March262015

March 26 - April 1, 2015

VOL. 64, No. 11

www.tsdmemphis.com

75 Cents

‘All in for Justice & Equality,’ the NAACP is ‘not sleeping,’ new president, CEO declares

by Kirstin L. Cheers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Cascades of NAACP supporters poured into the Cook Convention Center on Tuesday night, all congregating for the 39th Annual NAACP Freedom Fund Gala sponsored by the Memphis branch.

The congregation assembled under the theme “We are All in For Justice & Equality.” Throughout the night, the names of Michael Brown Jr. – unarmed and killed by police in Ferguson, Mo. – and Eric Garner – unarmed and killed by police in Staten Island, New York City – were trumpeted.

Two weeks ago, the evening’s keynote speaker was on the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma, Ala., walking near President Barack Obama and followed by the thousands who jammed Selma for the 50th commemoration of the voting rights push now forever marked by “Bloody Sunday.”

The president and CEO of the NAACP, Cornell William Brooks, seemed quite comfortable in the Bluff City, alternately throwing up his arms and grasping the lectern.

“Ladies and gentlemen, your NAACP is not dead,” said Cornell William Brooks, national president and CEO, during a keynote address at the 39th Annual NAACP Freedom Fund Gala. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley) A civil rights lawyer and preacher, Brooks didn’t just come to preach; he came to invoke.

“I am extraordinarily humbled to be in the house of the Memphis

branch of the NAACP,” proclaimed Brooks. “You will not find a greater assemblage of freedom fighters of the NAACP than the people in Memphis, Tennessee.”

Using the popular sermonic subject from the Biblical book of Esther, Brooks’ theme – “For Such A Time as This” – centered around the major social issues facing people of color: income inequality, injustice in the criminal justice system and voting rights.

Memphis particularly faces tough challenges with poverty and its numbers of working-class poor. In September 2014, a study conducted by University of Memphis professor Dr. Elena Delavega found that Memphis stands (or falls rather) as one of the poorest cities in the country, with childhood poverty on the rise. In addition, Tennessee’s low minimum wage also contributes to the high poverty rate.

That picture was part of the backdrop when Brooks exclaimed that it is important to pay people “what they’re worth.”

“There’s a rising tide of income inequality,” said Brooks. “We have a formula for rescuing this country.

We’re not seeking a minimum wage; we’re seeking a living wage.”

SEE NAACP ON PAGE 2

‘Law & Order’ lieutenant says take control of Type II diabetes

by DeAara Lewis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Type II diabetes doesn’t have the capacity to care whether you are an acclaimed actress known for a long-running role as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on the television series “Law & Order.”

S. Epatha Merkerson is that actress. She thought it was just a public service when asked to be the celebrity-of-the-day at D.C.’s NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo in 2003; certainly not a life-altering event.

While making an appearance at one of the booths to encourage African-Americans to have their A1C level tested, the average blood sugar level over the past two to three months, a doctor at the health fair informed Merkerson that her own blood sugar levels tested abnormal.

“When the lights went out on the camera, the head doctor asked me to come back. I thought he wanted an autograph or photograph or something and he said that my blood sugar was very high, that I should see my doctor,” she recalled.

Later came the diagnosis: Type II diabetes. Merkerson knew first hand how serious the disease was because it runs in her family.

“Even though I have a history of Type II diabetes in my family, I wasn’t really paying attention and so it was a

While making a celebrity-of-the-day appearance at D.C.’s NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo in 2003, actress S. Epatha Merkerson got a health warning that led to a discovery – Type II diabetes.

(Courtesy photo) real wake up call,” she said in an interview with The New Tri-State Defender.

Merkerson immediately starting working with her doctor to develop a diet, exercise and medication regimen that would help her manage the disease.

The experience her to team up with Merck, an American pharmaceutical company, and launch a nationwide tour of the America’s Diabetes

Challenge: Get to Your Goals program. That how she recently ended up in Memphis encouraging African Americans with Type II diabetes to get in engaged in managing their A1C levels.

Nationwide, 13.2 percent of African Americans are diagnosed with Type II diabetes and are 1.7 times more likely to have the disease than non-Hispanics and whites. In Ten-

nessee alone, 11 percent of adults have been diagnosed.

The alarmingly high numbers are why Merkerson encourages African Americans to know their A1C level.

“As a diabetic, I test my blood sugar twice a day,” said Merkerson.

“Why the A1C becomes very important is because it allows your doctor to see how you are managing your treatment plan and what you need to do to get to goal.”

Merkerson also encourages people to see the bigger picture. When most people think of diabetes, they likely imagine having to give up their cherished sweet treats, but much more is at stake.

“My Dad died at a very young age. “(He) was 57 when he died of complications of Type II diabetes; he had a heart condition,” said Merkerson. “My grandmother lost her sight.

There is gum disease. There is numbness and amputation.”

Not knowing one’s A1C level is not worth the risks of heart disease or strokes, she said, adding that living with diabetes is not only manageable, it is a journey that one does not have to walk alone.

“I think it is important that if it is a part of the family then the family has a knowledge of it,” said Merkerson. “It is the best way to help a loved one.”

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

‘Cash Mob Memphis’ puts rush on gourmet popcorn Collective buying power boosts family-owned business

by Kelley D. Evans kdevans@tsdmemphis.com

iPop Gourmet Popcorn, a family-owned business in Cordova, usually opens up for business at 10 a.m. on a typical Saturday. On March 21, the owners unlocked the doors 30 minutes early and awaited a rush of customers.

The unique store was a destination that day for a new initiative launched by the collaborators of Cash Mob Memphis, a concept designed to attract a “mob” of customers to minority-owned businesses.

A cash mob? This is when supporters show up at a local business and collectively patronize the business and agree to spend more than $20 on products and/or services. It is designed to boost local buying power.

Community activist Gilbert Barnes Carter III and President and CEO of The New Tri-State Defender Bernal E. Smith II established Cash Mob Memphis to merge economics and business support in and among the African-American community.

The concept is similar to a flash mob, where individuals agree to show up at a particular place as a mass group and act in unison (normally a dance of some sort).

In this case, a designated business is chosen each month as a Cash Mob Memphis recipient.

LaShunda Gatewood offers customers a smorgasboard of gourmet popcorn flavors at iPop Gourmet Popcorn in Cordova. (Photo: Kelley D. Evans) Following the “mob,” committee “My mother told me to make sure members will meet to debrief on I stopped by to support (the store),” the experience, provide feedback Guyton said. to the business owners, and discuss Guyton and young Simone orways to improve their service going dered flavored popcorn and told the forward. owners, LaShunda and Eddie GateMore than 100 customers city- wood, that they would return soon. wide made their way to iPop GourThe Gatewoods started their busimet Popcorn. Erika Guyton and her ness about two and a half years ago daughter Simone stopped in during when they were doing festivals and the mid-afternoon. The first-time events around the city. Gourmet visitors had heard about the store popcorn was their pilot product. on the news.

“We love popcorn,” said LaShun-

da Gatewood.

Why gourmet popcorn? “It’s simple,” she said, pointing to a brochure of the business on the front counter and making note of the statement within: “Growing up in the Mid-South, our family has always loved popcorn and fancy desserts. We decided to combine the two with our own southern recipes and new recipes and created unique treats for popcorn lovers.”

While standing at the counter, customers will get a whiff of more than 45 flavors that are divided into three categories – sweet, savory and supreme. The popcorn is handmade – and they even prepare custom and bulk orders.

Aside from over-the-counter sales, the Gatewoods offer their popcorn for purchase during school functions, fundraisers, weddings, birthdays, showers, graduation parties, business events and more. In addition to running the storefront at 420 South Germantown Parkway, LaShunda Gatewood is an elementary school educator for Shelby County Schools. She allowed her first graders to test the product before it hit the market.

“They had a great time,” she said.

“They give us the thumbs up and SEE POPCORN ON PAGE 3

Recalling playgrounds as the centerpiece of communities, NBA personality Kenny “The Jet” Smith is helping to refresh a community basketball court in Memphis. (Photo: Kelvin Cowans)

Hope arrives by ‘Jet’ as NBA star talks community and gives back Kenny “The Jet” Smith donates $15,000 to refresh local court

by Kelvin Cowans

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

TV basketball analyst and former two-time NBA Champion, Kenny “The Jet” Smith, on Wednesday made a $15,000 donation to the Memphis Urban League Young Professionals on behalf of Coors Light to refresh a community basketball court in Memphis.

Designed to restore community basketball courts in need, the Coors Light Full Court refresh program is now in it’s second year. In an era where social media has become the giant of information sharing, Coors Light has also agreed to make donations for every tweet using these hashtags: #fullcourtreFRESH and #over21 Smith, who made an appearance at the Memphis Urban League headquarters on Cleveland, noted that the refresh program doubled this year and he envisions a similar jump next year.

“I grew up in New York playing on basketball playgrounds just as kids do here. I always thought that a playground was the centerpiece for the community and not just for people playing basketball,” he said.

“So to me when that looks not refreshed, I think the community feels that it may not be thought of or thought about in like maybe they don’t have the same sense of pride as other communities. This is why I wanted to be a part of something like this to let communities know that we do think of you in a great manner and we’re willing to help.

Smith said he teamed up with Coors Light Full Court because it wasn’t an initiative about selling a product; it was about giving back.

“No one has asked me to come up and say drink more or do more or anything of that nature, it’s about giving back to the community that helped build them in a sense,” he said, thanking the Memphis Urban League of Young Professionals for helping us “identify where we should be in the communities.”

Smith fielded a three-pronged question from the audience. “Mr. Smith, can you recall the first time you saw a basketball court go up in SEE HOPE ON PAGE 3

MEMPHIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

H-51o - L-36o

H-64o - L-48o

H-53o - L-36o

Partly Cloudy

REGIONAL TEMPS LITTLE ROCK NASHVILLE JACKSON, MS

Mostly Sunny

Sunny

Friday Saturday Sunday H-55 L-40 H-56 L-38 H-66 L-48 H-52 L-31 H-50 L-30 H-61 L-43 H-63 L-40 H-48 L-35 H-67 L-49

March 26 - April 1, 2015

Page 2

NEWS

“Ladies and gentlemen, your NAACP is not dead.”

– Cornell William Brooks, national president and CEO of the NAACP

Madeleine C. Taylor, executive director of the Memphis Branch NAACP, shares a Freedom Fund Gala moment with Cornell William Brooks, national president and CEO. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

NAACP

CONTINUED FROM FRONT With the rise of #BlackLivesMatter on social media, especially among the younger generations and activists, Brooks said racial profiling at the hands of the police is a problem that should be inclusive of activism from all people of color, not just blacks.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re black, brown, yellow or orange,” said Brooks. “We are all precious in God’s sight.”

Still, there are social conditions that clearly point to the yoke of inequity faced by African Americans. According to Michelle Alexander’s most recent book, “The New Jim Crow,” there are more African-American men incarcerated, on probation, or on parole than there were in slavery in 1850. The U.S.

Census for that year showed 872,924 African-American males over 15 listed as slaves. In 2013, 526,000 African-American men were in prison, with 877,000 on probation and 280,000 on parole.

That’s around 1.7 million African-American men under correctional control. And studies have shown that more crime occurs in highly impoverished areas, where large percentages of African-Americans live.

With a bow to the connection between such issues and voting rights, Brooks wrapped his sermonic invocation with a push for gala attendees to advocate for voting rights, especially in the south. In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court found section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to be unconstitutional.

That section was relied upon to guard against municipali-

ties and states moving to discriminate against voters.

“Your NAACP is fighting against this,” proclaimed Brooks. “We will not give up on the right to vote. Not now, not ever.”

Some, however, consider the NAACP “a sleeping giant” when it comes to the new millennium’s civil rights issues.

Brooks is seeking to change that perspective by making membership and involvement a priority, especially extending a hand to the younger generation activists.

“Ladies and gentlemen, your NAACP is not dead,” said Brooks, which seemed an acknowledgement of the assertions that the nation’s oldest civil rights group has become less relevant and significant, nationally and locally.

“We are wide awake,” proclaimed Brooks. “We are not sleeping.”

The New Tri-State Defender

The New Tri-State Defender

March 26 - April 1, 2015

NEWS

“So we’re growing and moving along pretty quickly,” said Sargent. “Basketball brings people together, requires a lot of teamwork. We’ve always believed in teamwork, so this was a natural thing to do, step to make.”

– Joe Sargent, associate brand manager for Miller Coors

The Coors Light Full Court refresh program is a team effort. (Photo: Kelvin Cowans)

HOPE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT your neighborhood? What did you think? How did it make you feel.”

“When I first saw a basketball court go up in our neighborhood I wasn’t a basketball player, but I was like, ‘Wow, we got new paint, new gate and all.’ I just thought that the neighborhood was uplifted and I thought they were just cleaning up. Kid of like when you put on a new shirt and pop that tag and you feel good about it,” he said.

“That’s how I felt. I just felt good about something new in my community.”

Tonya Sesley-Baymon, president/CEO Memphis Urban League, said there are

people who come to the Urban league and find hope.

“So I want to thank Mr. Smith for bringing hope to the urban community. Thank you for what you’re doing all across this nation. We ask that you and Coors Light continue to partner with us as we continue to do what we do in this city and we are excited about this opportunity and what’s going to happen.”

Joe Sargent, associate brand manager for Miller Coors, said everyone knows that his company is about the business of selling beer and “that’s not what this is about. This program is about connecting to the communities,” he said.

“We go in and assess each court based on what it needs and we provide. One court may have cracks, another may

need painting or gates and another may need an entire floor, so that’s what we do. We have done inside and outside basketball courts and everyone has been so excited about the positive energy that the community gives us about what we’re doing.”

Last year, the program did 11 basketball courts last year, with the court in Memphis the fourth this year.

“So we’re growing and moving along pretty quickly,” said Sargent. “Basketball brings people together, requires a lot of teamwork. We’ve always believed in teamwork, so this was a natural thing to do, step to make.”

a popcorn after my mom – ‘Too Sweet Crunch.’ It’s a delicious cheesecake popcorn.”

Gatewood’s mother is deceased.

“My husband was really into marketing,” Gatewood mentioned of starting her business. “We went forward to find out more information and, at the time, there was no other popcorn company. We took time to grow it.”

iPop Gourmet Popcorn has been anchored in Cordova since February 2014. Most customers are residents of Cordova and Germantown.

The Gatewoods are looking to expand the business and offer more products. They are thankful to have been a recipient of Cash Mob Memphis.

(Kelvin Cowans can be reached at Kelvincowans@ hotmail.com.)

iPop Gourmet Popcorn owners LaShunda and Eddie Gatewood talk with Bernal E. Smith II, president and publisher of The New Tri-State Defender. The Rev. Noel G. L. Hutchinson Jr. (right), a Cash Mob Memphis supporter, talks with co-creator of the the idea, Gilbert Barnes Carter III. (Photos: Kelley D. Evans)

POPCORN

CONTINUED FROM FRONT thumbs down on the flavors.”

A graduate of Whitehaven High School, Gatewood attended both the University of Tennessee at Martin and Prairie View, two colleges that taught her business savvy, community identity and pride.

“Life opened up when I went to Prairie View,” she said. “I understood the world.”

The goal of the company is to “provide a delicious, affordable, professional and courteous service to all of our gourmet popcorn customers.

We want to inspire customers to explore the many flavors of popcorn that iPop has to offer.

Here we have introduced an option other than simple popcorn, but we definitely want to grant an experience with gourmet taste…”

“We took family recipes and new recipes to create unique treats,” Gatewood said. “My husband is great. He comes up with the flavors. Our kids have helped us out. It’s just a family business. I even named

Page 3

(Follow Kelley D. Evans on Twitter: @kelleysthrngrl.)

March 26 - April 1, 2015

Page 4

OPINION

John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951-1997)

The Mid-South’s Best Alternative Newspaper Powered by Best Media Properties, Inc.

The New Tri-State Defender

FLASHBACK: 2005

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

‘The Faithful Few’ mantra: ‘We’re going on anyhow’

by Joan Nelson

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

In late August of 1988, a small and little known group left Memphis headed to Washington, D.C. for the 25th anniversary commemoration of the March on Washington for jobs and freedom. Having attended the very first march in August 1963 as a teenager and hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. make his famous “I Have A Dream” speech, I have long known that it was important to pass on the history, traditions and spirit of the civil rights movement.

There were 15 of us traveling 900 miles in a van that had seen better days, but there was never a more determined group. So determined that during several mishaps due to mechanical problems along the way, we found it necessary to continuously encourage one another with the phrase, “We’re going on anyhow,” which became our theme and mantra.

We prayed a lot, especially after the van broke down and caught fire.

We got back on the road again; never thought of turning back; and went on anyhow. We knew we had to continue with two young people on board; my youngest son, Brian, who was 10,

and the daughter of a friend who was the same age.

When we arrived in Washington, D.C., the march was almost over; but we stayed, interacted and fellowshipped with many people who were still there. We took a lot of pictures to document our journey.

After a few hours we refreshed, regrouped and headed back to the south to Memphis. On our way home, we prayed for a safe trip back and were pleased and thankful that we had completed our mission. Because of this shared experience we named ourselves “The Faithful Few.” Twenty-seven years later, many of “The Faithful Few” are still active and are leaders in the community. To all who made the journey from Memphis to Washington, D.C. in 1988, I say thank you for your commitment, dedication and determination.

“The Faithful Few” included: Brenda Caudwell, Linda Caldwell, Cequita Monique McKinley, Georgianna King, Keisha Finley, Mildred Finley, Brian Nelson, Martin Hurley, and Ken (whose last name is not known. The names of five others also are not known.)

(Joan Nelson, Heritage Tours Inc.)

Let’s talk:

Promoting healthy language development for young children

by Tarrin McGhee

Special to The News Tri-State Defender

Strong language skills are essential to school readiness and future success. In the past, we’ve reviewed the importance of promoting healthy language and literacy development for young children before kindergarten begins. This month, let’s focus on understanding what specific types of language contribute to positive academic outcomes, and what parents can do to foster progress during the first three years of life.

Babies need to hear language Of course, you are bubbling with joy about the arrival of your new baby. Without even thinking about it, you will find yourself talking to her differently than you talk to adults.

Your tone of voice will become higher-pitched and take on a melodic, sing-song quality.

Research shows that this universal parental behavior is comforting to babies and actually helps them learn language more effectively. At the same time, parents are encouraged to use proper words and sentences, and avoid the “goo goo gah gah” variety of baby talk.

Positive, productive interaction is key During the first three years of life, children develop a foundation for later learning which includes the use and understanding of language. The amount of positive experiences that a young child has can largely determine future academic and life outcomes.

According to The Urban Child Institute, the quality of a child’s early experiences affects the healthy brain function and language development of the growing brain. Brain cells form connections at a faster rate during the first three years than at any other time throughout life. To strengthen these connections, positive and productive interactions with adults are critical.

The more time you spend talking, reading, and playing with your infant or toddler, the better off he will be.

Research shows that children who have parents who read to them often and use larger vocabularies tend to have better academic and behavioral outcomes.

Maintain a healthy and safe home All parents have a responsibility to protect and shield their children from stress, turmoil and chaos in the home that can negatively affect cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Children who are raised in positive home environments experience invaluable benefits to their overall mental health and well-being.

A healthy and peaceful home allows children to feel comfortable and allows them to grow, learn, and

Tarrin McGhee

explore. On the contrast, toxic stress caused by a negative home environment can cause a child’s brain to develop differently, which may lead to poor language development among other detrimental effects.

Nurture curiosity and problem-solving skills Children are inquisitive by nature.

As their interest in new things is piqued, they will begin to ask questions to quench the innate desire to simply know what is going on in their environment.

It’s important for parents to follow their child’s lead and be eager to respond to questions with a thorough explanation. Even simple descriptions of daily activities will help to learn new words and improve grasp of the structure of language.

Don’t leave your child out of the conversation For a child’s comprehension and speaking skills to flourish, just listening to adults’ conversation isn’t enough. Don’t let your child sit by idly as you talk with your spouse, family members and friends. And certainly don’t “shush” him when he tries to interject. Initiate and engage him in healthy dialogue, even when his input is difficult to understand. Be patient with his attempts to communicate, and you will help to strengthen his growing language and speech abilities.

Limit television and screen time As a child becomes more independent, he will begin to rely on his own ability to keep himself occupied. Often parents welcome this new-found sense of independence by introducing electronic devices to entertain him, or to keep him busy and out of your hair for awhile. But research shows that excessive television and screen time can actually hinder language development for young children.

It’s important for parents to understand that TV and other devices are no substitute for real personal interaction with your child. Technology cannot replace responsive parenting.

Especially for babies under three, TV and screen time should be kept to a minimum.

(As The Urban Child Institute works to advance its mission to promote optimal brain development for children from birth to age three, the organization continues to offer helpful resources to support effective parenting. For more information on how to promote strong language development for your infant or toddler, visit www.urbanchildinstiture.org.)

Black dollars do matter – ‘Empire’ shows us that

Citing need for ‘great alarm,’ 100 Black Men issue call to help put out the ‘fire’ The city of Memphis recently released staggering 2014 statistics regarding the victims of homicides in our city. Whether surprisingly or not, the data suggests that there is a need for great alarm.

The data identified that of the 168 victims of homicide in our city, 78 percent of those victims were African-American males. Additionally, the next highest demographic that were victims of homicide were African-American females. If we follow that data further, we will see that the major cause of these deaths were arguments between persons who knew one another.

There is a need for great alarm.

Like a fire station alarm that screams in the dead of the night, it awakens everyone immediately, and each firefighter is then responsible for gathering themselves and their senses to put out the fire. What we learn from this is that each firefighter must work with the man or woman in his/her precinct to collectively suppress the fire.

There is need for great alarm . . . and I am ringing the bell.

The re-launch of the 100 Black Men of Memphis, Inc. is necessary in 2015; we heard the alarm and we know there is a fire in our community. If the fire goes unchecked, it will incinerate everything in its path. So, in this new season, we are emerging, reforming and setting our agendas and strategies to help stand on the front line to address the madness that is destroying communities in our beloved Bluff City.

What we are not saying is that those who have been fighting aren’t successful. But what we are saying is that the 100 will stand beside each organization committed to addressing the fire in the community until we put it out.

Why the 100? The 100 Black Men’s programs are focused on four distinct areas – mentoring, education, economics and health. Locally, the 100 believes it’s dire that we present more positive images of our black men to our young black children, especially, our boys. We also know and believe that other ethnic communities need to understand that African-American men aren’t a group to fear. We want what everyone wants – a chance to live life openly and freely with a living wage job, provide and protect for our families and to enjoy the wonders of this community.

Some may think this is just another group of talkers and not doers, another group that simply springs up to cause a ruckus and division, or are motivated with the desire of some self-serving individual gain.

Others may question what makes the 100 Black Men different from the NAACP, SCLC or any of the historically black Greek lettered service organizations.

First, our mission is strategic,

which is to improve the quality of life within our communities and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all African Americans.

Secondly, our vision is obtainThe Rev. Corey able. We seek to D. Johnson serve as a beacon of leadership by utilizing our diverse talents to create environments where our children are motivated to achieve. We also seek to empower our people, with the 100 way, to become self-sufficient shareholders in the economic and social fabric of the communities we serve.

Lastly, our value proposition is concise, clear and cogent – we are focused on the intellectual development of youth and the economic empowerment of the African-American community based on the following precepts: respect for family, spirituality, justice and integrity.

So where have the 100 Black Men of Memphis been? Working. Working hard. In 2003, it was the 100 Black Men who worked to have legislation passed to open the first charter school in Tennessee, the Memphis Academy for Health Sciences (MAHS). And 12 years later, MAHS High boasts a 98 percent graduation rate and MAHS Middle continues as a Reward School. The high school is located in 38108 – the zip code where the highest number of homicides in 2014 were committed. Our scholars still performed.

We have been in various career fields in this community: healthcare administration, practicing law, education, finance, city and county governments…our members have been working. And what’s different now (from) 1986 when the 100 was founded, then again in 1991 when the 100 labored on behalf of the first African American elected mayor of Memphis?

The fire alarm has sounded and the 100 Black Men of Memphis, Inc. have heard it and have rallied together again. We are together, as Black Men should be – working together to put out the fire of self-hate, distrust and societal oppression. The 100 Black Men of Memphis, Inc., is standing up for our community. If you are a person who is tired of the excuses and want to see and support change within Memphis, then support the 100 Black Men of Memphis, Inc.! If you are an African-American man and you’re reading this, you should join the fight against the fire in our community! Join us today!

(The Rev. Corey D. Johnson is executive director of 100 Black Men of Memphis, Inc.)

The data identified that of the 168 victims of homicide in our city, 78 percent of those victims were African-American males.

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#Blackdollarsmatters According to a Nielsen consumer report, African Americans are voracious consumers of media, watching 37 percent more television than any other slice of American demography.

While that’s not Run new news, it is Busby Jr. disturbing that we don’t completely understand the connection between our TV consumption and the huge profits generated by our connection to television.

To be fair, some TV programming can actually be beneficial. The recent coverage of the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” opened the eyes of generations of Americans who were unaware of the brutality of racial oppression in America. Much of television, however, is simply escapist entertainment for us, but a tremendous cash cow for programmers and advertisers. Take for example “Empire” on Fox. The network is known for its history of racist banter and has exploited Black America while simultaneously benefiting from black consumers. Statistics show that “Empire” is Fox’s highest grossing show in three years, which translates into a huge pay-off for Fox. How big?

How about the $45.2 billion Comcast/Time Warner merger? How about the $48.5 billion AT&T acquisition of DirecTV or the estimated $1.3 trillion dollars spent annually by black consumers? Not to mention the $20 billion lawsuit filed by the National Association of African American Owned Media and Entertainment Studios Networks against Comcast, Time Warner and other civil rights organizations as party to a plan to ensure that profits from black viewership continue pouring into the same pockets?

We’ve watched with interest and commented on this situation earlier, but the situation has not improved.

We will reserve judgment on the soundness of Entertainment Studios Network’s CEO Byron Allen’s pending legal action, but there are a few things of which we are absolutely certain: No telecom giant has a plan for meaningful participation/inclusion of black business in their day-to-day procurement activity; No programming giant has a plan to include, develop or support the development of positive black portrayals to any meaningful degree; No cable/pay TV provider makes programming targeting black consumers available at their basic service level, which requires their best customers to pay extra to view their favorite shows; No advertiser using the TV/PayTV medium includes black business in any significant way in the development, production, delivery/distribution of their products to this loyal consumer base.

Telecom companies and consumer product companies are gearing up for an assault on your wallets like nothing you’ve ever seen, and if you’re riveted by the latest episode or gameof-the-week, you may not even notice your pocket being picked. Decisions about your money are being made right now. These decisions are being made by people who don’t know you, and whose only interest is how long you’re in front of your TV before you go buy the products they are selling.

We understand it’s about business – big business. We also understand that it is black consumers’ money that makes the business so big. But if black businesses don’t flourish as a result of all this activity designed to move dollars out of black pockets, we’ll be back to “Good Times” in the projects instead of building Empires.

All the more reason to invest money in the black community. If you can devote time to watching your favorite television show, then you can also devote time to buying from your local black businesses. Make #Blackdollarsmatters not just a hashtag, but a way of life.

(NNPA columnist Ron Busby Sr. is president of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.)

The New Tri-State Defender

March 26 - April 1, 2015

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March 26 - April 1, 2015

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NEWS

Coca Cola roundup…

Coca Cola held a big regional roundup this week to work on its strategy with its acquisition of the Monster Energy Drink brand. The company held a lunch meeting for the Women’s LINC and invited community leaders to share with Coke staff. Bernal E. Smith II, publisher and president of The New Tri-State Defender, spoke, along with Mearl Purvis of Fox 13 News, Sandra Burke, and Dawn S. Kirk, Coca Cola’s Vice President of Sales Operations, East Regions. The Women’s LINC is an auxillary professional group targeted at women associates but open to all Coca Cola associates for career development, encouragement and growth. (Courtesy photo)

Senate panel advances Haslam’s Insure Tennessee proposal

by Erik Schelzig Associated Press

NASHVILLE – A revived version of Gov. Bill Haslam’s proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income Tennesseans on Wednesday cleared its first full Senate committee.

The Senate Health Committee voted 6-2 to advance the Insure Tennessee proposal to the commerce committee, where it is expected to face difficult prospects. Republican Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey has predicted that the measure won’t make it to a full floor vote.

The resolution would allow Haslam to draw down $2.8 billion in federal Medicaid money over the course of the two-year pilot program. State hospitals have agreed to cover the state’s $74 million share.

Haslam had been rejected in his previous attempt to seek authorization for the plan during a special legislative session last month.

The renewed measure is sponsored by freshman Sen. Jeff Yarbro of Nashville, the lone Democrat on the committee. It includes three changes designed to ease various concerns raised about the measure during last month’s special session. They include: — Adding a “lockout provi-

sion” for enrollees who fail to pay premiums, similar to one approved for Indiana’s plan.

— Calling on Haslam to wait to put the plan into effect until after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on health insurance exchanges.

— Requiring written confirmation from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that Tennessee could drop out of the program if costs outstrip expectations.

Joining Yarbro in voting for the resolution were Republican Sens. Richard Briggs and Becky Massey of Knoxville, Ed Jackson of Jackson, Doug Overbey of Maryville and Rusty Crowe of Johnson City.

Crowe had voted against the measure when it failed 7-4 in a Senate panel during the special session.

Voting against the resolution were Republican Sens. Randy McNally of Oak Ridge and Bo Watson of Chattanooga. Republican Sen. Joey Hensley of Hohenwald abstained in the full committee after previously voting against the measure in the subcommittee vote.

“The vote shows that there is significant and growing bipartisan support for Insure Tennessee,” Yarbro said.

McNally raised concerns about how the state would go about winding down the pro-

gram if officials decided they no longer wanted to participate. He cited legal challenges raised after then-Gov. Phil Bredesen, a Democrat, cut 170,000 adults from TennCare because of escalating costs.

TennCare Director Darin Gordon told the panel that the state already has a mechanism in place for un-enrolling people stemming from the 2005 cuts.

“We don’t have to go back and do that again,” he said.

“It’s in the existing waiver.”

Massey urged Gordon to ensure enrollees would be informed that the program could be temporary.

“I’ve had a number of folks who I’ve talked to who have said they didn’t have insurance and they were working, but they qualified into this gap,” she said. “And if they had the opportunity to take it for two years or not at all, they were good with just the two years.”

Opponents of the Insure Tennessee proposal said they objected to adding to the federal debt by drawing down the money under President Barack Obama’s health care law. They say they don’t trust the federal government to keep promises to allow Tennessee to withdraw from the plan if it ends up being more expensive than expected.

The New Tri-State Defender

March 26 - April 1, 2015

The New Tri-State Defender

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BUSINESS

MONEY MATTERS

Women need more financial resources for retirement Career opportunities for women have expanded greatly over the last couple of decades. Yet during their lifetimes, women still earn less money than men, primarily because they take time off from their jobs to care for children or aging parents.

Women also have longer lifespans than men, so they may need to fund additional years in retirement with fewer financial resources. One study found that the average retirement savings for a woman aged 65 to 69 was about 22 percent less than that of a man of the same age.

Given the challenges, it’s understandable that women are 42 percent more likely than men to express concern about having enough money for retirement (according to a 2012 survey). Focusing on saving for the future and managing retirement plan investments wisely could help many women improve their retirement prospects.

Career gains Almost 60 percent of today’s U.S. college students

“April showers bring May flowers” is a phrase we are all familiar with. However uncharacteristically, March, with a combination of snow, has had its share of rainy days.

An unfortunate byproduct of weather in March is a leaking roof and the need to hire a roofing contractor. There is nothing worse than for your humble abode to spring a leak.

Choosing an experienced, dependable contractor can be challenging. But fret not. The following tips will help you choose a credible roofing contractor: 1) Always hire a local roofer, because an “out of town” company will be difficult to reach for warranty issues or dispute resolution.

2) Check the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any negative complaints.

3) Request references from the roofing contractor.

4) Ask for copies of their license, insurance, and bonding. Follow up to make

are women, and the majority of graduates who pursue m a s t e r ’s degrees and doctorates are also womCharles Sims en. Income disparity Jr., CMFC, between LUTCF the sexes has also improved — working women now earn about 80 cents for every dollar earned by men, up from 62 cents 30 years ago.

As a result, female breadwinners have become more common than they were in previous generations. Around 40 percent of wives now earn higher salaries than their husbands.

To make up for time spent outside the workforce, women may want to contribute as much as possible to employer-sponsored retirement plans, especially if they have the opportunity to benefit from a company match. The maximum employee contribution to a 401(k) or 403(b) plan in

2013 is $17,500 ($23,000 for those aged 50 and older).

Distributions from most employer-sponsored retirement plans are taxed as ordinary income. Withdrawals taken prior to age 59½ may be subject to a 10 percent federal income tax penalty, with certain exceptions such as the plan participant’s death or disability.

Risk tolerance A Federal Reserve Bank

and the tendency for wives to outlive their husbands, it is likely that 80 percent to 90 percent of women may need to take control of their finances at some point in their lives.

Women, whether single or married, might benefit from educating themselves on all aspects of household finances, including investments, insurance, and the beneficiary designations on retirement accounts.

The information in this article is not intended as tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

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

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

ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY

Mastering the craft of roofing sure the information is valid and current.

5) Make sure the company has been in business for a while. Dishonest companies tend to open, close and change names frequently due to complaints or lawsuits.

6) Review the contract carefully and make sure there is a warranty.

I was referred to Sherman Brown by one of my clients.

Unfortunately, she had work done by a roofing contractor that was less than desirable, and Mr. Brown of BSU Roofing and Restoration had to come to her rescue. He was prompt with an estimate and prompt with service. Her flat roof is now free of leaks, thanks to BSU Roofing and Restoration’s quality service.

Sherman Brown now joins us to provide additional information on roofing as a business.

Carlee McCullough: Tell us a little about yourself.

Sherm a n Brown: I was born and raised in Memphis.

I attended Southside High School and ventured Carlee McCullough, into many different Esq. job fields after attaining my high school education.

CM: How did you get into the roofing business?

SB: I tried many different careers ranging from mortgage solutions to restaurant ownership and finally I found my niche in the roofing industry.

CM: Why roofing and not general construction?

SB: I feel that contractors should specialize in an area but

‘Alliance’ adds Chattanooga’s Q Strategies to group NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Public Relations Alliance, formed in late 2011, has added new member Q Strategies of Chattanooga to the team of communications professionals.

“This places the alliance in each of the state’s major media markets and formalizes the partnership we have enjoyed for years with one of the Chattanooga area’s most knowledgeable and effective strategists, Tom Griscom,” said Mark McNeely, senior partner of McNeely Pigott & Fox Public Relations of Nashville.

Other charter members of the alliance are The Carter Malone Group of Memphis and Moxley Carmichael Public Relations of Knoxville. The Hispanic Marketing Group of Nashville joined the alliance in 2013.

“We are fortunate to count Tom and his firm, Q Strategies, as part of the alliance. This only adds to our already stellar team of communications professionals with unmatched knowledge of their individual markets,” McNeely said.

“MP&F has worked with Tom and his firm for years on several clients, and in each case, he has been a valuable asset to our team.” Those assignments have included assistance in the grand opening of Amazon’s Chattanooga distribution facility and the successful push to allow the sale of wine in grocery stores last year.

The statewide alliance was formed to provide blanket geographic coverage for products and issues in Tennessee. Since its inception, the alliance has worked with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee on communications efforts related to the Affordable Care Act as well as several other statewide organizations and issues.

economist has estimated that the more conservative retirement investments chosen by women investors may be responsible for about 10 percent of the difference between men’s and women’s retirement account balances. The risk/reward trade-off means that investments involving less risk typically have a lower potential for return, and vice versa.

Therefore, a portfolio with too little growth potential may not accumulate enough assets for

someone to enjoy a comfortable retirement, and/or returns may not keep pace with inflation.

Some anxieties about investment risk among women may stem from a lack of knowledge, but a more cautious approach is not always detrimental. For example, some experts believe that investors who treat investing like a sport or competition tend to chase performance and could suffer losses as a result. As a group, women are generally less likely than men to be “overconfident” in their ability to select outperforming investments, a trait that may help them avoid costly mistakes such as trading excessively or taking inappropriate risks.

Over the long run, a steady buy-and-hold strategy based on the investor’s financial goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance could serve men and women well.

In some marriages (and among older couples in particular), husbands may be handling many of the household’s investing decisions. Considering the possibility of divorce

“Our goal in launching Q Strategies was to create a different kind of communications firm – one focused on relationships, strategic thought and measurable client success,” said partner and chief strategist Tom Griscom. “It is an honor for our firm to be included with like-minded communications professionals in the Tennessee Public Relations Alliance.”

Q Strategies is a full-service strategic communications and marketing firm located in downtown Chattanooga. The Q Strategies team has significant experience in solving

complex issues around communications, branding, market research and proactive message development. Local, regional and national clients served range from government to manufacturing to startups.

Each of the independently owned agencies has continued to maintain existing clients and pursue clients needing help from a single agency; but the alliance has presented previously unavailable opportunities for businesses and organizations seeking help from a cohesive, statewide communications team with strengths in all local markets.

have a substantial amount of knowledge in the complete industry. My team has mastered the craft and completes jobs in an efficient amount of time.

CM: How can consumers make a difference between reputable contractors and those that are not reputable?

SB: Always ask for references from the contractor’s past work.

CM: What made you start your own business?

SB: Again, I tried many fields of work and before I successfully became an entrepreneur I worked in several factories making minimum wage. I felt being a go-getter and a man filled with pride and integrity that the best way I could give my children the life I didn’t have was to start my own business.

CM: How did you prepare to go without a stable income and pursue your entrepreneur-

ship full time?

SB: I don’t think anyone is ever fully prepared in that situation. But one must step out on faith and when life throws you lemons you make lemonade.

CM: What is next for you as it relates to your business?

SB: I’m currently looking to add another stream of income by working on my autobiography. It will be a full-length story to inspire those individuals who will not take that chance and step out on faith.

CM: How do you balance family life and business?

SB: Business operations are handled during business hours. It would be the same as if I was working a nine to five.

There are times when I must troubleshoot. But we do such a great job that those times are few and far between.

CM: Who or what has inspired your success?

SB: My inspiration was ac-

tually self-driven. I just knew that working hard was what I wanted to do. I spent countless hours reading about other successful businessmen and my motto was: “If they can make it so can I.”

CM: Any advice to those interested in leaving their jobs to pursue business opportunities full time?

SB: Know what you want in life. Take pictures of your future and stop showing people where you have been. Take the step because time waits for no one.

CM: How can people engage your services?

SB: I’m local. I can be reached by phone and/or e-mail. Telephone: 1-901672-7585. Email: Sherman.

Brown0@gmail.com

(Contact Carlee M. McCullough, Esq. at 901-7950050; email – jstce4all@aol. com.)

March 26 - April 1, 2015

Page 8

RELIGION

LEGACY: Mrs. Willie Mae Irving Centenarian’s long life was rewarding Special to the New Tri-State Defender

It is quite a milestone to live to be 110 years old. But for Willie Mae Irving, it was eventful. Before her death on March 13, the centenarian toured the White House in 2007, witnessed the inauguration of Barack Obama in 2009, worked tirelessly in the church, and volunteered a number of times for myriad causes.

Mrs. Irving was born July 19, 1904. She was eulogized March 21 at New Sherron M.B. Church in Cayce, Miss., a church she’d been actively involved in since 1919.

Elder Bettye Eskridge, a daughter and constant companion, noted her presence at her mother’s bedside and holding her hand when she closed her eyes a final time.

Last year, Mrs. Irving celebrated her 110th birthday at Whispering Hills Hotel and Conference Center in Olive Branch, Miss. Her family and friends celebrated her longevity and bid her God-speed.

Raised by her maternal grandparents – who were freed slaves – Mrs. Irving was the mother of four children, 23 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, 50 great-great grandchildren and 12 great-greatgreat grandchildren. She was married to the late George Irving for nearly 60 years.

Her linage, Eskridge pointed out, “is almost as long as her very lengthy life.”

As a child, Mrs. Irving attended Hebrew Elementary, a one-room school in Piperton, Tenn. As the years added up, she’d witness history unfold around her: African-Americans would move up the political, social and economic ladder and society would become just a little more inclusive of races than eras past.

At New Sherron, Mrs. Irving was not only the oldest member of the church, but the most senior mother on the Mother’s Board in the church’s history. “Until very recently, most Sundays, my mother could be found seated on the front pew, rain or shine,” her daughter said.

Churches near and far heaped honor and praise on Mrs. Irving for her tireless work and volunteerism.

She’d volunteered for Convoy of Hope, the University of Memphis’ Kwanzaa celebration, and received “Outstanding Senior” recognition from the Rev. Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray Jr., pastor of New Sardis Missionary Baptist Church.

Local and national news media also interviewed Mrs. Irving. She also spoke at schools from Greenwood, Miss., to Memphis – particularly at Westside Middle School and Springfield M.B. Church in Senatobia, Miss.,

The New Tri-State Defender

during the 2 0 1 0 B l a c k History Month celebration.

During four consecutive summers, Mrs. Irving was Willie a valued Mae Irving teacher and grandmother figure for the O.B. McClinton Foundation’s Summer Enrichment Program, a nonprofit organization in Senatobia, Miss.

While old-fashioned teacakes may be a treat of the past, Mrs. Irving taught the students in the program how to make them from scratch.

“Summer Enrichment 2015 just won’t be the same without our most valuable teacher, Mother Willie Mae Irving,” said Cloteal Fitzpatrick, the Foundation’s director and Mrs. Irving’s Goddaughter.

When asked about the secret of her longevity, Eskridge said her mother would cite the “Golden Rule:” “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Her personal philosophy?

“Tending to my own business and leaving other folk’s business alone.”

If the subject of skin color arose in conversations, “my mother would say, ‘I treat all people the same.’” And because she’s lived more than the Bible’s promise of three scores and 10, Mrs. Irving would offer the following statement: “I obeyed my parents and trusted in God.” Fitzpatrick said, “ Mother Irving not only enjoyed longevity, good health, and the love of family and friends, she enjoyed a life of service to others.”

Eskridge said one of the greatest honors that her mother received during her lifetime was having her fellow church members dedicate the New Sherron’s Fellowship Center to her and rename it the “Willie Mae Irving Fellowship Hall.”

Mrs. Irving lived alone and was able to take care of all her personal affairs until 2007, her daughter said. And up until 2013, she was still able to take care of herself personally and walk without assistance.

“She did not take any medications either,” said Eskridge, who stepped in as her mother’s caretaker when she was no longer able to live alone. “She lived with me at my home in Collierville until her death.

Three days before her death, however, she was still able to communicate.”

The day Mrs. Irving died, Eskridge said, “I knew mother was ready to go.”

THE 2015 ESTHER AND MEN OF MORDECAI AWARDS

The National Coalition of Women in Ministry honored a group of women and men Saturday afternoon (March 21) during NCWM’s 11th annual

Ester and Men of Mordecai Awards at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis.

The awardees were recognized for

their leadership, service and ministry in the church and community.

The awards banquet is NCWM’s annual fundraiser.

The honorees and co-hosts: (seated left to right) Denise Silas, Thelma Hardy, Zelma Hall, Apostle Chejuana Chase, National President Brenda Browder, Founder and Executive Director Dr. Jada Meeks, William Reed, Min. Laverne Jackson.

Standing: Yvette Whiteside, Pastor Victoria Raftery (Merrillville, Ind.), Pastor Kimberly Benson, Marie Horn, Diaconate Henry Anderson, Wanda Taylor, the Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Walker Jr., Pastor Ashley Turner, Vernell Simmons, Dr. Jarnell Harvey (Gary, Ind.), and Lauren Raymer. (Photos: Wiley Henry) National Coalition of Women in Ministry, Inc. Memphis, Tn Chapter Members: (Seated left to right) Min. McStella Hinds, Pastor Evelyn Taylor, Lois Montgomery, Founding Board Member Min. Louise Walton (Sterling Heights, Mich.), Mother of NCWM Judy Shipp, Roberta Hayslett, and Gail Duron. Standing: Father of NCWM Pastor Juan D. Shipp, Board Member Sarah Smith, Dr. Janet Malone, Janet Marshall (Gary, Ind.), Board Member Elder Belva Armour, Chat Shipp, Juan Shipp, II, Founder and Executive Director Dr. Jada Meeks, National President Brenda Browder (Hobart, Ind.)

25 years and counting...

Dr. Gina M. Stewart celebrated 25 years in ministry – 20 as pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church – Friday, March 20, at the Memphis Cook Convention Center.

Fred and Judge Earnestine Dorse were there to congratulate Dr. Stewart. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

Mt. Olive Cathedral honors women in law enforcement Mt. Olive Cathedral Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 538 Dr. M.L. King Jr. Ave., will honor the 10 women – who were hired in 1958 by the Memphis Police Department as “Meter Maids” – during Annual Women’s Day at the church on Sunday, April 12, at 10:30 a.m.

These women served until 1970 when they were commissioned as officers in the MPD and should be cited for their contributions, the organizers said.

Dr. Doris Y. Williamson, the first lady of First Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, will be the guest speaker. Dr. Williamson is a speaker and lecturer who has over 40 years ministering to the needs of women.

City and county mayors, police director, the sheriff and other members in law enforcenent were invited.

Rev. Peris J. Lester I is the host pastor.

A day for men and women...

Gospel Temple Missionary Baptist Church celebrated its Annual Men and Women’s Day, Sunday, March 23.

From left: Rev. Katral K. Rainey, pastor, Gospel Temple Missionary Baptist Church; Vera Bingham, chairperson; Rev. Steven E. Maben, pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and guest minister; his wife Constance Maben; Rev. Guy Thompson, Friendship’s associate pastor; and Kim Stewart, mistress of ceremonies, Greater Community Temple Church of God in Christ. Not shown: Kevin Swannigan, co-chairperson. (Courtesy photo)

ENTERTAINMENT The New Tri-State Defender, March 26 - April 1, 2015, Page 9

Fre$h Fruit

Garrick Jordan: ‘I look to bring teamwork back’

productive. You got to do the work.

by Kelvin Cowans

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Garrick Jordan has just opened Redd Room Studios in East Memphis and the sound coming out of there is a fresh as the latest pair of Air Jordan’s. I caught up with the 2005 Germantown High School graduate and Tennessee Technology Center Graphic Design Certificate holder and received an ear full about the lack of hunger in music artists today.

Jordan has been doing music since he was 15 years old and this music producer and engineer has recently added another title – film composer – to his repertoire.

Garrick Jordan: I think that there are a lot of politics in Memphis music.

There are a lot of people in Memphis that are in position to make things happen but I don’t think they believe that it is profitable. Kind of like there are people that don’t believe that having decent roads in Memphis is profitable.

I think Memphis has missed our turn.

New York had its time, down south had its time, then Florida and then Atlanta and Houston. Even with Three 6 Mafia winning that Oscar with the “Hustle and Flow” soundtrack, that was good, beautiful but I believe for us there is more.

Kelvin Cowans: Do you not believe that maybe we have been expected to at least take our music to Black Hollywood, aka Atlanta, if we’re not getting the deals or exposure we think we should receive in Memphis?

You’re from Memphis, you know Memphis. We can be selfish about everyone at the table eating a fair share of the work from the talent.

G.J.: The people that run our city are not allowing us to grow; city officials and even the people that have

KC: Who influenced you in music?

G.J.: I have a few influences, my father Gary Jordan is one. (His) dream was to play live music, he’s a bass player. He loved Funk, Prince, Rick James, The Time and Funkadelic. Then my Mom was more soulful and she would listen to Curtis Mayfield, Al Green and Bobby Womack.

Industry-wise, I’m heavy on Dr. Dre and Pharrell Williams. I keep up with what they’re doing and what they’re listening to and I’m taking notes all the time. Anybody will tell you that Dr. Dre’s “Chronic” album was the best rap album of all time, and I agree. That alsomade me watch him grow over the years as he graduated to new levels in music.

With Redd Room Studios, Garrick Jordan looks to hook up with artists who have the hunger to succeed and the willingness to put in the work. (Courtesy photo)

left Memphis and made it. Justin Timberlake has tried, and with the rebirth of Staxx and all, and that’s respectable, but there are so many people who choose not to give back or give a hand up. I just notice these things and so I wanted to make sure I spoke on that. I’m an entrepreneur and I’m making a way, but everyone is not like that.

KC: What can we expect out of Redd Room Studios?

G.J.: I’m going to bring a sound to my music that comes from my composing side that gives that artist an idea for a record. You’ll hear a universal sound from me. I’m always challenging myself to create a new sound. Also, I feel like if I can’t get the sound that the artist is looking for, then I’ll reach out and ask another producer to come in and help out. I think that’s missing in Memphis. And so basically I look to bring teamwork back because nobody’s perfect but everyone’s talented.

KC: What do you think keeps artists from going as hard as they can?

Why have so many of our local artists ended up at gas stations selling

A fresh sound is coming out of Garrick Jordan’s East Memphis studio and its mixed with a good sense of business. (Photo: Kelvin Cowans) CD’s? Is it that so many people are not giving back as you say, or do they not understand the music business? … Key word (being) “business” here.

G.J.: I’ll quote Jay-Z here. “It’s music and business.” He said that he just so happened to master them both at the same time. I think that a lot of artists can’t get past their talent and don’t want to put up the money to invest. All they really think about is the studio. I try to tell them that’s the first step. Now you have to promote it and

most of them go on what they seen somebody else do.

Soundcloud and Facebook is not what you call dropping a single. You have to be smart with this business, and if you don’t have money, then you have to start using your mouthpiece. There is a new artist coming out every day. You have to be hungry.

Snapping a picture with Rick Ross and then posting it on social media and claiming that you’re doing business with him is silly and counter

KC: Who have you been working with and what’s up next for you?

G.J.: I work with my business partner, Terrance Gregory “Teraylove,” and I’ve worked with people like Pastor Troy, Tedashii, James Joseph, Niko Lyars, Carlos Broady and Goulds Salon Spa amongst others. I’m doing commercials as well, so I’m not in the box at all.

But currently I’m working with this rap artist named Tori Whodat out of New Orleans and we’re looking to drop her EP this coming summer.

You can check her music out on Youtube; she grinding and it’s going to pay off.

(Contact Garrick Jordan at garrickjordanmusic.com.)

(Fresh Fruit is Kelvin Cowans’ periodic look at the wealth of up-andcoming talent in Memphis and the surrounding area. He can be reached at (kelvincowans@hotmail.com.)

Joe, Kem & Charlie arrive – and deliver!

by Warren Roseborough

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Raised on a rough side of Oakland, Calif. by a single-mother who never mentioned their famous forbear, BTW’s heir has triumphed over the odds.

BTW’s great-granddaughter:

‘Rising Up from the Blood’

by Kam Williams

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Despite being a direct descendant of Booker T. Washington, Sarah Washington O’Neal wasn’t born with a silver spoon in her mouth.

Quite the contrary, she and her big brother James were raised on a rough side of Oakland, California by a single-mother who never mentioned their famous forbear. Perhaps she was ashamed by her relatively-lowly station and having to hold two jobs just to keep a roof over their heads after being abandoned by her husband.

The absence of a father figure would have a profound effect on Sarah, who ended up involved with a series of inappropriate partners. This was reflected in her picking bad boys who abused, cheated on, exploited, beat and/or raped her. That futile search for male validation started when she was molested at the age of 9, an event triggering a rapid descent leading to an unplanned pregnancy by the time she was 15.

Sarah’s baby-daddy neither stuck around to raise Mario Jr., nor paid much in terms of child support, which meant the financial burden of the baby first fell squarely on the shoulders of her already cash-strapped mom. And when that responsibility proved too much for the beleaguered grandmother, the troubled teen was forced to fend for herself and the infant on her own.

Consequently, she soon became SEE BTW ON PAGE 10

Charlie, Kem and Joe had already “arrived” before either of them stepped out on stage at FedExForum on Saturday night. Proof was evident in the 9,000-plus pairs of eyes trained on them.

Each R&B icon declared that the Memphis crowd was the best he had seen so far on tour. And while there is no official measurement of such, the Memphis faithful responded to the declarations as if the truth was self-evident.

The Fred Jones-delivered concert kicked off at 7 p.m. on the dot, with Joe – dressed in black leather – opening with one of hits, “I Don’t Want To Be A Player No More.” Working the crowd, he transitioned into “Ride Wit U,” featuring G Unit, from the album “And T h e n . ” Next, he broke into his rendition of Frankie Beverly & It’s often menMaze’s “Betioned that Kem’s fore I Let sound brings to Go.” mind Al Jarreau A craftsand he dropped man, Joe left that the two are the stage, talking about descenddoing an album ing into together. the crowd, taking selfies with the ladies. Getting personal, he told the crowd that he has been in the business for 20 years and that he was ever so thankful for the ongoing support.

Kem was sharp in a two-piece, black-and-white print suit accented with a distinct pair of white shoes.

He prefers a tight fit, a fact he volunteered. He walked out and issued an invitation: “If you believe in love, say yeah!” Instant chemistry.

Firing right out of the box, he performed “Love Calls,” followed by “Favorite Thing” and “Nobody Like You.” Throughout the set, he mingled with the crowd, at one point handing the mike to male concertgoers and singing to their wives or girl friends. Don’t be mad, he joked, adding that he was trying to help.

It’s often mentioned that Kem’s sound brings to mind Al Jarreau and Kem dropped that the two are talking about doing an album together.

Launching into “Find Your Way (Back In My Life),” Kem gave some

A craftsman, Joe left the stage, descending into the crowd, taking selfies with the ladies during Saturday’s concert at the FedExForum. (Photos: Warren Roseborough) jacket, he jumped into “Burn Rubber” and then changed into a black and silver outfit. When you go to a Charlie Wilson concert, expect a lot of wardrobe changes.

A “Smooth Criminal” rendition had the crowd chanting “Go Charlie Go, Charlie Go Charlie,” as Wilson danced with the energy of a teenager. Wardrobe change and it was glow-in-the-dark time.

Talking about how he missed his friend Roger Troutman of Zapp, Wilson paid tribute with “Doo Wah Ditty.” Directing each man to tell his woman how beautiful she was, he went into “Goodnight Kisses.”

Wardrobe change – black-and-white suit and red jumpsuits for the dancers – and he was into “There Goes My Baby.” With the band rolling, Charlie left the stage for a brief moment and changed into a silver suit.

Then came snips of Joe’s “I Wanna Know” and Kem’s “Save My Life.”

On June 30, Wilson has a new book coming out and he encouraged the crowd to preorder. Back Charlie Wilson makes his entrance, performing his signature to work, the jam session continued, “Party Train” at the FedExForum in Downtown Memphis on Sat- with Wilson carving out time to thank everyone for coming out and urday night. singling out the first-timers. The evening included a segment with of the men a chance to serenade their Charlie Wilson him singing about how God is so mates. He closed the set with Rick James’ hit, “Give It To Me Baby.”

Spectacular theatrics and smooth amazing, which dovetailed with his I must note that Kem shared his vocals, Charlie Wilson is non-stop account of going from rags to riches trademark testimony of transforma- show. This one started out with a and riches to rags as a crack-cocaine tion – from drugs, homelessness and guy holding a lantern, saying “All addict. Nineteen years clean and sostealing from his mother’s purse to Aboard!” The lights were low and ber, his story was inspirational.

With his hit “You Are” topping living a God-saved life. God is go- then out came Wilson, with a line ing to make it right, he said, certain of beautiful women, singing “Par- the charts for 16 weeks, Wilson that someone in the audience need- ty Train.” The band was jamming, made a special note to say thanks, ed that assurance right then. sounding so good. Dressed in black closing the A-plus show with “Outpants and shirt, with a sequined standing.”

Page 10

March 26 - April 1, 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

The New Tri-State Defender

BTW

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

dependent on government subsidies like welfare, food stamps, public housing and Social Security death benefits (after her father passed away prematurely). Meanwhile, between her substance abuse problems (alcohol, weed, coke) and poor choice of men, it was little wonder that she had another child out-of-wedlock just a half-dozen years later.

Sarah got her act together after attending a Booker T. Washington family reunion, but not before having been tested in more ways than the Biblical character Job. Thanks to a combination of Christianity and psychotherapy, she finally found a righteous path once and for all.

A faith-based resolve has served Sarah well ever since, and she and husband Anthony Rush are happily married and raising a beautiful blended family. Her triumph over the odds is recounted in revealing fashion in “Rising Up from the Blood,” a mesmerizing memoir that reads like the literary equivalent of a TV soap opera.

Besides Sarah’s personal story, this riveting autobiography includes a family photo album containing snapshots of Booker T. and the rest of her relatives, as well as snippets of sound advice for other lost souls looking to turn their lives around. An empowering opus by a thriving survivor who has ultimately proven herself deserving of her very impressive family pedigree.

Edwina Findley Dickerson, who co-stars with Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart in the hilarious comedy “Get Hard,” is interviewed by a group of journalists. (Courtesy photo)

by Kam Williams

For movies opening March 27, 2015

BIG BUDGET FILMS “Get Hard” (R for graphic nudity, drug use and pervasive profanity, sexuality and crude humor) Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart co-star in this class conscious comedy about a millionaire convicted of tax evasion who hires an excon to prepare him for life behind bars. With T.I., Craig T. Nelson, Alison Brie and Edwina Findley Dickerson.

“Home” (PG for mild action and rude humor) Animated adventure about a huggable fugitive from a distant planet (Jim Parsons) who forges an unlikely friendship with an innocent, young Earthling (Rihanna) on a quest of her own. Voice cast includes Steve Martin, Jennifer Lopez and Matt Jones.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS “Apartment Troubles” (Unrated) American Dream dramedy about a couple of Bohemian artist roommates (Jess Weixler and Jennifer Prediger) on the verge of eviction who relocate from Greenwich Village to L.A. to take a shot at fame and fortune. With Megan Mullally, Will Forte, Jeffrey Tambor and Lance Bass.

“The Kidnapping of Michel Houellebecq” (Unrated) Author Michel Houellebecq plays himself in this crime dramedy revolving

Excerpt: Preface (pages 1-3) around a writer abducted and held for ransom by a hapless gang of inept amateurs. Ensemble cast includes Mathieu Nicourt, Maxime Lefrancois and Francoise Lebrun. (In French and Polish with subtitles) “Man from Reno” (Unrated) Neo-noir revolving around a Japanese crime writer (Ayako Fujitani) who becomes embroiled in a real-life murder mystery while vacationing in San Francisco when she impulsively embarks on a love affair with a stranger (Kazuki Kitamura). With Pepe Serna, Yasuyo Shiba and Hiroshi Watanabe. (In English and Japanese to subtitles) “Nightlight” (R for violence, sexual references and pervasive profanity) Horror flick about five teens who, against their better judgment, decide to party in a mysterious forest notorious as a place where kids commit suicide. Co-starring Shelby Young, Chloe Bridges, Carter Jenkins, Mitch Hewer, Taylor Murphy and Kyle Fain.

“The Riot Club” (R for profanity, violence, disturbing behavior, sexuality, nudity and drug use) Screen adaptation of “Posh,” Laura Wade’s play chronicling the exploits of a couple of Oxford University freshmen (Sam Claflin and Max Irons) pledging a hedonistic eating club catering to party animals from privileged backgrounds. With Thomas Arnold, Harry Lloyd and Amber Anderson.

“The Salt of the Earth” (PG-13 for nudity,

mature themes and disturbing images of violence and suffering) Oscar-nominated documentary featuring changes in people and the planet as captured over the past 40 years by peripatetic photographer Sebastiao Salgado.

(In French, Portuguese and English with subtitles) “Serena” (R for violence and sexuality) Jennifer Lawrence stars in the title role of this costume drama, set in the Twenties, as a Southern belle whose marriage to a North Carolina timber magnate (Bradley Cooper) unravels after she uncovers a big secret about her hubby’s hidden past. With Toby Jones, Rhys Ifans and David Dencik.

“While We’re Young” (R for profanity) Midlife crisis comedy about a childless married couple in their mid-forties (Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts) whose relationship ends up in crisis after they befriend a much younger couple (Amanda Seyfried and Adam Driver).

Cast includes Charles Grodin, Maria Dizzia and Dree Hemingway (Ernest’s great-granddaughter).

“White God” (R for violence, profanity and bloody images) Man’s best friend drama, set in Hungary, about a devastated 13 year-old’s (Zsofia Psotta) relentless search for her dog after her father (Sandor Zsoter) set the pet free on the streets of Budapest.

With Lili Horvath, Lili Monori and Tomas Polgar. (In Hungarian and English with subtitles)

“I am proud and honored to be the great-granddaughter of Booker T. Washington.

The day I went to my first Washington family reunion, I had no idea how dramatically my reality was about to change…

“When I first stepped foot on the campus of the renowned Tuskegee University, something magical happened… I had an epiphany and was immediately inspired to improve my life.

“Prior to the reunion, I was going in the wrong direction… I didn’t realize from whence I came… By the time I was 16, I had become a lost soul, confused about life.

“It wasn’t until I arrived in Tuskegee for the first time in my life that I would bear witness to my foundation—a foundation that was there all along. That’s when I began to live on purpose.

It is also why I now feel a burning obligation to share my story…

“It is my hope that this book will empower others to change unhealthy mindsets, increase levels of self-worth, and instill a healthy sense of self-love and self-respect within.”

“Rising Up from the Blood “A Legacy Reclaimed, a Bridge Forward”

by Sarah Washington O’Neal Rush Foreword by Tony Rose Solid Rock Book Publishing Paperback, $16.95 276 pages, Illustrated ISBN: 978-0-692-31274-2

(To order a copy of “Rising Up from the Blood,” visit: http://www.amazon.com/exec/ obidos/ASIN/0692312749/ref%3dnosim/thslfofire-20.)

The New Tri-State Defender

Legal Notices NOTICE TO BIDDERS In order to participate in the bid listed below for Shelby County Government, you must be registered with our electronic bidding system with Mercury Commerce.

County bids are not available by mail or downloaded directly from the County website, unless otherwise indicated in the solicitation invitation. All vendors who wish to bid are required to register with Mercury Commerce Solutions in order to be notified of on-line bids. There is no charge for registration, and it is easy to use. To register: • Go to www.esmsolutions.com • Go to “Vendors” block at top • Click “Register Now” box • Click on “Mercury Commerce Vendor Registration” line • Complete Vendor Registration process • Submit If you have any questions about the registration process, contact ESM Solutions at (877) 969-7246. If you have any questions about information contained in the bid documents, contact the Purchasing Department at (901) 222-2250 and ask to speak to the Buyer listed for the bid.

SEALED BID DUE FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 AT 2:30 PM “CEMENT STABILIZATION” (SBI000311) (MC# 478) By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL JR., MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT NOTICE TO BIDDERS In order to participate in the bid listed below for Shelby County Government, you must be registered with our electronic bidding system with Mercury Commerce.

County bids are not available by mail or downloaded directly from the County website, unless otherwise indicated in the solicitation invitation. All vendors who wish to bid are required to register with Mercury Commerce Solutions in order to be notified of on-line bids. There is no charge for registration, and it is easy to use. To register: • Go to www.esmsolutions.com • Go to “Vendors” block at top • Click “Register Now” box • Click on “Mercury Commerce Vendor Registration” line • Complete Vendor Registration process • Submit If you have any questions about the registration process, contact ESM Solutions at (877) 969-7246. If you have any questions about information contained in the bid documents, contact the Purchasing Department at (901) 222-2250 and ask to speak to the Buyer listed for the bid.

SEALED BID DUE FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 AT 2:30 PM

“CRUSHED CONCRETE” (SB-I000312) (MC# 479) By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL JR., MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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: Thelma Murphy Tax Parcel # 02504500000060 Tax Sale # 0201 Exhibit # 2627 Price Offered: $100.00

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 16, 2015, to be held in the Shelby

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 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: Isaiah Douglas Tax Parcel # 05007200000020 Tax Sale # 0703 Exhibit # 9415 Price Offered: $1,000.00

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 10:30 a.m. on April 16, 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: Marjorie E. Settles & Leslie D. Settles Tax Parcel # 03504500000110 Tax Sale # 0903 Exhibit # 1315 Price Offered: $4,000.00

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 11:00 a.m. on April 17, 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: Lawrence Williamson &

March 26 - April 1, 2015

Page 11

CLASSIFIEDS 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.

Mollie Williamson Tax Parcel # 03508400000030 Tax Sale # 0504 Exhibit # 5072 Price Offered: $800.00

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 10:15 a.m. on April 9, 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: Lawrence Williamson & Mollie Williamson Tax Parcel # 03508400000040 Tax Sale # 0106 Exhibit # 7380 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 10:00 a.m. on April 9, 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: Anthony Taylor & Allen Taylor Tax Parcel # 05001700000100 Tax Sale # 1002 Exhibit # 1076 Price Offered: $3,600.00

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 16, 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

FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF: PW 04094 Walker Avenue from Highland Avenue to Brister St

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: Ladder Partners, LLC Tax Parcel # 02907500000560 Tax Sale # 1002 Exhibit # 286 Price Offered: $2,500.00

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 17, 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: Ladder Partners, LLC Tax Parcel # 02908000000240 Tax Sale # 1002 Exhibit # 288 Price Offered: $3,000.00

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 17, 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: Ladder Partners, LLC Tax Parcel # 02908100000040 Tax Sale # 0703 Exhibit # 3821 Price Offered: $1,400.00

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 17, 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 LEGAL NOTICE TO BIDDERS

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

Help Wanted

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 17th , 2015 until 2:00 pm, for furnishing the City of Memphis with the following: FOR THE DIVISION WORKS

OF:

PUBLIC

City of Memphis: RFQ # 3278

‘First-timers’ hear ‘fighting-for-the least’ pitch from educational options group

by Carlton Purvis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Memphis schools consistently rank among the lowest in the state for performance. One national organization recently made the city the latest front for the battle for education reform.

The Black Alliance for Educational Options held its annual symposium at the Peabody Hotel March 19-20, with a keynote from Dr. Howard Fuller, founding board chair of BAEO, on the opening evening. Fuller delivered his keynote to a room of 300 during a “first-timers” meeting, explaining BAEO’s goals and priorities.

Through education programs and advocacy BAEO works to push for educational reform and make different options, including charters schools, homeschooling and virtual learning, more accessible to students. Access to higher-quality educational options for children of low-income and working-class African-American families lays a foundation for them to become economically independent adults.

“We are fighting for the least so they can have a better future, and we will never apologize for that,” Fuller said regarding BAEO’s work.

Memphis, a city where more than 50 schools fall in the state’s bottom five percent in performance, is a significant battleground for BAEO’s cause. The organization opened an office in the city in 2014 and representatives are working with Shelby County Schools and the Achievement School District to inform residents of their options, including a voucher program making its way through the state legislature now.

If it passes, it would provide vouchers for 5,000 students at low-per-

Dr. Howard Fuller (left), founding board chair of BAEO) and Mark Fraley of Leadership for Educational Equity compare and contrast past organizing efforts to current campaigns in a discussion at BAEO’s 15th Annual Symposium in Memphis. forming schools to attend private schools. For parents who can afford private schools, vouchers are already available. An option doesn’t exist for families who can’t already afford to send their kids. Last year a similar bill was proposed but didn’t pass when lawmakers opposed wording that would make students from more schools eligible for the program. The number of vouchers would expand to up to 20,000 by 2019.

For Wanlisha Hawkins, a Memphis resident and BAEO volunteer, knowing her options for education changed the course of her son’s education. He had a learning disability

and struggled in a school with little to no resources to aid his development. She says BAEO information sessions helped her find other options for supplementing his education and he has since graduate from Central High School. Now she volunteers with BAEO as a Parent Advocacy Leader.

Advocacy Leaders go through training programs to get them up to speed on the tools, law and programs that can help low-income families send their children to better schools.

The next step is for the Advocacy Leaders to be able to host their own information sessions to small groups.

A crowd of “first-timers” listens to the 15th Annual BAEO Symposium keynote at the Peabody Hotel on March 19. (Photos: Carlton Purvis) “Our largest work in Memphis has been making sure parents know what options they have. If a child is at one of the bottom schools, they have a choice to go to a high quality school and a lot of parents just don’t know that,” said BAEO Director of Communications Tanzi West Barbour.

One of BAEO’s most recent victories came in Alabama on March 12. Gov. Robert Bentley signed into law a bill that would allow charter schools in the state. For the past year BAEO worked with legislative offices to get it passed.

Fuller also called for accountability in education, saying teachers should be held accountable for student per-

formance and advocating for more scrutiny of schools that consistently underperform.

One of the problems, he said, “is that many of the schools that are closing are in black communities … We need to talk about different accountability methods. It’s not an easy one to tackle, but it is one we need to move forward,” he said.

(For more information, visit: baeo. org.)

(Email lashundra@baeo.org to contact BAOE’s local office and get more information on local trainings and information sessions.)

March 26 - April 1, 2015

Page 12

NEWS

The New Tri-State Defender

Taking it to the courts, engaged parents pursue better education for students

by Carlton Purvis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

When lawmakers and school administration won’t take steps to provide better education for students, some parents turn to the courts.

During day two of the Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO) Symposium at the Peabody Hotel, parents involved in litigation spoke about their experiences.

The stories from parents drawn to BAEO are similar: Bright children who excel in school left behind by underperforming teachers, often ones with tenure. Their grades and self-esteem drop.

Next the schools suggest the students be held back or enroll in special needs programs. After pulling their children out of problem schools and placing them in

better ones, the grades and self-esteem go back up.

Navis Hill’s daughter went from As to Bs to Ds and Fs after she started at a new school with a new teachers.

“Teachers at her school were telling her that she just could not succeed,” Hill said.

“Her demeanor was changing, so I was completely frustrated. She wasn’t happy to go to school anymore.”

The breaking point for Hill came when Gov. Bobby Jindal began pushing a plan to eliminate Common Core – an educational initiative that details what K-12 students should know in English language arts and mathematics at the end of each grade – from Louisiana classrooms.

She put her daughter in a new school and started organizing in her community.

Hill is now the lead plaintiff in the case Hill vs. Jindal,

an attempt to prevent Jindal from enforcing his executive order to end Common Core.

To date they have won all decisions. The Governor’s office has filed appeals.

Two other cases examined during the conference were Vergara v. California and Wright v. New York.

Vergara v. California was a case that challenged state teacher tenure and dismissal laws, saying they deny students equal access to effective teachers and disproportionately harm low-income and minority students. The plaintiffs won, however, the state’s two largest teacher’s unions and the state have appealed.

One of the issues raised by attendees was affordability of legal representation to low-income families and how parents can “get noticed” by firms for represen-

tation. What can parents do who want to consider litigation? Be as vocal as possible, advocacy groups say.

The cases discussed all had pro bono representation after being noticed by advocacy groups. In California, a non-profit called Students Matter teamed up with a law firm to represent the Vergara case. In Wright and Hill, pro bono law firms seeking out ideal plaintiffs took the cases.

Mona Pradia, a plaintiff in the Wright case, says she was selected as a plaintiff after her own grassroots organiz-

ing in her community.

BAEO, which assisted Hill, says it finds parents for cases among those who come to its seminars and training programs. Other organizations meet families while out canvassing or at community meetings.

“We heard some of the most egregious stories of things happening in schools,” said DeWayne Murreld, a New-York based community organizer. “It’s usually parents who are on the education reform side already. We review those stories and we ask them if they’ll be a part

of cases.”

Organizers also say parents should leverage the media to get their stories heard and noticed by firms looking to take on these types of cases.

“The media exist to get people’s stories out,” said Jackie Matthews of Students Matter. “That’s how we found witnesses and people to write statements. We go to parents groups and teacher’s groups. Look up reporters who cover these things.

Write a letter to the editor. If you get your story in the paper, it can reach thousands of people.”

March 26 - April 1, 2015

The New Tri-State Defender

COMMUNITY

BRIEFS & THINGS Magic Johnson Foundation adopts BTW, creates $30,000 scholarship fund The Magic Johnson Foundation will endow a new $30,000 scholarship fund for high school seniors at Booker T. Washington High School, with NBA Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson set to attend a special school assembly on Friday, March 27.

Johnson and Cigna Regional Segment President Mike Triplett will present the new scholarship opportunity. As the health plan for the Shelby County Public Schools, Cigna helped connect the high school to the Magic Johnson Foundation programs that support community-based organizations and address the educational, health and social needs of ethnically diverse, urban communities.

The new $30,000 scholarship fund was developed for deserving high school seniors who seek to further their education after graduation through a technical, community and/ or four-year program.

Alisha Coleman-Kiner is the principal at BTW. Child Advocacy Center event to remember children lost to abuse April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and on April 8 at noon, the Child Advocacy Center will host its annual event remembering the lives of children who died as a result of abuse and/or neglect.

During the event set for Civic Center Plaza in front of City Hall, three children will be memorialized – infant Isabella Chavez, 1-year-old Tramaine Black, and 6-year-old Maria Guadalupe (Lupita) Gomez.

Speakers include Mayor A C Wharton Jr., Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell Jr., other community leaders and Child Advocacy Center Executive Director Virginia Stallworth.

The ceremony will also include music by local teen vocalist Hanna Star and saxophonist Suzy Hendrix, a presentation by the Memphis Police Color Guard, and participation by professionals who work to prevent and intervene in child abuse daily. Child volunteers will work with Wings of Grace to release a white dove for each child lost.

The ceremony is designed to also issue a compelling call to the community to help save children at risk.

The Children’s Memorial Flag raised at the Civic Center Plaza will fly for the remainder of the month of April.

In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held in City of Memphis Hall of Mayors.

BRIEFLY: The Tennessee Black Alliance for Educational Options will host a Community Education Fair on Thursday, March 26 at the Raleigh-Frayser Senior Center at 3985 Egypt Central, beginning at 6 p.m. The fair will focus on educating parents on educational options available to them and their children in the area. For more information: contact Tanzi West Barbour at tanzi@baeo.org.

BRIEFLY: The inaugural Achievers Celebration will be held on Saturday at the Benjamin L. Hooks Jobs Corps Academy Recreation Complex at 1555 McAlister Dr. The host will be Michael Adrian Davis of Halleluja FM 95.7. Pre-celebration mingle at 5 p.m., with program at 6 p.m.Tickets: $25; banquet attire. For more information, contact the Thomas B. Davis YMCA at 901-398-2366.

BRIEFLY: Castalia Baptist Church at 1540 Castalia Rd. will begin its celebration of Holy Week Service on Sunday. The schedule: Sunday, 8 a.m., Forgiveness, Minister Melvina Martin; 7 p.m., Salvation, Dr. Pamela Addison; March 30, 7 p.m., Affection, the Rev. Clarence Dayes; March 31, 7 p.m., Anguish, the Rev. Charles Wainwright; April 1, 7 p.m., Suffering, the Rev. James Perry; April 2, 7 p.m., Victory, the Rev. James Gentry Jr.; April 3, 7 p.m., Contentment, the Rev. Anthony Morris. Host pastor: The Rev. Dr. Randolph Meade Walker.

BRIEFLY: Shelby County Schools’ Adopt-A-School Signing Day for the 2015-16 school year is set for April 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the University of Memphis – Holiday Inn. During the event, school representatives will network with business leaders in hopes of securing mutual partnerships. Many Shelby County schools have active community or business adopters, and the district’s goal is to sign up adopters for every school. The event is being coordinated by the SCS Department of Family and Community Engagement. Businesses interested in attending should RSVP at, www.adopt-a-school.eventbrite. com or call 901-416-0242.

BRIEFLY: Methodist South Whitehaven Healthy Community Day will be Saturday, April 11, 8 a.m. to noon on the grounds across from Methodist South Hospital, 1300 Wesley Drive, Whitehaven. Events: 5k Timed Run at 8 a.m., Two-Mile Health Walk at 8:30 a.m., Health Fair from 9 a.m. to noon, exercise demonstrations at 10 a.m., healthy cooking demonstrations at 11 a.m. Also included: health screenings, games, music and healthy snacks. For more information or to register for the run or walk, visit www.methodisthealth.org/healthwalk or call 5163580.

Page 13

GJJD BLUE & YJU

Sergeant Nathan Todd Cockman:

‘Never too late to become what you were meant to be’ You’re an officer and you guys are overly judged on that one that we see you respond to (on) what is often our worst day. That’s not fair.

Sgt. Cockman: I would agree to a certain extent. I always try to comfort a family as best as I can.

I always tell them, “Hey, let’s take this one step at a time so that we can properly deal with this tragedy.” You’d be surprised at how many families have called me later just to say thank you.

by Kelvin Cowans

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

(Just as a neighborhood should not be judged by the actions of a few bad apples, neither should law enforcement agencies. The New Tri-State Defender’s “Good Blue & You” column spotlights law enforcement officers who do it right.

This week’s focus is on Sergeant Nathan Todd Cockman of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.)

K.C.: What do you believe is the main misconception that the public has about officers?

Sgt. Cockman: Well, I believe that they sometimes forget that we also live in this community, so we’re trying to make it safe for everyone, which includes our families also. We’re the same and we’re trying to do a service for the community. I have my own two girls that I love dearly and nieces and nephews and I want them to grow up in a safe environment just as yours.

I tell you this, I have been trying to figure out why so many of our young people are so angry and that’s a thing that concerns me and I feel that if we can deal with that, it could really solve a lot of our issues.

Sergeant Nathan Todd Cockman of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) comes from a family tree full of law enforcement officers. His father Ron Cockman has been a correctional officer for 20-plus years, his sister Heather Turner is a detective for the SCSO and his brother Ron Cockman is a Memphis Police officer.

At a young age, Sgt. Cockman got a front-row view of what it looks like to be disciplined and tough. His mother, who has long battled Lupus, once finished a day’s work after breaking her leg. When our conversation turned to his girls and his pets, he started to flash a succession of smiles, bringing out enough photos to make Kodak blush.

Kelvin Cowans: Where did you start out when you began your law enforcement career?

Sergeant Nathan Cockman: I started out as a cadet and my daily duties were to care for the police dogs. I was a caretaker and had to make sure they were fed and take them to their vet visits and keep the grass cut around their place as well.

In 2001, I was fortunate to get hired on as a regular deputy and I went through the process of getting commissioned and everything. That took me through the narcotics department and so forth and I ended up landing in the detectives division. I’ve really had a blessed career.

K.C.: What are your duties as a detective?

Sgt. Cockman: Basically every report that is taken by the officers and the deputies come to this office on the 9th floor and they are reviewed by the detectives and we decide if it should be pursued any further or has the case came to its conclusion out in the field.

K.C.: That covers everything

“I have been trying to figure out why so many of our young people are so angry … and I feel that if we can deal with that, it could really solve a lot of our issues.” – Sergeant Nathan Todd Cockman (Photo: Kelvin Cowans) from theft, assault to murder and I can image that being very stressful.

How do you balance that with life away from work?

Sgt. Cockman: Yes, but it is a job that I love. Still there is that need for balance. So a lot of times me and the family we’ll go up to the Tennessee River and we’ll go swimming, skiing or fishing and have a little fun.

Sometimes we jump on the four wheelers and go for a ride and enjoy the outdoors. That’s always good for us. I say us because with the kind of job I have we’re definitely in this together and sometimes they feel my stress. A getaway to the river is what we all need at times. We just grab some of the pets and we’re gone.

K.C.: Is that how you grew up, with pets around?

Sgt. Cockman: Oh man yeah, we

grew up with chickens and horses and dogs all over the place. Now that me and my family have a little land we’ve got pets all over it as well, they’re family. I got a little bird named “Sam” and Sam use to ride my bulldog around and Sam grieved when my bulldog passed. Here’s a picture of Sam riding my dog. Here’s a picture of my cat, that’s our Bengal cat. Sometimes we put a harness on her and take her out to soccer games with us. She’s a trip. We actually bought her from a lady in Missouri who couldn’t care for her anymore.

We have a big family.

K.C.: That’s awesome. You know sergeant, if you were a school teacher you could actually have two bad days a week and still have another three days to get it right with your students, but you’re not.

K.C.: You lit up when you spoke about them. What were you thinking?

Sgt. Cockman: I, well, I can’t even explain it. I love them. You know the other day we were out raking leaves and we were laughing and joking and having a good time. When I’m home, I try to make it our time. I come from two very strong parents and I’m trying to raise my kids in the same manner.

When I’m out in the community I’m just as sincere as when dealing with those kids. I tell them all the time, “If you’re lucky in life you become what you are.” That’s my way of saying I was lucky, blessed.

I tell kids as well as adults that it’s never too late to become what you were meant to be and with a little hard work you can do it. You can become what’s inside of you; you can become what you are.

(Please like (Good Blue You) Facebook Page.)

(Kelvin Cowans can be reached at kelvincowans@hotmail.com)

Hooks Institute launches new civil rights history websites

by Aisling Cordon Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Community leaders…

Frayser community activist Charlie Caswell presented 3V Leader awards Friday, March 20, to the following individuals who are “Visible, Vocal and Valuable” in the community. First row: Christine Grandberry, Frayser Neighborhood Council; First Lady Angela Ellis, Impact Baptist Church; First Lady Vinessa Brown, Lifeline to a Dying World; State Sen. Lee Harris, District 29; Wanda Taylor, LINCS; Patricia McNair, 5 for 5 Inc.; and James Dennis, principal, Frayser Achievement Elementary. Second row: Michael Elli, pastor, Impact Baptist Church; DeAndre Brown, pastor, Lifeline to a Dying World; Charlie Caswell, CEO, 3V Leader; Walter Smith, pastor, Union Grove Baptist Church; Ansel Sanders, Achievement School District; and Apostle Ricky Floyd, pastor, The Pursuit of God Church. (Photo: Wiley Henry)

The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change has launched two new websites focused on the history of the American Civil Rights Movement in the Mid-South.

Located at the University of Memphis and named in honor of civil rights icon Benjamin L. Hooks, the Hooks Institute is designed to teach, study and promote civil rights and social change.

Mapping Civil Rights History is a website that uses GIS technology, allowing users to explore civil rights locations in the MidSouth through photos and history on an interactive map. Although the website mostly features MidSouth locations, it also includes sites of interest as far north as Washington, D.C. and as far south as New Orleans, with plans to expand in the future.

The website’s origins began in 2009, when Dr. Esra Ozdenerol, associate professor of Geography at the U of M, proposed launching the first interactive mapping site focused on the American Civil Rights Movement. During her tenure as associate director at the Hooks Institute, Ozdenerol developed the site in her Spatial Analysis and Geographic Education Laboratory, and she continues to maintain the site as mapping technologies advance.

The other site is Tent City, which focuses on the remarkable, but little-known story of civil rights-era Fayette County, Tenn., where black residents were evicted from the sharecropper housing that had been homes to some families for generations.

This resulted in several hundred black residents moving into one of two “tent cities,” with some living there for up to two and a half years. In addition, black residents who registered to vote were blocked from access to goods and services. Tent City tells the story of their struggles and victories.

Unlike protests in Memphis and other areas of the South, the struggle for equality in Fayette County was carried out without

the publicity or direct assistance of nationally prominent social leaders or organizations. But the Hooks Institute had a great resource in the form of its director, Daphene McFerren, whose parents had been leaders in the Fayette County civil rights movement.

“It was so important to my mother, Viola McFerren, that the history of the movement in Fayette County not be forgotten.”

McFerren said. “She insisted that I collect the photographs, newsletters and other documents from that period and preserve them.

These materials are now part of the website that tells the story of the activists who fought for civil rights in Fayette County.”

Dr. Loel Kim, associate professor in the Department of English at the U of M, said she was surprised Tent City isn’t a more wellknown story in civil rights history.

“When I first moved here, there was a small photographic display at the National Civil Rights Museum on Tent City, and I remember walking around there, looking at these images and thinking ‘I’ve never heard of this,”” said Kim. “When I met Daphene, I learned her family had been a part of this and she was very knowledgeable about it.”

It took several years to gather the extensive historical content for the site, which includes photos, audio recordings and modern interviews.

Tent City information has been added to state schools’ history curricula, which Kim said is crucial because “unfortunately, we’re still dealing with these issues.” She said that in 2012, it was shown that black children in Fayette County were still not receiving an equal education.

The development of both sites involved close collaboration among the staff of the Hooks Institute, professors and graduate students.

“It really has been a project of great love and inspiration,” Kim said.

(Visit Mapping Civil Rights History at http://www.mappingcivilrights.net/. And Tent City at http://www.memphis.edu/tentcity/.)

SPORTS

The New Tri-State Defender, March 26 - April 1, 2015, Page 14

Memphis Soul Kings hungry for crown in CBA season two

by Anthony Sain

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

In a city that is known for it’s rich tradition in basketball as well as passionate fan bases, the upstart Memphis Soul Kings are ready to debut before their local fans.

Members of the Central Basketball Association, a miCedric nor developmental Lewis league with teams mainly from the southeast region of the country, the Soul Kings are preparing for their second season, which kicks off Sunday (March 29). The purpose of the league is to give players exposure to coaches and scouts for potential deals overseas, in the Edward NBA or it’s developGraves mental league.

Last season, the Soul Kings finished 4-6, losing four or their final six games, ending the season in sixth place out of seven teams. During a meet-theteam session in the gym of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, assistant coach Cedric Lewis spoke with The New Tri-State Defender about last season and what’s ahead.

“The pace of the game is a lot faster than we anticipated,” said Lewis. “We had a lot of players that we shuffled in and out landing deals overseas, so that kind of hurt us. We didn’t have the same team or team chemistry throughout the year. So that’s why we took a couple of losses.”

Despite the downside, Lewis takes pride in preparing the team’s players for the next level. Last season the Soul Kings had players called up overseas as well as to the ABA and other pro leagues.

Soul Kings season two will be an exciting brand of basketball for fans to see, said Lewis, projecting a “very, very, very fast pace.”

The league sanctions a 24-second shot clock. “We only want to use like 10 seconds into the shot clock” said Lewis. “We are going to be up and down.

We have a lot of young guys. A lot of athletes, so we are going to let them do what they are capable of doing.”

Expectations?

“We’ve got high expectations,” Lewis. We’re looking to pretty much win it out. … With the core group that we have right now, we should be able to win it out. We have a lot of talent. To me we are the best team in the league and I don’t see anyone beating us but us.”

Returning guard Edward Graves, the team captain, said, “I just feel like we need to get back and restore order that we lost last year. We could have made a run for the playoffs. We didn’t but this year I know we will be in the playoffs.”

Asked his view of the team’s biggest challenges heading into the season, Graves said, “Our team is very different with new faces – just camaraderie and togetherness.”

Returning guard Reginald Christian echoed Graves’ thoughts on the team, saying that he sees significant improvement ahead.

Christian and the rest of the Soul Kings are eager for a shot at the Chattanooga Rail Runners, a team that the Soul Kings had a 30-point lead against before allowing a comeback and suffering a 123-112 defeat..

Christian loves the opportunity that playing in the CBA presents, meaning looks from other professional teams.

“Last year before I broke my finger I actually had a couple of teams looking at me,” said Christian. “We get a lot of exposure. It’s very good. A lot of coaches are looking at us. We get a lot of exposure from overseas teams.”

NOTE: The Soul Kings’ first home game will be March 29 at Mississippi Blvd. Christian Center located at 70 North Bellevue Blvd. The tipoff is 4 p.m. against the Peoria Panthers from Peoria, Ill. Tickets are $3, with concessions available.

With LeBron James going high and Kevin Love guarding down low, Mike Conley feels the pinch of the Cavaliers’ defense.

LeBron James only scored 14 points, but it certainly felt like much more.

Cavs smash Grizzlies three-game win streak

it’s tough.”

Things got tough for Carter in the third kdevans@tsdmemphis.com quarter. A timeout was called with 9:46 left in the period and the Grizzlies down by 12 The two teams holding points. Carter, who had had it with some of the second spot in their the officiating, voiced his displeasure about respective conferences a non-call and got hit with a technical foul. faced off on Wednesday Carter was then issued another technical (March 25) at FedExFofoul that got him ejected. rum. Memphis lost to the And that was just one example of a frusvisitors from Cleveland trated Grizzlies team. in a game where pace and The Cavaliers finished the quarter with 36 rhythm ultimately led to points on 14-of-19 shooting. They scored the Grizzlies downfall in 15 unanswered points to take a 26-point a hard fought game. lead with a little under five minutes left in The Cavaliers rolled Kelley the period. past the Grizzlies notchD. Evans While the Cavaliers built a 29-point cushing a 111-89 win. Cleveion at one point, Memphis’ biggest lead of land came into Memphis the night was two points. looking to gain its first season series sweep Back from injury, Courtney Lee was since the 2008-09 season after winning the back in the starting lineup, playing 19 first tilt between the teams on Dec. 21 (105minutes without scoring a point. Allen 91). stayed in the starting lineup, a shakeup The packed frontcourt Cleveland brought that is likely to stick for while, with forto the Bluff City was too much for the home mer starter Jeff Green requesting to come team overcome. off the bench.

“Obviously it was a tough night for the Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving hit double home team,” said Grizzlies head coach figures with 5:37 left in the second quarDave Joerger. “That team over there is elite ter and went into the half with 18 points. and they are just a very, very potent team.

He led all scorers, finishing with 24 points.

Mike Conley shifts to hustle-mode, goI said that when we played them the first Cavs forward Kevin Love added 22 points ing after this loose ball, with former Griz time at their place. They have a lot of multiwhile James finished with 14.

Mike Miller getting a close look. skilled players.…”

The game marked Cleveland’s final regFor the Grizz, the effort was there. Alular season game against the West this seaMemphis did not play well. though, the Cavaliers had overall control of “We haven’t had one of them in a long son. Memphis will play two more games the pace of the game in front of a sold-out time,” Randolph said of the loss. “They this season against the East (April 4 vs. crowd, the Grizzlies put up a fight early, played good – they’re a good team. It Washington, April 15 vs. Indiana). trying to stay within striking range.

Coming off of back-to-back wins against makes you have a sickness in your stomJoerger turned to second his unit early, the Dallas Mavericks (112-101) and the ach because you know that you are better inserting Vince Carter and Jeff Green into than that. It’s the NBA … you always have Portland Trailblazers (97-86) Memphis the lineup midway clinched its third conthrough the first secutive 50-win season quarter. With LeBand its fifth consecron James fans in the utive NBA Playoffs grind house strong, berth, extending franthe Grizzlies got out chise-record streaks of the first quarter with Monday’s win only trailing by three (March 23) over the points (22-19). By New York Knicks. halftime, James and This is the first time crew had pushed the Memphis has reached lead to 13 (42-55).

50 wins before the end “Coach came in of the month of March. and said we have to The Grizzlies had rescore,” said Grizcorded just one 50-win zlies guard Tony Alseason (in 2003-04) in len on missing shots. their first 17 years of “I thought the ball existence. was in their court The Grizzlies now the whole game once have qualified for the they took advantage NBA Playoffs eight of their sets. It was times in 14 seasons an old fashioned beat since relocating to down. They came Memphis in 2001. here and they wanted Grizzlies head it more. Hats off to coach Dave Jothose guys; they’re erger earned his playing in a great 100th career coachgroove. I think this ing victory as an was an eye opener NBA head coach on to us; our consistenMonday in what was cy has to be a little his 153rd game. better.”

Marc Gasol, who paced the Grizzlies with 18 points, sizes up Kevin Love. (Photos: Center Marc Gas- Warren Roseborough) NOTE: The Grizol led the Grizzlies zlies take on the Goldwith 18 points, folen State Warriors on lowed by Beno Udrih with 15 off the bench.

Friday (March 27) at FedExForum. a game the next day.

You have to prepare – Zach Randolph spoke to the obvious –

by Kelley D. Evans