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By TSD Newsroom
The Memphis City Council unanimously confirmed Cerelyn “CJ” Davis as the city’s permanent police chief on January 21, citing her leadership in reducing crime and implementing innovative policing strategies.
Davis, who has led the Memphis Police Department (MPD) since 2021, has been instrumental in bringing about measurable progress in public safety while addressing long-standing challenges in the city.
“This vote signifies our trust in Chief Davis to continue the progress we’ve seen,” said Councilman Ford Canale. “Unity is what Memphis needs right now, and her leadership has already demonstrated the positive changes we can achieve together.”
In 2024, Memphis experienced a 6.2% decline in total reported incidents compared to the previous year, including a 51.1% drop in homicides in the fourth quarter alone, according to recently released crime stats from MPD. These reductions coincide with Davis’ leadership in launching targeted initiatives, such as Operation Code Zero and the Fugitive Team pilot program, which focused on apprehending violent offenders and addressing community safety concerns.
Davis’ approach to policing has been marked by what she describes as a “holistic” strategy. This involves not only reducing violent crime but also engaging with the community to address systemic issues. Programs like Saturday Night Live, which focuses on downtown safety, have paired enforcement with community outreach to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
“We’ve made strides in reducing crime, but public safety is about more than just statistics,” Davis said fol-
lowing her confirmation. “It’s about trust, transparency, and ensuring every member of our community feels safe and valued.”
Despite these successes, Davis’ tenure has not been without challenges. The death of Tyre Nichols in January 2023 marked a turning point for the MPD, leading to the disbandment of the SCORPION Unit and sparking national conversations about police reform. That incident also spurred a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation. And when the report came out in December, it painted a damning picture of MPD as awash in patterns of excessive force and discrimination.
“This has been a challenging year for all of us in this city, but I am hopeful with your leadership, Chief Davis, that we will never have to face tragedies like Tyre Nichols’ death again,” said Councilwoman Michalyn Easter-Thomas during the meeting. “We are trusting you to bring not only accountability but also compassion to our force.”
Davis acknowledged the concerns in her remarks. “The DOJ report is a sobering reminder that we have to do better, especially for our most vulnerable populations. This department is committed to transparency, accountability, and building trust with the community.”
By StacyBrown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Media
President Donald Trump has unveiled his American priorities, which include measures addressing border security, economic policies, government restructuring, and social values. While the policies aim to bolster what the administration calls “American values and safety,” they carry profound implications for Black Americans and other marginalized communities.
The president plans to reinstate hardline immigration policies, including ending “catchand-release,” reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” program and expanding the border wall. The proposed suspension of refugee resettlement could disproportionately affect Black migrants from African and Caribbean nations who seek asylum in the U.S. Increased deportation operations targeting undocumented immigrants, including those with minor infractions, may further contribute to fears of racial profiling and discrimination in Black and immigrant communities.
Additionally, deploying the military, including the National Guard, to the border raises concerns about the militarization of immigration enforcement. The designation of certain cartels as foreign terrorist organizations could lead to broader enforcement measures that risk overreach and collateral harm to immigrant populations, many of whom are Black.
Trump’s plan to “Make America Affordable and Energy Dominant Again” centers on reducing costs through expanded energy production and deregulation. While these measures aim to lower living expenses, they could have mixed consequences for Black Americans. Communities of color often bear the brunt of environmental harm caused by deregulated industries and fossil fuel expansion, raising questions about long-term health and environmental justice.
The administration’s withdrawal from the
Paris Climate Accord and rejection of renewable energy investments could also slow progress in creating green jobs, an industry where Black workers have begun to gain traction.
In his pledge to “Drain the Swamp,” Trump proposes freezing hiring in non-essential areas of the federal workforce, with a specific focus on reducing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This could result in fewer opportunities for Black professionals and reduced attention to addressing systemic inequities in federal agencies.
Plans to reduce remote work among federal employees could disproportionately affect Black workers, who often rely on flexible arrangements to manage systemic disparities such as longer commutes and caregiving responsibilities.
Under “Bring Back American Values,” the president has vowed to uphold traditional gender definitions and push back against what he terms “radical gender ideology.” While the policy may resonate with some, critics argue it risks undermining protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, including Black transgender and
nonbinary people who already face high levels of discrimination and violence.
Additionally, the administration’s promise to rename American landmarks to “appropriately honor” U.S. history raises concerns about erasing the recognition of Black leaders and historical figures in public spaces.
Trump’s America First agenda presents a mix of challenges for Black communities. Policies targeting immigration, environmental regulations, and government reform could exacerbate existing inequities, while the rollback of DEI programs threatens to stall progress toward racial justice.
As the administration prepares to implement these policies, the impact on Black Americans will depend on how federal and state agencies carry out the president’s vision. Critics warn that many of these proposals risk further marginalizing Black communities in an era of increasing social and economic disparities.
“No administration can ignore the lasting impact of its policies on communities already fighting systemic barriers,” a civil rights advocate said.
During the Zeta/Sigma Founders Celebration, Phi Beta Sigma recognized Daryl Anderson Sr. with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Joining Anderson here are former international Sigma President Michael Cristal (left), and Calvin Anderson, past president of the Memphis Chapter. Anderson is also currently President of The Tri-State Defender.
As the only truly brother-sister organizations among the Divine Nine, the Memphis Chapters of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority celebrated their respective Founders Day together with a Jan. 18 program at Bethlehem M.B. Church in Memphis. Phi Beta Sigma was founded on Jan. 9, 1914, and six years later helped establish Zeta Phi Beta on Jan. 16, 1920. Both were founded at Howard University in Washington, DC. (Courtesy photo)
By TSD Newsroom
The bonds of sisterhood and service lit up New Sardis Baptist Church Saturday, January 18, 2025, as the Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. celebrated the organization’s 117th Founders’ Day.
Themed “A Sincere Sisterhood: A Lifetime Bond of Connections, Commitment and Collective Purpose,” the event united a diverse crowd of around 600 attendees, including members of the Divine Nine, local leaders and dignitaries from across the nation.
Dr. Tresa Dunbar Garrett, chair of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s International Sisterly Relations Committee, delivered the keynote address. Her powerful message highlighted the enduring bonds of sisterhood and the collective impact of service that has defined Alpha Kappa Alpha for more than a century.
The event, led by Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter President Judy Martin, showcased the chapter’s dedication to community engagement and service. Attendees participated in a Founders’ Day Service Project supporting several local organizations, including:
• Room in the Inn, a program providing respite care and safe spaces for men, women and children experiencing homelessness, received donations of hats, scarves and gloves.
• Hope House, which improves the quality of life for individuals and families affected by HIV and poverty, received donations of toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap and toilet tissue.
• Sweet Cheeks Diaper Ministry, which supplies diapers to families in need, received contributions of diapers in all sizes.
These efforts reflected the sorority’s mission to empower and uplift communities through targeted programming and initiatives.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. was founded in 1908 at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and remains the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women.
Established in 1934, the BEO chapter holds the distinction of being the first Alpha Kappa
awarded a
to the
Alpha chapter chartered in Memphis and the 55th graduate chapter in the nation. With more than 600 active members, the chapter continues to lead effective projects in the Memphis area. Saturday’s celebration was not only a reflection of the sorority’s storied history, but also a reminder of the ongoing commitment to service and sisterhood that continues to guide Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission.
By Lee Eric Smith Interim Editor
Dr. Marie Feagins may have the support of a broad swath of Memphians — a coalition of parents, teachers, elected officials and school administrators. Students have even demonstrated on her behalf.
But in the end, she did not have the votes.
By the end of a lengthy and frequently heated meeting of the Memphis Shelby County School Board, board members voted to terminate Feagins’ contract by a vote of 6-3.
The substance of the ouster effort never changed: Board members maintain that Feagins mishandled funds, failed to communicate effectively, and incorrectly alleged abuse of overtime by MSCS employees.
“At this pivotal moment, we need a transformational leader who will collaborate effectively with the Board and respect governance protocols, keeping students at the center of every decision,” said Board Chair Joyce Dorse Coleman.
Minutes after the termination vote, the Board voted to appoint Dr. Roderick Richmond as interim superintendent. Currently, Richmond is the transformation officer for MSCS, helping to turn around low performing schools.
“I am surprised yet honored to be offered this opportunity to serve as the interim superintendent for Memphis-Shelby County Schools,” Richmond said in a statement.
“I look forward to working with the MSCS Board of
Education on a path forward to ensure that our students continue to have the education and resources they deserve.”
“After nine months as superintendent, Dr. Feagins has not demonstrated the transformational leadership that is critical to the success of MSCS, which is the largest school district in Tennessee,” Coleman said in a statement released after the meeting.
Meanwhile, Feagins has promised to allow her attorney to speak further on her behalf.
“I think this is exactly the opposite of what an educational institution stands for,” Feagins said immediately after being terminated. “I believe that many members of the board chose chaos over children. And it looks like they chose litigation over leadership.
“And so I’ll see them in court,” she concluded.
Meanwhile, in the aftermath, resi-
dents began talking about efforts to recall school board members and admonishing Feagins, “Don’t leave Memphis. It ain’t over!”
Just like at the Dec. 17 call meeting when the move to oust Feagins first surfaced, supporters packed out the school board auditorium and the overflow area. Wave after wave of supporters stepped to the microphone to make their impassioned pleas for the board to change direction. Among the more notable names to address the board: Shelby County Commissioner Brittney Thornton and State Rep. Justin J. Pearson, who had a minor dustup with
police when he ran over his time.
There were, in fact, TWO school board meetings Tuesday — the regular meeting, which started at 5:30 p.m. and the special call meeting to address Feagins’ termination, which was set for 7 p.m. But because of Feagins’ popularity, people reportedly began showing up for the school board meeting as early as 3 p.m. And pro-Feagins public comments during the first meeting delayed the second meeting, which also had a lengthy segment of comments from Feagins’ supporters.
But once that was done, attorney Robert Spence, representing the school
board, stepped to the mic to present the findings of his firms investigation into the allegations behind the ouster.
“Everyone is entitled to their own opinion,” Spence told the audience, as he held up a book-sized document.
“These . . . are the FACTS.”
Many in the audience took issue
with Spence’s courtroom style delivery, shouting “This ain’t no courtroom! This ain’t no trial!” School Board Commissioner Michelle McKissack, who voted to keep Feagins, promptly threw the report in the trash can next to her.
The board did vote to release Spence’s full report online, expected later this week.
As expected, Commissioner Amber Huett-Garcia submitted a substitute amendment that would have saved Feagins’ job while explicitly outlining terms for holding her accountable and addressing the concerns her colleagues had. But her colleagues did not budge,
voting not to adopt the amendment and signaling the final vote to terminate that came minutes later.
Voting to terminate Feagins: Commissioners Towanna Murphy, Stephanie Love, Sable Otey, Joyce Dorse Coleman, Keith Williams and Natalie McKinney.
Voting against termination: Commisioners Michelle Robinson McKissack, Amber Huett-Garcia and Tamarques Porter.
Once the meeting adjourned, McKissack and Huett-Garcia addressed media, addressing the specter of the State of Tennessee intervening in MSCS operations as a result of the drama.
“This is so much bigger than Dr. Feagins. We are structurally broken as a board,” McKissack said. “When the chair announces that she has found the person to work with the board and (tonight) is the first time we’re hearing it? That’s a problem.
“We don’t know exactly how the state is going to respond to this,” she continued. “Rep. Mark White told me today that with MSCS receiving 900 million in funding? They have to respond to this. They can’t just look the other way.” Feagins was moved by the outpouring of support from the community, and had words of encouragement to her supporters.
“I do want everyone to stay encouraged. Stay optimistic. Keep using your voices,” Feagins told her supporters as she addressed media after the meeting. “Keep showing up. This is not the end, but stay focused on the main thing.”
During the Earl Lloyd Sports Legacy Symposium, honorees Tommie Smith, Amar’e Stoudemire and Cheryl Miller discussed their journey and how Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. inspired them. (Photos: D’Angelo Connell/Tri-State Defender)
On January 20, 2025, the Memphis Grizzlies celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with their 23rd Annual MLK Celebration Game and the Earl Lloyd Sports Legacy Symposium, presented by the Hyde Family Foundation.
The event highlighted the intersection of sports and social justice, featuring this year’s National Civil Rights Museum Sports Legacy Award honorees: Tommie Smith, Cheryl Miller, and Amar’e Stoudemire.
The symposium, held at the FedExForum practice facility, offered a moving platform for the honorees to reflect on their contributions and Dr. King’s teachings. The honorees toured the National Civil Rights Museum during their stay.
While there, Miller had a moment as she saw an image of Smith’s raised fist — as Smith stood next to her.
“Watching on the screen, seeing him standing up on the podium, and holding up his fist, the first thing that popped into my head was, ‘Young man, would
you have done it had you known the price you would pay?’” said Miller, a pioneer in women’s basketball and sports broadcasting. “‘Young man, who was there to hold you when your tears were shed?’ God bless you for the courage to take that stand.”
Smith told the behind the scenes story that answered MIllers question.
“I ran that final race with a pulled muscle. Now tell me there’s no God,” Smith said. “People often ask me if I would have done it knowing the price I would pay, and I say yes, because it wasn’t about me. It was about humanity and the belief that we all deserve equality.”
Amar’e Stoudemire, a six-time NBA All-Star and philanthropist, spoke on the challenges today’s youth face.
“There’s a conflict of interest with where we are today. On one hand, we have a lot of successful young entrepreneurs paving the way for their families. On the other, we have youth who lack education and motivation to pursue greatness, instead drawn to the streets,” Stoudemire said. “The challenge is creating more positive leaders in our communities—leaders
who can build and inspire others.”
The symposium also featured three Memphis high school seniors—recipients of the Keeper of the Dream
Award—whose community-focused projects embody Dr. King’s vision. Corey Mitchell Irby II, Maria Fernando Matado, and Adaria Crutcher shared inspiring stories of civic engagement, from school clean-ups to mental health initiatives, earning applause for their leadership.
The celebration culminated in a dramatic game between the Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves. In front of a raucous Memphis crowd, the Grizzlies rallied from a 16-point deficit to secure a thrilling 108-106 victory.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led the charge with 24 points and 11 rebounds, including 15 points in the fourth quarter. Desmond Bane added 22 points, while Ja Morant contributed 19 points and seven assists. Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards led all scorers with 32 points, but it wasn’t enough to stop Memphis’s late-game surge.
By Ancelious Meeks
Special to the Tri-State Defender
The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art was transformed into a unique social hub Thursday evening, January 16, as the venue hosted a welcoming Happy Hour event from 6–8 p.m. This event blended culture, art and music into one memorable experience. The event was centered around an exciting DJ set from YO BREEZE that brought together the best of both worlds, a mashup of hip-hop and alternative sounds that had a few attendees dancing and vibing into the night.
Museum guests streamed into the spacious lobby, greeted by the modern ambiance of the museum and the smooth pulse of the DJ’s beats. Inside, the usual quiet reverence of art was replaced with a lively energy. Art lovers and music enthusiasts mingled over cocktails, all while surrounded by the stunning exhibits the Brooks is known for.
An exhibit that caught my eye is the display room that showcases the future of the Brooks Museum as they prepare to move to their new riverfront location. Construction is underway for the downtown move and from the looks of the exhibit, it’s sure to bring light to a rather dark area of the Memphis riverfront.
YO BREEZE, a local DJ talent known for seamlessly blending genres, kicked off the night with an eclectic mix of hip-hop anthems fused with indie and house beats, creating an unexpected yet perfect
harmony between the worlds of mainstream hip-hop and other genres.
“This is a cool vibe, with plenty of different people from all walks of life in the same room, definitely different,” said Danny Alexeas, a Memphis local who attended the event. With the museum’s iconic art pieces as the backdrop, the event fostered a community-centered vibe that celebrated Memphis’ diverse music scene. Attendees were able to connect over the shared experience of cutting-edge music and visual art, all while sipping on signature cocktails.
The Brooks Museum’s dedication to blending visual art with the sounds of the city came through in every detail, from the curated playlist to the relaxed, inclusive environment. The Happy Hour event was an excellent reminder that art doesn’t only live on the walls, it lives in the beats, rhythms and culture that make Memphis one of the most musically rich cities in the country.
As the evening wound down, many guests including me lingered a little longer, chatting about the unique combination of sounds they had just experienced, while others snapped photos of the art exhibits that had been highlighted under the glow of the DJ’s mix. It was a celebration of Memphis’ artistic spirit, both old and new.
The Brooks Museum’s Happy Hour event is shaping up to be one of many future gatherings that fuse the creative arts with the city’s vibrant music scene, leaving many eagerly anticipating the next one.
