiences of all kinds and all ages.

“This is (a) way to keep our former students in the Stax Music Academy family, provide them with paid summer employment, further hone their musical performance skills, and offer tourists and locals alike a unique music experience,” said Stax Music Academy artistic director Justin Merrick.

“Last summer this started out as something of an experiment and halfway into their summer shows, they were performing like the tight-knit cast of a Broadway musical.

Reggae superstar Maxi Priest had three reasons to put on a lively, well-received show in New York City last week. 1) He was celebrating his 53rd birthday. 2.) He was launching the July 1st U.S. release of his latest album, “Easy To Love.” 3.) The mixed crowd of West Indian transplants, Europeans, Americans and reggae lovers was feeding of his manic energy.

For years, Max Alfred “Maxi” Elliott, aka Maxi Priest, has made a stop at B.B. King’s 42nd Street Blues Club & Grill an annual event during his birthday week. That’s something he shared with the crowd while coaxing them with the hip-hop chants: “Everybody scream,” “Let me hear the ladies scream” or “Wave your hands in the air like you just don’t care.”

Those cheeky rants aren’t the usual callto-actions for reggae artists, but Maxi is not the usual reggae artist. Born in Jamaica and reared in London, as the child of a Pentecostal missionary, he gained his musical influences from gospel church music, Jamaican artists such as Dennis Brown, soul singers like Marvin Gaye and British pop artists such as the Beatles. He honed his golden throat vocals at house parties, building an appreciative audience as he developed his own hybrid musical style dubbed “reggae fusion” or “lovers rock.”

As Maxi pranced across the small, intimate stage at B.B. Kings, in front of a dance floor filled with swaying bodies moving to his tunes, the culmination of his musical evolution was on view. Backed by just a keyboardist, guitarist, bass player and drummer, it felt like he had a much bigger supporting band as he sang his greatest hits, new music and some covers of standards to a very mixed age, race, culture and nationality crowd.

The first couple of songs were hard to discern, as the background music was too loud.

Once a technical adjustment was made, the crowd could hear his silky vocals clearly, which are as soothing, sanguine and/or rousing as they were when he first made a name for himself with his 1988 international hit “Wild World,” a modernized version of the Cat Stevens classic. Maxi purred, “Now that I’ve lost everything to you. You say you wanna start something new. And it’s breakin’ my heart you’re leavin’. Baby, I’m grieving.”

Arguably, Maxi’s 1988 debut album, simply titled “Maxi Priest,” is the ultimate

Reggae superstar Maxi Priest had myriad reasons to put on a lively, wellreceived show in New York City last week.

(Courtesy photo) British reggae album and stands the same test of time as Bob Marley’s iconic “Legend” album. At age 53, 26 years after his career began, his dreads are almost floor-length (the ladies were pulling on them all night), his face is fuller and he has over two decades of hits to sing. Like a fine wine, he’s just gotten better; like a consummate showman he’s learned how to work his audience into an alternate state of excitement and bliss.

He debuted songs off his upcoming “Easy To Love” album. The title song is already available on iTunes and has a smooth Maxi Priest feel. The newest single is “Gravity,” a cover of the John Mayer blues/pop song.

“Whoa gravity, stay the hell away from me… Just keep me where the light is…”

For the new release, Maxi has enlisted the help of reggae studio legends Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare and Beres Hammond joins him on vocals for the R&B-flavored ‘Without a Woman.” In-between showcasing the new music, the soulful singer crooned a version of Van Morrison’s “Crazy Love,” followed by “Some Guys Have All The Luck” and of course “Wild World.” “Close to You,” his 1990, #1 U.S. Billboard charting hit got the crowd bugging: “She was a Jezebel, this Brixton queen. Livin’ her life like a bad sweet dream… I just wanna be close to you.”

As the evening came to a close, Maxi turned to his band and asked them to perform familiar riffs from classic music. He teased the audience and sang snippets, asking them to sing along to: Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing,” Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean…” When he found out the O’Jays’ lead singer Eddie Levert was in the crowd, he invited him up on stage to duet on The Temptations “My Girl” and then he launched into the O’Jays’ “Love Train.”

You know you are at a real reggae concert when you can feel a mellow, loving spirit enter the room and envelop you. That was always the lasting affect of a Bob Marley show, and Maxi Priest, with his soul and gospel background, is even more attuned to the spiritual side of performing.

For his last song he said, “Let me say a blessing for you.” Then he sang, like it was a slow benediction in a reggae church, “Say a prayer for the world. And send all your love to all creation…”

A birthday, a new album, a room full of loving fans and music that soothed the soul… Everyone had something to sing about at Maxi Priest’s B.B. King’s Blues Club & Grill concert. Everyone.

(Visit NNPA Entertainment Critic Dwight Brown at DwightBrownInk.com.)

BOOK REVIEW

Yoga has exploded in popularity around the country in recent years and the fad appears poised to take the African-American community by storm. (Courtesy photo)

Proponents say everyone can benefit from yoga and meditation, and that beginners can start to use it wherever they are in life. (Courtesy photo)

‘Yoga, Meditation and Spiritual Growth for the African-American Community’ Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kam Williams

Yoga has exploded in popularity around the country in recent years, as proven by the profusion of women you see walking down the street everyday with a rolled-up rubber mat under their arms. The fad appears poised to take the black community by storm, with even hip-hop mogul-turned-yoga practitioner Russell Simmons becoming a vocal proponent of adopting a meditative Eastern path.

Another very dedicated advocate is Daya Devi-Doolin, co-founder with her husband, Chris, of the Doolin Healing Sanctuary located in Deltona, Fla. There, she not only teaches private and group yoga class-

es, but offers free sessions for abused women and military veterans.

Now, this spiritual sister shares her philosophy in “Yoga, Meditation and Spiritual Growth for the African American Community,” an easy-toread how-to tome with easy-to-follow illustrated introduction aimed at beginners and also the young at heart. The book features photographs not of skinny contortionists, but of the author and some of her students who, as you’ll see, come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

That lets you know that you don’t have to be lithe and limber like a runway model to assume such poses pictures as the Boat, the Butterfly, the Half Lotus, the Cow, the Chair, the Eagle, the Half Bridge, the Dancer, the Cobra, the Tree, the Spinal Twist, or my favorite, The

Mountain (which looks the easiest).

Why should the uninitiated even consider trying yoga? “For a new or a renewed body, mind and spirit,” Daya suggests.

Hatha yoga has been around for thousands of years, and is ostensibly beneficial in terms of maintaining youthfulness and flexibility.

Furthermore, according to the yogini, our organs and endocrine glands as well as the skeletal, reproductive, circulatory and lymphatic systems are all “healed by the inversion asanas, stretching postures, back bend asanas and twisting asanas.

“Asana,” by the way, is just a fancy Sanskrit word for position.

If Daya Devi-Doolin’s aim in penning this simple, self-help primer was to demystify yoga while making it appealing to the novice,

then bulls-eye!

Excerpt – From the Introduction (page vii)

“This book is for you, the everyday person, the person who works, has a family (or not) and wants to stay stress-free, happy, fulfilled and healthy. This book will lead you, the yoga aspirant and participant, to that place.

“It has a lovable and knowledgeable approach, as if the readers were right in my yoga studio at the Doolin Healing Sanctuary… You too can do yoga regardless of where you are or how limited you are.

“The main idea is that everyone can benefit from yoga and meditation, and can start to use it wherev-

er they are in their life.”

“Yoga, Meditation and Spiritual Growth for the African-American Community”

by Daya Devi-Doolin Amber Books Paperback, $14.95 116 pages, Illustrated

(To learn more about the Doolin Healing Sanctuary, visit: http://www.padaran.com/index.htm l.)

(To order a copy of Yoga, Meditation and Spiritual Growth for the African American Community, visit: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obi dos/ASIN/1937269469/ref%3dnosi m/thslfofire-20.)

ENTERTAINMENT

Tri-State Defender

Page 9

June 19 - 25, 2014

OPENING THIS WEEK

Kam’s Kapsules:

Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun

Memphis premiere for ‘True Blue – Memphis Lawmen of 1948’ Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Tony Jones In “Think Like A Man Too,” the couples are back for a wedding in Las Vegas. But plans for a romantic weekend go a bit crazy when their various misadventures get them into some compromising situations that threaten to derail the big event.

(Courtesy photo)

For movies opening June 20, 2014

by Kam Williams

BIG BUDGET FILMS

“Jersey Boys” (R for pervasive profanity) Clint Eastwood directs this adaptation of the rags-to-riches, jukebox musical featuring Tony Award-winner John Lloyd Young as Frankie Valli in the role he originated on Broadway, as well as Erich Bergen, Vincent Piazza and Michael Lomenda as the other members of the Four Seasons. Cast includes Christopher Walken, Freya Tingley and Francesca Eastwood (daughter of Clint and Frances Farmer).

“Think Like a Man Too” (PG-13 for profanity, drug use, crude humor, sexual references and partial nudity) The principal cast returns for an eventful sequel, set in Vegas, where the couples convene for bawdy bachelor and bachelorette parties which almost derail Candace (Regina Hall) and Michael’s (Terrence J) wedding plans. Ensemble includes Kevin Hart, Gabriel Union, Michael Ealy, Dennis Haysbert, Meagan Good, Taraji P. Henson, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Kelsey Grammer.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

“Code Black” (Unrated) Adrenaline-fueled documentary offering unprecedented observation of the life-and-death situations handled by doctors on a daily basis inside L.A. County Hospital’s C-Booth, America’s busiest Emergency Room.

“Exhibition” (Unrated) Character-driven drama, set in the Chelsea section of London, revolving around a cash-strapped couple of middle-aged artists (Liam Gillick and Viv Albertine) whose careers and relationship are jeopardized when they have to put their house/studio on the real estate market. With Tom Hiddleston, Harry Kershaw and Mary Roscoe.

“Fonzy” (Unrated) Baby-daddy comedy, set in Paris, about a 40-something former sperm donor (Jose Garcia) with a pregnant girlfriend (Audrey Fleurot) who suddenly finds out he’s the father of 533 children born decades earlier via artificial insemination.

Support cast includes Lucien Jean-Baptiste, Gerard Hernandez and Laurent Mouton. (In French with subtitles)

“The Last Sentence” (Unrated) Historical biopic about Torgny Segerstedt (Jesper Christensen), the Swedish journalist who put his life in jeopardy in the 1930s to warn the world repeatedly about the threat posed by the imminent rise of Adolf Hitler. Featuring Pernilla August, Ulla Skoog and Bjorn Granath. (In Swedish with subtitles) “Miss Lovely” (Unrated) Bollywood docudrama, set in Mumbai in the 80s, chronicling the downfall of a couple of sleazy, sibling film producers (Anil George and Nawazuddin Siddiqui) after one decides to turn his porn star girlfriend (Niharika Singh) into a legitimate actress. With Menaka Lalwani and Zeena Bhatia. (In Hindi with subtitles) “Norte, the End of History” (Unrated)

Mistaken identity drama about a woman (Angeli Bayani) forced to fend for the family while trying to clear her falsely-accused husband (Archie Alemania) who’s been framed for a double murder committed by an embittered law student (Sid Lucero). Support cast includes Soliman Cruz, Miles Canapi and Hazel Orencio. (In English and Filipino with subtitles) “Northern Light” (Unrated) Diminished dreams documentary, set in Northern Michigan, examines the plight of three workingclass families affected by the economic recession as they prepare to compete in their icebound hometown’s annual snowmobile race.

“Third Person” (R for profanity, nudity and sexuality) A trio of romance dramas each set in a different city and revolving around a couple in crisis. (1) A recently-separated writer (Liam Neeson) leaves his wife (Kim Basinger) for a rendezvous in Paris with a mistress (Olivia Wilde) hiding a big secret. (2) A NYC socialite (Mila Kunis) suspected of attempted murder fights her ex-husband (James Franco) for custody of the son supposedly she tried to kill. (3) An American (Adrien Brody) in Rome on business falls for a gypsy (Moran Atlas) who says her sister has been kidnapped for ransom.

(In English and Italian with subtitles) “Venus in Fur” (Unrated) Roman Polanski screen adaptation of the David Ives play of the same name about a director (Mathieu Amalric) who finds himself seduced by an aspiring starlet (Emmanuelle Seigner) auditioning for the lead role in his highly-erotic, upcoming production. (In French and German with subtitles)

Local filmmaker George Tillman Jr. says the passing of cherished actress Ruby Dee and before her Maya Angelou marks why films such as the one he has just completed deserve support from the public.

Entitled “True Blue—Memphis Lawmen of 1948,” Tillman’s second completed documentary this year is scheduled to premiere on Saturday (June 21st) at the University of Memphis’ Michael Rose Theater. It explores the impact of the historic 1948 hiring of the city’s first African American policemen.

The premiere is being presented by Tillman’s company Cinematic Arts, the Ernest Withers Foundation and the African American Police Association, which will receive a portion of the $10 admission fee.

“With the recent passing of Maya Angelou and Ruby Dee, it is even more important that stories such as the ones presented in the film are preserved. We must honor our pioneers,” said Tillman.

“I hope the film does these men and their compatriots justice in revealing the doors they opened. Think about all the civil jobs we have nowadays. It was because they took that bold first step and their stories are worth sharing.

Imagine what their families had to go through.”

Screened earlier this year to thumbs up acceptance, the final version to be presented Saturday will be submitted to film festivals and available for DVD resale.

“True Blue” was originally the idea of brothers Billy and Andrew “Rome” Withers, whose father Ernest Withers Sr., began what would become a vigorous public life as one of the “blacks in blue” before going on to become an internationally accredited civil rights photographer.

The film’s centerpiece is the recollections of octogenarians Roscoe McWilliams, who left the force after two years, and Capt. Jerry Williams, who remained until retirement. Both with “memories as vivid as the film they’re captured on,” says Tillman.

Current MPD Director Toney Armstrong gives a key interview, telling how the hiring of the first African-American police director, James Ivy, influenced him and gives a glimpse of how the rank and file dealt with cultural issues behind the scenes.

“It’s very moving how he (Armstrong) recounts the reality of what that legacy means to him personally and how it influenced the growth of the department and this city,” said Tillman. “I hope we’ve done a job that is worthy of the history we are trying to preserve.”

Andrew “Rome” Withers, who has followed in his father’s footsteps as a photographer, says “This has been a long standing dream for my brother and I. Like the other men whose stories make up this film, he was just trying to make a living, but the film shows how their daily struggle was shared by the black community and influenced a great deal in this city.

“It’s more than a personal statement to consider this a must see film.”

Page 10

Legal Notices

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL 15ʼ ROTARY MOWER

The Millington Airport Authority is requesting sales proposals for a 15ʼ rotary cut mower for use in field mowing operations.

Mower must include driveshaft compatible with a New Holland T6030 95 hp 540/1000 RPM PTO. Mower should additionally have: Cat 5 constant velocity main driveline. 1-16” height cutting capability, noseize self-adjusting slip clutch, four (4) 1,000 rpm gear cases, 250/300 hp continuous/peak transfer gearcase, 150/210 hp continuous/peak center gearcase, 150/210 hp continuous/peak outer gearcases, stump-jumper pans, 3” brush cutting capacity, self-leveling hitch, 90° up/22° down hydraulic lift wings, 1” diameter full-length wing hinge pins, severe-duty Ag tires, and non-airbag spring suspension. Used equipment may be considered if accompanied by comparable warranty. Proposals and accompanying bid should be emailed to lindaleavitt@cityofmillington.org by June 30, 2014. The Authority reserves the right to accept the proposal it considers to be the best overall even though it may not contain the lowest price.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL 25-TON COMPRESSOR

The Millington Airport Authority is soliciting bids to furnish and install one (1) rebuilt 25ton compressor in existing 4DK1-2500TSK commercial air conditioning unit.

Installation to include replacement of 1.5 hp condenser fan motor, dryer, and 20 lbs. of R22 refrigerant. The successful bidder must comply with all local laws and code and will be required to meet Authority insurance requirements. Proposals and accompanying bids should be emailed to lindaleavitt@cityofmillington.org by June 25, 2014. The Authority reserves the right to accept the proposal it considers to be the best overall even though it may not contain the lowest price.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL LEGAL SERVICES

The Millington Airport Authority is seeking proposals to provide legal services. Interested parties must be licensed in Tennessee, have at lease five (5) years of municipal and/or airport experience, and current knowledge of contracting, employment, lease, and municipal law. Proposers should email cover letter, experience, references, resumes, and hourly rate schedule to rremington@cityofmillington.org by June 30, 2014.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FUEL TANKS

The Millington Airport Authority is soliciting bids to furnish and install one (1) doublewalled, 1,000 gallon fuel tank and all associated equipment including bracket, fill gauge, 17 gpm A/C pump, meter, reel, 20ʼ hose, and nozzle. Installation to include running electrical and accessories under pavement from transformer to tank site for a span of 45ʼ. Proposals and accompanying bids should be emailed to lindaleavitt@cityofmillington.org by June 25, 2014.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PIPE REPAIR

The Millington Airport Authority is soliciting bids to furnish and install 20ʼ of 10” storm drain pipe. Installation to include trenching, removal, installation, connecting, backfill, and sodding of excavated area. Repair to include installation of 10” 3-way fitting to existing #10 inlet. Pipe depth is approximately 33” below grade. The successful bidder must comply with all local laws and code and will be required to meet Authority insurance requirements. Proposals and accompanying bids should be emailed to lindaleavitt@cityofmillington.org by June 25, 2014. The Authority reserves the right to accept the proposal it considers to be the best overall even though it may not contain the lowest price.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL TRACTOR – 150 HP

The Millington Airport Authority is requesting sales proposals for a 150 hp (minimum 120 hp PTO), 4-wheel drive or equivalent, tractor for use in field mowing operations.

Tractor must be capable of accommodating a HX20 flex-wing rotary cutter. Tractor should additionally include: rear independent 540/1000 RPM PTO, enclosed cab, three (3) mechanical selective control valves, minimum 16 Speed powerquad transmission, R-1 Bar type Ag tires, premium radio, 20” front axle clearance, and remote rear hitch control. Used equipment may be considered if accompanied by comparable warranty. Proposals and accompanying bid should be emailed to lindaleavitt@cityofmillington.org by June 30, 2014. The Authority reserves the right to accept the proposal it considers to be the best overall even though it may not contain the lowest price. Suggestions LEGAL NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed bids will be received at the Office of the City of Memphis Purchasing Agent, Room 354, City Hall, 125 N. Main, Memphis, TN 38103, until 2:00 PM CT, Friday, July 11, 2014, for furnishing the City of Memphis with the following:

FOR THE DIVISION OF: ENGINEERING City of Memphis RFQ # 3244.

FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF: CMAQ – Traffic Signal Loop Replacement at Various Locations Federal Project No.: STP-M-9409 (44) State PIN: 040716

Location(s): Various Locations throughout the City of Memphis

1. The Prime Contractor and all Sub Contractors must pre-qualify with the Department of Transportation in accordance with Section 54-5-117 of the “Tennessee Code Annotated” and Tennessee Department of Transportation Rule 1680-5-3 prequalification of contractors before biddable proposals will be furnished.

2. The City of Memphis hereby notifies all bidders that a 7% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal has been set for this project and must be met or exceeded. All contractors identified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) must be on the Tennessee Uniform Certification Program (TNUCP) List at the time of the bid opening.

3. The City of Memphis hereby notifies all

CLASSIFIEDS

Tri-State Defender

June 19 - 25, 2014

TRI-STATE DEFENDER CLASSIFIEDS 203 Beale Street, Suite 200 Memphis, TN 38103 PH (901) 523-1818 FAX (901) 578-5037 HOURS: Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm

DEADLINES: Display ads Monday 5 p.m.

Classified ads Monday 5 p.m.

RATES: Standard rates: $9.50 per line for 1 column ad.

Rates are non-commissionable and are quoted at the net rate. No refund for early cancellation.

For additional information contact Sales Dept. at (901) 746-5201 or email: advertising@tri-

statedefender.com BEER PERMITS Flat Rate $30

GENERAL INFORMATION: Some categories require prepayment. All ads subject to credit approval. Tri-State Defender reserves the right to correctly classify and edit all copy, or to reject or cancel any ad at any time. Only standard abbreviations accepted. Copy change during ordered schedule constitutes new ad & new charges. Deadlines for cancellation are identical to placement deadlines. Rates subject to change.

ADJUSTMENTS: PLEASE check your ad the first day it appears. Call 901-523-1818 if an error occurs. We can only offer in-house credit and NO REFUNDS are issued.

TRI-STATE DEFENDER assumes no financial responsibility for errors nor for copy omission. Direct any classified billing iinquiries to 901-523-1818.

NOTICE OF ELECTION FEDERAL AND STATE PRIMARY ELECTIONS, STATEWIDE AND SHELBY COUNTY GENERAL ELECTIONS AUGUST 7, 2014 VOTING HOURS: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) Section 2-2-114 (a), that the Shelby County Election Commission office located at 150 Washington Ave., Suite 205, Memphis, TN, 38103, telephone number 222-1200, and Election Operations Center located at 980 Nixon Drive, Memphis, TN, 38134, telephone number 222-6821 is open for voter registration and transfer of registration from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, except for holidays.

(NOTE: Shelby County Election Commission Offices will be closed July 4, 2014.)

Registration is closed for 29 days prior to any election.

For the upcoming August 7, 2014 elections, the last day to register in person will be Tuesday, July 8, 2014, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Mail registration applications delivered in person must be submitted in the Election Commission Office or postmarked by Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Registration will be closed from Wednesday, July 9, through Friday, August 8, 2014, for persons living inside Shelby County, Tennessee.

Transfer of registration (change of name/address) requests will be processed for this election if received in the Shelby County Election Commission Office by Saturday, August 2, 2014, at 4:30 PM. NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN pursuant to TCA, Section 2-3-109 (e) (1) and (2), by the Shelby County Election Commission that all polling locations for August 7, 2014 Elections meet all standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Further notice is hereby given that any elderly or handicapped voter may also vote by one of the following methods for the August 7, 2014 elections: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Absentee ballot, with the exception that any voter who registered by mail must vote in person for the first election they are eligible to vote; or Early voting at the Shelby County Office Building located at 157 Poplar Av., Suite 120, Memphis, TN, during the early voting period from July 18, 2014, through August 2, 2014 Early voting satellite locations, or Election Day at the Shelby County Election Commission office. Provided such voter completes an affidavit stating that the voterʼs designated voting location, to the best of the voterʼs knowledge, does not comply with the provisions of Public Law 98-435 of the 98th Congress and of the voterʼs intention to vote at the Shelby County Election Commission office located at 150 Washington Ave., Suite 205, Memphis, TN or Election Operation Center, 980 Nixon Drive, Memphis, TN. This affidavit must be received by Monday, July 28, 2014, by 4:30 PM, not less than 10 days prior to the election.

NEW PHOTO ID LAW EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2012 Federal or state government issued photo ID is now required to vote in person, unless an exception applies. College student IDs will not be accepted. To learn more about the new law and its exceptions, please call (901) 222-1200 or visit GoVoteTN.com.

SHELBY COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION Robert D. Meyers, Chairman Norma Lester, Secretary Dee Nollner, Member Steve Stamson, Member Anthony Tate, Member

bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation, and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex or disability in consideration for an award.

4. The City of Memphis is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drugfree with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service. For additional information contact Mary Bright, (901) 636-6210, City of Memphis, Contract Compliance Office, 125 N. Main St, Memphis, TN 38103 5. “Certification by each bidder must be made with respect to nondiscrimination in employment.”

6. A Bid Bond is required.

7. All bids must include, on the outside of the bid envelope, the name of the project, the bid due date and the bid opening time.

Plans, Specifications and attendant deposit information available, until the time set for opening bids, from: Janet Prejean, (901) 636-2462, City of Memphis, Construction Inspections, 2599 Avery Avenue, Memphis, TN 38112.

Award of contracts will be made on the basis of the lowest and best bids as determined by the City of Memphis. “Best Bid” shall be defined as the responsive quotation, that meets the contract documents, including, if applicable, any DBE Participation Goal as set out in this specification.

THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED

Notice of intent of award will be issued after review of all opened bids. Any protest of award must be filed in writing with the Purchasing Agent within ten calendar days of the intent of award announcement.

By Order of the Mayor of the City of Memphis, Tennessee.

A C WHARTON, JR., MAYOR

ERIC S. MAYSE, CITY PURCHASING AGENT NOTICE TO BIDDER(S)

Sealed bids will be received by the Shelby County Government in the Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38134 until 9:30 a.m. on June 30, 2014 as shown below: MULTIPLE AND ENTIRELY DIFFERENT REHABILITATION JOBS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS BID NOTICE. BIDDER(S) MAY ELECT TO BID ON ANY OR ALL OF THE JOBS IN THE NOTICE. SEALED BID SBI-000272 DUE: June 30, 2014

1. Rehabilitation of Owner-Occupied Housing Units throughout Shelby County some of which may require the use of lead based paint safe work practices and

techniques; and

2. Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction Jobs.

Detailed specifications for items above may be obtained in the Shelby County Department of Housing at the aforementioned address. All bids will be opened and publicly read by the Shelby County Government at the time mentioned above at the Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road Memphis, TN 38134, (901) 222-7600.

As a condition precedent to bidding, each bidder must apply and qualify for a Vendor Number and Equal Opportunity Compliance Eligibility Number prior to the submitting your response. Your EOC number must be displayed on the outside of your envelope for each bid submission.

As a condition precedent to being awarded jobs involving Lead Based Paint, contractors must be certified through EPA as an RRP contractor and/or show proof of application to EPA for said certification and be certified through the State of Tennessee as a Lead Based Paint Firm.

Proof of licensing at time of bid submission is required by the Shelby County Department of Housing.

The label, which is attached to the specifications shall be completely filled out and attached to the bid submission envelope.

You must display your current E.O.C. Eligibility Number or your Locally Owned Small Business (LOSB) Number on the outside of your envelope and a copy of all licenses and insurance policies must be included in your submitted bid package.

Unless the label is completely filled out and your current E.O.C. Eligibility Number is noted thereon your bid may be returned to you unopened. Should your label be lost or misplaced, please note the appropriate information in the lower left-hand corner of your envelope. The Department of Housing encourages participation from WBE, MBE, LOSB, and Section 3 Contractors under these rehabilitation programs.

The Shelby County Government reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities therein.

By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL, JR., MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Jim Vazquez, Administrator

NOTICE TO CONSULTANT ENGINEERS REGARDING A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE DESIGN OF ROADWAY RESURFACING PLANS

June 19, 2014

The City Of Memphis, Division of Engineering, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, seeks to retain the services of professional engineering consulting firms to provide various engineering services related to the design of resurfacing/sign & marking plans for various streets in the City of Memphis. This project (STP Repaving Group 6) is being funded by the Surface Transportation Program (STP) as a Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Locally Managed Program. This project shall adhere to all applicable Federal and State,

procedures and regulations. The professional consulting engineering firms (the Prime) and all sub-consultants must be on TDOTʼs pre-approved list and the Prime must have unlimited status. The scope of work includes: 1. Design services to complete the resurfacing plans for streets listed below 2. Environmental services to secure State and Federal permits 3. Assemble bid package. The method of payment shall be lump sum and the scope includes the following streets: 1. Airways Blvd. – Shelby Dr. to State Line

2. Mendenhall Rd. – Mt. Moriah Rd. to Knight Arnold

3. Getwell Rd. – Park Ave. to I-240 and

4. Cooper St. – Washington to Central.

Firms (or teams) may request consideration by submitting a letter of interest, along with an abbreviated “Statement of Qualifications” for the firm (or team) to: Mr. Manny Belen, Deputy City Engineer, Division of Engineering, 125 N. Main, Suite 644, Memphis, TN, 38103. All letters of interest and abbreviated SOQs must be received on or before 3:00 p.m.

Central Time, July 11, 2014.

The abbreviated SOQ will be used to make a short list of applicants. The firms that are short listed will then be invited to submit a more detailed SOQ which will be graded by a committee established by the Engineering Division. The abbreviated SOQ must include a letter expressing an interest to be considered for the project, must be no more than 15 pages and only needs to contain the following information: 1. General background about the firm(s) – history, office locations, number of staff, etc.

2. A list of projects with a similar size and scope as the proposed work.

3. The current amount of work the firm has under contract with TDOT and the City of Memphis.

4. The City encourages the use of firms that are listed on TDOTʼs certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) list.

The firm that is submitting the SOQ should either list that they are certified DBE firm or state whether they anticipate using DBE firms as a sub-consultant or not.

Information pertaining to TDOT prequalification procedures, list of pre-qualified firms and certified DBEs, TDOTʼs standard procurement policy, and additional information can be found at this internet address www.tdot.state.tn.us/consultantinfo.htm.

Interested firms without internet access may obtain this information by calling Ms. Chris Smotherman at (615)741-4460 or by email at Christine.Smotherman@tn.gov.

For additional details regarding the proposed services to be provided or questions about the submittal process contact Mr. Chee Chew, (901) 576-6936, cheeyen.chew@Memphistn.gov. All submitters will be advised when the short list has been developed.

Evaluation proceedings will be conducted within the established guidelines regarding equal employment opportunity and nondiscriminatory action based upon the grounds of race, color, sex, creed or national origin.

Interested certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms as well as other minority/women-owned firms are encouraged to respond to all advertisements

by City of Memphis. For information on DBE certification with TDOT, please contact Ms Deborah Luter at (615)741-3681 or Deborah.Luter@state.tn.gov. Details and instructions for DBE certification can be found at the following website: h t t p : / / w w w. t d o t . s t a t e . t n . u s / c i v i l rights/smallbusiness/.

Payment for services shall be made based on work complete in each section of the scope of service. The City of Memphis reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, accept proposals in part or whole, waive defects, informalities or minor irregularities in proposals or proposal process and to make proposals awards, as deemed, to be in its best interest. The City of Memphis is not responsible for delays occasioned by the U.S. Postal Services or any other means of delivery utilized by the proposer. Similarly, the City of Memphis is not responsible for, and will not open, any proposal responses that are received later than the date and time stated above.

John Cameron, P.E. City Engineer

REQUEST FOR BIDS Legal Notice MSCAA Project Number 12-1349-01 DeWitt Spain Airport – Levee Pump – Construction (Re-bid)

Sealed bids for the DeWitt Spain Airport – Levee Pump – Construction, MSCAA Project No. 12-1349-01, will be received by the Staff Services Division of the MemphisShelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA), 3505 Tchulahoma Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38118, until 2:00 PM Local Time on Thursday, July 24, 2014, and immediately thereafter will be opened and publicly read. No bids will be accepted after the stated deadline. BIDS WILL NOT BE RECEIVED AT ANY OTHER LOCATION. The scope of work generally consists of installation of a permanent flood control pump at the General DeWitt Spain Airport.

Work efforts include, but are not necessarily limited to, earthwork, erosion prevention and sediment control, drainage structure installation, concrete pad placement, gravel road installation, electrical connections, and all services as necessary to install a complete pump system with mobile generator as detailed in the construction documents.

Bid Documents may be obtained and found on our website (www.mscaa.com) on or after Thursday, June 19, 2014. Bid documents may be examined at the following locations in Memphis, TN: Builderʼs Exchange Plans Room, McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge Plans Room, Memphis Area Minority Contractorʼs Association, Mid-South Minority Business Council, National Association of Minority Contractors, and Renaissance Business Center Bid Room.

All Respondents are hereby notified that all updates, addenda and additional information, if any, shall be posted to the MSCAA website (www.mscaa.com) and Respondents are responsible for checking the MSCAA website up to the time of the Bid opening.

A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at 9:00 AM at the General DeWitt Spain Airport, 2787 North Second Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38127. The project site will be available for inspection immediately following the meeting.

The MSCAA hereby notifies that it will review and award contracts in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4a and Title 49, Part 26, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act. MSCAA further notifies all Bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, creed, religion, sexual orientation or disability in its hiring and employment practices, or in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services and activities. The DBE participation goal for this contract is 16% in accordance with the requirements of the Contract Documents. The only participation that will be counted toward meeting this goal will be participation by certified DBEs, the owners of which have been certified as having a personal net worth less than $1.32 million.

Each bid must be by a contractor licensed in Tennessee and accompanied by a 5% Bid Guarantee. In accordance with TCA §62-6-119, the Bidder, and where applicable, one contractor/subcontractor performing electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or masonry work must have its license number, expiration date of the license, and that part of the classification applying to the bid shown on the outside of the envelope containing the bid. Failure to supply all information on the outside of the envelope will result in the return of the unopened envelope to the Bidder. The successful Bidder will be required to execute a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond, each in the amount of 100% of the Contract Price. Liquidated damages for delay in contract completion shall be as stated in the Contract Documents.

No Bidder may withdraw an opened bid within the defined period following actual bid opening without MSCAAʼs consent.

Award will be made to the lowest and best responsible qualified Bidder, if any contract is awarded, based on the best combination of base bid plus individual add-alternates deemed, at MSCAAʼs sole discretion, to be in MSCAAʼs best interests regardless of whether the individual add-alternates are ultimately constructed or not constructed.

MSCAA reserves the right to reject any or all bids in whole or in part and to waive any informalities, technicalities or omissions therein. MSCAA also reserves the right to reject bids from bidders that have pending litigation or claims with MSCAA, or if such bid includes a proposed subcontractor or supplier that has pending litigation or claims with MSCAA, if MSCAA determines, in its sole discretion, such litigation or claims may adversely affect the ability of the parties to work efficiently and effectively under this contract, or for any other reason as determined by MSCAA. Any such bid will be returned to the bidder. See Instructions to Bidders in the project specifications for a further description of this and other reservations of rights.

MEMPHIS-SHELBY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY

By Scott A. Brockman, A.A.E., President & CEO

NOTICE OF SUNSET PUBLIC HEARING

In accordance with Title 4, Chapter 29, Tennessee Code Annotated, the Government Operations Committees of the Tennessee General Assembly will conduct a public hearing to receive testimony on whether the entities listed below should be continued, restructured, or terminated.

The hearings will be held in the Legislative Plaza, Nashville, Tennessee, as indicated below. Pertinent public testimony is invited.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at 1:00 p.m., in Room 12

Advisory Committee on Womenʼs Health Board of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors Board of Dispensing Opticians Board of Osteopathic Examination Board of Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists, and Clinical Pastoral Therapists Hemophilia Advisory Committee Perinatal Advisory Committee Renal Disease Advisory Committee Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Council Wednesday, June 25, 2014, at 9:00 a.m., in Room 12

Advisory Council for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing Advisory Council for the Education of Students with Disabilities Baccalaureate Education System Trust Fund, Board of Trustees Health Information Committee Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth

Any changes in the above schedule which may become necessary will be announced at the Government Operations Committeesʼ website at www.capitol.tn.gov/joint/committees/govopps/. For additional information or to request special accommodations for individuals with disabilities, contact: Joe Schussler, CPA, Assistant Director, Division of State Audit, Nashville, Tennessee; telephone: (615) 747-5303; e-mail: Joe.Schussler@cot.tn.gov. Request for special accommodations should be made at least 24 hours prior to the meeting whenever possible.

REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS LEGAL NOTICE MSCAA Project #14-1379-00 to provide Consulting Architectural Design Services Statements of Qualifications to furnish Architectural design services, as hereinafter set forth, will be received by Staff Services Division, Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA), 3505 Tchulahoma Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38118 until 2:00 P.M. local time on Thursday, July 17, 2014. Use the above address for all means of delivery. A complete Information Package with submittal instructions, additional data, selection criteria and response format may be obtained and found on our website (www.mscaa.com) on or after June 19, 2014.

This is an open end on-call design contract consisting of professional architectural and engineering design services and construction administrative assistance necessary for the planning, design and construction of projects on MSCAA property as directed by the Development Department. The services will include, but may not be limited

COMMUNITY

Tri-State Defender

Page 11

June 19 - 25, 2014

BRIEFS & THINGS Gibson gets Council OK for Airport Authority

The Memphis City Council has approved the appointment of native Memphian and entrepreneur James Wesley “J.W.” Gibson II as the newest member of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (MSCAA) Board of Commissioners. Gibson, a former Shelby County Commissioner, was appointed by Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. Gibson is CEO of Gibson Companies, a group of organizations that include The Premier Group, a medical supply James Wesley and equipment distribution company; J.W. Gibson II Southeast Regional Development Corporation, which focuses on property development and affordable housing; and Tec-Print, a commercial printing firm.

An advocate of minority business, Gibson has served as president of the National Minority Medical Supply Association and in the Mid-South Minority Business Council’s Partnership Program.

Gibson was recently named by MBQ business magazine as 2014 CEO of the Year among companies with 1-50 employees and was one of the Memphis Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40” honorees. He is also a recipient of the Outstanding Young Men of America Award. His resume includes service on more than a dozen civic and social organizations, several as chairman.

“Mr. Gibson is a welcomed addition to the Airport Authority. His business acumen and his knowledge of the community will be a valued asset,” said Scott Brockman, MSCAA President and CEO. The seven-member Airport Authority Board of Commissioners meets monthly on the third Thursday in the Airport’s Board Room, Terminal B, mezzanine level. Meetings are open to the public.

Family to honor late Judge Higgs with LeMoyne-Owen scholarship Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kirsten Cheers

The teachings, preachings, lessons and words of wisdom from great American leaders are too often forgotten after they pass away, leaving generations unaware of the sacrifices that were made to provide many of today’s opportunities.

W. Otis That is why the Higgs Jr. family of the late Judge W. Otis Higgs Jr. is honoring his legacy with the establishment of The Judge W. Otis Higgs, Jr. Endowment Scholarship at The LeMoyne-Owen College (LOC).

Any full time student attending LOC, where Higgs graduated in 1959, will have a shot at the scholarship. His nephew, Lennard James, said the family wanted the award to be easy to attain, with simple qualifications and an essay component.

“Sometimes it is hard for our students to get scholarships because the require-

ments are so high,” said James, a business consultant with ENZO Ent. “My uncle believed that education should be accessible to all students, especially African Americans.”

James recalled his uncle as a father figure and much more than just another male figure in the family. Raised in a singleparent home, Higgs was the driving force behind James’ educational fervor and achievement.

“I was unaware of the magnitude of my uncle’s achievements when I was a child,” James said. “Whenever you were around him, he always had a story to tell and encouragement to give.”

Higgs was an advocate for those who could not speak for themselves. A civil rights leader in his own right, Higgs participated and had been arrested in the sanitation strike in Memphis of 1968.

A friend of many, including Bishop Desmond Tutu, President Barack Obama and Mayor A C Wharton Jr., Higgs was the lawyer in the 1991 lawsuit against the runoff provision in elections in Shelby County. The outcome of that legal action is credited with paving the way for the historic election of Dr. Willie W. Herenton as the first African American elected mayor of Memphis.

Higgs’ passion for educational excellence was evident throughout his growth.

While his peers were entering the 9th grade at Melrose High School, the late judge ventured to Morehouse College as a freshman. He roomed with his soon-to-be frat brother, Edgar Love III., the grandson of one of the founding members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The Higgs family is well underway with raising $1 million for the endowment scholarship. Through pledges and donations, the interest from the endowment will keep the scholarship alive and well funded for the potential awardees.

James says this is just the start of many opportunities his family plans to establish and innovate in honor of his uncle, including a redevelopment project within the Orange Mound Beltline.

“My uncle was passionate about giving back to his community,” James said. “We believe in making Memphis better and he would want to see the city improve.”

The endowment scholarship is open to all donations in the name of Judge W. Otis Higgs through Lemoyne-Owen College.

(Follow Kirstin @K_Cheers901.)

Cheers

14th Annual Sidney Chism Community Picnic

The public is invited to join local political candidates and families from across Shelby County on Saturday (June 21st) at noon for the 14th Annual Sidney Chism Community Picnic.

The free community event is being held at 3657 Horn Lake Rd. (between Mitchell Rd. and Levi Rd.) beginning at noon, with major and minor candidates shaking hands, kissing babies, and making their pitchs for votes to the 3,000 to 4,000 neighbors and residents who attend annually.

Nearly all of the 81 judicial candidates and most of the candidates for City and County races have committed to attend. There will free food, a Petting Zoo, train and pony rides for children, and music throughout the day.

Shelby County Commissioner Sidney Chism is the host for the gathering. For more details and information, call 502-0166.

BRIEFLY: On Saturday (June 21st), Memphis Kwanzaa International in association with the University of Tennessee presents a Community Health Fair at the Memphis Kwanzaa Center at 1549 Elvis Presley Blvd. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, contact Dr. Kaia Naantaanbuu at 901210-1218 or Regina Hughes at 901-230-3455.

BRIEFLY: Acclaimed poet and civil rights activist, Nikki Giovanni, will be at the National Civil Rights Museum at 2 p.m. on Sunday (June 22nd) to discuss her works, her life and her perspective on many topics shaping American culture. She’ll read from and perform several of her poems and discuss her latest book, “Chasing Utopia,” followed by a book signing.

BRIEFLY: Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County will hold an open meeting on June 23rd at the Shelby County Schools Auditorium, 160 South Hollywood, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. The Court will discuss the requirements of an agreement with the U.S. Dept. of Justice and the status of addressing concerns. For more information about Juvenile Court, follow on Twitter @shelbyjuvenile or on www.facebook.com/MSCJC. BRIEFLY: State Rep. Raumesh Akbari is hosting an informational meeting to help reformed felons, including the restoration of their voting rights and employment opportunities. The session will be held on June 25th at 11 a.m. at Cane Creek Baptist Church at 1785 Elvis Presley Blvd.

to: site evaluation, programming and project confirmation; architectural design; civil, structural, mechanical and electrical design; surveying; geotechnical investigation; cost estimating; construction administration and other related services as may be required. The term of this contract is 3 years with options to renew for two additional 1 year terms.

The MSCAA hereby notifies that it will review and award contracts in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4a and Title 49, Part 26, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act. MSCAA further notifies all Bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, creed, religion, sexual orientation or disability in its hiring and employment practices, or in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services and activities. The DBE participation goal for this contract is 27% in accordance with the requirements of the Contract Documents.

This project is Federal Grant Funded.

Therefore, the only participation that will be counted toward meeting this goal will be participation by certified DBEs, the owners of which have been certified as having a personal net worth less than $1.32 million.

This project will be funded with Federal Grants and/or State Grants. A Notice to Proceed for services will be issued once funding is established. The MSCAA reserves the right to reject any and all responses in whole or in part to this solicitation, and is under no obligation to award this project to any of the firms or teams of firms responding to this request.

MEMPHIS-SHELBY COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY Scott A. Brockman, President & CEO ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Separate sealed BIDS will be received by the Town of Collierville at the office of

the Director of General Services at 500 Poplar View Parkway, Collierville, Tennessee until 2:00:00 p.m., Local Time, on the 29th day of July 2014, and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud for the construction of: Project The Project is briefly described as follows: TC2014-09 “Houston Levee Rail Crossing Improvements” Copies of the CONTRACT DOCUMENTS and plans and specifications may be examined and obtained at the following location(s): Town of Collierville - Owner Director of General Services 500 Poplar View Parkway Collierville, Tennessee 38017

Examined Only at:

Builderʼs Exchange 642 S. Cooper Street Memphis, Tennessee 38104

McGraw Hill Construction Dodge Plan Room 1604 Elm Hill Pike, Suite 200 Nashville, TN 37224

A non-refundable fee of $50.00 plus 9.75% sales tax must be paid per set of said documents, plans and specifications.

Each BID must be submitted on forms provided in the BID PACKET DOCUMENTS provided and either accompanied by a PROPOSAL BOND, properly executed on the form provided, or a Certified check or Cashierʼs check drawn on a National or Tennessee Bank in the amount of five percent (5%) of the TOTAL BID PRICE and payable to the Town of Collierville.

The Town hereby notifies all bidders that no Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal has been set on this contract. However, the use of DBE or minority and women owned firms is encouraged.

The Town hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation, and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex or disability in consideration for an award.

All tied up…

CLASSIFIEDS

The Town is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service.

A Prime Contractor must prequalify with the Department of Transportation in accordance with Section 54-5-117 of the “Tennessee Code Annotated” and Tennessee Department of Transportation Rule 1680-5-3 prequalification of contractors before biddable proposals will be furnished.

The successful BIDDER shall be prohibited from discriminating against any individual due to the individualʼs race, creed, color, national origin, age, or sex.

Complete bid packages are available from the Purchasing Division, 500 Poplar View Parkway, Collierville, TN 38017, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; by facsimile request at 901-457-2258; or by email request at tocpurchasing@ci.collierville.tn.us. The following information must be included in the request for a copy of any bid: *Vendor Number, Tennessee Department of Transportation Prequalification Information, Contact Name, Company Name and Address, Telephone and Fax Number, Bid Number, and Bid Due Date.

*The Vendor Number may be obtained by accessing the Townʼs vendor registration site and registering as a Town of Collierville vendor at http://tocpurchasing.collierville.com/bso. If you have any questions regarding the Vendor Number, please call the Purchasing Division at (901) 457-2261.

Please Note: As a part of doing business with the Town of Collierville, Tennessee, each individual, company or organization is required to obtain a Vendor Number to reference when requesting a copy of any bid. The Vendor will also be required to reference its Vendor Number on the Bid Response Form.

THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED. The Town may waive any informalities or irregularities. The BIDS and contract documents are subject to review and approval from the Tennessee Department of Transportation. The Board of Mayor and

Shelby County Sheriff Bill Oldham, the presenting sponsor for the Man of the House Mentoring Event held at the National Civil Rights Museum last Saturday (June 14th), demonstrates how to tie a tie. Founded by Tony Nichelson, it was the sixth year for the event. (Photo: George Tillman Jr.)

Aldermen of the Town is the final authority and shall have the right to reject any single BID or all BIDS submitted.

Director of General Services Town of Collierville, Tennessee

LEGAL NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed bids will be received at the Office of the City of Memphis Purchasing Agent, Room 354, City Hall 125 N. Main, Memphis, TN 38103, _August 1, 2014__ until 2:00 pm, for furnishing the City of Memphis with the following: FOR THE DIVISION OF: PUBLIC WORKS

FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF: Main Street to Main Street Multimodal Connector Project – Contract 4.2 Federal Project No.: TIGER M2M(1)

Main Street to Main Street Multimodal Connector Project – Contract 4.2 in Memphis, Shelby County

1. The Prime Contractor and all Sub Contractors must prequalify with the Department of Transportation in accordance with Section 54-5-117 of the “Tennessee Code Annotated” and Tennessee Department of Transportation Rule 1680-5-3 prequalification of contractors before biddable proposals will be furnished.

2. The City of Memphis hereby notifies all bidders that a _7.6_% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal has been set for this project and must be met or exceeded. All contractors identified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) must be on the Tennessee Uniform Certification Program (TNUCP) List at the time of the bid opening.

3. The City of Memphis hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation, and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex or disability in consideration for an award.

4. The City of Memphis is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer,

drug-free with policies of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service. For additional information contact Mary Bright, (901) 576-6545, City of Memphis, Contract Compliance Office, 125 N. Main St, Memphis, TN 38103 5. “Certification by each bidder must be made with respect to nondiscrimination in employment.”

6. A Bid Bond is required.

7. All bids must include, on the outside of the bid envelope, the name of the project, the bid due date and the bid opening time.

8. A non-mandatory Pre-bid Meeting will be held on June 25, 2014 at 1:00 PM local time. See “Additional Instructions to Bidders” for more information.

Plans, Specifications and attendant deposit information available, until the time set for opening bids, from: Main 2 Main Technical Project Manager, Allen & Hoshall Inc., 1661 International Pl Drive, Suite 100, Memphis TN 38120, (901) 820-0820, email address maintomain@allworldmail.com.

Award of contracts will be made on the basis of the lowest and best bids as determined by the City of Memphis.

“Best Bid” shall be defined as the responsive quotation that meets the contract documents including, if applicable, any DBE Participation Goal as set out in this specification.

THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED

Notice of intent of award will be issued after review of all opened bids. Any protest of award must be filed in writing with the Purchasing Agent within ten calendar days of the intent of award announcement.

By Order of the Mayor of the City of Memphis, Tennessee.

A C WHARTON, JR., MAYOR

JEROME SMITH, CITY PURCHASING AGENT

SPORTS Tri-State Defender, Thursday, June 19 - 25, 2014, Page 12

A LITTLE R&R ON SPORTS

Black identity and racism collide in Brazil The Root

by Dion Rabouin

LeBron James slams home this basket against the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedExForum. (Photo: Warren Roseborough)

‘Bron Bron’ is a ‘Man’s Man’ Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Howard Robertson and Larry Robinson While the co-hosts of “A Little R&R on Sports” agreed the NBA Championship would be won and done in a five-game series, there was sharp disagreement over whether the Miami Heat or the San Antonio Spurs players would be kissing the trophy. Suffice it to say that experience won both the championship and the bet. But with the exception of the absence of a Miami “threepeat” there are no real losers coming out of this series…especially not LeBron James.

Since he was drafted right out of high school in 2003, most of us have subconsciously thought of James as a kid. That’s likely due to pervasive descriptions of him as a “man-child” at 6’8” and 250 lbs. What makes that description tricky and a borderline insult is the perception that what makes him a man is his massive physical presence, exclusively.

Most of us think of him as a child in all other aspects of his being…particularly chronologically since most of us usually Larry don’t take the time to update our minds and Robinson fast forward our thinking of him to the present day fact that he is a 29-year-old man. A kiddy nickname like “Bron Bron” doesn’t help either.

Guys old enough will recall that back in the day we had an admittedly chauvinistic, yet often highly accurate phrase, that we used for a fine woman that wouldn’t be accused of being “the sharpest knife in the drawer.” It went something like, “Body by Fisher…mind by Mattel.” The term manchild conjures up that kind of parallel when it comes to high school and college athletes Howard transitioning to pro sports with man-sized Robertson bodies, skills, games and most definitely contracts, but that seem to have childlike immaturity when it comes to responsibility, decision making and behavior.

With all the cyclonic media coverage, hype and 24/7 attention that still swirls around James every day, maybe a few immature indiscretions would be predictable and to his fans, even understandable. But it ain’t happened yet.

If you believe he’s a physical “freak of nature” in terms of size, speed, agility and ability, then break on down, give him props and acknowledge that he’s also an intellectual “freak of nature” with maturity, savvy, leadership and communication skills that greatly transcend his age, background and educational attainment. In just 11 short years he has become: the most complete player in the NBA, the leader of two world championship teams and two runners-up, an astute multi-millionaire businessman, a strong cause-related philanthropist and by all indications he is an incredibly devoted husband and loving father, despite not having one is his life.

Unfortunately, James’ example is a huge exception to the rule for the experiences of the majority of gifted athletes raised by single mothers in poor, urban environments. That’s the bad news. The good news though is that his example is an example that it can be done.

We saw something else last Sunday night too. We saw character and class. We watched a warrior battle his hardest, give it his best, come up short, deal with the emotions inherent when a winner loses, gather himself and then graciously and genuinely congratulate the victors. He seems to have a tremendous sense of consciousness too and is not afraid to speak truth to power on social issues. Although nobody can be sure, maybe he’s one of today’s athletes that Jim Brown would call if he were recruiting soldiers for a cause.

You’ve got to see one to be one when it comes to truly being a man. Before the glow of Father’s Day fades, we’re glad LJ saw whatever he saw from whomever he watched. So no worries “Bron Bron,” you lost to a better team but you’ve still got mad game… on the court and in life.

(“A Little R&R On Sports” is a nationally syndicated radio show available on hundreds of radio stations and digital platforms. It streams live on Saturdays (11 a.m. EDT/10 a.m. CDT) on sportsbyline.com or on ranronsports.com anytime. In Memphis, tune in Saturday mornings, 9 a.m. on AM 790 ESPN Radio.)

Before teams representing their countries from around the world arrived in Brazil, the country’s president, Dilma Rousseff, took the opportunity to label 2014 the “anti-racism World Cup.” The declaration came after a wave of racist incidents in soccer around the world targeting black players, many of whom are Brazilian. While it’s a well-intentioned gesture and a particularly important one for a World Cup being hosted in the country that’s home to the largest population of people of African descent outside of Africa, Brazil has a complex past and present when it comes to race.

That complexity can perhaps best be illustrated by the fact that many black Brazilians don’t think of themselves as black. Brazilian soccer star Neymar is a great example. Asked during an interview in 2010 if he had ever experienced racism, his response was, “Never.” He added, “Not inside nor outside of the soccer field. Even more because I’m not black, right?”

This denial of blackness may seem confusing to many Americans, because despite his long, straightened and occasionally blond hair, Neymar is clearly black. But for Brazilians, being black is very different from what it is in the United States.

“The darker a person is in Brazil, the more racism she or he is going to suffer. Light-skinned black people don’t identify as black most of the time,” says Daniela Gomes, a black Brazilian activist who is currently pursuing a doctorate in African Diaspora studies at the University of Texas. “A lot of people choose to deny their blackness.

They don’t believe they are black, but they suffer racism without knowing

why.”

Gomes calls it a “brainwash” that Brazilians go through in a country that likes to hold itself up as a model for racial harmony. But she also points to differences in the histories of the United States and Brazil. “We never had segregation, we never had the one-drop rule, we never had those kinds of things that are so normal for an African American,” she said. “What happened in Brazil was the opposite.”

Integration and miscegenation were actually government policy in Brazil.

Around the time that slaves were freed, in 1888, the government sought to whiten its population through the importation of European immigrants. This idea was made law by Decree 528 in 1890 and opened the country’s borders to foreign immigrants, except for those from Africa and Asia.

The goal of this immigration effort was depicted in an 1895 painting by Brazilian artist Modesto Brocos known as “The Redemption of Ham,” which features a black grandmother, mixed-race mother, white father and white baby. The grandmother stands to the left with her hands raised in prayer, praising God that her grandson is white. This, says Brazilian entrepreneur and activist Carlos Alberto David, is the “final point” of racism in Brazil.

“Racism in Brazil is very sophisticated and structured,” says David. “The racism here is not physical. It works on people psychologically.”

Neymar, whose son looks very similar to the grandson in “The Redemption of Ham,” seems to have had quite a different experience in the four years since saying that he wasn’t black. The star forward has been subjected to monkey noises made by his own teammates, had multiple bananas thrown at him during international matches and even confronted an opposing coach he thought called him a monkey during a

game.

That harassment may have been at the heart of a campaign he started after fellow Brazilian team member Dani Alves had a banana thrown at him by fans during a match in Spain.

Rather than protest, Alves picked up the banana, peeled it and ate it, then continued playing. Later, Neymar posted a photo to Instagram of himself and his son holding bananas with the slogan, “Somos todos macacos” (“We are all monkeys”).

The campaign took off in Brazil, with many of the country’s notable artists and personalities also tweeting photos of themselves with bananas. But many in the country protested the movement, citing it as a trivialization of a very serious problem in soccer and in society.

“The comparison between blacks and monkeys is racist in its essence,” wrote Brazilian activist and history professor Douglas Belchior on his NegroBelchior blog.

“However, many people don’t understand the seriousness of using the monkey as an offense, as an insult to black people.”

This can be a particularly complex issue in a country full of people whom outsiders see as black but who don’t think of themselves as such. That divide is evidenced by growing monkey taunts of black players and officials in Brazil.

As the World Cup moves forward and more fans see their teams bounced from the tournament by teams led by star black players like Italy’s Mario Balotelli, Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o, Belgium’s Vincent Kompany, France’s Paul Pogba and others, Brazil’s hopes for a global marker against racism may be tested.

(Dion Rabouin is a freelance writer currently based in Rio de Janeiro. Follow him on Twitter.)

Neymar of Brazil dribbles past Ivan Perisic of Croatia in the first half during the 2014 World Cup Brazil Group A match at Arena de Sao Paulo on June 12th. (Photo: Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Fighting crime with hoops and hope Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Joyce McKinney

Two facts about Memphis summers are unavoidable: it’s hot and school is out. The increase in temperature and decrease in daily structured positive activities for young people can often lead to an increase in crime.

Mayor A C Wharton Jr. is on a mission to ensure that Memphis’ youth, especially those in high-risk communities, have access to a safe and community-friendly environment through the 2nd Annual Safe Summer initiative. Bishop Mays, director of Memphis Gun Down, said the effort is part of the larger goal of re-

ducing youth gun violence throughout Memphis.

“Memphis Gun Down is a five target plan and these events really fall into two of those categories, suppression and intervention,” Mays said.

“We work to find ways to engage the youth and keep them busy with positive activities during those peak crime times.”

The Safe Summer events get started with Midnight Basketball this Saturday (June 21st) at the Memphis Athletic Ministries Grizzlies Center (2107 Ball Rd.). There is no fee for participation.

Tournament play is from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. each Saturday through July 26th, with the exception of July 5th. Par-

ticipants in the 5-on-5 double elimination tournaments must check in at the registration booth by 6:45 p.m.

The tournament is open to males between 16 and 20 years of age. Players can come in an already formed five-man team or be assigned to teams at registration. Families are encouraged to support the teams as fans in the stands.

“We serve youth 8 to 18 years old, so this partnership allows us to minister to a broader range of youth,” says Rod Moses, chief administrative officer at Memphis Athletic Ministries. “We are pleased to offer this opportunity to get youth off the streets and into a positive environment.”

Midnight Basketball is one

of two Safe Summer events sanctioned by Wharton through the Memphis Gun Down initiative in conjunction with the Memphis Grizzlies. The second event, Summer Night Lights, occurs later in the summer at the Ed Rice Community Center. Since the launch of Memphis Gun Down, the city reports a double-digit drop in youth gun violence in some high-risk communities.

To register for Midnight Basketball this weekend or any of the weekends though July 26th, visit www.memphisgundown.org.

(This story is courtesy of Kingdom Quality Communications.)