8 1 2012

VOL. 61, No. 30

July 26 - August 1, 2012

www.tsdmemphis.com

75 Cents

Waiting to enroll students a bigger headache this year MCS: registration requirements to get stricter enforcement

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Dena L. Owens

It’s back-to-school time!

For parents, beyond buying school clothing and supplies, that’s a whistle

signaling them to get the proper documents in hand to register their children.

Registration day is “top priority” for most parents, but there are those who lag around, waiting until after Labor Day to get their children registered and enrolled.

This year, Memphis City Schools cautions parents that district schools will more closely monitor and enforce requirements needed to enroll

students. MCS registration day is Tuesday, July 31; classes start Monday, Aug. 6.

“We urge parents to provide the correct documentation on the front end,” said William White, executive director, MCS Department of Research, Evaluation, Assessment and Student Information. “There will be strong enforcement of requirements, so parents need to know that if their children do not meet the require-

ments, they will not be allowed to enroll.”

Waiting to enroll a child is disruptive and problematic, to say the least.

Teachers, principals, and most importantly, children are interrupted by waiting.

Delayed enrollment causes teachers to change a path on a planned curSEE SCHOOLS ON PAGE 6

TSD breaks out Best In Black Awards The New Tri-State Defender

Who has the best hot wings in Memphis? What about soul food?

What is the best barbershop in Memphis? How about beauty salon? What nail salon tops all others?

These are questions that come up in conversations throughout Memphis.

Now – thanks to the creativity of TSD Publisher and President Bernal E. Smith II – there is a platform for the public to weigh-in on these questions and make their choices known.

The inaugural Best In Black Awards hosted by The New Tri-State Defender will shine a light upon some of the best African-American businesses, community organizations and entrepreneurs in the Mid-South. The BIB Awards mission is to celebrate African-American owned and supported businesses in the Mid-South, serving as a marketing and recognition platform for those same companies while ultimately encouraging the community’s next generation of business leaders. The BIB Awards will also give the community a true voice in identifying and elevating those businesses most deserving of the community’s support.

“It’s a creative way to poll the community about the businesses and organizations that they most support while identifying those companies with the best brands and reputations,” said Smith.

SEE BEST ON PAGE 2

- INSIDE -

• The end of AIDS – is it reality or myth? See Opinion, page 4.

• Special report: Youth and sexual risk. See Nation, page 5.

• Polls show more nondenominational believers.

See Religion, page 9.

• Mind games: The mental connection to physical fitness. See Health, page 14.

MEMPHIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

H- 9 4o - L - 7 4o H- 9 3o - L - 7 3o Scat. T-Storms Partl y Cl ou dy REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS

Friday H-98 L-75 H-90 L-72 H-92 L-73

SUNDAY

H- 9 3o - L - 7 3o Mo stl y Sun ny

Saturday H-97 L-74 H-91 L-69 H-92 L-72

Sunday H-97 L-75 H-92 L-72 H-93 L-71

Mohammed Alzandani (right) and DeʼAngelo Blair have morphed into a team at C&S Groceries & Market at Lakeview and Brooks Road in Whitehaven. (Photo by Shirley Jackson)

Yemen-born grocer defies stereotypes Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Tony Jones

When he decided to throw a “come one, come all” block party for his store’s regular customers earlier this month, Lotf Alkabash, the owner of C&S Groceries & Market at Lakeview and Brooks Road in Whitehaven, had no intent of making a political statement.

Known as “Mike” to his regular customers, the free barbecue ran from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and was an indication of Alkabash’s connection to the community, something many see as sadly missing these days.

Back in April, native Memphian and former mayor of Washington, D.C, Marion Barry, now city councilman for Ward 8, scorched the nation’s news imprint with a fiery comment he had made about stores owned by Asian proprietors in his district.

“We got to do something about these Asians coming in and opening up businesses

C&S Groceries & Market owner Lotf Alkabash, known as “Mike” to his regular customers, says “people are just people.” (Photo by Tony Jones) and dirty shops,” Barry was quoted as saying, adding, “They ought to go. I’m going to say that right now. But we need African-American businesspeople to be able to take their places, too.”

Though he later apologized for the comment, Barry’s statement brought to light a common sentiment in the African-American

National Survey:

Voter ID support strongest in those with negative attitudes toward African Americans Support for voter identification laws is strongest among Americans who harbor negative sentiments toward African Americans is a key relevation in a new National Agenda Opinion Poll by the University of Delaware’s Center for Political Communication.

Voter ID laws require individuals to show government issued identification when they vote. The survey findings support recent comments

by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, who has portrayed a Texas photo ID law now being challenged as similar to poll taxes used in the Jim Crow era, primarily by Southern states, to block African Ameri-

cans from voting. Holder pledged to oppose “political pretexts” which, he said, “disenfranchise” AfricanAmerican voters.

The national telephone survey of 906 Americans was conducted by the University of Delaware’s Center for Political Communication from May 20-June 6, 2012. Research faculty David C. Wilson and Paul Brewer supervised the study, as states and the federal government confront the voter ID issue.

To assess attitudes toward African Americans, all non-African Americans respondents in the poll were SEE ID ON PAGE 2

community about rude and nasty immigrant store owners, especially in smaller, poorer communities where human interaction and emotions are less muted.

And then again, there’s “Mike,” whose customers say he belies such stereotyping.

SEE STORE ON PAGE 3

NEWS

Page 2

Tri-State Defender

July 26 - August 1, 2012

About the study

The National Agenda Opinion Project research was funded by the University of Delawareʼs Center for Political Communication (CPC) and the UNIDEL Foundation.

The study was supervised by the CPCʼs Coordinator for Public Opinion Initiatives, David C. Wilson, an associate professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations, and the CPCʼs Assistant Director for Research, Paul Brewer, a professor in the Department of Communication.

ID

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

asked a series of questions (see Appendix). Responses to these questions were combined to form a measure of “racial resentment.” Researchers found that support for voter ID laws is highest among those with the highest levels of “racial resentment” (see Figure1).

“These findings suggest that Americans’ attitudes about race play an important role in driving their views on voter ID laws,” said Brewer, the center’s as-

BEST

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

A dynamic new website – www.bestinblackawards.com – has been designed to extend the BIB Awards concept to the community.

The public is invited to visit the website and nominate businesses in 45 BEST categories. Nominations will close on July 31, 2012, with the kickoff for voting on Aug. 1.

All businesses nominated in each category will be posted such that the public can vote for their favorites. Voting ends at midnight on Aug. 15.

The top three vote getters in each category will be invited to the Best in Black Awards Reception and Presentation at the Cannon Center on

sociate director for research.

The survey reveals strong partisan and ideological divisions on racial resentment (see Figure 2). Republicans and conservatives have the highest “racial resentment” scores, and Democrats and liberals have the lowest; Independents and moderates are in the middle.

In addition, Democrats and liberals are least supportive of voter ID laws,

whereas Republicans and conservatives are most supportive. The link between “racial resentment” and support for such laws persists even after controlling for the effects of partisanship, ideology, and a range of demographic variables.

“Who votes in America has always been controversial; so much so that the U.S. constitution has been amended a number of times to protect

Aug. 30. This black-carpet, black-tie event will announce and recognize the 2012 Best in Black winners based on the vote of the people!

Starting at 6:15 p.m., the TSD will host a VIP reception for nominees, sponsors and special guest, then promptly at 7:30 the awards show will begin. It will be an energetic evening showcasing local Memphis musical talent between the presentations of the most popular Best in Black Award categories.

Event sponsors include Allstate Insurance, Comcast, and Real Times Media, Inc. Additional sponsorship and advertising opportunities are still available. Details are available at www.bestinblackawards.com or by calling 901-523-1818.

“In a city such as Memphis, which has an over 70 percent African-Amer-

ican population, a robust business, non-profit and entrepreneurial community, and a deep well of culture and history, creating this sort of platform, was something that was truly long overdue,” said Smith, who is excited about this year’s event and its potential going forward.

“I’ve observed similar platforms done by other publications in the area and they all seem to mostly exclude the majority of African-American owned companies, which are mostly service and retail-related businesses.

It is our intention to build a dynamic annual ‘contest’ and event in which the Greater Memphis community can both anticipate and participate each year,” said Smith.

Nominations have already begun to roll in on the website. There is also a Facebook page, www.facebook.com/

voting eligibility and rights,” said Wilson, the center’s coordinator of public opinion initiatives and an expert on race and public opinion.

“It comes as no surprise that Republicans support these laws more than Democrats; but, what is surprising is the level at which Democrats and liberals also support the laws.”

Here, CPC researchers found an interesting pattern in the data: it is De-

mocrats and liberals whose opinions on voter ID laws are most likely to depend on their racial attitudes. Republicans and conservatives overwhelmingly support voter ID laws regardless of how much “racial resentment” they express. In contrast, Democrats and liberals with the highest “racial resentment” express much more support for voter ID laws than those with the least resentment (see Figure 3).

BestinBlackAwards, along with information at www.tsdmemphis.com and at www.facebook.com/ tristatedefender.

The public is invited to jump on in at www.bestinblackawards.com, enter nominations and then return to vote beginning Aug. 1.

“This will be an incredible platform for acknowledging individuals and businesses that the community says are the best,” said a jubilant Smith.

“The event on Aug. 30th will spotlight the best and brightest and provide opportunities for networking while also giving local groups and performing artists opportunities to showcase their talents. This will truly be one of Memphis’ premier events!”

Real Times Media, Inc, The New TriState Defender is one of the longest continuously published AfricanAmerican newspapers in the South.

Under the leadership of its new President and Publisher, Bernal E. Smith II, the company is undergoing a transformation into a progressive multi-media business. Through a combination of its print newspaper, website, events, digital publications and social media pages, The New Tri-State Defender reaches over 35,000 readers each week. The TSD mission is to use its dynamic print publications, events and online digital portals to inform, inspire and elevate the quality of life of its growing audience while serving as the primary vehicle for reaching African Americans in the Greater Memphis market.)

(A wholly owned subsidiary of

NEWS

Tri-State Defender

Page 3

July 26 - August 1, 2012

Law firm plans clinics to help tardy taxpayers

DeʼAngelo Blair (right), in his second year of studying to become an air traffic controller at Middle Tennessee State University. Along the way, heʼs learning customer service at C&S Groceries & Market at Lakeview and Brooks Road in Whitehaven. (Photo by Shirley Jackson)

STORE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Now 29, Alkabash was six when he came to America from Yemen with his parents, 12 when he began working in their store in Orange Mound, and 18 when began running it.

Throngs of customers came through for the block party (July 7), a testament to his everyday-guy way of taking care of business.

“Tan Power!” he jokingly laughs, briefly touching upon the issues of race, racism and politics.

“We’re from the mountains, so you can imagine what coming to America was like,” he said. “But I grew up in ‘The Mound.’ To me, people are just people. You’re always going to

find some people you like and some people you don’t like wherever you go.”

The idea for the block party was a natural for him, he said.

“I’m just trying to make it like everybody else, and I thought it would be a good thing for the customers to have a good day in the store. I couldn’t make a living without them.”

Carrying a regular crew of four to six, C&S has dominated its corner for nearly 50 years. It’s a working person’s spot, running on a successful formula of ice-cold beer, beverages, pick-up items and a hot grill selling breakfast and lunch sandwiches. The Tennessee Lottery brings in regular customers and a couple of neighborhood guys come in and pick up a few dollars or a

meal cleaning up.

The evening shift is run by Alkabash’s recently immigrated 16-year-old cousin, Mohammed Alzandani (known as “Mo Fo Sho”), a tenth grader at Central High School, and 21-year-old Deangelo Blair, now in his second year of studying to become an air traffic controller at Middle Tennessee State University.

Alzandani was too shy for an interview, so Blair recalled how they morphed into a team.

“I was a freshman at Melrose when I met Mike,” said Blair. “I started out cleaning up, then managing (the Orange Mound store) and came down here when he got this store.

They’re just regular guys trying to make a living. They’re hardworking dudes, we’re good.”

Recently, a “mystery” surfaced when one of the store’s drawing cards was challenged from an unknown source. C&S has a large parking lot, where working guys from the nearby warehouses and truck docks often gather after work for a beer and chatter. Alkabash was informed recently by the city that this decades-old practice would have to cease until he applies for an on-premise beer license.

“I bet you it was the guy with the store across the street,” one of the regulars said when told about the change.

“He’s mad because everybody likes to hang over here.”

Vowing that he would get the license, Alkabash said it’s just part of the business.

“This is like water to me. It’s what I know.”

The third of five scheduled tax clinics to assist Memphians delinquent in paying their city property taxes will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday (July 28) at the Frayser Community Development Corporation (CDC) at 3684 North Watkins St. The clinics are jointly sponsored by Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP, the law firm collecting delinquent city taxes, and the City of Memphis Treasurer’s Office. Municipal property taxes are due June 1 of each year and delinquent after Aug. 31.

“The purpose of the clinics is to reach out to taxpayers in their communities so they can talk directly to members of our staff to discuss their property tax issues,’’ said Melissa Palo, the law firm’s managing attorney in Memphis. “Our goal is to work with taxpayers to find a way to pay their delinquent taxes.’’

During the first clinic in March, 15 taxpayers were assisted.

Palo said anyone planning to attend the clinic to discuss property tax issues should bring a tax bill, a recent letter from the Linebarger law firm, or their account (parcel) number. Those interested in attending should call 901-260-4058 to reserve a seat, which also will allow the law firm’s staff to research the account. The clinic will begin with a brief overview by the City of Memphis Treasurer’s Office and law firm representatives.

“As tax collectors, we understand that there’s a personal reason why each delinquent taxpayer is behind in paying his or her property

taxes. We’re here to try and help them find a way to pay their taxes and become current,’’ Palo said.

In November 2011, delinquent taxpayers received their final notice from the City of Memphis to pay their 2010 taxes or face being sued. After taxes become 17 months delinquent, state law requires the City of Memphis to file a lawsuit for collection of all delinquent land taxes.

As required by law, on February 1, 2012, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP filed a lawsuit on behalf of City of Memphis, including 18,144 real property accounts, to collect more than $20 million in delinquent 2010 taxes owed to the City of Memphis. This represents the ninth annual lawsuit the law firm has filed on behalf of the city.

“It really is critical for taxpayers delinquent in paying their property taxes to pay them either in full or in a scheduled payment effort,’’ Palo said. “Failure to pay your property taxes could result in foreclosure, and we don’t want that to happen to any homeowner.’’

Since the City of Memphis hired Linebarger to collect its delinquent taxes, Linebarger has collected more than $182.9 million in back taxes.

Two more clinics are scheduled: Aug. 25, Whitehaven Branch Library, 4120 Millbranch Rd., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Nov. 10, Orange Mound Community Center, 2572 Park Ave., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

(For more information, contact: Melissa Palo at 901528-1844.)

Page 4

John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)

The Mid-Southʼs Best Alternative Newspaper

A Real Times Newspaper

OPINION

Tri-State Defender

July 26 - August 1, 2012

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

Mitt Romney and Affirmative Action

Political activists converge on Memphis seeking a different shade of ‘red’

by Jeshua Schuster

Television on-air commentary pundits like sports commentators often simplify politics into two opposing teams, like the LA Lakers vs.

Boston Celtics, or in the political sense Red states vs. Blue states.

While few would argue that by most accounts Tennessee is a “Red state,” others who want a different type of red state here in the Mid-South are making it known that the volunteer state and the south has a rich radical tradition of its own.

The National Organizing Conference of the Socialist Party U.S.A. will take place in Memphis on Saturday and Sunday (July 28-29) at the Martin Luther King Jr. Labor Center at 485 Beale St. Socialist activists of all stripes from across the country will come together to network, hold workshops and share advice on how to continue the work for positive social change in our city, our country and our world.

Conventional wisdom would suspect that such a gathering would be held in traditional bastions of radical thought on the east and west coasts.

That same conventional wisdom also supposes that the south is a conservative and evangelical block and a waste of time for those seeking Democratic Socialism. Party members locally and nationally say that is exactly the reason why they are coming here.

“The South is ground-zero. We have the highest concentrations of poverty, private prisons, unemployment and ‘food deserts’ – largely vestiges of a culture and economy based on slavery,” said Bennett Foster, cochair of the Memphis Socialist Party.

“As Memphians we are tired of being of at top of to many of the wrong lists.

We want to continue the Memphis radical tradition of being a catalyzing force behind social movements. ” That history includes Memphis’ rich and tragic legacy in the civil rights movement, including the pivotal 1968 sanitation workers strike and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elmore Nickleberry and Coby Smith, two veteran activists from that time, will each be on hand as plenary speakers at the conference (Saturday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.).

Nickleberry is a sanitation worker who participated in the historic 1968 strike and at the age of 85 still works for the same department today. Nickleberry, who appeared in the documentary “I Am a Man: From Memphis, A Lesson In Life,” is a charter member of AFSCME Local 1733.

Sadly, last year the Memphis City Council and Mayor AC Wharton Jr. moved to cut pay and benefits and paved a way to managed competition – a road toward to privatization. This would erase many of the gains made

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

by labor in Memphis during the civil rights movement.

Smith is a familiar name among community organizers and activists in Memphis. He helped to form the Black Organizing ProElmore Nickleberry ject – The Invaders, a militant black power group active before and after King’s assassination here in Memphis. They were entrenched within the black community, providing security escorts for sanitation workers fearing police haCoby rassment while Smith leaving work.

They also worked to feed poor school children while the National Guard rolled in with tanks, placing the city under martial law. Smith and the Invaders were prime targets of the military and the FBI’s COINTELPRO because they were fighting for autonomy and equality for black people.

The event will also include an exclusive first look at a feature-length documentary “The Invaders,” with producer J.B. Horrell. The film traces the history of this often misrepresented black power group, bringing its relevance to present day struggles in Memphis. This can be seen today as MPD’s Blue Crush and other “databased” policing strategies operate in a manner of an occupation force in low-income communities of color.

These communities, some of the poorest in the nation, are also the targets of relentless efforts of racist gentrification, predatory lending and lingering and designed inequality in public education.

In contrast to the two major parties, each holding a posh and gala nominating convention, the Socialist Party U.S.A National Organizing Conference 2012 is focused on organizing, more specifically organizing in the South. The conference will host workshops on different facets of organizing, including Immigration Policy in the South, How to Organize a Local, GIS Mapping for Organizers, Memphis Art Brigade, and many many more.

Register at http://socialist organizing.org/registration.html.

(Jeshua Schuster is a Memphis resident and member of the Memphis Socialist Party.)

DISTRIBUTION: Tri-State Defender is available at newsstands, street sales, store vendors, mail subscription and honor boxes throughout the Greater Memphis area. No person may, without prior written permission of the Tri-State Defender, reprint any part of or duplicate by electronic device any portion without written permission. Copyright 2012 by Tri-State Defender Publishing, Inc. Permission to Publisher, Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN. 38103. Back copies can be obtained by calling the Tri-State Defender at (901) 523-1818, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

The end of AIDS – is it fact/reality or myth/fiction?

There was a refrain that was heard in almost every speech this week at the International AIDS Conference in Washington: We are on the verge of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

That wasn’t a statement that could be made 30 years ago when the pandemic was first identified. It wasn’t a statement that would be uttered at the last International AIDS Conference I attended two years ago in Vienna.

But in the nation’s capital this week, that was all the buzz.

At the opening session Sunday night (July 23), Michael Sidibe, executive director of UNAIDS, said, “Now I want you to close your eyes.

Listen to my words. We can end AIDS….Wear a condom, end AIDS. Give money, end AIDS.” The opening plenary (Juy 24) provided more of the same.

The first speaker was Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health.

“We are on scientifically solid ground when we say we can end the HIV/AIDS pandemic,” Fauci told the audience of scientists, researchers and policymakers from around the world.

He added this caveat: “The end of AIDS will not be accomplished, however, without a major global commitment to make it happen. We have a historic opportunity –with science on our side – to make the achievement of an AIDS-free generation a reality.”

Phill Wilson, president and CEO of the Black AIDS Institute, made the same point when he followed Fauci.

“Welcome to the first International AIDS Conference where we know that we can end AIDS,” he said.

“Thirty-one years after the disease was discovered, right here in this country, we finally have the right combination of tools and knowledge to stop the epidemic. No, we don’t have a cure or a vaccine yet.

“But David only had a slingshot, and he felled Goliath. Our tools are far from perfect, but they are good enough to get the job done – if, and this is a big if, we use them efficiently, effectively, expeditiously, and compassionately.”

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, speaking next, said: “I want to salute all the people who are here today who do the hard work that has given us the chance to stand here in 2012 and actually imagine a time when we will no longer be afflicted by this terrible epidemic and the great cost and suffering it has imposed for far too long.”

The fact that scientists and policymakers are speaking of the end of AIDS, even in guarded terms, represents a major breakthrough.

An International AIDS Conference fact sheet puts the disease in perspective: “HIV/AIDS is one of the most destructive diseases humankind has ever faced and with profound social, economic and public health consequences, and has become one of the

world’s most serious health and development challenges. HIV is a leading cause of death worldwide. The first cases were reported in 1981 and since the beginning of the pandemic more George than 30 years E. Curry ago, nearly 30 million people have died of AIDS-related illnesses.

There is an estimated 34 million people living with HIV.” When researchers speak of “ending” HIV, that does not mean the disease will disappear.

“Ending the HIV/AIDS pandemic is an enormous and multifaceted challenge, but we now know it can be done,” Fauci said. “It will require continued basic and clinical research, and the development and testing of additional treatment and HIV prevention interventions and, importantly, implementing these interventions on a much wider scale.”

In a fact sheet distributed with Secretary Clinton’ speech, success was defined this way: “An AIDS-free generation entails that first, no one will be born with the virus; second, that as people get older, they will be at far lower risk of becoming infected than they are today; and third, that if they do acquire HIV, they will get treatment that keeps them healthy and prevents them from transmitting the virus to others.”

Until the development of a vaccine or cure, success will be defined by reaching people around the globe and applying some of the successful approaches already working in many parts of the world, including widespread testing, reducing mother-tochild transmission and expanding treatment options.

In the early days in the disease, AIDS was seen as a death sentence.

Rae Lewis-Thornton, an AIDS activist, found out she was HIV-positive in 1983. In a forthcoming interview with Heart & Soul magazine, she said: “When I made that transition to AIDS seven years later was when it all hit me like a ton of bricks,” Lewis-Thornton said “Then it became the expectation of death.

The average time span from AIDS to death was three years.”

But thanks to advancements in antiretroviral medications and greater emphasis on testing, prevention and treatment, AIDS is no longer the death sentence it was three decades ago.

(George E. Curry is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA) and editorial director of Heart & Soul magazine. He can be reached via www.georgecurry.com.

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

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IN THE MAIL

Much was made of what Mitt Romney said and didn’t say during his recent speech to the NAACP’s annual convention in Houston. His boo-evoking swipe at “Obamacare” got most Stephanie of the coverage, Jones while his failure to address voter ID laws was also widely noted.

But another omission got little play, even though it is a topic of great importance to that audience in particular and the nation as a whole: Affirmative Action. Romney’s avoidance of the topic in his NAACP speech is not surprising because he has rarely mentioned it during his public life. On the few occasions he has spoken about it, he’s done so in vague language.

For example, in 2008, he said, “I do support encouraging inclusiveness and diversity, and I encourage the disclosure of the numbers of women and minorities in top positions of companies and government – not to impose a quota but to shine light on the situation.” Not exactly a profile in courage comment, but his tepid expression of support does leave some room for hope.

In an earlier, saner time, support for affirmative action would have been a no-brainer for Romney for two reasons. First, he is a businessman, an established and respected member of a group that tends to support affirmative action. Having learned first-hand that making diversity an integral part of our educational system and workforce strengthens our society while improving their bottom line, many business leaders have joined with the civil rights community to fight off efforts to dismantle affirmative action.

Second, Romney’s own life experiences should help him appreciate a fundamental goal of affirmative action: to expand opportunities to talented, deserving people who might otherwise not have the chance to succeed and thrive. Although he never lacked for opportunity, Romney took full advantage of the oldest form of affirmative action we have in this country – the kind enjoyed without shame or apology by wealthy, well-connected white men. In fact, he was able to launch the very enterprise that he now claims makes him qualified to sit in the Oval Office – Bain Capital – because someone took a chance on him.

Unfortunately, Romney doesn’t seem to have reached back to extend such opportunities to minorities and women in his business and government career. For example, he was accused of running a “white boys club” after it was revealed during his 1994 Senate campaign that Bain Capital had no black or Latino employees.

And, just six months after becoming governor of Massachusetts in 2003, Romney quietly gutted the state’s longstanding affirmative action program in what the former deputy director of the state affirmative action office called “a cloaked and unilateral move that eradicated years and years of civil rights advances and history.”

Romney needs to reconcile this record with his stated support for diversity and inclusion. And, given his record, he should explain just how affirmative action would fare in a Romney administration. Does he understand that, although we’ve made progress, the American playing field is still not level and that government and the private sector must continue to take affirmative steps to foster the diversity and inclusiveness he claims to seek? Would he actively support and enforce opportunities for minorities and women like his fellow business leaders have called on previous administrations to do?

Or, would he appoint judges like Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., who professes support for racial diversity but bizarrely insists that it’s unconstitutional to consider race when trying to achieve it? Would a Romney presidency give us more Supreme Court justices such as Clarence Thomas, who owes virtually every professional success in his life to affirmative action but is now hell-bent on wiping it out for everyone else?

These are important questions that must be answered; Romney is now the standard bearer of a party overrun by ideologues who – loudly and in increasingly nasty and divisive language – slam diversity and inclusiveness as insidious attempts to catapult unqualified minorities and women past deserving but victimized white men. Romney’s continued silence in the midst of such wrongheaded and cynical accusations could lead some to believe that he agrees with them.

Mitt Romney says he supports diversity and inclusiveness. It’s time for him to tell us just how he would bring them to pass in today’s America.

(Stephanie Jones is president and CEO of Stephanie Jones Strategies, which specialize in diversity, strategic planning and communication.)

NATION

Tri-State Defender

Page 5

July 26 - August 1, 2012

Special Report: Youth and sexual risk The number of AfricanAmerican high school students engaging in sexual risk behaviors for HIV has declined dramatically in 20 years, significantly reducing the disparities in risk between African-American youth and youth of other racial or ethnic groups, according to a new analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Among students overall, however, behavior change has stalled during the last 10 years studied, the report said.

“We’re encouraged by the progress we see over time in reducing HIV-related risk behaviors, especially among black youth, but we have more to do,” said Kevin Fenton, M.D., director of CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and Tuberculosis Prevention.

“Risk behavior remains far too high among all students, and it’s clear that to realize our goal of an AIDS-free generation, parents, schools and communities will need to intensify efforts to ensure that every young person in America knows about HIV and how to prevent infection.”

The data, covering 1991 to 2011, were presented this week by Laura Kann, Ph.D., at the XIX International AIDS Conference in Washington, D.C. and published as an early release in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

The data come from CDC’s National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), a nationally representative biennial survey of public and private school students in grades 9-12.

Sexual risk behavior declined most dramatically among African-American youth over the 20-year study period. The gap in risk behavior between these students and their white counterparts has narrowed considerably. In 1991, AfricanAmerican students were nearly two-thirds more likely to have had sexual intercourse and almost three times as likely to report having multiple partners, compared to white students. By 2011, the disparity between

African-American students and white students who ever had sex was cut in half, and the difference in the likelihood of having multiple sex partners declined even more (58 percent).

While declines in risk behavior among African-American students generally persisted over the entire two decades analyzed, progress among youth overall was significant only through the early 2000s, and has stalled since that time.

Since 2001, there has been no significant overall change in the proportion of U.S. high school students who reported ever having sex or who had multiple sex partners, and the percentage of sexually active students who used a condom the last time they had sex has been stable since 2003.

Additionally, while AfricanAmerican students made greater progress than youth of other racial or ethnic groups, African-American students report higher levels of sexual risk behavior than their white or Hispanic peers, with the exception of reporting higher levels of condom use. Of concern, condom use has been declining in this group since 1999. There has been no significant change in sexual risk behaviors among Hispanic students since 1991.

People under the age of 30 represent approximately 4 of every 10 new HIV infections each year. Reducing sexual risk behaviors among America’s youth is critical to reducing this toll and achieving the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, which calls for educating all young people on HIV, as well as intensified prevention efforts for populations at greatest risk, including youth.

“Our challenge is to build on the tremendous strides made by African-American youth, while again jumpstarting the progress among youth overall,” said Howell Wechsler, Ed.D., M.P.H., director of CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health. “We must also confront the persistent lack of progress among Hispanic and white students.”

YRBS data do not contain information on some of the known social and economic determinants of risk behavior, such as family income and education. So researchers cannot assess the degree to which these factors may account for the higher levels of risk behavior among African-American youth in the study.

Survey details

The analysis examines trends in several reported behaviors related to HIV risk by race and ethnicity and found that between 1991 and 2011: Ever had sex: Overall, the proportion of U.S. high school students who had ever had sex declined from 1991 (54 percent) to 2001 (46 percent), and has stabilized since that time (47 percent in 2011). By race/ethnicity, the proportion significantly declined among African-American students (from 82 to 60 percent); remained stable among Hispanic students (from 53 to 49 percent); and, after an initial decline, has stabilized since 2003 among white students (50 percent in 1991, 42 percent in 2003, 44 percent in 2011) Current sexual activity: Overall, the proportion of students who had sex within the preceding three months declined from 38 percent in 1991 to 34 percent in 2011. The proportion declined from 59 to 41 percent among African-American students; and remained stable among Hispanic students (37 to 34 percent) and white students (34 to 32 percent).

Multiple partners: Overall, the proportion of students who had multiple (four or more) sex partners decreased from 1991 (19 percent) to 2001 (14 percent) and has stabilized since that time (15 percent in 2011). The proportion declined among AfricanAmerican students (from 43 to 25 percent); remained stable among Hispanic students (17 to 15 percent); and after an initial decline among white students (15 percent in 1991 to 11 percent in 2003), has sta-

bilized since that time (13 percent in 2011).

Condom use: Overall, the proportion of sexually active students who used a condom the last time they had sex increased from 1991 (46 percent) to 2003 (63 percent) and has stabilized since that time (60 percent in 2011). Among

African-American youth, condom use increased from 1991 (48 percent) to 1999 (70 percent) but declined since that time (65 percent in 2011). After initial increases, condom use stabilized among Hispanic and white youth (among Hispanic youth, from 37 percent in 1991 to 61 percent in 2007 and

58 percent in 2011; among white youth, from 46 percent in 1991 to 62 percent in 2003 and 60 percent in 2011).

(For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth or www.cdc.gov/mmwr.)

Source: U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services

Page 6

Pre-register online. To move quickly through registration on July 31, parents of returning MCS students may pre-register their children by completing most registration forms online at www.mcsk12.net.

Registration Day. Tuesday, July 31, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

To register, bring: 1. Two current proofs of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement can be used). 2. Student’s 2011-12 report card (if changing schools).

Kindergartener parents, bring: 1. Child’s immunization and physical exam records. 2.

Child’s Social Security card (requested) 3. Certified birth certificate copy (child must be 5 years old on or before 09/30/12).

Immunization requirements. Pre-K students, kindergarteners, 7th graders, and students new to Tennessee require immunization prior to

NATION

Tri-State Defender

July 26 - August 1, 2012

registration and may not attend school until the requirement is met. To schedule an immunization appointment, call MCS Health Clinics at 901-5316321; clinics are open Tuesday through Saturday until school opens. To learn more about immunization requirements, visit https://health.state.tn.us/ceds/ required.htm.

Check school assignment.

Parents must register their children at the assigned school. To check a school assignment, visit: http://webquery. mcsk12.net/edulog/webquery/.

Check bus transportation.

Bus stop locations, schedules and routes and are available at your child’s school, or you may visit: http://webquery.mcsk12. net/edulog/webquery/.

Bargains for school. The annual State of Tennessee “Sales Tax Holiday” is Friday, Aug. 3 through Sunday, Aug. 5.

MCS registration requirements and information

SCHOOLS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

riculum.

If some students don’t enroll until September, late enrollees could miss as much as a month of school. Thus, teachers must alter their plans to help these students catch up with everyone else.

Even more of a problem, a late-enrolled child experiences a lapse in learning time, which can negatively impact his/her grades (and TCAP scores) if he/she doesn’t catch up sufficiently.

Principals must make major adjustments as well. For instance, if a school plans for 25 to 30 children in a classroom, but 10 more show up after Labor Day, that principal must then determine how to balance the number of teachers with the new student load, which may

mean splitting up classes and ordering more materials and supplies.

Documents & records

When registering a child, MCS parents must bring required documents such as two approved proofs of residency, proper immunization records for specific student groups, court proof of guardianship as legal custody changes, and other documents. MCS registration requirements and backto-school announcements are posted at www.mcsk12.net.

To avoid enrollment delays, the district reminds parents to submit approved documents only.

Regarding required immunizations: parents of prekindergarten and kindergarten students, 7th graders and students who are new to Tennessee must submit proper

immunization records for their children to enroll.

Approved shot records must be documented on the Tennessee Certificate of Immunizations – a statewide form that is completed by health care providers and provided to parents.

No other shot record is approved for registration in Tennessee.

“We want parents aware that immunizations and their proper documentation are required by state law,” said Patricia Bafford, EdD, coordinator of school health services at MCS. “We must have the correct document in order to enroll students.”

As a convenience, MCS offers Regional Health Clinics where student immunizations are given by appointment on Tuesday through Saturday of every week, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parents may call 901-5316321 to schedule appointments

at four school locations: East High, 3206 Poplar; Northside High,1212 Vollintine; Sheffield High, 4315 Sheffield; and Westwood High, 4480 Westmont.

Parents of students who do not meet attendance policies may be in violation of Tennessee Senate Bill 413 passed last year. The bill states that “educational neglect” may be charged to the parent of a truant student, resulting in a fine of up to $50 and/or being sentenced to 30 days or more in jail.

More information

For more information on MCS registration requirements, visit www.mcsk12.net or call the Office of Student Enrollment and Records at 901-416-5830.

Parents may also contact the school their child is assigned to attend for further information.

Tri-State Defender

Page 7

July 26 - August 1, 2012

NOTICE OF ARLINGTON, BARTLETT, COLLIERVILLE, GERMANTOWN, LAKELAND AND MILLINGTON MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS NOVEMBER 6, 2012

Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA), Sec. 212-111 (a), notice is hereby given by the Shelby County Election Commission that Municipal Elections will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, in all wards and precincts inside of the corporate limits of the Town of Arlington, City of Bartlett, Town of Collierville, City of Germantown, City of Lakeland and City of Millington, Tennessee.

The Arlington Municipal Election will be held for the purpose of electing School Board Members – Positions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

The Bartlett Municipal Election will be held for the purpose of electing three (3) Aldermen for Positions 4, 5 and 6 and School Board Members, Positions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

The Collierville Municipal Election will be held for the purpose of electing a Mayor and two (2) Aldermen for Positions 4 and 5 and School Board Members, Positions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

The Germantown Municipal Election will be held for the purpose of electing three (3) Aldermen for Positions 3, 4 and 5 and School Board Members, Positions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

The Lakeland Municipal Election will be held for the purpose of electing School Board Members – Positions 1,

2, 3, 4 and 5

The Millington Municipal Election will be held for the purpose of electing School Board Members – Positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Pursuant to TCA, Sec. 2-5-101 (a), as amended, the qualifying deadline for candidates for all of the above listed offices is Thursday, August 16, 2012, at 12:00 Noon at the Shelby County Election Commission Office, 150 Washington Avenue, Suite 205, Memphis, Tennessee or Election Operations Center, 980 Nixon Drive, Memphis, TN 38134. The withdrawal deadline is Thursday, August 23, 2012, at 12:00 Noon.

NOTICE TO WRITE-IN CANDIDATES

Notice is further given by the Shelby County Election Commission that pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 2-7-133 (i), any person attempting to be elected by write-in ballots shall complete a notice requesting such personʼs ballots be counted in each county of the district no later than fifty (50) days before the election.

Any person desiring to conduct a write-in campaign shall file a Certification of Write-In Candidacy Form with the Shelby County Election Commission Office, 150 Washington Avenue, Suite 205, Memphis, Tennessee or Election Operations Center, 980 Nixon Drive, Memphis,

TN 38134, no later than 4:30 PM on Monday, September 17, 2012, for the November 6, 2012, Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, Lakeland and Millington Municipal Elections.

NEW PHOTO ID LAW EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2012

Federal or state government issued photo ID is now required to vote in person, unless an exception applies.

College student IDs will not be accepted. City or County employees IDs will not be accepted. To learn more about the new law and its exceptions, please call (901) 222-1200 or visit GoVoteTN.com.

Any of the following IDs may be used, even if expired: • Tennessee drivers license with your photo • United States Passport • Photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security • Photo ID issued by the federal or any state government • United States Military photo ID • State-issued handgun carry permit with your photo SHELBY COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION

Robert D. Meyers, Chairman Norma Lester, Secretary George C. Monger, III, Member Dee Nollner, Member Steve Stamson, Member

RELIGION

Page 8

Tri-State Defender

July 26 - August 1, 2012

LIVING THE LIFE I LOVE

Out with ‘stupid rest,’ in with ‘Sabbath rest’

Dear Lucy: I seem to be caught in a rut. I have gotten to the place where I don’t even know what I want. And this is awful because I am dissatisfied with how things are going now. I just don’t know what I should be praying for and I can’t move! Any ideas?

– Signed: AL

Dear AL: I have been in that place before and I know how it feels. And, yes, for me it is a very sad, disempowering and frustrating time. I call it a “stupid rest.”

There are times when resting from all of our cares and practicing contentment is a good thing. That is known in Scripture as the Sabbath rest. The Sabbath rest can come any day and at any time by simply choosing to rest in the knowledge that all is well and taken care of by our God. When we experience a “stupid rest” it is like sitting on a rock in the road, unable to decide which way to go, stuck on stupid. And in this case, I speak of stupid as being in a stupor.

A stupor is that state of mind where things are moving in a hazy kind of slow motion without clarity.

So, here is what I do to get off stupid.

I ask if I am loving and accepting myself. Have I fallen into a rut of selfjudgement and condemnation? I pick up a mirror every morning, look into my own eyes and see what it feels like when I say out loud, “I love you, Lucy. I accept you just as you are. And I know that every day, in every way you are getting better and better.”

I ask my self if I am loving and accepting others, circumstances and situations just as they are, without judgment or condemnation. Am I consciously knowing that all things are changing and always capable of getting better and better?

I ask if I am willing to accept something new, different, expansive and wonderful into my life right now. Am I willing to deserve more and better?

I remind myself of all of the wonderful ways that I have been blessed in the past. I take inventory of what I appreciate about myself. This stops the “I am so pitiful” routine.

Every time I begin to think about being stuck, I begin to make a mental list of all that I am thankful for in the last hour. Moment by moment,there is much to be grateful for. RememLucy ber, you cannot Shaw be thankful and sad at the same time. Now gratitude works best when we are thankful without comparing it to how awful things could be...just be thankful for what is without bias, prejudice or reservations.

There is a great deal of power in the verse “we love Him because He first loved us” found in 1John 4:19.

Even when we are stuck in stupid, we are loved; we are loved in our rising up, our sitting down, our going out and our coming in. We are loved totally and unconditionally wherever and however we are. If the Father can do that for us, we can also do it for ourselves.

Love is a healing balm. Surround yourself in love...love for yourself, your surroundings, your circumstances, knowing and giving thanks that every day, in every way you are getting better and better. Consciously allow infinite possibilities of good into your mind. Decide today that you are willing to be, to do and to have all that is good. “Choose ye this day whom you will serve.”

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.)

‘Night of Worship’ Lighthouse Productions presented “Night of Worship” at Mt. Vernon Baptist ChurchWestwood, 620 Parkrose Rd., on July 20. Stellar Awards winner Vashawn Mitchell had plenty of vocal support during his performance. (Photos by Tyrone P. Easley) Lighthouse Production members crown the “Night of Worship” with a prayer.

RELIGION BRIEFS

Teamwork leads to Annual Community-wide Health Fair

Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Alpha Eta Zeta – DOVE Foundation, Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority will sponsor their Annual Community-wide Health Fair and School Supply Give-away on Aug. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Potter’s House Life Center, 489 Edith St. This event aims to help youth, women, men and senior citizens to excel by conducting educational seminars, community based workshops and disseminating of health information. The event, which is open

to the public, will include a giveaway of school supplies to children.

BRIEFLY: St. Paul Baptist Church will host a back-to-school health fair from noon to 3 p.m. at the church, 2124 East Holmes Road on Saturday (July 29). There will be free school supplies distributed with a completed health screening. A parent or guardian must accompany children and they are asked to bring their children’s shot records and insurance cards. For more information, call 346-5544.

BRIEFLY: “The Top 100 Men in the Bible” will be the focus when the Progressive Women’s Fellow-

PRAISE CONNECT -A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-

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

—John 13:34

METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH ASSOCIATE MINISTERS

ST. ANDREW A.M.E. CHURCH 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

ship and The Commissioners present a special event at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, 394 O.C. Collins Sr. Avenue (Vance Avenue) on Sunday July 29, beginning at 3:30 p.m.

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 C h u r c h H e a l t h C e n t e r. o rg / RockforLove.

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 26 - August 1, 2012

The ‘musical chairs’ spiritual trend

Polls show more non-denominational believers Growing numbers of Americans are changing their relationship with religion, recent Pew Research Center polls indicate.

Consider the stats: • Forty-four percent of U.S. adults have either switched religious affiliation, or report “no affiliation”; • More than 16 percent report they are unaffiliated with a religion; that includes those who are spiritual but not religious, and agnostics and atheists; • Twenty-eight percent have switched from the religion in which they were raised; “A full-bodied understanding of the truth does not necessarily come neatly packaged in the form of a church or a scientific theory,” says Eli Just, former physics teacher and author of “Manny Jones and the Place,” which links quantum theory, biblical stories and the Mayan precession.

With science developing new concepts about the nature of reality; changing attitudes in institutional religions, and widespread sharing on the Internet, more believers are creating their own spiritual narrative – one that makes more sense to them, he says. Scandals involving sex and money in Christian denominations, which account for more than 78 percent of the faithful in America, have contributed to religious shifting, Just adds.

A recent Pew poll on religion reveals that nearly 40 percent of Americans say there is “too much” religious talk in politics. Many respondents think politicians use religion as a tool for their own benefit, which may serve to increase alienation to religion for the average American, Just says.

Despite wariness on some religious issues,

most respondents polled say spirituality plays a significant role in their lives.

“Type in ‘new religious movements’ in Wikipedia and you’ll see the hundreds of religions that have popped up since the 1800s, and those are just the registered ones,” Just says. “As a man of science and faith, and I don’t think the truths of these two traditions are mutually exclusive. After all, Newton was a fervent Christian.”

One of the more recent registered religions was created in 2000 and is called Jediism – a movement based on the philosophical and spiritual ideas posited by Jedi characters in the “Star Wars” movies. Jedi churches often incorporate beliefs from mainstream spiritual traditions including Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism and Stoicism.

“Everything is connected, which is probably why so many people come up with such a variety of spiritual perspectives,” Just says. “Personally, however, I don’t think the interconnectivity of everything gives license to the notion that all religions are the same.”

In addition to the new and fascinating data coming from sources like the Large Hadron Collider in Europe, it’s important to remember ideas that are still alive after thousands of years, he says.

“Old religions like Christianity have withstood the test of time,” Just says. “That’s why the majority of Americans remain spiritual and religious in a traditional sense.”

(Eli Just has a master’s in history from Southeastern Louisiana University and is a self-taught student of physics, which he taught at the high school level.)

Source: newsandexperts.com

We thank you…

The Rev. Samuel B. Kyles, pastor of Monumental Baptist Church, and First Lady Aurelia Kyles Pastor signal their thanks for the Fifty-Third Annual Pastorʼs & Wifeʼs Appreciation observance held at the church last Sunday (July 22). Photo by Tyrone P. Easley

‘Men of Faith…’

J. B. Williams directs the Male Chorus at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, 394 O.C. Collins Sr. Avenue (Vance), as they help set the tone for the churchʼs observance of their Annual Menʼs Day last Sunday (July 22). The program chairman was Reginald Stepney, also the Male Chorus director. The host pastor is the Rev. James B. Collins. The theme was “Men of Faith Maximizing our Role: Reach One. Teach One. Save Many.” (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

Do you see what I see?…

Bishop Frank Anthone White delivered “The Preached Word” at Annual Menʼs Day at Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ, 229 S. Danny Thomas Blvd., last Sunday (July 22). The programʼs theme was “Pentecostal Men, Fully Embracing the Vision.) (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)

Page 9

Page 10

BIZ BITS Memphis firm deepens relationship with Dell

Tate Computer Systems, Inc., Memphis-based provider of business technology solutions and service, has become a Preferred Partner in Dell’s PartnerDirect program, reaching certain performance goals and earning required certifications.

As a Dell Preferred Partner, Tate Computer Systems gains expertise in hardware, software and services that help eliminate IT complexity for customers and help create greater efficiencies.

Preferred Partners must earn one or more certifications in Server, Storage, Systems Management, Networking & Security and Cloud Services & Solutions and also are required to complete one Dell solutions training course and achieve advanced sales goals.

According to Sylvester Tate, company president and CEO, the new strategic plan put into effect in September of 2011 includes deeper relationships with key partners such as Dell.

“When the company was founded, our primary goal was to offer the best service to our customers that we could while trying to grow the company in the most logical way we knew how,” said Tate. This is still our primary goal 25 years later and by forging and maintaining deep relationships with key partners like Dell we are able to bring significant value and offer a broad portfolio of products and services to our customers.”

Resources provided to Preferred Partners include: • Rewards for education and training; • Assigned channel account manager or inside sales team; • Expanded deal registration terms; • Financial incentives; • Marketing and technical assistance.

(For more information, visit www.dell.com.)

Myers Tutoring links with Boys & Girls Clubs

In celebration of a decade of community service through one-on-one tutoring, a new partnership has been formed between Myers Tutoring Service and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Memphis.

Myers Tutoring Service will donate a portion of their tutoring proceeds to help support the Boys & Girls Club tutoring program.

The Boys & Girls Clubs emphasis on educational advancement has led to a 100 percent graduation rate for 2012 seniors. Members of the club can participate in Power Hour, a comprehensive homework help-and-tutoring program designed to raise academic proficiency. Participants work with a certified educational tutor each week to complete homework assignments, which has lead to an 81 percent increase in homework completion.

In 2002, the mother-and-daughter team of Rose Mary Myers and Kelli Myers Arena established Myers Tutoring to empower children through education. In 10 years the staff has grown to include 40 professional tutors.

Myers serves the greater Memphis metropolitan area and nearby Mississippi cities. Tutoring is available for all subjects and grade levels from kindergarten through college. Preparation in study and test-taking skills, ACT, PSAT, GED and Gateway also are being offered. For more information, including a free consultation, call 901-380-9209. More information about the Boys & Girls Clubs is available at bgcm.org.

BRIEFLY: “Bloomberg Invests in Memphis’ Innovation” is the focus of the August 2012 Regional Power Breakfast at the University Club of Memphis, 1346 Central, on Aug. 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. The event is hosted by Universal Commercial Real Estate, LLC.

BUSINESS

Tri-State Defender

July 26 - August 1, 2012

Young Entrepreneurship:

ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

‘Christian & Daddy Go Shopping’ “Christian & Daddy Go Shopping” by Stanley Steppes is the first book in a series entitled “Money Smart Kids,” which is designed to teach children about topics such as earning, spending, saving and giving. The book provides age-appropriate lessons for understanding money and designing spending plans. It’s a much-needed tool for parents seeking ways to groom an entrepreneur.

Carlee McCullough: Tell us about yourself.

Stanley Steppes: I am a wealth advisor and a native of Kalamazoo, Mich., where I still reside with my beautiful wife, Abra, and our two boys, Christian (the featured character in the book) and Carter. I have spent the past 12 years of my life centered on inspiring, motivating, empowering, and educating individuals and families in entrepreneurship, business, and financial planning.

CM: How and when did you begin your career as a wealth advisor and financial educator?

SS: During my junior year at Kalamazoo Central High School, a financial advisor visited my classroom to share details about his work and seek out a student employee.

My teacher recommended me and I was immediately hired. After a few years, the partners asked if I was interested in pursuing licensure as a

registered representative. My reluctance dissipated once I considered the impact that I could have in the financial services industry, specifically the people that I could serve in Carlee the black comMcCullough munity. At that time, I was unaware of any black investment professionals in Southwest Michigan.

Our client list of over 300 families consisted of one black person. So, I felt compelled to embark on Stanley adding a new Steppes face to financial planning in my community.

CM: Tell us about “Christian & Daddy Go Shopping.”

SS: “Christian & Daddy Go Shopping” is the first book in the series. In this book, Christian, a wideeyed, inquisitive child learns valuable lessons from his “money smart daddy” during a trip to the store to

MONEY MATTERS

What’s your retirement vision?

Wouldn’t it be disappointing to dream about a comfortable retirement and then find yourself unable to enjoy your leisure years because of limited financial resources? Unfortunately, this is a possibility for people who underestimate retirement expenses and the rising cost of living.

Evaluate spending and costs

Although your expenses may change when you retire, reductions in some areas (such as clothing and transportation to and from work) could be offset by higher costs in others. For example, your home energy expenses may be higher if you spend more time at home, and health-related costs typically increase as you grow older.

Some expenses, such as food and housing, may stay about the same.

Home-related expenses represent at least 42 percent of spending for Americans aged 50 and older, regardless of whether they are retired. One study found that even though three out of five workers expect to spend less in retirement, half of retirees said their spending in the early years of retirement was about the same or higher than it was when they were working.

Where you live could play a significant role in your overall expenses. If you’re living on a limited income, your money might go further in some cities and states than it could in others.

You’ll need to consider not only the cost of housing, food, and utilities but also taxes. States have varying rules for taxing pension and Social Security income, and property and sales taxes may vary not only by state but by county.

Enjoy the lifestyle you want

As you calculate the savings it

may take to retire, remember to factor in your retirement wants as well as basic your needs. What do you picture for your retirement?

The top retirement dream for today’s older Charles Sims Jr., CFP Americans is vacation and travel. Perhaps you’d like to see South America or go fly fishing in Alaska. Maybe you want to work on your golf or tennis game, or enjoy a hobby that you don’t have time for now.

You might like to volunteer for your favorite charity or move closer to your children and grandchildren.

Sixty-nine percent of middle-income Americans say they’d like to work in retirement in order to “stay busy.”5 While this could be a worthwhile goal, wouldn’t it be nice to work on your own terms — to pursue your passion instead of a paycheck?

If you’re young, retirement may seem too far off to worry much about. If you’re approaching the end of your working years, you may have a clearer picture of life after work. Regardless of your age, a solid financial strategy could help you retire more comfortably.

(Charles Sims Jr. is President/ CEO of The Sims Financial Group.

Contact him at 901-682-2410 or visit www.SimsFinancialGroup.com.

The information in this article is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor.)

buy a birthday gift for Mommy. The book provides age-appropriate lessons for understanding money, designing spending plans and making consumer decisions using reallife examples kids can relate to.

CM: What has been your greatest challenge when it comes to educating children about the responsibility of spending money?

SS: In most of the classrooms I have been in, the discussion of wants and needs, budgeting, saving and giving is the first often discussed. However, there is little to no emphasis on educating our youth on financial literacy as it relates to their lives, currently and in the future.

High school economics classes are no longer mandatory in many states.

Only 13 states require a personal finance class (Council for Economic Education, 2011) and that’s just not enough.

If we can’t prepare our youth to handle their allowance (and) paychecks when they are young, we are not equipping them for the real world. Ask any adult how they learned about managing finances.

The answer more often than not is they taught themselves how to manage everything from bank accounts to student loans and credit cards, with some bumps and bruises along the way Financial literacy has to begin early as a conversation at home, re-

inforced at every grade level and practiced through mature financial decisions that last a lifetime. How much better would we be if we had a solid grasp of personal finance at an early age? What we have learned about what not to do should be our motivation to getting the next generation prepared.

CM: How can parents or organizations purchase it?

SS: Parents and organizations can purchase the book in several ways.

The book is available on Amazon.com in both paperback and eBook or they can go to www.moneysmartkids.co, where they will find the book and other merchandise available for adults and children.

CM: Any closing remarks?

SS: Has any long-standing social program consistently produced entrepreneurial and money smart African-American kids? Not that I am aware. The need today is crucial and this book actually begins to change that for the positive.

(For additional information about Money Smart Kids: Christian & Daddy Go Shopping, please visit www.moneysmartkids.co.)

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

$175 million discrimination settlement by Wells Fargo NNPA News Service

by Charlene Crowell Wells Fargo Bank will pay more than $175 million to resolve unfair lending claims against African-American and Latino mortgage borrowers from 2004 through 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

It is the second-largest fair lending settlement in the department’s history. According to DOJ, $125 million will go to borrowers of color who were charged more for loans they got through mortgage brokers.

Four thousand borrowers will be compensated for being steered into subprime loans with higher rates and fees instead of receiving prime loans for which they were qualified.

An additional 30,000 borrowers will be compensated for higher costs they paid on their broker-originated loans. The Justice Department is now investigating similar complaints from consumers whose “retail” mortgages were originated

by Wells Fargo loan officers during the affected years.

The remaining $50 million from the settlement will be used for down payment assistance in hardhit communities across the country where DOJ identified large numbers of discrimination victims.

These markets include ChicagoNaperville-Joliet, Cleveland, New York-New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont and Washington, D.C. Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole said, “The department’s action makes it clear that we will hold financial institutions accountable, including some of the nation’s largest, for lending discrimination.

An applicant’s creditworthiness, and not the color of his or her skin, should determine what loans a bor-

rower qualifies for.”

By its own accounts, Wells Fargo has $1.3 trillion in assets, and serves one in three households in America through its 9,000 locations, 12,000 ATMs and 270,000 team members.

DOJ’s investigation into Wells Fargo’s lending practices began in 2009.

A parallel investigation by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) examined lending practices in the metro areas of Baltimore and Washington D.C. OCC found that there was reason to believe that Wells Fargo engaged in a pattern of discrimination in violation of federal laws.

The DOJ investigation determined that Wells Fargo knowingly allowed its loan officers and mortgage brokers to subjectively vary interest rates and fees. The investigation showed that Wells Fargo systematically used these exceptions to over-charge black and Latino borrowers while white borrowers with similar credit profiles paid less.

Last month and in a separate action, Wells Fargo reached a settlement involving lending discrimination with Memphis and Shelby County. In that action, both the city and county governments received a $7.5 million settlement, but no borrowers were compensated.

Assistant Attorney General Tom Perez, who leads the civil rights division, said, “This is a case about real people, African-American and Latino, who suffered real harm as a result of Wells Fargo’s discriminatory lending practices.”

Borrowers who believe they may have been victims of discriminatory lending by Wells Fargo may contact DOJ at: wellsfargo.settlement @usdoj.gov.

(Charlene Crowell can be reached at: Charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org. )

COMMUNITY

Tri-State Defender

Page 11

July 26 - August 1, 2012

Senior Solutions: Financial answers and assistance for older Memphians Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Shawn Pachucki

Back in January, the RISE Foundation of Memphis identified older adults as new targets for support, citing that population as being long underserved with respect to financial education, and at significant risk of scams and financial fraud.

Now that’s all changing.

RISE is in the throws of a widespread awareness and outreach campaign designed to make it easier than ever for older adults to find answers and assistance to safeguard their personal finances. As one of only five organizations in America chosen to participate in the National Neighbors Silver project from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), RISE is emphasizing convenience as a core component of the campaign.

The Aging Commission of

the Mid-South and Memphis Area Legal Services are partners in the effort to identify critical financial issues and the older adults who are dealing with them. Specialists are networking in neighborhoods throughout Memphis to find trustworthy agencies willing to take their services directly to citizens.

“We want to help connect older adults with these services through the places where they already are, like church groups, senior housing developments and senior centers,” said Aimee Burnwatt, who manages the National Neighbors Silver project for RISE. RISE members have identified more than 20 community locations where they’ve been able to conduct “learning circles” with focus groups of older adults. Burnwatt said the individual members of the learning circles have an opportunity to play an integral role going forward as cam-

Aimee Burnwatt talks to senior citizens about the National Neighbors Silver project during a learning circle at the Aging Commission on June 19. (Courtesy photo) paign ambassadors.

“The program won’t be successful as just a series of seminars about financial products; we want to engage and empower seniors to talk to their families, friends and neighbors,” she said.

“These learning circles will bring up issues that aren’t being talked about otherwise and will personalize the issues so

older adults will want to know more.”

Scams and fraud risks have received the most attention so far in learning circles, from general warning signs to ways to reduce risks and report a scam. Defining age-friendly banking is another key concentration.

Burnwatt warns that just because a certain type of account

is marketed to older adults, it doesn’t guarantee all of the features older adults might need. RISE is interested in finding out from older adults what aspects truly make bank accounts and banking institutions age-friendly, then simplifying the process of getting connected.

As awareness increases for National Neighbors Silver,

RISE wants to extend conversations beyond scams and general banking to more specific products and issues, such as Medicare Advantage Plans and VA Aid, pensions and foreclosure prevention.

(To learn more about National Neighbors Silver or the RISE Foundation, visit risememphis.org.)

New Veterans Court set up for Shelby County

Shelby County Government has established a Veterans’ Court to help address the root causes of why some veterans commit crimes. The court will offer mental health treatment programs for veterans in lieu of jail time.

Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell, Jr. will announce details about the new court during a news conference at 11:30 a.m. on Friday (July 27) at the Criminal Justice Center, 201 Poplar Avenue, lower level, in the Shelby County General Sessions Division 7 courtroom.

Judge Bill Anderson will hear the cases.

“This is a unique partnership between Shelby County

Government and several agencies. We believe this specially-designated court will help veterans make better choices and turn from lives of crime. Services will include counseling and mentor programs. The supportive nature of the Veterans’ Court will be one of its most important attributes,” said Mayor Luttrell.

Many veterans suffer from addictions, depression and other mental illnesses caused by traumatic experiences. That’s why Pat Hines, Veterans’ Justice Coordinator for the VA Medical Center in Memphis, approached Congressman Steve Cohen last year about

the need for a specific court to hear veterans’ cases. Representatives of several community agencies then joined in the effort, which led to the Shelby County Veterans’ Court.

Staff with the Shelby County Pre-Trial Services Bureau will identify veterans booked into the Shelby County Jail. Qualifying cases will be then referred to Anderson’s court by prosecutors with the Shelby County District Attorney General’s staff.

“Our goal is to ensure veterans get the necessary treatment to keep them from repeating their criminal behaviors,” said Luttrell.

BRIEFS & THINGS Town Hall session in Collierville set

Dorcea Brown, canvass lead for Stand for Children, prepares to vote early at the White Station Church of Christ. Brown leads a group of canvassers who educate the community on the upcoming unified school board election and running candidates. (Courtesy photo)

Early voting provides footing to take a stand for children Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Alisha Tillery

A sea of blue-and-white clad flash mob participants flowed onto the parking lot of the early polling site at White Station Church of Christ.

Soon came this chant: “I stand for children!”

Stand for Children supporters gathered as a flash mob to show a unified front for the future of children in Memphis and Shelby County, voting early for the seven candidates endorsed by the organization.

Early voting, which begin July 13, ends on Saturday, July 28.

An education advocacy organization, Stand is committed to helping to change the political landscape in education for children in grades K12. Through rallies and education forums, Stand for Children Tennessee focuses on informing the community about what it considers the pertinent issues in the school system.

“With so much focus right now on the municipalities and their ability to form municipal school districts, we believe it is time to bring attention back to the Unified Shelby County School Board races,” said Mark Sturgis, Stand for Children Memphis director.

“We believe these races are the most important in the history of Shelby County. The flash mob idea is just one way we wanted to show the community.”

Stand for Children supporters and staff includes education activists, parents, teachers and community members.

Ludovic Bruneau, field director, works with Stand for Children to update the community about elections, including the consequences and the candidates. He is an educator, and also a parent.

“What’s important for me, as a parent, is that these candidates continue to work on making sure that there is a quality teacher in every class-

room and to continue to push for research in what defines a quality teacher,” Bruneau said. “We should know what makes them an effective teacher.”

Dorcea Brown, canvass lead and a teacher in Memphis City Schools, was also there in support. Interacting with people in the community, she’s cited a trend.

“They want more information about their candidate.

Why should they really go out and vote?”

Stand for Children plans more events leading up to the Aug. 2 election, including a huge volunteer effort to canvass the county with parents on July 28 and encourage voters to cast a ballot for children.

(For more information about Stand for Children Tennessee, visit www.stand.org/tennessee or get involved via Facebook at www.facebook.com/standtenn essee.)

A Town Hall Meeting is on tap for Thursday (July 26) from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at New Shelby Missionary Baptist Church, 1059 Bray Station Road in Collierville.

The session is being hosted by Shelby County Commissioner Mike Ritz, District 1 Position.

The topics are: examining the projected dollars and cents required for the Collierville Special School District; and how the school merger will affect public education in Collierville.

The Rev. Brandon Dwayne Walker is the host pastor for the session. For more information, call Leon Gray at 901-222-1030.

‘Give To Live Day’ set for Friday, July 27

“Give to Live Day” will be held Friday, July 27, in all of the Shelby County Clerk offices to promote organ and tissue donor awareness.

County Clerks ask and collect an additional dollar from Shelby County residents when they purchase their auto tags throughout the year. The dollars are also collected by County Clerks throughout the State of Tennessee. All collected funds are then distributed by the Tennessee County Clerk Organ Donor Awareness Foundation (TCCODAF) to the Mid-South Transplant Foundation (MSTF), the Organ Procurement Organization based in Memphis, and the other OPO in the state, for the purpose of organ donor awareness education.

Shelby County Clerk Wayne Mashburn noted that Shelby County placed Number One in the state for the amount of money raised during the months of May and June for organ donor awareness. The Poplar Plaza branch also came in first place both months.

“Tennesseans have given generously when renewing vehicle tags and have helped educate more people than ever on the importance of organ donation.

It’s all about saving lives,” said Mash-

burn.

Randa Lipman, manager, Community Outreach for MSTF, said, “In addition to Shelby County Clerk offices, those in the surrounding counties serviced by MSTF Carroll, Dyer, Fayette, Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Lake, Lauderdale, Obion, Tipton and Weakley counties) will also help promote awareness to area residents on July 27. MSTF is providing each employee of each branch office a “Give to Live” T-shirt to wear that day and a small gift to say ‘thank you’ to each patron who donates a dollar.

For more information, visit www.midsouthtransplant.org. To register to be an organ and tissue donor visit www.DonateLifeTN.org.

BRIEFLY: Mid-South Lions Sight And Hearing Service will host its Give the Gifts Dinner and Auction fundraiser at the Memphis Marriott East on Aug. 4 beginning at 5 pm. For more information on how to donate items or purchase tickets, contact the Mid-South Lions office at 888546-6042 or via email at info@midsouthlions.org. The group’s website is www.midsouthlions.

BRIEFLY: TnAchieves is holding a reception for prospective mentors for the 2013 school year on Tuesday, August 14th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Kemmons Wilson room at the Holiday Inn & Suites Wolfchase Galleria. Locally, Memphis/Shelby Achieves is a joint program sponsored by the offices of Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell Jr. and Mayor A C Wharton Jr. For more information, visit www.tnachieves.org or contact Kaci Murley at 901-258-2177 or kaci@tnachieves.org .

BRIEFLY: The Jackson Madison County African American Chamber of Commerce will recognize first responders in Jackson and Madison County at its Second Annual Celebrity Golf Classic on Tuesday, Sept. 11, with a 1 p.m. shotgun start at Bent Tree Golf Course, 2993 Paul Coffman Drive in East Jackson. Tournament sponsor is D & L Grocery and Catering.

For more information, call 731-424-2030 or send an email to aachamber731@yahoo.com.

ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, July 26 - August 1, 2012, Page 12

WHAT’S HAPPENING MYRON?

Yes, we remember Sherman Hemsley!

Myron Mays

No other character on television has touched our hearts the way that George Jefferson did.

Here’s a character that came up from nothing and became a successful businessman. As a matter of fact, he became synonymous with the phrase “moving

on up”.

This was a character that actually spanned two television shows. In 1971, Sherman Hemsley was contacted by TV producer Norman Lear to play the role of George Jefferson on a new sitcom called “All in the Family.” Although he wasn’t quite ready to leave his theatre role, “Lear” held the role for him for two years, after which he joined the cast in 1973. Two short years later, the Jeffersons moved on up to the East side and right into their own sitcom, which ran from 1973 until 1985.

Although he was pretty much typecast as George Jefferson, Hemsley continued to get work for quite a while. The second role he was known for was that of Deacon Ernest Frye on the hit TV show “Amen” from 1986-1991. And while this character was pretty much “Deacon George Jefferson” in my opinion, everyone loved him in that role as well.

Even when that show ended, Hemsley continued to work. He actually appeared in nearly every successful African-American sitcom since then from “Martin” to Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne,” in which he reprised his role as none other than George Jefferson.

Hemsley died of natural causes on Tuesday (July 24) at his home in El Paso, Texas. He was 74.

J.J. Williamson at the Bartlett Comedy Spot

Funny guy J.J. Williamson has toured with the King of Comedy Cedric the Entertainer and more and you have seen him on BET’s “Comicview,” “Def Comedy Jam” and “Jamie Foxx Presents.” Now you can see him live at the Bartlett Comedy Spot Aug. 3-4. Show times are at 7:30 and 10 each night. The Bartlett Comedy Spot is located at 5709 Raleigh Lagrange. Call 901-5903620.

‘The Gospel According to Soul’

Flo Roach and the Rev. Dwayne Hunt and the Abundant Grace Fellowship Church present “The Gospel According to Soul”! Get ready to be blessed as this production showcases the soul of what we all know as gospel music.

The production features gospel singers Jeffrey Allen Murdock, Everett McBee, Shea Norman and radio personality Michael Adrian Davis. Show times are 7 p.m. on July 27-29 at Abundant Grace Fellowship Church located at 1579 East Shelby Drive.

5th Sundays

Join my good friend Tonyaa Staples Rodgers each and every 5th Sunday at Memphis Sounds Lounge located at 22 North Third. If you have ever caught Tonyaa in concert, you know that you’re in for a night of sultry soul. Join her this Sunday, July 29, at 7 p.m. Admission is $10.Doors open at 6 p.m.

One last note

Here’s a date to put on your calendar, Sept. 8th. It is the date of the “Myron Mays Pre-40th Birthday Bash.” Why such a long name? It was the only way I could describe it in the name.

You might also ask why am I starting so early? Well I guess it’s the anticipation. This year I turn 39, the last year in my beloved 30’s. Although I look forward to my 40’s, this will be a pivotal time in my life as I look ahead to the next big decade in my life. Then in 2013, I guess it will be time for Part 2, when I actually turn the corner and enter my fourth decade on earth. I got more details coming. In the meantime, put me on your calendar and plan to have a great night.

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

DVD REVIEW

‘We the Party’ serves up African-American answer to ‘American Pie’ Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kam Williams

It’s hard to ignore the parallels between “We the Party” and “American Pie” (1999).

After all, the latter revolved around a quartet of horny, high school students competing to lose their virginity before graduation, and we find the testosterone-driven quintet at the center of “We the Party” in pursuit of the same rite of passage shortly before their senior prom.

However, despite sharing that deceptivelyidentical point of departure, “We the Party” actually proceeds to morph into something far more substantial than males merely bonding around the attempt to mate indiscriminately. For, this inner-city dramedy seamlessly blends that rather raunchy theme with a timely cautionary tale about the pitfalls of failing to plan for one’s future. Plus, it has some inspired comedy and a cutting-edge score, featuring performances by a number of emerging hip-hop acts, including Pink Dollaz, The New Boyz and The Rej3ctz.

Unfolding like a 21st Century answer to such African-American cinematic classics as “House Party” (1990) and “Love Jones” (1997), “We the Party” effectively captures the angst and aspirations of the Millennial Generation. Written and directed by Mario Van Peebles, the film stars his son, Mandela, as Hendrix Sutton, a kid more concerned with buying a flashy automobile and finding

a girlfriend than with getting good grades and going on to college.

This unfortunate focus frustrates his divorced parents to no end. After all, Hendrix’s father (Mario Van Peebles) teaches at his high school where his mom (Salli Richardson) is the principal. So, the slick slacker has to listen to endless lectures about the consequences of not applying himself academically.

Still, Hendrix’s dad’s warning that “Minimum effort now means minimum wage later,” only falls on deaf ears since the recipient is a teenager with raging hormones. After all, his head has been hopelessly turned by cute classmate Cheyenne (Simone Battle). Yet, to land the girl of his dreams, he not only has to compete with a handsome jock, but he has to convince her “Ro-bro-cop” of a father (Michael Jai White) that his intentions are honorable.

Meanwhile, Hendrix’s motley posse, Quicktime (Moises Arias), Chowder (Patrick Cage II), Que (Ryan Vigil) and Obama (Makaylo Van Peebles) are experiencing their own unique relationship drama during their separate searches for sexual satisfaction. Be forewarned, much of the R-rated humor here ventures to the crude, like when the boys mount a tiny camera on a shoe in order to look up girls’ dresses; and the language is both profane and peppered with the N-word.

Look for Snoop Dogg, Tiny Lister and the director’s legendary father, Melvin Van Pee-

Very Good (3 stars) Rated R for profanity, sexuality, ethnic slurs and teen drug use.

Running time: 104 minutes Distributor: Xlrator Media DVD extras: Feature-length commentary by director Mario Van Peebles, and stars Mandela and Makaylo Van Peebles, 4 music videos from the film, and the theatrical trailer.

bles, in supporting roles, although they’re not the reason to see “We the Party.” What makes the movie worth its while is its anti-materialistic message that one’s character is of far more import than where you live, what kind of car you drive, and your sexual conquests.

The African-American answer to “American Pie!”

Mario & Mandela Van Peebles: ‘The We the Party’ interview Father and son discuss coming-of-age comedy Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Kam Williams

Here, Mario Van Peebles and his 18-yearold son, Mandela talk about the movie, “We the Party,” a coming-of-age comedy, which might be best thought of as an AfricanAmerican variation on “American Pie” (1999).

Kam Williams: Hi Mario and Mandela, thanks for the interview. You know, back in ’79, I had the honor of running part of the Boston Marathon alongside Melvin Van Peebles. Your father’s one of my idols.

Mario: Cool, man. When you met him did you go, “Come on feet! Do your Thing!” like his character did in “Sweet Sweetback?” (LOL) KW: I’m sure I did. What interested you in making “We the Party?”

Mario: Half of it came from just witnessing the party all around me. I had this cool constituency of five teenagers growing up, listening to all this new music and dealing with all the “isms” that are still alive.

They’re trying to climb through: lookism… classism… sexism… racism. Then they literally threw a huge party at the house for one of their birthdays.

Mandela: Yeah, one of my brothers and I have our birthdays around the same time, and my father wasn’t giving us as big an allowance as others in our age group. So, we figured we should pool our money, hire a DJ, hire security, order some pizza and refreshments, and charge $10 a head. It was amazing! We had at least 500 people show up.

KW: Wow! Mario: But it never got out of control like Project X because “dad” was there. I patrolled the premises with my video camera, and tried to keep the hormones from raging out of control. The way these kids behave, it sort of looks like safe sex out there on the floor. The last time I danced liked that I had a baby nine months later. So, inspired by real events, I started piecing the story together piece by piece.

KW: How true to life is the movie?

Mandela: A lot of the movie was inspired by real life, but some of it is fiction. For instance, I would get so mad, if my brother really got a car and I didn’t.

KW: How similar are you to your character, Hendrix?

Mandela: He’s the same kind of kid as me. He’s stylish, but he’s not the coolest kid or the weirdest kid. He’s kind of in his own world.

KW: Mandela, Harriet Pakula Teweles asks: “Was it weird being directed by your dad?”

Mandela: No, it wasn’t, because I’ve been directed by him almost my whole life.

That’s 18 years. However, it was important

Mario Van Peebles, Mandela Van Peebles and Tori Irons. (Courtesy photo)

to know the difference between my dad and Mario Van Peebles, the director. You gotta show up early…. you gotta know your lines…. and I had to set an example for the other actors, so they could see that even the director’s son was always prepared and very professional.

KW: Mario, was it hard keeping egos in check when you have stars like Snoop Dogg, Salli Richardson, Michael Jai White and Tony Lister in support roles.

Mario: One of the cool things about the adults in the movie is we’ve all been doing it for a minute. Salli, Tiny and I have been working together since “Posse.” And Snoop’s been The Doggfather for awhile.

So, we’re all pretty secure within ourselves.

On top of that, it wasn’t just my badass crew in the movie, it was Snoop’s son (Corde Broadus), P. Diddy’s son (Quincy Brown), a Wayan’s kid (Gregg), and a lot of talented youngsters from “That’s So Raven” and “Hannah Montana,” plus some professional music and dance crews.

So, the adults were happy to be a part of a cool movie being made that had some nutritional value. And I think they also knew that when you make an independent movie like “We the Party,” you really have to put the money on the screen. That’s why I only paid myself ten dollars to write it and one dollar to direct it. No one was there for the money in the first place. That was the wrong reason SEE VAN PEEBLES ON PAGE 13

ENTERTAINMENT

Tri-State Defender

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 27, 2012

BIG BUDGET FILMS

“Step Up Revolution” (PG-13 for profanity and sensuality) 4th installment in the hiphop, street dance series, set in Miami, revolves around the classically-trained daughter (Kathryn McCormick) of a wealthy businessman (Peter Gallagher) who falls in love with a flash mob choreographer (Ryan Guzman) trying to save his ’hood from a developer’s wrecking ball. With Adam Sevani, Stephen Boss and Chadd Smith.

“The Watch” (R for violence, graphic sexuality and pervasive profanity) Sci-fi comedy about members of a neighborhood crime watch (Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill and Richard Ayoade) who get more than they bargained for when they find themselves having to defend the planet from an alien invasion. With Rosemarie DeWitt, Will Forte and R. Lee Ermey.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

“Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry” (R for profanity) Bamboo Curtain biopic about Beijing contemporary artist/political activist Ai Weiwei, a controversial democracy and human rights advocate who has been censored for publicly criticizing the Chinese government. Includes appearances by Danging Chen, Ying Gao and Changwei Gu. (In English and Mandarin with subtitles)

“Big Boys Gone Bananas” (Unrated) Free speech documentary about the legal battle

VAN PEEBLES

CONTINUED FROM Page 12

Page 13

July 26 - August 1, 2012

to be on the set.

Understand that Hollywood tends to be a little reductive in its portrayals of people of color. It might get behind a couple filmmakers who are doing goofy comedies, which is fine, but I also want kids of all colors to have an alternative. I want our kids to be able to go to the movies to see something that is relevant to them that also has something to say. There’s no reason to be afraid to continue a conversation that society has already started with a young audience. So, if they’ve already been hit with hyper-sexuality and hyper materialism, it’s okay to let them know in the context of a movie that they might not be able to buy their sense of self at the mall.

Like I say in the classroom scene, the people we really respect aren’t the big shoppers

mounted by the Dole Corporation to prevent a pair of filmmakers from airing an expose’ they made about the company’s poisoning of Nicaraguan farm workers. With Alex Rivera, Alfonso Allende, Arvid Jurjaks and Bernt Hermele. (In English and Swedish with subtitles)

“Falling Overnight” (Unrated) Bittersweet love story about a 22-year-old cancer patient (Parker Croft) who shares a one-night stand with a pretty photographer (Emilia Zoryan) the day before he’s scheduled for brain surgery. Cast includes Jake Olson, Elizabeth Levin and Bubba Ganter.

“Killer Joe” (NC-17 for nudity, brutality, graphic sexuality and disturbing violence) Oscar-winner William Friedkin (“The French Connection”) directs this screen adaptation of Tracy Letts’ play of the same name about a cash-strapped gambler (Emile Hirsch) indebted to the mob who hires a cop (Matthew McConaughey) to murder his mother for her life insurance. With Gina Gershon, Juno Temple and Thomas Haden Church.

“Klown” (R for profanity, drug use, frontal nudity and graphic sexuality) Unlikely buddy comedy about a daddy-to-be (Frank Hvam) who takes his pregnant fiancee’s (Mia Lyhne) 12-year-old nephew (Marcuz Jess Petersen) on a wild canoe trip to prove himself ready for fatherhood. Featuring Casper Christensen, Mads Lisby and Tina Bilsbo. (In Danish with subtitles) “The Lion of Judah” (PG for mature themes) Faith-based animated adventure about the attempt of a brave lamb (Georgina Cordova) along with his stable mates to avoid the sacrificial altar at Easter time. Voice cast includes Michael Madsen (Virginia’s brother), Scott Eastwood (Clint’s son), Omar Benson

like the Kardashians, but the people who stand for something. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X weren’t big consumers. You couldn’t sell Mother Teresa breast implants. You couldn’t sell Gandhi a new car. That’s a long answer, but once my cast saw that level of consciousness in a script aimed at young adults, they jumped at the chance to be a part of delivering a positive message. They were attracted to the project for content reasons, not for ego reasons.

KW: That reminds me of how your dad’s film, “Sweet Sweetback,” was taught in one of my black studies courses when I went to Cornell.

Mario: Kam, you’re hitting on a real important point that’s often lost in the conversation when we talk about Blaxploitation Era cinema. What Melvin Van Peebles really created was Black Power Cinema. He made the first definitive film where a brother transforms from a hustler into a revolu-

Miller and the late Ernest Borgnine.

“Planet of Snail” (Unrated) Endearing documentary chronicling the day-to-day struggle to survive of deaf and blind Young-Chan and his wife, Soon-ho, who suffers from a debilitating spinal disease. (In Korean with subtitles) “Rites of Spring” (Unrated) Payback horror flick about a gang of kidnappers whose plan to kidnap the daughter of a wealthy businessman goes horribly wrong when they have the tables turned on them by a relentless killing machine. Principal cast includes A.J. Bowen, Anessa Ramsey, Marco St. John and Hannah Bryan.

“Ruby Sparks” (R for profanity, sexual references and drug use) Mind-over-matter romantic comedy about a lonely novelist with writer’s block (Paul Dano) who magically materializes the perfect mate for himself by willing one of his character (Zoe Kazan) to life.

With Antonio Banderas, Annette Bening, Elliott Gould and Steve Coogan. (In English and French with subtitles)

“Sacrifice” (Unrated) Screen adaptation of the play “The Orphan of Zhao,” a historical drama, set in ancient China, about the sole survivor (Zhao Wenhau) of a massacre who is raised like a son by an embittered doctor (Ge You) and trained to avenge the murder of their entire clan.

With Xueqi Wang, Bingbing Fan and Xiaoming Huang. (In Mandarin with subtitles) “Searching for Sugar Man” (Unrated) Flash in the pan documentary about a couple of diehard fans from South Africa who embark on a search for the whereabouts of Sixto Rodriquez, a one-hit wonder from Detroit remembered for the 1967 single, “I’ll Slip Away.”

tionary and goes up against the system. Hollywood saw that movie make money, and made “Shaft,” a private eye who was working with The Man, instead of against The Man. And “Superfly” came later, which was about a guy who was dealing drugs to his own people for The Man. So, although the films after “Sweetback” still featured empowered black leads, they were only icing on the cake, because the revolutionary core had been drained from the cake. Consequently, black people are today still trying to recover from the Blaxploitation Era’s drug dealer as a hip guy mentality. The Hollywood industry prefers to support cinema that doesn’t threaten the status quo as opposed to promoting material that might raise consciousness. Even reality-TV shows dupe viewers into believing they’re exercising an important choice when they’re given a chance to vote for this or that next Pop Idol. But the truth is, they’re really only exercising distraction….

HOROSCOPES

July 19-25, 2012

ARIES Hidden resentments could surface and you’ll want to be able to gracefully back away from arguments this week. Appreciate the good vibrations and ignore the negative. You’ll be doing the universe’s work!

TAURUS Charming, simply charming is what you are this week! Use your sparkle to set a few dreams in motion by meeting with those who can help you move forward. Wow! Have you got it going on! Keep your spontaneous side in check.

GEMINI Think things through before you act. Concentrate on small details. They will make the difference between success and failure in your endeavors this week. Don’t go for the gusto just yet, your idas need to be massaged a bit more before you present them openly. Call that special someone that has been on your mind.

CANCER Your financial constraints will soon come to an end. Meanwhile, make a game of spending less. See how long you can go without letting lose a dime and you will be in a better position to make decisions about bigger ticket items soon.

LEO For the past two weeks you have been playing it safe. Now you can live on the edge a little. Luck is back with you again. You’ll be aware of love prospects lingering around you.

You’ll see that your career is full of bright possibilities. Now is a good time to take a chance.

VIRGO Flexibility is the word for this week. Don’t insist on being right, even if you think you are.

You will gain more this week if you allow others the freedom to have their way rather than insisting that people do things your way.

LIBRA You don’t have to worry about being alone in the journey that you have undertaken. You are on this path because someone guided you. Take the memory of their guidance as comfort and keep on trucking.

SCORPIO Commit to a way this week, lucky archers!

You are developing your craft by practice and more practice. Accept recognition gracefully, and keep on task. You are investing in your art this week.

SAGITTARIUS Your word this week is persistence. Keep at the task of persuading others that your idea or vision is as remarkable as you know it is. You just need to get the word out, and you need to be persistent in your efforts. Make a game out of it and have fun!

CAPRICORN Results that seemed like they would never show up may arrive this week, and it will make you very happy. Keep the feeling this week in mind so that you’ll remember and benefit from it next time you are impatiently waiting for an outcome. Everything is working to your good.

AQUARIUS Your exciting and adventurous self will want to come out and play. You’ll be happiest if you are exploring something, and then topping it off with a visit to a restaurant that serves something you’ve never tried before.

PISCES Watch for that item you’ve been wanting to be on sale at a good price this week. While you are feeling pretty confident with money, you don’t want to splurge or overspend just yet.

Source: NNPA News Service

HEALTH & FITNESS

Page 14

July 26 - August 1, 2012

Tri-State Defender

CHEF TIMOTHY

Compassion must trump profit if cancer patients are to survive

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

A young man with tears in his eyes could not believe the words that came from his doctor’s mouth: “You have cancer.”

Those three words felt like a dagger driven deep into the young man’s chest and twisted from side to side each time he thought about the doctor’s diagnosis and the predicament he now found himself in. He’d lived a fruitful life; now death was inevitable – a fate he didn’t expect.

The young man, who decided to remain anonymous, tried to remain strong for his family. They in turn tried to assure him that he was going to be all right. But they couldn’t feel his pain.

“How can you relate to this when I’m the one in fact who has cancer?” he’d ask them.

Cancer causes the death of tens of thousands of people each year. It creeps like a thief in the night and can quickly snuff the life out of its vic-

tims. Other times it lingers around and causes turmoil and wreckage within the body and eventually death. So why does cancer strike so many people?

There are no warning signs in some cases. However, we’re living in a fast-paced, Dr. Timothy techno, industrialized society that’s Moore filled with environmental hazards – and they all wreak havoc on the body. Oil, smog and toxins are some of the culprits that affect the body and cause stress levels to inch dangerously high.

Whether you develop breast cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer or any other known cancers, you have to remember that your environment and the type of foods you’re eating can set off a powder keg within your body if you’re not careful. If you eat right you

Hair and wellness challenge on weekend Expo agenda Obesity, high cholesterol and heart disease in women of color are partially a result of the lack of physical inactivity and a key factor is the limitation a woman’s hair may create.

Takeisha Berry-Brooks has organized the Naturals In The City Hair & Wellness Expo for Saturday (July 28) at The Esplanade to address the challenge. While there are “gyms and facilities in just about every neighborhood,” said BerryBrooks, many women who perm, relax or process their hair view water, sweat and humidity as “their arch enemy.”

“You see, the average woman that sits down in her stylist’s chair, spending anywhere from $40 to several hundred dollars, is just not going to want to turn around and sweat that out,” said Berry-Brooks, a natural hair stylist and salon owner for over 10 years,.

In addition to the wall that many women run in to regarding their hair, there long has been the challenge of “natural” hairstyles being accepted in the workplace and commercial / mainstream environments.”

Legal notices IN THE LAKE CIRCUIT COURT SITTING IN CROWN POINT, INDIANA IN RE: THE DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE OF: LATONYA JOHNSON, wife/Mother vs.

LARRY JOHNSON, Husband/Father SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION You are hereby notified that a Complaint has been filed by LATONYA JOHNSON in the above-captioned Court naming you as a Husband/Father. Wife/Mother seeks relief as stated in said Petition. You must respond within thirty (30) days after the last notice of the action is published and in the event you fail to do so, judgment by default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in said Complaint.

Dated: 5-18-2012 Lisa A. Berdine Hammond Legal Aid Clinic 5231 Hohman Avenue, Suite 605 Hammond, Indiana 46320 PH: 219-853-6611 Atty. No. 24795-45 Attorney for: Wife/Mother

NOTICE TO BIDDER(S) Sealed bids will be received by the Shelby County Government in the Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38134 until 9:30 a.m. on Monday August 6, 2012 as shown below: MULTIPLE AND ENTIRELY DIFFERENT REHABILITATION JOBS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS BID NOTICE. BIDDER(S) MAY ELECT TO BID ON ANY OR ALL OF THE JOBS IN THE NOTICE. SBI-000176 SEALED BID DUE: Monday August 6, 2012 1. Rehabilitation of Owner-Occupied Housing Units throughout Shelby County some of which may require the use of lead based paint safe work practices and techniques.

Detailed specifications for items above may be obtained in the Shelby County Department of Housing at the aforementioned address. All bids will be opened and publicly read by the Shelby County Government at the time mentioned above at the Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road Memphis, TN 38134, (901) 2227600.

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

As a condition precedent to being awarded jobs involving Lead Based Paint, contractors must be certified through EPA as an RRP contractor and/or show proof of application to EPA for said certification and be certified through the State of Tennessee as a Lead Based Paint Firm. Proof of licensing at time of bid submission is required by the Shelby County Department of Housing.

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

You must display your current E.O.C. Eligibility Number or your Locally Owned Small Business (LOSB) Number on the outside of your envelope and a copy of all

In the last few years, more and more women have moved toward better health and a better lifestyle and for many the shift is associated with a “natural hair explosion”.

Women of color all over the country have been changing their hair with acceptance. This new embrace is being seen in television, the workplace and just about all areas, especially the gyms.

A ton of questions and concerns have cropped up as part of the evolution. The most frequently asked questions are: “How do I transition to natural hair?”

“How do I care for my new hair style?”

“Is it less expensive than what I’ve been doing?”

“Who are some good natural hair stylists in the Memphis area?”

All of these questions and more will be addressed at the Naturals In The City Hair & Wellness Expo, which will feature workshops, presentations, classes, a natural hair show competition, vendors, live entertainment, shopping and a host of other activities.

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

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

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

By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL, JR., MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Jim Vazquez, Administrator NOTICE TO CONSULTANT ENGINEERS REGARDING A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND LETTERS OF INTEREST July 26, 2012 The City Of Memphis, Division of Engineering, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, seeks to retain the services of professional engineering consulting firms to provide various engineering services related to the design of resurfacing/sign & marking plans for various streets in the City of Memphis. This project (STP Repaving Group 4) is being funded by the Surface Transportation Program (STP) as a Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Locally Managed Program. This project shall adhere to all applicable Federal and State, procedures and regulations. The professional consulting engineering firms must be on TDOTʼs pre-approved list and must have unlimited status. The scope of work includes 1. Design services to complete the resurfacing plans for streets listed below 2. Environ-

can avoid toxic foods as well. Your choice of food, however, is key to avoiding the “Big C.” You may know someone with cancer. If you do, most likely they are aware that each stage between the diagnosis and death gets progressively worse. Is there comfort for the cancer patient? Eating a nutritious diet is still the key to longevity. Even if you develop cancer and expect to die, I wouldn’t stop eating fresh fruits and vegetables.

There are so many people who fear death after being told that they have cancer. So why is the fear level heightened? There could be a multitude of reasons: “My work here on earth is not finished.” “I don’t want to leave my children behind.” “What is going to become of my legacy?”

“Will I make it into heaven?”

Death is inevitable. There is no way around it. But there is a way to stall it if you change your diet and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, get plenty of exercise and avoid environmental plagues. Because we live in a society of processed and microwaved foods, we open our bodies up to all

types of problems that affect our immune system.

With toxins and other hazards running amok, they allow cancer to fester, which eventually starts its ravenous journey. This question often arises: “Is cancer curable?” If so, then why is it not being discussed more in the community? Information is disseminated, however, but could the profit margin be so great that the information is not seriously reaching its destination?

There is money to be made in research and drugs. We have to look at who’s controlling the money and follow the paper trail. Then we’ll see how food and medicine control the world. If you have cancer, I’m sure you’re loaded down with pills. And don’t mention the doctor visits; I’m sure they’re numerous. But you inevitably have to pay the price to live.

In my opinion, profits and greed have caused more untimely deaths.

I’m sure everyone would like a better quality of health. That’s why President Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (informally referred to as Obamacare) is so impor-

tant to the tens of millions of people who are uninsured or underinsured.

New hospitals are being built around the country all the time. But don’t misunderstand me. I understand business and the pursuit of profits.

And I understand that corporate executives are concerned about the bottom line. I get it. However, compassion must trump profit if we are going to survive in a world filled with gravely ill people.

Cancer has killed so many. But just because you were told you have cancer doesn’t mean a death sentence.

You could determine your own fate, actually.

(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.)

Mind games: The mental connection to physical fitness Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Vernon Warrick

When the average person asks me a question about physical fitness, it’s normally something like, “I’m ready to get in shape, so what should I do?”

My natural inclination is usually to find out what they have been doing up to that point, and the responses are always generally the same: “I’ve stopped eating everything that I know is bad.” Or, “I’ve gone cold turkey except for rain water and cabbage, plus I do X amount of miles, sit-ups, etc. every day.”

A proud look can be seen when I tell them how great that sounds, but a blank, bewildered stare tends to follow when I ask, “How long can you keep that up?” Sustainability is an essential element of any diet or fitness plan.

Sure, the extreme approach can lead to quick and sometimes drastic results. Maybe you’ll lose 10 pounds in 10 days or drop two pant sizes in two weeks. But if they can’t be sustained, those extreme efforts can be summed up in three letters – fad. It’s better known in the fitness world as the Yo-Yo Effect, a term coined by Dr. Kelly D. Brownell, a clinical psy-

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mental services to secure State and Federal permits 3. Assemble bid package. The method of payment shall be lump sum and the scope includes the following streets: 1. Front Street - Union to AW Willis 2.

Cleveland - Lamar to Watkins 3. Yates Poplar to Mason 4. Prescott - Cherokee to Radford 5. East – Crump to Linden and 6. Neely - Raines to Holmes.

Firms may request consideration by submitting a letter of interest, along with a statement of “General Qualifications” for each firm on the team to: Mr. Jack Stevenson, Engineering Programs Manager, Division of Engineering, 125 N. Main, Suite 554, Memphis, TN, 38103. All letters of interest and statements of qualifications must be received on or before 3:00 p.m. Central Time, Friday, August 17, 2012.

For additional details regarding the proposed services to be provided, letter of interest submittal requirements and City of Memphis prequalification procedures go to www.MemphisTN.gov or contact Mr. Brad Davis, 576-6955, Brad.Davis@ MemphisTN.gov.

Information pertaining to TDOT prequalification procedures, list of pre-qualified firms and certified DBEs, TDOTʼs standard procurement policy, and additional information can be found at this internet address www.tdot.state.tn.us/consultantinfo .htm. Interested firms without internet access may obtain this information by calling Ms. Paula Johnson at (615)741-4460 or by email at Paula.Johnson@tn.gov.

Submittals will be reviewed by a Consultant Evaluation Committee who will make recommendations to the City Engineer of several firms who would make viable candidates from which to make a selection or invite more detailed proposals and/or presentations. All submitters will be advised when a selection has been made.

The factors that will be considered in eval-

chologist from Rutgers University. The Yo-Yo Effect takes place when someone starts off successfully in a weightloss program, typically by way of an extreme approach, but winds up gaining back Vernon more weight later.

Warrick Consistency is the key to avoiding the Yo-Yo Effect – consistency in physical activity and consistency in eating habits. If weight loss is your goal, your plan should begin with 30 minutes of physical activity three times per week. Use a moderate pace the first two weeks, then push toward 85 percent of your target heart rate in week three. By week four, you should be adding some resistance training for a total body circuit-style workout.

Chances are you know all about successful dietary guidelines from TV commercials and food labels. The trick is sticking to them. Healthy foods are vital to any successful fitness plan. More whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and lean protein,

such as turkey, fish and egg whites, and less fried foods, dairy, red meat, sugar and carbohydrates, like white rice and white bread, is the best approach.

The magic numbers for sugar and sodium are 100 and 2,000 – less than 100 grams of sugar daily and fewer than 2,000 milligrams of sodium. In fact, quantity or portion control is important for every meal. Try cutting your normal meals in half. If you dine out, request a to-go box when you order. If you want to eat the other half, have it later at home.

When you eat is also just as important as what you eat. On weekdays, either eat normal-sized meals three times per day every 4.5 hours, or eat six smaller meals every two hours.

Weekends are your reward days, so treat yourself to what you would normally eat.

Bottom line is you have to master the mind games to master your fitness program. The more consistent mental habits you develop, the more likely you are to move toward your goals and avoid bouncing back to bad habits like a yo-yo.

uation of submittals are: Submitting firms shall be pre-qualified with the City of Memphis, Division of Engineering and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to provide consulting services.

Overall capacity and experience of design team.

Specific relevant experience in the design of street resurfacing projects.

Availability of staff.

Specific experience and position in the team of key individuals to be involved in the project.

Specific relevant experience in environmental investigations to fulfilling National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements for street resurfacing projects.

Demonstrated ability to meet schedules and to perform work efficiently without compromising sound engineering practice.

Performance on prior City of Memphis and TDOT projects.

Locally available staff.

Amount of work under contract with TDOT and City of Memphis.

Evaluation proceedings will be conducted within the established guidelines regarding equal employment opportunity and nondiscriminatory action based upon the grounds of race, color, sex, creed or national origin. Interested certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms as well as other minority/women-owned firms are encouraged to respond to all advertisements by City of Memphis. For information on DBE certification with TDOT, please contact Ms Deborah Luter at (615)741-3681 or Deborah.Luter @state.tn.us. Details and instructions for DBE certification can be found at the following website: http://www.tdot.state.tn.us /civil-rights/smallbusiness/.

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

John Cameron, P.E. City Engineer

posals (“RFP”) shall be submitted in a sealed envelope or container. Each envelope or container must be clearly marked on the outside with the following: 1) Request for Proposals, Pest Control Services, 2) RFP Number 13-0001, and 3) Your company name and address. A complete Request Proposals Packet with submittal instructions, additional data, and response format may be found on our website www.mscaa.com on or after July 30, 2012.

A mandatory pre-proposal meeting will be held at the Authorityʼs Project Center located at 4225 Airways Blvd., Memphis, TN on August 16, 2012 at 2:00 PM Local Time. Only those attending will be allowed to submit a proposal.

All Proposers are hereby notified that all updates, addenda and additional information, if any, shall be posted to the Authority website and Proposers are responsible for checking the Authority website up to the time of the RFP submission deadline.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this RFP in whole or in part and to waive any informalities, technicalities, or omissions therein. The Authority also reserves the right to reject any response when a parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or predecessor in interest of the Proposer has pending litigation or claims with the Authority, or if any response includes a proposed subcontractor or supplier that has pending litigation or claims with the Authority, if the Authority determines, in its sole discretion, such litigation or claims may adversely affect the ability of the parties to work efficiently and effectively under this RFP, or for any other reason as determined by the Authority. Any such response will be returned to the Proposer. All Proposers must use forms provided by the Authority.

The Authority hereby notifies that it will review and award bids/proposals in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4a (the “Act”) and Title 49, Part 26, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act. The Authority further notifies all Proposers that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Disadvantaged/Minority/Women Business Enterprises (“D/M/WBEs”) will be afforded full opportunity to submit responses to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, or disability in its hiring and employment practices, or in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, and activities, in accordance with the Business Diversity Development Program (“BDDP”) promulgated under the September 2008 Disparity Study for non-discrimination in non-federally assisted programs commissioned by the Memphis-Shelby County Intergovernmental Consortium, as amended. The D/M/WBE participation goal for any contract awarded as a result of this RFP is 34% in accordance with the requirements of the RFP documents.

Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority Larry D. Cox, A.A.E. President

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST for PROPOSALS RFP Number 13-0001 Pest Control Services Responses for this Request for Proposals for providing Pest Control Services will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (“Authority”), Staff Services Division, Memphis International Airport, Administration and Support Facility, 3505 Tchulahoma Road, Memphis, TN 38118-2718 until 11:00 AM Local Time, August 31, 2012. No responses will be accepted after the stated deadline.

INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS The response to the Request for Pro-

(Vernon Warrick is with Right Now Fitness in Cordova.)

Tri-State Defender

SPORTS

July 26 - August 1, 2012

Penn State aftermath lands Grambling’s Robinson back on top Former Grambling State University Head Coach Eddie Robinson reclaimed his position as the winningest coach in Division I college football history through unexpected circumstances this week.

Penalties heaped upon Penn State and announced on Monday (July 23) included stripping the university of 111 football victories racked up during the tenure of legendary Penn State Coach Joe Paterno.

That moved dropped Paterno to 298 victories, again making Robinson with 408 wins the winningest coach in Division I college football history.

National Collegiate Association of Athletics (NCAA) President Mark Emmert announced that Penn State would face a $60 million fine, a four-

year post-season ban, a probational five-year period, the loss of 10 initial scholarships in year one and 20 overall scholarships per year over the following four years, a mandatory adoption of all the things recommended in the Freeh Report and the vacating of all wins from 1998 to 2011. Current members of the football team are allowed to transfer without penalty or limitation.

Joe Gagliardi, of Saint John’s in Minnesota (a Division III school), has the most wins of any college football coach overall with 484. Former Florida State Football Coach Bobby Bowden has the most wins of any Football Bowl Subdivision Program with 377.

Robinson coached at Gram-

Eddie Robinson

bling State for six decades until his retirement in 1997. With an overall record of 408-16515, his teams weren’t only excellent, the school’s program was a hotbed of young talent that would eventually find its way into the National Football League (including Super Bowl XXII MVP Doug Williams).

Robinson died in 2007 at the age of 88 after a decadelong battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Youth baseball tournament plays out this weekend

The Tri-State Baseball Academy end of the season tournament is set for Saturday at Jesse Turner Park on the corner of Bellevue and South Parkway East.

Food and youth baseball

games will run from 9 a.m. until. Admission is free, with donations accepted.

Tony James, the academy’s chairman, said, “Bring your lawn chair and relax.”

Founded in 2008, the Tri-

State Youth Baseball Academy trains players (ages 4 years to 18 years) from all communities in the Tri-State area (Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi).

Page 15

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July 26 - August 1, 2012

Tri-State Defender