7 18 2012

VOL. 61, No. 28

www.tsdmemphis.com

July 12 - 18, 2012

Romney fails to move local NAACP president

Dickerson: GOP still dropping ball on black voter potential

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Tony Jones

Memphis Branch NAACP President Dr. Warner Dickerson was not the least bit impressed by Republican presidential candidate Willard “Mitt” Romney’s speech to the NAACP’s National Convention in Houston on Wednesday morning.

And if the GOP is ever going to regain strength in the AfricanAmerican community, 2012 won’t be the year, said Dickerson, who was in HousWarner ton for Romney’s Dickerson pitch.

Romney directly addressed the issue when he began, saying, “With 90 percent of African-Americans voting for Democrats, some of you may wonder why a Republican would bother to campaign in the Mitt African American Romney community, and to address the NAACP. Of course, one reason is that I hope to represent all Americans, of every race, creed or sexual orientation, from the poorest to the richest and everyone in between.”

But there is another reason, the for-

Vote! Vote! Vote!

AT A GLANCE

• Early voting begins July 13 and runs through July 28.

• Election Day is Aug. 2, 2012.

• Positions on the Aug. 2nd Ballot are: Assessor of Property; County Commission – District 1, Position 3; District Attorney General; General Sessions Court Clerk; Shelby County Board of Education – District 1 through District 7; State Senate – District 30 and District 32; State Representative – District 83 through District 99; U.S. Congress – District 9.

Mayorʼs gambit right on time COMMENTARY

Mayor A C Wharton Jr. and City of Memphis Attorney Herman Morris pulled a proverbial rabbit out of the hat this week with a legal opinion that the newly established city of Memphis photo library cards would meet the standard for the new voter identification law established by the Tennessee General Assembly.

The luster and magic of the act had short-term appeal as State Election Coordinator Mark Goins quickly issued a statement of clarification, stating that the library cards were NOT acceptable as identification for Memphis, Shelby County or State of Tennessee voters.

“The legislature clearly intended that only state or federal photo IDs can be used, which prevents us from accepting county or city IDs,” said Goins in his written statement. “Our office remains ready to assist any voter with questions about how they may obtain a free photo ID for voting from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.”

According to Goins, “Examples of acceptable forms of ID, whether current or expired, include driver licenses, U.S. passports, Department of

Safety photo ID cards, U.S. military photo IDs and other state or federal government photo ID cards. College student IDs are not acceptable.

Nowhere in the photo ID law is a city or county ID listed as an example of an acceptable ID.” Mayor Wharton indicates that the fight is not over. In fact, he suggests that it is just Bernal E. beginning, with many voters, Smith II particularly elderly and African-American voters in Shelby County, facing the possibility of being disenfranchised by the new voter identification law.

At the root of this battle stand the constitutionality and legality of the law itself and similar laws like it that have been enacted by Republican-dominated state legislatures around the country. The claim is that these laws were put in place to reduce voter fraud and ensure fair elections. However, much research shows that these laws do little to reduce fraud, serving instead to negatively impact elderly and minority voters.

“No more tears, mama.”

• Notice of voter precinct changes: see pages 8-10.

• Early voting locations, times, page 11.

• Ballot information, page 11.

For more information, visit http://www.shelbyvote.com/.

It would be naïve to not relate these new laws to an obsession by the Republican Party to derail President Barack Obama’s quest for a second term.

• Bluff City Classic operators vow to regroup. See Sports, page 16.

Family members releasing doves in memory of 3-year-old Maurice Brown Jr. (Photo by Nicole R. Harris)

Infant’s death stirs giving spirit Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Nicole R. Harris

Shaunte Edmond

• Memphis-bred dancer, choreographer on the move.

See Entertainment, page 12.

MEMPHIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

H- 8 3o - L - 7 2o H- 8 7o - L - 7 3o H- 8 8o - L - 7 4o Scat. T-Storms Scat. T-Storms Scat. T-Sto rms REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS

Friday H-92 L-72 H-82 L-70 H-86 L-70

Saturday H-91 L-72 H-83 L-71 H-88 L-71

Sunday H-92 L-74 H-88 L-72 H-89 L-71

TPC hits the road with draft of unified schools plan Special to The New Tri-State Defender

- INSIDE -

• Young Entrepreneur fashions bow ties. See Business, page 5.

SEE VOTE ON PAGE 2

by Michaelantonio Jones

SEE ROMNEY ON PAGE 3

• The FBI, Co-Intel-Pro and the Invaders. See Opinion, page 4.

75 Cents

“It’s a shame that they wouldn’t let that baby rest in peace,” noted a female resident of a nearby apartment complex.

Moments earlier, dozens of mourners fled the sanctuary of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church. Inside, at what was supposed to be a homegoing celebration for three-year-old Maurice Brown Jr., a verbal altercation erupted, prompting Memphis Police officers to intervene and escort several attendees from the church premises.

Maurice Brown Sr. reported his son missing on July 1, with Brown saying the disappearance happened while he was asleep. Excruciating hours passed as the search went on for the toddler. Police found his lifeless body in a dumpster, roughly one mile away from the home where he was staying with his father.

Currently in jail without bond, Maurice Brown Sr. is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Maurice Brown Jr. So many unanswered questions: How, when and most importantly – why?

Still, one thing is evident: the spirit of giving is not lost among Memphians. Hundreds of family members, friends and supporters attended the funeral service for Mau-

The dumpster in which the body of three-yearold Maurice Brown Jr. was found has been removed, with a teddy-bear memorial in its place. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

rice Brown Jr. on Saturday, July 7. In addition to those who came to show emotional support, area Maurice businesses Brown Jr. stepped in to alleviate the financial burden on the family.

“It’s just the right thing to do,” noted Charles Lurry of CL Escort Services, leaders of the funeral pro-

cession.

R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home donated services, the 3-foot6-inch coffin and called on area vendors to assist with arrangements.

Including the burial plot donated by Elmwood Cemetery, a monument given by Crone Monument Company, and a Monticello vault gifted by an anonymous donor, the total cost for the funeral service was apSEE DEATH ON PAGE 2

Houston High School’s auditorium was sparsely populated with a collection of parents, teachers, bus drivers and other concerned citizens – all gathered to hear a presentation from the Transition Planning Commission.

While the focus of the Tuesday (July 10) evening community meeting was to inform citizens of the TPC’s recommendations on how to structure a combined Memphis City SchoolsShelby County Schools system, the issue that most seemed to float to the top was money: How much it will cost to carry out these recommendations?

How will the plan be paid for?

And what will it cost the employees and communities of both school systems?

TPC member Christine P. Richards stressed that the commission is not chartered to answer questions on municipal tax increases. It’s draft plan has a $57 million budget gap and Richards pointed out that the TPC has recommended three funding options: ask the city of Memphis for funding by securing $55 million via a legal ruling for the maintenance of effort from fiscal year 2009 (strategically allocating $11 million over 5 years); ask the state for funding; and ask the county for funding.

Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell, a TPC member, told the session’s attendees that the City of Memphis is not required to pay anything. He emphasized that the plan by the TPC is only a recommendation and that it first must be approved by the state and then by the unified school board. Neither, he said, is required to accept the plan in full or as is.

A contingent of Shelby County School bus drivers at the session did not take kindly the fact that they have job security until the July 2013 merger date. In an effort to cut as little out of the classroom budget as possible, the TPC has recommended that the Memphis City Schools custodial services and SCS bus drivers be outsourced to save money.

Visibly upset, the SCS bus drivers decried the recommendation as being only about money and numbers. They said it did not take into account the livelihoods of the drivers or the human cost of such a decision, such as severing the relationships the drivers have forged with students over the decades, especially with the special needs students.

Claiming that the TPC chose cost of service over quality of service, the SCS bus drivers also asserted that Durham bus company, the company that MCS contracts with for bus services, doesn’t care about the children, only dropping them off.

Mayor Luttrell said that while some of the decisions on what to cut were SEE SCHOOLS ON PAGE 2

NEWS

Page 2

Tri-State Defender

July 12 - 18, 2012

BET Awards 2012 – star power, profanity and emotion NNPA News Service

by Kenya Vaughn

This chart is part of the TPCʼs show-and-tell town hall meeting presentation. (Photo

by Michaelantonio Jones)

SCHOOLS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

painful, the decision to cut was not taken lightly. The county only has so much money to spend, he said.

Luttrell and the other TPC members present stressed that sacrifices from other areas came at the cost of cutting very little from the classroom.

Adding to the scenario was the backdrop of closing 21 schools

in northwest and southwest Shelby County.

The TPC members declined to answer or evaded all questions posed to get them to weigh in on the political and legal battles being waged.

They made it clear that their priority was to take the best of both districts and to combine them with the best ideas from around the country and the world to create a world class educational system for the children of Shelby County.

Tuesday’s meeting was the second of four scheduled Regional Town Hall session. The first was held Monday (July 9) at the Teaching and Learning Academy (TLA) – Auditorium at 2485 Union Ave. A third session was set to play out Wednesday evening at Greater Community Temple – Church of God in Christ at 5151 Winchester Road, with the final town hall at Bridges, 477 North 5th St., from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday (July 12).

Tension ran high on the steps of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, where members of CL Escort Service assisted Memphis police officers with controlling the crowd after a verbal dispute during the funeral of 3-year-old Maurice Brown Jr. (Photo by Nicole Harris)

DEATH

compassion and offer,” said Andre Jones, director of R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home.

“We are very compassionate and sensitive to their loss, and we wanted to eliminate the financial and emotional costs of this tragedy.

“We told the family to take their time. It is a day of extraordinary sadness and pain for the family, the funeral home

and the entire community.”

Albeit in the spiritual sense rather than in the arms of loved ones, thanks to generous MidSouth businesses and community members, Maurice Brown Jr. is finally “home.”

During the reading of a brief poem, four doves, three white and one blue, were released into the sky.

“No more tears mama.”

VOTE

extreme gains in state legislatures, governors’ seats and among other positions around the country. This largely was due to substantial Republican turnouts, the Obama backlash and Democratic voter apathy.

Wasting no time going to work on legislation attacking unions and creating voter identification laws, the Republicans certainly put their strategies in to action. And that is what it takes to change any situation, ACTION. So I ask, what does it take to motivate voters to ACTION who stand to be most negatively impacted by these laws and an agenda that excludes almost everyone except the financially wealthy?

What would it take to get voters out to the polls in droves again, not just for the Presidential election, but also for every election, every time the polls are open?

It seems that thus far it has not been the economy; it has not been the constant and unprecedented disrespect of President Obama by those in Congress and the far right media; and it has not even been the escalating cost of health care and the ongoing threat to health care reform in favor of pharmaceutical and insurance companies.

So I look to the issue of voter disenfranchisement, the threat to the right of every eligible voter being able to

FREELY exercise the foundational right that makes a democracy a democracy. Is this the issue?

When will voters in Memphis, Shelby County, surrounding counties and voters all over the country stand up and say, “Hell no, you will not threaten my constitutional rights! You will not strip me of the rights that many fought, bled and died for! In your expression to ‘take back our country,’ you will not take us back in time to a place where ‘all men are created equal’ and ‘the inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’ were relegated only for some and not for others.”

Maybe the realization will set in that this is a real fight for a better life and a better future for the masses of people versus greater gain for only a few. The one great equalizer – whether rich or poor, black, white, Hispanic or Asian, Christian, Muslim or Jewish – is the vote. The right of the individual to exercise his or her voice in this democracy is substantial and fundamental to what makes us free. When that is threatened the very notion of freedom is at jeopardy.

For those who truly value freedom and democracy, it is your time. And even if you don’t, it is your time. It is time to wake up, time to take ACTION, and VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

proximately $6,000.

In a time when many businesses are doing their best to stay afloat in the shaky economy, when they could have easily said no, they said yes.

“The family was deeply appreciative and moved by our CONTINUED FROM FRONT

The opportunity to discourage or otherwise disenfranchise a substantial portion of the president’s base is obviously a part of the formula for Republican success in November.

Some questioned the timing of the announcement by Mayor Wharton basically one week before early voting for the Aug. 2nd election begins. It seems, however, that it may have been just the boost needed to bring to light greater clarification on what can be used as proper identification for voters, and that we are upon a very important election here in Memphis and Shelby County.

It also appears to be smart timing in that the state legislature was out of session. Given the recent propensity of Republican legislators to abuse their super-majority bully pulpit to change, overturn or block moves like the one made by the Wharton administration, the timing couldn’t be better to allow this fight to begin and see its way into a court (where it is ultimately going) for a judge’s ruling.

Following the euphoria of 2008 and the incredible voter turnout by Democrats, it seems many felt like the goal line was reached and mission accomplished. Subsequent elections would see Republicans make

“Please make sure that you use your gift responsibly,” Gospel singer Yolanda Adams said as she accepted the award for Best Gospel Artist. “Our babies are watching, and they want to be like us.”

Ironically as she charged the artists to be mindful of what they feed the youth through their music, “The BET Awards 2012” would be remembered as much for its profanity as the star power that returned to the annual ceremony that celebrates the best and brightest among urban entertainment.

The censors were working overtime as singers and rappers threw radio edits to the wind and performed explicit versions that made it impossible to catch every foul word or reference. Entire sections of songs were muted during performances by Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross and Tyga.

It was an unfortunate undertone for The BET Awards as the event received plenty of press from mainstream media – mainly because of Beyoncé’s first awards show appearance since giving birth to Blue Ivy Carter and a Whitney Houston tribute that featured the late singer’s mother and brother.

Beyoncé was the second most nominated act with six – behind Kanye West’s seven nominations. She won video director of the year (along with Alan Ferguson) and best female R&B artist and thanked the genre and her female influences – including Lauryn Hill (gracefully paying respect to the singer after a jab at the singer’s recent tax woes was made by presenters as nominees were read) – and

Cissy Houston sang “Bridge Over Troubled Water” in remembrance of her daughter, the late Whitney Houston. (Courtesy photo)

dedicated the award to Whitney Houston.

“I fell in love with music by listening to R&B. It’s the core of who I am,” said Beyoncé, also giving special thanks to Mary J. Blige.

Highlights of the show included a special tribute to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, and a funny moment where Jay-Z referenced one of Kanye West’s most unpopular outbursts as The Throne accepted the award for “Best Group.”

“Excuse me Kanye, I’m gonna let you continue, but…,” Jay-Z said, imitating the infamous moment during the MTV Music Awards where West interrupted Taylor Swift.

BET also paid tribute to several stars who passed away over the past few years, with a series of short performance snippets and slide shows – including Chante Moore singing a medley of Donna Summer classics and Valerie Simpson performing some of the hits she had written with her husband, Nick Ashford.

But the moment of the evening belonged to Cissy

Houston as she sang “Bridge Over Troubled Water” in remembrance of her daughter Whitney. The tribute included Monica and Brandy and culminated with Chaka Khan belting out “I’m Every Woman.”

Audience members were in tears following Houston’s performance and stayed on their feet as Chaka closed out the segment.

Even though the Whitney Houston tribute was the obvious choice to close out “BET Awards 2012,” the show continued with a few more awards and the tone of profanity returned with the final performance by Tyga and Cash Out. Other memorable moments included the Rev. Al Sharpton receiving a humanitarian award and soul singer D’Angelo’s return to the spotlight after more than a decade.

Besides Beyoncé and The Throne, other winners included Chris Brown, Kevin Hart, Mindless Behavior, Big Sean and Nicki Minaj.

(Special to the NNPA from the St. Louis American)

NATION

Tri-State Defender

Page 3

July 12 - 18, 2012

Mitt Romney moments after vowing to end ʻObamacareʼ and encountering boos at the NAACP Convention.

Romney on Romney

(An excerpt from the transcript of Mitt Romney’s address to the NAACP Convention in Houston)

“On Day One, I will begin turning this economy around with a plan for the middle class. And I don’t mean just those who are middle class now – I also mean those who have waited so long for their chance to join the middle class.

“I know what it will take to put people back to work, to bring more jobs and better wages. My jobs plan is based on 25 years of success in business. It has five key steps.

“First, I will take full advantage of our energy resources, and I will approve the Keystone pipeline from Canada.

Low cost, plentiful coal, natural gas, oil, and renewables will bring over a million manufacturing jobs back to the United States.

“Second, I will open up new markets for American products. We are the most productive major economy in the world, so trade means good jobs for Americans. But trade

must be free and fair, so I’ll clamp down on cheaters like China and make sure that they finally play by the rules.

“Third, I will reduce government spending. Our high level of debt slows GDP growth and that means fewer jobs. If our goal is jobs, we must, must stop spending over a trillion dollars more than we earn. To do this, I will eliminate expensive non-essential programs like Obamacare, and I will work to reform and save Medicare and Social Security, in part by means-testing their benefits.

“Fourth, I will focus on nurturing and developing the skilled workers our economy so desperately needs and the future demands. This is the human capital with which tomorrow’s bright future will be built. Too many homes and too many schools are failing to provide our children with the skills and education that are essential for anything other than a minimum-wage job.

“And finally and perhaps most importantly, I will restore economic freedom. This na-

ROMNEY

“He didn’t say anything that would change our mind to CONTINUED FROM FRONT vote for him instead of his mer Massachusetts governor opponent.”

Dr. Warner Dickerson said.

“I believe that if you understood who I truly am in my heart, and if it were possible to fully communicate what I believe is in the real, enduring best interest of African-American families, you would vote for me for president.”

And more: “I want you to know that if I did not believe that my policies and my leadership would help families of color – and families of any color – more than the policies and leadership of President Obama, I would not be running for president.”

Support is asked for and earned, said Romney, declaring that is why he came to the convention.

“The opposition charges that I and people in my party are running for office to help the rich. Nonsense,” said Romney, one of the richest men ever to run for president of the United States. “The rich will do just fine whether I am elected or not. The President wants to make this a campaign about blaming the rich. I want to make this a campaign about helping the middle class.”

Romney received what some termed a few standings ovations during the speech, but Dickerson says it was really no big whoop.

“It’s a measure of politeness

that we give to all speakers when we agree on a point,” Dickerson said.

“For instance, when he said that black unemployment should not be as high as it is, obviously you are going to get a standing ovation on that. And standing ovation may not be the right term, about less than a fourth of the audience stood,” Dickerson said.

“He didn’t say anything that would change our mind to vote for him instead of his opponent. I don’t think he felt he had anything to lose by speaking to the convention, and he might pick up some votes, but I don’t think he could have felt that he would persuade the majority of us to vote for him.”

Dickerson said it is understanding what the middle class wants and needs the most is where Romney tripped himself up at the convention.

“He talked about preserving Medicare and Social Security, but that’s like talking about mother and apple pie, we all agree on that,” said Dickerson.

“Then he spoke about when his father was governor (of Michigan) and how he supported civil rights. But it’s when he said that if he became president he would cut

tion’s economy runs on freedom, on opportunity, on entrepreneurs, on dreamers who innovate and build businesses.

These entrepreneurs are being crushed by high taxation, burdensome regulation, hostile regulators, excessive healthcare costs, and destructive labor policies. I will work to make America the best place in the world for innovators and entrepreneurs and businesses small and large.

“Do these five things – open up energy, expand trade, cut the growth of government, focus on better educating tomorrow’s workers today, and restore economic freedom – and jobs will come back to America, and wages will rise again. The President will say he will do those things, but he will not, he cannot, and his record of the last four years proves it.

“If I am president, job one for me will be creating jobs. I have no hidden agenda. If you want a president who will make things better in the African-American community, you are looking at him.”

unessential programs and named Obamacare as an example, that’s when the boos started.”

But is the African-American community hurting itself by continuing to vote in a near solid block for the Democratic Party?

And what is needed in the civil rights arena in the 21st century?

Dickerson said the party doesn’t matter and that it’s about supporting the people who believe what you believe in.

“Over the years the Republican Party has become what it is and the Democratic Party has become what it is. We don’t have any permanent friends or permanent enemies,” he said.

“The most pressing need we have right now is to fight the photo ID law. It’s been placed on hold in Texas and South Carolina but it has passed in 13 states, including Tennessee.

He’s the nominee of the Republican Party that supports it and it’s controlled by the Tea Party, so we can’t support him,” Dickerson said.

“It’s simply a poll tax that (will) disenfranchise us and cause us to become servants again, and we’re not going back,” he said.

“I don’t care if it’s the Ku Klux Klan or the Tea Party, we’ve gotten what we have by going out and voting, and we must continue to go out and vote to keep these things from happening again.”

President Barack Obama waves to the crowd after concluding his campaign speech at Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh. (Photo by J.L. Martello)

Obama highlights record, downplays GOP’s Romney Real Times News Service

by Rebecca Nuttall Amidst the sweltering heat, with temperatures that rose to the 90s, hundreds gathered on the lawn of Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Fine Arts (July 6) for a campaign speech by President Barack Obama.

Despite the dozen or so people who were taken away by ambulance after succumbing to the effects of the heat, the crowd remained entirely energetic as the president stepped to the podium.

“I know it’s hot. I know you guys have been waiting a while. So I want to, first of all, just say thank you to everybody for taking the time to be here,” said President Obama.

Sprinkled early with bits of humor, the bulk of the president’s speech reflected a serious, yet characteristically hopeful tone. He painted a stark contrast between himself and Mitt Romney, his opponent in the 2012 Presidential Election. Among the slew of topics he touched on were education, jobs, energy, infrastructure, reforming the tax code, and reducing the debt.

“You’ve got Mr. Romney and his allies in Congress.

And their basic vision is one that says we’re going to give $5 trillion of new tax cuts on top of the Bush tax cuts, most of them going to the wealthiest Americans,” the president said. “They won’t be paid for, or if they are paid for, they’ll be paid for by slashing education funding, or making college loans more expensive, or eliminating support for basic science and research, the kind of work that’s done right here at Carnegie Mellon, or making Medicare a voucher system.”

He said his counter solution would be to give tax breaks to businesses that create jobs in America and don’t ship jobs oversees. He also said the

economy would benefit from investment in education to develop a more skilled workforce.

“The second part of (the Republicans’) plan is let’s eliminate regulations, regulations that we just put in place to make sure that Wall Street doesn’t act recklessly and we can prevent another taxpayerfunded bailout when the financial system goes out of whack; regulations that protect our air or our water; regulations that protect consumers from being taken advantage of,” Obama said.

“And that’s it. That’s their economic plan. Don’t take my word for it; go on their website. The Republicans in Congress voted for this plan. And you know what, it is a theory.

It’s an idea of how you might grow an economy, if we hadn’t just tried it for 10 years before I took office.”

The president rarely mentioned his opponent’s name, instead choosing to highlight his own policies and accomplishments.

“I know that sometimes modern campaigns aren’t pretty to watch, because basically so much of it involves millions of dollars on television. Most of the ads are negative, and at a certain point people get discouraged and start feeling like nobody in Washington is listening to what’s going on to ordinary folks all across the country,” Obama said. “But I’ve got to tell you, despite the cynicism and the negativism, what I think about is my first race.”

At the beginning of his speech, Obama illustrated why he first decided to run for office when he campaigned for the Illinois Senate in 1996.

He also painted a picture of the starting part for his family and his wife’s family.

“So none of us came from privileged backgrounds, none of us had a lot of wealth or fame. But what we understood was that here in Amer-

ica, no matter what you look like, no matter where you come from, no matter what church you worship at, no matter what region of the country, if you were willing to work hard, if you were willing to take responsibility for your life, you could make it if you try here in the United States of America,” President Obama said.

The speech came as the U.S. Department of Labor released numbers on job creation and unemployment.

According to the June report, 80,000 jobs were created last month while unemployment remained stagnant at 8.2 percent. While the president did not touch on the numbers, he did highlight his administration’s record of job creation.

“We’ve started to see manufacturing come back to our shores, more manufacturing jobs created than any time since the 1990s. We saw people go back and get retrained for jobs, sometimes getting jobs of the future, advanced manufacturing, new technologies and clean energy,” Obama said.

“We’ve seen small businesses, who almost had to shut their doors during the crisis, but sometimes the owners didn’t take a salary because they wanted to keep their folks working. And somehow, inch by inch, yard by yard, mile by mile, they’ve been able to come all the way back and are now starting to hire workers again. Over 4.4 million jobs created over the last two and a half years, over 500,000 manufacturing jobs.”

The visit was the final stop on the president’s “Betting on American” two-day bus tour through northern Ohio and western Pennsylvania.

(Rebecca Nuttall reported this story for The New Pittsburgh Courier, a Real Times Media newspaper and sister newspaper to The New TriState Defender.)

Page 4

John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)

The Mid-Southʼs Best Alternative Newspaper

A Real Times Newspaper

OPINION

Tri-State Defender

July 12 - 18, 2012

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

The FBI, Co-Intel-Pro and the Invaders

Since the death of Ernest C. Withers, famed civil rights photographer from Memphis, there have been troubling admissions by the FBI in the media (The Commercial Appeal, 7/4/12) that he was one of their informants. For some, the admissions have seriously tarnished an otherwise exemplary legacy. However, the FBI still refused to admit that Withers was one of their Co-Intel-Pro operatives against the Invaders.

For outsiders, it is very difficult to understand how and why such an intrepid individual who continually risked his life to document the struggle for freedom, justice and equality waged by blacks in the South during the darkest day of the civil rights era, could stoop so low.

Looking back at those times with today’s eyes, especially if one did not live during that time and experience the day-to-day pressures of survival – feeding one’s family, escaping the grips of poverty and just trying to stay alive – makes it easy to view an individual harshly, totally unconcerned with the motives of those who bore such burdens.

Having lived through that period, not just as a bystander but as an activist who fully participated in the struggle to improve living conditions of black people, I helped organize the Invaders – one of the targets of Mr. Withers’ so called treachery. The very harsh assessments heaped upon Mr. Withers runs counter to how those of us who empathize with his plight feel about his actions, because for us the pressures felt in those days were like being an occupied people during a war.

Powerless people make decisions based on what it takes for them and theirs to survive, and not always what is best for the whole. Many collaborate with the enemy, while at the same time, they inform the resistance about the plans of their occupier; this behavior has always been a part of the slave history of blacks in America.

It is impossible to create with words, the level of fear that existed during those times and simulate the courage, imagination and ingenuity required to play both sides of the fence, while trying to remain loyal to one side, as Mr. Withers undoubtedly did. His son, Wendell, was an Invader. It is the stuff of which novels and movies are made.

First, those reading or viewing such a narrative must understand who the bad guys are, as well as their motive – in this case the FBI. J. Edgar Hoover was in charge of the FBI and among other notorious things, he declared war on civil rights and black power groups and infamously tried to intimidate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., attempting to force him to resign from the leadership of the civil rights movement by blackmailing him with lured information sent to Mrs. Coretta Scott King.

Seeking authorization from Congress (1956) to set up a counter intelligence program (Co-Intel-Pro), Hoover described Dr. King as the “most dangerous man in America.” Co-Intel-Pro was designed to “infiltrate, misdirect, discredit, disrupt and otherwise neutralize or destroy black power and civil rights groups and their leaders.” Its mandate allowed Hoover to use any means he desired, up to and including entrapment, coercion, intimidation, even targeted assassinations.

With such awesome power at its command, the FBI held the power of life and death over people like Mr. Withers and his family. Someone as powerless as Mr. Withers in the South could not simply say no to the FBI, especially when powerful leaders such as Andrew Young, Jesse Jackson, Billy Kyles and Maxine Smith freely admit today that they also informed the FBI about the civil rights movement.

Again, admissions today by such illustrious leaders that back then they were informants would not have been accepted simply as a means of protecting civil rights marchers or as harmless living room visits over drinks. Under the thumb of such a powerful and dastardly group as CoIntel-Pro, Mr. Withers still found ways to document the struggles of black people and leave an inexhaustible depository of black history; for that he should be commended not continually maligned.

Tortured explanations today of why a black leader talked to the FBI and police have absolved some while others continue to be crucified, brings the discussion back to the Invaders – also a much maligned group of black power activists from this same period and city.

The Invaders first came to the attention of the Memphis public as in-

John Burl Smith (left) and Charles Cabbage. (Photo courtesy of John Hubbell and Old Bridge Media)

dividuals caught up in a police brutality incident over a gas cap at a gas station in the summer of 1967. Arrested along with Charles Cabbage, who had returned home from college in Atlanta sporting the regalia of black power and spouting its rhetoric as well, we were labeled public enemy number one in the media.

The mystique surrounding us and black power grew with local blacks when we began working for the local poverty organization (Map-South) and organized a street campaign for the first black man to run for mayor, A. W. Willis. As others joined us, I donned my old Army jacket with the word Invaders written across the back. However, once we joined with community groups supporting the striking Memphis Sanitation workers we became targets of the FBI. The FBI began planting stories in the media about drug activity among Invaders. Along with the Memphis Police Department, the FBI identified people arrested for crimes such as robbery and burglary as Invaders in the media to create a negative image involved in criminality. Their informants infiltrated the group and caused dissension by enticing members to engage in acts against the police. The most notorious of which occurred during the sanitation workers march (3/28/68) led by Dr. King that ended in a riot for which the Invaders were blamed.

The misinformation campaign the FBI conducted against the Invaders, their efforts to destroy the reputation of individual members, the trumped up charges used to imprison some members and the FBI’s steadfast refusal to release information about me and the Invaders, other than that related to socalled informants, calls into question the real motives behind the information released about Mr. Withers.

Unfortunately, Mr. Withers is not here to tell his side of the story, so what is said in the media by the FBI is accepted as gospel. I have used the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to request the FBI file on me, but the FBI has refused to release anything about its Co-Intel-Pro activities against me and the Invaders.

Fortunately, a group of young researchers from Memphis (Prichard Smith, J. B. Horrell and Chad Schaffler) who were documenting the events surrounding the sanitation strike, noticed glaring contradictions between information in the public record and the official version of Invader activities during and after the sanitation strike. Now, they are producing a documentary about the Invaders. Hoping to set the record straight, they are trying to get the truth out by interviewing a number of people – including me – who were original organizers of the Invaders, as well as policemen, politicians, preachers and everyday citizens that have unique perspectives on the events and time and who have never been interviewed on the subject.

Beyond researching archives and conducting interviews, they are reaching out to people who may have photographs, video footage, written material and even antidotal information that can be included in the documentary. Moreover, those of us involved in the project see it as an effort toward truth and reconciliation that can involve the entire Memphis community. Everyone should look back on that time – the sanitation strike – as a period when we all stood by and allowed the City of Memphis to treat black sanitation workers less than human beings and did nothing.

This documentary can be the start of an effort that will pull the community together rather than push it further apart. Even today, by continuing to focus on Mr. Withers as a bad guy without acknowledging the fact that all black people back then were powerless and lacked the ability to change their circumstances in Memphis, further points up the need for truth and reconciliation.

Talk is cheap: Making results match rhetoric

“Talk is cheap!” “Talkin’ loud and sayin’ nothin’!” Black folks do a lot of talking, rappin’, espousing, pontificating, and philosophizin’. No matter the subject, we seem to know all about it and are more than willing to get engaged on any topic at hand.

God gave us only one mouth, but He gave us two eyes, two nostrils, two ears, and two hands; we should get the hint that talking should not be the dominant of the five senses.

Talking is what we do after using our other four senses. So why is rhetoric so high on our agenda? Why do we hold in such high esteem a speech, for instance, that brings with it no action? Why are we so enthralled with leaders who only talk, albeit very well, but have never established an entity, built a business, or started an initiative related to their rhetoric? Why do we even call these folks “leaders” in the first place?

Shouldn’t we at least measure them by the results of their rhetoric?

I am so sick of hearing folks who only whine about our problems and never lift a finger to provide solutions.

Loquaciousness is very overrated among black folks. You can hear it on talk radio, callers and sometimes even by hosts who have little if any information on the topic, talking on and on as though they know everything there is to know about it.

Even sadder is the fact that they give out erroneous information that others take and run with, thereby, perpetuating the ignorance of a certain issue among our people. Their favorite thing is to say what others “need” to do or what “we as a people” need to do, all without offering one thing they are willing to do or have done.

I am also tired of seeing black folks on television (legitimate news journalists not included) who only “talk” about the issues, usually

telling us what we already know, and never having done one thing to contribute to our economic uplift.

You ask them for a few dollars to help with a cause or to invest in a black-owned business and you Jim can’t find them Clingman with a search warrant. Why are we so enamored with these folks? Is it because it requires no work on our behalf other than to simply sit and listen to what they have to say?

Politics is the best example of this phenomenon among black people.

Ain’t nothing like an arousing, emotional, down-home speech to get us wound up. But if all we get is wound up, and the speaker walks away with thousands of dollars for his or her rhetorical gymnastics, wowing the audience with big words and provocative quotes, what good is it?

As LeBron James suggested last year after losing the NBA finals, most of us will wake up tomorrow with the same problems and the same life we had yesterday, namely, rising prices, inflation, foreclosures, unemployment, college loan defaults, and trying to pay for a fill-up in order to get to work or operate our small businesses.

He said, we will “have to get back to the real world at some point.” We must demand more from our “leaders” and not let them off the hook so easily.

Another thing we do is call “Town Hall Meetings.” Nothing wrong with that, but it sure would be nice if we owned a Town Hall or two in which to hold our meetings.

And let’s not forget about the charlatan preachers and their prosperity

gospel that always ends up providing for them but seldom if ever trickles down to those whose dollars enriched them in the first place. Why are we so weak? Why are we so vulnerable to mere rhetoric? Are we so lazy that we simply refuse to research or study to see if what someone says is true? It’s one thing to risk your money; it’s another thing to risk your soul.

The point here is that black people cannot afford to be drawn into the euphoria of rhetorical nonsense or rhetorical excellence. We must not fall prey to those who only talk a good game but never get into the game. Before you believe, follow, or praise anyone simply because you heard them speak eloquently or share some information, find out what they have done and/or what they are doing. See if they are using their other four senses to initiate, build or facilitate something of substance rather than just talking about it or telling you what you should do.

Beware of bloviating rhetoricians and sentiment-grabbing, self-absorbed, self-proclaimed know-it-alls.

We must have authentic leadership among black people, not sideline coaches and Monday morning quarterbacks. With all of the rhetoric coming from and to black folks, we should be much further ahead in this country, that is, if rhetoric alone accomplishes that end. Sadly, it does not and never will.

Words without action are just words. Information is only power to those who act upon it. Blackonomics requires action!

(Jim Clingman, founder of the Greater Cincinnati African American Chamber of Commerce, is an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati and can be reached through his Web site, blackonomics.com.)

How much love can an African-American man expect from U.S. On July 4th, 1889, my great-great grandfather Burl Todd, who was born a slave, held his son Jerome Todd Sr. for the first time.

And just last week, I had the same incredible experience, cradling my newborn son Jackson, born on the 4th of July just like his ancestor before him.

I never met Jerome Todd Sr., but as I held Jackson I recalled a conversation with my grandfather, Jerome’s son. He said his experiences as a black man in America had resigned him to the belief that our country would never love him as much as he loved it, no matter his dedication to America.

My heart ached for him, and swelled at the notion that my son could eventually feel the same way.

For my grandfather, for Jackson, and for all our children we must work to ensure this does not happen.

I spoke at the 103rd NAACP Convention, days after the birth of my son, about the battles we have won and those we are currently fighting. Watch the speech at (http://action. naacp.org/WatchBenjamin Todd Jealous my-Conventionspeech); then help us win the fight for civil rights: “Will the America Jackson grows up in allow him to realize his dreams?” That’s the question I keep asking myself.

We are closer to an affirmative answer to that question than ever before. We’ve knocked down the death penalty in Connecticut, ended voter

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suppression in Michigan, and called for more money for higher education in Virginia. My grandfather would be proud of the America we are building for our next generation.

But he would also say it can’t end here. We must win intense struggles for voting rights in South Carolina and Florida, continue to fight to close prisons in Virginia and Texas, and end the discriminatory “stop and frisk” practices that we marched silently against in New York City.

You and I will be paramount to success in the ongoing struggle for civil rights. What we do today, tomorrow, next month, and next year will determine how we speak to our grandchildren about growing up in America.

(Benjamin Todd Jealous is president and CEO of the NAACP.)

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

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BUSINESS

Tri-State Defender

MONEY MATTERS

Hanging the ‘Help Wanted’ sign

Toward the end of 2011, an index that measures the hiring intentions of small businesses rose to its highest level in three years, and another report estimated that small businesses have added about 1.2 million new jobs since October 2009. All told, businesses with fewer than 500 employees have created about 65 percent of new jobs in the United States over the last 20 years.

Business owners may need to invest a fair amount of time and money to build a good

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July 12 - 18, 2012

t e a m .

Adding a salary can be substantial by itself.

However, you must also consider the potential Charles Sims costs and responsiJr., CFP bilities bey o n d wages when you are ready to

hire new staff members.

Begin with the Big 4

Benefits. Employers that provide benefits such as health and dental plans, disability coverage, and life insurance may need to factor in costs ranging from 1.25 to 1.4 times the base salary. For example, an employee who earns $35,000 annually may actually cost the employer $44,000 to $49,000. You may also need to increase the budget for perks

provided to existing employees – from free coffee to holiday parties and bonuses.

Recruiting. It’s not always easy to find the right fit for a new position. There are potential expenses associated with recruiting, including advertising, drug screenings, background checks, as well as the cost for someone to review resumes, screen applicants, and conduct interviews.

Training. Getting new employees up to speed and making sure they become as pro-

ductive as possible can also be expensive. Employees spend an average of 32 hours a year on training, and new hires often need additional time to learn the ropes. One report estimated that companies spend about $1,200 annually per employee on training.

Compliance. Employers must often deal with a complicated array of federal and state regulations. Research may be needed to understand the possible cost of implementing requirements that apply specifically to your area and/or industry.

It’s exciting to discover an opportunity to expand the size or scope of your business, and

sometimes extra help is needed to make that happen. Fortunately, successful small businesses are likely to continue providing employment opportunities in the years to come.

(Charles Sims Jr. is President/ CEO of The Sims Financial Group. Contact him at 901-682-2410 or visit www.SimsFinancialGroup.co m. The information in this article is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor.)

ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

“I couldnʼt find cool bow ties in the stores. So I just made my own.” – Moziah Bridges (Courtesy photos)

Young Entrepreneurs:

Mo’s Bows Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. But no one mentioned that to Moziah Bridges, a 10-year-old student at Rozelle Elementary School.

With a little more than a year of business ownership under his belt, Moziah has already made a splash and a name for himself as a young mogul in the making. His company is appropriately titled Mo’s Bows since his specialty is bow ties for those stylish and well-groomed individuals seeking to make a fashion statement.

Manning booths at artisan fairs, picking his own fabric and sewing the bow ties himself all demonstrate that Moziah is more than dedicated to growing his business. He is well on his way to becoming a reputable, well-respected fashion designer.

Carlee McCullough: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Moziah Bridges: I’m 10 years old and I like making bow ties and dancing, singing and reading.

CM: How and when did you begin your career in the bow tie industry?

MB: I couldn’t find cool bow ties in the stores. So I just made my own. I started in June 2011.

CM: Did you create a business plan before starting out?

MB: Yes CM: What has been your greatest challenge?

MB: Balancing my sched-

ule. I can’t be in two places at o n c e .

There is alw a y s something going on with me and my bow ties.

C M : Carlee What is the McCullough greatest reward in being an entrepreneur?

MB: It’s the only time – I mean the only time – I get to tell my mom what to do. I tell her when I want to make my bow ties, what fabric I want to use, and when I want to sell my bow ties, which is whenever she tells me to.

CM: What has been your experience with bow ties in the local market vs. nationally?

MB: Selling my bow ties in Memphis has been great. The churches have been so supportive and it seems like a lot of teachers buy my bow ties. I think because they are proud of me making my own business. I have sent many bow ties all over to...like New York, Las Vegas, and Miami and even sent some to Australia. (Aye mate!)

CM: Of the bowties that you create, which is your favorite and which is your best seller/most popular product?

MB: It’s hard to choose my favorite because it changes when I see something cool. But

Young entrepreneur Moziah Bridges designed, handmade and named this classy bow tie “Moses” as part of his vision to make the world a fun and happier place. since you asked, my favorite right now is “Out of this World.” I name all of my bow ties. I make and sell so many.

But “Teachers Pet” might be the bestseller or “Buster Brown.”

CM: What books or resources would you recommend for individuals starting out?

MB: “Reallionaire” by Farrah Gray is about a boy from Chicago that made himself a millionaire by the time he was only 14 years old. I’m going to do the same thing. Getting a mentor is also a good idea to help you learn your business.

When I talk to other kids I always give them the same advice: figure out what you like doing, then find out how you can make money doing it. Figure out. Find out. Figure out.

Find out. It’s just that simple.

CM: If you could have anything to take your business to the next level, what would it be?

MB: An opportunity to sell my bow ties in Macy’s or Dillard’s and to see them in New York fashion week. I also want a super big billboard. I just want to see Mo’s Bows really big in the sky and in a really nice store downtown.

There’s another store in South Carolina that wants some of my bow ties too.

Now that’s what’s up.

CM: How is it being such a

Aid for high-risk adults, seniors with multiple chronic illnesses

A $2,977,865 award from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Innovation Center is headed for the Memphis area for a program designed to improve medication adherence and effective medication usage among high-risk patients in the northwest and southwest sections of the city.

Over three years, the funds will support Project SAFEMED. The award goes to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), in partnership with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare’s Methodist North Hospital and Methodist South Hospital, QSource, United Healthcare, BlueCross BlueShield and its BlueCare Medicaid plan, Southwest Tennessee Community College, the Tennessee Pharmacists Association, and the Bluff City, Bin Sina, and Memphis Medical Societies.

The program will serve vulnerable adults (20-64) and se-

niors 65-plus insured by Medicaid and/or Medicare who have multiple chronic diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and chronic lung disease, as well as polypharmacy and high-inpatient utilization. Through teams of pharmacists, nurse practitioners, pharmacy technicians, and licensed practical nurse outreach workers based in outpatient centers, the program will work with primary care physicians and local pharmacies to provide comprehensive medication management.

James E. Bailey, MD, MPH, professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine in the UTHSC College of Medicine, and an associate professor in the UTHSC Department of Preventive Medicine, will serve as the project director and Michael Ugwueke, D.H.A., CEO of Methodist North and Methodist South

Hospitals, will serve as coproject director. Over a threeyear period, the UTHSC program will train an estimated eight workers, while creating an estimated 11 jobs. The new positions will include outreach workers, outreach directors, and pharmacy techs.

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation presents the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the country with an opportunity to improve the healthcare system for Medicare, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) beneficiaries. Congress created the Innovation Center under the Affordable Care Act, giving the Center the authority and direction to “test innovative payment and service delivery models to reduce program expenditures, while preserving or enhancing the quality of care” for those who get Medicare, Medicaid or CHIP benefits.

young business owner? Is there pressure to succeed?

MB: It’s pretty cool, especially when people recognize me out at the store or something. They always say, “Hey, you’re the little boy who makes bow ties.” No (pressure), not at all CM: What’s the next step for you as a manufacturer?

MB: Pocket squares, cologne and later on down the line, braces (suspenders). Actually, I really plan to have my own clothing line by the time

I’m 15 years old. I think that can happen.

CM: Any closing remarks?

MB: The most important thing about owning my own business is giving back to my community. I help with neighborhood clean-ups and other projects and I started a Go Mo! Summer Camp Scholarship Fund to help kids in my neighborhood go to summer camp. When somebody buys my “Glenview Summer Camp” bow tie the money goes to the scholarship fund.

My goal this year was to send two kids to the Glenview Camp. Next year my goal will be five, but more would be cool too.

For additional information about Mo’s Bows please visit www.etsy.com/shop/MosBows Memphis and mosbowsmemphis on Facebook.

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

RELIGION

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Tri-State Defender

July 12 - 18, 2012

LIVING THE LIFE I LOVE

The Book of Ruth can lead to firm footing on career path

Dear Lucy: My daughter just graduated college in May with a bachelor’s degree. She went to job fairs before graduation and like many of her friends started job hunting back in January. We struggled and sacrificed to get her through college and have the debt to show for it. We were led to believe that a college degree was her ticket to a good paying job. Maybe that is just not true anymore. Most of her friends have the same problem. How can I encourage her and myself?

–Signed: RB Dear RB: According to a survey done by the National Association of Colleges and Employers in early June, over half of this year’s graduates had not received job offers. Yet, I believe that some studies show that college graduates still do better in the long run than those without college degrees.

Getting a degree is financially expensive and the pay off is not always immediate. It is also believed that the

new gold standard is not the bachelor’s degree but the master’s.

More time, more money. You did not say what your daughter’s degree was in. Another study has it that choosing the right field is far Lucy more critical than Shaw ever. In spite of all of this, education is still a good thing and deserves respect.

You asked for encouragement. As an executive I have had the privilege of hiring, advising and sometimes dismissing workers. I have had college graduates fresh out of school with a BS in Management boldly ask for a top management position. These same young people cannot provide evidence of work ethic and enter the door with a sense of entitlement and questionable language skills.

RELIGION BRIEFS

Male Chorus Workshop set for St. Andrew AME

St. Andrew AME Church, 867 S. Parkway, will host its’ 6th Annual Male Chorus Workshop from Wed., July 18 to Sat., July 21, with a Mass Male Chorus Concert scheduled for 4 p.m. on Sun., July 22.

John SherowTatum is the anointed clinician for the event. For the past 20 years, John Sherow- Sherow-Tatum Tatum has served as the Minister of Music for First Baptist Church of Hamilton Park in Dallas, where he oversees all of the church’s choral and instrumental ministries.

The goal of the workshop is to support and rejuvenate Male Chorus ministry in the Memphis area. This will be the fourth time that SherowTatum has conducted the workshop.

The Mass Male Chorus will perform several musical numbers

taught by Sherow-Tatum during the workshop. Last year over 50 men from several different denominations participated in the workshop.

Also, performing during the concert that afternoon will be Men In Motion, St. Andrew’s Men’s Liturgical Dance Group. Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson, MD. is the host pastor.

‘Living the Life We Love’ cornerstones at Lucy Shaw seminar

TSD columnist Lucy Shaw is conducting a weekend seminar “Cornerstones for Living the Life We Love” at First Unity Church, 9228 Walnut Grove Rd. in Cordova, on July 21-23.

She will talk on “The Master Key to Prosperity” from 7 p.m. to 9 pm on Friday, July 2, and conduct a seminar on her book, “Be Not Anxious,” on July 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On Sunday morning, July 23, at 10 a.m., Shaw will deliver the sermon on “The Power of the Will in Healing.”

You said that you wanted your daughter to have a “ticket.” I absolutely agree with you on that. A four-year degree today is often a ticket to the applicant pool. Today, that application is often on-line and can be comprised of hundreds of applicants for a single position. So, thinking of the degree as an admission ticket to the audition, here are some tips: Knowing someone is still important. It can up the value of the ticket.

But people are really funny about using their influence if they have not heard your young adult speak, or present themselves. It is a good idea to have your child meet and talk with the person being asked to intervene on their behalf. No embarrassment, no regrets.

Can your daughter provide a history of having worked while in school or during summers? If not, can she talk about any community, social or church projects she participated in that allowed her to demonstrate work ethic, leadership skills, initiative, dependability, consistency. Finishing school

Breath of Life Christian Center (BOLCC), 3795 Frayser-Raleigh Rd. The church is lead by Dr. Sammie Holloway and First Lady Addie Holloway. The 30th anniversary observation, which began Monday (July 9) evening with a free performance from Grammy Award winning gospel artist CeCe Winans, runs through July 13. Visit www.BOLCC.org for event details. For more information, call 901-373-7219.

BRIEFLY: The HYPE (Helping Young People Excel) ministry at New Macedonia Baptist Church will host the HYPE Conference 2012 for youth on July 13-15 at the church at 1645 Carpenter St. The theme is “I’m Chozn and Anointed”! The host pastor is Bishop K.D. Johnson Sr. For more information, call 901-229-9035.

BRIEFLY: “Rock for Love 6,” the sixth-annual Church Health Center benefit concert, is set for Sept. 6-9 at the Hi-Tone, Overton Square and the Levitt Shell. Bands set to perform include Booker T. Jones, Larry Raspberry and the High Steppers, with members of the original Gentry’s, Star & Micey and more. For more information, visit ChurchHealth Center.org/RockforLove.

in 4-5 years is in itself a show of initiative, determination and mental ability. But that needs to be talked about in a way that demonstrates drive.

If the first two above cannot be worked out, then don’t despair. Take a look at certifications in something that she finds interesting while she sorts out how to afford more education and listen to what the Lord is saying.

Often, young people simply have not figured out the thing that will bring them joy while using a gift or talent that staring them in the face!

While she waits, encourage her to take the very best job that she can find and make herself indispensable.

Practicing kindness, courtesy, dependability, dignity and trustworthiness is such a lost art that if she takes these into any position she will soon be noticed and valued. She may also be noticed by someone with the power to offer her a better job.

You did not make a mistake with your sacrifice. My point is not that your daughter should just make do.

—John 13:34

METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH ASSOCIATE MINISTERS

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

Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., Pastor

767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126

901-946-4095 fax 948-8311

(901) 948-3441

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

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

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

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

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

SUNDAY Sunday School .....................8:30 am Morning Worship Service ....10:00am WEDNESDAY Bible Study .........................10:30 am Mid-Day Prayer Meeting .....12 noon Evening Prayer Meeting........7:00pm FRIDAY Cable Channel 17 ............... 8:00pm

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

Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter

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

Dr. Frank A. Thomas Senior Servant

TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

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

WEEKLY SERVICES

Sunday Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Night YPWW 5:00 p.m.

Night Service 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday Night Prayer 6:00 p.m.

Bible Study 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.

Friday Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m.

Night Service 7:30 p.m.

No Telecast Service

— Proverbs 1:7

Dr. David Allen Hall Pastor

“The Founder’s Church”

First Pastor: Senior Bishop C.H. Mason

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

—Ecclesiastes 3:1

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

Worship Services Sunday Sunday School Worship Service

Clarence Kelby Heath Wednesday Pastor

Noon - 1 p.m.

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

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

“Ministering to Memphis-Spirit, Soul and Body”

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

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

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

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

The Rev. Dr. Randolph Meade Walker and First Lady Deloris Vivian Adair Walker were saluted for 14 years of servant leadership at Castalia Baptist Church last Sunday (July 8). The Rev. Ralph White (right), pastor of Bloomfield Full Gospel Baptist Church, was the speaker during the afternoon service. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

-A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

Blessings,

Leading…with passion, compassion…

PRAISE CONNECT

BRIEFLY: The month of July marks 30 years of ministry for The

The story of Ruth in the Bible is not just about a woman snaring a good husband. The story of Ruth and Boaz could also be a metaphor for the position that all of us long for...to be important, valued and useful to our families and our communities. I am sure that this is what you see for your daughter. Read the book of Ruth with new eyes and you might see something new.

9 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

—Revelation 1:8

Tri-State Defender

RELIGION

July 12 - 18, 2012

The Rev. Dr. Alvin OʼNeal Jackson of Park Avenue Christian Church in New York City, and the former pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, delivered the eulogy for Mr. Amos Odell Webster Jr. (Photos by Tyrone P. Easley)

LEGACY: Amos Odell Webster Jr.

During the late 1970’s, there were a number of industries in the U.S. that did not readily embrace diversity. Amid that environment, Amos Odell Webster Jr. found a way to successfully climb corporate ladders.

Mr. Webster died June 29 at age 60. In his rear-view mirror was a 39-year career in corporate management and business entrepreneurship.

At age 27, Mr. Webster became one of the youngest African-Americans to land a position as zone manager at the Ford Motor Company’s Industrial Engine Division, where he was responsible for sales in a six-state region. Later, he served as worldwide marketing manager for Waukesha Engine Division/Dresser Industries.

A successful entrepreneur, Mr. Webster first was the president/CEO of A. Webster Chevrolet in Memphis, and then later launched Webster Piping & Supply Inc. with his brother, Harold Webster.

Numerous awards came Mr. Webster’s way, each testifying to his strong business acumen and leadership. He was active in the community, with his involvement including mentoring young males through The Links’ Beautillion and Leader-

Family on hand for the funeral were (l-r) Mr. Websterʼs daughter, McKenzii Denise Webster, his wife, Cassandra Hughes Webster, his son, Austin Odell Webster, and his daughter-in-law, Melissa Guzman Webster. ship Academy, and the Memphis Chapter of Jack & Jill of America. He was a member of the Round Table Men’s Group, and the Master’s Men. While a member of New Direction Christian Church, he served in the parking lot ministry.

Services for Mr. Webster were held July 6 at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery. The eulogy was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Alvin O’Neal Jackson of Park Avenue Christian Church in New York City. E.H. Ford Mortuary Services had charge.

Mr. Webster, who was born in Florence, Ala. (Sept. 26, 1951) earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Tennessee State University.

The family requests that gifts

in his memory be directed to the Tennessee State University Foundation, 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd., Box 9542, Nashville, Tenn. 37209.

Mr. Webster leaves his wife, Cassandra Hughes Webster; a son, Austin Odell Webster; a daughter, McKenzii Denise Webster; a daughter-in-law, Melissa Guzman Webster; two sisters, Leniece Fitzgerald of Nashville, and Dianne Webster Smith of Florence, Ala.; a brother, Harold Webster of Florence; mother-in-law, Sunbeam Hughes of Detroit; father-in-law, Allen Hughes of Canton, Mich.; three brothersin-law, Allen Hughes of Canton, Calvin Hughes of Detroit and Dean Smith of Florence; a sister-in-law, Georgia Webster of Florence; and myriad family and friends.

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ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, July 12 - 18, 2012, Page 12

WHAT’S HAPPENING MYRON? In the mix: DeAngelo, Ledisi, blues, Maya Angelou, SportsBall

D e A n g e l o ’s performance at this year’s BET Awards showed that for the most part the guy still has it musically.

Looks like he is continuing on the comeback trail these days. He performed at the Myron Essence Music Mays Festival this past weekend and is gearing up for a major U.S. tour coming up in August.

On the “Liberation Tour,” DeAngelo’s teaming with Mary J. Blige, also performed on the BET Awards and at the Essence Festival. This marks a pretty big return for DeAngelo, who has been out of the game for quite some time. During that time he has had many run-ins with the law as well as other personal issues. Hopefully he has worked his way through much of that and the stage may be set for a great comeback album.

As for the tour, there are only a few dates set for the east coast. However, according to Mary J., more dates are being added. Memphis is not on the list just yet but who knows, they could be blowing through the Bluff City at some point. If it just so happens to come through, you can count on me being in attendance.

Here’s what’s happening:

Ledisi & Eric Benet

Check out my girl Ledisi this Saturday, July 14 at the Orpheum for one big show featuring Eric Benet.

It’s always a pleasure seeing her in concert and it will be an even greater pleasure seeing her for the fourth time on stage. Yes, number 4. I like Ledisi! You can get your tickets from the Orpheum box office or through all Ticketmaster outlets at 800-7453000 or ticketmaster.com.

Tri-State Blues Festival

Hey! Hey! The blues is alright!

And it will continue to be on August 28 at the Landers Center in Southaven. Mr. Strokin’ himself, Clarence Carter, will be in the house, along with Bobby Rush, Sir Charles Jones, Denise LaSalle, T.K. Soul and more. Heritage Entertainment has been at it quite a while now and this show keeps it going strong! Are you ready for the blues? Well get your tickets now at the Landers Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets or you can charge by phone at 800745-3000.

Dr. Maya Angelou

Poet and writer Dr. Maya Angelou, one of the most influential voices of our time, will appear in the city for Agape’s Heartlight 2012. The event, which is open to the public, will take place on August 25 at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. Call Agape at 901-323-3600 or visit them online at www.agapemeanslove.org.

SportsBall, No. 15

Lace up your tennis shoes for the 15th Annual SportsBall, on July 28 at Minglewood Hall. The event begins at 7 p.m. There will be interactive games and attendees can take a picture in the photo booth, spin the roulette wheel, or go Las Vegas style with “play” money casino games.

A live auction with great prizes is planned, along with great food and the opportunity to dance the night away. Yes, this is a “Black Tie & Tennis Shoe Affair!”

Tickets are $150 per person. For more information, contact Susan George or Kimberly Davis at 901323-5440 or visit info@bbbsmem .org. All proceeds benefit the mentoring programs of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Memphis, Inc.

Parting note

Thanks to my good friend Loretta McNary for having me on her show last week. I had a ball. It’s funny you are always interviewing people and now you’re being interviewed. It sort of puts things in prospective for you to have been on both ends of the table.

Catch McNary’s show on Comcast Cable channel 17 each and every Wednesday night at 8 p.m.; I’ll let you know the airdate for my segment.

Until then, that’s what’s happening!

(Got an event you’d like for me to cover or attend, email me at Myron@whatshappeningmyron.com.)

Determined to show the world her God-Given talent, Shaunte Edmond is dancing her away along her chosen career path. (Photos by Shirley Jackson)

More! More! More!

Memphis-bred dancer, choreographer on the move Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Brianna Smith

As I sat down to watch B.E.T’s “106 & Park,” the premiere of Willow Smith’s music video “Fireball” came on. The video was electrifying; full of lights and special effects, but what stood out the most was the complex choreography.

I was so amazed to find out that Memphis native Shaunte Edmond not only dances in the video, she also choreographed a lot of the dance moves.

“From day one, I’ve always wanted to show the world the talent God gave me as a performer,” said Edmond, who was put in dance classes at age three.

An Overton High School product, Edmond graduated a year early. At 17, she moved to California to pursue her dreams as a professional hip-hop dancer. She has worked with numerous hip-hop stars, one in particular being Nicki Minaj.

“Performing for the crowd,” said Edmond, asked to relay her greatest experience touring with Minaj. “Performing on stage with Nicki and for the crowd gives you such a rush that you experience this natural high!

Edmond often teaches dance classes, open to the community, when she comes back to visit Memphis.

“Every time I come back I love to teach and talk to the students and give people inspiration and hope that you can leave and do

A trip home to Memphis is an opportunity to teach and inspire for Shaunte Edmond.

whatever your aspirations are,” she said.

Today, Edmond, 20, has already accomplished so much in pursuit of becoming a professional dancer and choreographer Her resume speaks volumes.

“More choreography, more tours,” she said of what we can expect from her in the near future.

“More than likely, many other things, but that’s in God’s hands.”

BOOK REVIEW

Narratives leave no doubt – slavery a never-ending nightmare ʻHelp Me to Find My People: The African-American Search for Family Lost in Slaveryʼ

by Heather Andrea Williams University of North Carolina Press Hardcover, $30.00 264 pages Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kam Williams

“This is a book about slavery and family and loss and longing… It is about the forced separations of African-American families, about their grief and their determined hope to someday see each other again…

It takes courage to look at the humiliation they suffered…

It is worth saying that this is a book about separation, resilience and survival, and about the texture and contours of despair… In the end, it is a journey into their feelings... The stories I recount are raw, emotional and dramatic... That’s what these people’s lives were.”

– Excerpted from the Introduction (pgs. xiii-xiv) One traumatic side effect of slav-

ery left unaddressed by the history books is the tragic toll the evil institution exacted on the AfricanAmerican psyche. After all, for hundreds of years, not only were black famHeather ilies routinely Andrea ripped apart at Williams the whim of their owners, but males and females were even forced to breed like beasts of burden at the direction of avaricious traders.

However, in the face of such inhumane treatment, slaves never forgot the fond memories of loved ones, and always held tightly onto the faint hope of a sweet reunion one day. Proof of this is that in the wake of Emancipation, newspapers all across the country were flooded with classified ads placed by folks looking for children, parents, spouses and other missing relatives.

“Help Me to Find My People: The

African-American Search for Family Lost in Slavery” is a heartrending opus which chronicles the desperate efforts of some of the inconsolable souls undertaking that noble quest. For instance, consider the urgent appeal published in a black newspaper on Oct. 14, 1865 by recently-freed Charity Moss:

“Information is wanted of my two boys, James and Horace, one of whom was sold in Nashville and the other was sold in Rutherford County. I, myself, was sold in Nashville and sent to Alabama by Wm. Boyd, and my children belonged to David Moss… Any information sent to Colored Tennessean office, Box 1150 will be thankfully received.”

Author Heather Andrea Williams must be credited for conducting the painstaking research yielding such irrefutable proof that slaves did indeed feel some very deep emotions as a consequence of the horrors they experienced. Witness the words of Thomas Jones, as he recounts what happened to him as a child when he was told he’d just been sold to a faraway plantation:

“I was very much afraid and began to cry, holding on to my mother’s clothes, and begging her to protect me, and not let the man take me away… Mother wept bitterly and in the midst of her loud sobbings, cried out in broken words, ‘I can’t save you., Tommy; master has sold you, you must go.’ She held me, sobbing and mourning, till the brutal Abraham came in, snatched me away, hurried me out of the house where I was born, and tore me away from the dear mother who loved me as no other could.”

To add injury to insult, when his mom attempted to give her son a last hug goodbye on the porch, the cruel overseer struck her “with his heavy cowhide” and “fiercely ordered her to stop bawling and go back into the house.” To think that that awful image was his last for life of his beloved mother.

A touching collection of narratives chock full of sentimental reflections leaving no doubt that slavery was nothing more than a never-ending nightmare for its millions upon millions of our African ancestors.

ENTERTAINMENT

Tri-State Defender

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July 12 - 18, 2012

OPENING THIS WEEK

Kam’s Kapsules:

Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kam Williams

For movies opening July 13, 2012

BIG BUDGET FILMS

“Ice Age: Continental Drift” (PG for rude humor, action and scenes of peril) Woolly mammoth Manny (Ray Romano), saber-toothed tiger Diego (Denis Leary) and sloth Sid (John Leguizamo) embark on latest prehistoric, animated adventure in the wake of a continental cataclysm triggered by squirrelly Scrat’s (Chris Wedge) pursuit of that ever-elusive acorn. Voice cast includes Queen Latifah, Jennifer Lopez, Wanda Sykes, Seann William Scott, Keke Palmer and Drake.

“Red Lights” (R for profanity and violence) Horror thriller about a couple of professional skeptics (Sigourney Weaver and Cillian Murphy) who meet with frustration while trying to expose as a charlatan a blind psychic (Robert De Niro) performing paranormal feats. With Elizabeth Olsen, Toby Jones and Joely Richardson.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

“Alps” (Unrated) Assumed identity drama about a macabre business specializing in helping clients cope with grief by offering them the company of impersonators bearing an uncanny resemblance to recently-deceased loved ones. Starring Stavros Psyllakis, Aris Servetalis and Johnny Vekris. (In English and Greek with subtitles)

“Ballplayer: Pelotero” (Unrated) Baseball dreams documentary, narrated by John Leguizamo, chronicling the efforts of Jean Carlos Batista and Miguel Angel Sano, two of the Dominican Republic’s top prospects, as they attempt to make it to the major leagues. (In Spanish with subtitles)

“Deconstructing Dad” (Unrated) Reverential retrospective directed

by Stanley Warnow about his father, Raymond Scott (1908-1994), the prolific composer, pianist, bandleader, inventor, recording engineer and electronic music pioneer, perhaps best remembered for the catchy melodies on the score of over a hundred Looney Tunes cartoons, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig. With appearances by John Williams, Mark Mothersbaugh and DJ Spooky.

“Family Portrait in Black and White” (Unrated) Ukraine documentary highlighting the effort of adoptive mom Olga Nenya’s to raise sixteen biracial children in an Eastern European town marked by racial intolerance where they are surrounded by skinheads and bigoted neighbors.

“Farewell, My Queen” (R for profanity and brief graphic nudity) Homoerotic historical drama set at the outbreak of the French Revolution and revolving around the lesbian relationship of Marie Antoinette (Diane Kruger) and a servant (Lea Seydoux) who became infatuated with the imperious monarch. Cast includes Virginie Ledoyen, Xavier Beauvois and Gregory Gadebois. (In French, German, Italian and English with subtitles)

“Gei Oni” (Unrated) Middle East drama interweaving a novel love story with a depiction of the first wave of Jewish European migration to the Ottoman-ruled Palestine of the 1880s. Starring Tamar Alkan, Zion Ashkenazi and Levana Finkelstein. (In Arabic, Hebrew, Turkish, Russian and Yiddish with subtitles)

“The Imposter” (Unrated) Fact-based docudrama about a con man (Adam O’Brian) who attempted to dupe the family of a Texas teenager into believing that he was their long-lost son, despite his being French and seven years older than the missing boy. With Anna Ruben, Cathy

Dresbach and Alan Teichman.

“Ponies” (Unrated) Screen adaptation of Mike Batistick’s award-winning play, set inside a seamy, NYC Off-Track Betting parlor, where a trio of beleaguered patrons (Kevin Corrigan, John Ventimiglia and Babs Olusanmokun) enjoy exchanging colorful banter while wagering. Supporting cast includes Tonye Patano, Joe Caniano and Meital Dohan.

“Trishna” (R for sexuality, drug use, profanity and some violence) Bittersweet romance drama, loosely based on Tess of the D’Urbervilles, about the star-crossed love affair between the daughter of a rickshaw driver (Freida Pinto) and a wealthy Brit (Riz Ahmed) who has moved to India to work at his father’s (Roshan Seth) hotel. Featuring Anurag Kashyap, Kalki Koechlin and Harish Khanna.

“Union Square” (R for profanity and drug use) Dysfunctional family comedy about a young woman (Tammy Blanchard) who moves to Manhattan with her fiancé (Mike Doyle) to escape her tumultuous, Bronx home life, only to have a mentally-unstable sister (Mira Sorvino) darken her doorstep. With Michael Rispoli, Patti LuPone and Daphne RubinVega.

HOROSCOPES

July 12-18, 2012

ARIES Can you take a week off from work? It’s a perfect week to relax with a loved one in one of your favorite ways. Even if you can only spend a few hours decompressing you’ll be surprised at how little it takes to feel bliss this week.

TAURUS Vibrations this week make everyone feel as if the universe has given them another chance. Your fresh start may come in a romantic area. Buy a bouquet of flowers for your partner on your way home from work.

See what happens.

GEMINI A short trip for business reasons gives you a little personal space to make some notes to yourself. Remember your best self, and keep a positive outlook. Buy a lottery ticket this week at your destination, or watch for some other type of “found” money.

CANCER Your home may need some of your attention. This is a fine week to check the fire alarm battery, put away gardening equipment, or redecorate your dining area. The results of a shopping trip for new bed linens will please you very much.

LEO Spend some time in the company of friends early in the week, then spend your afternoon relaxing. Your ability to tune out and mediate on the goodness that surrounds is comes easy. Let the good vibrations massage you with bliss.

VIRGO An unexpected clash may arise this week from an unlikely area. Try to maintain a position as mediator, rather than joining the fray. Loyalties may be stretched, but they won’t break. What you need is within you.

Go there and get it.

LIBRA Co-workers or customers may be grumpy this week. Don’t take it personally. Dwell in your peaceful inner space and the space around you will reflect the peaceful vibrations.

SCORPIO You feel centered this week and full of efficient energy. Use this week to accomplish tasks, make plans, and finalize arrangements that need to be made. Face into personal responsibilities with love and pleasure now.

SAGITTARIUS You can build a bridge with your imagination to reach the person you want to meet.

Build the very best bridge your imagination can afford. Your soulmate will then cross over to you. Your intentions are warm and sincere.

CAPRICORN You need to relax. The urge to do everything will take a toll on you this week unless you make a concerted effort to slow your own vibes down. Think peace love and happiness and let them be real values for you.

Feed your soul.

AQUARIUS You’ll be efficient and productive this week if you got some rest. Slow down.

Sometimes less is more, and you’ll see you’re doing better than most. Use your talents to create some free time for yourself.

PISCES Someone wants to argue, and it’s up to you to walk away. It’s easy to let go of any idea of control if you remember that you are only responsible for your own feelings. Act healthy this week and enjoy your life.

Source: NNPA News Service

HEALTH

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CHEF TIMOTHY The key to regaining your swagger is eating a plant-based diet. It has been shown to help reverse atherosclerosis and help men and women overcome their libido problems.

Erectile dysfunction treatable with lifestyle change and diet

by Chef Timothy Moore Ph.D, N.M.D, C.N. Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Erectile dysfunction is difficult to talk about, especially if you’re the one with the problem. But let’s talk about it for a moment.

Terry (not his real name) is your typical 39-year-old male in good shape and, in his opinion, eating a balanced diet. He’s getting his proper rest as well, but for some reason his sexual performance hasn’t been stellar. In fact, he has become somewhat depressed because he feels less than a man. The mention of sex just makes matters worst. And his wife, realizing the thrill is gone, has ceded she might be the problem.

Sound familiar? Terry and his wife are no different than any other couple experiencing sexual problems.

You might say, “What does a plant-based chef know about sex and relationships?” More than you think.

I am a proponent of healthy eating, of course, but I also earned a degree in psychology and counsel men, women and couples with various problems, including sexual dysfunction. In counseling sessions, it nearly always comes down to: “Who’s at fault?” “Why me?” or “How can we fix this problem?”

The cause of erectile dysfunction and how it affects the sufferer can be somewhat misleading. ED, or impotence, as it is sometimes called, happens when not enough blood flows to the penis, preventing an erection.

The severity of ED varies; some men are incapable of achieving an erection, while others can achieve an erection and can only maintain it for a short time.

ED is a subject that’s taboo and

Check out our

too embarrassing for some men to talk about. They’re also embarrassed to discuss their sexual problems with their medical doctor. Experts have estimated there are 30 million men in the United States affected by ED. Dr. Timothy This can affect Moore men at any age, but it’s more likely to occur after age 40. Now it’s prevalent in younger men.

So what is your performance level? Is ED causing you grief?

Don’t be afraid to answer. If you want to regain your sex drive, there are some things that have to be changed. You’d have to watch what you’re eating, drinking and taking for medication. This can have a grave affect on your body and how it performs.

A man’s performance in the bedroom and his manhood are inextricably linked together. If he’s not at his best between the sheets, his lackluster performance can affect his personal life and overall health. That’s why some me suffer from depression, anger, fear and resentment.

So what is the best method for reversing erectile dysfunction?

Well, there is something that could keep a man from experiencing complete ecstasy: cardiovascular disease (atherosclerosis), which is the narrowing and hardening of arteries that reduce blood flow. Atherosclerosis typically affects arties throughout the body and is triggered by diabetes mel-

CLASSIFIEDS

Tri-State Defender

July 12 - 18, 2012

litus, cigarette smoking, high blood cholesterol, hypertension and lifestyle.

When the arteries to the penis and the pelvic organs are narrowed by atherosclerosis, insufficient blood is delivered to the penis to achieve an erection. Your doctor may prescribe a male sexual enhancement drug to help you out temporally. But there are known side affects such as headaches, flushing, abdominal cramps, light-headedness, hearing loss, hypotension, increased heart rate, stokes and blindness.

A lot of health problems stem from taking daily medication. If you want your swagger back, you must change your lifestyle. The No. 1 change has a lot to do with what you eat or consume, because a diet high in fat can cause blockage in your blood flow by causing plaque build up.

The key to regaining your swagger is eating a plant-based diet. It has been shown to help reverse atherosclerosis and help men and women overcome their libido problems. I’m sure if a great sex life is important to you, you’re going to change your lifestyle to achieve optimum health.

Whether ED is medical, physical or self-imposed, talk to your partner and doctor to find a way to restore your sexual prowess. You and your partner will be better for it.

(Dr. Timothy Moore teaches nutrition, heart disease and diabetes reversal through a plant-based lifestyle.

He is a professional speaker, wellness coach and personal plant-based chef.

He is the author of 47 Tips To Reverse Your Diabetes. He can be reached by email at cheftimothy@cheftimothymoore.com, visit him at www.cheftimothymoore.com or follow him at www.twitter.com/ cheftimmoore.)

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COMMUNITY

Tri-State Defender

BRIEFS & THINGS Home for the Holidays Summer Conference 2012

State Rep. G.A. Hardaway will host the Home for the Holidays Summer Conference 2012 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday (July 14) on the Union Campus of Southwest Tennessee Community College in the Verties Sails Gymnasium (Building E), located at Union Avenue and Manassas.

The free conference will provide mortgage counseling, information and services for troubled homeowners and veterans as well as new and prospective homeowners. Hardaway will host in conjunction with State Reps. Larry Miller and Steve McManus.

Participants will include Wells Fargo Bank, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, NACA, United Housing for Keep My Tennessee Home Program, Community Alliance for the Homeless, Compucredit, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, WIN, Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Career Bus, Airways Lamar Business Association (ALBA), Tennessee Technology Center Memphis, Memphis Area Association of Governments, Black Business Association, Tennessee Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans Medical Center Memphis, and the City of Memphis - Second Chance Program.

For more information, call 615741-5625.

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July 12 - 18, 2012

Health care management top credential goes to UTHSC’s Brown Kennard Brown, JD, MPA, PhD, executive vice chancellor and chief operations officer at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), has been named a Fellow in the American College of Health Care Executives (FACHE).

The FACHE title is considered to be the premier credential in the field of health care management.

As the chief operations officer and executive vice chancellor for UTHSC, Dr. Brown is the principal aide to the chancellor. He handles a wide range of matters of institutional importance, such as operations of the Office of the Chancellor, includ-

ing management of staff, budgets, administration, policies and procedures. The chief operations officer provides coordination and oversight in the development of defined core initiatives for the Office of the Chancellor and serves as the chancellor’s primary strategic liaison with the Health Science Center and community constituencies.

The chief administrative officer for the Health Science Center campus, Brown provides leadership in areas of human resources, facilities and maintenance. In addition, he oversees all capital construction, architectural support services and the office of physical resources, which

manages campus space and infrastructure needs.

Dr. Brown began his career with the university 12 years ago in the Office of the General Counsel.

From there, he became the director of Affirmative Action. He has also served as the director of Employee Relations and the executive director for the Center for Health Disparities.

He holds a Bachelor’s of Administration degree in psychology and criminal justice from the University of Memphis. He attended the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis and received his JD in 1995. In August 2001, he

received a master’s in public administration Kennard from the UniverBrown sity of Memphis.

Dr. Brown is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, the national public administration honor society. He earned his PhD in health policy at UTHSC in 2007.

He was recognized by the UTHSC faculty senate as the administrator of the year for 2006-07. Also, in 2007 he received the Imhotep award in recognition of outstanding dedication and service to the students of the UT Health Science Center.

Memphis NAACP to host Candidates Forum

The Memphis Branch NAACP will host a Candidates Forum on Sunday (July 15) at Mt. Olive CME Cathedral, 538 Linden at Lauderdale, beginning at 4 p.m. Candidates will make a brief presentation and be available for questions from the audience.

The meeting is open to NAACP members and all interested citizens.

“It is important that we are informed about the candidates who have presented themselves for service,” said Dr. Warner Dickerson, president of the Memphis Branch NAACP. “Our goal is to provide voter empowerment through voter registration, voter education, get-out-the-vote activities and election monitoring. This is just one of the events that we are hosting to achieve our objectives.”

The NAACP is a non-partisan organization and does not endorse candidates.

For more information, call 901-5211343, or visit www.naacpmemphis.com.

Good as gold…

Clifford Stockton and his wife, Lois Stockton (right), celebrated the coupleʼs 50th wedding anniversary with Judge Carolyn Wade Blackett and a host of guests at their home in the South Bluffs last Saturday (July 7). (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

For the work you do…

The Rev. Samuel B. Kyles of Monumental Baptist Church was among those honored during the 2012 Frank Ray Expository Preaching, Teaching and Church Growth Conference at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, 2237 S. Parkway East, July 912. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

Memphis Smart Gov App now available

City of Memphis residents can now access some aspects of city government from their smart phones.

By downloading GeoSpace’s Smart Government App Memphis from the app store, iPhone users can receive push notifications about garbage pick-ups, road closures, and emergencies, as well as a one-touch call list for different areas of city government.

“It uses the same technology as Facebook and Twitter,” said GeoSpace president Ashley Mooney.

“This was all done because I wanted to help make a difference.”

Citizens can use the Pic/Fix feature to take GPS-encoded pictures of problems such as potholes, downed street signs, or malfunctioning traffic signals, and send them directly to the city to resolve. By using a map interface, the picture will be able to pinpoint the location of the problem within 5 to 10 feet.

“If a citizen sees a pothole and they take a picture of it, we don’t have to ask where is it or how big is it,” said Mayor A C Wharton Jr.. “Our hope is that what Ashley has done here will inspire others.”

The app, created by Mooney and his employees, was free to the city. It is available now, also for free, in Apple’s App store.

‘Gospel According to Soul’ performances upcoming

“Do ya like good music, yea, yea, that sweet soul music”?

If your answer to those lyrics from a song of the sixties is, “yes,” then you don’t want to miss the Dwayne Hunt/Flo Roach musical production of “Gospel According to Soul” being performed at Abundant Grace Fellowship, 1574 E. Shelby Drive, on July 27-29 at 7 p.m. nightly.

Admission is free.

The production uses soul music of the sixties to uniquely tell an age-old story of love and hope. It features recording artists Jeff Murdock, Shea Norman, Everett McBee and radio personality, Michael Adrian Davis, with many talented singers, actors, dancers and musicians.

For more information, contact Dwayne Hunt or Flo Roach at 901789-GRACE (789-4723).

BRIEFLY: Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital is hosting a seminar designed to answer the Surgeon General’s call to action to support breastfeeding from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 1.

Clinically and academically oriented faculty will address relevant issues associated with barriers to successful breastfeeding. For more information, contact julieware2@bellsouth.net.

High-profile support…

During his tour of St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital in Memphis on Friday (July 6), former President Bill Clinton took time to talk with patients like Markell and their families after hearing from researchers and doctors about the live-saving mission and work of St. Jude. (Photo: St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital / Handout)

Cool riders…

Shirley Fluker was among those who landed rides with a Cummings Street Baptist Church motorcyle club during an antique and youth fair held at St. John Missionary Baptist Church on Pendleton last Saturday (July 7).

(Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

SPORTS

Page 16

Tri-State Defender

July 12 - 18, 2012

Sidelined by safety concerns, Bluff City Classic operators vow to regroup Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kelley Evans

“Devastated” is part of the self-description that Bluff City Classic organizer Stanley Blue used to convey the way he feels about the decision to cancel play in the high-profile Memphis summer basketball league.

Safety concerns have sidelined the long-running league that was only two weeks into this summer’s scheduled competition.

On July 5, more than 1,000 fans and players left The LeMoyne-Owen College gym in the 800-block of Walker and encountered a crime scene. Across the street, a man

had been shot in the head. Police arrived about 8:30 p.m.

The 29-year-old victim was later pronounced dead at the Regional Medical Center at Memphis.

Sources say the victim, Fredrick Poplar, was walking when someone pulled up in a white SUV and shot him. Although the shooting was an isolated incident unrelated to the Bluff City Classic or the college, there were enough safety concerns to suspend this year’s league.

“I’m crushed,” said Blue.

“But we want to ensure the safety of all fans and participants. We look forward to future leagues.”

It’s a traumatic loss for the

community anytime a young person loses his/her life, said Blue. “This young man was a father of three, a son and was engaged to be married, so it’s very unfortunate.”

Former NBA All-Star and University of Memphis standout Penny Hardaway has long been associated with the classic. “We are looking out for the safety of our players, fans, refs and volunteers’ well being,” said Hardaway. (It (canceling the season) had to be done.”

Started in 1981, the league resurfaced last summer after a seven-year layoff. The area’s best prep, collegiate and professional talent have used the league to showcase and hone their skills before thousands

of fans. The LOC gym was a new venue for the league, which had operated out of the gym on the Union campus of Southwest Tennessee Community College.

For 24 years, Blue has been associated with the league, trying to help develop and impact young people in a positive way.

“Since we brought it back, we’ve been committed to this league,” said Blue. “We felt very safe in the (LOC) gym.

We had a huge police presence but we can’t control the environment.”

Blue said the summer league was born out of a desire to see young people realize, recognize and cultivate their talents

Bluff City Classicʼs Stanley Blue attends a game at The LeMoyne-Owen College gym before the decision to cancel the remainder of the summer leagueʼs season. “Weʼll be back,” said Blue. (Photo by Kelley Evans) on the basketball courts. In addition to the development of talent, there are teachable moments that afford nurturing of

decision-making and analytical thinking, said Blue.

“We’ll regroup, we’ll reorganize and we’ll be back.”

Girls Inc. teams with First Tee to teach golf and life skills Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Alisha Tillery

Thirteen-year-old Sara Smith stood with her legs parted and knees bent slightly as she steadied herself and swung a shiny golf club.

Smith is one of 50 rising eighth-grade girls who recently gathered at Firestone Park to show off their golfing skills, courtesy of a new partnership between Girls Incorporated of Memphis and First Tee of Memphis.

Part of the national Eureka!

Program, a national Girls Inc. initiative that encourages girls’ exploration in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) career paths, participants are required to take swimming lessons, along with another alternative sport to learn life skills and personal development. The program is funded by the foundation for Merck

& Co., a pharmaceutical company.

First Tee of Memphis, an organization that provides educational programs through golf, offered to provide Eureka! participants with four weeks of golf lessons to teach the basics of the game, such as form, putting and high swing.

Girls Inc. President/CEO Deborah Hester-Harrison said the partnership was a perfect fit.

“It’s a great opportunity for these girls,” Hester-Harrison said. “ (First Tee) incorporates these life lessons as part of it.

It introduces them to STEM, and that’s the primary focus.”

As for the girls, they’ve taken to the new sport quite nicely.

“I’m in love with golf,” Smith said.

Nyrone Hawkins, executive director of First Tee, describes golf as a physical sport, but one that also teaches core values, such as integrity, judgment and respect. ”Each day, our lessons are

centered around one of our core values. We teach that, and we let the kids fall in love with golf,” Hawkins said. “That transfers into schools, that transfers into homes. Once you expose young people to this game, you open up Pandora’s Box, and you never know where they’re going to end up.”

Hawkins pointed out that the sport is in need of more female players, so girls who excel can potentially earn scholarships to play golf in college.

Eureka! exposes girls to non-traditional careers, as well as personal and professional development opportunities, in hopes of encouraging them to pursue post-secondary education and careers in one of the core areas of STEM. Rondalyn Martin, coordinator of the Eureka! Program, said the positive effects that golf has had on the girls is evident.

“They’re all eager to let me know what they learned from golf,” Martin said. “Just see-

Adrianna Shaw, Girls Inc. participant (right), putts during instruction from First Tee student golfer, Jessica Ragland. (Courtesy photo) ing the growth in them from day one has just been amazing.”

Imani Campbell, a student at Center Hill Middle School in Olive Branch, Miss., said playing golf is far better than

watching it on television.

“I would think it was kind of boring because it’s a quiet sport. I like it now because it’s more fun playing it than watching it,” she said. “The staff at the golf center are real-

ly good teachers. They make it so I can learn quickly, and they present it in a fun way.”

Eureka! is open to eighthgrade girls each year. For more information, visit www.girlsincmemphis.org.