7 4 2012

VOL. 61, No. 26

June 28 - July 4, 2012

Mr. President: Are you dissing the Black Press?

www.tsdmemphis.com

75 Cents

‘This Is Memphis’

NNPA News Service

by Akeya Dickson

ATLANTA – “Get Out the Vote,” a panel discussion at the National Newspaper Publishers Association annual convention, should have been renamed, “Get Out the Anger” as African-American newspaper publishers expressed strong displeasure over what they deemed the failure of President Barack Obama’s administration to accommodate the needs of the Black Press.

“We don’t think the president has ever spoken to us. He’s spoken to the Latino community and he’s been specific,” said Robert W. Bogle, publisher of the Philadelphia Tribune and a former NNPA president. “This is the first president since Franklin Roosevelt that has not invited the Black Press to the White House (for an inELECTION 2012 terview).”

Although President Obama has • A free pass for met several times GOP’s Romney Africanwith • Tips for Romney, if American newspahe wants to engage per publishers at the White House, African Americans he has never addressed an NNPA • Latest news on convention. The voter ID laws NNPA News Serv(See Opinion, page 4) ice has made repeated requests for a one-on-one interview with the president, but those requests have been denied.

Other African-American media outlets have had similar experiences. Heart & Soul magazine, a health and fitness magazine for women of color, offered to place Michelle Obama on the cover but they, too, were denied an interview with the first lady.

African-American media executives, many of them strong supporters of President Obama, are puzzled by President and Mrs. Obama’s frequent appearances on late-night comedy shows yet his staff can’t – or won’t – find time for them to be interviewed by the Black Press.

Dorothy Leavell, immediate past president of the NNPA Foundation, which operates the NNPA News Service, and BlackPressUSA .com, said the last time the NNPA was granted an interview with Mr. Obama was before he assumed office.

“I have made several requests that we be allowed to have an interview. All 200 of us cannot get an interview with the president, that’s unreasonable,” she said. “But for a national organization such as NNPA to not be allowed to interview the president, that’s unacceptable.”

Disillusionment with the president and his staff is not limited to the Black Press.

“They feel that they’re being taken for

“Hustle & Flow” star Terrance Howard (right) confers with film director Martin Shore (left) and Royal Music Studiosʼ executive producer Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell during a recording session for a new documentary about Memphis music. (Photo by Sean Davis)

Free concert kicks off new era for Royal Studios Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Tony Jones

With President Obama reminding the world of the impact of Memphis music when his crooning of the opening lines of Al Green’s signature hit “Let’s Stay Together” went viral on the Internet, wouldn’t it be great if First Lady Michelle Obama was to create a similar stir with a surprise visit to the Levitt Shell in Overton Park Thursday night?

Wishful thinking certainly, but the First Lady’s visit here – a fundraising reception at the Memphis Cook Convention Center Thursday (June 28) morning – comes on the same day that Memphis’ famed Royal Music Studios is producing a special musical performance as part of the Shell’s free

SEE PRESS ON PAGE 2

summer concert series.

Set to begin at 7 p.m., the concert is being presented by Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell and Royal Music Studios as an advance promotion for a film documentary slated for release this fall.

Now being edited under the working title, “This Is Memphis,” the film was shot at Royal and several other major studios here this past summer.

It’s designed to update the Memphis music scene by pairing modern talent with soul music legends.

A final date for the film’s premiere has not been finalized, but music lovers here and in many cities should be interested in seeing the collaborations and final songs selected for the film, among them: Terrance Howard with Hi Rhythm; the Bar-Kays with Eightball

Magic on point…

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

- INSIDE -

SUNDAY

• Prepare your kids for summer job expenses. See Business, page 7.

H- 1 0 4o - L - 7 7o H- 1 0 2o - L - 7 8o H- 1 0 1o - L - 7 6o Su nny S unn y S unn y REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS

Friday H-104 L-76 H-109 L-76 H-101 L-73

Saturday H-104 L-76 H-108 L-77 H-101 L-73

The concert at the shell will present several of the acts

by Karanja A. M. Ajanaku

MEMPHIS WEEKEND SATURDAY

and MJG; Otis Clay and Lil PNut; William Bell and Snoop Dogg, with the Stax Academy players; and more.

SEE MUSIC ON PAGE 2

Twitter buzz hints Tupac fandom alive, getting younger

NBA legend Magic Johnson gets his blood drawn from HIV/AIDS specialist Dr. David Ho in a scene featured in “ENDGAME: AIDS in Black America,” a FRONTLINE special premiering July 10 on PBS. National HIV Testing Day was Wednesday (June 27).

See related story, page 2. (Photo by Renata Simone Productions) FRIDAY

Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell (center) shares a laugh during production for an upcoming documentary updating the Memphis music scene. Also pictured (l-r) Cody Dickinson, Frayser Boy, Bobby Rush, Martin Shore, Amy Levere, and Marvell Thomas. (Royal Studios photo)

• First African American elected to head SBC. See Religion, page 8.

Sunday H-108 L-74 H-106 L-77 H-98 L-74

• Brothers prove giving back is for the Byrds. See Community, page 13.

Kurtis Blow

• Kurtis Blow anchors Ultimate Family Reunion. See Entertainment, page 10.

Rap-icon Tupac Shakur lives on as a legend in the eyes of millions, and this increasingly is true among a generation of younger fans.

This was surprising to me at first, with Tupac’s career having thrived so many years ago. I didn’t know how interested younger audiences were until the idea of a valid story recently blindsided me while checking my Twitter timeline. Twitter trending topics like #WhoshotPac and #Justice4Pac were all over the place.

Now, I’m definitely a Tupac fan, but initially I couldn’t figure out exactly what was sparking all the new commotion. Then I did my research.

James – aka ‘Jimmy Henchman’ – Rosemond’s name has been brought up in reference to Tupac numerous times, recently for being involved in the 1994 robbery and non-fatal shooting of Tupac. Dexter Isaac is an inmate currently serving a life sentence for murder, robbery and other offenses. On June 15, 2012, Isaac came forward with a confession involving him in the Nov. 30, 1994 shooting of Tupac, saying that he wanted to bring “closure to Tupac’s mother.”

The new-age newshound that I am, I posted a status on Facebook

asking who knew about the controversy and what they thought about Isaac coming out with this news 17 years later.

Dennis Johnson, 20, of Talladega, Ala., Tupac wrote, “I think Shakur Issac’s lying and if he’s not, something else fishy is going on.”

I probed some more and found a song that Tupac released called “Against All Odds.” That song indicates that Tupac knew Henchman had set him up and it promised Henchman a payback in due time.

“Tupac got set up by Jimmy for sure,” said Tina Burnett of Nashville. “I don’t think it’s coming out now for someone’s attention.’’

I also learned that Isaac claims Rosemond gave him $2,500 to do the dirty work, with Isaac also netting jewelry taken during the robbery.

“I think it could be closure for one of the largest murder mysteries of all times,” posted Brian March, 18, of Memphis, suggesting that Isaac may have been connected to Tupac’s death in 1996, SEE TUPAC ON PAGE 2

NEWS

Page 2

Tri-State Defender

June 28 - July 4, 2012

‘If we are not infected, we are affected’

Groups converge to extend HIV testing Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The corner of Elvis Presley and Kerr was the site as the Cocaine Alcohol Awareness Program (CAAP, Inc.) and First Impressions Remix Barber Shop intersected with other community-based organizations to bring STD/HIV testing, food and fun, and door prizes to the community.

A simple swab has changed the way individuals can be tested for HIV today, with the portability of the testing making it more convenient to serve individuals wherever they are.

Many in the community know CAAP, Inc. as an alcohol and drug treatment facility and First Impressions Remix Barber Shop as a gathering place for a makeover. However, the operators of each are aware that the individuals they serve have other needs and that knowing one’s HIV status can be the beginning of meeting those needs. CAAP, Inc. has made the event a priority for the past four years, with plans of continuing the services throughout Memphis/Shelby County.

At the June 23 gathering –

Mary Jackson (left) of CAAP, Inc. and Melissa, a volunteer, helped bring awareness to National HIV Testing Day (June 27) during an event held in advance of the observance last Saturday. (Courtesy photos)

held to raise awareness about National HIV Testing Day on Wednesday (June 27) – about 300 individuals (children and adults) were served.

“If we are not infected, we are affected,” said a participant

who lost a child to AIDS. According to data from the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department, 325 new HIV cases were diagnosed among Shelby County residents in 2010. The majority of

The portability of HIV testing makes it more convenient to serve individuals wherever they are. Regina Beale uses the swab.

new infections were male, nonHispanic black individuals and ranged between the ages of 20 and 44. A total of 181 new AIDS diagnoses were reported among Shelby County residents in 2010.

In addition to CAAP, Inc. and First Impressions Remix, the collaboration for last Saturday’s event included the Memphis Ryan White Program,

CFS, Friends for Life, Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center, PEAS Inc., Planned Parenthood, Project Hope, the Shelby County Health Department, SMA, and the University of Memphis.

(Testing or an educational session for your group or community is available by calling CAAP, Inc. at 901-261-7505.)

NAACP Washington Bureau Chief Hilary Shelton surrounded by publishers after a “Get Out the Vote” forum at the National Newspaper Publishers Association annual convention in Atlanta on June 21. (NNPA Photo by Akeya Dickson/NNPA)

PRESS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Terrance Howard and Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell make sure the sound is tight. (Photo by Sean Davis)

MUSIC

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

recorded for the film, including the original players on “Let’s Stay Together” – Charles, Leroy and Teenie Hodges. Collectively known as Hi Rhythm, they are considered among the crème de la crème of R&B music makers, and recognized as the bedrock of the famous Hi Rhythm sound mastered by Royal’s guiding hand, the late Willie Mitchell, and virtually all of Al Green’s history-making R&B hits.

Another true highlight scheduled for the show is the closing performance by blues legend Bobby “Blue” Bland, who will be prominently featured in the film in a duo with platinum Memphis rapper, Yo Gotti.

Preceding Bland will be another anticipated performance pairing modern blues king Bobby Rush with rapper Frayser Boy, an Academy Award winner for his part in writing “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp” for the Memphis-based movie “Hustle and Flow.”

Dennis Graham, the father of rap’s hottest act, Drake, will show his Memphis-bred musical chops, the popular Stephanie Bolton is slated, as well as R&B influence Otis Clay, whose sound is

It’s a go…

A “Construction Kick-Off” ceremony last Thursday (June 21) signaled the official beginning of construction on the new Bass Pro Shops retail store, which will be located in the old Pyramid Arena downtown. (Photo

by Tyrone P. Easley)

• Hi Rhythm • Stephanie Bolton • Dennis Graham • Video short by former Stax President Al Bell • Otis Clay • Bobby Rush & Frayser Boy • Bobby “Blue” Bland • All Star Encore Note: Stage opens at 7 p.m.; show starts at 7:30

CONCERT LINEUP

part of Royal Studios’ heyday and history.

“The show is a sneak peek of what the film will present, the younger generation of current and rising stars,” said Mitchell, Royal Studios’ executive producer.

The show and the film both contend with what Mitchell, his studio cohorts and many others trying to make a living in music today are challenged by – staying aware of the legacy of the past while pushing forward to make good, new music.

“We also recorded it old-school style, relying on real talent,” Mitchell said of

the music in the upcoming film. “It was cool to see how the energies of different age groups melded together.”

Mitchell serves as a co-producer on the film, along with fellow second-generation Memphis music professional, Cody Dickinson, whose father Jim Dickinson was a Rolodex regular for the Rolling Stones and many of music’s biggest artists.

The documentary is the idea of its executive producer, Martin Shore, an accredited Hollywood director, whose experience and contacts led him from a moment of inspiration to assembling the project.

“All of this actually began from a factoid I read on a Popsicle stick,” said Shore. It said, ‘Did you know that 73 percent of all the music featured in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame came from within 38 miles of Memphis?’

“Like the rest of the world, I have always loved Memphis music and this project will show why the Memphis sound is vital and always will be.”

So vital that when Mitchell went to Los Angeles to record Snoop Dogg’s tracks for the project, he took the famous #9 microphone that his father, Willie Mitchell, used exclusively for Al Green.

“You can’t duplicate some things,” said Mitchell, “even in L.A.”

granted, they don’t feel included,” said Jaime Cain, publisher of the Times Weekly newspaper in Joliet, Ill. “I’m hearing, ‘So when President Obama loses…’ This is what I’m hearing in the community.”

President Obama will certainly lose if he does not maintain a firm grip on the African-American vote.

That much was conceded by the panelists — Broderick Johnson, a campaign senior adviser to President Obama; Hilary Shelton, director of the Washington Bureau of the NAACP; and Julie Greene, deputy political director for the AFL-CIO. “I also honestly won’t apologize for defending the president’s record,” Johnson said.

“So I’m Ok with people saying you’re being kind of defensive about his record because I want to defend his record, that’s my responsibility.

“And I hope that I’m conveying that there’s a lot that the president is doing that needs to be articulated with your help in ways that your readers and your communities hear and appreciate,” said Johnson. “So I hear you.”

But some publishers said that record is not being effectively communicated.

Sonny Messiah Jiles, publisher of the Houston Defender, said: “We’re trying to give you feedback from the ground up, this is not an attack.

We’re trying to educate you on how to shape our message because right now your message is not coming through to our readers or to the community.

And in some cases, some of us aren’t clear on what your message is.”

Jiles wasn’t the only one unclear about the message.

“Where’s my information that you brought to me today?

There are 200 newspapers here. What I’m saying is this is

TUPAC

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Fact or fiction? I’ll definitely be keeping you posted about this still ongoing conspiracy.

For one last word about a younger generation of Tupac fans, check out what Kennedy Wicks, a 17-year-old Whitehaven High School graduate, added to the mix.

a public relations nightmare that you’re hearing in terms of communication,” said Jim Washington, publisher of the Dallas Weekly.

“Who is responsible in any of your organizations dealing specifically with the press in this room? You need to go back and say, ‘You missed the opportunity.’”

Shelton, who said that he is on Capitol Hill and in the White House at least once a week, said that he has also witnessed a breakdown in communications.

“They don’t know how to talk about all of the great things they’ve done. We do a better job at the NAACP of talking about what (President Obama) has done for us,” Shelton said. “We talk about the health care bill. The first bill the president signed into law around health care was SCHIP. Four million children added to the health care roll, 35 percent of them were African American. They should have claimed that victory. We did.

“I know Broderick (Johnson) gets it, but there are a lot of people in the White House press office who don’t,” said Shelton. And they’re going to have to fix that problem.”

Leavell said the problem has to be fixed from the inside.

“They need some of us in the campaign. I don’t see anybody from my community in Chicago involved in the campaign downtown,” said Leavell, publisher of The Crusader in Chicago and Gary, Ind. “You better get out there.

You better get us involved,” said Leavell. “I’m going to vote, because I understand the importance of it. I know the sacrifices that were made. But our young people don’t know, and will not come out if they are not involved. You need to get on the case.”

(Akeya Dickson is a Washington correspondent for the NNPA News Service)

“We pretty much grew up listening to Tupac because the generation before us did,” Wicks said. “To us, he’s not ‘old’ Tupac. It’s like he’s frozen in time.”

Tupac died Sept. 13, 1996, six days after he was shot while riding in a car in Los Angeles with Death Row Records CEO Marion “Suge” Knight.

Born June 16, 1971, Tupac would be 41, had he lived.

NEWS

Tri-State Defender

Page 3

June 28 - July 4, 2012

Upward mobility – Black America’s new addiction

by Cheryl Pearson McNeil NNPA News Service

Any rom-com fans out there? I am talking about romantic comedies.

So, who remembers “My Best F r i e n d ’s Wedding,” w h i c h starred J u l i a Roberts?

While I was chanCheryl nel-surfing Pearsonthe other McNeil day, I found myself cracking up when Robert’s character – the hip, successful New York City food critic and best-selling author – whipped out her cool cell phone in a restaurant scene. It was a gigantic flip model – almost the size of a quart bottle of milk – with a nifty, retractable antenna.

Wow. And this movie came out just 15 years ago – in 1997.

The cell phone in this scene could very well be pre-historic to you, depending on your age and your perspective.

Technology and our addiction to it are moving so quickly that a few months can seem like ancient history or a few years. New Nielsen consumer data of U.S. mobile subscribers reveals that between December 2011 and March 2012 – three short months – the number of cell phone owners who opted for smartphones rose from 47.8 percent to 50.4 percent. A year ago, less than 40 percent of all mobile subscribers in the country owned smartphones.

Chances are, you’ve got a smartphone, and might even be reading this column on your mobile device because the study reports that the majority of African-American mobile subscribers – 54.5 percent – now own smartphones, which are basically tiny computers that allow us to do almost everything, including talk to other people. Compare these numbers to a year ago when 33 percent ofAfrican-American mobile subscribers owned smartphones, which was reported in “The State of the African-American Consumer Report.”

The battle between Apple iOS and Android OS, and other operating systems, continues.

Apple remains the top manufacturer of smartphone handsets – iPhones – while Android was the top smartphone OS, with 48.5 percent of smartphone owners having a device that uses the Android system during the first quarter of 2012.

Blackberry owners are a small but loyal group, holding on with an 11.6 percent share of the smartphone market.

Nielsen’s look at U.S. smartphone owners breaks down who’s purchasing and using what even further: • 50.9 percent of women mobile subscribers opted for smartphones in March 2012 compared to 50.1 percent of men.

• Not surprisingly, more than two out of three young adults – from age 25 to 34 – own a smartphone.

• Asian Americans lead the pack as smartphone adopters with 67.3 percent using a smartphone as their primary mobile handset.

• Almost three-in-five Hispanic mobile subscribers – 57.3 percent – use smartphones.

In addition to their calling features and 24/7 availability, how do we use these devices?

Again, what a difference a year makes. Another Nielsen study reports that all Android OS and Apple iOS users in the U.S. account for 88 percent of those who have downloaded an app – which is short for application – in the past 30 days; which means the number of apps per smartphone has jumped 28 percent, from 32 apps to 41.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re hunting for the best prices for anything from food to shoes, navigating your way through unfamiliar territory or catching the latest news scoop, there’s an app for that. A constant, however, is the Top Five Apps: Facebook, YouTube, Android Market, Google Search and Gmail. The amount of time the average smartphone user spends on apps each day is 39 minutes compared to 37 minutes in 2011.

Among African American smartphone owners:

• 67 percent researched or looked up shopping information using a search engine.

• 64 percent visited a retail site/app.

• 58 percent looked up prices to compare between retailers.

• 55 percent read product reviews.

• 41 percent visited a shopping site/app.

• 33 percent looked for and downloaded a coupon.

• 30 percent are more likely than average to visit Twitter through a mobile web.

• 58 percent use mobile Internet – compared to 57 percent of Hispanics, 56 percent of Asians and 41 percent of whites.

• 79 percent text – compared to 78 percent of Hispan-

ics, 73 percent of Asians and 68 percent of whites.

The downside of the miracle of smartphones is the issue of privacy. In 2012, Nielsen reports 73 percent of all smartphone owners – 70 percent in 2011 – expressed concern over the scary reality of personal data collection. Fifty-five percent were wary of sharing information of our whereabouts

via those smartphone apps.

It’s amazing how mobile apps have changed the way we exercise our recreational habits.

When my teenage son was younger, I remember arming him with crayons and a coloring book in an effort keep him occupied and reduce his fidgeting during church services. Guess those childhood staples are almost obsolete. A little kid across

the aisle from me last year was happily playing a game or “coloring” on his mom’s – you guessed it – smartphone.

Sign o’ the times.

(Cheryl Pearson-McNeil is senior vice president of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Nielsen. For more information and studies go to www.nielsenwire.com.)

Page 4

OPINION

Tri-State Defender

June 28 - July 4, 2012

John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)

The Mid-Southʼs Best Alternative Newspaper

A Real Times Newspaper

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

Tips for Romney, if he wants to engage African Americans

by Raynard Jackson

SPECIAL REPORT

Latest news on voter ID laws New America Media

by Keesha Gaskins

With the 2012 election just a few months away, organizers and voters are working in earnest to support ballot issues, community concerns, and political campaigns.

This year there is a great deal of chaos and confusion regarding what is happening with the unprecedented wave of restrictive voting laws that has swept the nation since 2010. Understanding which laws are in effect and what it will mean for the November 2012 election is crucial.

One category of restrictive voting law that is especially important to navigate is voter ID requirements.

Since 2010, 10 states passed voter ID laws (Alabama, Kansas, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin). Although each law is restrictive they are each unique. They have varying enactment dates, some are waiting for preclearance under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, and others are in litigation. In addition, some voters will vote on ballot measures to decide the fate of voter ID in their state.

In effect

Kansas and Tennessee both have restrictive voter ID laws that require voters to show a photo ID currently in effect.

Pennsylvania also has a restrictive voter ID law in effect, but it is being challenged in state court with a trial date set for July 25th.

Meanwhile, in Rhode Island, voters can use a non-photo ID for the November 2012 election, but starting in November 2014, they will be required to show a photo ID at the polls. It is important to note that Rhode Island’s law permits voters without the required ID to cast a provisional ballot that will be counted provided the signature matches the one in the poll book.

Not in effect and challenged

A restrictive voter ID law is also being challenged in Wisconsin, where two separate state trial courts temporarily and permanently halted the law. Those cases are ongoing and it is not known whether the Wisconsin law will be in effect in 2012.

There are two additional cases in federal court, delayed by the outcome of the state law cases.

Not in effect, awaiting pre-clearance

Under the federal Voting Rights Act, changes to election laws in certain jurisdictions must be approved or “pre-cleared” by the Department

of Justice or a D.C. federal court to ensure they do not violate federal law by discriminating against racial or language minorities.

Mississippi passed a restrictive voter ID law through a ballot measure last year. The state, which is covered by Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, sought pre-clearance from the Department of Justice in May – ffollowing enactment of the legislation – giving effect to the law.

It is not clear if the law will be in effect in November.

Virginia passed a restrictive voter ID this year, but the state has not yet submitted the law for pre-clearance.

Finally, Alabama also passed a restrictive voter ID law, which it submitted for pre-clearance to the Justice Department. That law, however, would not be in effect until the 2014 primary election.

South Carolina and Texas passed restrictive voter ID laws in 2011, but both laws are currently tied up in court. The Justice Department rejected both state’s laws because of their discriminatory effect on minority voters, and each state sued in federal court for a new determination of whether the laws should be precleared. The pre-clearance trial for Texas begins July 9th, and for South Carolina on July 30th.

South Carolina submitted additional materials to the Department of Justice in April 2012. The Department has not issued a final decision on administrative pre-clearance. An affirmative decision by the Department would render the matter before the federal court moot, but if the Department upholds its initial objection issued in December 2011, the trial will proceed on schedule.

Awaiting voters approval

Minnesota voters will decide in November whether to create a voter ID requirement in the state. The Minnesota ballot measure will likely affect not only in-person voting but also the ability of Minnesotans to vote absentee, or to participate in the long-standing practice of ElectionDay Registration. There is a lawsuit challenging the language of the ballot measure in state court.

With all these laws in effect or tied up in court, it is crucial that voters are informed about what they need to be able to register and vote this fall.

Numerous voting rights groups, including the NAACP, have announced programs to help register voters. The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Demos, Fair Elections Legal Network and Common Cause are working to support organizations to help voters get the proper form of voter ID. (Keesha Gaskins serves as Senior Counsel in the Democracy Program at the Brennan Center for Justice.)

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Tri-State Defender Platform

1. Racial prejudice worldwide must be destroyed.

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

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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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A free pass for GOP’s Romney

One of the most remarkable things about Mitt Romney’s run for the White House is that the presumptive Republican nominee is allowed to attack President Obama on everything from saving the automobile industry to immigration. Yet, the news media rarely point out that Romney is against many things, especially if proposed by President Obama, but is usually evasive on what he is for.

In a departure from the businessas-usual coverage, Politico published a story Sunday under the headline: “Mitt Romney’s no-policy problem.”

It stated, “Vague, general or downright evasive policy prescriptions on some of the most important issues facing the country are becoming the rule for Romney. Hoping to make the campaign strictly a referendum on the incumbent, the hyper-cautious challenger is open about his determination to not give any fodder to Obama aides hungry to make the race as much about Romney as the president.”

The most recent example involves President Obama’s position on the Dream Act, an acronym for Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors. After Congress failed to pass a bill sponsored by Dick Durbin (DIll.) Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), President Obama issued an executive order that incorporated many of the provisions of the bill.

Under the executive order, people younger than 30 who came to the United States before they were 6 years old, pose no criminal or security threat, and were successful students or served in the military can get a two-year deferral from deportation.

“This is not amnesty. This is not immunity. This is not a path to citizenship. It’s not a permanent fix,” Obama said upon signing the executive order. “This is a temporary stopgap measure.”

Speaking to the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), Obama said, “When I meet these young people, all throughout communities, I see myself. Who knows what they might achieve. I see my daughters, and my nieces, and my nephews. That’s the promise that draws so many talented, driven people to these shores. That’s the promise that drew my own father here,” said Obama, whose father was from Kenya.

Appearing before the same group a day earlier, Romney said, “I will put in place my own long-term solution that will replace and supersede the president’s temporary measure.”

And what is Romney’s long-term solution? We don’t know because he isn’t saying.

Romney, with the media acting as a willing accomplice, has also lambasted Obama on gasoline prices.

In an interview on FOX News, Romney said there is “no question” that Obama was responsible for high gas prices.

But everyone knows that a sitting president has about as much control over gasoline prices as a meteorologist has over the weather.

The federal Energy Information

Center breaks down the cost of a gallon of regular gasoline this way: the cost of crude oil accounts for 76 percent, refining expenditures and profits are responsible for another 6 percent; George distribution marE. Curry keting and retail costs add 6 percent and taxes contribute 12 percent.

That reality notwithstanding, Romney was able to gain media coverage by pretending that President Obama, not market factors, dictates the price of gasoline.

The price of a gallon of regular gasoline peaked at $3.97 in April.

But that figure has since fallen to $3.41, a decline of 56 cents per gallon, according to the AAA. If Obama was at fault for the steep increase in gasoline prices, shouldn’t he now get credit for tumbling prices? Romney can’t have it both ways.

Finally, I don’t think a candidate’s religion should be fair game in most instances. That’s why I objected to the media trying to Velcro the outspoken Rev. Jeremiah Wright to candidate Barack Obama. Similarly, I have advised against focusing on Romney’s Mormonism during this presidential election – he has so many positions that make him vulnerable in November. The Obama camp should focus on his position – when Romney takes them – not his religion.

But if the media is going to hold Obama responsible for the statements of Rev. Wright, then Romney should be asked what he did to repudiate the church’s former teachings.

Although there were two black priests under Mormon founder Joseph Smith, his successor, Brigham Young, instituted a policy of excluding males of African descent from the priesthood. In 1949, he said, “What chance is there for the redemption of the Negro? The Lord had cursed Cain’s seed with blackness and prohibited them the Priesthood.” That policy remained in place until 1978.

Although religion is a deeply personal matter, you can bet your 2008 “Barack Obama for President” campaign button that Republicans will resurrect Jeremiah Wright’s comments this fall. And they will do it close to Election Day. Political maneuvering aside, journalists have a responsibility to press Romney to move past his carefully studied talking points. And they can do that by forcing him to share what he plans to do beyond criticizing President Obama.

(George E. Curry is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service. He can be reached through georgecurry. com.

Follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge.)

FACEBOOK FAN OF THE WEEK Steve Webster

Our TSD Facebook Fan of the Week is Steve Webster. Steve is originally from Philadelphia, Pa., but grew up in middle Tennessee, where he graduated from East Nashville Senior High School. He graduated from Lane College and also has a graduate degree in organizational management from Strayer University.

A real estate professional, a political and business consultant and a licensed educator, he describes himself as “a people person who loves children and (is) a strong advocate for my nieces and nephews.”

Says Webster: “I have a strong personality, so sensitive people beware!!” His favorite quote is, “Think twice and speak once!”

We appreciate Steve Webster and say thanks for being a part of the TSD Memphis family!

Now that Mitt Romney is the de facto nominee for the Republican Party, I have been reflecting on the state of the presidential race as it enters the final stretch. As a political strategist, I understand the necessity to run to the right during the Republican primary and then migrate to the center during the general election.

It is common knowledge that Romney has no intention of focusing on the black vote during the general election. From a raw political perspective, I agree with his approach, but from a strategic perspective, I totally disagree.

There is absolutely no question that President Barack Obama will get in excess of 90 percent of the black vote (in 2008 he received 96 percent). But this time he will receive 90 percent-plus of a smaller number of blacks; there will be fewer numbers of blacks voting because they are disillusioned with him. The first Obama run made history, his governing is a mystery when it comes to blacks.

Obama’s recent endorsement of homosexual marriage and support for amnesty for illegals has infuriated the black community. The NAACP, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, etc. have not represented the views of the average black for decades.

The NAACP will continue to hemorrhage support from within the black community. Many blacks are publicly withdrawing their memberships and support from this group.

Under-skilled blacks are livid that Obama wants to legalize more than 1 million new people into the workforce to compete with them for jobs. It’s hard enough competing with Americans for jobs, now you have to compete with those in the country illegally? Who in their right minds feeds the neighborhood while their own children are starving? Nobody, but Obama.

These issues give Romney an opportunity, by engaging with the black community, to reach out to white, suburban, middle-class women voters to let them know that the Republican Party is OK to support. In other words, these are the Independent voters who will determine the outcome of the election.

These voters want to support a candidate and party that are not “perceived” as racist or mean-spirited. So, by reaching out to blacks, they are signaling to these Independent voters that it is OK to vote Republican.

These voters don’t support homosexual marriage or amnesty for illegals, but they don’t want to see or hear harsh rhetoric, either.

Romney, are you aware that Obama has never met with any black entrepreneurs to discuss the high unemployment rate within the black community? When will you meet with black entrepreneurs to listen to them, not to preach to them?

Romney, when will you sit with black ministers who are with you in your opposition to homosexual marriage and under-skilled blacks who will be hurt by giving work permits to illegals?

Why are you going to address the NAACP and the National Urban League at their respective annual conventions this summer without obtaining concessions from them? Do you have any blacks on your campaign or consultants who can negotiate concessions on behalf of your campaign? For example, if these groups want you to speak before their membership, then they must have black Republicans as speakers and panelists or you won’t agree to speak.

Because Republicans typically have no diversity on their staffs, they don’t know to extract these types of concessions, nor can they afford to send a white staffer to do this. Republicans are the only people I know who will send a white male to speak to a group of women about women’s issues!

Romney, when you go before these black groups, will you also have a white speechwriter to draft your remarks? Anyone can write a great speech, but do they understand the nuances when talking with the black community?

This is why Republicans typically receive tepid responses when speaking before a black audience. Meanings are in people, not in words.

So, what I am saying to you, Romney, is that by engaging with the black community, you are simultaneously engaging Independent voters. You get a twofer out of this approach and you, being the businessman that you are, should see the potential for a nice return.

I would welcome your thoughts on this approach as a first step towards substantive engagement with the black community.

(Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. His website is: www.raynardjackson.com.)

NATION

Tri-State Defender

Young people sub new media for political elites

HBCUs and Black Press move to get to know each other – again NNPA News Service

by Freddie Allen WASHINGTON – It was a reunion of sorts. The presidents of seven Black colleges met African-American newspaper publishers for breakfast. The setting was the annual convention of the National Newspaper Publishers Association here and the goal was exploring ways to strengthen a partnership that predated the modern civil rights movement.

Now, as the federal government cuts education funding to colleges and universities and threatens to double the interest rates on student loans, Black college presidents are again turning to the Black Press for support.

“In the four years I served as president, we lost 50 percent of our state appropriations,” said George Cooper, recently retired president of South Carolina State University. “The budget decreased from $26 million to $11 million.” Ninety percent of the freshman students entering South Carolina State are eligible for Pell grants, said Cooper, meaning that their combined family income is less than $30,000.

Special guest…

President Barack Obama talks to a group of kids from Lenora Academy in Snellville, Ga., during a stop at the Varsity, a restaurant in Atlanta on Tuesday (June 26). (White House photo by Pete Souza)

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June 28 - July 4, 2012

Cooper suggested that the Black Press can help HBCUs convey their commitment and mission of providing access to opportunities to parents and students.

Black colleges and universities make up 3 percent of the higher education institutions in the U.S. but nearly 25 percent of the baccalaureate degrees are awarded to African Americans, said Cooper The Black Press, Cooper added, can also explain federal legislation affecting black colleges and students, including a proposal that could have doubled interest rates on subsidized Stafford college loans if Congress hadn’t acted. Lawmakers were forced to work on a rushed agreement to avoid the rate hike, based partly on political pressure and negative coverage in the media.

Cooper also urged publishers to create a virtual communications network with HBCU presidents.

Norman Francis, president of Xavier University in New Orleans, said he still gets asked if black colleges are even relevant today. The next civil rights revolution, he said, will be on education.

Claude Perkins, president of

(Clockwise from 2nd row) NNPA Chairman Cloves Campbell, President of Xavier University. Norman Francis, Fort Valley State University President Larry Rivers, Florida Memorial University President Henry Lewis III, Rev. R.B. Holmes, South Carolina State University President George Cooper (retired), Virginia Union University President Claude G. Perkins, Tuskegee University chief of staff Tamara Lee (interim), and Clark Atlanta University President Carlton Brown. (NNPA photo by Freddie Allen.

Virginia Union University in Richmond, invited the Black Press to “get to know us. You need to get to know who we are, what we do and what our values are.”

Even as university officials implored the publishers to open their pages to the ongoing financial plight of AfricanAmerican colleges, several of the publishers pushed back, noting that communication and effective partnerships live on a two-way street.

“We’re almost 190 years old,” said John Warren publisher of the San Diego Voice

and Viewpoint and the Florida Tribune. “We’ve been doing what we do a long time. We need your people to understand who we are and what we do from a standpoint of cooperation and not from a standpoint of second thought.”

(Freddie Allen is a NNPA News Service Washington Correspondent.)

(PRNewswire-USNewswire) – Contrary to the traditional notion of a technological divide, substantial numbers of young people across racial and ethnic groups are engaging in “participatory politics” – acts such as starting a political group online, circulating a blog about a political issue, or forwarding political videos to friends.

That finding is noted in “Participatory Politics: New Media and Youth Political Action, ” a new report by The MacArthur Research Network on Youth and Participatory Politics. The national survey questioned 3,000 young people, ages 15-25 on how they use the Internet, social media, and engage in politics.

Unlike traditional political acts, participatory acts are interactive, peer-based, and do not defer to elites or formal institutions. Key findings: White (96 percent), African American (94 per-

cent), Latino (96 percent) and Asian American (98 percent) youth report having access to a computer that connects to the Internet.

43 percent of white, 41 percent of African American, 38 percent of Latino, and 36 percent of Asian American youth participated in at least one act of participatory politics during the prior 12 months.

Taking into account participatory politics, institutional politics, and voting, engagement is highest among African-Amerian youth, with only 25 percent reporting no engagement in any form of political behavior, compared with 33 percent of whites, 40 percent of Asian Americans, and 43 percent of Latinos.

Survey respondents were asked, “Do you think people like you and your friends would benefit from learning more about how to tell if news and information you find online is trustworthy? “Yes” drew 84 percent.

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TECHNOLOGY

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Sustainability: AT&T makes its case with interactive report In the 2011 AT&T Sustainability Report, launched Monday (June 25) the company makes the case for how it is committed to improving our world and empowering consumers to do the same.

The report emphasizes the ways in which AT&T’s employees, networks and customers are working toward creating a more sustainable future. Key report highlights include: • Forty-two million dollars in annualized energy savings through more than 4,500 energy efficiency projects.

• A fulfilled $100 million commitment to AT&T’s Aspire education initiative, with the groundwork laid for an expanded $250 million commitment planned over five years, announced in 2012.

• Beginning the transition

of AT&T-branded accessory packaging to a plastic comprised of up to 30 percent plant-based materials.

As a testament to AT&T’s commitment to connecting customers and communities through sustainability, the company launched a first-ofits-kind interactive report that empowers consumers to engage, share, and at the same time, generate a donation to a community-improving nonprofit of their choice.

In Tennessee, the following was accomplished: • Through our energy management program, we realized more than 8.1 million k in annualized energy savings.

• Employees and retirees donated 234,000 hours of personal time to community outreach activities — worth more than $5.1 million.*

• More than $10 million contributed through corporate, employee and AT&T Foundation giving programs in our state from 2008 through 2011.

• AT&T invested nearly $1.3 billion in building out infrastructure in Tennessee from 2009 through 2011.

The report, which is hosted online at www.att.com/sustainabilityre port, enables visitors to explore an interactive “city” that is populated by narratives showcasing the ways people are using AT&T products and services to operate more sustainably. It also highlights work the company is doing to improve communities across the world.

(To watch a preview of the report, visit http://bit.ly/MRr8ci)

E-business boost for women-owned firms The Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at Southwest Tennessee Community College recently helped four women build their own web-based businesses.

TSBDC provided 15-week, business-building course sponsorships to the women, who demonstrated a need and willingness to set up and grow their own profitable e-businesses. Also key to the empowerment move were scholarships from SiteSell.org and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Along with one-onone counseling from TSBDC, the group had access to a SiteSell.org facilitator.

Jasmine Garner is developing an online business that sells plus-size fashions to teens and young women. “Af-

ter much frustration trying to find stylish clothing to fit me, I wanted to build a business to make it easier for women to find plus size clothing that was stylish and appealing,” Garner said.

Racheal Little’s philosophy is that parents are a child’s first teacher. She developed a website to help parents become more confident teachers for their traditional or home schooled children.

Gloria Singleton is offering customized furniture online.

She was the group’s senior member and was initially challenged by computer inexperience.

“However, her limited computer skills were no match for her perseverance and determination to successfully launch her website,

another e-business success secret,” said Facilitator Cozette Wallace of Divine Solutions for Leadership in Business.

Lasheka Orr, a registered nurse, is providing online and traditional instruction, as well as in-service training for certified nursing assistants and other healthcare professionals.

“Not often do you get the chance to develop a business idea, and fifteen weeks later you’re in business,” said David Doyle, executive director, TSBDC. (Just think, we’ve just created four new businesses and four new jobs.”

(For more, contact Cozette Wallace at 641-715-3800, access code: 88300 or visit www.Divine-Solutions.com.)

Tri-State Defender

BUSINESS

Tri-State Defender

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June 28 - July 4, 2012

‘My Sisters’ Keeper’ financial bootcamp set to kick off July 2 The National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW), Inc., Memphis Chapter is sponsoring its first “Sisters’ Keeper” Financial Bootcamp for African-American women beginning July 2 at Literacy Mid-South.

The Sisters’ Keeper program is a sixweek, structured financial bootcamp designed to assist African-American women with establishing and living on a budget, developing good saving and investment practices, understanding

and managing credit and debt, determining adequate insurance coverage, business development strategies and other areas of instruction that will change their financial destiny.

In Memphis, throughout the MidSouth and the country, the need for financial literacy is great, especially for African-American women, who in most cases serve as the “head of household” for their family. Critical issues such as home foreclosures, re-

duced earnings, increased child care and food costs and health care expenses make it extremely challenging for women to make ends meet.

The bootcamp program will give African-American women some of the tools they need to support dreams for a better financial future for themselves and their families. In addition, participants will receive free resources to continue their learning process after they have completed the program.

The program will be held at the Literacy Mid-South building, 902 South Cooper St. (Cooper Young area) each Tuesday beginning July 2 through Aug. 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Registration along with a $20 commitment fee is required for participation. The $20 commitment fee will be returned upon successful completion of the program.

The program is limited to the first 25-30 paid and committed African-

American women who meet requirements. To apply or get additional information, contact Bettye Boone at 901-831-8739 or email the organization at NCBWMemphis@yahoo.com or visit the website at www.ncbwmemphis.org. Application deadline is Friday, June 29.

For more information, contact Cecily Moses at 901-881-0785 or Bettye Boone, president, NCBW Memphis Chapter, at 901-831-8739.

‘Legacy of Excellence’ honors for Andrew Young and Danny Bakewell

Prepare your kids for summer job expenses

NNPA Editor and Chief

by Jason Alderman

by George E. Curry ATLANTA – Former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young and Danny J. Bakewell Sr., the National Newspaper Publishers Association chairman emeritus and executive publisher of the Los Angeles Sentinel and the LA Watts Times, were presented with NNPA’s Legacy of Excellence Awards last Friday night (June 22) in recognition of their lifelong work, courage, commitment, sacrifice and achievements.

The awards were presented as part of NNPA’s annual convention.

NNPA Chairman Cloves Campbell Jr. said the organization’s Legacy Awards hold special meaning for African Americans.

“When you’re recognized by the Black Press, you’re recognized by the No. 1 media source in America for Black folks,” Campbell said.

Young, executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) under Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., later served as mayor of Atlanta, a U.S. Congressman representing the 5th District of Georgia and United States Ambassador to the United Nations under President Jimmy Carter.

“Every major issue in your lifetime and mine has been defined and developed and pushed not from the top down, but from the bottom up,” Young said in his acceptance speech.

“It’s your work to kind of turn up a vision for the world that we are now facing.”

A major part of that vision includes the continent of Africa, whose 1 billion people (14.7 percent of the world’s population) and 11.7 million square miles (20 percent of the world’s land) are second only to Asia.

“Six of the fastest 10 growing countries in the world are on the African continent,” Young explained.

“And I just got back from Gabon (on the west coast of Africa) and I heard white folks get up and say that if the world keeps growing at its present growth rate, in 25 years, the largest middle class on the planet will not be in China, will not be in India – it will be in Africa.”

Young, who formerly sat on the board of Delta Airlines, noted that the airline’s most profitable routes were from Atlanta to Lagos, Nigeria and to Johannesburg, South Africa.

He also noted that part of Coca-

Church Leaders:

Cola’s early success was because it recognized Africa as a viable market.

Consequently, it is easier to purchase Coca-Cola in some parts of Africa than buying bottled water.

“We have to help America learn how to do business in Africa now and the best way to do business is to learn to do business in the inner cities,” Young said. “That is also a growing middle class.”

Young presented a challenge to African-American publishers.

“Looking at the economy of the future, the only answer is the Black Press helping to connect these dots so that the white press can realize that their future is with Barack Obama,” said Young.

Bakewell, who served as chairman of NNPA from 2009-11, was praised for lifting the organization from the brink of insolvency to amassing a treasury that exceeded $1 million.

Walter Smith, chief executive officer of the New York Beacon, said the NNPA had little money, low public visibility and the organization’s prestige was at an all-time low when Bakewell took over.

“Danny’s tenure as chairman of NNPA was one of NNPA’s finest hours,” said Smith. “But to Danny, it was just another episode in the life of a committed, dynamic community servant.”

Bakewell tried to deflect the effusive praise, saying he was successful because NNPA publishers chose to coalesce around his leadership.

“I asked you to trust me – and you did – and I asked you to support me,” said Bakewell. “And I asked you to make sure that you made a commitment for all of us to be on the same page about the power of the Black Press.”

Bakewell marshaled the power of the Black Press when Toyota slighted African Americans.

Last year, many African-American newspapers published Bakewell’s open letter to Toyota, criticizing the auto giant for placing ads in whiteowned media thanking customers for standing by it during a safety recall, but bypassing black-owned newspapers and advertising agencies.

Where was Toyota’s loyalty to its African-American customers, asked Bakewell, rhetorically.

“Thanking their customers is a smart move on Toyota’s behalf and one that I applaud. However, we can’t overlook the fact that black people represent almost 10 percent of Toyota’s American market share, and

NNPA News Service

Ambassador Andrew Young (center) Accepts Legacy Award from NNPA Chairman Cloves Campbell Jr. and Xernona Clayton.

(NNPA photo by Freddie Allen)

Danny J. Bakewell Sr.: “Our responsibility is making life better for our people.” with a $1.2 billion annual advertising budget, it is not unreasonable for the Black Press to always expect to have a stake in Toyota’s advertising (including Black advertising agencies),” said Bakewell “Nevertheless, black newspapers were left off Toyota’s latest marketing campaign, sending a clear and direct message that the black consumer is still being taken for granted and black people are still being disrespected and undervalued.”

Toyota got the message and began

advertising with African-American media.

“Toyota since then has been a very good partner,” Bakewell said. He listed other NNPA partners – AT&T, Nielsen, General Motors, Ford, and Wells Fargo – who came aboard without any acrimony.

“We represent 25 percent of the market share of many of these companies,” Bakewell said. “They have billion dollar budgets and can’t advertise with us. How does that make any sense?”

ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

Empowering the African-American community, starting with public Health Part 2

Churches are social service agencies, particularly in the AfricanAmerican community, says the Rev. Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson, pastor/CEO of Saint Andrew African Methodist Episcopal Church. He expounds on that concept and more in the conclusion to a two-part “On Our Way To Wealthy” conversation.

Carlee McCullough: What are you doing as it relates to improving the awareness of physical health in our community that is different from others?

The Rev. Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson: I see public health very broadly.

The health of the public begins with basic services. You cannot be a healthy community if there is no access to food. We support the Memphis Food Bank by serving over 35,000 meals every year. Two years ago the church donated the space on the corner of South Parkway and Mississippi for the establishment of a South Memphis Farmer’s Market addressing the food desert in South Memphis by providing affordable fruits and vegetables. Residents now frequently take a taxi or several buses to get to a grocery store. Food is foundational.

We have provided new tennis shoes to children in need so that they can start school on time and not be embarrassed by their inadequate footwear. This is also a public health issue. This becomes a critical issue to

Carlee McCullough

Kenneth S. Robinson

not only children, but adults and their families.

When we talk about health, my congregation has adopted a healthy eating philosophy. We cook and serve healthy meals with healthy alternatives at the church. It is often said the unhealthiest meal of the week is the one that is served at church. We have tried to counter that trend by offering vegetables, baked and broiled food. In addition we have health promotions as well as Zumba classes twice a week for our members and community visitors.

Issues of mental health and family health are huge in the sense that we recognize the need to provide comprehensive counseling for children, married couples and families on site and through referrals. Through our family life center we provide alcohol and substance abuse counseling and referrals. We have a very active program, which offers intervention and counseling to women of child-bearing age at risk for HIV and AIDS.

We offer prevention and counseling program. We work with other churches and institutions to provide training to those working with people living with HIV and AIDS in our community. We work with adolescents on pregnancy prevention. We help women make good and healthy decisions.

CM: Tell us about your initiative to create vibrant communities with public/private partnership in Memphis?

Rev. Dr. Robinson: I am delighted that the Plough Foundation recently awarded us a $250,000 grant to turn the house into a permanent South Memphis Farmer’s Market, which will include placing a small green grocery store, and also placing a small demonstration kitchen in that facility. This will help residents in South Memphis learn how to not only buy healthy but also cook more healthily.

A hallmark of my ministry is making the point that churches are 501(c)3 social service agencies, particularly in African-American communities. Traditionally and historically we have fed, clothed and educated the masses. Over the years, we have received millions of dollars of support from the Department of Health and Education to create the kinds of programs that we have been talking about that have public purposes but that can be administered by the faith community when we are not using public dollars for the purpose of proselytizing.

We are showing our faith by our works even when we cannot with public funds do biblical preaching and teaching. It is about our presence in the community that provides services that are a public function. An example of that would be our afterschool programs or housing programs, which are federally and state funded. We have the Farmer’s Market, the Child Care center, the Circles of Success Learning Academy, and the residential component, which has permanently changed the face of South Memphis and it was done with private investment.

(The) South Memphis Revitalization Action Plan, which is a survey of what residents feel should be done in the area…is a 240-page document created by the residents. It has been adopted by the City Council. It has created a wonderful template for future funding by private sector.

CM: Any closing remarks?

Rev. Dr. Robinson: The St. Andrew Enterprise has been delighted to attract members from all over the tri-state region who have embraced both what the congregation offers them, but also what the services and works profile that they can offer the community. “Ministering to Memphis: Spirit, Soul and Body” is our theme.

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

High school and college students hoping to find temporary jobs may be in for a tough time this summer – once again – as they compete with older, more experienced workers in a still-struggling economy. But if your kid is fortunate enough to find work, there are a few things he or she – and you – should know about the economic and tax ramifications of temporary employment: Payroll deductions. If this is their first job, warn your kids about common payroll deductions that can take a big bite out of takehome pay. Common culprits include state and federal income taxes, Social Security and Medicare (FICA), health and unemployment insurance, uniforms and union dues.

When starting a new job your child will be asked to fill out IRS Form W-4, the Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate.

Employers use this form to determine how much income tax should be withheld from your paycheck. The form’s instructions help determine how many personal allowances can be claimed.

Note: If you claim your children as dependents and they earn less than $5,950 during 2012, they probably won’t owe any income tax for the year. If so, they can request that employers not withhold income taxes by claiming an “exemption from withholding” on Line 7 of the W-4. However, if you notice on their year-end W-2 form that the employer did indeed withhold federal and state income taxes, your child must file a tax return to get a refund.

Self-employed status. Many teens start their working careers by being self-employed, doing part-time jobs like babysitting, yard work or housekeeping. It’s important to know that this income is also subject to income tax.

If their self-employment net earnings exceed $400 in 2012, your kids also must pay self-employment tax, even if they owe no income tax. This tax is similar to the Social Security and Medicare taxes that get withheld from regular wages. Self-employment tax is assessed at 13.3 percent of net self-employment income reported.

The IRS provides a handy guide called “Taxable Income for Students” guide that explains what types of income are and are not taxable (www.irs.gov). For example, tips, bank account interest and certain scholarship-paid expenses (such as room and board) must be reported as taxable income.

IRA contributions. Retirement is probably the last thing on your teenager’s mind, but you should know that they are allowed to open and contribute earned income up to $5,000 to an IRA each year. If you or the grandparents want to make a down payment on your kid’s future, consider funding an IRA. For teens it usually makes sense to open a Roth IRA as opposed to a traditional IRA. Here’s why: With a Roth, you pay tax on the contributions that year – and kids are usually in the lowest tax bracket. Then, contributions and investment earnings grow tax-free forever. With a traditional IRA, you make pretax contributions but pay income tax on withdrawals at retirement – usually at a much higher tax rate.

If someone opened a Roth IRA at age 16 and contributed only $1,000 a year, the account could be worth over $300,000 by age 60.

Sit down with your kid and play around with the Roth IRA Calculator at www.dinkytown.net – it’s a great way to teach the importance of compound earnings.

(Special to the NNPA from the Pasadena Journal) (Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Practical Money.)

RELIGION

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Tri-State Defender

June 28 - July 4, 2012

LIVING THE LIFE I LOVE

Vain? No! Curious? Yes, with revelations around the bend

Dear Lucy: Recently I went to my 40th high school class reunion. Can you imagine that? We are all rapidly approaching 60 and all I heard or saw were wheelchairs, talk of high blood pressure, diabetes, strokes, bald heads, disappointments over children and jobs and it just made me sick. I am not physically ill, but I swear I looked at least ten years older than everyone there. In the last few years, I seem to be aging so fast and just looking so old. Am I just being vain?

Maybe I should just be glad that I am healthy.

– Signed, BBD Dear BBD: This is the season for reunions. I have never been to one in my entire life, so I may not be the one to talk about this! Actually, I graduated from a high school in Illinois and they probably can’t find me.

That’s as good an excuse as any, huh? But, I do know that like everyone else I am bombarded by talk of aging and disease from every possible angle.

We have grown up with TV and

movie personalities who have to endure our scrutiny of their aging on the covers of tabloids. When we open our email page the right side of the page is full of ads for wrinkle free miracles and “sage” advice Lucy from people who Shaw weigh all of 98 pounds, have reached the ripe old age of 24, make more money in a few months than you ever dreamed of in a lifetime and invite you to tune in and “trend” what’s going on in their lives. America watches TV reality shows peopled by folk trying desperately to avoid reality.

We live in an interesting time. But then, my grandmother used to say the same thing...the world is going to hell in a hand basket. Well, maybe not.

This is a great time to be alive. And yes, there are many unfortunate cir-

cumstances and diseases as a result of stress and lifestyle. There are also amazing strides in the availability of information to help counteract the ravages of these things.

To have finished high school 40 years ago was no small accomplishment. Doing so in the early 70’s was an opportune time. I happen to believe that while it may be true that genes have a lot to do with some aging and health factors, I also know from experience that attitude goes a very long way in creating and sustaining a certain quality of life.

If you are finding yourself beginning to age more rapidly as evidenced by your looks, consider these questions remembering “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine”: Are you genuinely looking forward to each day?

Are you savoring every moment, every meal, every sunrise and sunset, every smile, every encounter?

Are you waking up everyday anticipating what you will learn new?

Have you set a goal to develop that area of your life that you never be-

fore believed you could have, or deserve or desire?

Are you turning desires into goals that you can set and accomplish every day?

Are you giving yourself credit for the lifetime of valuable experience and learning that you can share and use to enrich the lives of others?

Are you taking inventory of the lines on your face that represent the times you laughed to keep from crying, or the time you laughed when things were just downright silly, stupid and deserving to be laughed at?

All wrinkles don’t deserve a bad rap!

A few years ago, I noticed that more and more people were saying “yes, ma’am” to me. I looked in the mirror and darned if I hadn’t started to look old enough to be my sons’ Mom and those other little people’s grandmother! My looks changed. My state of mind, however, is still vibrant and more curious with each passing day. I believe that I should be able to walk quickly, stand erect, feel and look beautiful, speak with earned authority, enjoy every meal as I eat

sensibly, laugh when I am tickled, cry when I want to and give out of the overflow of God’s great abundance in my life.

Like everyone else, I have no idea what’s in store for me. But, I do know that every day will be used to appreciate this awesome gift of life and learn, learn, learn as by God’s grace I am allowed to give, give, give.

You are not being vain, just curious...and that always leads to new revelations.

Be blessed, 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.)

SBC hands its reigns to first African-American The Rev. Fred Luter, pastor of New Orleans’ Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, is settling in as the new president of the 16-million-member Southern Baptist Convention after his recent election during the group’s annual meeting in New Orleans.

Luter, 55, is the first African American elected president of the group.

He said the lesson of his election (June 19) is the importance of faith.

“Why me out of all the thousands and thousands of preachers in this city and state and nation?,” he asked.

“I believe it’s not because I’ve accomplished so much; I just believe it’s because of the faithfulness of God and that He has honored me because of my faithfulness.”

According to the Annual Church Profile, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has approximately 15 million U.S. members and of those, an estimated one million members are African Americans. The selection of an African-American minister for the highest post in the SBC has particular relevance because of how the convention was founded nearly 167

years ago. The SBC was created in 1845, when participants decided to leave the Northern Baptists because they beRev. Fred lieved slavery Luter was biblically just.

Many, including Luter, have difficulty believing the racial injustices perpetrated by SBC churches and their members.

“I’ve been in this thing four years now,” he said. “I don’t feel a need to leave. All of us got a past. All we can do is apologize about those things and move on.”

The SBC is well aware of its racist history and in recent years has made moves – big and small – to address its past and shape its future. In 2011, the convention passed a measure calling for more ethnic diversity in their leadership ranks; in 1995, they formally apologized “to all AfricanAmericans’ for their past stance on slavery.

Holy St. Johns’ Day...

Judge Otis Higgs (second from right) and Paul Mondie Jr. (center) – both 33rd Degree Prince Hall Masons – were honored last Sunday (June 24) as Prince Hall Masonry in Tennessee celebrated its Annual Holy St. Johnsʼ Day Program at New Life Missionary Baptist Church. Also pictured (lr): Brother Michael G. Floyd, ESQ., RW President Bobby C. Pearson Sr., and MW Grand Master Arvin W. Glass. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

PRAISE CONNECT -A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-

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

—John 13:34

METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH

767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126

ASSOCIATE MINISTERS

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

Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., Pastor

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

“Ministering to Memphis-Spirit, Soul and Body”

TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

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

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.

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

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

9 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

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

—Revelation 1:8

Tri-State Defender

RELIGION

June 28 - July 4, 2012

Pastors ban gang colors and clothing from funerals NNPA News Service

by Helen Silvis

After a gang killing, the victim’s friends and associates often show up to the funeral decked out in gang attire. And the display can spark more violence, in the neighborhood or even at the funeral itself.

Now, a group of about 30 pastors from about 20 churches in Portland, Ore. want to make funerals gangfree zones, by banning the colors, clothing and music associated with gangs, during funerals. The pastors said they don’t want to exclude anyone, but have been motivated by the ancient idea of Sanctuary.

Churches are sacred, ground where everyone can gather and leave conflict outside, said Rev. T. Alan Bethel, pastor of Maranatha Church of God.

No matter how the pastors differ in doctrine or belief, he said, “All of us have within

“We want you to be safe from all intimidation whenever you come to a service in any houses of faith.

We believe that there is decorum to be held inside of our houses of faith, inside of our sanctuaries.”

Rev. T. Alan Bethel

our charges something about the safety of people, something of the spiritual wellbeing of all….We want you to be safe from all intimidation whenever you come to a service in any houses of faith.

“We believe that there is decorum to be held inside of our houses of faith, inside of

our sanctuaries.”

The pastors say they have created a “Covenant For Violence, or Gang Related, Funerals,” and have issued a document that spells out the new rules. Pastors will meet with the victims’ families and make sure that song lyrics, clothing and speakers at funerals all meet the agreed, “standards of decorum.”

They say victims can’t be dressed in gang colors or insignias. And funeral attendees should not wear hats, clothing or colors associated with gangs, “such as royal blue, orange, green, or red.”

I’m very glad to see the faith leaders coming together to support an initiative that’s very important to our kids and our families,” said Darryl Dixon, chief diversity officer with Multnomah County.

(Special to the NNPA from the Skanner News)

‘The Excellency of Knowledge’…

New Macedonia Baptist Church hosted the Johnson/Carter 2nd Annual Scholarship Award Dinner at St. John Fellowship Hall, 3131 Chelsea Ave., last Friday (June 22). School Board Commissioner Stephanie Gatewood (second from left) was the guest speaker. Elise Preston (right) of WREG-TV narrated the awards dinner, with presentations by Dr. Linda Plummer Ward (l). Bishop K.D. Johnson Sr. is the senior pastor. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

RELIGION BRIEFS

Believe the HYPE at New Macedonia Baptist

The HYPE (Helping Young People Excel) ministry at New Macedonia Baptist Church will host a youth conference on July 13-15 at the church at 1645 Carpenter St. The event is dubbed HYPE Conference 2012!!! The theme is “I’m Chosen and Anointed”!

The featured artists will be Mr. Dale, who also will be a guest speaker, and the up-andcoming MKJ. On July 14, the conference will include a continental breakfast, entertainment, as well a forum of panelists addressing topics such as sex, youth violence, and being a christian in today’s society. Sunday (July 15) will be feature the praise and worship service.

The host pastor is Bishop K.D. Johnson Sr. For more information, 901-229-9035.

Castalia to note pastor’s 14 years

Castalia Baptist Church, 1540 Castalia St., will celebrate Pastor and Wife’s 14th Anniversary with two services on July 8.

The Rev. Dr. Randolph Meade Walker is pastor.

At the 8 a.m. service, the guest speaker will be Dr. Eric Winston, pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. The Mt. Zion Baptist Church Praise Team will be the guest choir.

The Rev. Ralph White, pastor of Bloomfield Baptist Church, will be the guest speaker at the 11 a.m. service.

BRIEFLY: The Jehovah’s Witnesses 2012 “Safeguard Your Heart” District Convention continues June 29-July 1 and July 6-8 at the Memphis Cook Convention. Admission is free and the public is invited.

DEADLINE

Deadline for all religion articles is Monday, 5 p.m. Send items to Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale St., Suite 200; Memphis, TN 38103, Email items to editorial@tri-statedefender.com. Call (901) 523-1818 for details.

Page 9

ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, June 28 - July 4, 2012, Page 10

WHAT’S HAPPENING MYRON?

Read, laugh and get into the (Robin) Thicke of it!

Do you love books? Well, so do I! That’s why I created the What’s Happening Myron Book Club. Our current selection is “Fifty Shades of Grey”

by E.L. James.

Set largely in Seattle, it is the Myron first of a trilogy Mays that traces the relationship between a college graduate and a young business magnate, Christian Grey.

It’s pretty explicit, if you like that kind of thing. However, I’ve actually

gotten about a quarter of the way through it and it’s pretty interesting so far.

The next book club meeting is July 7 at McAlisters at Poplar and Highland at 4 p.m. We will not only discuss this book, but will choose another book for the next month as well. You still have plenty of time to pick up a copy and join us.

Bartlett Comedy Spot

Comedian Steve Brown makes his way to the Bartlett Comedy Spot this weekend for multiple big shows beginning Friday night (June 29).

Born in Detroit and raised in

Tuscaloosa, Ala., Brown has also traveled and performed with the likes of J. Anthony Brown, Eddie Griffin, Martin Lawrence, Bill Bellamy and Rickey Smiley. No matter who takes the stage before or after him, his act is a tough one to precede or to follow.

The Bartlett Comedy Spot is located at 5709 Raleigh-LaGrange. For more information, call (901) 5903620.

One last note

It’s going to be another actionpacked weekend for yours truly. I feel like I’m on tour.

I’ll be helping to celebrate the

birthdays of a couple of good friends of mine, Carolyn Wooten from Coldwater, Miss., and my good friend and brother, Toye Bogard. Earlier that afternoon, I will be hanging out at the Peabody for the Romance on the Rooftop Daytime Party, featuring Robin Thicke from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Yes, I will be armed with my camera and tape recorder and will report back to you on next week with the 411. 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.)

Kurtis Blow, the first rapper to earn a gold record, found adoring fans aplenty at the Ultimate Family Reunion. (Photos by Warren Roseborough)

Down-to-earth Kurtis Blow anchors Ultimate Family Reunion Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Myron Mays

It’s always great to hang out with family, even if it’s a few thousand members.

This past Saturday (June 23) was absolutely wonderful at the 103.5 WRBO Ultimate Family Reunion. Although the sun was shining bright and working at full capacity, it was a fun-packed evening filled with music, dancing and fellowship. We enjoyed performances by local artists Devin Crutcher, Kevin Davidson, as well a seven year old, Eddie Starks Jr., whom you soon will be hearing more about.

Shouts out to my colleague, DJ Kevaunjay, who kept the crowd hyped with songs that personify what real family reunions are all about.

“It went very well,” said WRBO Program Director Earle Augustus. “I was very pleased as to the amount of listeners who came out and showed love to our station, both young, old and even inbetween. We look forward to doing it again next year!”

The headliner was Kurtis Blow, who performed his string of hits. Surprisingly, off stage he was a real down to earth guy. Not that I expected him to be anything other than approachable, but here’s a guy who has accomplished so much in his music career. Blow was the first rapper to have a gold record and the first featured in a commercial (for Sprite back in the mid 80’s).

OK, maybe I’m the only one who remembers that besides him.

But you get my point – the man is legendary.

I made sure I told him how

David Turner was an attention-getter with this act.

The local artists included Devin Crutcher.

Keia Johnson was a crowdpleaser.

“Krush Groove” was probably my favorite hip-hop movie. The 1985 Warner Bros. film was based on Def Jam Recordings’ formulative years. Blair Underwood, in his first feature movie, manned the role of up-and-coming record producer Russell Walker, who was modeled after the real-life Russell Simmons.

Walker had corralled the hottest acts on his Krush Groove record label, including Run-D.M.C., Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde (Alonzo Brown), and Kurtis Blow.

I told Blow, who I always pictured as being a little taller than I found him to be, the story of how my mother was among his biggest fans. Back in 1986, she had a picture of him – taken from an issue of Right On Magazine – in a frame on the wall in her room. She’s gonna kill me for that one.

The Ultimate Family Union was fun-packed and rewarding for all ages.