April 2 - 8, 2015
VOL. 64, No. 12
www.tsdmemphis.com
Democrats regroup for victory – they hope by Tony Jones
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
The Church of God In Christ and the City of Memphis are joining the National Civil Rights Museum in an April 4th commemoration that includes “A Memphis Musical Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
‘Heartache to Harmony’ NCRM, COGIC and City of Memphis team up for April 4th commemoration The annual April 4th Commemoration at the National Civil Rights Museum is a community-focused observance of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the anniversary of his death at the Lorraine Motel on April 4, 1968. This year the Church of God In Christ (COGIC) and the City of Memphis are joining the National Civil Rights Museum in the April 4th Commemoration, “Heartache to Harmony – A Memphis Musical Tribute to Dr. MarMore April tin Luther King Jr.” 4 events C O G IC will • Northwest Miss. Alpha Men to debut King conduct a march prayer & scholarship breakfast starting from Mason Tem- • ‘March & Rally For ple, where Economic Justice’ Dr. King • April 4th Foundation gave his fa- ‘I Am A Man’ honors to mous “I’ve Meredith and daughter Been to of late Ala. Gov. George the MounC. Wallace taintop” Page 2 speech, to the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. After the march, a combined program of COGIC, City of Memphis and the Museum will feature the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, the Central High School Choir, vocalist Debra Manning Thomas, music from local artists Justin Merrick and Al Kapone. The program will start at 10:30 a.m. and kick off a day-long commemoration to Dr. King. “We are very excited to again unite with the community to remember the man that is the reason for the National Civil Rights Museum’s existence. Dr. King’s sunrise and his sunset are milestones for us and we encourage everyone to remember, but then respond to the issues facing our communities today, in a manner that would make Dr. King and all those foot soldiers proud,” said Museum President Terri Lee Freeman. “We hope that the people of Memphis and those visiting the city will come to the Museum and join us on April 4th as we reflect and push forward in remembrance of Dr. King.” In the afternoon, the Museum will broadcast recorded speeches by Dr. King in the courtyard along with movement music from different genres and protest periods. At 5:30 p.m. the Museum’s April 4th Commemoration will feature
The 2014 election campaign of the Shelby County Democratic Party did not amount to much and that stark reality was in the assembly room at First Baptist ChurchBroad Street when local party members flocked in last Saturday to choose a new executive committee and party Through the chairman. It was the Pareyes of a young Demo- ty’s biannual convention, with votcrat. ing members also See page 6. faced with the need to remake the party following the sudden resignation of now former Chairman Bryan Carson. A worrisome internal audit and behindthe-scenes allegations of finance mismanagement notwithstanding, the
Randa Spears, new chairman of the Shelby County Democratic Party. (Photo: Tony Jones, INK!) order of the day was choosing a new leadership structure. Four candidates contested for the chairman’s office: familiar party
loyalist and strategist Dell Gill; less publicly known but refreshingly erudite Jackie Jackson; Reginald Milton, foster care advocate and recent-
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SEE REGROUP ON PAGE 6
by Kirstin L. Cheers
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
A rendering by Self+Tucker Architects provides an idea of what a renovated Southbrook Mall could look like.
Southbrook Mall developer eyes April 20 to get started by Tony Jones
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Southbrook Properties, the nonprofit group that owns the Southbrook Mall, has set a start date of April 20 to begin putting a new face on the long dormant property in Whitehaven. The group’s desire was noted in a letter dated March 13 and directed to City of Memphis Housing and Community Development (HCD) Director Robert Lipscomb. Outlining a five-point follow through process, the letter requested Lipscomb assign a point person from HCD to issue and close out a bid process by Thursday, April 2. The letter to Lipscomb was submitted one week after the Memphis City Council approved a resolution amending the 2015 Capital Improvement Budget to include an ad-
ditional $1.5 million earmarked for the mall. The money will come from the city’s General Obligation bond fund to provide Southbrook the necessary funding to begin refurbishing the mall’s exterior infrastructure, from parking lot repaving and striping to shrubbery and entranceway improvements. Southbrook Properties’ letter included this reference: “Please schedule a meeting with designated Southbrook Properties representatives by April 2, to receive all qualified and selected bids for the above work orders. The manager expects to receive all bids by April 1, 2015, with the work to begin not-later-than April 20, 2015.” Whether the proposed April 20 timeline to begin the new rebirth can actually be met is uncertain. Janis Banks, project analyst and spokesperson for the mall group,
says that the request may sound like a fast track proposal to some, but it’s actually common practice. She owns Small Planet Works, whose description makes reference to “Community resilience and sustainability, capacity building, organizational development and process management.” The company has successfully completed several bid contracts for the city and county. “It allows three weeks, which is the average amount of time the city and county uses as a time frame (for project bids),” said Banks. “So it’s not really a faster track than the established precedent. And this process has been delayed so many times, we’d like to get started.” The letter also seeks HCD’s assistance for the next step, putting the mall building in good order. A separate $2.1 million grant is earmarked to address improvements needed for the building itself, specifically the roof, hvac system and energy production and delivery system. Announced by Mayor AC Wharton Jr. in November 2014, the SEE SOUTHBROOK ON PAGE 6
MEMPHIS WEEKEND SATURDAY
ly-elected District 10 Shelby County commissioner; and St. Jude employee Randa Spears, whose longtime party commitment includes having served as campaign manager during Deidre Malone’s candidacy for county mayor. After a first round vote, Gill and Spears were placed into a runoff. The final tally was Spears 16, Gill 11, with one abstention. Pleased, Spears mounted the podium to announce her goals as the new president. The new chairman had not yet started her acceptance speech when a brief moment of controversy erupted between Spears and Gill over a parliamentary point. Flush with energy from the recent-decision making vote, shouts of support and objection rose up from the executive committee members. Spears took firm control and verbally squelched the matter. The moment also illustrated Gill’s knowledge of the process and what many credit as his particular strength.
Rainbow PUSH Coalition turns to Joseph Kyles
SEE APRIL 4 ON PAGE 3 FRIDAY
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More than a fish store… The Bass Pro Pyramid will open its doors to the public for a viewing on April 29 and for business on April 30. On Wednesday, The New Tri-State Defender took a sneak peek during a media tour of parts of the much-anticipated facility. Read the story at TSDMemphis.com. (Photo: Kelley D. Evans)
As racial tensions continue to heat up in America, a microscope has been focused on longstanding social justice organizations. Amid such examinations, the Memphis branch of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition is passing its presidential torch to businessman Joseph Kyles. A long-time Memphian and nephew of the Rev. Samuel B. Kyles, who was with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when he was shot on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel on the evening of April 4, 1968, Kyles succeeds the Rev. Dr. L. LaSimba Gray, the pastor of New Sardis Baptist Church. “It has been an honor to serve with Dr. Gray for several years under his leaderJoseph ship,” said Kyles. Kyles “I look forward to reinvigorating the community “It has been an and Memphis honor to serve around social with Dr. Gray justice.” for several Born in Chica- years under his go, Kyles’ family leadership,” settled in Mem- said Kyles. “I phis in time for look forward to him to graduate reinvigorating from Whitehav- the community en High School, and Memphis leading him to around social Carson-Newman justice.” College in Jefferson City, Tenn. before completing his political science degree at UT Martin. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition reflects a merger of Operation PUSH, which has roots in SCLC’s Operation Breadbasket, and the Rainbow Coalition. Founded in 1971 by the Rev. Jesse Jackson, PUSH initially stood for People United to Save Humanity, with “Save” later changed to “Serve.” It was dedicated to economic justice for blacks and black communities with a focus on homeownership, corporations and development projects in urban areas. Jackson launched the National Rainbow Coalition in 1984 after his first run for president. While its focus included seeking equal rights for all Americans, a key element was an emphasis on affirmative action, social programs and voting rights for groups deemed left out by the socalled “Reganomics.” The Rainbow PUSH Coalition was formed in 1996. It’s mission: “protect, defend, and gain civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields, and to promote peace and justice around the world.” “I was born into PUSH,” said Kyles, whose mother and father encouraged him and his siblings to stay involved in social justices and advocacy. “It was almost mandatory. That’s what they expected.” While working with Jackson during Jackson’s presidential bid in 1988, Kyles says he picked up skills, SEE KYLES ON PAGE 6
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April 2 - 8, 2015
The New Tri-State Defender
April 2 - 8, 2015
The New Tri-State Defender
NEWS
CONTINUED FROM FRONT the changing of the wreath on the balcony of Room 306, where Dr. King was slain, and a moment of silence at 6:01 p.m., the time the fatal shot was fired in April 1968. The guest speaker is the Rev.
Earle Fisher, the pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church and adjunct instructor of Contemporary Theology at Rhodes College. Saxophonist Steevon Hunter will play “Precious Lord,” one of Dr. King’s favorite songs. The program will conclude with a salute to Dr. King by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraterni-
ty, Inc., of which King was a member. All events are free.
• 10 a.m. – COGIC March from Mason Temple to National Civil Rights Museum; • 10:30 a.m. – “From Heart-
ache to Harmony: A Musical Tribute to Dr. King, Museum courtyard; • 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Courtyard broadcast of Dr. King’s speeches and movement music; • 5:30 p.m. – Tribute on the Balcony, with 6:01p moment of silence, Museum courtyard.
‘March & Rally For Economic Justice’
Northwest Miss. Alpha Men to debut King prayer & scholarship breakfast
a.m. at Brown Baptist Church, 980 Stateline Road in Southaven, Miss. Dr. King was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The breakfast will honor Dr. Bartholomew Orr, senior pastor of Brown Baptist, for his “outstanding work in the community.” Orr recently made a
$10,000 donation to the mission and work of the Memphis Health Center. The Rev. J. Lawrence Turner, pastor of Mississippi Blvd. Christian Church, will be the keynote speaker. Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit the Alpha’s Scholarship Fund. For more information, call 901-355-9009.
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James Meredith
April 4th Foundation ‘I Am A Man’ honors to Meredith and daughter of late Ala. Gov. George C. Wallace The April 4th Foundation, Inc. 15th Annual Commemorative Awards Banquet will be held at the Hilton-Memphis at 939 Ridge Lake on April 4, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Black Panther Party icon Bobby Seale will be the guest speaker for the 2015 commemoration of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968. Seale will speak to an assembly of students prior to this year’s gala. Each year the Foundation bestows its I Am A Man Award to individuals who continue to strive to keep Dr. King’s “Dream” alive and to bring it into being. The 2015, honorees are: • Civil rights movement stalwart James Meredith, who integrated the University of Mississippi, braving a reaction that included threats and acts of violence; and • Peggy Wallace Kennedy, the daughter of the late Alabama Gov. George C. Wallace, who was synonymous with the term ardent segregationist in the 1960’s. Kennedy, now an author, has become “a voice for change and reconciliation,” even returning to the spot at the University of Alabama where her father once declared segregation forever. For more information, call 901-859-3364.
Peggy Wallace Kennedy
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The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) Memphis in cooperation with Memph15, the organization representing low-wage workers, is sponsoring a “March & Rally For Economic Justice”. The March and Rally will commemorate the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin L. King Jr. by advocating for the raising of the minimum wage. The “March and Rally For Economic Justice” will be held Saturday, April 4th. Participants will meet Saturday, April 4th at 9:00am at the Annesdale Cherokee Missionary Baptist Church located at 2960 Kimball Avenue. The March will proceed westward down Kimball Avenue to Lamar then proceed North down Lamar to 1472 S. Trezevant. The Rally will be held in front of McDonald’s and Burger King located in that area. For more information: The Rev. Dwight Montgomery, president, SCLC Memphis Chapter; 901-488-4798; sclcmemphis@yahoo.com
The inaugural Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Prayer and Scholarship Breakfast sponsored by the Northwest Mississippi Association of Alpha Men will take place on Saturday, April 4, at 10
April 4th Events – Museum Courtyard:
April 2 - 8, 2015
Page 4
The New Tri-State Defender
OPINION
Why won’t ‘they’ just come right out and say it?
John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951-1997)
The Mid-South’s Best Alternative Newspaper Powered by Best Media Properties, Inc.
Bernal E. Smith II President / Publisher Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Executive Editor
The market for illegal, unlicensed butt injections is feeding a desire for bigger, rounder backsides and putting black women’s lives at risk.
How booty worship is killing black women by Janelle Harris The Root
Like many sisters, Wykesha Reid looked in her mirror and longed for a bigger butt. Nature had carved her curves, but she thought that enhancing what she’d already been gifted with would make her even more attractive. Her family says she visited a salon in Dallas for a first, then a second and then a third round of butt injections, each one giving her a shape she was increasingly proud to show off. Her fourth visit in February killed her. Police found her body in the salon the morning after her appointment. She’d been left alone, her purse and cellphone stolen, the practitioners who’d allegedly injected her backside with a deadly cocktail of chemicals deciding that her life wasn’t even worth an immediate 911 call before they abandoned her. The average cost of a buttock augmentation performed by an accredited plastic surgeon: $4,383 with implants – about $250 less if supplemental fat is grafted from another part of the body. The average cost of illegal butt injections rendered by unlicensed anybodies who use superglue, motor oil, cement, silicone, sometimes Fix-a-Flat to compose the vilest of concoctions: as little as $500, but the side effects are frequently causing horrid disfiguration. Most tragically, black women are literally dying for big booties. There always exists some impossible benchmark to which we must aesthetically aspire in order to qualify our beauty. If it’s not the shade of our skin, it’s the gold standard of hair length and texture. If it’s not the gold standard of hair length and texture, it’s the composition of our facial features. If it’s not the composition of our facial features, it’s the shape of our bodies. Black women are constantly being told – expressly and subliminally – that we’re not quite good enough as is. And because of that running script, we’ve cashed into everything from “iron maiden” body shapers to Malaysian weave hair to get there. Lift those up. Suck that in. Enhance this. Poke that out. Tone this up. Be pretty. Look fit. To get the look. To keep the look. To get the job. To keep the job. To get the man. To keep the man. The health-jeopardizing, life-endangering uptick in illegal butt injections is directly related to our desire to be pleasing to the eyes of men. We’re vulnerable to their affirmations. (I don’t care if you personally aren’t. If this is a real sisterhood – and it is – then what afflicts one afflicts us all.) Even if some of us rebuke it outwardly, others are validated by the
“damn, girl” and “hey, sexy” comments men throw at us when we walk by. Even the most empowered, autonomous, fist-pumping woman wants to be attractive to the opposite sex. We’re socialJanelle ized to want men’s Harris approval. Their comments and compliments, even ever so slightly, affect how we feel about ourselves. As we work to get married or stay married, we’re conditioned to believe that being a bombshell will stave off the mighty curse of singleness. It’s why we’re having this ridiculous conversation about being unsexy when we wear bonnets to bed at night. It’s why we’ll commute to work in 5-inch stilettos instead of sneakers. It’s why so many black women have copied the prototype of the round-butt ladies who rack up the social media likes, who make the most money at the club, who get the head-turning looks on the street. Men’s obsession with thick girls has become our obsession, their booty worship now our booty worship. One woman in Washington, D.C., who admitted having the procedure done along with some girlfriends, told USA Today, “If you’re in a club with 100 women and 80 percent have had it done, it’s kind of like you have a competitive edge.” Insecurity is a mind-altering and dangerous drug. So, too, is the belief that you’re lacking something, especially when you think it’s evident to anyone who looks at you that you’re lacking it. We’ll never cull precise numbers of how many sisters have sacrificed their safety in the secret backrooms of salons and hotel “pumping parties” in pursuit of the kinds of bodies that we’re told black women are supposed to have. Transgender women, succumbing to the same idealized image of how our bodies should be shaped, are also using the evil potion. Black women have statistically enjoyed more body confidence than white women, but it’s not unchallenged. What started out as a celebration of our bodies against the mandates of mainstream standards of beauty has morphed into a monolithic version of our own. Just as there’s no one way to be a black woman, there’s no one way we’re all supposed to be built. Rest in paradise, Claudia Aderotimi. Shatarka Nuby. Tamara Blaine. Karima Gordon. And now, Wykesha Reid. (Writer and editor Janelle Harris resides in Washington, D.C., frequents Twitter and lives on Facebook.)
Actress lends voice to school-choice movement I think every person that walks the face of the earth has a calling and passion that they are meant to maximize to make our world a better place. For me, my passion and calling comes through acting, but it also shows up through my nonprofit Kamp Kizzy. Kamp Kizzy gives young people the opportunity to learn, share, explore and expand their horizons through workshops, candid discussions and the opportunity to meet and “pick” the brains of some of the top individuals in their given professions. Now that we have been doing Kamp Kizzy for nearly a decade, there are some undeniable that have been reinforced through this work. The first truth is that when children are exposed to careers, opportunities and people that inspire, they become more determined about pursuing their life’s work. The second great truth that has been cemented through this work is that education is the great equalizer for children who might come from underserved communities and cities. And because the second truth is so near and dear to my heart, I have joined forces with a great organization, the American Federation for Children. Its mission is to make sure that all children have access to a quality education. An unfortunate reality for far too many families in our great country is that they are limited in their ability to access the best education for their children. Oftentimes, these barriers are due to lack of financial resources or their zip code and/or address is in a part of town that relegates them to inferior educational opportunities.
Our country is founded and thrives on opportunity and the mere fact that so many of our children are not getting the educational opportunities that they so richly deserve is Keshia Knight one of the reasons that I unabashedly Pulliam lend my name and voice to the issue of school choice. Disproportionately, children of color and lesser financial means are the ones who are subjected to poor schools that have been underperforming for decades. Giving their families more quality options when it comes to their children’s education is one of the ways that we can proactively solve this mammoth of an issue. Finally, I just want to explicitly and emphatically state that, for me, the issue of school choice is about children. It is not about political party, affiliation or any other motive that does not derive itself from doing what is best for our children. I will humbly ask that you, like I, add your voice and support to American Federation for Children and the work that it continues to do for our children, especially those who are low-income and working-class and deserving the opportunity to access great schools. (For more information on American Federation for Children, visit www.federationforchildren.org or www.championsforchoice.com.)
Backed by African-American civil rights leaders, elected officials and ministers, former OU frat member Levi Pettit apologizes for his racial insensitivity and ignorance.
Why I applaud ex-OU frat Levi Pettit for confronting racism Former Oklahoma University fraternity member Levi Pettit recently stood before a bank of cameras and microphones flanked by a bevy of African-American elected officials, ministers Earl Ofari and civil rights Hutchinson leaders at an African-American church in Oklahoma City. He apologized for his racially insensitive acts and ignorance. This was the act of a sincere young man who has been battered from pillar to post after the video surfaced of he, and his frat pals, carousing on a bus and shouting racist epithets. For speaking out, he has been the butt of snickers, derision and flat out condemnation. The African-American leaders who stood with and behind him haven’t been spared the vitriol either. They’ve been the object of vicious name-calling and attacks for having the temerity to back him in his mea culpa. Pettit though doesn’t deserve condemnation; he deserves praise. He and his fraternity were booted from the university. His name and that of his family has been dragged deep through the mud. He’ll remain for some time the poster boy for offensive and disgusting frat racial antics whenever some wayward fraternity inevitably engages in them. Pettit could have stood on the prior statement of apology and regret that he issued after the tape went viral and set off a national howl. He could have easily melted into the student woodwork somewhere, completed his studies, and gone on about his business. But he didn’t. Instead, he went very public with his apology and pledge to action. Despite the lambaste of him and the racial put downs and myopia of the detractors, this is an important step forward. The public outing of the fraternity came the same week that a study was released on racial attitudes of the millennials. The study found that young whites under 30 are no more enlightened in their racial views, especially of African Americans, than their parents. For example, when respondents were asked, “How much needs to be done in order to achieve Martin Luther King’s dream of racial equality?” There was a huge gap in how they answered the question as opposed to young respondents of color. Forty-two percent of whites answered that “a lot” must be done to achieve racial equality, which was almost identical to the percent that answered the same of white Gen Xers and 44 percent of white baby boomers. The survey finding conformed pretty much to an AP survey on racial attitudes toward minorities that was
conducted in October, 2012. That survey found that in the four-year period from a prior AP survey on racial attitudes in 2008 a clear majority of whites (56 percent) expressed animus toward African Americans. The jump in anti-African-American racial sentiment came despite nearly four years in office of an African-American president. It’s been the rare day that’s passed in the now more than six years that Obama has been in the White House that there hasn’t been a racially inflammatory video, photo, a sign, or some public figure popping off on race that has made a headline somewhere. When it does, the predictable happens. The battle lines get quickly drawn, countless individuals jam websites and chat room and boards to downplay, or worse condemn the critics of the actions as being too sensitive, thin skinned, or slamming them for playing the race card with their denunciation of a racial dig or taunt. The Oklahoma University frat debacle was a near textbook example of that. Levitt and his pals were properly condemned for their antics and given the boot from the campus. Yet they had legions of defenders too that accused the university of not giving them due process, violating their free speech, and for a rush to judgment in summarily expelling them. Many more even expressed sympathy with them for being harshly treated. And some even commiserated with their parents for their alleged suffering and ordeal. The fact that you have one student offender who did not play to that gate, claim victimization, and accepted fully responsibility for his racial offensive action, is cause for much hope; hope that someone actually got it, and is willing to lend a public face, their face, to those who express their disgust at racial bigotry. It’s even better that this comes from a young person that legions of young people can more readily identify with than all the sermons on racial tolerance from those of the older generation, and especially civil rights leaders. Their sermons are like water off a ducks back to many of them. We don’t need more surveys on race relations to know that they haven’t had much meaning (so) far to many young people such as Pettit. Pettit did the right thing when he spoke out and so did the African-American leaders who stood behind him, encouraged and ultimately embraced him. For that, I applaud and will continue to applaud Pettit. (Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. He is a weekly co-host of the “Al Sharpton Show” on American Urban Radio Network. His new book is: “From King to Obama: Witness to a Turbulent History” {Middle Passage Press}, http://www.amazon.com/ dp/0692370714.)
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I’ve been interested in the political process since I was a child. Politics was taught to my siblings and me as if it was a required class by my parents, as were other topics such as Rev. Rodney religion and raBeard cial pride. We were implored to understand why the vote was so important, most especially because of racism, segregation and lack of respect for social justice based on the Jim Crow laws of the time. And vote they did, as if it were a disgrace and shame not to cast that all-important ballot. In the typical African-American family and the church, we were taught that after we voted, whoever was elected, it must have been the “Will of God” so we should respect and pray for that person, even if we didn’t vote for him or her. Times have certainly changed. Such has not been the case for the first African American elected president. Instead, he has been vilified and constantly disrespected, beginning even before he took office. The “powers” have taken a solid position and arrayed themselves not only against our President, but in doing so against us. Who is us? “We the black and brown people” that elected him and who have been affected and subjected to the hateful and unfair policies and rhetoric of those who would openly oppress and deny basic humanity without compunction. Here is the truth. The disrespect that “they” express toward our President is because they see us (black and brown) as beneath themselves. They can’t bring themselves to a point of respecting anyone of color on that level because we will never be anything to “them” but…you know what they call us. They regurgitate the racial foulness that is in their “bellies” at will. So why can’t we just say that? It’s the most glaringly obvious observation of racial terrorism and hate that human society could possibly imagine or witness in modern times, and the biggest news in the world. Never has there ever been this level of disrespect for a president in this country based only on skin color. Congress isn’t deadlocked because of policy; it’s deadlocked because Obama is black. Immigration reforms aren’t being held up because they really disagree, but only because Obama implemented it. Because the President Obama is black, they have voted to repeal Obamacare 52 times and taken it to the Supreme Court to kill it, notwithstanding that 17 million Americans (of all races and classes) would suddenly be without much needed healthcare. The “wrong” (some call it the right) embraced a Russian thug over their own Commander and Chief. Over the objections of the White House, they invited to Congress the Israeli Prime Minister, who literally disrespected our president in plain view of the world. Why? Because our president is black. In a flagrant act of treason, the “wrong” sent a letter to Iran to undermine and interfere with international efforts to eradicate the possibility of nuclear war only because Mr. Obama is black. And, they are holding up the inevitable by refusing to approve the most excellent candidate possible for attorney general, Loretta Lynch, only because our black president wants her to have the job. They have resorted to electoral engineering, denial of voting rights, multi-billion dollar hatchet jobs on liberals, minorities and women. They want to deny what should be rights and not options: health care for all, and food and shelter to the poor and aged. They will lie, cheat, disrespect, and steal to make their point count for the one percent while unabashedly pandering to their highly prejudiced, discriminatory and uninformed base. My friend Fast Eddie and I were talking about all of this (this list is not exhaustive) and we tried to think of what they may do next while the media tip toes around the truth. According to my friend, all that’s left now is to burn their cross on the White House lawn, and even that is not so far-fetched at this point. Enough is enough. (The Rev. Rodney Beard is pastor of The Living Word Community Church in Nashville and president of The National Action Network for Greater Nashville. Contact him at pastorbeard@comcast.net.)
The New Tri-State Defender
April 2 - 8, 2015
Page 5
NEWS
“We are in the process now of preparing people to go to polls so that we can turn the tide of the council, where the real power lies in Ferguson,” said the Rev. Traci Blackmon.
All eyes fixed on Ferguson’s April 7 election by Freddie Allen NNPA News Service
WASHINGTON – If the African-American residents of Ferguson, Mo., want to radically reform the political climate that encouraged police to disproportionately ticket, fine and arrest them to collect revenue for the city coffers, they’ll have to do more than embrace non-violent acts of civil disobedience and peaceful protests – they will have to vote. In the north St. Louis suburb that is nearly 70 percent African American, five of six city councilmembers are white and the mayor is a white Republican. The police force is almost 95 percent white. On April 7, voters in Ferguson will go to the polls in a round of highly-anticipated elections for three out of the six of the city council seats. “We are in the process now of preparing people to go to polls so that we can turn the tide of the council, where the real power lies in Ferguson,” said the Rev. Traci Blackmon, pastor of Christ the King Church of Christ in Florissant, Mo., adding that four residents who have been actively involved in the protests are running for those three open seats. The city council selects the city manager, who supervises every department in Ferguson. While Mayor James Knowles brings home $350 a month for serving as mayor of the St. Louis suburb. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Ferguson city manager, John Shaw’s annual salary soared to $120,000 after he was hired in 2007 at $85,000. Shaw resigned shortly after the release of two separate Justice Department reports, one of which painted him as one of the chief architects of a plan that turned the Ferguson police into collection agents for the city. Getting voters to turn out will be an uphill battle for the activists that have led protests in Ferguson for more than 200 days since Officer Darren Wilson shot and killed Michael Brown Jr., an unarmed African-American teenager. CNN reported that roughly 42 percent of Ferguson voters cast ballots during last November’s midterm elections and that only a few hundred residents had registered to vote between August 11 and October 8. In 2013, even though African Americans account for nearly 70 percent of the population in Ferguson, whites made up more than half of the Ferguson electorate, according to voter data analyzed
Ferguson, Mo. exploded into in flames in the aftermath of the police shooting of unarmed teenager Michael Brown Jr. (Photo: “Ferguson Day 6, Picture 44” by Loavesofbread – Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons) by the Washington Post. Less than 20 percent of eligible voters showed up at the polls when Knowles was elected in 2011. Blackmon said that low voter turnout in local elections is not unique to Ferguson. MuRev. Traci nicipal elections Blackmon are often held separately from national elections and in some jurisdictions party affiliation is left off of the ballot completely. Blackmon said that economic depravity and educational inequality have caused some to turn away from the political process. Denise Lieberman, an attorney with the Advancement Project who also cochairs the Don’t Shoot Coalition, a network of more than 50 diverse local organizations that came together in the wake of the shooting of Brown, said that the epidemics of police violence and voter suppression add to that malaise. Police investigating the shooting left
Brown’s body in the middle of the road for more than four hours, then responded with military-style weapons and gear when residents began to protest. The events were chronicled on social media and transmitted across the world. Attorney General Eric Holder visited Ferguson to underscore the Justice Department’s commitment to investigate the shooting and the police response. Activists from Ferguson met with President Barack Obama at the White House. Following two separate reports from the Justice Department, a slew of resignations including the city manager and the chief of police and the shootings of two police officers, with local elections rapidly approaching, activists say that protests will continue. Blackmon, the pastor of Christ the King Church of Christ in Florissant, Mo., said that the activists were praying for the police and their families just like they continue to pray for the victims of police violence in the region. “We must not let the rogue actions of a few derail the positive path that the Department of Justice has placed us on,” said Blackmon. “We will continue to pray with our feet until there is no more
blood in the streets.” After an extensive investigation into the August 9 shooting death of Brown, the Justice Department released a report that stated, “Under the law, it was not unreasonable for Wilson to perceive that Brown posed a threat of serious physical harm, either to him or to others. When Brown turned around and moved toward Wilson, the applicable law and evidence do not support finding that Wilson was unreasonable in his fear that Brown would once again attempt to harm him and gain control of his gun.” The report also stated that, “There are no credible witness accounts that state that Brown was clearly attempting to surrender when Wilson shot him,” and that witnesses who said that the teenager was trying to surrender when he was fatally shot, “could not be relied upon in a prosecution because they are irreconcilable with the physical evidence, inconsistent with the credible accounts of other eyewitnesses, inconsistent with the witness’s own prior statements, or in some instances, because the witnesses have acknowledged that their initial accounts were untrue.” On the same day, the Justice Depart-
ment also released a searing report that found Ferguson Police Department not only violated First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution, and federal statutory, law officials routinely urged Thomas Jackson, the police chief, to generate more revenue through law enforcement and disproportionately targeted discriminated African-American residents for searches and use of excessive force. Montague Simmons, the executive director of the Organization for Black Struggle, a group founded in 1980 that advocates for a society free of exploitation and oppression, said that the realities exposed in the Justice Department’s report on the Ferguson police department are realities that community members have known for a very long time. “Even with the findings being revealed, we have yet to really see clear action that there is going to be an effective transformation of the way that policing authorities are allowed to operate in our communities,” said Montague. “We’ve seen some resignations, but no real commitment toward change officially coming from Ferguson or the (surrounding) St. Louis County municipalities who are guilty of the same things.” Rev. Osagyefo Sekou agreed. Sekou of the First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain, Mass., said that the events that occurred in Ferguson follow a familiar pattern of injustice that is happening around the country. “Throughout the nation black communities see Ferguson in their own experiences with police,” Sekou. “The resignations and recent shake ups in Ferguson are simply not enough. We need wholesale change.” Lieberman said that Ferguson groups have had many meetings with members of the Justice Department and other members of the administration about necessary reforms for police departments, local communities and the statehouses. Lieberman also led a group to Missouri’s statehouse to advocate for legislation that called for greater accountability for police actions and reporting of interactions with residents, greater civilian input and oversight for local police departments. “This is a movement that is deeply-rooted in principles of nonviolent civil disobedience. And it works,” said Lieberman. “There is no indication that anything would be changing in Ferguson if it weren’t for the people that have taken to the streets for more than 200 days demanding change, forcing government actors to step in.”
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April 2 - 8, 2015
NEWS
Through the eyes of a young Democrat by Tony Jones
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
As the biannual convention of the Shelby County Democratic Party unfolded last Saturday, 25-year-old Trent Woodley, a UT Martin political science major with a minor in history, was attending the local party convention for the first time. “This has been eye opening,” he said. “We don’t have enough youth getting involved in the party, and politics. There are far too many things that go on behind closed doors that affect our future and the future of our county. My goal is to make a foothold in the community in a positive way.” Now living in the Hyde Park area of North Memphis, Woodley grew up in Riverside at one of the alleged epicenters of local gang activity, the West Person and Kansas area. “I was at ground zero between 1996 and 2006. From growing up there, my point of view is that if you really want people to change, you have to show them that you really care about them,” said Woodley. “Anybody can come and grandstand and wear a fancy suit. I’m here doing that right now,” he said, smiling. “But if you really want things to happen, you have to go to people and ask them ‘what are your needs and what can we help you with?’ You’d be surprised at how much people have to say, and you better listen to them or they will find someone else to listen to
Trent Woodley came to the Shelby County Democratic Party biannual convention in learning mode and with a lot on his mind. (Photo: Tony Jones, INK!) them later on.” His analysis has kicker. “You have candidates that show they really didn’t care, so the people don’t care and that’s why we have such disappointing numbers when it’s time to vote,” said Woodley. “Less than 30 percent of the people came out to vote in the last election and that’s a problem with the issues and needs that have to be met.”
needs educationally.” OK, so why are Democrats – the clear majority in Shelby County – losing so overCONTINUED FROM FRONT whelmingly in country races? According to parliamentary rules, he did “We need more voter education. This last have the floor, but he graciously sat down in mayoral election, we made a good stab at it, respect to the president’s authority. but most people didn’t understand that he A professionally trained geologist, Spears (incumbent Shelby County Mayor Mark H. came to the local civic forefront when she Luttrell Jr.) was just your basic Republican,” helped former county assessor Rita Clark said Spears. create the county’s GIS (Geographic In“We need to create a strong party that peoformation System). She worked heavily in ple will be proud of, and we have to plan Clark’s campaigns for office, as well as many better ahead others, including than we have City Councilman been. We kind Jim Strickland, of leave it unnow a mayoral til an election candidate, and is upon us and incumbent Maywe need to be or AC Wharton working long Jr., who is seekbefore then.” ing reelection. Spears beProfessionally, lieves that can she works as a be done and she volunteer coordisees the “enernator for St. Jude gy around ‘SelChildren’s Hosma’” as a major pital. boost. “You may not “So many believe it, but young peofor most of my ple were given life I’ve always Dell Gill, a Shelby County Democratic Party loy- (through the been very shy, alist and strategist, takes to the floor at the Par- film) the chance but I like people ty’s biannual convention. (Photo: Tony Jones, to really undera lot and I love INK!) stand what their to share their stoparents went ries,” Spears told through and what civil rights are really about, The New Tri-State Defender. “The politics and I’ve come to learn that many young peoreally brought me out of my shell. …I like ple care about today’s issues and are excited putting together collaboratives and making about getting involved,” she said. “Even just them work.” over the past weekend, I’ve gotten several Spears’ Democratic Party leaning began calls from several young people and younger early. groups that want to get involved.” “My parents actively supported civil Zeroing in, Spears intends to have a strong rights and I’ve supported Democrats from district organization structure and focus on the days when my they got me involved keeping the delegates that attended the conwatching (President) Kennedy. I feel like vention involved. we’re the ones that are the most concerned “Typically what happens is that people about everyday people and the things they will come to the convention, but if they care about.” don’t get elected to the executive committee, As for the great urban political question they are usually dropped after that because it of why so many middle class whites support does take some effort to stay connected. But the Republican Party, Spears says, “That’s a I want to maintain that effort with our base mystery to me too. We need to let it be known and core. And then we must put in a stronger better that we are the party that is closer to committee system.” what’s dear to their hearts, such as the econThe first real push will be to address the omy. Democrats support unions, raising the party’s recent financial woes, including the minimum wage – all of the things that help lack of a consistent treasurer, a mistake people support their families. Spears does not intend to make. “And education,” she adds. “I believe “I will have a strong treasurer and asone of the things that made our country sistant treasurer and put in place a strong strong is the public education system. structural order, a finance committee and an Most middle class families can’t afford to oversight committee for finances,” she said. buy education and I believe we Democrats “I intend to make them very active and very have a better take on what this country organized.”
REGROUP
KYLES
CONTINUED FROM FRONT including negotiating and handling contracts, as he learned the fundamentals of elections and campaigns and how much of an impact the people play a role in electing the politicians of their choice. Kyles says moving people to the polls and getting them involved after the mayoral election will be the primary challenge this summer. “We still have the ability to hold these people accountable,” said Kyles. “This mayor and council election in Memphis is critical to the generation coming up, and depending on who the next mayor is, Memphis will either lose or gain the trust of an entire generation.” Also at the top of Kyle’s priority list is engaging African Americans within the sphere of economic development and demanding contracts for African-American-owned businesses. “It is a shame in a primarily African American populated city, only 5 percent of contracts are to black-owned (businesses),” asserted Kyles. “I am interested in making
The New Tri-State Defender
sure that taxpayer dollars, especially those from CIP (capital investment projects), are going to be redistributed back into our communities and businesses.” Published reports about the 2010 City of Memphis Comprehensive Disparity Study have highlighted the finding that of the $1.6 billion awarded to private sector prime construction sector contracts, African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American businesses received $0. Kyles says this is proof that African Americans are getting less of the pie cut for development projects and resources in Memphis. “I would particularly like to see our next mayor and council supply broadband Internet access for potential area achievement districts in the city where job training, family resources and financial literacy can be held for those living in impoverished areas,” said Kyles. “We have to build not just a working class, but a decision-making class.” Kyles would also like to inspire more character building opportunities for young people. He envisions retired teachers giving their time
back into these communities during after school programs that would be geared towards mentoring and entrepreneurship courses for young African-American girls and boys. “I don’t believe young people are our problem; adults are our problem,” said Kyles. “Adults are not raising and training these kids, or they mimic what they see us adults do, and we are not carrying ourselves in the best manner.” He wants to put courage back in the people, especially in regards to holding politicians and community leaders accountable. “I am not against the developments in Midtown and Downtown. I think we need an emphasis on these places to attracts tourists and future Memphians,” said Kyles. “However, we have to put more focus in the areas where the majority of our people live and survive; from North Memphis to South Memphis. We can’t ignore poverty. It’s a way of existence. We can’t hire enough police or build tall enough walls to keep poverty and crime from these newly developed areas … if nothing is done for the inner city.”
SOUTHBROOK
CONTINUED FROM FRONT funding for the work to be done on the building itself comes from the Qualified Energy Conservation Bond (QCEB) fund. Southbrook was one of only three proposals chosen from a citywide bid process. HCD Director Lipscomb did not confirm if the timeline requested would be met. He did offer these thoughts: “I’m not sure if it’s appropriate to set a timeline in that manner but I will meet with them as soon as possible to try to move this forward on a date that makes sense. We’ve met with a number of people and potential prospects on their behalf and I feel it’s a project that needs to be done,” said Lipscomb. “Just as the city has supported the Crosstown project and
“I’m not sure if it’s appropriate to set a timeline in that manner but I will meet with them as soon as possible to try to move this forward on a date that makes sense.”
in Binghampton, this needs to get done. The important next step is to bring the potential tenants back together that have expressed interest in potential-
ly leasing space in the mall. They indicated that they do not want to go in there if it’s not done right.” Lipscomb said his bottom line has always been and always will be “for the city to tell me what to do with this project and I will do my best to make sure it’s done right. Whitehaven deserves this and I just want to see it be done as well as possible for the people of Whitehaven and the city; bottom line.”
The New Tri-State Defender
April 2 - 8, 2015
Page 7
NEWS
1st African-American woman to pilot the cool spy plane that captures intelligence for U.S. leaders
Merryl Tengesdal grew up in the Boogie Down Bronx and pursued her pilot dreams despite being told that human beings weren’t meant to fly. by Diana Ozemebhoya Eromosele The Root
In order for Navy SEAL teams to hunt down terrorists, or for foreign policy analysts to track the movement of WMDs – or to detect whether Iran is, in fact, developing a nuclear weapons program – our leaders rely on special pilots to capture that type of intelligence through the use of spy-plane cameras. Merryl Tengesdal (that’s Lt. Col. Merryl Tengesdal to you) is the only African-American female pilot to man – or, rather, woman –the U-2 spy plane, a highly complex aircraft that captures that kind of valuable imagery. As Women’s History Month comes to an end, Tengesdal, 43, spoke with The Root from an Air Force base in California about her journey growing up in New York City’s Boogie Down Bronx, and how she climbed the ranks in both the Navy and the Air Force to become such a distinguished spy-plane pilot. Tengesdal said she knew pretty early on that she wanted to be an astronaut, or some sort of pilot, but she got pushback from her dad, who questioned whether human beings were even meant to fly. “My father always said that if God wanted us to fly, he would have given us wings,” Tengesdal said. “He was not a big proponent. He didn’t think it was an idea that was suitable for me,” she explained, and especially for a black woman. But Tengesdal was adamant about her vision and excelled in math and science. After graduating from the University of New Haven in Connecticut with a degree in electrical engineering in 1994, she enrolled in flight school and found that she was learning how to fly alongside a surprising amount of other African Americans. “It was kind of surprising to me because there were a lot of black people there,” Tengesdal said, recalling a situation that many African Americans can relate to: when black people in a predominantly white setting
Lt. Col. Merryl Tengesdal, 9th Reconnaissance Wing inspector general and U-2 “Dragon Lady” pilot, in front of a U-2 plane Feb. 9, 2015, at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. (Photo: Beale Air Force Base) her peers are “trusted with high-volume equipment that can harm people or destroy property.” Tengesdal said that she had little time to be concerned with how others perceived her as an African American. Rath-
Lt. Col. Merryl Tengesdal undergoes a full pressure-suit maintenance check by airmen from the 9th Physiological Support Squadron Feb. 9, 2015, at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. (Photo: Beale Air Force Base) magically find one another and assemble in one spot just to kick it. “It was fun. I remember, we were in the hangar, and there was a bunch of us out there,” Tengesdal said, laughing, “and we were like, ‘OK, we have to break this up now.’” When asked how “race” has affected her training and her time in the various posts she’s held during her military career, Tengesdal explained that because she was often one of few African Americans, that always motivated her “not to mess up.” “I didn’t want to give anyone a reason to say that I was here because I was a minority or a female,” Tengesdal said. “I didn’t want to give anyone
a reason to doubt why I was there.” Tengesdal said that it doesn’t hurt that military professionals are trained to be extremely confident and, well, a bit egotistical. Pilots and soldiers are dealing with complicated weaponry and equipment, Tengesdal said, so there is really no time for second-guessing yourself or walking around wearing your insecurities on your sleeve. That kind of self-deprecation, she argued, can cost lives. “That’s how our community is,” Tengesdal explained. “Typically there is a lot of ego to go around, and as a pilot, you have to be pretty confident in your abilities.” After all, in the Air Force, she and
er, she was obsessed with being the best pilot she could be and with conveying her skills to her superiors and her team members, who were relying on her to complete the mission. When asked if she ever feels conflicted as an African American working in our nation’s armed forces, given the checkered relationship between black Americans and the government, Tengesdal took apart the entire premise of the question, pointing out that black Americans have been fighting for their freedoms and their rights since they were brought to these shores. “When people question the patriotism of blacks in the military, I think it’s kind of strange,” she said. “When you look back at the Revolutionary War, black people fought for independence here. Even though we were enslaved, we still fought for what we believe in. We’ve always been fighting for freedom.” “It’s something that I do willingly alongside other people who have those same ide-
als, regardless of their background,” she added. Tengesdal went on to speak about that camaraderie among pilots after she was asked about the Germanwings disaster last week, in which a German pilot is suspected of intentionally flying a commercial airliner into the French Alps, killing everyone on board. She said the story made her extremely sad, not only because so many people lost their lives but also because of the negative light cast on pilots. “When another pilot dies— civilian or military—it’s a sad day. [I] know the training that is required [for pilots] is extensive, it’s hard. It can be mentally, physically and emotionally hard,” Tengesdal said. “There’s a lot that goes into [being] a pilot.” (Diana Ozemebhoya Eromosele is a staff writer at The Root and the founder and executive producer of Lectures to Beats, a Web series that features video interviews with scarily insightful people. Follow Lectures to Beats on Facebook and Twitter.)
April 2 - 8, 2015
Page 8
The New Tri-State Defender
BUSINESS ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY
Learning trucking basics can lead to profits The one industry that is truly known as the lifeblood of the United States economy is the trucking i n d u s t r y. Carlee Most of McCullough, the freight Esq. tonnage moved in the United States is moved by truck. If this industry goes on strike, the economy will be disastrously affected. As a whole, the industry is experiencing a shortage of drivers. Older drivers are retiring and younger folks are seeking employment in other industries. So not only are truckers in demand, trucks to move the freight are in demand. There are many businesses related to transportation. One of the most popular for entrepreneurs is a trucking company. The cost to enter the business is not low by any means. Just as you would with any other business, do your homework and learn the ever changing rules that govern the trucking industry. Rules There are federal, state and local requirements that govern the trucking industry. Special permits are required for driv-
ers along with insurances, certifications, taxes and licenses. Many laws related to trucking are designed to promote public safety on the road. Some local rules may restrict trucks on certain streets or roads. Speed limits may be adjusted downward for trucks. There are even federal laws that limit the number of hours a trucker may drive without a sufficient amount of rest.
will be the route to take to build the company’s customer list. Eventually, the customer list can become repeat customers or contracted clientele. Pricing
Knowledge of the business is key when determining the price to move freight. Take into consideration maintenance, tolls, truck repairs, truck and trailer payments, fuel and labor. If the price is too low, all of the expenses will not be covered and there will not be a profit. If the price is too high, there may not be repeat business or a job at all.
Equipment One of the first decisions that will have to be made in entering the trucking business is whether to purchase or lease trucks and what kind of trucks are needed. Equipment decisions will depend upon the budget and the capital available. In the beginning, most trucking companies start out with a small fleet out of necessity and add to their fleet as revenues and profits grow. The type of cargo the company plans on transporting will also dictate what type of trailer attachment will accompany the truck. Whether it is a refrigeration unit, a dry van or flat bed, the cargo and the budget will determine the equipment required. Hiring drivers Trucking companies operate by first bidding on transportation accounts and contracts. Then upon successful acquisition of the load or contract, the freight has to be moved from point A to point B. Aside from
Cash flow Most freight in the United States is moved by trucks. So not only are truckers in demand, trucks to move the freight are too. (Courtesy photo) the equipment a trucking company’s best asset is the driver. The trustworthy and dependable driver is the backbone of a successful trucking company. By the same token, a dishonest late driver is the downfall of a failing company. Drivers may be hired as employees or as subcontractors. Truckers as employees will more than likely simultaneously increase overall operating costs while increasing control over them. Smaller trucking companies are frequently run as “owner-operators,” which are typically self-employed drivers. Many of the larger trucking companies employ union drivers known as “Teamsters.” The role of the union is to pro-
MONEY MATTERS
tect the interests of the drivers above all else. Financing
The purchase of equipment is usually the easy part. Most purchases require a down payment and financing for the balance, especially for new companies. After the last payment, the equipment belongs to the company. However, with leasing, the payments will typically be lower than a traditional purchase, but the company will not own the equipment after the last payment. Unless the agreement is lease to own, the lease payments are solely a fee for the temporary use of the equipment. At the end of
the traditional lease term, the equipment must be returned to the leasing company. Some trucking companies actually prefer to lease because it usually guarantees newer equipment and less responsibility as it relates to repairs. Finding clients Many trucking companies find business on “load boards” in the beginning. But remember that a lot of companies are using the “load boards” and therefore the profit margin will be slim. Load boards do not contribute to building a customer base. They are only good for individual loads. In order to grow the business, sales calls
After pulling a load, it may take 30 to 60 days to receive payment from the customer. However, many small businesses cannot wait that long to get paid. So factoring becomes very important in the trucking industry. Factoring is typically when a third party will advance you a large percentage of the contract upon completion for a nice fee. This procedure has helped many a trucking company stay afloat during tight times. Without factoring many companies would not make it. Join us next week as we continue discussion on the trucking industry.
(Contact Carlee M. McCullough, Esq. at 901-7950050; email – jstce4all@aol. com.)
Opportunities ‘BOOM’ for business owners and entrepreneurs The City of Memphis’ Office of Resources and Enterprise (MORE) and Purchasing Department in conjunction with the General Services Administration (GSA), United States Black Chamber of Commerce (USBC) and the Black Business Association (BBA) will be hosting the 2nd Annual MORE Government Procurement and Opportunities Conference on April 30 and May 1 at Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel, 250 North Main St. The conference has a new name. BOOM (Businesses Open for Opportunity in Memphis) is designed to assist small, minority and women owned businesses with critical information and tools to succeed in the marketplace. The conference also includes guest speakers and class sessions. Businesses will gain knowledge of access to capital, a clear understanding of the procurement process for both government and corporations, best practices, and discover the treasures of joint venturing and more. The target audience is between the ages of 1365. For more information, go to www.morememphis.org.
When must taxes be paid on IRA and employer-sponsored retirement T r a ditional IRAs and most employer-sponsored retirement plans are tax-deferred acc o u n t s , Charles Sims w h i c h Jr., CMFC, m e a n s LUTCF they are typically funded with pre-tax or tax-deductible dollars. As a result, taxes are not payable until funds are withdrawn, generally in retirement. Withdrawals from tax-deferred accounts are subject to income tax at your current tax rate. In addition, withdrawals taken prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10 percent federal income tax penalty. If you made nondeductible contributions to a traditional IRA, you have what is called a “cost basis” in the IRA. Your cost basis is the total of the nondeductible contributions to the IRA minus any previous withdrawals or distributions of nondeductible contributions. The recovery of this basis is not seen as taxable income. Exceptions are the Roth IRA and the Roth 401(k) and Roth 403(b). Roth accounts are funded with after-tax dollars; thus, qualified distributions (after age 59½ and the five-year holding requirement has been met) are free of federal income tax. Traditional IRAs, most employer-sponsored retirement plans, and Roth 401(k) and 403(b) plans are subject to annual required minimum dis-
tributions (RMDs) that must begin after the account owner reaches age 70½. (The first RMD must be taken no later than April 1 of the year after the year in which the owner reaches age 70½.) Failure to take an RMD triggers a 50 percent federal income tax penalty on the amount that should have been withdrawn. Roth IRA owners never have to take RMDs; however, the designated beneficiaries of IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans do have to
take RMDs. When you begin taking distributions from your retirement accounts, make sure to pay attention to any required beginning dates and the appropriate distribution amount in order to avoid unnecessary penalties. (Charles Sims Jr., CMFC, LUTCF, is President/CEO of The Sims Financial Group. Contact him at 901-682-2410 or visit www.SimsFinancialGroup.com.)
The New Tri-State Defender
April 2 - 8, 2015
Page 9
RELIGION
RELIGION NEWS
The day after ‘Good Friday’: Saluting Dr. Martin L. King Jr.
St. Joseph Catholic Church’s annual festival St. Joseph Catholic Church is hosting its annual festival Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Earl Randle, a former Stax luminary, Hispanic performers and other musicians will provide entertainment. Other activities include: games, food, music, and prizes. The theme of the festival is “St. Joseph’s Building The Family of God. The church is located at 3825 Neely Rd. in the Whitehaven community. Father Tony Romo is the host priest. For more information, call Terence McBride at 901-2778360.
by Lyndia Grant Special to the NNPA
Greater Love rolls out its ‘Urban Passion’ play Greater Love Miracle Center Church, 585 Vance Ave., is presenting “The Urban Passion I” on Palm Sunday, March 29, at 3:30 p.m; “The Urban Passion Parade” on Saturday, April 4, at 10 a.m.; and “The Urban Passion II” on Easter Sunday, April 5, at 3:30 p.m. The church has presented the “Passion” play the last 11 years during the Easter holiday as a form of theatre, organizers said. The reenactment will begin at the Porter Gym at 626 S. Lauderdale and travel down S. Lauderdale to Vance Avenue to end at the front facade of Greater Love. Rev. Dennis Westbrook is the host pastor. Vernita Westbrook is the first lady of the church. For more information, call Alisha Westbrook at 901-5988401 or Wendolyn Payne at 901-326-5455.
Annual cantata... On Sunday, March 29, St. John Baptist Church, 640 Vance Ave., presented “The Seven Last Words of Christ,” the church’s 22nd Annual Easter Cantata. Sponsored by the church’s music committee, the St. John Community Chorale (ABOVE) sang praises to the Lord and thematic music for the season. Stan A. Bell (left) of WDIA Radio, narrated the cantata and Rosetta H. Petterson directed the chorale. The Rev. Henry Key is St. John’s pastor. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)
Saint John’s ‘life center’ to close for Holy Week Saint John’s Episcopal Church, 3245 Central Ave., will celebrate “Holy Week” April 2-6. However, the church’s Parrish Life Center, a facility where the public can utilize for workouts and play sports, will closed during services begining Maundy Thursday, April 2 , at 5 p.m.; “Good Friday,” April 3; Saturday, April 4; Easter Sunday, April 5; and Monday, April 6. Classes will resume Tuesday, April 7. The Rev. John W. Sewell is the church’s rector.
Founders Day... New Macedonia Baptist Church, 1645 Carpenter St., commemorated Founders Day Sunday, March 22. From left: Bishop K.D. Johnson Sr., pastor of New Macedonia and the Rev. Donald Johnson, pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)
City-wide revival slated April 5 - 10
On ‘Good Friday,’ April 3, I will be interviewing Rev. Bernice A. King on Radio One’s Spirit 1340 on WYCB. I am the host of “Think on These Thing” and Rev. King, CEO of the Martin Luther King Jr., Center for Non-Violent Social Change, will talk about the continued moratorium that she is shepherding! The King Center website speaks of Saturday, April 4, and how the commemoration of the 47th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. King will again be remembered. The center is calling on this continued moratorium on violence for the day, which kicked off last year, on April 4 by asking everyone to commit to “No Shots Fired.” This means abstaining from shots fired by the “tongue” (speech), “fists” (physical violence), or “guns” (gun violence and media that glorifies gun violence). “This is just one of the ways we can begin to turn the tide of escalating violence in our world,” said Rev. King. According to This Day in History’s’ website: It was just after 6 p.m. on April 4, 1968, when Martin Luther King Jr. was fatally shot while standing on the balcony outside his second-story room at the Lorraine Motel. The civil rights leader was in Memphis to support a sanitation workers’ strike and was on his way to dinner when a bullet struck him in the jaw and severed his spinal cord. Dr. King was pronounced dead after his arrival at a Memphis hospital. He was 39 years old. The website further indicates months before his assassination that Dr. King had become increasingly concerned with the problem of economic inequality in America. He organized a Poor People’s Campaign to focus on the issue, including an interracial poor people’s March on Washington, and in March 1968 traveled to Memphis in support of poorly treated African-American sanitation workers. Dr. King gave his last sermon in Memphis. He said. “We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter with me now, because I’ve been to the mountaintop…And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you, but we as a people will get to the promise land! The King Center is remembering the 47th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination with a number of activities that Rev. King has announced. According to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Non-Violent Social Change, “If we can make April 4th a day of meditation and action to prevent physical and spiritual violence in our homes, communities and nations, we will be able to honor my father’s legacy in a way that serves the cause of nonviolent change for which he gave his life,” Rev. King said. Rev. King also announced a forum on “A Moratorium on Violence: It Starts with Me!” on Saturday, April 4, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in The Center’s Freedom Hall Auditorium. “Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people,” said Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He said further, “The Beloved Community is the framework for the future. Attack forces of evil, not persons doing evil. Accept suffering without retaliation for the sake of the cause to achieve the goal.” Lyndia Grant is a speaker, radio talk show host and columnist. Visit her new website at www.lyndiagrant.com or call 202-2634621. Listen Friday, 6 p.m., to the talk show, 1340 AM, WYCB, a Radio One Station. Address 1250 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036.
The Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association’s “2015 City Wide Revival” will kick off Easter Sunday, April 5 - 10, 7 p.m. nightly. For more information, call 901-774-1444.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
ENTERTAINMENT The New Tri-State Defender, April 2 - 8, 2015, Page 10
Jay Z and friends launch 1st artist-owned music-streaming service by Yesha Callahan The Root
Jay Z and a group of his really rich musician friends have launched Tidal, the first music-streaming service owned and operated by artists. The first music-streaming service that aims to make artists richer. The first music-streaming service that isn’t called Spotify or any of the other pre-existing music-streaming services out there. Jay Z was surrounded by Kanye West, Madonna, Nicki Minaj, Usher, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Deadmau5, Beyoncé, J. Cole, Jack White and Daft Punk when he explained Tidal. Currently with only 20,000 users, the music service has a library of 25 million-plus tracks and 75,000 music videos. Monthly prices range from $19.99 (high-definition tier) to $9.99 (standard-definition tier). “Jimi Hendrix once said that music doesn’t lie,” Keys said during the live announcement. “If there is something to be changed in the world, then it can only happen through music. An overstatement? Maybe, but maybe not. After all,
Usher, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Madonna, Deadmau5, Kanye West, Jay Z and J. Cole onstage at the Tidal launch event #TidalForAll at Skylight at Moynihan Station in New York City March 30, 2015. (Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Roc Nation) there is truth in the old adage that music makes the world go round. “How much do we love our mu-
sic? How much do we love this thing called music?” she continued. “So we come together before
you this day, March 30, 2015, in one voice in unity, in the hopes that today will be another one of those
moments in time, a moment that will forever change the course of music history. ... Tidal, the first-ever artist-owned global music and entertainment platform. Our goal is simple: We wanna create a better service and a better experience for both fans and artists. ... Our mission goes beyond commerce, it goes beyond technology. Our intent is to preserve music’s importance in our lives.” #TidalForAll has been a hot trending topic on social media for most of the day, but are people buying it, literally and figuratively? So here you have onstage a group of people worth billions, getting people to spend more money to get access to music, while they’re making money off the subscription service and everything else. Taking ownership of their music is great, but is it too little too late, especially since companies like Spotify have millions of happy subscribers? And that’s all for today’s “The Rich Get Richer” news.
(Yesha Callahan is editor of The Grapevine and a staff writer at The Root. Follow her on Twitter.)
‘ONE NIGHT 2015’
Larry Dodson and James Alexander of Memphis’ own Bar-Kays put the funk in the evening with their hit song, “Shake Your Rump to the Funk.”
The soulful Philly sound of the might O’Jays singing “Forever Mine.”
Regional One Gala scores big for the hospital and for the community by Nina Allen-Johnson
Special to the New Tri-State Defender
Regional One CEO Dr. Reginald Coopwood with TSD President and Publisher Bernal E. Smith II.
As one of the most highly anticipated fundraisers of the year, the Regional One Gala (formerly the Med Foundation Gala) is one event that never disappoints. On the evening of March 28, the Memphis Cook Convention Center was taken to a whole new level for “One Night.” Not only is the gala vital for securing some of the revenue essential for the works of the No. 1 trauma center to continue, it is also an evening filled with informational testimonials, action packed live auctions, fabulous food and dynamic entertainment. For the more than 950 guests in attendance, they promised more soul with Philly soul group The O’Jays, more funk with Memphis’ own “Funk-O-Matic” BarKays, and more groove with the pop beats of the Pointer Sisters! The most poignant promise of the evening was more lives saved. With proceeds of the evening benefitting the Regional One Health Foundation, the gala lived up to all its promises. Photos by Nina Allen-Johnson
Kemba Ford and Oona Mitchell Bean are out in support of the philanthropic efforts of Regional One Health Foundation.
Tonyell Somerville and Eddie Scott took a moment from enjoying the festivities to smile for the camera.
June Pointer sings “Jump” as the legendary Pointer Sisters added the pop beats to the evening. …and he twisted the night away!
Beverly Bond, who founded Black Girls Rock! in 2006, says there are so many amazing black women who have contributed to society who don’t First Lady Michelle Obama (first from left) was among the luminaries at the Black Girls Rock! Awards, which is set to always get a chance to shine. (Photos: betpressair on BET on Sunday, April 5 at 6 p.m. (CST). room.com)
BLACK GIRLS ROCK!
April 2 - 8, 2015
The New Tri-State Defender
Page 11
ENTERTAINMENT
FILM REVIEW
‘The Hand That Feeds’
Undocumented workers strike for minimum wage
by Kam Williams
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Vin Diesel leads an allstar cast in the latest installment of the “Fast and Furious” franchise film of “Furious 7.”
by Kam Williams
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
For movies opening April 3, 2015 BIG BUDGET FILMS “Furious 7” (PG-13 for pervasive violence and mayhem, suggestive content and brief profanity) Latest installment in the adrenaline-fueled franchise, featuring recently-deceased Paul Walker’s final screen appearance, finds the motley crew of mercenaries coming out of retirement to match wits with a vengeful assassin (Jason Statham). Ensemble cast includes Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Dwayne Johnson, Jordana Brewster, Kurt Russell and Djimon Hounsou. “Woman in Gold” (PG-13 for mature themes and brief profanity) Helen Mirren plays the title character in this fact-based, courtroom drama recounting an elderly Holocaust survivor’s attempt to recover a priceless family heirloom stolen by the Nazis during World War II. With Ryan Reynolds, Katie Holmes, Elizabeth McGovern and Frances Fisher. INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS “5 to 7” (R for sexuality) Romantic romp revolving around an aspiring young writer (Anton Yelchin) and a married, middle-aged socialite (Berenice Marlohe) who rendezvous at the same time every day for a passionate affair at a classy, Midtown Manhattan hotel. Featuring Glenn Close, Olivia Thirlby and Frank Langella. “Boychoir” (Unrated) Musical drama about the battle of wills, which ensues when a demanding choirmaster (Dustin Hoffman) pushes an orphaned, 11-year-old student (Garrett Wareing) to the limit in order to help the promising prodigy reach his potential. With Josh Lucas, Kathy Bates, Debra Winger and
Eddie Izzard.
Vinessa Shaw and Oz Perkins.
“Cheatin’” (Unrated) Adult-oriented animated adventure about a love triangle involving a happily-married couple (Sophia Takal and Jeremy Baumann) and the shameless temptress (Sita Steele) who turns the husband’s head. Voice cast includes Alex Markowitz, Jacob Steele and Mike Dragovic and Kelly Kriegshauser.
“The Girl Is in Trouble” (Unrated) Urban crime thriller about a down-on-his-luck Manhattan DJ (Columbus Short) torn between blackmailing a murderer (Jesse Spencer) and helping a damsel in distress (Alicja Bachjleda). Co-starring Wilmer Valderrama, Paz de la Huerta and Miriam Colon.
“Cut Bank” (R for violence and profanity) Psychological crime thriller, set in Montana, about a young auto mechanic (Liam Hemsworth) whose plans for a better life for himself and his girlfriend (Teresa Palmer) unravel after filming a murder he witnesses in their tiny hometown. With Billy Bob Thornton, John Malkovich, Bruce Dern and Oliver Platt. “Death of a Tree” (Unrated) Faith-based drama about an elderly Catholic widower (Ronnie Marmo) who finds himself tempted by an attractive young woman (Gracie Tyrrell) to break the vow of celibacy he gave to God. Cast includes Megan Barton, Paul Borghese and Alexi Foor. “Effie Gray” (PG-13 for sexuality, mature themes and brief nudity) Dakota Fanning stars as the title character in this historical drama, set in Victorian England, about the scandalous, loveless marriage between a teen bride and a prominent art historian (Greg Wise). With Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Robbie Coltrane, Claudia Cardinale and Derek Jacobi. “Electric Slide” (R for profanity, sexuality, nudity and brief violence) Crime blotter biopic chronicling the life and times of furniture salesman-turned-infamous outlaw Eddie Dodson (Jim Sturgess) who robbed 72 banks over the course of his checkered career. Ensemble cast includes Patricia Arquette, Chloe Sevigny, Isabel Lucas, Constance Wu, Rhys Coiro,
“The Hand That Feeds” (Unrated) Employment discrimination expose’ about a mild-mannered short order cook-turned-reallife Norma Rae who rallied fellow undocumented immigrants to challenge exploitative working conditions at a New York City restaurant chain. “Lambert & Stamp” (R for profanity, drug use and brief nudity) Sixties retrospective revisiting a couple of fledgling filmmakers (Chris Stamp and Kit Lambert) who abandoned their plans to make a movie in order to mentor and manage the promising rock & roll band that would eventually call itself The Who. Featuring Pete Townsend, Terence Stamp and Roger and Heather Daltrey. (In German, French and English with subtitles) “Last Knights” (R for violence) Medieval action thriller about a disgraced warrior (Clive Owen) who leads a rebellion against a corrupt ruler (Aksel Hennie) in order to avenge the death of his noble master (Morgan Freeman). With Daniel Adegboyega, Shohreh Aghdashloo and Sung-kee Ahn. “Manos Sucias” (Unrated) Drug trafficking drama chronicling the tension which mounts between a Colombian fisherman (Jarlin Javier Martinez) and his estranged brother (Cristian James Abvincula) after they agree to tow a cocaine-filled torpedo up the Pacific coast. Supporting cast includes Hadder Blandon, Andres Reina Ruiz and Maria Perlaza. (In Spanish with subtitles)
In spite of the existence of a law setting the minimum wage at $7.25 per hour, Manhattan’s Hot & Crusty (H&C) bakery only compensated its Latino staff members a measly $5 per hour. That’s because most were undocumented workers who risked deportation if discovered by the authorities. The owners of H&C were well aware of their employees’ predicament, so they would routinely threaten to turn in any who dared complain about the ongoing exploitation. Besides being underpaid, the apprehensive immigrants were denied vacation and overtime pay by a sadistic boss who took delight in reminding them how worthless they were. Truth be told, however, their services were critical to the survival of the New York City restaurant in a very competitive industry dependent upon steady access to a source of cheap labor. This became increasingly apparent to mild-mannered Mahoma Lopez a short order cook working the counter at H&C. Eventually the soft-spoken chef got fed up with his predicament, especially with the lack of basic human dignity he was being afforded. So, he decided to organize his similarly-situated colleagues, regardless of the risk of arrest. And with the assistance of an employment discrimination attorney as well as veteran activists from the Occupy Movement, they proceeded to picket the place and unionize. Co-directed by Rachel Lears and Robin Blotnick, The Hand That Feeds is an inspirational documentary chronicling an intrepid band of working-class heroes’ demand that their rights be respected by greedy fat cats who’d rather close down the business than raise salaries to just the minimum wage. So, guess what the disgruntled strikers did? Before they could be locked out, they defiantly occupied the store and ran it on their own until an equitable settlement could be reached. Ultimately, it reopened under new management willing to sign a fair contract with Mahoma and company. How do you say Norma Rae in Spanish? Excellent (4 stars) Unrated In Spanish and English with subtitles Running time: 88 minutes Distributor: Jubilee Films
(To see a trailer for The Hand That Feeds, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d6604tfm-k.)
April 2 - 8, 2015
Page 12
CLASSIFIEDS
Help Wanted Teacher at Campus School, University of Memphis: Requires Bachelor’s degree in elementary educ, TN teacher license, and willingness to take leadership role in school environment. For more information, go to http://workfourm.memphis.edu. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Legal Notices LEGAL NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received at the Office of the City of Memphis Purchasing Agent, Room 354, City Hall, 125 N. Main, Memphis, TN 38103, April 15th , 2015 until 2:00 pm, for furnishing the City of Memphis with the following: FOR THE DIVISION OF: PUBLIC WORKS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF: PW 04094 Walker Avenue from Highland Avenue to Brister St Federal Project No.: STP-EN-9409(165) State PIN: 114979.01 Walker Avenue Streetscapes Phase 1 from Highland St to Brister St in Memphis, Shelby County 1. The Prime Contractor and all Sub Contractors must prequalify with the Department of Transportation in accordance with Section 54-5-117 of the “Tennessee Code Annotated” and Tennessee Department of Transportation Rule 1680-5-3 prequalification of contractors before biddable proposals will be furnished. 2. The City of Memphis hereby notifies all bidders that a 41% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal has been set for this project and must be met or exceeded. All contractors identified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) must be on the Tennessee Uniform Certification Program (TNUCP) List at the time of the bid opening. 3. The City of Memphis hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively insure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation, and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex or disability in consideration for an award. 4. The City of Memphis is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drugfree with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service. For additional information contact Mary Bright, (901) 576-6545, City of Memphis, Contract Compliance Office, 125 N. Main St, Memphis, TN 38103 5. “Certification by each bidder must be made with respect to nondiscrimination in employment.” 6. A Bid Bond is required. 7. All bids must include, on the outside of the bid envelope, the name of the project, the bid due date and the bid opening time. Plans, Specifications and attendant deposit information available, until the time set for opening bids, from: Janet Prejean, (901) 636-2462, City of Memphis, Construction Inspections, 2599 Avery Avenue, Memphis, TN 38112. Award of contracts will be made on the basis of the lowest and best bids as determined by the City of Memphis. “Best Bid” shall be defined as the responsive quotation, that meets the contract documents, including, if applicable, any DBE Participation Goal as set out in this specification. THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED Notice of intent of award will be issued after review of all opened bids. Any protest of award must be filed in writing with the Purchasing Agent within ten calendar days of the intent of award announcement. By Order of the Mayor of the City of Memphis, Tennessee. A C WHARTON, JR., MAYOR ERIC MAYSE, CITY PURCHASING AGENT Notice of Public Comments Being Accepted The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) hereby gives notice that comments will be accepted from the public on proposed changes on fixed-route bus service until 5:00 p.m., April 22, 2015. No changes to MATAplus or Trolley service are being proposed. The proposed changes are as follows: PROPOSED FIXED-ROUTE BUS SERVICE CHANGES 11 Thomas – Route changes for Weekday, Saturday and Sunday. Outbound from the William Hudson Transit Center, right on A.W. Willis, left on Thomas, left on Pear, right on Second/Whitney, left on Thomas, right on Frayser, right on Millington, left on Dellwood regular route to the end of the line. Inbound regular route from the end of the line to Dellwood, right on Millington, left on Frayser, left on Thomas, right on Whitney/Second, left on Pear, regular route to the William Hudson Transit Center. 12 Florida – Route changes for Weekday and Saturday, Outbound from William Hudson Transit Center, right on Shadyac, right on Third St., right on Jackson, left on Front, right on Georgia, left on Florida, right on South Parkway, left on Kansas, left on Belz, regular route to the end of the line. Inbound regular route to Florida, left
THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER CLASSIFIEDS 203 Beale Street, Suite 200 Memphis, TN 38103 PH (901) 523-1818 FAX (901) 578-5037 HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. DEADLINES: Display ads Monday 5 p.m. Classifieds ads Monday 5 p.m. RATES: Standard rates: $9.50 per line for 1 column ad. Rates are non-commissionable and are quoted at the net rate. No refund for early cancellation. For additional information contact Sales Dept. at (901) 746-5201 or email: advertising@tsdmemphis.com on Belz, right on Kansas, right on South Parkway, left on Florida, right on Georgia, regular route to the WHTC. 17 McLemore – Route changes for Weekday, Saturday and Sunday. Weekday westbound regular route from American Way Transit Center to McLemore, left on Florida, right on South Parkway, left on Swift. Eastbound trip - Swift, left on Person, left on Kansas, right on South Parkway, left on Florida, right on McLemore, then regular route to the end of the line at American Way Transit Center. Saturday westbound, from Semmes to McLemore regular route, left on Florida, right on South Parkway, left on Swift to end of the line. Saturday eastbound trip from Swift, left on Person, left on Kansas, right on South Parkway, left on Florida, right on McLemore, regular route to the end of line at Semmes. Sunday westbound, Ketchum to McLemore regular route, left on Florida, right on South Parkway, left on Swift to end of the line. Sunday eastbound, Swift, left on Person, left on Kansas, right on South Parkway, left on Florida, right on McLemore regular route to the end of line at Ketchum. 35 South Parkway – Minor time adjustments to weekday service to improve schedule adherence. 36 Hacks Cross – Weekday add an additional trip inbound to downtown from Hacks Cross at 7:48 p.m. Minor time adjustments to Weekday and Saturday service to improve schedule adherence. 57 Park – Minor time adjustments to Weekday and Saturday service to improve schedule adherence. Saturday Additional Trips – Various routes - Saturday add one inbound trip on these routes: 2 Madison 9:47 p.m., 4 Walker 10:05 p.m., 8 Chelsea 9:43 p.m., 39 South Third 9:52 p.m., 42 Crosstown 9:45 p.m., 50 Poplar 10:15 p.m., 52 Jackson 9:54 p.m., 56 Lamar 10:05 p.m. and 57 Park 10:21 p.m. Additional information can be obtained by contacting MATA at 901-274-6282 or by visiting www.matatransit.com. Written comments can be submitted until 5:00 p.m. on April 22, 2015 and can be mailed to 1370 Levee Road, Memphis, TN 38103; e-mailed to publiccomments@matatransit. com; or faxed to 901-722-7123. MATA’s Board of Commissioners will review and consider the comments and address the service changes at the April 27, 2015 Board meeting. If approved, the proposed service changes will be effective on June 7, 2015. NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Lapaul Hunt Tax Parcel # 07508700004780 Tax Sale # 0603 Exhibit # 11247 Price Offered: $750.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on April 22, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Judith Carolina Luna Ortiz Tax Parcel # 05202100000130 Tax Sale # 1002 Exhibit # 1132 Price Offered: $6,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:00 p.m. on April 11, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF
BEER PERMITS Flat Rate: $30 GENERAL INFORMATION: Some categories require prepayment. All ads subject to credit approval. The New Tri-State Defender reserves the right to correctly classify and edit all copy or to reject or cancel any ad at any time. Only standard abbreviations accepted. Copy change during ordered schedule constitutes new ad & new changes. Deadlines for cancellation are identical to placement deadlines. Rates subject to change. ADJUSTMENTS: PLEASE check your ad the first day it appears. Call (901) 523-1818 if an error occurs. We can only offer in-house credit and NO REFUNDS are issued. THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER assumes no financial responsibility for errors nor for copy omission. Direct any classified billing inquires to (901) 523-1818. REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: LACE Enterprises Tax Parcel # 04002300000320 Tax Sale # 0103 Exhibit # 8582 Price Offered: $50.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:00 p.m. on April 23, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: LACE Enterprises Tax Parcel # 04002400000040 Tax Sale # 0106 Exhibit # 8595 Price Offered: $50.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:30 p.m. on April 23, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: LACE Enterprises Tax Parcel # 04002300000360 Tax Sale # 0205 Exhibit # 5957 Price Offered: $200.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:15 p.m. on April 23, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Thomas Richards Tax Parcel # 07404100000210 Tax Sale # 1003 Exhibit # 17035 Price Offered: $7,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 8:30 a.m. on April 27, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Govern-
The New Tri-State Defender
ment has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Jaun Fernandez and Maria Hernandez Tax Parcel # 05301900000070 Tax Sale # 1003 Exhibit # 11677 Price Offered: $6,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:00 a.m. on April 27, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Marcus N. Wimbley Tax Parcel # 0730410G000250 Tax Sale # 1003 Exhibit # 16464 Price Offered: $10,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:30 a.m. on April 27, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: Antoinette Wayne Tax Parcel # 02904200000710 Tax Sale # 1003 Exhibit # 3792 Price Offered: $8,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on April 23, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: TD & TN, LLC Tax Parcel # 07706000000170 Tax Sale # 1003 Exhibit # 19539 Price Offered: $8,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:00 p.m. on April 22, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: TD & TN, LLC Tax Parcel # 07706600000030 Tax Sale # 1003 Exhibit # 19856 Price Offered: $7,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:00 p.m. on April 22, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property:
1. Purchaser: TD & TN, LLC Tax Parcel # 07706400000070 Tax Sale # 1003 Exhibit # 16534 Price Offered: $7,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 12:30 p.m. on April 22, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581
NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: TD & TN, LLC Tax Parcel # 07704900000350 Tax Sale # 1003 Exhibit # 19519 Price Offered: $8,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 12:00 p.m. on April 22, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581
NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: TD & TN, LLC Tax Parcel # 05907500000200 Tax Sale # 1003 Exhibit # 12916 Price Offered: $6,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:30 p.m. on April 22, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581
NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. § 67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: 1. Purchaser: TD & TN, LLC Tax Parcel # 07600300000190 Tax Sale # 1003 Exhibit # 18771 Price Offered: $8,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) days of the initial publication of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:30 p.m. on April 22, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE TO BIDDER(S)
Shelby County Government is soliciting Seal Bids for the provision of Construction Services to provide streetscape improvements at the intersection of Brooks Road and Elvis Presley Boulevard. The Seal Bid is located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn.gov, click the link “Department” at the top, then P for the Purchasing Department, then click on the link “Bids.” Bidders are required to download the information for submittal. DUE THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015 AT 2:30 PM SEALED BID #SBI-000305A STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS INTERSECTION OF BROOKS ROAD AND ELVIS PRESLEY BLVD. Voluntary Pre-Bid Conference: A prebid conference will be held at 9:00 AM, April 16, 2015 at the following location: Shelby County Roads, Bridges and Engineering Conference Room, 6449 Haley Road, Memphis, TN 38134. Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service. THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND ALL BIDS IS RESERVED By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL, JR., SHELBY COUNTY MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT
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BRIEFS & THINGS ‘I’m Not Having a Baby Shower’ on April 18 Americorps Project TLC presents the 5th Annual I’m Not Having a Baby Shower on April 18 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wooddale High School. The health and wellness conference is for Shelby County males and females ages 12 to 18. It features guest speaker Megan Motley, founder of the Glamour Girl Project and Divine Magazine. The event also will showcase performances by Serenity and LilyRoze Studios. The official sponsor is the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.-Memphis Chapter, with Cigna Health Care as the presenting sponsor. To register for the free event, visit www.eventbrite. com/e/im-not-having-a-babyshower -tickets-15609184491. For more information, call 901-276-2200 and ask for an AmeriCorps Member.
SCS issues ‘Call of Duty’ for leadership sessions It’s billed as “Call of Duty” with the kicker “Mission: College and Career Ready” and it’s for those who want to “learn how to be a successful leader from others who have accepted the call.” Sponsored by Shelby County Schools, there are four available conference dates: April 18, Craigmont High School; April 25, Whitehaven High School; May 2, Cordova High School; and May 9, East High School. Featured will be Devin Steele, Andre Turner, district administrators and many more, along with a live band and give-a-ways. Topics will include team-building, managing conflict, dressing for success and money management. Register online at www. scsk12.org. Call 901-4169990 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday for more information. ‘Kids Dreaming Big’ event with Bravo’s Cynthia Bailey African Pride DreamKids Hair Care collection, in conjunction with general merchandiser Fred’s Super Dollar, will produce the second annual “Kids Dreaming Big” meet and greet hosted by Cynthia Bailey of the “Real Housewive’s of Atlanta” from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on April 4 at Fred’s Super Dollar Store Hwy. 61 in Tunica. The meet-and-greet session will celebrate the winner of the second annual “Kids Dreaming Big” national scholarship contest. The winner will receive over $2,500 in scholarships on-site. In addition, there will autograph signings, a live radio remote with K 97.1 FM, and free products for the first 50 customers. For more information, visit www.FredsInc.com. Follow @MyAfricanPride, @FredsInc and #KidsDreamingBig. BRIEFLY: The Methodist South Whitehaven Healthy Community Day will be April 11 from 8 a.m. to noon on the grounds across from Methodist South Hospital, 1300 Wesley Dr. Events: 5K Timed Run, Two-Mile Health Walk, Health Fair, exercise and healthy cooking demonstrations, and more. For more info: visit www.methodisthealth.org/healthwalk or call 516-3580. BRIEFLY: Methodist North Hospital’s stroke support group for stroke survivors and caregivers will meet at 2 p.m. on April 14 in Day Room One, HealthSouth Rehabilitation, 4100 Austin Peay Highway. This month’s topic is “Better hearts and neurons” led by Melody Clayton, Methodist North Hospital physical therapist. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Connie Holland at 901-516-5947 or visit www. methodisthealth.org.
April 2 - 8, 2015
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COMMUNITY
Three schools close, students moved from three others by Daarek Burnette Chalkbeat Tennessee
Responding to dismal academic results and the looming threat of state takeover, the Board of Education for Shelby County Schools voted Tuesday to close three low-performing schools and transfer hundreds of students out of three other schools being taken over by Tennessee’s Achievement School District (ASD). In all, more than 2,000 students will be impacted, with the changes beginning next school year. The vast majority will be moved to schools within the district’s Innovation Zone, which receive extra federal dollars and state waivers to provide intense interventions designed to boost student test scores. Supt. Dorsey Hopson recommended the changes, explaining that the dis- Students protest a plan to close trict has “far too many better schools” dents from others within Shelby able to absorb students from underper- beat Tennessee) About 15 people – including teachforming schools facing closure. “Given the state of where we are ers, parents, students and neighbornow, we have the ASD that’s indicated hood advocates – spoke Tuesday that it’s going to be very aggressive in against the closings of Lincoln and looking at schools in south Memphis,” South Side. “As a parent, I am hurting,” said he said. “How can we put as many children in positions to learn and be Patience Maxwell, whose son is a student at Lincoln Elementary. successful as we possibly can?” Before the board began its business, Students at Lincoln Elementary School will be moved to A.B. Hill Maxwell had watched with others in Elementary, which will be brought the audience as a school orchestra perinto the iZone. Students at South Side formed for the board and an elemenMiddle School, where only one-fourth tary school robotics team was recogof the students are meeting basic state nized for its achievements. Maxwell expectations, will be moved to River- asked board members why such offerview Middle, already an iZone school. ings had not available at schools like The board also approved the clo- her son’s. “What’s going on? This is organized sure of Airways Middle School, which the ASD had planned to transition to chaos,” she said. “You’re moving our a charter school this fall until Tex- kids from school to school to school. as-based charter operator YES Prep … My kids are just as important as pulled out of the deal suddenly last any other kid here. Give that program week. At a community forum Mon- to Lincoln. … Give us those opportuday night, Shelby County leaders told nities and see what happens.” While the board unanimously apfamilies that Airways students will be moved instead to Sherwood Middle proved Hopson’s recommendations, members raised concerns about the School, another iZone school.
some schools and transfer stuCounty Schools. (Photo: Chalkimpact of closings and noted that test scores tend to sink when the district merges two schools. “We can’t be constantly running from the ASD,” Kevin Woods said. “Every time we make this sort of decision, we need to be asking ‘Are the kids getting a better education?” School closures have become an annual chore in Tennessee’s largest public school district in order to save money through consolidation and move students out of struggling schools and into better ones. Over the last three years, 16 schools have been shuttered, impacting 3,555 students. But unlike previous closings due to low enrollment and big budget cuts, administrators say this year’s closures are due in part to the ASD’s gradual takeover of local schools in Memphis. More than a third of the district’s schools qualify for state intervention through the ASD, which can choose to directly operate the schools or turn them over to a charter operator. Once students transfer to the ASD, the dis-
trict loses the state and federal tax dollars that follow that student, adding to the district’s budget woes. ASD officials say state intervention has been necessary to turn around schools that have been neglected for too long. In addition to the closures, the board approved transfers of some students from school buildings that the local district currently shares with ASD-authorized charter operators, who are operating one or more grades but not all grades. Citing wasted resources and low teacher morale, Hopson announced earlier this year that the local district no longer will participate in these arrangements, known as co-locations. Students transferred out of Brookmeade Elementary will move to Lucie E. Campbell. In a separate move based off low enrollment, Northaven School, which currently serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade, will become an elementary school and its middle school students will be transferred to Woodstock Middle. Some students at Woodstock High School will be shifted to Trezevant and Bolton high schools. In other actions, the board approved a memorandum of understanding with the Memphis Shelby County Education Association, the county’s largest teachers union. The agreement guarantees an extra personal day for teachers with 18 years of service, a stable insurance rate, a defined work day and a set amount of hours teachers must devote to professional development and faculty meetings after school. Shelby County Schools employs about 7,000 teachers and is one of the county’s largest employers.
(Contact Daarel Burnette II at dburnette@chalkbeat.org or (901) 260-3705.) (Follow on Twitter: @Daarel, @ chalkbeattn.)
The Republic of Gabon is Africa in April’s honored country
Earvin “Magic” Johnson (fourth from left) came to Booker T. Washington High School bearing gifts, including a $30,000 donation. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)
Magic Johnson to BTW students: ‘Let me help you’ by Drew Barrett
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Inside the Booker T. Washington High School auditorium 200 students and faculty waited patiently to hear from one of the NBA’s greatest point guards of all time. Magic Johnson’s visit to BTW (March 27) afforded him the opportunity to donate $30,000 to the Memphis high school and to tell students that they can reach their dreams of a college education. He is also opening up the opportunity for students to net a scholarship through the Magic Johnson Foundation. “I believe in these young people. I was once one of them, so I understand what they are up against. I think that kids can get into college and have the grades to but don’t have the financial means to go,” Johnson said. “I know what you are going through. I know what you want to achieve. Let me help you.” The Magic Johnson Foundation was started in 1991 and has done a lot for urban communities through HIV/ AIDS Awareness and Prevention, the Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program and Community Empowerment Centers. The foundation, which has built 18 technology centers around the country, has 150 students on scholarship across the country. Selected students receive a laptop, a printer, a trip to Los Angeles every year for a college boot camp and help finding internships and mentors. “It is very important to have a mentor. Some of the questions you may have, that mentor can actually answer those for you. You are going through doors that your mentor has already gone through, so they can tell you what you need to do to go through that door,” Johnson said. “I knew basketball but I didn’t know business and mentors helped me and prepared me for what to look for when I went down that road. I made sure I got mentors to help me when I was making my transition from basketball to the board room.” On the court, Johnson was a winner, used to winning. At Michigan State he won the NCAA National Championship and was named MVP of the Final Four his sophomore year. In the NBA, he won five NBA titles, was named finals MVP three times, NBA MVP three times and was a 12-time All-Star. A member of the 1992 United States Olympic gold medal team, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002. Off the court, Johnson has experienced great success in the business world. He is President and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprise (MJE), which has a net worth of over a billion dollars. Magic Johnson Enterprise features
Several groups of BTW students were given the chance to take photos with entrepreneur and NBA legend Magic Johnson. many different businesses, including fitness centers, real estate and food services. Johnson, who majored in communications, owns 30 radio stations and the cable network channel ASPiRE. He is also an owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Los Angeles Sparks and owns the first major league soccer extension team in Los Angeles. During his visit, Devin Oakley and Skylynne Bright were among the students who got the opportunity to meet Johnson and capture the moment with a photo. “Magic Johnson being here means that he and our school cares and wants us to do better. He is showing the community better things and trying to do everything that he can to make our community better,” said Oakley, a member of the basketball and football teams and the ROTC. He wants to study nursing for four years then go into the military. A member of the BTW Lady Warriors basketball team, Bright wants to play basketball in college and major in child development. “BTW, with the help of Magic Johnson, will continue to give us opportunities and guidance to help us achieve and to help this area code,” she said. After sharing his journey with students and answering questions, Johnson capped his visit this way: “If you don’t dream it, you can’t become it. I had help along the way from teachers and counselors like you have here at Booker T. Washington.”
Africa In April Cultural Awareness Festival, Inc. is saluting The Republic of Gabon April 15 – 19 on “World Famous” Beale Street in the historic Robert R. Church Park. Gabon is a sovereign state on the west coast of Central Africa located on the equator. The official language is French. The four-day festival is chock-full of daily themes such as educational excellence, arts and crafts, afro-centricity, economics, genealogy, musicology, entrepreneurship, international relations, cuisine, drug awareness, history, culture and the arts. This year marks the 29th anniversary of the festival As with other honored countries, regional, national and international officials and ambassadors from Gabon will descend on Memphis and Shelby Country. Parochial schools, colleges, universities, community organizations, religious leaders, institutions, and numerous dignitaries from the African Diaspora will participate as well. This year’s AIA international executive is Dr. Richard R. Ranta, dean of Communication and Fine Arts at the University of Memphis. Dr. Ranta has been recognized for exemplary leadership, vision, and academic excellence. The event co-chairs are State Rep. Joe Towns Jr. of District 84 and the Rev. Dr. Gina Stewart, senior pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church. • Wednesday, April 15, is International Entrepreneur’s Day. There will be an African International Business & Economic Trade Luncheon at the Holiday Inn at the University of Memphis, 3700 Central Ave. • Thursday, April 16, is International Vendors/Marketplace Set-up- Day on Beale Street in historic Robert R. Church Park from 11 a.m. –n 5 p.m. • Friday, April 17, is Children & Senior Citizen’s Day/Entertainment, from 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. Also the International Diversity Parade line-up begins at 10 a.m. Admission is free. • Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. is Family Health Wellness & Community Day and the International Blues Showcase. Admission is $5. It’s $10 from 5 p.m. – mid-night. • Sunday, April 19, from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. is African American Music Day featuring gospel, jazz and reggae music. Admission is $5. For interviews, guest appearances, confirmation, participation and attendance, e-mail or fax information to (901) 947-2414 or aiafest@bellsouth.net.
The official flag of the Republic of Gabon. (Courtesy photo)
April 2 - 8, 2015
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COMMUNITY
The New Tri-State Defender
DIAMONDS & PEARLS
Dr. Sylverna Ford, Telisa Franklin and Dr. Patricia Matthews-Juarez were honored at the A Finer Diamonds & Pearls Affair on Saturday. Pictured (l-r): Audrey Johnson, Finer Womanhood co-chair; Ford; Matthews-Juarez; Franklin; Charlotte Ghoston, Alpha Eta Zeta Chapter president; and Coleshia Winton, Finer Womanhood co-chair.
The Alpha Eta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. hosted A Finer Diamonds & Pearls Affair at CMEC First Memphis Plaza on Saturday (March 28). (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)
LOC seeks votes in The Home Depot’s RETOOL YOUR SCHOOL program Voting ends April 20 in The Home Depot’s 2015 RETOOL YOUR SCHOOL Campus Improvement Grant Program, with The LeMoyne-Owen College seeking to emerge a winner from the group of finalists. The program is designed to reinvigorate historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), with LOC and the other finalists competing for $255,000 in grants for on-campus improvements. Voting opened on Feb. 27. Visit www.retoolyourschool.com to vote. Supporters can also capture votes for their school by using #leMoyne_RYS15 on their social media channels. Each use of
a school’s Retool Your School designated hashtag counts as one social media vote. This year, the Retool Your School Grant Program will award a total of $255,000 in grants to nine accredited HBCUs in $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000 grant denominations. Based on student enrollment, schools will be categorized into one of three clusters – schools with 4,000 students or more, schools with between 3,999 and 1,201 students, or schools with less than 1,200 students. Following the online voting, a panel of judges will evaluate each school’s project proposals within the qualifying clusters. Judges will consider
the depth of each proposal and the school’s ability to execute the project within the respective budgets of $50,000, $25,000 o r $10,000, as applicable. Proposals for all three grants must highlight how each project will make a lasting, posi-
tive imp a c t on the HBCU campus. Retool Y o u r School will announce the grant recipients May 12, 2015. “Campus improvements are a major part of ensuring our students enjoy the best possible college experience we can provide,” LOC President
Johnnie B. Watson said. “Outstanding corporate citizens like Home Depot help make it possible for Historically Black Colleges and Universities to continue to provide the unique brand of education that has produced some of America’s most outstanding citizens for more than 150 years. LeMoyne-Owen plans to use the grant funds to make the campus grounds more convenient for students to study and enjoy campus activities outdoors. Planned campus improvements include planting additional trees and shrubs and installing gazebos and additional solar lights and ramps for the disabled. During the online voting pe-
riod now underway consumers can cast one vote per day, per device for their favorite HBCU. LOC faces stiff competition from finalist schools in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, US Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.
(For more information and updates on The Home Depot’s Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grant Program or to vote online visit www. retoolyourschool.com. Online voting ends on April 20 at 10:59 p.m. CST.)