OPINION
Enesiya Almanza Martinez: “After you get done uplifting the child, who goes and uplifts the parents?” (Photo: Kirstin L. Cheers)
Stop it! Single parents do care Time to shift the conversation to removing barriers to engagement by Kirstin L. Cheers
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Single parents. I was raised by one. According to my high school lifestyle science class, I would have been considered part of a blended family household as my aunt lived with me and my Kirstin L. mom. And now Cheers that my aunt is over 65, I guess it would be considered a cross-generational household. In my single-parent childhood, asking for help was a huge “hell no” with my mom, even if I went to my aunt. “If you can’t get (whatever I needed/wanted) for yourself, ask me. If I can’t get it for you, you don’t need it right now.” Thus, I grew into a young woman reluctant to ask for help from anyone. As much as I admire and love my mother, I realize that her philosophy fostered a false sense of security and pride in my psyche, contributing to missed opportunities and unanswered questions through my teens and twenties. Yet, thanks to my community of teachers, pastors, counselors and a diverse network of friends and colleagues, I’ve been “DELIVERT (no shade).” I took my past and my hard-earned present to the Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color (COSEBOC) conference at the University of Memphis on April 24. That’s where I met Enesiya Almanza Martinez and heard a dire need for assistance for parents. “When you hear of (conferences) like this, they are always geared towards the child,” said Martinez. “But what about the parents? The single mothers? After you get done uplifting the child, who goes and uplifts the parents?” Martinez, mother of two, was born in Nigeria to immigrant parents and moved to Memphis after learning she was pregnant with her son during a SEE PARENTS ON PAGE 3
MEMPHIS WEEKEND
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May 21 - 27, 2015
www.tsdmemphis.com
‘B.B.
75 Cents
played what he felt’ Memories flow as the ‘King of the Blues’ passes by Tony Jones
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
A NOTE OF SADNESS DRIFTED OVER GREATER MEMPHIS when word arrived that B.B. King had died in Las Vegas last Thursday, May 15. People in pockets throughout the area began what still is continuing – the process of finding words to express the depth of their appreciation for the joy he brought to the world with the simple and powerful expression of his humanity. A memorial service will be Saturday 23) in Las Vegas. The Procession on Beale remains(May of the “King of the Blues” Street set for May 27 will arrive in Memphis about noon on May 27 for a procession along Beale Street. The farewell to Riley “B.B.” will continue on May 29 with a public viewing at the B.B. King Museum in Indianola from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Funeral services the next day will be at Bell Grove M.B. Church in Indianola from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A procession from the church to the museum is set for 4 p.m., with a private graveside service for family and friends and hour later. Mr. King, a title his presence commanded but one he never demanded, was 89 when he passed away after finally coming off the American road. He spent most of his life in motion, collaborating on the creation of lasting memories with the thousands upon thousands who came to see him in his uniqueness. For all of its power, Mr. King’s music was always about the simple things that the dispossessed, enriched and all in between could related to: good love, bad love, arguments, making up, acting a fool and straightening up. No matter where the stage was, from the Club Paradise in Memphis to Buckingham Palace, he presented the music and himself the same way all the time. His simple, truthful presentation of the blues gave the world the opportunity to experience the dignity of the everyday African-American man. He told stories like no other, full of truth and humor, underlined by rampaging comment from his guitar. There is an argument to be made that he captured more life in three minutes than most of the symphonies ever written. There is no argument that he was one of the most influential musical artists of his time, copied by rock stars for his playing, emulated by industry professionals for the organized professionalism of his tours, and saluted by anyone that met him for his dignity and warmth off stage. He ran his business as a star, but he never acted unreachable on stage or up close and personal. His journey started out in Indianola (Miss.) and ended up in our hearts, with Memphis as the pivotal jump-off point. When the radio industry began to take shape, young Riley King came here, got a job as an entertainer WDIA – the first station to
B.B. King spent most of his life in motion. (Photo: Worsom Robinson)
“Mississippi to Memphis” marker dedication. Also pictured: Hollywood action star Steven Seagal (left) and Alex Thomas of the Mississippi Blues Trail. (Photo: Wiley Henry)
Isaac Hayes and B.B. King in 1988 at the dedication of a Isaac Hayes/ Manassas Historical Marker on Firestone Ave. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)
SEE B.B. KING ON PAGE 7
Background photo: Copyright courtesy of The Withers Family Trust
VOL. 64, No. 19
COMMENTARY
LEGACY: Kathyrn I. Bowers A person of passion and many layers, Bowers was on target about the need for more voter participation and communication beyond differences – real or imagined. by Karanja A. Ajanaku kajanaku@tsdmemphis.com
I had just started my journey as executive editor of the Tri-State Defender when I visited former State Sen. Kathryn I. Bowers in her Whitehaven home in July 2007. She greeted me with the warmness that I associated with her and noted that she had not seen me in a while. I acknowledged the gap and asked if she was OK. “About as well as I can be, given all that has happened over the last two years,” she said, making a reference to her legal case that was part of the Tennessee Waltz public corruption probe. Bowers made it clear that she could not and would not talk about any of the aspects of the case, including her decision to plead guilty to taking $11,500 in bribes. She did her time and came back strong. “I made some mistakes,” said Bowers, who died last week (May
Kathryn I. Bowers
13) at 72. “And like I said (after entering her plea) I would hope that people will not use what happened to me as an excuse not to participate in the electoral process.” I was at the Post Office on Third St. last Thursday afternoon when a relative of Bowers told me of her
passing. I gasped, remembering our conversation and many more that we shared over the years. Given the timing, some no doubt will find it easy to dismiss what Bowers was saying about the electoral process. Still, it is true that she had been beating the drum for participation for quite some time. Long before she became a state representative and then a state senator she was registering new voters for campaigns led by the NAACP and the Urban League. In 1975, Bowers became the first African American to serve as chairperson of the Shelby County Election Commission. And for years she could be heard on WDIA radio talking about some element of the voting/ participation process. “I still have people who come up to me and say, ‘I wish you still were on the radio talking about the election,’” she told me. While she was passionate about voter participation, her focus on that
issue was a way to get at what she was convinced was a deeper problem – the inability for people to communicate beyond differences that are real or imagined. “We as a people simply don’t communicate. I always thought I could help solve that problem. When I say people, I don’t just mean Memphis or Tennessee or the nation. I mean the world,” she said. Her first glimpse of the problem came when she was about 5 years old. Her mother took her shopping to a store that was segregated down to the water fountains. “I couldn’t understand the colored water (sign). I didn’t know if they meant it was blue or green. I just knew I didn’t want any of it, ” she recalled. Bowers said one day her mother told her that there were far more “people of color” in the world than anyone else and that they were good SEE BOWERS ON PAGE 2
May 21 - 27, 2015
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NEWS
The New Tri-State Defender
Mother-daughter soiree grows with new partnership her daughter often talks about knowing one’s value. Jay Uiberall Culinary Academy prepared a delicious brunch for the mothers and daughters. Students from the academy served quiche, fresh fruit, shrimp gumbo with rice, salad and a banana pudding dessert. KQ client Chakieda Henderson said she had never attended a mother-and-daughter event. “I really enjoyed the soiree. I am inspired to do more
by Paula Anderson
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
A really good idea about helping mothers and daughters bond became even better and bigger last Saturday (May 16). Held at the Renaissance Center in College Park in South Memphis, A Mother and Daughter Soiree was a collaboration between Knowledge Quest (KQ) and the Universal Parenting Place (UPP). KQ, a South Memphis nonprofit, recently became one of only two satellite UPP sites, with the other located inside Baptist Memorial Hospital. Latasha Mister-Echols, hospitality and activities coordinator for UPP at Knowledge Quest, said KQ for four years had hosted the soiree for parents in its afterschool program. Now the event is open to all parents throughout Shelby County. The inspiration for the event came when Echols’ mom died in 2007. “My mother and I had a beautiful relationship and I desire that other mothers and daughters have that same closeness that we once shared,” Echols said. Since the inception of the program, Echols said, “ladies have voiced that they are encouraged, inspired and uplifted by attending the soiree.” She believes it can help with the challenging everyday issues of parenting. “The center’s focus is prevention, NOT intervention,” said Echols. The soiree program opened up with a celebration about life, love and legacy. Connitta Hill, lead facilitator at Knowledge Quest talked about leaving a legacy to daughters. A portrait of a tree was created to symbolize the bond that mothers and daughters share. Natural mothers, daughters, mothers of sons and surrogate
BOWERS
CONTINUED FROM FRONT people. “She (Bowers’ mother) said all that has to happen is that on one day, at one hour and the same moment, all the people just spit and they will spit this ocean and spit out all the injustice.” Years later, when Bowers had grown into a woman of activity her mother recalled the story. “She said I know I told you that all we had to do was spit. But Jesus did all he did and they hung him on the cross.” Bowers said she respectfully acknowledged her mother and politely announced her resolve to keep doing all she could. “As I grew older, I could see people just couldn’t communicate. If I just distrust you because of your clothes or your hair and don’t even sit down and talk, you don’t know who a person is. I always thought that if I talk with a person, I could find common ground. We can at least agree to disagree. I think I will feel this way to the day I die.” While active in the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) and before there was a Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, Bowers proposed that the NBCSL bring Hispanics into the group. That proposal was not embraced but an agreement did emerge for the two groups to work together on health care issues. She helped forge a similar bond between the NBCSL and the National Medical Association regarding common health interests. A byproduct of her legal predicament was that Bowers had a lot of time to reflect and take in new information about matters national and international in scope. She had become passionate about the absolute need for the U.S. to get out of Iraq and stop the diversion of dollars that she was convinced would be better spent here on matters of health and education. And while her interest in the matter at that point in her life might seem a challenge to the imagination, for Bowers it was not. She sent me a fourpage open letter that she wrote on the subject as president of Women’s Action for New Directions. “It’s all a matter of communication,” she said. Bowers was never afraid to speak about things she reasoned needed changing. Here’s a case in point:
Marlana Farris and her daughter, Alana, share an embrace during A Mother and Daughter Soiree at the Renaissance Center in College Park. (Photo: Eric Echols/ Soulife Photography) mothers all came up to leave a finger imprint on the tree as an expression of love and life. Poet Melody Barham delivered a spoken word piece to inspire and motivate the mothers and daughters. “You are naturally beautiful and God makes no mistake,” she said. Evangelist Latrice Ryan served as keynote speaker. She delivered a heart-felt testimony about her life story, sharing information regarding the birth of her child, who was born with Downs Syndrome. After hearing the diagnosis, Ryan decided to trust God and
began to speak to the soon-tobe-born baby and against the diagnosis. She read to the developing infant and was determined that her daughter would be born healthy. “Never agree with what society says,” Ryan told her audience. Her daughter, who she calls “Sunshine,” was born completely healthy and now is a college student majoring in engineering. Her message was also about self-esteem and self-worth. “Your circle can add value or take value away,” said Ryan, who let it be known that
SERVICES Memorial: St. Paul Catholic Church 1425 East Shelby Drive Friday, May 22 • 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Funeral mass: Saturday, May 23 • 10:30 a.m. Burial: Calvary Cemetery 1663 Elvis Presley Tuesday, May 26, 10:30 a.m. (In lieu of flowers, the family of Kathryn I. Bowers request that donations be sent to The LeMoyne-Owen College.) In 1970, an amendment to the 1965 Voting Rights Act had paved the way for 18 year olds to vote but it was determined that a Constitutional Amendment was required to apply in state and local elections. In Memphis, Inner-City Voter Education, Inc. – a non-partisan non-profit organization – was born that year. Bowers and the late Minerva Johnican were the co-chairs and Yvonne Acey (now associate director of the Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival) was the publicity chairman. “We were three young ladies embarking upon an awesome task of registering the new enfranchised voters. … The Inner-City Voter Education Committee hit the City of Memphis like a reverse windstorm, not blowing the tall trees down but making them stand tall and upright,” Bowers wrote in an op-ed article published in this newspaper. She continued: “We got teen members as part of our organization who had not yet graduated from high school and some were college students. At LeMoyne-Owen College, we had ‘Right On Workshops,’ which included known speakers to educate
and to motivate. We recruited members of the so-called radical groups to join us, The Black Panthers, Invaders and CORE. They became our security and kept the peace, but most of all they helped to spread the message. “We worked with the NAACP and the League of Women Voters. We also had support from large corporations like Tri-State Bank, Stax Recording Studio and Coca-Cola. Though our efforts, in less than one year we had registered tens of thousands of new voters.” During the effort, Bowers and others in the group locked in on the need for “a first-class leadership summit.” They made a run at it but lost impetus when, “Some way the cat got out of the bag and only one person showed up,” she wrote “That meeting is still waiting to be held today, but we tried.” All who want to honor Bowers should vote and/or help someone get registered to do so. (This commentary reflects elements of two articles previously featured in what now is The New Tri-State Defender.)
things with my daughter and try to understand her as she enters the teenage years,” said Henderson. According to Echols, The UPP is open to all parents and at no charge. It provides families with professional guidance to prevent common child-rearing challenges from becoming chronic physical, emotional or behavioral problems. “Parents are excited about UPP,” Echols said. Parents can receive professional counseling, informa-
tion and emotional support for family-related issues or concerns. Individual consultations, group sessions and other special events are also available. Starting in June, there will be mother and teen daughter group sessions every Thursday at 4 p.m. (For more information, parents can call 901-207-3694 to set-up an appointment or visit the UPP website at www.shelbycountyupp.org.)
The New Tri-State Defender
May 21 - 27, 2015
NEWS
el. If it takes a village to raise a child, we can not solely point a finger at the parent and neglect the other three fingers pointing back at ourselves. Like poverty, parenting culture is generational, be it in a nuclear household or single-parent one. We have to expect that each household will have its own set of codes for survival and success. Coping with violence in the suburbs tends to look like calling the police, filing reports and installing a new security system. For many who grow up coping with violence, responding with violence readily becomes the norm. During my conversation with Martinez, a school counselor from Columbus, Ohio grabbed her attention before she left. He gave her his card and asked her specifically what and where she needed help. “My son is in the sixth-grade. I’m not a man. Therefore, I am having issues reaching him on an emotional level, especially as he goes through puberty,” she said. “I’ve never had a conversation about puberty with my parents, so I don’t know what
PARENTS
CONTINUED FROM FRONT stint in the navy. After the father of her son left, she went into survival mode, modeling after her mother. She knew all of her time and energy would be dedicated to her son; no time for emotions, sympathy or help. “The dynamic she taught me was ‘you’re the woman and you have to pick up the pieces. So when things break, you have to just pick up your baggage and keep moving,’” recalled Martinez. “So when I had my son, that’s all I knew and (it) was perpetuated even in my circle of friends. Emotions didn’t exist, and you had to do it yourself.” Martinez joined a church where she found a support system while adjusting to her new life, saying it was only recently that she learned how to make use of a system of supporters and become vulnerable. Before her current job and after having her daughter, Martinez worked in the Binghampton community as a community organizer with Americorp VISTA, making below minimum wage and raising two children. Valuing the experience offered, she was able to connect with different, many of whom were living in poverty. “There’s so many assumptions,” said Martinez. “You’re in poverty because ‘you did it to yourself,’ or ‘you know better, but you’re refusing to do better.’ Also, I’ve heard people say that people in poverty keep having kids just to stay in a program, and that’s not the majority. They may not understand the value of doing something different. Yet, how do you know how to do better if that’s not what you saw?” Good point! Single parents and families who live in poverty lack accessible resources to help their children live better lives. That fact largely is being ignored. According to The 2013 Data Book: The State of Children in Memphis and Shelby County, 32 percent of families with children in Memphis live in poverty, compared to 7 percent of suburban families in Shelby County, with 60.4 percent of Memphis children
Raising her son and daughter as a single parent, Enesiya Almanza Martinez says it was only recently that she learned how to make use of a system of supporters and become vulnerable. (Photo: Kirsten L. Cheers) living in families headed by single parents. Now, before we all go to bringing up teen mobs, single parents are not to be blamed for a misbehaving child or their living in poverty. Toya Graham proved that. Graham was dubbed “Mother of the Year,” as a video of her pushing and beating her son away from the Baltimore uprising riots went viral. In an interview with CBS, she said she didn’t want her son “to become another Freddie Gray,” the 25-year-old black man so severely beaten by six police officers that his spine was nearly severed and he fell into a coma. He died days later. Graham, a single mother of six, reacted out of fear for her son’s safety in the only way she knew: violence. And Martinez understands that. “There’s this perception that parents are suppose to be something, but what is that? And maybe no one has that
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answer, but can we at least come to an agreement of what a model is and what it is not,” asked Martinez. “We always assume that it’s some mother who doesn’t care about her kids, but we never say, ‘maybe she’s a mother who doesn’t know what she doesn’t know.’” Other than do what moms do – protect their children, what qualifies Toya Graham for “Mother of the Year” consideration? Would she have been praised for visiting her son’s school after learning he was misbehaving and then responding as she did? There is no handbook for parenting or single-parenting. What we have, however, are a bunch of cynics and plenty of criticisms from those who believe misbehaving kids and impoverished conditions are the fault of the parents and their poor decisions. There is no accountability nor responsibility demonstrated on a structural and community lev-
I don’t know. What am I supposed to be saying? “My son has anger issues, as well as I, but I don’t want him to deal with his issues like me. I’ve never cried and I know that’s not healthy, but I don’t know what to tell him besides, ‘get over it.’ So what do I do? How do I get him what he needs and still be the person he comes to when I need that training myself?” The school counselor, Scott Williams, promised Martinez he would support and contact her and her son. “That’s what I’m talking about,” said Martinez. So what needs to happen? First, stop saying parents don’t care. Schools and school systems have to acknowledge the barriers that keep parents from being fully engaged in the desired manner. Parents such as Martinez, who work long hours and raise children alone, may not have the flexibility to be at every PTA meeting. They may not have the financial ability to support extracurricular activities, but it doesn’t mean they do not care. David Johns, executive di-
rector of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans, says it’s important for cities and communities to acknowledge that a child’s most important educator is his or her parents. “We have to honor parents for doing that which they are able to do and not begin the conversations with identifying which way parents are not engaging educational spaces in ways we would expect for them to, and that’s never a good place to start,” said Johns. “Secondly, it’s important for schools and school systems to tear down the barriers that stand in the way for parents and other family members from getting engaged. Lastly, there is value in community organizations and professional spaces that serve to fill those gaps, such as literally educating parents on their rights and equipping them with the resources that will better support parents to be engaged.” (Follow Kirstin L. Cheers on Twitter:@Kirstin_Cheers.)
May 21 - 27, 2015
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OPINION
John H. Sengstacke Publisher (1951-1997)
The Mid-South’s Best Alternative Newspaper Powered by Best Media Properties, Inc.
Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku Executive Editor
Kelvin Cowans and a D.A.R.E. graduate. (Courtesy photo) people up at Kroger or a gas station, but graduating. Is that not news? It’s sickening to know that Memphis believes that their own children are only important if it can push a political agenda. And your local media lack of support of the good in our most precious cargo is sickening. There is an epidemic of selective reporting coming through our news media in this city and I say hold somebody accountable or turn that mess off and turn hope on. Children, stand up and give yourself a standing ovation and stay up for a while because you had better believe that before the sun goes down today there is going to be “Breaking News” that one of yall was jaywalking at the Zoo. And that makes me sick to my stomach because you guys’ social behavior shouldn’t be preyed upon for particular use as a product for TV ratings but (should be) a substratum to further the agenda for America’s good!” (Kelvin Cowans can be reached at kelvincowans@hotmail.com.)
another important tool in reducing carbon emissions – and it comes with the most customer benefits. Each year, many Memphians struggle to pay high electricity bills caused, in part, by poorly insulated Sandra homes, aging heat Upchurch and air systems, and outdated appliances. These needlessly high electricity costs significantly contribute to the cycle of poverty that affects far too many in our city. By taking control of our energy use, we can help reduce these out-of-pocket expenses and use money saved towards meeting life’s other necessities. Reducing energy use doesn’t have to mean reducing comfort and can cost little to nothing. Behavioral changes like turning off lights in rooms that are not in use and unplugging appliances when you aren’t using them can add up to significant savings on electricity bills. Some of us, however, lack ready access to sufficient funds to make the necessary capital investments to improve housing and upgrade appliances – leaving many between a rock and a hard place. That is why the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) is working with other community groups in Memphis to educate decision makers around the importance of creating a solution that will help families get access to money to reduce their energy use and lower electricity bills. Along with this work, SACE is also working to educate leaders and businesses about the economic opportunities solar can offer our city, which as we all know, has plenty of sunshine to go around. Together, we can help Memphis move into a clean energy leader while also helping grow our local economy and give back to the communities that need it the most. Additionally, by increasing the amount of clean energy resources, we can help build a more distributed energy grid that will help our power supply remain resilient in the face of more extreme weather and keep the lights on for families. As we saw with the 2010 floods, extreme weather events can devastate communities, especially families who are already on a fixed-income. (Sandra Upchurch, Energy Organizer, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy can be reached at Sandra@cleanenergy.org or call 901-826-1658.)
‘Black Rage’: An update
Back in 1968 two African-American psychiatrists, William H. Grier and Price M. Cobbs, authored a book entitled, “Black Rage.” As the title suggests, it told of the anguish that Dr. Randolph black people Meade Walker carry with them as a result of living under the heritage of slavery and its scion racial discrimination. Since the era of the late ’60s, attention has changed. Mainly as a result of gains by minorities and women from affirmative action, the media has focused upon the “angry white male.” White males supposedly are ticked off because they claim to be discriminated against in preference to those who have historically been denied opportunities. This attention shift occurred before the country adequately addressed black rage. Whatever the President Obama recently particare reading Ayn cause, black rage has not vanished. ipated in a long overdue panel disRand and – think In 2015 we have seen it explode in cussion on poverty at Georgetown everybody are Ferguson, Mo. and Baltimore, Md. University. As regular readers of this moochers. And I In both locales, it was a white pocolumn know, I have been complainthink the truth is liceman killing an unarmed black ing for years about the fixation this more complicat- man that sparked the unrest. administration has had on helping the ed.” However, more often black rage middle class while giving only passP r e s i d e n t is manifested in intra-racial vioing mentions to race and poverty. Obama ex- lence. Throughout the United States I wrote in July 2013, “Accordplained, “Now, on a daily basis black rage claims ing to research conducted by Daniel one other thing black victims. Frequently, blacks Q. Gillion, an assistant professor of I’ve got to say kill other blacks over trivia, perGeorge E. political science at the University about this is that ceived wrongs, or outright meanCurry of Pennsylvania, in Obama’s first even back in (fel- ness. Toleration is dangerously low two years in office, the nation’s first low panelist’s) day that was also hap- for anyone who would dare cross Black president made fewer speeches pening. It’s just it was happening to the path of people who have bottled and offered fewer executive policies black people. And so, in some ways, up anger. on race than any Democratic presi- part of what’s changed is that those biOn Thursday, March 7, I experident since 1961.” ases or those restrictions on who had enced this personally. While drivIn addition, I stated, “Frederick C. access to resources that allowed them ing down Lamar Avenue, I stopped Harris, director of the Institute for to climb out of poverty – who had ac- for a yellow light that was about to Research in African-American Stud- cess to the firefighters job, who had turn red. An African-American man ies at Columbia University, noted access to the assembly line job, the driving a van at a high rate of speed that Obama’s 2011 State of the Union blue-collar job that paid well enough had to swerve to avoid rear-ending address was the first by any president to be in the middle class and then got my vehicle. In my rearview mirror since 1948 to not mention poverty or you to the suburbs, and then the next I read his lips as he cursed me out the poor.” generation was suddenly office work- for stopping. If I had unwisely conSo, I was not only delighted that ers – all those things were foreclosed fronted him, we would have tangled Obama joined the Georgetown dis- to a big chunk of the minority popula- probably with deadly consequenccussion on poverty, but elated that he tion in this country for decades. es. candidly addressed the issues of pov“And that accumulated and built As ludicrous as this sounds, it erty and race. up. And over time, people with less is by no means unique in the AfriIn his 1964 State of the Union and less resources, more and more can-American community. People address, President Lyndon B. John- strains – because it’s hard being are angry over the silliest provocason declared “unconditional war on poor. People don’t like being poor. tion. The man was mad at me bepoverty,” introducing Head Start, It’s time-consuming. It’s stressful. cause I obeyed the law and did not Upward Bound and the Job Corps It’s hard. And so over time, families run the light. In his mind I was at program, providing food stamps and frayed. Men who could not get jobs fault because I did not do what he nutritional programs for the poor, and left. Mothers who are single are not wanted me to do. expanding Social Security benefits able to read as much to their kids. So My solution for black rage is that Nearly two and a half decades lat- all that was happening 40 years ago this is a monster that African Amerer, President Ronald Reagan declared to African Americans. And now what icans themselves must defang. The in his 1988 State of the Union re- we’re seeing is that those same trends race must save itself from itself. marks, “We fought a war on poverty, have accelerated and they’re spread- Regardless of how frustrated black and poverty won.” ing to the broader community.” people are with the system, they Obama disagrees. President Obama called out Fox must consciously resolve to treat “I think it is a mistake for us to News for its distorted reporting on other people with tender loving suggest that somehow every effort the poor, with various commentators care. Everyone must be respected we make has failed and we are pow- saying such asinine things as if “they and appreciated as a human being. erless to address poverty,” he said don’t want to be poor” they should There is a great lesson to be learned at Georgetown University. “That’s get a job and “the rich suffered more.” from one of the spirituals. If the just not true. First of all, just in abEnough said about Fox. race does not put the balm in Gilsolute terms, the poverty rate when Obama thinks that this may be a ead who will? Certainly we cannot you take into account tax and transfer unique time to finally unite around expect the oppressor to cultivate a programs, has been reduced about 40 the issue of poverty. humane society. Rather than imipercent since 1967. He said, “I think that we are at a tating the evil historically practiced “Now, that does not lessen our moment – in part because of what’s on them, black people must introconcern about communities where happened in Baltimore and Ferguson duce a revolutionary kindness. Let poverty remains chronic. It does sug- and other places, but in part because it begin with each individual. gest, though, that we have been able a growing awareness of inequality in to lessen poverty when we decide we our society – where it may be possi(Dr. Randolph Meade Walker is want to do something about it.” ble not only to refocus attention on pastor of Castalia Baptist Church The problem is Congress’ unwill- the issue of poverty, but also maybe in South Memphis.) ingness to conduct more than a bud- to bridge some of the gaps that have getary skirmish on poverty. existed and the ideological divides “…We have been stuck, I think that have prevented us from making for a long time, in a debate that cre- progress.” ates a couple of straw men,” Obama SUBSCRIPTIONS: Mailed explained. “The stereotype is that (George E. Curry is editor-in-chief subscriptions to The New Tri-State you’ve got folks on the left who just of the National Newspaper PublishDefender are available upon request. want to pour more money into social ers Association News Service (NNPA) One Year, $30.00; Two Years, programs, and don’t care anything and BlackPressUSA.com. He can be $55.00. Request can be emailed to about culture or parenting or family reached via www.georgecurry.com. subscriptions@tsdmemphis.com structures, and that’s one stereotype. Follow him at www.twitter.com/curor mailed to Subscriptions, The New And then you’ve got cold-hearted, rygeorge and George E. Curry Fan Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, free market, capitalist types who Page on Facebook.) Suite 200, Memphis, TN, 38103. Delivery may take one week. 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President Obama leads discussion on poverty
Why clean energy matters? As an environmental advocate, educator and scientist, I have often been asked why clean energy, like wind, solar power and energy efficiency, is important for communities of color, especially given there are so many other issues that challenge and impact these communities. As President Obama unveiled his most aggressive efforts to address climate change and support the growth of renewable energy, this question came up more and more. I realized that the environmental community has not been as effective as possible in showing how energy choices significantly affect communities of color. Coal plants, like the soon-to-be-retired Allen Steam Plant in South Memphis, contribute to dangerous air pollution levels and are more often than not located in close proximity to economically disadvantaged communities and communities of color. Not only do coal plant emissions cause smog, which contributes to the prevalence of asthma, especially in children, they also are a significant source of carbon pollution. Carbon pollution contributes to climate change and extreme weather events. As Memphians, we are no stranger to extreme weather – from 2003’s “Hurricane Elvis” to the 2010 floods and every hot summer in between and since. Climate change will increase these extreme weather events and continue to bring more days of extreme temperatures and extreme weather. Extreme weather also means even higher electricity bills, as families struggle to heat and cool their homes. For many families in Memphis, this additional increase means tightening an already over-extended budget. Currently, 26 percent of Memphians live below the poverty line and many more families live paycheck to paycheck. As more coal plants are retired, alternative sources of energy must be developed in order to meet communities’ continuing energy needs – and Memphis only stands to gain as we work to meet energy needs with more renewable, clean energy. Currently, the state of Tennessee is tasked with developing a plan to meet new carbon emission reduction goals as part of the Obama Administrations efforts to curb the threat of climate change. In Tennessee, Memphis and the surrounding cities in West Tennessee represent the ideal in terms of potential areas for the growth of solar energy in the state. If leaders in Memphis are smart, they will work quickly and proactively to foster the growth of solar resources in our city and take advantage of this economic development opportunity. Along with renewable energy, like solar and wind, energy efficiency is
FLASHBACK: 2005
Bernal E. Smith II President / Publisher
‘Breaking News’: D.A.R.E graduates 1,000 children; where was the media?
Cummings Street Missionary Baptist Church (8800 Winchester Rd.) echoed the sound of 1,000 happy graduates on May 8. The children – fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders from several Shelby County Schools – had just competed the Memphis Police Department’s 10-week offering of the national D.A.R.E (DRUGS ALCOHOL RESISTENCE EDUCATION) program. The keynote speaker was Kelvin Cowans, a freelancer columnist/reporter for The New Tri-State Defender. Cowans, aka “Six~Four,” boldly began his commencement speech with a direct focus on the lack of media presence on hand to congratulate Memphis children for doing right. Here is an excerpt from his address: “Where is the media now. The Memphis Police Department is graduating 1,000 children from a national program built on telling kids to say no to drugs and abuse and there is absolutely no media here. “We have in attendance someone from Shelby County Schools, CEO George Little from Mayor (A C) Wharton’s Office and a chief, majors and a host of Memphis Police Office patrolmen who put this event together. But where is the mainstream media to cover the story when these kids are doing something right? Where is the media to show these police officers singing songs, dancing and encouraging kids to do the right thing? Where is the “Breaking News” now? Had these kids stole some breakfast or wore a pair of red Jordans to the bus stop they’d surely broadcast it 100 times before 10 p.m. tonight, assuring us that these kids were on a fast track to prison. So where are you when they are graduating? Not being arrested, but graduating? Not beating
The New Tri-State Defender
Happy X Day?
May 21 - 27, 2015
The New Tri-State Defender
Page 5
OPINION
A MORE PROGRESSIVE APPROACH:
Recognizing the role of implicit bias in institutional racism by DeAngelo Bester
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Many people in this country only see racism as individual acts of bias against people of color: Someone painting a swastika on the side of someone’s house or burning a cross on someone’s front yard, or a group of inebriated college kids using the N-word during a song about their fraternity. But there is an entirely different group of people, self-identified as liberal, progressive or radical, that sees racism in institutions and structures. For us, the images we associate with racism are a school that is majority white, but the majority of the students who get suspended are of color, or an upscale restaurant that only has white staff working as hosts and servers and chefs, while all the staff of color work the lower paying jobs. It’s an entire country that is two-thirds white but has a prison population that is two-thirds people of color. For us, this is what racism in the 21st century looks like. So the question remains, what is racism? Is it individual acts of hatred against individuals of color? Or is it state- and corporate-sanctioned discrimination and violence against entire communities of color? Of course, it’s both. This simple answer is only the start of understanding how the killings of the unarmed black men I referred to earlier can have everything to do with race, but may not have been acts of racism in the way that many people understand them. Instances in our recent past have sparked discussions about race in America. The Rodney King beating and following LA uprisings, the case of the Jena 6 and the election of President Obama all have brought race into the public discourse. What’s different now is that more people are beginning to talk about the role implicit bias has played in maintaining a power structure that continuously disadvantages people of color. Implicit bias is bias that is buried deep in people’s unconscious, so deep they often are not even aware of it. Some of us may have a harmless bias toward a particular color, city, animal (cat people versus dog people). The one thing to know is that we all have biases. Our brains are designed to categorize people and things, and to create preferences, anxieties, animosity and fear about specific things. This includes creating preferences or animosity toward people of different races or ethnicities. In fact, implicit bias can, and often does, affect conscious decision-making. Institutional philanthropy and those making decisions about grantmaking strategy are no exception. I wholeheartedly believe that implicit bias played a major role
#BlackLivesMatter protest in Rochester, Minn. (CC Image courtesy of Rose Colored Photo)
in the police killings of Mike Brown, Eric Garner, John Crawford and Tamir Rice. Maybe it’s the optimist in me, or my desire to believe in the basic goodness of all people, but I don’t think the police officers who killed these young men did so with hatred in their hearts. I think our society has marginalized, criminalized and demonized black people for hundreds of years, and the result has been the development of a collective fear and hatred of us. For many years, that hatred and fear was explicit, but our society has evolved. Unfortunately our unconscious brains have not evolved as quickly. I think the police officers in most of these cases were greatly influenced by their own unconscious minds, which didn’t see young black men in the prime of their lives, or young black men with limitless amounts of potential. They saw violent criminals who would do them physical harm if they didn’t respond with deadly force. Our public discourse around race has finally begun to move away from individual acts of prejudice and bias and address institutional and structural racialization. But even this bigger-picture conversation is incomplete. We must include implicit bias and how it affects people’s conscious decision-making in our
discussions on race. But these discussions must go beyond some of us on the left trying to educate moderates and conservatives. Unfortunately, many of our allies on the left, including foundation staff and trustees, have just as high or even higher levels of implicit bias toward black people and black-led organizations as conservatives do. While not as explicit as the well-documented underrepresentation in sectors such as the corporate sector, and even organized labor unions, I would argue that there is a high level of implicit bias toward black people within the world of community organizing and social justice philanthropy. To be clear, I’m not asserting that social justice philanthropy has the high levels of implicit bias that many of our police departments do. But I have noticed a pattern among some foundations where black-led organizations, primarily organizing black people, are excluded from funding. I come to these conclusions based on my observations of who and what foundations typically fund, and also from anecdotal stories from black executive directors I’ve had conversations with. (Over the course of about four years, I did more than 250 one-on-ones with grassroots black leaders, organizers and executive directors.) I’m sure many people may wonder how I could even think that the world of social justice philanthropy is biased against black people, given all the initiatives over the years that have focused on black males or boys and men of color. To that, I would say that if one looks closely, many of the initiatives for black males or boys and men of color have
tended to provide resources to organizations and programs that either focus on direct services or changing individual behaviors – not on changing systems through organizing, movement building and structural reforms. “They offered to give us money to tell black men to pull up their pants, and teach them how to dress and speak properly so they can get a job,” said one black executive director of an organizing group from the Bay Area, whose organization turned down money from one of these philanthropic initiatives. Also, when it comes to the initiatives focused specifically on black males or males of color, a significant number of the organizations that received money had no black leadership. So, while it seems that funders were willing to give money to help black people, they just weren’t willing to give money directly to black
people. “They’re willing to fund our liberation, just so long as we’re not in charge of the money or have a say in how liberation happens,” said one black executive director from Chicago. Speaking about a particular funder, a black female executive director from a New York nonprofit noted, “The work we do is aligned perfectly with their priorities, but I can never get anyone over there to return my call or respond to my emails, even though they’ve publicly praised our work.” When I asked her why she thought that was, she at first said that it seemed like the funder in question didn’t like black people, but then quickly dismissed that idea. After all, one of its core priorities was to fund work that advances racial justice. Black people have the highest rate of unemployment, highest rate of low-wage work and highest interactions with the criminal justice system. Yet, several foundations that have criminal justice reform and worker rights as core priority areas don’t fund any or very few black-led groups that are doing great work in these areas. One reform-focused foundation I investigated funded exactly one black-led group doing criminal justice reform work over a three-year period. Given the social justice priorities of many foundations, the dismal lack of funding given to organizations led by people of color adds to the case that implicit bias plays a role in their grantmaking. Admittedly, there could be any number of reasons why this is happening – maybe these organizations submitted poorly-done proposals, or maybe the foundations would only fund groups with a certain level of capacity. Maybe some of the directors I’ve spoken to are just overly-sensitive. I don’t have definitive proof for why black-led organizations are so often passed over. What I do know is that if we’re going to take conversations about race to the next level, then implicit bias must be at the
heart of those conversations. Here are a couple of ways the social justice philanthropy sector can proceed:
Make program staff take the Implicit Association Test (IAT): The knowledge of knowing that one has an elevated level of implicit bias toward a particular racial group can be a motivator to work toward reducing it. My organization has an objective of getting police officers to take the IAT. We believe that doing so can go a long way toward helping to reduce bias within their ranks. The same can be said for staff at social justice foundations.
Invest in internal political education and training around implicit bias: Progressive allies in philanthropy and the larger organizing community must develop a strong understanding of implicit bias, along with strategies to temper bias from these organizations. Progressives naively think that racism and racialization occur only within conservative circles, and not within their institutions. This cannot be further from the truth. It is a mistake to think that implicit bias does not play a significant role in the lack of capacity on the part of many black organizations.
If we’re ever going to move the thinking and actions of Middle America, and maybe even conservatives, about race and implicit bias, then we on the left must also have the conversations ourselves. The world of social justice philanthropy is the perfect place to begin having these discussions.
(DeAngelo Bester is executive director of the Workers Center for Racial Justice. His article was included in the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy’s special edition (May 15) of its quarterly journal devoted to philanthropy’s role in reducing implicit bias.
Page 6
FTC: Family raised $187M for cancer, spent most of it on themselves by Anne Flaherty Associated Press
WASHINGTON — A Tennessee man and his family used much of the $187 million it collected for cancer patients to buy themselves cars, gym memberships and take luxury cruise vacations, pay for college tuition and employ family members with six-figure salaries, federal officials alleged Tuesday in one of the largest charity fraud cases ever, involving all 50 states. The joint action by the Federal Trade Commission and the states says James T. Reynolds Sr., his ex-wife and son raised the money through their various charities: The Cancer Fund of America in Knoxville, Tenn., and its affiliated Cancer Support Services; The Breast Cancer Society in Mesa, Ariz.; and the Children’s Cancer Fund of America in Powell, Tenn. The charities hired telemarketers to collect $20 donations from people across the country, telling consumers that they provided financial aid and other support to cancer patients, including pain medication, transportation to chemotherapy visits and hospice care. But little money made it to cancer patients, as the groups “operated as personal fiefdoms characterized by rampant nepotism, flagrant conflicts of interest, and excessive insider compensation” with none of the controls used by bona fide charities, the FTC said Tuesday. Anyone who donated money to these groups shouldn’t expect a refund anytime soon. While litigation against Reynolds Sr. and the Cancer Fund of America is ongoing, the settlement agreements with Reynolds’ son, ex-wife and a long-time associate of the family — Kyle Effler — notes that much of the money has already been spent. The agreement bans the three from fundraising and shuttered their organizations. “The money is mostly gone,” said Jessica Rich, director of the FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection. Rich declined to say whether a separate criminal investigation might be underway, noting only that the regulatory agency doesn’t have that authority. None of the groups returned phone calls and emails asking for comment. Attempts to reach family members at home by telephone were unsuccessful. The Breast Cancer Society, which agreed to cease operations as part of the settlement agreement, posted a lengthy statement online Tuesday attributed to its executive director — Reynolds’ son, James T. Reynolds II — that blamed increased government scrutiny for the charity’s downfall. “While the organization, its officers and directors have not been found guilty of any allegations of wrongdoing, and the government has not proven otherwise, our board of directors has decided that it does not help those who we seek to serve, and those who remain in need, for us to engage in a highly publicized, expensive, and distracting legal battle around our fundraising practices,” according to the statement. The Cancer Fund of America website previously identified Reynolds Sr. as its president and said he served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps for 12 years and attended Brigham Young University. The website went down Tuesday ahead of the FTC announcement. Reynolds’ ex-wife, Rose Perkins, ran the Children’s Cancer Fund of America. That group’s website also was taken down. According to the complaint, the organizations hid their high administration costs from donors and regulators. The groups filed public financial documents saying they had taken in more than $223 million “gifts in kind,” which would be distributed to international recipients. Investigators say that number was inflated and helped to create the illusion that the groups were being more efficient with donated money than they actually were. According to the FTC, 36 states alleged that the defendants filed “false and misleading” financial statements with state charities. The settlement agreement imposed hefty judgments based on the amount of money donated to the charities between 2008 and 2012. But because of Perkins’ “inability to pay,” her $30 million judgment would be suspended entirely. The $65.5 million judgment against Reynolds II would be suspended after he pays $75,000. Effler, former president of Cancer Support Services, faced a $41 million judgment that would be forgiven after paying $60,000. Officials on Tuesday said that any money recouped under the settlements would go to state authorities, which will have the ability to distribute the money to legitimate charities. Officials cited complexities of the case to explain why the charities were allowed to continue operating even after media outlets flagged them as potentially fraudulent. “I hope it serves as a strong warning for anyone trying to exploit the kindness and generosity of others,” Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring said of the investigation. The FTC recommends that when considering a donation, look for a long-standing charity with a good reputation and avoid any group that uses high-pressure tactics or is reluctant to provide detailed documentation on how the money is spent. (Follow Anne Flaherty on Twitter at https://twitter.com/annekflahert.)
May 21 - 27, 2015
NEWS
The New Tri-State Defender
‘No Refusal’ enforcement in full affect for Memorial Day weekend The Tennessee Highway Patrol plans to increase patrols and utilize the “No Refusal” law and a variety of traffic safety enforcement tools to reduce the number of serious injury and fatal crashes across the state during this year’s Memorial Day holiday period. The 2015 Memorial Day holiday period will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Friday (May 22) and conclude at midnight on Monday (May) 25. The 96-hour holiday period will include “No Refusal” enforcement, which allows law enforcement officials to seek search warrants for blood samples in cases involving suspected impaired drivers, in each of the eight THP Districts. The participating “No Refusal” counties include Anderson (Knoxville District), Grundy (Chattanooga District), Rutherford and Wilson (Nashville District), Shelby (Memphis Dis-
In the Memphis District and elsewhere, state troopers have the OK to seek search warrants for blood samples in cases involving suspected impaired drivers. trict), Washington (Fall Branch District), Putnam (Cookeville District), Bedford (Lawrenceburg District) and Henry (Jackson District). “Memorial Day typically signals the start of summer travel. We intend to aggressively enforce impaired driving and seat belt laws this weekend and throughout the summer months,” said Colonel Tracy Trott, head of the Tennessee Highway Patrol. “We will utilize all of our resources and partner with local and county law enforcement to give us the best opportunity for a safe Memorial Day weekend on Tennessee roadways.” Last year, nine people were killed in vehicular crashes during the 72-hour Memorial Day peri-
od. Four of the nine (44 percent) were not wearing safety restraints and two of the traffic fatalities occurred in an alcohol-related crash. One motorcycle rider was killed and one all-terrain vehicle rider died during last year’s Memorial Day holiday. State troopers arrested 162 individuals on suspicion of DUI and ticketed 2,018 motorists for violation of the seat belt law during last year’s Memorial Day holiday. “Our primary focus is to reduce the number of traffic fatalities across Tennessee,” said Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Bill Gibbons. “Currently, 40 percent of the state’s traffic fatalities are due
to unrestrained seat belt usage. We hope seat belt enforcement will help positively affect driver behavior and increase voluntary seat belt compliance across the state.” In 2014, 312 people died in motor vehicle crashes in Tennessee from the Memorial Day holiday period through the end of the Labor Day holiday period. Of those, 99 vehicular deaths were unrestrained motorists and 93 fatalities were alcohol-related. The THP will conduct saturation patrols, seat belt and sobriety checkpoints, as well as increased visibility on high-crash corridors throughout the summer to reduce serious injury and fatal crashes across the state. (A list of the locations for the scheduled Memorial Day holiday checkpoints can be found at http://tn.gov/safety/thp/checkpoints.shtml.)
TBI says hate crimes decline
Sexual Assault Kit Taskforce’s June-October agenda includes awareness and prevention efforts:
More than half of city’s backlogged rape kits tested The Sexual Assault Kit (SAK) Taskforce, created by Mayor A C Wharton Jr. to tackle the portion of the city’s kits previously untested for DNA, reports this month that 6,286 kits, 51 percent of the total inventory, have been fully analyzed or are at labs awaiting analysis. As a result of DNA testing, Memphis Police Department detectives have initiated 488 investigations, 136 of those are active, and 352 or 72 percent are closed. Thus far, investigations have resulted in 90 requests for indictments of known individuals or their DNA profiles. Of those, 52 suspects have been identified, including 23 believed to be multi-case offenders. These indictments are for aggravated rape, which is a Class A felony punishable by up to 60 years in prison. MPD has been unable to contact the survivors in nine cases in which suspects have been identified. The Taskforce is asking media to encourage anyone who has previously reported an
assault to call the MPD Hotline at 901-636-3438 to check the status of their case. Thus far, 49 victims have declined to participate, 68 crimes were past the statute of limitations. “The taskforce is sending kits for analysis as fast as the labs will take them,” Wharton said. “Priority is given to cases in which the statute of limitation is close to running. Unfortunately, labs locally and across the country are operating at capacity as more cities are addressing large inventories of untested kits. Fortunately, we are a bit ahead of the rush having started our process nearly two years ago.” In addition to getting kits tested, the SAK Taskforce is undertaking efforts to prevent sexual assault and domestic violence from occurring. On June 25, 2015 the taskforce will host a forum for leaders of men’s organizations to update them on kit testing and survivor support, and to engage them in efforts to stop sexual assault and domestic violence in Memphis.
Here are details of the taskforce’s awareness and prevention efforts: June 25: • 3 p.m.-5 p.m. – Cannon Center lobby: “A Community Conversation” with men’s groups about their role in ending domestic violence and sexual assault; • 5 p.m.-5:45 p.m. – Cannon Center to FedEx Forum Plaza: “Walk A Mile in Her Shoes” one-mile walk for men down Main St. to Beale St. to FedExForum Plaza; • 6 p.m. – FedExForum Plaza: Mayor Wharton will host a news conference to announce the official launch of the Memphis Says NO MORE campaign and introduce local leaders who will be the faces of the campaign; Oct. 19-21: • SAK Summit will provide a forum for training and sharing of best practices among cities dealing with untested sexual assault kits. Location to be announced soon.
Haslam OKs creating 48-hour waiting period for abortion NASHVILLE (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam has signed a bill into law creating a mandatory waiting period before getting an abortion in Tennessee. Under the new law signed Monday, women would need to wait at least 48 hours before undergoing the procedure. The House approved the measure on a 79-18 vote, while the Senate passed its version 24-2. The governor previously signed into law another bill that requires facilities or physician offices to be licensed as ambulatory surgical treatment centers if they perform more than 50 abortions in a year. The legislation came after voters in November approved a constitutional amendment giving state lawmakers more power to regulate abortions. The ballot measure overturned a 2000 Supreme Court ruling that had thrown out laws imposing similar restrictions.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has signed a bill in to law to create a waiting period for abortions. (Courtesy photo)
NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says statistics show hate crimes last year in the state declined from 2013, but more incidents of religious bias were reported. The TBI released its annual statistical study on hate crimes Monday (May 18). The report is based on data submitted by Tennessee law enforcement agencies to TBI through the Tennessee Incident Based Reporting System. While hate crimes are often committed on the basis of differences in personal characteristics, such as appearance language, nationality or religion, the report notes that the key element of any hate crime is the presence of bias motivation. From the report: “The criminal act alone does not define a hate crime; rather, the investigation of the crime must conclude that the offender was bias motivated. Six bias categories are used when reporting hate crimes: Anti-Racial, Anti- Ethnicity/National Origin, Anti-Religious, Anti-Disability, Anti-Sexual, and Non-Specific.” The report said law enforcement departments reported 340 victims of 295 bias-motivated incidents in Tennessee last year, down 2.6 percent from 2013. Meanwhile, offenses involving religious bias increased from eight victims in 2013 to 21 in 2014. Quick facts
• Anti-black or African American bias accounted for 54.1 percent of all racial biases in 2014. • The most often documented bias was anti-not Hispanic or Latino accounting for 24.7 percent of all bias motivated crimes in 2014; • SimplesAssault was the most frequently reported bias motivated offense in 2014 with 104 victims or 30.6 percent of hate crime victims; • In 2014, the number of damage/destruction/vandalism hate crime offenses increased 68.5 percent from the previous year; • Males (47.7 percent) were victimized at higher rate than females (40 percent); • 42 victims and 43 offenders of 2014 hate crimes were juveniles (under age 18); • 64 hate crime offenses were committed by individuals from the 25 to 34 age group; • 64.9 percent of hate crime offenders were male, 22.2 percent were female; • 3 p.m. through 5:59 p.m. was the most commonly reported time period for bias motivated crimes with 48 incidents; • 18 percent of hate crime incidents occurred on a Saturday, the most frequently reported day of week in 2014; • 78 bias motivated incidents were cleared by arrest in 2014; • Residence/home was found to be the most common location type for 2014 hate crime incidents; • 31 bias motivated incidents were reported as “Crimes Against Society.” These incidents are not included in this report since hate crimes, by their nature, are typically committed against individuals;
(This story includes information retrieved by The New TriState Defender staff.)
(The full report is available online at http://www.tbi.tn.gov/tn_ crime_stats/publications/2014%20 Hate%20Crime.pdf.)
May 21 - 27, 2015
Page 7
NEWS
B.B. King, the undisputed bluesman, plants a kiss on the head of Rufus Thomas, the “funky” soul singer and comedian.
B.B. King drifts into a melodic mood as “Lucille” wails away.
B.B. KING
CONTINUED FROM FRONT acknowledge black people – and earned the nickname “Beale Street Blues Boy.” It is rightly appropriate that his name is in lights on the keynote nightclub marking the street that gave him his name. ‘It’s all in the feel’ In Memphis on business, tourist Sal Gonzales from Oregon stood in front of B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale St. beaming and looking up at the sign as his wife stepped forward to take close-ups of the photographic marker placed in the club window to King’s passing. “I wish I knew more about his songs, but I came to love the blues because of him, said Gonzales.” I go to Nashville a lot and I love listening to the blues at the B.B.’s there, so I heard about his passing I had to come down here (on Beale) while I was here.” Guitarist and bluesman Preston Shannon, who has his own star on Beale Street, has played the club since it’s opening. “B.B. was not just a master, he elevated the blues. He could burn, but he was such a gentleman. He dressed the part and played the part. I’ve opened up for him many times and I always looked up to him as a musician and a bluesman,” said Shannon. “Who else could I follow that was any better? From his wardrobe to his show, he always had his thing together. And you can’t sit in front of his stage and not move. Nobody can. “B.B. played what he felt. People know the real deal. I’ve been told so many times by Caucasians that come to the club (that) they came here to hear real blues played by African Americans. A lot of people try to play like B.B., or like Albert (King). But it’s all in the feel.”
Before he was known as “King of the Blues,” B.B. King started his career with WDIA, the first radio station devoted to an all-black audience.
‘Such a gentleman’ King’s passing is radio fodder nationally and internationally. In Memphis this week, WDIA yielded a gem as World Famous Kylan, co-host on the popular Janice Fullilove Show, shared a memory with sit-in host Leon Gray. “I will never forget when he came into the station one day when it was still down on Union,” Kylan told Gray. “He got off the elevator and there he was – the King! “I mean he just walked up, in that unmistakable voice of his (and said) ‘How are you doing young man?’ I was just floored. He was just so down to earth. Such a gentleman.” ‘So much soul, spirit and power’ As an industry professional, Lawrence Mitchell is earning his own moniker as the inheritor of the chops and studio left to him by his grandfather, R&B icon Willie Mitchell. Called “Boo” by industry compatriots and friends, Mitchell cut the biggest song in the industry so far this year, Bruno Marz’s “Don’t Believe Me Just Watch.” Drawing from his ultra cool vantage point, Mitchell reached into his memory for several poignant memories of B.B. King, including one to put King’s talent and demeanor in perspective. “I remember this night, there was a birthday bash for B.B. here at the Orpheum. I think B.B. was about 73. My grandfather (Willie Mitchell) was musical director on the show, there were all kinds of artists there, and Slash from Guns and Roses came out on stage trying to upstage B. B., you know, with all the hot rock licks,” said Mitchell. “Well, B.B. let him do his thing. And B.B. just smiled, and struck one simple note and held it. And you could see Slash (just melting). Just one note. “And that sums it up. That one note just said it all. So much soul, spirit and power. You could feel every note B. B. played in his soul. And yours.” Mitchell’s favorite B.B. song is “Don’t Make Your Move Too Soon,” which Mitchell said reflects how “elegantly but powerfully he brought orchestration and strings into the blues but kept it real. He was always real no matter what he played.”
B.B. King takes time out to pose for a photo with Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock & Roll,” and an admirer.
‘…a real boss in his business’ While many in the younger generation may not know the blues well, most know of B.B. Having just signed a distribution deal with Universal/P.I.E., the crew from Boss Man Beats Productions admitted they did not know many B. B. King songs, but knew of him as a “real boss in his business.’ “I hope we can be half as heavy one day,” said Big Boss Man. His crew, Big Boogie, Do-Dirty and A-The Great, stopped him, and Big Boogie said, “Wait a minute man, everybody knows some B.B.!” And he led them all into a quick chorus of “The Thrill Is Gone.” But for several generations, not forgotten.
B.B. King (left) at Handy Park on Beale Street in Downtown Memphis.
Isaac Hayes, known by his moniker “Hot Buttered Soul,” joins King as the two world-class entertainers chat with fans.
Photos: Copyright courtesy of The Withers Family Trust
Lucille
The New Tri-State Defender
May 21 - 27, 2015
Page 8
The New Tri-State Defender
BUSINESS
ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY
Monetizing social media is a good concept for businesses
Charlene Crowell
‘Credit Invisible’ African Americans and Latinos by Charlene Crowell NNPA News Service
When it comes to consumer finance, traditional lenders usually review credit scores before reaching a decision. In general, the higher a consumer’s credit score is, the lower the cost of credit they will pay. Conversely, the lower one’s credit score, the higher the cost of credit and interest will likely be. Whether applying for a credit card, auto loan or a mortgage, bad credit histories make future credit and borrowing more expensive. But according to a new report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), there are literally 45 million consumers – most of whom are either African American or Latino – who do not fall into traditional credit profiles. Beyond race and ethnicity, the affected consumers often live in low-income neighborhoods. “When consumers do not have a credit report, or have too little information to have a credit score, the impact on their lives can be profound,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. “It can preclude them from accessing credit and taking advantage of certain opportunities.” Cordray explained, “And given that we found that consumers in low-income neighborhoods are more likely to be credit invisible or unscored, this may be limiting opportunities for some of the most economically vulnerable consumers.”
CFPB found that one in 10 consumers – some 26 million people – are “credit invisible,” meaning they have no credit history with any of the three major nationwide credit-reporting companies. The Bureau’s analysis suggests that the differences across racial and ethnic groups occur in early adult lives and persist thereafter. An additional 19 million consumers are “unscored,” with credit profiles either outof-date or insufficient to be consistent with today’s commercially-available credit scoring model. In comparing the credit experiences of consumers by race and ethnicity, CFPB found that 13 percent of African-American consumers and 12 percent of Latino consumers are “unscored,” compared to only 7 percent of white consumers. For the credit invisible, the incidences are higher. About 15 percent of African American and Latino consumers are in this credit group, compared to only 9 percent of whites. In other words, a significant number of consumers of color are living outside of the financial mainstream. Instead of having bank accounts or credit cards, these consumers are likely to use money orders, check cashing services, pre-paid debit cards and other costly alternative financial services that facilitate personal financial transactions while denying them the ability to build solid credit profiles. While each credit reporting agency has its own criteria, typically consumers with compar-
atively high credit scores are able to secure the lowest lending rates and fees on financial services. According to FICO, recent credit activity connotes at least one account with activity over the last six months or longer. FICO scores can be as low as 300 or as high as 850. For consumer advocates, access to credit continues to be a concern, especially when consumers of color are involved. “The CFPB research suggests that alternative or enhanced credit reporting tools could ensure African-Americans and Latinos have more complete credit histories. The current system does not provide a complete picture of consumers in these growing communities – often forcing them to pay higher fees for financial services,” said Nikitra Bailey, executive vice-president with the Center for Responsible Lending. “This, in turn, leaves families and whole communities locked out of mainstream lending and ripe for abuse by predatory lenders. “Just because a person or family lives in poverty, does not mean their only option should be a predatory lender. Access to credit can and should open doors of opportunity to a range of financial services that are fair, accessible, affordable and transparent for everyone.” (Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.)
MOVING ON UP
Ashante Hodges to direct community development for Methodist North Ashante Hodges was recently named the program director of community development for Methodist North Hospital. She will be responsible for advancing the growth pillar at Methodist North by assisting in the expansion of North’s service area and the coordination of community outreach activities. “Ashante will make a great addition to our Methodist North team,” said Jonathan Watk i n s , “We know her Methefforts will odist greatly enNorth H o s - hance the work p i t a l already being C O O . done to sup“ W e port our focus k n o w on patient and her effamily-cenforts w i l l tered care.” greatly enhance the work already being done to support our focus on patient and family-centered care.” Her employment experience includes marketing and communications responsibilities at Baptist Memorial Hospital, FedEx, Time Warner/Comcast Cable and production work at WREG and WMC TV stations. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications from The University of Memphis and is
currently pursuing a master’s degree in communications management from Webster University in St. Louis.
Ashante Hodges
MySpace, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube are social media sites that drive traffic and stock prices. Back in the day they were used for networking. But for more modern-day use, social media is a business rather than a social event. Carlee For example, what- McCullough, ever celebrity you deem Esq. special, they are probably subtly promoting a product or service to the public. The status of celebrity has now been extended to those that have been in the limelight for a moment: mothers of children fathered by celebrities, the significant others of celebrities, and the ones designated as the celebrity due to talent or otherwise. Celebrities In previous articles, we have discussed the fact that record sales are down in the music industry and product sales are up. The master of the trend is P Diddy. From beverages to fragrances, P Diddy has made his position and presence known for all to see on social media. On a high level, Diddy has drawn his significant other into his product placement and advertisement of his fragrance 3 AM. What may be too racy for mainstream promotion, social media has created the perfect storm to sell products and remain relevant in an ever-changing market. Parents of children fathered by celebrities The tables have rotated from when a celebrity had multiple children by several women. You never knew it until a will was probated. Now a “new generation” of folks learned from a phenomenon of being parents to children of celebrities. The newest father to the club is Chris Brown, who has a daughter named Royalty. All of his past transgressions, it seems, have been forgiven. With the birth of a child, the media focus is now on him as a father. The inevitable attention, however, may soon be on the mother of the child if the “after birth” compensation is not suitable. There is absolutely no “shade” thrown on those folks trying to make their mark on the world. But there is much “shade” thrown that uses their children. Products Mothers of children of celebrities, also known as “baby mothers,” have been known to take matters into their own hands to provide a stable living environment for their young ones. From reality television to clothing lines to waist trainers, the “baby’s mother” has demonstrated that she is a force to be reckoned with as it relates to product
placement. Under the guise of party promotion and product placement, there is always the strategically placed photo of the adorable child that garners attention. Melting hearts and practicing forgiveness are some of the greatest characteristic of children (celebrity or otherwise). Add to that a waist trainer, liquor brand or clothing line with the norm and a “hit” appears. Some famous folks have relentlessly undergone questioning of their celebrity and have countered with their number of followers on social media. The numbers don’t lie. The numbers By far the Kardashians have demonstrated what to do with a successful social media campaign. From fashion to hair products to television to print media, they have led their fan base by the hand to the purchase of their products. The business sector has not lost sight of their influence and has sought to partner with the family because a follower is personal and few have more followers than a Kardashian. Social Media
MySpace From a sale of $580 million in 2005 to $35 million in 2011, MySpace is known as the place to obtain “throw back photos.” What you place on the site a decade ago is not in style today. But it certainly has its place in more current social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter The monetizing comes in the number of followers or hits to a particular social media site. Whether it be clothes, appearance, fragrances or liquor, celebrities and their associates have learned that social media is the wave of the future.
YouTube Certain sites may ask fans to pay (as a revenue generator) in order to access the site. Advertisements (whether commercial or the use of banners) and clicks are simply a few ways to generate income. The business community Social media is a relatively new challenge for the business community. The business community is still in the beginning stages of learning how to position and monetize this business model. Some companies have not only embraced the concept, they have taken it and applied it to their business model and succeeded. (Contact Carlee M. McCullough, Esq. at 901-795-0050; email – jstce4all@aol. com.)
May 21 - 27, 2015
The New Tri-State Defender
RELIGION
Page 9
Iyuana Childs wows the audience with the “Word.” From left: Cyndi Wiseman, Angela Ellis, Iyuana Childs, Wanda Taylor and Melinda Redd. (Photos: Wiley Henry)
Ministers’ wives... The Baptist Ministers Wives Guild of Memphis & Vicinity Inc. held its monthly meeting Friday, May 15, and a concert as well, at St. Stephen M.B. Church. Angela Ellis (left, front row) is president of the Guild.
Ladies in Need Can Survive 1st Annual Prayer Breakfast by Keyvia Davis
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Ladies in Need Can Survive, Inc. (LINCS) held its first Annual Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, May 16, to raise Wanda funds and Taylor awareness for women in need of LINCS’s services. The event was held at the Bartlett Recreational Center in Bartlett and united men and women from different racial, economic and educational backgrounds through prayer and teaching to encourage those in need both spiritually and fiscally. The fundraiser drew nearly 40 people. Hot breakfast was served courtesy of generous donations from Krystal on Austin Peay, Kroger on Frayser Boulevard, Starbucks on Union, and Sam’s Club, both on Covington Pike and Winchester. In addition, speakers such as Angela Ellis of Impact Baptist Church, Iyuana Childs of Interceding Christian Center, Cyndi Wiseman of Colonial Hills Baptist Church in Southhaven, Miss., and Melinda Redd of Gracepoint Baptist, based their teaching on the theme “Lord, I Surrender All.” “The event was a total success!” said Wanda Taylor, president and CEO of LINCS. Taylor is excited about the future. She’s already planning LINCS’ second anniver-
sary celebration in August to help meet their budget goal of $75,000. Taylor believes that giving is more than money. It is a means to a legacy for so many who may not have had one, she said, adding that some miss the whole meaning because they only see money and things. When in all actuality money, clothes, shoes and jewelry are tools to build up a broken women into a mighty tower. “It may not mean anything to you, but it means a whole lot to [a woman in need],” said Taylor. “If she becomes the next Bill Gates. [A donor] was a part of that. She could not have become successful: 1) without God; and 2) without God allowing us to have this program. Lastly, I’m not doing this by myself. [So] we’re impacting and making a difference. For that reason, you have something to do with that.” All donations to LINCS support its vision to guarantee women a successful transition from crisis to rehabilitation. Women whose lives have been negatively affected by drugs, alcohol, homelessness and abuse are taken into LINCS’ homey facility for one year where they are taught life skills, job readiness, finance, nutrition and wellness, anger management and CPR, and more. To learn more about LINCS, or if you want to donate or sponsor a woman for a year, contact Wanda Taylor at (901) 351-9864 or email her at ladiescan@yahoo.com. Sonja Nesbitt can also be contacted at (901) 331-8910. Also visit LINCS’ website at www.ladiescan.org and like the organization on Facebook.
Praise selection... The concert included liturgical dancing by the “Legends & Youngens. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)
New school on the horizon... Shoveling dirt is not something that the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is used to. In this case, the Most Reverent J. Terry Steib, SVD (center) doesn’t seem to mind. He and the church board broke ground Friday, May 15, to make room for a new school. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
ENTERTAINMENT The New Tri-State Defender, May 21 - 27, 2015, Page 10
“Dance Crash,” with Memphis’ Brandee Evans as the focal point, is a one-hour special set to debut on the Oprah Winfrey Network. (Photo: OWN) Ledisi is among the star-level recording artists who have employed the talent of Memphis’ own Brandee Evans. (Courtesy photo)
Brandee Evans danced three seasons for the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies. (Courtesy photo)
‘Dance Crash’ anchored by Memphis’ Brandee Evans
One-hour special May 30 on OWN by Karanja A. Ajanaku kajanaku@tsdmemphis.com
Memphis product Brandee Evans – a professional dancer and choreographer – gets the call when Atlanta’s Westlake High School dance team finds itself in need of a serious overhaul in the quest for a hip-hop championship. Evans is the focal point of “Dance Crash,” which will air as a one-hour special on Oprah’s OWN network on May 30 at 9 p.m. CT. The world of competitive dance can be cutthroat and knowing that the Westlake team faced a mountainous challenge, Westlake’s desperate coaches turn to Evans, the go-fixer in the world of dance. “Dance Crash” will follow the team’s journey as Evans, a former national champion dancer for the University of Memphis, attempts to use her tough-love technique to teach the girls not only how to win a competition, but also tools to win in life. “I don’t just teach choreography. This is a crash course in discipline,” Evans says in a video promo for the special. In one scene, a member of the Westlake team is giving Evans some pushback, which prompts Evans to fire back in drill-sergeant-like fashion: “You gonna get your attitude together today. …” Evans does not lack confidence. “These parents, these girls, the principal – they may not like my process, but it works,” Evans says in furthering setting the context of the special. “It’s not about just winning on the stage. It’s about winning in life. I’m coming here to transform them.” Evans danced three seasons for the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies. The assistant dance coordinator for the 2008-09 season, she also directed the “Grannies & Grandpas” dance troupe, which featured dancers 50 and older. Superstar recording artists are well acquainted with Evans’ style and quality of work. As a professional dancer she has been on tour and on television with A-listers such as Katy Perry, Pitbull, Ledisi, P. Diddy, Usher, Kelly Rowland, Mary J. Blige, LL Cool J, Alicia Keys, Snoop Dogg, Keri Hilson and Jamie Foxx. Ledisi’s recent video “That Good Good” reflects Evan’s choreography. She also choreographed Pitbull featuring Kesha’s “Timber” video. The list also includes Justice Crew’s “Que Sera” American video and Ledisi’s “I Blame You.” She assisted Laurieann Gibson with Just Ivy featuring DJ Khaled’s “Light Me Up” music video. Featured in the film “Beyond the Lights,”
Evans danced in the movie and assisted Gibson with the choreography. Many know Evans as the creative force behind “Hip Hop in Heels,” a series of popular dance classes for women that focuses on improving confidence, building strength, finding “sexy” and having fun. Dancers with varying ability and experience are encouraged to take the class in a fierce pair of pumps. In addition to Memphis, her sessions have been taught in Los Angeles, Georgia, Las Vegas and internationally in Japan and the UK. No stranger to promo campaigns, Evans has been featured in projects involving the Miami HEAT, Disney’s “Camp Rock 2,” Bob Harper Fitness, Target, Vitamin Water, Skinny Cow Ice Cream and Adidas. The winner of “Most Innovative Choreography” awards in the U.S. and Japan, Evans coached the Northern Arizona University teams that netted the USA Collegiate Championship in 2013 and 2014. In 2012, she helped engineer a world championship for Japan’s Golden Hawks team. (Follow Brandee Evans on Twitter: DancingBrandee)
The New Tri-State Defender
May 21 - 27, 2015
Page 11
ENTERTAINMENT
Juneteenth Urban Music Festival Awards Show Festival: June 19-21
Jean-Claude LaMarre’s “Chocolate City” looks into the world of male strippers, who happen to be black. (Courtesy photo)
by Kam Williams
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
For movies opening May 22, 2015 BIG BUDGET FILMS “Chocolate City” (R for profanity, brief violence, partial nudity and pervasive sexuality) Inner-city saga about a cash-strapped college student (Robert Ri’chard) who moonlights as a stripper at a neighborhood nightclub on ladies’ night. Ensemble cast includes Vivica A. Fox, Tyson Beckford, DeRay Davis, Carmen Electra, Ginuwine and Michael Jai White. “Poltergeist” (PG-13 for intense horror fare, mild profanity and suggestive material) Remake of the 1982, haunted house horror classic about the abduction of a little girl (Kennedi Clements) whose family is being terrorized by malevolent spirits. Starring Sam Rockwell, Rosemarie DeWitt and Jarred Harris. “Tomorrowland” (PG for brief profanity, mature themes, action, violence and scenes of peril) Sci-fi adventure about a precocious teen (Britt Robertson) and a jaded genius (George Clooney) who embark on a dangerous mission to a faraway place in another dimension. With Hugh Laurie, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key and Tim McGraw. INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS “Aloft” (R for profanity and sexuality) Tale of redemption about a journalist (Melanie
Laurent) who orchestrates the reunion of a renowned artist/healer (Jennifer Connelly) with the son (Cillian Murphy) she’d abandoned 20 years earlier. Support cast includes Oona Chaplin, Ian Tracey and Peter McRobbie.
Gardner and Jason Hammel) whose relationship is on the rocks despite sharing phenomenal success performing as a musical duo on a children’s TV show. Support cast includes Josh Brener, Vanessa R”ay and Arian Moayed.
“(Dis)Honesty” (Unrated) Truth-telling is the subject of this documentary exploring the toll that lying takes on us, both individually and collectively, as a society.
“Seeds of Time” (Unrated) Eco-documentary chronicling conservationist Cary Fowler’s campaign to protect the eroding foundation of humanity’s food supply in the face of rapid climate change.
“The Farewell Party” (Unrated) Dark comedy, set in Jerusalem, revolving around the compassionate friends of a terminally-ill retiree (Shmuel Wolf) who build a self-euthanasia machine for him and other residents of their old folks home. With Ze’ev Revach, Levan Finkelshtein and Ruth Geller. (In Hebrew with subtitles) “Gueros” (Unrated) Social satire about a troubled teen (Sebastian Aguirre) sent by his overwhelmed mother to live with his big brother (Tenoch Huerta) attending college in Mexico City. Featuring Ilse Salas, Leonardo Ortiz Gris and Raul Briones. (In Spanish with subtitles) “Love at First Fight” (Unrated) Romantic romp revolving around a conventional carpenter (Kevin Azais) who falls head-over-heels for a paranoid survivalist (Adele Haenel) preparing for Armageddon. With Antoine Laurent, Brigitte Rouan and William Lebghil. (In French with subtitles) “The Rumperbutts” (Unrated) Marital crisis comedy about a miserable couple (Kori
“Sunshine Superman” (PG for mature themes, smoking, brief profanity and a nude image) Breathtaking biopic chronicling the exploits of thrill-seeker Carl Boenish (19411984), the late freefall cinematographer generally recognized as the father of the B.A.S.E. (Building/Antenna/Span/Earth) jumping movement. “When Marnie Was There” (PG for smoking and mature themes) Animated adaptation of Joan G. Robinson’s children’s novel of the same name about a sickly foster child (Sara Takasuki) sent to the seacoast to recuperate who finds herself befriended by a mysterious girl (Kasumi Arimura) she meets while wading in the marshes. Voice cast includes Nanako Matsushima, Susumu Terajima and Toshie Negishi. (In Japanese with subtitles) “Winning” (Unrated) High-octane documentary revisiting Paul Newman’s 35-year career as a racecar driver. Featuring commentary by Jay Leno, Robert Redford, Mario Andretti and Willy T. Ribbs.
Tickets are available now for the Juneteenth Urban Music Award Show set for the Hilton Hotel at 939 Ridgelake Blvd. on June 18. The star-studded show kicks off the Juneteenth Urban Music Festival, which will run June 19-21 at Robert R. Church Park on Beale St. Downtown. Hosted by Myron Mays (“What’s Happening Myron”) and Yvette Whiteside (Local Memphis 24 TV), the awards show will feature a performance by Universal Artist Karma, with an eye toward honoring Memphis’ own music legends – the Bar-Kays. The awards pre-show starts at 5:30 p.m. with a Kid’s Freedom of Fashion Show under the direction of Stanley Smith of Erole Expose Modeling Agency. The VIP reception is at 6 p.m. in the Waterfront Foyer, the Juneteenth Urban Music Awards in the Grand Ballroom at 7:30 p.m. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. For more information, view the national Juneteenth website at www.Juneteenth.com. The Memphis Juneteenth Festival took root in Douglas Park 22 years ago with the late Glynn Johns Reed and now has evolved into the Juneteenth Urban Music Festival, with Executive Producer Telisa Franklin. Admission to the festival is free. Tickets for the awards show are $10, general admission; $25, premier admission; and $50, VIP, including the reception. Tickets are available at Uncle Lous, 3633 Millbranch, 901-332-2367; American Tuxedo, 4722 Poplar Ave., 3499 Riverdale; and online at http://www.memphisjuneteenth. com/.
May 21 - 27, 2015
Page 12
Legal Notices
NOTICE TO BIDDER(S)
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS DUE:MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015 AT 4:00 PM Shelby County Government, Tennessee, an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer, seeks to retain the services of an engineering consulting firm to provide professional services related to the following: “NOISE STUDY FOR MACON ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT” (RFQ# 15-005-49) A voluntary pre-bid conference will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. (CST) at the following location: Shelby County Roads Bridges and Engineering, 6449 Haley Road, Memphis, TN 38134. By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL, JR, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT
The New Tri-State Defender
CLASSIFIEDS 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
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.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will conduct public information meetings at two locations to discuss the planned reconstruction of the Interstate 55 Interchange at E.H. Crump Boulevard (State Route 15/US 64) and South Riverside Drive within the City of Memphis in Shelby County. The interchange improvement will result in the full closure of the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge for a period of nine months. The public meeting dates, locations, and times follow: June 1, 2015 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. West Memphis Civic Center 228 Weat Polk West Memphis, AR 72301
June 4, 2015 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. MATA Central Station 545 S. Main Street Memphis, TN 38105
The public information meetings will provide local residents and community stakeholders with an opportunity to discuss potential construction impacts. A brief presentation explaining the approved 2011 Final Environmental Impact Statement, construction plan and estimated schedule will be provided every 15 minutes at each location. Formal presentations will be held at 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at both meetings, followed by question and answer sessions. Before and after the presentations, project representatives will be available at displays to answer questions. The public is invited to submit comments at the meeting or within 21 days following the meeting. If you are unable to attend, questions or comments can be directed to: Mr. Bob Allen Mr. Steve Chipman TDOT Environmental Division or TDOT Region 4 615-741-3092 731-935-0157 Bob.Allen@tn.gov Steve.Chipman@tn.gov
NOTICE TO BIDDER(S)
Persons with a disability, who require aids or services to participate at the meeting, may contact Ms. Margaret Mahler at the following address no later than ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting:
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS DUE:MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015 AT 4:00 PM
Margaret Mahler or by e-mail:Margaret.Z.Mahler@ tn.gov ADA Compliance 615/741-4984 (phone) Tennessee Department of Transportation 615/532-5995 (fax) Suite 400, James K. Polk Building 615/253-8311 TTY Relay 505 Deaderick Street Nashville, TN 37243
Shelby County Government, Tennessee, an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer, seeks to retain the services of an engineering consulting firm to provide professional services related to the following: “ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY FOR HACKS CROSS ROAD” (RFQ# 15-005-50)
TDOT is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, color, disability or national origin.
A voluntary pre-bid conference will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. (CST) at the following location: Shelby County Roads Bridges and Engineering, 6449 Haley Road, Memphis, TN 38134. By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL, JR, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT NOTICE TO BIDDER(S) Sealed bids will be received by the Shelby County Government in the Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38134 until 9:30 a.m. on May 29, 2015 as shown below: MULTIPLE AND ENTIRELY DIFFERENT REHABILITATION JOBS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS BID NOTICE. BIDDER(S) MAY ELECT TO BID ON ANY OR ALL OF THE JOBS IN THE NOTICE. SEALED BID SBI-000329 DUE: MAY 29, 2015 1. Rehabilitation of Owner-Occupied Housing Units throughout Shelby County some of which may require the use of lead based paint safe work practices and techniques; and 2. Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction Jobs. Detailed specifications for items above may be obtained in the Shelby County Department of Housing at the aforementioned address. All bids will be opened and publicly read by the Shelby County Government at the time mentioned above at the Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road Memphis, TN 38134, (901) 222-7600; TTY Number (901) 2222301; or for information in Spanish 901222-4289. As a condition precedent to bidding, each bidder must apply and qualify for a Vendor Number and Equal Opportunity Compliance Eligibility Number prior to the submitting your response. Your EOC number must be displayed on the outside of your envelope for each bid submission. As a condition precedent to being awarded jobs involving Lead Based Paint, contractors must be certified through EPA as an RRP contractor and/or show proof of application to EPA for said certification and be certified through the State of Tennessee as a Lead Based Paint Firm. Proof of licensing at time of bid submission is required by the Shelby County Department of Housing. The label, which is attached to the specifications shall be completely filled out and attached to the bid submission envelope. You must display your current E.O.C. Eligibility Number or your Locally Owned Small Business (LOSB) Number on the outside of your envelope and a copy of all licenses and insurance policies must be included in your submitted bid package. Unless the label is completely filled out and your current E.O.C. Eligibility Number is noted thereon your bid may be returned to you unopened. Should your label be lost or misplaced, please note the appropriate information in the lower left-hand corner of your envelope. The Department of Housing encourages participation from WBE, MBE, LOSB, and Section 3 Contractors under these rehabilitation programs.
The Shelby County Government reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities therein. By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL, JR., MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Jim Vazquez, Administrator 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: Francois Johnson Sr. Tax Parcel # 07205600000200 Tax Sale # 1003 Exhibit # 15910 Price Offered: $5,400.00 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 2:00 p.m. on June 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: Francois Johnson Sr. Tax Parcel # 07105500000290 Tax Sale # 1002 Exhibit # 1534 Price Offered: $4,500.00 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 1:30 p.m. on June 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: Midtown Mosque Tax Parcel # 02110700000340 Tax Sale # 55 Exhibit # 1856 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 9:00 a.m. on June 11, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF 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: Calvin & Connie Booker Tax Parcel # 02104400000610 Tax Sale # 0702 Exhibit # 1565 Price Offered: $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 10:00 a.m. on June 11, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF 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: Rometa Ayers
Tax Parcel # 06100200000080 Tax Sale # 1002 Exhibit # 1353 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 10:00 a.m. on June 12, 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: Dawnyea Crider & Marviesta Crider Tax Parcel # 02200200000180 Tax Sale # 1003 Exhibit # 2090 Price Offered: $1,600.00 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 2:00 p.m. on June 11, 2015, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. SHELBY COUNTY LAND BANK 584 ADAMS AVENUE, MEMPHIS, TN 38103 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581
the Power Center Academy / FEMA Safe Room Memphis, TN. All bids are due no later than 2:00 PM CST on Tuesday June 16, 2015. Bids should be mailed or hand delivered to Montgomery Martin Contractors, Attn: Mark Thoss Senior Estimator. MWBE participation is encouraged. If you have any questions, please contact Mark Thoss at mthoss@montgomerymartin.com or 901-374-9400. Bid documents may be obtained from Montgomery Martin Contractors, LLC. Bid Documents will also be available for viewing at the Builders Exchange and at the West Tennessee Plan Room. A pre-bid meeting will be held on June 9th, 2015. Attendance is encouraged but not mandatory. The exact time and location to be issued in addendum #1. Power Center Academy reserves the right to reject any and all bids, waive informalities and/or accept any bid deemed to be lowest and/or best. Power Center Academy encourages Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation and does not discriminate against any qualified bidders in any way. Power Center Academy complies with Title VI Requirements. This Project must comply with Federal Prevailing Wage Requirements. This Project is funded under an agreement with the Department of Military, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, & Power Center Academy. Any contractor submitting a bid of $25,000 or more must be licensed, as required by the state of Tennessee. A 5% Bid Bond / Bid Security, meeting State of Tennessee requirements, must be included with bids of $25,000 or more. Bidders must include a copy of their TN Drug Free Workplace Certificate within the sealed bid envelope.
Invitation to Bid for Power Center Academy FEMA Safe Room Montgomery Martin Contractors is seeking bids from subcontractors and suppliers for
Vivica A. Fox, Tyson Beckford & Robert Ri’chard – The ‘Chocolate City’ interview by Kam Williams
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Vivica A. Fox, Tyson Beckford and Robert Ri’chard co-star in “Chocolate City,” which revolves around a cash-strapped college kid (Richard) who hides from his mother (Fox) the fact that he’s moonlighting as an exotic dancer at a neighborhood nightclub on ladies’ night. Kam Williams: Children’s book author Irene Smalls. She asks: “What interested each of you in Chocolate City?” Tyson Beckford: I’ll answer first, since I was the first to sign on. What interested me was the script. I loved how the characters showed their emotions. It made me feel for Robert’s character [Michael], because I’ve been through that as a college student trying to make my way through life. And I did the whole topless waiter thing in a male revue before, so I knew I could connect with it. In ad-
dition, I found the idea of JeanClaude [director Jean-Claude La Marre] building an entire cast around me kind of intriguing. I was eager to see what he would come up with. So, that’s why I jumped in.
Vivica A. Fox
Vivica A. Fox: I’ll be very honest with you, Kam. I had worked with Jean-Claude before and, when I heard that he was doing this, I went to see “Magic Mike.” And I went, “Wow! How crazy is it that they don’t have any African-Americans in this?” I felt that whoever makes this film African-American will win. Jean-Claude let me know he wanted me to play the mom and, when he told me about the cast, I said, “I’m so totally in for this.” I’ve seen it, and it’s awesome. It’s a
feel-good, girl’s night out film that everybody will enjoy. KW: And why’d you do the film, Robert? R i c h a r d Ri’chard: The first time I ever modeled, I Tyson walked the runBeckford way with Tyson. And he let me walk in front of him. He was the man! I was like, “This is my dude!” So, when I was approached about working with him for a whole movie, I didn’t hesitate for a second. I just said, “Count me in.” KW: Is there any truth to the rumor that you two are an item since making this movie?... VAF: [Laughs] We’re having fun, but let me set the record straight. No,
it’s not true. It was my first time working with him. And our scenes were so intense that everybody was like, “Wow! They have a major connection with each other.” But it was literally mutual respect as actors. There’s no romance going on….
is all about the features. …
KW: Rev. Florine Thompson asks: How do you maintain centered spiritually?
Robert Ri’chard
KW: What advice do you have for guys who want to follow into your footstep in modeling and for those who want to be involved in modeling? TB: That’s tough to answer, because you have to be cut from a certain type of cloth. You have to be a certain height, build and a have a certain look. You can’t just wake up and decide to model one day. It’s hard to explain, but getting into the business
VAF: For me, it’s by keeping things simple, as far as the crowd of people that I’m around. I’ve also really learned to focus on family, and on how to be happy with myself from within.
RR: I come from a very religious family and, for me, the key is my family unit which supports me and keeps me grounded when it comes to just giving it up to God, and putting God first.
TB: I might not go to church as much as I should, but I walk with God every day. I speak to Him, I ask Him for things, and what I can do for Him. And we have a fair trade that has worked out for me.
May 21 - 27, 2015
The New Tri-State Defender
Page 13
COMMUNITY
BRIEFS & THINGS
NCRM to spotlight Malcom X at 90
In honor of Malcolm X’s 90th birthday (May 19), Malcolm X scholar Zaheer Ali will be at the National Civil Rights Museum on Saturday (May 23) at 2 p.m. for “Malcolm X, 50 Years Malcolm Later.” X The event will feature a presentation of the CNN documentary, “Witnessed: The Assassination of Malcolm X,” followed by a discussion with Ali, the lead researcher for Manning Marble’s Pulitzer Prize-winning biography “Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention.” Speeches by Malcolm X, also known as el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz, will be broadcast in the Museum’s courtyard on Saturday starting at noon. BRIEFLY: A get-out-the-survey event designed to lead to an Orange Mound Revitalization Council will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 23. Volunteers will be going door to do0r to gather information from area residents, churches, businesses and other stakeholders to discover what “economic development and cultural amenities are wanted and needed in our community. BRIEFLY: The 2015 Frayser Spring Festival – Frayser: Surviving, Growing, Changing – will be held May 30 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Ed Rice Community Center, 2907 Watkins St. Shop with vendors; learn about area community organizations; enjoy entertainment, activities and fun for the whole family; and meet the new Frayser Community Association officers. The annual election for the Frayser Neighborhood Council also will be held. For more information: President Mary Shipp, 901-605-5752, mshipp61@gmail.com; Vice President David Vincarelli, vinciarelli@ aol.com or Patricia Burnett, patricia_ burnett@att.net; Carrie Wright, treasurer, mrscarriewright@yahoo.com. BRIEFLY: Shelby County Schools and the Shelby County Interscholastic Athletic Association will host the Chipping for Children Golf Classic: Best Ball Golf Scramble in support of the district’s anti-bullying programs at Tunica National golf resort in Robinsonville, Miss. on June 5. Registration available through June 1 for individuals and teams. Tee time: noon. Sponsor: Well Child. For more information: Tongela Taylor, 901-416-994; taylortl2@scsk12.org. BRIEFLY: “Reaching Out to Our Community” is the theme of Community Day, which Greater Lakeview Missionary Baptist Church (191 East Holmes Rd.) is hosting on June 6 from 9 a.m. to noon. The focus will be on health. Free HIV testing. For more information: Vee Patterson, 901-4867735. The Rev. Joe E. Hayes is senior pastor. BRIEFLY: Spotlight Entertainment Summer Camp – a full day camp will run June 1 through July 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with extended care available and lunch included. Highlights: Campers act in a short film that will premiere at Malco Studio on The Square, dance classes, Wet-N-Wild Wednesdays, Field Trips and 15-plus electives from arts and crafts to Zumba. Cost: less than $75 per week. Space is limited. For more information, contact LilyRoze Studios at 901-308-2135; email: www. lilyrozestudios.com.
Allen McClain (left) and Sean Driver Jr., the founders of Positive Vibes Only (Photo: Facebook)
From hoop dreams to ‘Positive Vibes Only’ Young entrepreneurs build on friendship
by Brittney Gathen
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
For two friends who bonded over basketball, a new brand called “Positive Vibes Only” is a way to salute the late running buddy whose memory is part of the duo’s mission to spread positive, inspiring messages. PVO is part apparel line, part movement and part lifestyle with the purpose of inspiring people to live with a positive purpose and eliminate negativity. Sean Driver Jr., a 21-year-old business major at the University of Memphis, and Allen McClain, a 26-year-old shipping coordinator in Arizona, are the co-founders of the brand, which they officially launched in April. According to McClain, they’ve sold 50 to 100 shirts since their launch. Sylvester “There are so many negSipp III ative things that are going around,” McClain said. “People try to get Instagram-famous off of negative things in the world. We’re trying to show everybody how impactful we can by just taking a stand, doing the right thing and doing things that are righteous to God.” PVO started as the brainchild of Driver, McClain and their friend, Sylvester Sipp III. The three friends bonded over their passion for basketball, with Sipp often wondering about the next step. “When we used to talk, he (Sipp) used to always ask: ‘What are we going to do after basketball? What’s going to be our life outside of basketball? How can we be remembered without basketball?’” McClain recalled. “I said, ‘Man, what are you talking about? The only thing we know is basketball. That’s what we’re going to be known for.’” McClain moved to Arizona with thoughts of the trio’s future in tow and the habit of us-
ing the hashtag #PositiveVibesOnly on social media to uplift people. Sipp suggested doing something with the phrase, maybe start a clothing line. The trio advanced to creating
logo but no further. Fate intervened in December of 2014. Sipp died of an enlarged heart while playing basketball. After his death, McClain and Driver
were stimulated to move forward with PVO. In January, they began the PVO brand with Instagram posts and inspirational videos. On April 13, they copyrighted the name and designed their website, which allows visitors to purchase PVO T-shirts. Next? The goal is expansion, with Driver envisioning a fitness studio, a marketing business and a healthcare program where nurses would care for the elderly or disabled. McClain foresees phone cases, pants, backpacks and anything that people can wear and “have something that they stand for.” “I want PVO to take over every realm possible,” Driver said. “Our goal is to show people that you can be successful without being a movie star, singer or athlete. You can be successful just through hard work. We want to start a movement that people will admire one day.” Meanwhile, they keep spreading positive vibes via social media, encouraging people to call or contact them when in need of prayer and posting inspirational quotes on their Instagram pages. PVO events – a barbecue, a concert and a 5K run – are contemplated for the summer. “If we change the course of one person’s life, then I’ll be happy with that,” Driver said. Said McClain: “We want to incorporate everybody that’s doing something positive in their lives; whatever their hobby is, whatever they love to do, we want to have them doing it positively, for Positive Vibes Only. That’s the mission that we have; we just want to incorporate positivity in everybody’s lives…. “We’re trying to make a huge impact on the city of Memphis,” he said. “I’m trying to make an impact on the state of Arizona and we’re trying to make an impact on the whole nation.” (For more information on PVO and to make a purchase, visit http://www.pvocorp.com.) (Follow Allen McClain on Instagram @ im_a1 and Sean Driver Jr. @kingscd.)
For the good you do…
Senior Class Day… Westwood High School celebrated Senior Class Day last week (May 14), with the special recognition of the valedictorian and salutatorian. The Class of 1997 also awarded its alma two $500 presentations. The principal is Isaac White Jr. (left). (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis recently received the prestigious Merit Award for its program excellence in health and life skills during the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Conference in Chicago. CEO Keith Blanchard and Tiffanie Grier, career placement director, accepted the award, which directs $2,500 to the honoree, from Jim Clark president, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. (Courtesy photo)
SPORTS The New Tri-State Defender, May 21 - 27, 2015, Page 14
‘A LITTLE R&R ON SPORTS’
SOS for more black NBA coaches by Howard Robertson and Larry Robinson Here’s some “info for your afro” or “stats for your hat.” There are 30 teams in the National Basketball Association. Around 80 percent of all NBA players are black. Currently, six or 20 percent of all NBA head coaches are black and that figHoward ure has dropped like Robertson a rock since this time last year when it was 43 percent. Finally, out of 49 majority owners of NBA teams there’s one that’s black (Michael Jordan of the Charlotte Bobcats). Are we ballers? No doubt. Are we shot callers? Not so much. Are these reLarry alities coincidental or Robinson accidental? Get real. After African Americans received the right to vote, southern states were not down with it ...literally or figuratively. So they imposed local and state laws requiring poll tests and poll taxes to determine if black people were “fit and worthy” of voting. Two of the favorite test questions were: How many bubbles are there in a bar of soap? And (with a gallon jug on the table filled to the brim), How many jellybeans are there in this jar? The correct answer was whatever the white man said it was, so we weren’t deemed “fit” to vote based on that nebulous, nefarious nonsense. That Same Old Stuff still applies since many NBA owners changed the criteria for coaches’ performance from the objective to the subjective. Coaches were once measured by championships, winning percentage, playoff appearances, developing players, motivational skills, their relationships with players, etc. But clear, objective criteria was replaced with cloudy, subjective stuff like the coaches’ “fit” and “chemistry” and “feel.” There are coaches who performed at high levels, yet lost their jobs for some cryptically subjective reasons. Throughout history, from the Buffalo Soldiers to The Fighting 54th to the Red Ball Express to the Tuskegee Airmen to our fight for civil rights, our skills and capabilities have been “dissed.” We’re discriminated against, disregarded, disenfranchised and disappointed. Yet, when the doors of opportunity finally get kicked in and we get the chance to perform... guess what? We are large and usually excel in highly measurable ways. Most of us were taught from an early age that we have to be exceptional and unquestionably the best, especially in professional life. Mediocrity mixed with melanin is a formula for failure. But the kiss of death for us is when fit, feel and chemistry become major considerations. Because it’s highly likely that black coaches will perceivably be “mis-fits” that ownership doesn’t have a feel for and believe lack the chemistry suitable for the organization. Most likely black coaches won’t travel in the same social circles, date their boss’s daughter, share political persuasions and they may not even share the owners’ same basketball philosophies. Like “American Idol” and “The Voice,” coaching in the NBA is yet another reality show/popularity contest that leads too many high-caliber coaches to experience the ultimate disses… discharge and dismissal. The right fit is so important to these owners that they are willing to sacrifice experience and proven success on unproven rookies. Golden State pays first year coach Steve Kerr five times more than they paid a seasoned Mark Jackson. At $5 million, Steve Kerr’s compensation is exactly the same as the average annual compensation of all six (vastly more experienced) current African-American NBA coaches. Nothing is absolute. We are not speaking about every NBA owner or every NBA team or every black NBA coach that is replaced. Undeniably, institutional racism still permeates the halls and walls of too many corporations and some own professional sports teams. So, in the immortal lyrics of Crosby, Stills & Nash, teach your children well. This is an SOS to Share Our Struggle with your children. Teach them that racism isn’t merely manifested overtly in speech and actions. Teach them that the most insidious racism is covert, designed to debilitate and destroy their spirit despite their excellent achievements. Teach them perseverance. “God’s other children” may change the game but like our black coaches, we always find a way to win. (“A Little R&R on Sports” is a nationally syndicated radio show. Log onto randronsports.com, sportsbyline.com on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and Sundays at 7 a.m. CT, I-Heart Media or catch us Saturdays at 10 a.m. on AM 990 in Memphis.)
Marc Gasol is an unrestricted free agent and All-Star starter. Grizz Nation is eager to learn whether he will resign with the team. (Photos: Warren Roseborough)
Grizzlies reflect on season, needs, Gasol and more
here or there. (Ground and pound) is the way to go for us. This is us and this is our identity. We’ve got to move the basketball a little bit better.”
by Kelley D. Evans kdevans@tsdmemphis.com
The Memphis Grizzlies had hoped to conclude their season with a loud parade on Beale St. in June. Instead, the season came to a halt last Friday, with a Game 6 loss to the Golden State Kelley D. Warriors. The Evans Warriors rode an MVP performance from Stephen Curry to a 10895 victory, and a 4-2 series win. And instead of a parade, players quietly packed their things and met with media one more time before summer – still searching for answers to many of the same questions they had this time last year. Plagued with injuries, the Grizzlies played their role as gutsy, tough contenders who gave their opponents trouble using their core four players – Mike Conley, Tony Allen, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol – to play a bruising, old school, inside-out style of basketball. Veteran players such as Vince Carter, Jeff Green and Courtney Lee were brought in to supply shooting and other intangibles. In Game 6, the adjustments the Grizzlies made during Games 2 and 3 against the Warriors weren’t enough. The Warriors rallied to win three consecutive games to take the series. They connected on three-point shots 15 times out of 32 attempts, a 2015 playoff high. Gasol led the Grizzlies in scoring with 21 points and 15 rebounds. Carter scored 16 points off the bench, notching a 2015 playoff single-game high in scoring. Memphis made a third-quarter run, cutting a 15-point deficit down to five, but Golden State answered back with a 10-0 run, punctuated with an incredible buzzer beating full court shot by Curry to break the Grizzlies’ will at the end of the third quarter. As team members and coaches exit into their summer retreats, they have plenty of time to ponder what it will take to advance to The Finals and win an NBA championship. In today’s NBA, where teams with younger players use long-range shooting and a run-and-gun offense, it has been difficult for the Grizzlies to make a deep playoff run in the past five seasons using the team’s current style of play. The Grizzlies have lost in the first round twice, the semifinals twice. The one time they made the Western Conference Finals in 2013, they were
Tony Allen on Gasol: “It all boils down to what he and his family want to do. It’s all up to him. I hope he is still a Grizzly and I wish him the best. I think he’ll be back.”
Zach Randolph: We’ve just got to get better, improve on our team... and shoot for the same thing next year and that’s a ring. swept by the San Antonio Spurs, 4-0. Many agree that changes are needed, but they believe that a championship can be attained without sacrificing their tough, defensive identity and dominant post play. Among the big questions facing the franchise: Can they get shooters? The need for perimeter shooting has always been and will always be a necessity for the Grizzlies. In the attempt to increase outside shooting, the Grizzlies front office traded for Green, added Carter and placed Beno Udrih as the back-point guard while relying on baskets from Lee and Conley. Will Gasol stay or go? Gasol is an unrestricted free agent and AllStar starter, who has developed into a sought-after center in a league where strong post play is often times overlooked. His decision to stay with Memphis or move on to another ball club can drastically change how the team approaches the offseason. Does Jeff Green have more to offer? While saying goodbye to Tayshaun Prince and Quincy Pondexter, the Grizzlies were looking at Green’s athleticism and shooting ability. They went on an 11-1 run after the addition, but he was later criticized when Coach Dave Joerger started him ahead of Tony Allen and the team lapsed into mediocre play. Green eventually requested to come off the bench. His flexibility is still important to the Grizzlies offense despite his lackluster play in the postseason. He has a $9.2 million player option. Will Kosta Koufos be back? Koufos, the current backup center to Gasol, is also an unrestricted free agent,
who if Gasol departs the organization is a viable starter, but reportedly displays desire for more money and a starting spot in the league. Koufos has not confirmed such reports. During exit interviews on Monday players and coaches shared their parting thoughts: Gasol on staying: “Everything plays a factor. I don’t think the small market big market thing plays a factor with me, but everything plays a part. I haven’t put any time and thought in it, honestly. I’ve been here all my whole life. It’ll be hard for me to imagine (being in another uniform.) Is it hard? Yes it’s hard.” Gasol on the team: “Players have to get better. We have some special players on this team. I thought this year I did a better job of staying aggressive. I didn’t get shy. Through the regular season, I had some points when I didn’t shoot much. Leading the team, I’ve got to be more positive with them. I can be hard on some of the players.” Gasol on the shot making: “I think as far as the shooting goes, so much goes in to shooting. If you want guys to make shots, you have to do a lot of work early. You have to have in rhythm.” Head Coach Dave Joerger on Gasol: “He’s enormous. He’s the best player at his position in the league. He does more for us than just play his position.” Joerger on the season: “I think all in all it was a very successful season. I don’t think that you go start tearing it apart. We don’t have a lot of room to make major moves anyways but we like our group. I think you add a piece
Allen on Game 6: “It is what it is. God don’t make mistakes. It was the Golden State Warriors’ time. You’ve got to give the guys credit. think we can win that way (playing grit and grind inside out basketball). In certain schemes you have to switch it up. At the end of the day, we are going to have to play defense.”
Mike Conley on the series and what’s next: “With the team that we have now it’s just a matter of us playing better. We didn’t all play to the best of our ability. We have the talent and we’d love to add a couple of pieces here or there.”
Courtney Lee: :You got some guys making threes but the team we went up against stretched the floor. It’s hard to match that when you have two shooters on the court as opposed to them having four sometimes five. We still believe that we can get it done with the group right here. We still feel confident and have faith in this group. The team needs more shooting so I’ve got to make sure I shoot 60 percent from three next year. I’m going to work on that, work on ball handling, work on getting stronger and the main thing is health. We lost. Nobody’s happy about that. That’s the biggest regret.”
Lee on Green: “I hope to have him (back next year). Jeff’s a good guy. He’s a good teammate and he can definitely help this team. His versatility, being athletic, being able to guard positions one through for sometimes five when they downsize – he’s a guy that can help us.”
Zach Randolph on the season: “Overall it was a good season. We ran into a good team. You can’t take anything from them. We’ve just got to get better, improve on our team, improve on some positions and come back and shoot for the same thing next year and that’s a ring. I think addressing the perimeter a little more and more scoring…. Just keep on trying to improve.”
Randolph on Gasol: “Whatever makes him and his family happy. We love him here, this is where he belongs, but whatever makes him happy. I don’t really just talk to him too much about it.”
U of M Tigers update: Stoudamire returns, point guard added by Anthony Sain
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
The downs outweighed the ups last season for the University of Memphis men’s basketball team and to restore balance changes are being made, including an addition with a familiar face. The Tigers announced on Monday (May18) the return of former assistant Damon Stoudamire. He is on his way back to the Bluff City after spending two seasons on the staff of the University of Arizona, where he helped lead the Wildcats to consecutive 30-win seasons. The move becomes complete after the approval of the Tennessee Board of Regents. “We are very excited to welcome Damon Stoudamire back to the University of Memphis,” Pastner said. “He brings a wealth of knowledge as both an experienced coach and a former standout NBA player. I believe adding Damon to our staff will make an immediate impact on
our guard play and perimeter defenses and will also bolster our recruiting efforts.” Stoudamire has several ties to Memphis. He played for the Memphis Grizzlies from Ricky 2005 to 2008 Tarrant and served as an assistant with the Grizzlies from 2009 to 2011 under then head coach Lionel Hollins. He replaces Aki Collins, who decided to pursue other ventures. “I want to say thank you to Aki Collins for the outstanding job he’s done for us the past three years,” Pastner said. “I have great respect for Coach Collins. He has been a huge asset for our program and is a head coach in-the-making. I know he will continue to be highly suc-
Damon Stoudamire
cessful in his next opportunity.” Stoudamire reportedly wanted to be closer to his family, including two young sons living in Atlanta.
Tarrant is expected to add depth to the lackluster point guard position. Averaging 13.1 points in 19 games last season, he suffered a foot injury that sidelined him the remainder of the year. He previously played at Tulane for two seasons before transferring to the Crimson Tide in 2013. Tarrant is projected to split minutes with returning senior guard Kedren Johnson.
Transfer in
Transfers out
Last Monday (May 11) the program announced the signing of Former Alabama guard Ricky Tarrant will enroll in classes at the U of M this summer and will be eligible to play this upcoming season. His signing was announced May 11. “We’re excited to welcome Ricky Tarrant to the Tiger family,” said Pastner. “His leadership and experience will be valuable to our success.”
Memphis has had two players transfer since last season’s end. East High School product Nick King is transferring to incoming guard Tarrant’s former school, Alabama. Pookie Powell is headed to La Salle. “Nick and Pookie both are fine young men and in good academic standing at the University,” Pastner said in March. “We support both players and wish them all the best.”
May 21 - 27, 2015
The New Tri-State Defender
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SPORTS
‘The choices you make, determine your fate’ Message hits home at SCIAA Winter & Spring Athletic Banquet of Champions Student athletes, parents, supporters and fans and administrators – 900-plus strong – poured into the Memphis Zoo for the 2nd Annual SCIAA Winter & Spring Athletic Banquet of Champions last Friday (May 15). Yes, it rained. No, it did not come close to stopping the show, which was designed to salute the sports champions of the winter and spring seasons. Bernal E. Smith II, president/publisher of The New Tri-State Defender, was tapped to deliver the keynote address. Known to have more than held his own on the basketball court as an athlete at Havenview Jr. High and Whitehaven High School, Smith was right at home among the student athletes. After an introduction by Marcus Taylor, Smith told the audience of a 1986 athletic banquet and then shared these thoughts: “After a great season and school year, I was
named MVP of our basketball team … and left knowing I was one of the best point guards in the city. I left there and went to Whitehaven, both my backcourt mate and I, a guy named Brian Smith, with much anticipation and excitement. We both started our sophomore year and were named among the top 10th graders in the city that season. “Subsequently, following that first season (and) for a number of reasons – primarily challenges and differences with my coach – things would, on the surface, go down hill from there, so much that I vaguely remember my senior athletic banquet. I remember feeling disappointed that I was held back and treated unfairly (and) that I was not provided a fair opportunity to reach my greatest potential as a high school player. In fact, I was confident that my coach would have rathered (that I) quit during my
Members of the SCIAA Champion A. Maceo Walker Baseball team.
junior or senior year, but of course, that didn’t happen. “I understood that there was a bigger picture, a bigger opportunity. I had been taught to never quit, to keep my eyes on the prize. So while my coach had no summer practices, didn’t get us – or better yet, me - in any camps, other coaches like Coach Tippett from White Station and Coach Ted Anderson at Hamilton helped me and got me in camps. My junior high coach, Coach Jerry Johnson (pray for him and his family as he battles cancer), invited me to summer games where college scouts came and watched. I played AAU and competed at the national level. “But that’s only part of the story. While I was enduring difficulties and challenges on the court, I was maintaining a 3.8 GPA, scored a 27 on the ACT and taking AP courses, including calculus. So in the end I had multiple
Kelvin Walters from STAX Music Academy performing the National Anthem.
scholarship offers at Division 1, 2 and 3 levels and ended up accepting a full ride to Rhodes College here in Memphis, where we won the conference championship my first two season. And I’m proud to say I graduated with a degree in business, with zero student loans receiving a 100k-plus education. “I share that story to share three things: “One – there will be obstacles in you way, you must proceed anyway. “(Two) – people will disappoint you, let you down and stand in your way and sometimes it’s the people that are supposed to be helping you the most. But despite them, you have to stay focused and fight on anyway. “Thirdly, you have to take responsibility for you, for creating the path to the future you desire. No one can do that for you. The choices you make, determine your fate. “Repeat that with me.”
TSD President/Publisherr Bernal E. Smith II delivered the keynote.
SCIAA Small Schools Girls Basketball Champions - Georgian Hills Middle School.
Oakhaven Color Guard
SCIAA Boys Soccer Champions Kingsbury Middle School.
Awards
SCIAA Small Schools Baseball Champions-A. Maceo Walker Middle School
SCIAA Girls Track Champions - White Station Middle School.
Sports champions from the winter and spring seasons were honored at the 2nd Annual SCIAA Banquet. (Photos: Hilite Photography)
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May 21 - 27, 2015
The New Tri-State Defender