8 27 2014

VOL. 63, No. 33

www.tsdmemphis.com

August 21 - 27, 2014

75 Cents

COMMENTARY

Whose son will be next?

The fiasco in Ferguson, Mo. is nothing new to African Americans who are constantly reminded of questionable shooting deaths of young men by law enforcement.

by Tony Jones Special to The New Tri-State Defender

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder

Holder promises fair and independent investigation in shooting death of Michael Brown

by Breanna Edwards thRoot.com

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder scheduled a trip to Ferguson, Mo., Wednesday (Aug. 20) to meet with community leaders and FBI agents to be briefed on the federal civil rights investigation into unarmed teen Michael Brown’s death.

Penning a piece for the local newspaper, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Holder promised that the Department of Justice’s probe would be fair and thorough.

“At a time when so much may seem uncertain, the people of Ferguson can have confidence that the Justice Department intends to learn—in a fair and thorough manner—exactly what happened,” he wrote.

He’d planned to meet personally with community leaders, FBI investigators and federal prosecutors from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to receive detailed briefings on the status of this case.

Holder detailed the resources going toward uncovering the details of Brown’s death, including, he noted in the piece, 40 FBI agents and “some of the Civil Rights Division’s most experienced prosecutors” who have been organized to lead the investigation.

However, the attorney general urged protesters to remain calm, as well as encouraged them to take a stance against the looters and vandals who have been “undermining” their cause.

“We understand the need for an independent investigation, and we hope that the independence and thoroughness of our investigation will bring some measure of calm to the tensions in Ferguson. In order to begin the healing process, however, we must first see an end to the acts of violence in the streets of Ferguson. Although these acts have been committed by a very small minority—and, in many cases, by individuals from outside Ferguson—they seriously undermine, rather than advance, the cause of justice. And they interrupt the deeper conversation that the legitimate demonstrators are trying to advance,” Holder wrote.

He also sent a similar message out SEE HOLDER ON PAGE 2

MEMPHIS WEEKEND FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

H-98o - L-77o H-97o - L-75o H-99o - L-73o Mostly Sunny Sunny Sunny REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS

Friday H-98 L-75 H-97 L-74 H-98 L-75

Saturday H-101 L-73 H-97 L-73 H-97 L-75

Sunday H-101 L-74 H-99 L-72 H-99 L-73

When the news that a white policeman, now identified as Officer Darren Wilson, had shot and killed 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri last week, the familiarity of the tragedy struck a chord with African-Americans nationwide.

Before the grand jury that was convened on Wednesday (Aug. 21) could begin its work, an angry reaction erupted in Ferguson. The city’s police made it worse, observers said, by withholding Wilson’s name as Brown’s shooter.

The officer has been suspended with pay as the investigation begins, but after a videotape was made public, people were asking what in the world could have made Wilson shoot Brown six times?

Some people would assume it’s “fear” or “inexperience” that would compel an officer of the law to fatally shoot an unarmed teenager. Like countless tragedies throughout the nation, people are becoming more distrustful of law enforcement officers and trying to figure how in the world we keep repeating this debacle.

Though it occurred more than two years ago, it seems like yesterday we were mourning the senseless death of Trayvon Martin. Before his demise, the anger in Ferguson was presaged by the rage in Cincinnati, where John

Anne McVay received a call on Oct. 15, 1992, informing her that her 20-year-old son was killed by Memphis police officer. (Photo: Tony Jones) Crawford III was fatally shot recently by police at a southwestern Ohio Wal-Mart.

Also, consider the Klan-style murder of James Bryd Jr. in Jasper, Texas, in 1998. Three white men, white supremacists, chained and dragged Bryd behind their truck, severing his arm and head.

A year later, four New York police

officers fired 41 bullets at 23-yearold immigrant Amadou Diallo at his mother’s doorstep. Nineteen bullets hit their mark. Diallo went down and the officers were acquitted.

Memphis has a direct link to the martyrs list. Besides the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, Memphians may still remember the 1971 beating death of 19-

Pastor calls on 1,000 ministers to go to Ferguson Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Brandi Richard (right), president of the National Urban League Young Professionals, makes a point during a recent discussion.

She will be the keynote speaker at Empowerment Conference 2014 this weekend. (Courtesy photo)

Young professionals urged to ‘unite and lead’ at empowerment conference Brandi Richard is looking to make Memphis better

by Bernal E. Smith II besmith@tsdmemphis.com

( B r a n d i Richard is president of the National Urban League Young P ro f e s s i o n a l s , which exists to support the National Urban League affiliates.

There are 55 chapters and over Bernal E. 5,000 members.

Smith II She has a vision for NULYP’s members and chapters and will be in Memphis to keynote “Empowerment Conference 2014” at Hilton Memphis, Aug. 22-23. She shares her experiences as national leader of a group of young, diverse professionals with TSD President and Publisher, Bernal E. Smith II.)

SEE MINISTERS ON PAGE 2

BEST IN BLACK AWARDS

SEE NEXT ON PAGE 3

a two-year term as President, I ran for Southern Region Vice President and served for two years in that role. During that time I helped to increase the number of chapters from 18 to 25. I then ran for National President in 2011 and served for one two-year term and was re-elected for a second term in 2013 in Philadelphia, Pa. I also serve as a member of the National Urban League Board of Trustees. My term ends in July of 2015.

by Tony Jones Rev. R. B. Holmes Jr., pastor of the Bethel Missionary Grove BC in Tallahassee, Fla. has issued a call for 1,000 ministers to assemble in Ferguson, Mo. next week to call a halt to the violent protests that have gripped the city since the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown by an on duty police officer.

Holmes issued the challenge to a packed room at a Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association (MBAA) luncheon Tuesday (Aug. 19). He also spoke to the group to gain their endorsement as the next president of the National Baptist Convention (NBC). The selection will be made at the organization’s 134th Annual Session in New Orleans, Sept. 1-4.

Currently headed by Dr. Julius Scruggs, NBC governs Baptist church denominations comprising millions of members. Each president serves a 5-year term.

The group’s 2015 Annual Session will be in Memphis, which is why Annesdale Cherokee Missionary Baptist Church pastor Dwight Montgomery invited Holmes here. He also led a threeday revival at the church while here.

“I have never seen such a comprehensive economic and community strengthening platform as the one Rev. Holmes has created at his own church, and it is very evident that we as ministers need to revive the commitment of the church to social activism. The evidence is all around us,” said Montgomery, also president of the Memphis Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC Memphis).

Holmes said it is time for NBC to reconnect to the passion of the 1960’s civil rights movement and added that a serious concentration of economic initiatives must be centered upon channeling revenues

year-old Elton Hayes by Memphis police.

Remember Emmitt Till, the savagely beaten teenager who was tossed into the Tallahatchie River for allegedly whistling at a white woman? His mother, Mamie Till Mosby, exposed his morbid body to the world to point out the evil of racism. Her courage is still admired today.

Somehow, somewhere, for some reason, being born a black male can still make you a target for the ultimate act of violence at any time on any given day of the week – and for no apparent reason.

What answer lies ahead in the Ferguson case no one knows. But one fact remains: Black families with male children must still face the fear of that unexpected phone call we hope doesn’t ring with bad news.

Anne McVay received a call on Oct. 15, 1992, when she was informed that her 20-year-old son, Catraceon “Tracy” Reece, was shot dead by a Memphis police officer.

She joined the demonstration for Brown to honor her son’s memory.

“I have long gotten over the crying, the tears, and the pain of it all, but the truth never came out,” McVay said. “They eventually ruled that it was justifiable homicide, but I’ve never believed it.”

McVay said the story kept changing.

Bernal E. Smith II: Tell us about the Urban League Young Professionals? What is it? Why does it exist (purpose)? How many chapters/members?

Brandi Richards: The National Urban League Young Professionals exists to support National Urban League affiliates through volunteerism, philanthropy and member (leadership) development. NULYP is made up of 55 chapters and over 5,000 members. Our network extends to over 2.5 million individuals on social media. Our members volunteer over 50,000 hours a year and over the past three years have given over $1 million to the Urban League to the affiliate network.

BES: How did you get involved and ultimately how did you ascend to become the National President?

BR: I started my Urban League career as President of the Urban League of Greater Dallas Young Professionals growing the chapter from 12 to over 130 members. After completing

Stone Soul Picnic taps Memphis finest

BES: You are the national leader of a group of young diverse professionals, with that comes a measure of reach and influence. What is your vision, aspirations and goals for NULYP? How do you seek to leverage that reach and influence to affect change both nationally and locally?

BR: My vision for NULYP began with a focus on advocacy training for our members, chapter and organization sustainability, and leadership and professional development. Over the last three years, we’ve honed our focus to develop our leaders into advocates for issues that impact their communities. We are preparing to receive an influx of Millennials into our organization. We expect that by developing them as leaders and providing them with the tools to be successful advocates for the National Urban League’s Empowerment Agenda and 2014 goals, we will ensure real change in our communities.

BES: How important has YP been to extending the brand and work of the NUL? How do NULYP’s work with Marc Morial and team fulfill the mission of the Urban League?

BR: NULYP supports NUL programs like the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, where we organized over 600 individuals to join the march. We coined the phrase “We’ve Got Now” during the march, which has become our hashtag for the year. In 2014, NULYP made up over half of the participants at the annual Legislative Policy Conference and lobbied on behalf of the NUL alongside affiliate CEOs, board chairs, and guild presidents. Created under NUL CEO Hugh Price, NULYP celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. During that time, NULYP has produced six current affiliate president and CEOs, countless Urban League affiliate board members and affiliate staff.

SEE RICHARD ON PAGE 2

Tiger Basketball wraps it up

Cook Convention Center, Aug. 30, 7 P.M.

The gospel festival begins Aug. 30th at Tom Lee Park

The Canadian exhibition tour ended Tuesday (Aug. 19th) with a second loss to Carleton University

www.bestinblackawards.com

See Entertainment, page 8

See Sports, page 11

Page 2

Tri-State Defender

August 21 - 27, 2014

NEWS MINISTERS RICHARD

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

within the black community.

“If we watch eight hours of television a day, why can’t own our own television station?” he said.

“If T.D. Jakes can produce movies, can’t we? If we spend $1 trillion dollars with white companies, can’t we own our own credit union and put money into the black community?”

He went on saying, “Can’t we own our own school system to teach our boys and girls? Let us run some of these private prisons with our own pastors, psychologists, and let our men and women there come out with GED’s, a degree or a trade? Why not, if we are 80 percent of the population in the prisons?”

While preaching, he said, “Don’t get it twisted.”

Holmes is serious African American achieving their fair share of the economic pie, including fighting along with those who are fighting for justice in Ferguson.

“The FBI is there. The National Guard is there. (Attorney General) Eric Holder is there.

The thugs are there. The NBC must be there to be a moral voice just to say ‘Jesus, have mercy!’

We cannot be afraid to be a moral voice. If there are looters and thugs, we need to consult with them to tell them that this is not our culture and not our history.

“We did the same thing with Trayvon Martin’s family. Four hundred black men were killed by police officers. Don’t get me to talking about the hundreds of thousands that have been killed by black on black crime. How have black lives become to be seen as so cheap? Black ministers can’t just preach in the pulpits. I don’t care if Michael Brown stole a pig, he deserved due justice, not due death. ” Holmes hopes to recreate his church’s local market impact on a nation scale.

“Bethel Grove was a 140year-old church located in the inner city in Tallahassee. The challenge was whether we should build a suburban church – and there’s nothing wrong with that but we decided to follow the bible vision of trying to be the ‘light of the world’ and rebuild

BES: Voter apathy, low graduation rates, rising violence, are issues that are plaguing our communities and particular African-American youth. How can we inspire younger generations to positive action and away from destructive behaviors? With the influence of technology and the free flow of information, do we have the ability to influence the biggest influencers?

BR: Youth need to see young professionals who care about them living, working and serving in their communities. And those professionals need to have a working strategy to transform their communities by increasing voter turnout, improving the education system, making communities safer and the like. Social media has given us great access to our pipeline (young people coming after us), but it does not take the place of building relationships with young people. Many of our members are direct beneficiaries of someone who told us we could achieve more than we believe we could. In addition to being impactful advocates, we also have to be present for our youth in order to overcome the challenges they face.

BES: Some and particularly those of the younger generation question the continued relevance of organizations such as the NAACP, the Urban League, SCLC and others. How do you respond to that and what are your thoughts on the continued role of organizations such as the Urban League?

BR: The challenges we face reinforce the relevance of organizations like the National Urban League. Sometimes we as YPs think, “We have done everything we were asked to do. We’ve graduated from college; we’ve managed our finances well and abided by the laws of the land, yet we are still treated differently. Fifty years after Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, we are still afraid of being killed in the street without due process of law. The problems we face seem to be beyond the jurisdiction of even the Constitution. They are deeply embedded, learned behaviors that still need to be addressed.”

Our civil rights organizations, members residing in communities across the country, put themselves on the line to support injustice. They are trained and ready to provide support while some of us are at work or supporting our families. I’m proud of the work they do and am happy to support as a volunteer.

BES: What can attendees expect the message from Brandi Richard to be as the keynote for the upcoming Empowerment Conference in Memphis? What are your expectations of the conference? What are your thoughts on the leadership of the Memphis Chapter of NULYP? BR: The conference will prepare young professionals from Memphis and across the country to lead in a more collaborative way when they return home. President Cynthia Daniels asked me to encourage the attendees to “unite to lead.” YPs can unite to lead by overcoming racial differences and forming leadership coalitions to create sustainable change in our communities. We face too many issues to work in silos. President Cynthia Daniels is an exceptional leader and along with her team has put on a powerful conference, which will train current and future young leaders so they can make Memphis better. Our NULYP family is proud of the Memphis Urban League Young Professionals and will continue to support them in their endeavors.

BES: Tell us about Brandi Richard? What’s your story? Who is Brandi and what does the future hold for you? What’s on your horizon over the next five years?

BR: I am a proud single mother of one exceptional 17-year-old daughter. I’m the first two-term President of NULYP and the first mother. Each door that opened in my life was put in motion by God expressly for me. Right now I am working on a book project to be released next year. Beyond my project and a bright career at the Department of Homeland Security, I am open to see what door God will nudge open next. Until then, I am going to be the best NULYP President I can possibly be.

(The Memphis Urban League Young Professionals is hosting Empowerment Conference 2014 Aug. 22-23 at Hilton Memphis, 939 Ridge Lake Blvd. Special guest speakers include Petya Kirlova-Grady, Jeremy Park, John Carroll, Al Pickett and Sarah Petschonek Brandi Richard, president of the National Urban League Young Professionals, will be the keynote speaker.)

HOLDER CONTINUED FROM FRONT to law enforcement monitoring the protests, writing that while he knew of the sacrifices they make in their jobs “in the face of tremendous threats and significant personal risk,” it was also important to remember the need for trust between the police and the public.

“Good law enforcement requires forging bonds of trust between the police and the pub-

lic. This trust is all-important, but it is also fragile. It requires that force be used in appropriate ways,” Holder wrote. “Enforcement priorities and arrest patterns must not lead to disparate treatment under the law, even if such treatment is unintended. And police forces should reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.

“This is my pledge to the people of Ferguson: Our investigation into this matter will be full, it will be fair, and it will be independent,” Holder said

in closing his article. “And beyond the investigation itself, we will work with the police, civil rights leaders and members of the public to ensure that this tragedy can give rise to new understanding—and robust action—aimed at bridging persistent gaps between law enforcement officials and the communities we serve. Long after the events of Aug. 9 have receded from the headlines, the Justice Department will continue to stand with this community.”

our community.”

Detailed by a brochure distributed at the luncheon, the church has built a 50 home subdivision (average $225K), has two schools, a restaurant, a veterans center, a senior citizens center, a mental health clinic, two radio stations and a newspaper. “If we can do that with local black folks tithes and offerings, can’t we do that on a national level? The professionals, the tradesmen, the domestic workers, James Brown, everything came out of the black church.

The same theology of hope and joy is needed now in the 21st century.”

But can he really pull off an old fashioned civil rights prayer meeting in Ferguson? “We can get 1,000 people to go see Beyonce, can’t we? I will be at the site where this young man’s life was taken (Brown) at noon on Tuesday (Aug. 26) at noon, and again at midnight. We can no longer afford to just go to church on Sunday and the rest of the community goes to hell from Monday through Saturday.”

Tri-State Defender

August 21 - 27, 2014

NEWS

These protestors are angry over the recent shooting of Michael Brown. (Photos: Tony Jones)

NEXT CONTINUED FROM FRONT “First they called me and said my son had accidentally been shot.

Then by six o’clock that morning, it changed to ‘man had pulled a gun on police.’ They had two autopsies on him. At first they said they worked on him for 55 minutes, but on the death certificate they said he was dead on arrival. I don’t believe them.”

The McVay family filed a $10.5 million suit against the city, but eventually dropped it after a five-year fight. “They offered me an out-of-court settlement, but it was so little I turned it down. Not because of the money, but because what they offered me was an insult.

His life was worth much more to me. I wanted to preserve his dignity and I wouldn’t let their little offer take that from me.”

Such pain is only made worse by the plague of black on black crime. While the tape ostensibly painting Brown as a thug has caused anger, citizens are questioning why the number of black youths fascinated by violence is climbing locally and nationally.

On the very same weekend the Mid South Peace and Justice Center was finalizing a public demonstration eulogizing Brown, multiple shootings occurred in Memphis. Just two weeks before, the Memphis Police Department reported 14

Georgia King is in protest mode. shootings in one weekend.

On Tuesday (Aug. 20), MPD Director Toney Armstrong met with Mayor AC Wharton Jr. to discuss the growing plague of youth violence. Although it was a closed-door session, Armstrong released a statement.

“Our first and foremost mission is to be proactive in preventing violence,” he said.

“We have recently recognized an increase in violent crimes.

Through reallocating some of our personnel in areas that have been significantly impacted by violent crime, we will make a difference.”

Armstrong said crime is not found in one certain area, crime

can occur throughout Memphis and Shelby County. He said officers will be redeployed in those areas and there will be an increase of police presence.

“Increased presence will produce additional enforcement and police/citizen contact,” he said. “It is our hope that citizens realize that our goal is to save lives. Throughout this process, MPD will maintain transparent and will communicate with the citizens of Memphis.

“We are reaching out to leaders with the NAACP and members of our clergy academy to help with this endeavor; together we can make a significant change.”

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Tri-State Defender

August 21 - 27, 2014

OPINION John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951 - 1997)

The Mid-South’s Best Alternative Newspaper

Ferguson shooting aftermath not to be ignored

FLASHBACK: 2009

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

Powered by Best Media

Do we perpetuate Black stereotypes?

Many African Americans feel like there has been an unofficial war declared on Blacks, especially young Black males. Just in the past month alone, there have been the police murders of Eric Garner (Staten Island, N.Y.), Ezell Ford (Los Angeles, and Michael Brown (Ferguson, Mo.). Each of these victims were all unarmed, young, Black and male.

In each instance, there were credible witnesses or video recordings that recounted events very differently from the official police version. Based on what we know so far, I think all the policemen involved in these unjustified deaths should be convicted of murder and sent to jail.

As abhorrent as these actions were, they should spark a larger, separate conversation about the images that we have created around Black life and Black culture. To reiterate, regardless of these images, there is no justification for killing those young Black men. Let’s be clear about that.

But let’s be equally clear and courageous enough to take another look at what we are contributing to the misperceptions and stereotypes of us as a race.

This is a separate conversation from what happened in New York, LA and Ferguson, Mo., but this is as good a time to hold it as any.

For the past 30 years, we have created images of Blacks in the most negative of lights. For those who would say it’s just music, it’s just a movie, it’s just a reality TV show; I say now there is just another Black body lying in the streets of America.

Before you go to war, the first thing that is needed is to create a psychological operations campaign (psy-ops). This is a tactic that the military uses to marginalize its targeted population so that when the troops are sent in to destroy this group, there is no public outcry.

Just look at how the U.S. military vilified and demonized former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein and terrorist Osama Bin Laden before we set out to kill them. Upon their deaths at the hands of the U.S. military, the American people cheered because we had devalued and marginalized them before the American people.

I can’t help but ask the Black community, have we unleashed a pys-ops campaign on our own people?

In the horror movie series Frankenstein, Dr. Frankenstein did not set out to create a monster; but rather he was a scientist playing around in his laboratory. As a result of this experimentation, he created a monster that neither he nor society could control.

In a similar manner, one could argue that Blacks, specifically in Hip-Hop, have experimented in the laboratory called a recording studio; and by exercising their First Amendment Right of freedom of speech and expression through music, they have created their own version of Frankenstein.

In the beginning, like with Frankenstein, people marveled at this new creation and people were willing to pay to see and hear it.

There was “Rappers Delight,” there was “The Message,” and Raynard there was “Fight Jackson the Power.” Then, the imagery and lyrics took a twisted turn under a perverted interpretation of the First Amendment called “keeping it real.”

Now, the establishment, especially the police, had become the enemy. HipHop became a counter-culture movement that turned into a monster that could no longer be controlled. Women became “bitches and hoe’s,” men became hyper-sexualized thugs who were only out to force themselves on your daughters and to “get rich or die trying.”

When rap music started, it was a verbal extension of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s in the spirit of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; it was about the uplifting of our community and providing a voice to those often without a voice.

Then in the 1990s, rap took a more militaristic tone with the creation of “gangsta rap.” This too, was an verbal extension of the Civil Rights movement; but more in the spirit of Malcolm X on steroids. These artists represented those in the “hood” who felt trapped and abused by the system. They felt like no one cared about them and that life was about the here and now – immediate gratification; so screw the future. They wanted to “get theirs now.” They wanted to live fast, even if it meant dying young.

This ultimately led to the “thug” culture, personified by hit movies like Scarface, New Jack City and Carlito’s Way; each glorified the criminal lifestyle.

Then you had the crack epidemic of the 1990s with the violence that it brought into the hood. All these factors combined to create a narrative that Black life was worthless and Black youth brought no value to society.

It’s too bad the rap world didn’t heed the words of Chuck D, KRS-One, Doug E. Fresh, Heavy D, MC Lyte, Kool Moe Dee. D-Nice, Daddy-O and others on the all-time classic, “Self Destruction,” which had as its chorus, “Self-Destruction, ya headed for SelfDestruction (repeat).”

(Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a Washington, D.C.-based public relations/government affairs firm. He can be reached through his Web site, www.raynardjackson.com. You can also follow him on Twitter at raynard1223.)

Tired of political pitches, but not the Fight?

So, the midterm elections are fast approaching and, with every passing day, you are probably receiving an email and/or letter suggesting that the world will end if the Republicans take the Senate on Nov. 4.

If, like me, you are sick and tired of receiving such communications, you might be tending towards turning off and ignoring everything in connection with the elections.

Don’t!

I am not going to tell you how bad things will get if the Republicans capture the Senate. My guess is you already know that. You may be denying it. You may say that things cannot get much worse. They actually can.

Let me reassure you. I am not going to try to scare you into voting. I actually do not think that such an approach works. It becomes the equivalent of yelling that the sky is falling. The bottom line is that there is a rabid right-wing represented by today’s Republican Party that wants to reverse the victories of the 20th century. You know that already. You know that they have been playing the race card since Nixon’s “Southern Strategy” in 1968, and have gone into overdrive since the election of Obama in 2008.

So, I am going to take a different approach. We should ignore the polls for right now. One thing that is clear in midterm elections is that turnout is generally down, which means that the advantage tends to go towards whoever is angrier. That is most frequently the party that is out of power.

The second thing that is clear is that the margin of victory for any one will be close. In that sense, every vote really does

count. The third thing that must be factored in, and relates to the polls, is that with the greater use of cell phones as exclusive phones for individuals, it has become more and more difficult for pollsters to get completely accuBill rate reads of the Fletcher Jr. public.

What does this mean? Simply put, there is nothing inevitable about Republican victories, despite gerrymandering of election districts and voter suppression campaigns. Everything, and I mean everything, will depend on turnout. Increasing the progressive electorate and ensuring that they get to the polls on Nov. 4 will make a remarkable difference.

In order for this to work, it is not enough to scare people as to the ramifications of Republican victories, e.g., impeachment; cuts; war with Iran. If people get scarred enough, they may just go into their cocoons and hope that everything comes out in the wash. No, we actually have to be inspired.

The great labor leader Mother Jones coined the phrase: “Don’t Mourn, Organize.” I will borrow from her and suggest: “Don’t panic. Vote!” This is not a time to let anyone turn us around.

(Bill Fletcher Jr. is a racial justice, labor and global justice activist and writer. Follow him on Facebook and at www.billfletcherjr.com.)

by Sherri Henley Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Holder has a compelling case in the Brown killing Attorney General Eric Holder has a compelling federal case in the Michael Brown killing if he decides to bring civil rights charges against Ferguson, Missouri cop, Darren Wilson.

He's certainly taken almost unprecedented lightning fast first steps in that direction. He's got a phalanx of FBI agents assigned to the case.

He's authorized an autopsy by a crack medical examiner from the military. He personally travelled to the city to review procedures with civil rights division attorneys and investigators.

None of this would have been done without the personal approval of President Obama, who already has made more statements on the Ferguson furor and the Brown killing than he has on any other racially charged flashpoint issue during his White House tenure.

There are several factors within federal law that Holder has to look at to make the final decision whether to go forward with a prosecution. There has to be a "compelling interest" that the defendant's conduct could constitute a federal offense and that there is sufficient evidence against the defendant that the government can obtain a conviction.

There are clear elements of each of these hard federal prosecution requirements in the Brown killing.

The compelling interest is probably the easiest of the requisites to satisfy. Wilson did not charge Brown with a crime; the 18-year-old was stopped by all accounts for jaywalking. The allegations that Brown was a suspect in a convenience store heist, and that he smoked marijuana, and even that he may have actually had some physical altercation with Warren came way after the fact. Multiple eyewitnesses have been absolutely clear on this crucial point.

He was shot with his hands up. An independent autopsy has confirmed that Brown could not have been shot during a scuffle as Wilson, police, and an anonymous eyewitness claim.

The key point is that he was on a public thoroughfare when he was killed. The right to freedom of movement without the danger of undue harm is a fundamental right that's enshrined in constitutional law and public policy. It's inviolate. The courts have repeatedly upheld a citizen's right to freedom of access and movement in public places.

Though there was no apparent racial motive in Wilson confronting Brown, his action clearly violated Brown's right to exercise his freedom of movement. This directly impacts on an individual's right to life and liberty. This civil right was violated the moment Wilson presumed that a young black man walking in a public thoroughfare had committed a crime. The safeguard of that right must be a fundamental concern of federal prosecutors.

The Brown case also strongly

points to systemic issues of excessive force by police. The obvious excessive force that was used was the slaying of Brown.

This strikes to the heart of another basic right of citiEarl Ofari Hutchinson zens, namely the right to life and liberty, and again the freedom from undue harm. His killing once more raised deeply troubling questions about the power of the law to protect citizens from their unimpeded right to life and safety.

Federal prosecutors play a major role in insuring that where there's the suspicion that an individual's rights might have been violated solely because of their race and gender that the power of federal law is brought to bear to insure that right is protected.

Wilson was a police officer and the charge that he abused his power in killing Brown under the color of law is the linchpin of federal prosecutions of local police officers. This was the rationale that federal prosecutors used in the Rodney King beating case to bring civil rights charges against the four LAPD officers that beat King.

The crucial legal point was that they acted in an official capacity when they violated King's rights.

The Justice Department scrupulously goes to great lengths to shield itself from the charge that it's bowing to media or public pressure to prosecute.

This is why the percentage of civil rights prosecutions it authorizes is infinitesimally low, especially against police officers. Yet in the Brown slaying there are crucial federal interests in insuring the rights of individuals to be free from undue harm because of their color, age, and being in a public area merely because someone perceives they shouldn't be in and then acts on that perception with no cause other than that belief or perception.

Holder will give serious consideration to the civil rights violations in the Brown killing. This alone sends the strong signal that civil rights violations will always be subject to full and public scrutiny by federal prosecutors. This is exactly why he has a more than compelling reason not only to consider a Warren civil rights prosecution, but has a compelling case for a prosecution.

(Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. He is a frequent MSNBC contributor, an associate editor of New America Media, a weekly co-host of the Al Sharpton Show on American Urban Radio Network and host of the weekly Hutchinson Report on KTYM 1460 AM Radio Los Angeles and KPFK-Radio and the Pacifica Network.)

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Ferguson shooting aftermath is not to be ignored as this sends a universal message to the world that we stand divided.

What happened to "United we stand" or "One nation, under Sherri God, indivisible, Henley with liberty and justice for all?"

The NY Times spotlights a person with hands up as a sign of surrender, spotting tear gas as a backdrop. This is not the America where I grew up.

Or is it?

Yes...I first saw discrimination in elementary school and loathed the thought of someone of any color being picked on or made to feel "less than" someone else. Every tribe and every race being made equal and given the same rights as all people...this was...and remains as...my creed. Such as it is...this was the way the world revolved...in my mind.

Doesn't everyone stand for equal rights of all races?

Much to my surprise...as I grew older and began to view our interracial environment from an adult perspective...I began to notice sly remarks spoken by people of my race about others. Notice...I'm the white girl in the room...so I should join in the conversation or overlook cruel conversation; Right? Wrong! Born in Kansas...raised in Memphis, Tennessee around the outskirts of Northern Mississippi suburbs...racial tension was true to form...yet foreign to me. My Mother taught me right from wrong...including equality of mankind.

It is time for people to take a stand for what is right. The question lingers...What is "right"? Each of us view right and wrong from the perspective of our culture, belief system and comfort level. Since we all develop our view of the world from a different window...we each get a bird's eye view of our perceptions and facts as we know them.

The result of the shooting death of 18 year old, Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri is a tragedy that we have watched play out over media channels with each commentator coming from a difference angle or perspective 24/7. The cold hard facts are that we have lost another young, black male whose Father and Mother, family and friends grieve his passing. As if that were not enough...we now have in-fighting between races - pitting one against another.

My heart hurts for people who have suffered ill from men and women of my race. Keep in mind that I, the white girl...will continue promoting interracial healing by living the message that "Together We are Stronger" and invite you to join hands with me across the nation and around the world...in cities and streets...let us lift our hands "Together" to signify unity of humanity. Let us not fan the flames of hate but that of patience for the process of the courts. Our justice system is formatted to take strategic steps...viewing all sides of evidence with a jury of twelve people, 2 attorneys and 1 Judge.

As we stand on the sidelines or march for a cause...let our mission remain #togetherstrong - 2014 Campaign and beyond. Use this hashtag to state your mind while engaging in a conversation of peace with the unified purpose of equality. The Ferguson shooting aftermath is not to be ignored. This is our wake-up call to bring everyone together to solve racial animosity in this Country and create interracial harmony.

(Sherri Henley is founder and CEO of BOCI. She also is an author, social media intelligence trainer, collaborative leader and expert in speaking.)

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

Tri-State Defender

August 21 - 27, 2014

Page 5

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Tri-State Defender

August 21 - 27, 2014

BUSINESS ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTS) There has been much talk in the community about PILOTS and incentives that are awarded to corporations interested in Memphis. In order to fully understand the conversations that are taking place, we need to understand what is a PILOT, how it works, and who benefits from a PILOT. The Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE) developed a fact sheet with information regarding PILOTs. Below is a summary of the most pertinent information.

PILOTS Payments in Lieu of Taxes are referred to as PILOTS. A PILOT is a temporary or partial abatement of future real and/or personal property taxes that a corporate applicant would have paid on a new investment. In exchange for the PILOT the corporate applicant commits to create or retain a specific number of jobs in the area, invest in the community, and engage in business with Minority and

Wo m e n o w n e d Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and Locally Owned S m a l l Businesses (LOSBs).

So in sum, a corporate Carlee McCullough applicant pays less in taxes in exchange for bringing jobs, investing in the community, and doing business with MWBEs/LOSBs. Who offers PILOTs? In the city of Memphis there are several entities that are authorized to offer PILOTs. The Center City Revenue Finance Corporation under the Downtown Memphis Commission; the Memphis Health, Educational & Housing Facilities Board; and the Economic Development Growth Engine

(EDGE) offer PILOTs. Germantown, Millington, Bartlett, Arlington, and Collierville all offer PILOTs as well.

Why offer PILOTs? Corporations by their very nature are responsible for lowering expenses and raising revenues. Companies can be as mobile as their profits will allow. This means that in order to lower costs, companies may relocate to the place that offers the best incentives. When a company moves, they take jobs with them along with contracts with MWBEs and LOSBs, often leaving behind an empty box that used to be a business.

Memphis is filled with real estate that was once bustling with activity and is now empty.

From warehouses to big box stores, many communities have witnessed firsthand the impact of a business closing.

By the very nature of where we sit geographically, Memphis and Shelby County are in competition

with Mississippi and Arkansas for big business. We win some and we lose some. But in order to maintain and grow jobs in our community, we have to at least be in the game.

Incentives Cities and states are all competing to land corporations in their communities. They all want the jobs and the community investments in their cities.

Some cities and states offer cold hard cash incentives, tax abatements, tax credits, free land and/or buildings, and infrastructure improvements, to name a few. For the most part, Memphis has the PILOT program as its strongest incentive.

Do PILOTs cost the City Money?

On its face it appears that PILOTs cost the City money because the corporate applicant is getting a tax break. But some fail to realize that this corporate

applicant has the choice to leave the market and go right down the street to Desoto County or across the bridge to Arkansas to save money. Several companies made the decision to do just that, move to Desoto County or across the bridge to Arkansas. If it were a new company that decides not to come to Memphis, we’d potentially miss out on the jobs and the taxes (even if they were reduced) the company would have paid. If it is an older company that decides to move, we’d lose out on the taxes they are currently paying and the community loses jobs.

So in an effort to be competitive, Memphis and Shelby County have two tools in the box to compete. We want and need to not only attract more jobs to Memphis but also maintain the ones we have currently.

MWBE and LOSB contracts Each EDGE PILOT appli-

cation is accompanied by a Diversity Plan that details an estimated amount of spending in Construction, Goods, NonProfessional Services and Professional Services. The corporate applicant commits to use good faith efforts to engage City of Memphis certified MWBEs and Shelby County LOSBs for a certain percentage of the estimated spent in Construction, Goods, Non-Professional Services and Professional Services.

Additionally, the corporate applicant commits to place a certain percentage of their new hires by using the Workforce Investment Network or other identified labor source.

This is an effort to provide placement to under employed individuals in our community.

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

MONEY MATTERS

Overcoming retirement challenges In a 2013 survey of people aged 50 to 70 with $100,000 or more in investable assets, 90 percent reported that they had experienced at least one setback in saving for retirement. In fact, the average respondent had experienced four setbacks with an average loss or missed opportunity of $117,000.

The future is always uncertain, and as the saying goes, “Life happens.” It would be wise to prepare for the unexpected and react logically rather than emotionally when faced with retirement challenges. Here are some obstacles you might need to overcome: Surviving market downturns. More than half of those surveyed said their assets had been reduced by market losses during the Great Recession.

Yet another survey suggested that about 50 percent of workers who were 32 to 51 when the recession started acCharles Sims t u a l l y showed Jr., CFP gains in their retirement accounts during the 2007 to 2009 period.

This group may have had lower balances when the recession began, and it’s likely that they continued saving throughout the downturn, which might have helped them benefit when the market started to improve. Remember that all investments are subject to market fluctuation and

the potential for loss.

Saving too little or too late. To accumulate sufficient assets to retire at age 65, one rule of thumb suggests saving 15 percent of income starting at age 25. Someone starting at age 35 might need to save about 30 percent each year, and the savings percentage would increase to about 64

percent annually for someone starting to save at age 45. If these percentages seem unrealistic, consider that any savings increase is better than none. In addition to maximizing your retirement contributions, you may also need to adjust your lifestyle and control your spending. Once you reach age 50, you are eligible

to make additional “catch-up” contributions.

Experiencing a traumatic event. A job loss, unexpected medical expense, death of a loved one, or divorce might make it difficult to save for retirement. Having an emergency savings account that could help cover at least three to six months of living expenses would put you in a stronger position. If possible, avoid tapping your retirement savings, especially tax-deferred IRAs and 401(k)s, because withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to a 10 percent federal income tax penalty if taken prior to age 59½. When your life returns to normal, try to save as much as possible at the highest contribution rate you can afford.

Balancing college and retirement. When these two pri-

orities compete, many people — 15 percent, according to one survey — stop saving for retirement to pay for their children’s educational costs. A wide variety of college funding options are available, but there is no “scholarship” for retirement. The key is to balance your children’s needs with your own retirement goals and find an appropriate strategy.

The road to retirement is long, winding and seldom smooth. But with patience and a steady commitment, you could reach your destination regardless of how many obstacles you may encounter along the way.

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

5 essential building blocks for a thriving work culture

by Ginny Grimsley Special to The New Tri-State Defender

What makes a successful business thrive? That’s what eight out of 10 new entrepreneurs would like to know, because their businesses fail within the first 18 months, according to Bloomberg.

Adam Witty has managed to turn plenty of heads in the business community as founder and CEO of Advantage Media Group, (http://advantagefamily.com/), an international publisher of business, self-improvement, and professional development books and online learning.

Witty, who was selected for INC Magazine’s 30 Under 30 list of “America’s coolest young entrepreneurs” in 2011, says creating the right environ-

ment is crucial for success. The magazine also featured his company in their top 500|5000 list of the Fastest Growing Private Companies in America for 2012 and 2013, when the company ranked No. 42 in Media and No. 36 for Top 100 South Carolina Companies.

“You don’t have to be a business guru to recognize when a business is firing on all cylinders, that everyone is putting their skills to maximum use, working together, and actually having a good time. How to create that chemistry – that’s the question,” says Witty, the author of five books and an indemand speaker and consultant on marketing, business development, media and publishing, and entrepreneurship topics.

“Of course, you need folks with the right qualifications who

are willing to bring their A-game every day – that’s crucial. But there are also character traits to look for: a positive, can-do attitude, for instance. If a person doesn’t fit in the mix, not only will he or she be less likely to bring their best, they can also compromise everyone else’s game.”

Witty talks about what it takes to get that hum every CEO wants, both in the office and in one’s respective industry.

• Staff your team with Aplayers; they’re worth the wait. An A-player is someone who brings all of the necessary qualifications to the table – perhaps more than you were expecting – and that something extra as a human being. Of course, that isn’t always readily apparent during a 45-minute inter-

view; it can take time to see the true colors of a talented individual to come through. This speaks to the importance of having an intuitive hiring manager, “which may be a small business’s CEO,” Witty adds. Also, it’s important to have A-players who put the team first, who have helped Advantage Media Group earn a spot on the Best Places to Work in South Carolina list for 2013 and 2014. Egomaniacs who cannot collaborate can to grind productivity to a screeching halt.

• The importance of having fun … “Having fun not only helps your team do well, it’s a sign that you’re doing things right,” Witty says. “Where fun and work meet is the understanding from employees that they’re making a difference.

You want a team of individuals

who are motivated by the ‘why’ of what they do.” Fun at work means having energy and enthusiasm while tending to the tasks at hand.

• Make employees, and clients, your extended family.

A family environment significantly facilitates a team mentality, especially for those quiet geniuses who like to keep to themselves because they’re shy. But why stop there? Extend the love to clients, suppliers and other crucial components of the business. Without these folks, your business couldn’t survive.

• Direction: understanding the “why;” encourage difference makers. “Our team members are driven by the ‘why’ of what we do,” Witty says. “The right content in the right person’s hands at the right time

can change the world forever.

We believe in sharing stories, passion and knowledge to guide and help others learn and grow.”

• Commit to lifelong learning. Seek to uncover and promote the leader in every one on your team by encouraging all members to follow a path of personal and professional development. With increased knowledge, experiences and skills, people lead to a more fulfilled life, which can profit everyone within a working environment.

(Ginny Grimsley is a public relations expert from Wesley Chapel, Fla. She can be reached at (727) 443-7115, by email at Ginny@newsandexperts.com, or on Twitter: @PrintcessGinny)

Tri-State Defender

Page 7

August 21 - 27, 2014

RELIGION RELIGION BRIEFS

SERVICE OF INSTALLATION

Three-day confab designed to help those with problems The South Germantown Road Church of Christ, 3825 S. Germantown Rd., will host a threeday conference Sept. 28th-30th entitled “From Old Me to New Me.” The conference is designed to release the participant from the pain, problems and bad practices that could cause problems over and over again.

• On Sunday, Sept 28th, at 10:30 a.m., there will be an “Emphasis on Changing Our Spirit.”

• On Monday, Sept 29th, at 7 p.m., there will be an “Emphasis on Changing Our Soul.”

• On Tuesday, Sept 30th, at 7 p.m., there will be an “Emphasis on Changing Our Behavior.”

Registration will begin Saturday, Sept. 27th, during the “Germantown Taste” event and a reminder gift will be given that evening for those who sign up for the conference.

The conference is free to the public. For more information, call (901) 309-9809 or visit the church website at www.sgrcoc.org. Interested persons also can follow the church on Facebook and register at South Germantown Road.

The Rev. William McKinley Jackson

Prepared to serve...

From left: Elder Arthur Aikin, the Rev. Melvin Charles Smith, the Rev. William McKinley Jackson and Dr. Frank E. Ray Sr.

‘The Greatest Gift’ stage play set for two-day run Step of Faith Mission Church, 208 S. 8th St. in West Memphis, Ark., will host the upcoming stage play “The Greatest Gift” Saturday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 31 at 5 p.m.

The Christian-based comedy/musical drama is about a family man who falls from grace because of drug addiction and poor decisions. He ultimately faces consequences that lead him to a new revelation.

Admission is $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For Further information, call (901) 214-8859 or visit gwmpro.webs.com.

The Jackson family: The Rev. William McKinley Jackson, Dr. Penelope Aikin-Jackson, Zoe, Jazmine and William M. Jackson Jr. (Not pictured). (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

The Rev. WM. McKinley Jackson was installed Sunday, Aug. 17 as pastor of Greater Middle Baptist Church. The installation service was officiated by the Rev. Melvin Charles Smith, pastor, Mt. Moriah East Baptist Church. Dr. Frank E. Ray Sr., senior pastor of New Salem Baptist Church, delivered the installation sermon.

Jackson, the former pastor of Samaria Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, is a graduate of Houston School of Theology (Masters of Thelogy), Dallas Baptist University (B.A. in Biblical Studies), and has 72 semester hours in music at Weatherford College.

He is a member and former member of a number of organizations, including the Tennessee Progressive Council, Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association, National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., Baptist Ministers Union-Fort Worth, and more.

Nine principals for dynamic living

by Lyndia Grant Special to The New Tri-State Defender from the NNPA

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. — Luke 6:38 The lives of hundreds reached new heights on Saturday, July 26, when the Gamma Phi Delta Foundation, of which I serve as vice president, coordinated a health fair in Dallas, Texas. It afforded me an opportunity to help others. It connected me to a life force far larger than myself. Hundreds of people attended – many from the Dallas-Fort Worth area – and others from

around the country – who had come to participate in our conference.

Parkland Hospital staff checked blood glucose levels, and many discovered their blood sugar was over 300, and those previously diagnosed with diabetes returned to their hotel rooms for an additional dose of insulin in tablet form or an insulin shot.

Others learned that their diets had caused their blood pressure to escalate; and they had their cholesterol levels checked during the fair. In addition, HIV/AIDS testing also took place. This type activity was done to help others. What I get out of it is simple: “my living shall not be in vain, because I had the chance to help somebody along the way.”

Some one’s life has been profoundly touched because as a member of a board, whose mission is to help others, we were successful.

One of my Texas sorority sisters walked up to me to thank me for my presentation on diabetes. I told my story, of what happened to my mother who suffered with complications due to diabetes; and how my family didn’t know anything about the disease. But then, I told them about myself and my sister and how we had turned things around. She thanked me, and so did many others.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.”

— Romans 12:1 Helping others can be about giving them a morsel of food, or some money but it can also be about serving. My brother, Dalton, who runs a successful floor business in the Los Angeles area treats his workers extremely well,

they would do anything for him. He cares about them and they know it!

Helping others makes you bigger.

Mahatma Gandhi is an example of someone who stood up in defense of the vulnerable and the downtrodden; millions took a stand with him against war and conflict and countless millions more embraced his Gandhian philosophy of nonviolence. And even after his death in 1948 – Gandhi’s commitment to nonviolence and his belief in simple living continue to resonate in areas well beyond the Indian sub-continent – making his own clothes, eating a vegetarian diet and fasting for self-purification as well as a means of protest – continue to serve as a beacon of hope for oppressed and marginalized people throughout the world.

Let’s study the method by which Gandhi attained power. It can be explained in a few words. He achieved

power by persuading more than two hundred million people to coordinate, with mind and body, in a spirit of harmony, for a definite purpose.

He did this to help his people.

In short, Gandhi accomplished a miracle, because it’s certainly a miracle when two hundred million people can be persuaded – not forced – to cooperate in a spirit of harmony, for an indefinite time. If you doubt that this is a miracle, try to persuade two people to cooperate in a spirit of harmony for any length of time.

We do indeed heighten our own lives when we help others heighten theirs.

(Lyndia Grant is a radio talk show host on 1340, WYCB AM, Fridays at 6 p.m. Visit her website at www.lyndiagrant.com, call her at 202-518-3192; or email lyndiagrant@lyndiagrant.com.)

PRAISE CONNECT -A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHESMETROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., Pastor 767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126

901-946-4095 fax 948-8311

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

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

Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter

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

– Psalm 55:22

Attend the Church of your choice

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

—Phillipians 4:13

ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, August 21 - 27, 2014, Page 8

There is nothing like a Damon

by Kam Williams Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Damon Wayans Jr.

Damon Wayans Jr. is a member of the famed Wayans family, creators of the groundbreaking television series “In Living Color,” the “Scary Movie” franchise, and much more. Damon made his film debut in “Blankman,” a superhero comedy that starred his father. He also appeared in his dad’s television series “My Wife and Kids” before striking out on his own as a standup comic on “Def Comedy

Jam.” Damon subsequently made such movies as “Dance Flick,” “Marmaduke,” “Someone Marry Barry,” and “The Other Guys.” More recently, he has starred on the TV sitcoms “Happy Endings” and “New Girl.” Here, he talks about his new film, “Let’s Be Cops,” where he co-stars opposite Jake Johnson, a fellow cast member on “New Girl.”

Kam Williams: Hey Damon, how’re you doing?

Damon Wayans Jr.: Kam-tastic!

KW: Thanks for the time, bro. What interested you in “Let’s Be Cops”?

DW: I guess it was the concept, which was similar to a buddy cop comedy, except they’re not cops. So, it’s sort of a fresh take on the idea.

I was actually a little curious about why it hadn’t been done before, but I was definitely interested, especially once I heard that Jake Johnson was in the mix. We get along really well and make each other laugh a lot. So, I was like, “If you do it, I’ll do it.” And that’s how we got involved in the project.

KW: Attorney Bernadette Beekman asks: Did you do your own stunts and dancing? Did you shadow a real cop to prepare for the role?

DW: I did not shadow a real cop to prepare for the role because in the movie we‘re pretending to pretend to be cops. Basically, any mistakes that I would make as an ordinary citizen were encouraged. So, I never needed to shadow a cop to try to look like a cop. And yes, I did most of my own stunts, and when it came time for the dance moves I even did my own back flip. But when it came to really dangerous stunts, like breaking the glass table with my back when the lady throws me, that wasn’t me, but a stuntman named Reggie.

KW: Kate Newell says: It's great seeing you on “New Girl.” Is there much improv happening on the set?

DW: They allow it, yeah. After they get their takes in, they kinda allow us to do anything we want. It’s fun working in that environment with people I like. I went to high school with Zooey [Deschanel]. We know each other really well.

KW: Talking about TV shows, I recently read that “In Living Color” might be coming back to TV. DW: Really? That’s cool to hear if it’s true. I know that they tried to revive it a year or so ago, but it didn’t really pan out.

KW: Harriet Pakula-Teweles says: You have experience on both the big and small screen.

Which might be a better fit for your performance style?

DW: I don’t really know. That depends on how “Let’s Be Cops” does at the box office. If it tanks, I guess TV is better for me. [LOL] I feel like I can do both. I think of the small screen as my 9-to-5 job and of the big screen as projects that you fit in between.

KW: How hard is it hailing from such a talented and famous family?

DW: It’s not really hard. They’ve encouraged me the whole way, since we see a win for any one of us as a win for all. So, if I’m doing good work, and they approve of it, I’m happy.

KW: Your dad has a reputation for being a bit of a disciplinarian. Is that rumor true or false?

DW: It’s true. He was definitely a disciplinarian, when we were growing up. It was almost as if he went off to play “Major Payne” in the movie, and stayed in character after he got back. He would make us do sit-ups, push-ups and jumping jacks every morning when we woke up. If we got anything below a B grade, he would shave our heads and make us wear a suit to school. He’s a pretty intense guy.

[Chuckles] KW: You wouldn’t believe how many people I’ve interviewed over the years have told me they broke into show business with the help of one of the Wayans.

DW: That’s awesome. I guess the Wayans gave me my first break, too.

KW: Editor/Legist Patricia Turnier asks: Which scene in “Let’s Be Cops” was the most fun to shoot?

DW: [Laughs] It’s hard to pick just one. The ones with Jake, Rob Riggle and Nina Dobrev were all fun. And Keegan-Michael Key from Key and Peele was hilarious. I’d say any scene that made me laugh or break character in the middle of it. I just had a blast the whole way through.

KW: Patricia is also wondering what teacher or mentor played an important role in your professional path?

SEE DAMON ON PAGE 9

The Brown Singers performs on stage at the 2013 Stone Soul Picnic. (Photo courtesy: thefrontlinemusic.com)

Stone Soul Picnic taps Memphis finest The free, family gospel festival gets underway Aug. 30th at Tom Lee Park

by Wiley Henry whenry@tsdmemphis.com

It is customary for the WLOK Stone Soul Picnic to start with opening prayer. But during the course of the evening, a lineup of gospel artists – all from the cultural enclave of Memphis – will turn up the volume to communicate their message through soul-stirring gospel music at Tom Lee Park Saturday, Aug. 30th, from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The lineup includes performances by Courtney Little, Mighty Kings of Harmony, Melodic Truth, Stevenson Clark, Spiritual Excitement, the Bell Singers, Moses Tyson Jr., the Jubilee Hummingbirds, the Bogard Brothers, STAX Music Academy, the Supreme Har-

monettes, the Baptist Ministerial Male Chorus, the Salem Harmonizers, the Strong Family, the WLOK Anniversary Choir, the Brown Singers, and Darrel Pettis.

The free annual music festival often features local and national gospel artists, such as Dottie Peoples, Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood and Vickie Winans. This year, however, the local talent – many of them are chart-toppers and nationally recognized – will be the main focus all daylong at the foot of the Mississippi River in Downtown Memphis.

The Stone Soul Picnic, Memphis’ longest running outdoor festival, is in its 40th year. It is a “Memphis tradition,” the moniker of WLOK-AM 1340, which is owned

by Art Gilliam, president/CEO of Gilliam Communications Inc.

“It is a tradition for WLOK and for Memphis as well,” said Gilliam, who first launched the picnic at Martin Luther King Riverside Park when it was just show of appreciation for the station’s listening audience.

“It’s something we did every year to show our appreciation for our audience, supporters and advertisers.

It started out as a traditional showcase for Memphis Music. It’s been rewarding. Now it’s the longest running event in this region.”

Memphis is a hotbed for cuttingedge music. Dubbed the “Memphis Sound,” it can be attributed in large part to the entertainers and performers from the STAX era.

The rebirth of STAX now is manifested through its younger performers.

Gilliam pointed out that WLOK

and STAX have been inextricably linked. “There is a tremendous relationship between WLOK and STAX. We helped to get STAX going,” he said. “We played the music, and now over at the STAX museum, that relationship is showcased.”

STAX Music Academy will play an integral part at the park, said Gilliam, and “perform for one hour.”

There also will be eclectic gospel music throughout the park – from traditional gospel music to contemporary gospel music and gospel music with a touch of jazz.

Picnickers may also find themselves swaying their body and tapping their feet to the quartet sound.

“We’ve gone back to our roots,” said Gilliam, referring to the Memphis lineup.

Good ‘Karma’ and hard work go a long way Memphis girl group – Miesha Michelle, Journey and Kirsten – gets key to Shelby County

by Brittney Gathen Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Karma can be defined as “what goes around comes around”; whether you do good or bad things, they come back to you. This principle seems to hold true for the young ladies of Memphis singing group Karma, which consists of teens Miesha Michelle, Journey, and Kirsten.

On Tuesday, Aug. 12, Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell Jr. awarded the group the key to Shelby County. Prior to this one, Karma was the recipient of several other keys. But this recent key was particularly special.

“It was great to receive all the keys we’ve received, because they’re all special to us. But the one we received today is really special, because it’s from our hometown,” Miesha Michelle said. “We all individually got a key this time. It was awesome to receive it from the mayor of Shelby County. It’s an awesome feeling.”

In addition to receiving the Key from Luttrell, the group performed original and covered musical selections and discussed topics such as bullying and what it’s like working as performers.

Humble beginnings and hard work If anyone knows what it’s like to overcome adversity and to work hard, it’s Karma’s manager and mother of Miesha Michelle, Temmora Levy. The Soul Train award-winning, former recording artist over Arommet Entertainment and former foster child, started Karma four years ago and has been showing them to the world for six months.

Levy went through about 80 girls to narrow it down to the group’s three members. “ I think when they all started out, they didn’t know what to expect. They didn’t know how big they could get or what would even happen with their careers. So, I think they were very doubtful, and I don’t think they took it as serious as they take it now,” Levy said.

Miesha Michelle and Levy’s older daughter created the group’s name.

“So many people always talk about karma, but I don’t think they realize that it’s good karma, too. So they think that karma’s always bad,” Levy said. “So, the girls liked it because of what it stands for, basically, which is what is in the Bible. What goes around comes around; whatever you put out in life, you’re going to get it back.”

Being in a group did not come without challenges. Miesha Michelle admitted that one of the challenges the group faced was perfecting “what we weren’t good at.”

A native Memphian, she admitted she had to work on her vocals since she started off as a dancer.

Journey, born in Los Angeles and now an Atlanta native, and Kirsten, a Memphis native, admitted they had to work on both their singing and dancing skills.

But hard work and help from their manager paid off.

The group went on to make music videos and did a total of over 625 shows last year, including the Stop the Bullying Tour, a tour during which they visited over 190 schools, performed, and spread an anti-bullying message.

They advised aspiring performers to work hard and be knowledgeable.

“If it’s your dream, and it makes you happy, just work hard and never give up. Also, learn the business,” Miesha Michelle said.

The group also emphasized the importance of time management

and dedication when it comes to being successful performers.

“Our manager has told us that we can either play now and work hard later or work now and play later. So, for now, we’re working,” Journey said.

Miesha Michelle also noted that the group gets up at 5 a.m. to get started on their daily schedule, which includes exercising and eating right.

“It’s not just the vocals and the dance moves you have to learn.

You also have to present yourself with a nice image, nice character.

You have to learn how to interview,” she said.

Stop the bullying In addition to being dedicated to music, the group is also dedicated to spreading an anti-bullying message. During the event, the teens discussed the four different types of bullying and shared their experiences with bullying.

The four different types are: mental bullying – bullying someone’s mind; damaging them internally cyber bullying – bullying using any electronic device verbal bullying – saying things to degrade people physical bullying – invading someone’s personal space by kicking them, punching them, etc. to make him or her feel uncomfortable.

Kirsten admitted she had expe-

rienced mental bullying when she was in dance class. The boy she was interested in danced with every girl except her, despite the fact that he knew she wanted to dance.

After talking with her fellow group mates, they composed the song “Save the Last Dance.”

Miesha Michelle, however, said she was bullied due in part to her height. Journey admitted she was a bully herself – because of jealousy.

The group and their manager are so dedicated to the anti-bullying message that they rejected offers from five major labels, because they were told they would not be able to continue with the Stop the Bullying Tour.

“No matter how much money they give me, it will not stop me from doing what I’m doing,” Levy said.

Moving forward Karma shows no signs of slowing down. The group is set to go on a 30-city tour starting at the end of this month. They are up for a Tri-State Defender Best in Black Award and set to perform at the award show as well.

“We’ve set goals for the group, but I think we’ve surpassed everything that we thought was going to happen,” Levy said. “I don’t know. Maybe one day they’ll decide they’re ready to sign, but right now, the girls are kind of content with what they’re doing because of the message…”

The group also hopes to establish a solid global musical presence and stop bullying.

“We want to sell records and go international, and be a global group, not just a United States group. We also want to spread the message to stop bullying,” Miesha Michelle said.

Whatever the future may hold for the group, they know that teamwork really does make the dream work.

“I’ve learned that teamwork is very important when it comes to being in a group. It’s not about just one person. It’s about everybody and making sure everybody gets acknowledged and loved from the fans,” Miesha Michelle said.

Tri-State Defender

Page 9

August 21 - 27, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT OPENING THIS WEEK

Kam’s Kapsules: Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun

DAMON CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 DW: My two greatest influences were my dad, and my martial arts teacher, Mark Mikita.

KW: Finally, Patricia says: You’ve written scripts for TV. Are you interested in writing for the big screen?

DW: Absolutely! One of my dreams is to be able to do what the big boys, the Seth Rogens and the Jonah Hills, have been able to do, get my own projects greenlit, shot and do well at the box office like. That’s kind of my ultimate goal.

KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh?

DW: About five minutes ago.

Dennis Haysbert replaces the late Michael Clarke Duncan as “Manute” in Director Robert Rodriguez’s “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For.” He is supported by a star-studded cast. (Courtesy photo)

by Kam Williams For movies opening August 22, 2014

BIG BUDGET FILMS “Are You Here” (R for sexuality, nudity, profanity and drug use) Road comedy revolving around a couple of lifelong friends’ (Owen Wilson and Zach Galifianakis) return trip to their hometown so one can collect an inheritance from his recently-deceased, estranged father. Featuring Amy Poehler, Edward Herrmann and Jenna Fischer.

“If I Stay” (PG-13 for sexuality and mature themes) Chloe Grace Moretz stars in this adaptation of the Gayle Norman best-seller of the same name as a comatose cellist who experiences an out-of-body experience after a car accident leaves her suspended in limbo between life and death for 24 hours. With Mireille Enos, Stacy Keach and Jamie Blackley.

“Sin City: A Dame to Kill For” (Unrated) Eagerly-anticipated sequel, based on the second book in Frank Miller’s series of graphic novels, finds the denizens of the seedy metropolis crossing paths with some unsavory characters. Ensemble cast includes Josh Brolin, Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, Rosario Dawson, Bruce Willis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dennis Haysbert, Ray Liotta and Lady Gaga.

“When the Game Stands Tall” (PG for mature themes, brief smoking and one scene of violence) Overcoming-the-odds sports saga recounting the real-life exploits of Bob Ladouceur (Jim Caviezel), the legendary coach of the De La Salle High Spartans, the football team he turned from perennial alsorans into gridiron titans with a record-setting, 151-game winning streak. With Laura Dern, Michael Chiklis, Ser’Darius Blain, Stephan James and Alexander Ludwig.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure?

DW: That reality-TV show “Diners, DriveIns and Dives.” I always want to eat that food whenever I watch it.

KW: The Sanaa Lathan question: What excites you?

DW: Danger! I like to do daring things. I’ve bungee jumped three times. The only thing I haven’t tried is skydiving.

“14 Blades” (R for graphic violence) Martial arts drama, set during the Ming Dynasty, about a member of the imperial guard (Donnie Yen) on the run from an army of assassins after being betrayed by colleagues. With Wei Zhao, Chun Wu and Kate Tsui. (In Mandarin with subtitles)

around a couple (Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss) whose weekend getaway intended to revitalize their flagging marriage instead has them confronting an unexpected dilemma.

With Ted Danson, and Oscar-winners Marlee Matlin (Children of a Lesser God) and Mary Steenburgen (Melvin and Howard).

“I Am Happiness on Earth” (Unrated) Homoerotic drama, set in Mexico, about an aspiring filmmaker (Hugo Catalan) who cavalierly seduces and abandons a vulnerable dancer (Alan Ramirez) who already entered the relationship damaged goods. Co-starring Gabino Rodriguez, Andrea Portal and Ivan Alvarez. (In Spanish with subtitles)

“The Prince” (R for violence, profanity and drug use) Crime thriller, set in Las Vegas, about a retired hit man (Jason Patric) who enlists the assistance of his BFF (John Cusack) to rescue his daughter (Jessica Lowndes) from the clutches of a former rival (Bruce Willis).

With 50 Cent, Rain and Gia Mantegna (Joe’s daughter).

“Jersey Shore Massacre” (R for sexuality, nudity, profanity, drug use and graphic violence) High attrition-rate horror flick about a weekend gone bad for a group of young revelers who end up on the run from a serial killer in the Pine Barrens after losing possession of their oceanfront rental. Ensemble cast includes Danielle Dallacco, Angelica Boccella, Giovanni Roselli and Chris Lazzaro.

“Salvo” (Unrated) Mob drama about a Mafia hit man (Saleh Bakri) who rethinks his line of work after being befriended by his latest victim’s blind sister (Sara Serraiocco). Support cast includes Luigi Lo Cascio, Mario Pupella and Jacopo Menicagli. (In Italian and Sicilian with subtitles)

“K2: Siren of the Himalayas” (Unrated) “We Try Harder” documentary about a mountain climbing team’s perilous trek to the top of the Earth’s 2nd highest peak.

“Kink” (Unrated) Sexual fetish documentary exploring bondage and sadomasochism as practiced by performers on the website Kink.com.

“Love Is Strange” (R for profanity) Dream deferred drama about a gay couple (John Lithgow and Alfred Molina) that finally gets to tie the knot after four decades together only to have to separate when they lose their home.

With Marisa Tomei, Cheyenne Jackson and Charlie Tahan.

“The One I Love” (R for profanity, sexuality and drug use) Romantic comedy revolving

“See You Next Tuesday” (Unrated) Dysfunctional family dramedy, set in Brooklyn, about an unemployed, pregnant woman’s (Eleanore Pienta) toxic relationships with her mother (Dana Eskelson), her lesbian sister (Molly Plunk), and her sister’s live-in lover (Keisha Zollar). Support cast features Taylor Dior, Stephan Goldbach and Michele Meises.

“To Be Takei” (Unrated) Reverential retrospective about the life and career of George Takei, the actor best remembered as the original Star Trek’s Lieutenant Sulu.

“Winter in the Blood” (Unrated) Screen adaptation of the James Welch best-seller of the same name, set in Montana, about an alcoholic Native American’s (Chaske Spencer) self-destructive spiral in the wake of a series of family tragedies and personal setbacks.

Cast includes David Morse, Gary Farmer and Julia Jones.

KW: The Uduak Oduok question: Who is your favorite clothes designer?

DW: I’m not really a clothes guy. I’d rather be naked.

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

DW: My dad. [Chuckles] and I see a guy who’s pretty happy.

KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?

DW: The power to fly, for sure.

KW: The Melissa Harris-Perry question: How did your first big heartbreak impact who you are as a person?

DW: I don’t think I’ve ever had my heart broken, because I’m a man. I laughed it off, and then went and had sex with about 16 women, all unprotected.

[Chuckles] KW: The Kerry Washington question: If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

DW: A dolphin.

KW: The Anthony Anderson question: If you could have a superpower, which one would you choose?

DW: The ability to make people’s heart stop, if I just point at them.

KW: The Judyth Piazza question: What key quality do you say all successful people share?

DW: Drive, and belief in themselves.

KW: The Flex Alexander question: How do you get through the tough times?

DW: By crying a lot. [LOL] KW: “Realtor to the Stars” Jimmy Bayan’s question: What is the dream locale where you’d like you live?

DW: Hawaii.

KW: Thanks again for the time, Damon, best of luck with Let’s Be Cops, and IO look forward to speaking with you again soon.

DW: Awesome, Kam, thanks!

Page 10

August 21 - 27, 2014

Tri-State Defender

SPORTS Tri-State Defender, Thursday, August 21 - 27, 2014, Page 11

Houston Rockets’ Aaron Brooks out-hustles Grizzlies’ Mike Conley for the ball during a preseason game in 2013. (File photo: Warren Roseborough)

Grizzlies Gear Up for 2014 Training Camp in San Diego

by Kelley D. Evans kdevans@tsdmemphis.com

The Memphis Grizzlies are preparing to hit the road for their 2014 training camp, which will be held for the first time at the RIMAC Arena on the campus of the University of California San Diego from Sept.

30 – Oct. 3, the team announced in a press release on Wednesday (Aug. 20).

The team has held training camp in Memphis nine times. They have also traveled to Nashville (2013),

Birmingham (2009), as well as Malaga, Spain (2007) and Barcelona, Spain (2003) as part of the NBA Europe Live Tour all since they relocated from Vancouver in 2001.

As they prepare for the upcoming season, the team will return to Memphis and hold an open practice on Monday, Oct. 6 at 12:30 p.m. on the main floor of the FedExForum. The organization’s practice date coincides with Shelby County Schools’ Fall Break schedule.

The afternoon fiasco will tipoff with a party at 11 a.m. on the FedExForum plaza and will include face painters, balloon artists, a live DJ, Grizz and the Grizz

Girls before the doors open at noon.

The Grizzlies eight-game preseason starts Wednesday, Oct. 8, in Green Bay, Wisc., where they will face the Milwaukee Bucks.

Four preseason games will be played at home against the Atlanta Hawks (Saturday, Oct. 11), Flamengo of Brazil (Friday, Oct. 17), Cleveland Cavaliers (Wednesday, Oct. 22) and Miami Heat (Friday, Oct. 24).

Memphis will be looking to grab their first seasonopener win on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at FedExForum against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Tiger Basketball wraps up Canadian exhibition tour

by Kelley D. Evans kdevans@tsdmemphis.com

The University of Memphis men’s basketball team wrapped up its Canadian exhibition tour on Tuesday (Aug. 19th) after a second loss to the Carleton University Ravens 92-60. The Tigers finished four games in four days splitting the tour 2-2.

After a rigorous 10-round team practice schedule as permitted by NCAA rules, Memphis departed for Canada on Aug. 15 and reKelley D. turned to the bluff city on WednesEvans day (Aug. 20).

The Tigers started and ended the tour losing to the Ravens in Games One and Four (Game One, 89-76 and Game Four, 92-60).

“We came here for the competition,” said Memphis Head Coach Josh Pastner in a press release issued by the University of Memphis. “We could have gone elsewhere and won games. But, I wanted the competition. We needed to get exposed, so we could see our weaknesses and how to improve in those areas.”

The Tigers’ strengths included rebounding and their weaknesses centered on three-point shooting, turnovers and free throws. These stats were most evident in Game Four, where Memphis shot 40 percent from the field and 57.6 percent from the free-throw line.

“I thought we played well defensively the first half, but we just could not score,” Pastner said of Game Four. “And, it went downhill the second half. When you're 1-of-12 from the three-point line, have 21 turnovers and 19-of-33 from the free throw line, you're not going to win too many games.”

Tiger’s guard Pookie Powell led Memphis with 13 points followed by Chris Hawkins with 10. Shaq Goodwin pitched in nine points. The Tigers grabbed 41 rebounds compared to 25 of The Ravens.

University of Memphis men’s basketball head coach Josh Pastner. (File photo: Kelley D. Evans) Pastner said fatigue should not have been a factor, but realizes that his team was a little “worn down” in Game Four. Only eight players from the Tigers roster hit the floor for the exhibition tour.

“We need to get tougher,” Pastner said. “We weren't a tough team other than the second game of this tour.

In the second game versus Ottawa, we were a tough team. The other three games, we weren't tough. But, we will address that in our preseason workouts.”

Memphis faced the University of Ottawa Gee Gee’s on Aug. 17, in Game Two. They dominated for a 104-89 exhibition-game victory. Nick King led the Tigers with 25 points while five Tiger players scored in double figures.

The loss for Ottawa was their first in NCAA preseason history. They were leading the Tigers 53-47 at

halftime, but the Tigers came back with a 21-5 run to take a 68-58 lead. By the end of the third quarter, Memphis led by 15 points, which capped off the entryway into the final-period victory.

For Game Three, Memphis battled the McGill University Redmen in Montreal, Quebec at Love Hall and extended a second-night victory 93-71. The Tigers again had five players in double figures with Goodwin and King leading the way. Memphis shot 57.6 percent from the field and scored 20-of-31 from the free throw line. Memphis outrebounded the Redmen 41-24, but turned over the ball 23 times.

Pastner and his Tigers will explore ways to combat the exhibition woes as they practice and prepare for the upcoming season.

Scrimmage and rigorous practice prepares Tiger football players It is now less than 10 days until the season opens for the University of Memphis football team who will play host to Austin Peay on Saturday Aug. 30.

The Tigers completed their final scrimmage of fall camp on Wednesday morning (Aug. 20), the team announced in a press release. The session covered 70 plays and focused on offense vs. defense.

“We got some good work in to-

day,” University of Memphis head coach Justin Fuente said according to the release. “We limited some reps for the older more experienced the guys, but the younger guys got some valuable reps. We have young guys competing for positions that got reps today. We’ll take a look at the film and see what it says.”

Wednesday’s highlights included interceptions by Andrew Gaines and

Shareef White. Offensively, Daneil Hurd hauled in a 56-yard touchdown reception and Mose Frazier capped off a drive with a 15-yard touchdown run. Sam Craft broke away for a 31-yard run during the scrimmage.

“We had younger guys like (Genard) Avery, Noah (Robinson) and Shareef (White) who played a lot and showed up,” said Fuente.

“Those three guys come to mind

when you think about who has shown up during camp. The other thing is there are some other guys who are playing well too, pushing to get into the game on both sides of the ball.”

A two-a-day practice is scheduled for Thursday. The team will go through a mock game on Saturday to kickoff FanFest at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. FanFest is set to run from 9 to 11 a.m. at Tiger Lane

with the mock game to follow at 11.

A brief autograph session will be held following the game on the field.

“What we want is competition at every spot and that competition brings out the best in everybody,” said Fuente. “We’re far away from that, but competition really brings out the best in everybody and you have to come to work and do a better job each day.”

Page 12

Tri-State Defender

August 21 - 27, 2014

CLASSIFIEDS Legal Notices

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LEGAL NOTICE TO BIDDERS memphis management Group, LLC (mmG) on behalf of the memphis Cook County Convention Center Commission Hereby issues a Request for Proposal for PARKING GARAGE mANAGEmENT SERVICES for the memphis Cook Convention Center and the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts (mCCC) Bids may be obtained at the office of the Memphis Cook Convention Center, 3rd Floor Southwest, 255 North Main Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (Please note MCCC offices will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2014). Bids may also be obtained by sending a request in writing via email to mmgrfp@memphisconvention.com or via fax at 901-576-1294. Bids may also be retrieved at www.memphisconvention.com – find the “Open RFPs” link in the “About Us” tab.

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Evaluate Proposals: Wed., September 3, 2014

CRITICAL DATES: Issue Request for Proposals: Thurs, August 21, 2014 Mandatory Pre-proposal Conference / Site Inspection: Wed, September 3, 2014 2:00 p.m.

Due Date for Proposals: Tues, September 9, 2014

203 Beale Street, Suite 200 Memphis, TN 38103 PH (901) 523-1818 FAX (901) 578-5037

4:00 p.m.

Evaluate Proposals: Wed, September 10, 2014

Interview Proposers if required: Thurs., September 4, 2014

Announce Apparent Successful Proposer: Fri, September 12, 2014 Notify Unsuccessful Proposer(s): Fri, September 13, 2014 Begin Contract Work: Wed, Oct 1, 2014

LEGAL NOTICE TO BIDDERS memphis management Group, LLC (mmG) on behalf of the memphis & Shelby County Convention Center Commission Hereby issues a Request for Proposal for JANITORIAL SERVICES for the memphis Cook Convention Center and the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts (mCCC) Bids may be obtained at the office of the Memphis Cook Convention Center, 3rd Floor Southwest, 255 North Main Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (Please note MCCC offices will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2014). Bids may also be obtained by sending a request in writing via email to mmgrfp@memphisconvention.com or via fax at 901-576-1294. Bids may also be retrieved at www.memphisconvention.com – find the “Open RFPs” link in the “About Us” tab.

CRITICAL DATES: Issue Request for Proposals: Thurs., August 14, 2014 Mandatory Pre-proposal Conference / Site Inspection: Wed,. August 27, 2014 10:00 a.m.

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NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS OF SHELBY COUNTY, CONSTRUCTION BIDS TO BE RECEIVED September 24, 2014

Notify Unsuccessful Proposer(s): Fri., September 5, 2014

All times are CST.

Sealed Bids will be received by Shelby County Government, at their offices in 160 North main Street, Suite 900, memphis, Tennessee 38103, until 2:30 P.m.

September 24, 2014and opened publicly at 160 North main Street, Suite 900 at that hour. The reading of the bids will begin at 2:30 P.m.

AWARD OF CONTRACTS WILL BE DETERMINED BY MMG AND WILL BE BASED ON THE CRITERIA OUTLINED IN THE RFP. MEMPHIS MANAGEMENT GROUP (MMG) ENCOURAGES THE PARTICIPATION OF MBE AND WBE BUSINESSES - AS DEFINED BY THE CITY OF MEMPHIS - IN THE BID PROCESS.

The scope of work for this project involves construction of bicycle and pedestrian trails at Shelby Farms Park. These trail systems will extend the current network and supplement the trails that are being designed as part of the Shelby Farms Parkway Project and the Patriot Lake expansion.

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PUBLIC NOTICE THE mEmPHIS URBAN AREA mETROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION In compliance with federal regulations 23 CFR 450, the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is updating its Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. This plan, which serves a component of the 2040 Regional Transportation Plan, will contain policies, goals, and objectives for the coordinated development of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in the Memphis MPO study area.

The public is hereby given notice that the Memphis MPO will hold a public meeting to provide information on the plan update and data analysis results, as well as to solicit input from the public on the draft Regional Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan document. The meeting will be held as follows: September 2, 2014 – 5:30 Pm – Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, 3030 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111 It is the policy of the Memphis Urban Area MPO not to discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin or disability in its hiring or employment practices, or in its admissions to or operations of its program, services, or activities. All inquiries for Title VI and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or for persons with disabilities that require aids or services to participate either in the review of these documents or at the hearing may contact Mitchell Lloyd at 901-576-7146, fax (901) 576-7272; or email Mitchell.Lloyd@memphistn.gov to make accessibility arrangements no less than five days prior to the meetings.

This notice is funded (in part) under an agreement with the State of TN and MS, Departments of Transportation.

PROPOSAL CONTRACTS WILL BE ISSUED UNTIL THE TImE SET FOR OPENING BIDS Qualified bidders are required to pick up the construction plans and official bid documents. A non-reimbursable fee of $50 will be required. These official documents shall be submitted with your bid. The documents on our website marked “not for bidding” are for review purposes only.

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

Shelby County Government hereby notifies all bidders that a 20% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal has been set for this project and must be met or exceeded. All DBE firms must be TNUCP certified (a listing of these firms can be found on TDOT's Small Business Development website) and pre-qualified by the TDOT Construction Division as stated in the Local Government Guidelines Manual.

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

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Telephone 901-222-1100

THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED SEALED BID documents for TDOT prequalified bidders may be picked up at the following location (a non-reimbursable fee of $50 will be required): Shelby County Government Roads Bridges and Engineering Dept.

Haley Road memphis, TN 38134 For all other inquires, i.e. questions and additional information, please contact the following office: Nelson Fowler, manager A Shelby County Government 160 N. main, Rm. 550 memphis, TN 38103 Phone No. 901-222-2250 The bid documents for review purposes only are located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn.gov and click the link “Department” at the top, then P for the Purchasing Department, then click on the link “Bids.” Prequalified bidders are required to pick up a CD containing the official bid documents at the Roads Bridges and Engineering Department offices.

Assembly of the State of Tennessee, and qualified for the type of construction being bid upon.

Attention of bidders is particularly called to the requirements as to conditions of employment to be observed and minimum wage rates to be paid under the contract, Section 3, Segregated Facility, Section 109 and E.O. 11246.

No bidder may withdraw his bid within 60 days after the actual date of the opening thereof.

Director of General Services Town of Collierville, Tennessee

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 September 2, 2014 as shown below: mULTIPLE AND ENTIRELY DIFFERENT REHABILITATION JOBS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS BID NOTICE. BIDDER(S) mAY ELECT TO BID ON ANY OR ALL OF THE JOBS IN THE NOTICE. SEALED BID SBI-000275 DUE: September 2, 2014

ADVERTISEmENTFORBIDS Project No. CDBG Contract No. 34918 Town of Collierville, TN (Owner) Separate sealed bids for TC2014-27 “2012-D CDBG for Drainage Improvements” will be received by the office of the Director of General Services at the Town of Collierville, 500 Poplar View Parkway, Collierville, TN 38017 until 2:00:00 P.M., CT on September 16, 2014 and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud.

A Pre-Bid meeting will be held at Town of Collierville, 500 Poplar View Parkway, Collierville, TN 38017 at 10:00 A.M., on September 3, 2014. Attendance at the pre-bid meeting is not a prerequisite for submission of a bid but is strongly encouraged.

The Information for Bidder’s, Form of Bid, Form of Contract, Plans, Specifications, and Forms of Bid Bond, Performance and Payment Bond, and other contract documents may be examined at the following: • Town of Collierville – 500 Poplar View Parkway, Collierville, TN 38017.

• Builder’s Exchange- 642 South Cooper, Memphis, TN 38104.

• http://www.tn.gov/businessopp/procure_opp.html - The Governor’s Office of Business Diversity.

• West Tennessee Plans Room - 439 Airways Blvd., Jackson, TN 38301.

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

A non-refundable fee of $150.00 must be paid per set of said documents, plans and specifications.

The owner reserves the right to waive any informalities or to reject any or all bids.

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

Each bidder must deposit with his bid, security in the amount, form and subject to the conditions provided in the Information for Bidders.

All bidders must be licensed General Contractors as required by the Contractor's Licensing Act of 1994 of the General

1. Rehabilitation of Owner-Occupied Housing Units throughout Shelby County some of which may require the use of lead based paint safe work practices and techniques; and 2. Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction Jobs.

Detailed specifications for items above may be obtained in the Shelby County Department of Housing at the aforementioned address. All bids will be opened and publicly read by the Shelby County Government at the time mentioned above at the Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road Memphis, TN 38134, (901) 222-7600; TTY Number (901) 222-2301; or for information in Spanish 901-222-4289.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By order of mARK H. LUTTRELL, JR., mAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNmENT Jim Vazquez, Administrator