The Tri-State Defender - March 28, 2024

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COMMUNITY CEMETERY RESTORATION

COMMUNITY MAYOR YOUNG:

BLP Studio pitching a ‘multi-agency police substation’ on proposed film lot in Whitehaven.

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Ceremony honors victims of 1892 Peoples Grocery Lynching that inspired Ida B. Wells.

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Memphis must show youth a ‘more hopeful path is possible.’

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COMMUNITY

BLP Studio pitching a ‘multi-agency police substation’ on proposed film lot in Whitehaven

By James Coleman Special to The Tri-State Defender

With a lm production set to begin this month, BLP Film Studio requested a permanent law enforcement presence be considered at the site of its planned 100-acre South Memphis lm lot during an update to Memphis City Council Parks and Tourism Committee members on Tuesday, March 5.

“Speci cally, the request we are asking is for a multi-agency police substation to be located on the property,” said BLP founder and CEO Jason Farmer.

While Memphis’ centralized location on the map is a plus for out-of-town lmmakers, the high crime rate of the studio’s surrounding community could potentially hinder future productionsand frighten o potential investors.

“We get a phone call probably once a week about the crime. ere are concerns about crime in the city, speci cally the location of the lm studio,” said Farmer.

Others have expressed concern. Founded in 2012, the studio is currently working with state o cials and politicians to clear remaining regulatory hurdles and secure government funding.

“We’re continuing to navigate through the state system. We’ve asked for some funding from the state as an aspect of tourism. We’ll be appearing before the Black Caucus tomorrow. We’re expecting a meeting with Governor Lee in the next couple of weeks.”

Located on Elvis Presley Blvd., the property abuts a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Whitehaven. e land was purchased from the Memphis Shelby County Schools system in 2022.

BLP Studio’s proposal would place a substation in the studio’s commons area. e forward-facing section along Elvis Presley Blvd. would also contain BLP support services, retail and recreational spaces, along with a minor medical clinic.

Preliminary discussions on the topic have been held with several city o cials, including City of Memphis Mayor Paul Young, interim MPD Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis and City of Memphis COO Antonio Adams. A discussion is in the works with Shelby County Sheri Floyd Bonner too. Other civic leaders are also in the loop. Ultimately, the decision lies with Young, who would make the request to the council.

Council members, however, seem receptive. If a new substation was approved, it would take several years before it would be open. Beginning with an out tting request from the MPD, a design contract is submitted. If the money is allocated the next budget season, construction can begin.

“Construction is anywhere from 18-24 months. If you add it all together, maybe 40-something odd months to

really build a precinct,” said Adams. One member pointed out a quick x solution could already be in place. When the nearby retailer built its anchor store in the community, a space was built on the property to house a police precinct. It has never been used. “ at particular Wal-Mart was built as a model, because Wal-Mart wanted to put Wal-Marts into the city. WalMarts were usually on the outskirts. ey were going to put precincts for police free of charge…” said Edmund Ford Sr.

A joint e ort with his son, Jason Jr., BLP Film Studio ambitions include establishing Memphis as a premier Tier 2 lm production city. Other Tier 2 cities include New Orleans and Shreveport. Tier 1 cities include notable lm production towns like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Atlanta.

President

By Deidre Malone

Special to the Tri-State Defender

Editor’s Note: In addition to serving as Vice President of the Tri-State Defender’s parent company, Deidre Malone is the President of the National Women’s Political Caucus. In that role, she recently traveled to Washington DC for meetings at the White House and shares this rst-person account.

On ursday, February 29, 2024, elected o cials, non-pro t leaders and community leaders were invited to Washington DC to participate in a White House event called “Communities In Action, Building a Better America.”

e meeting was a brie ng on current Biden-Harris Administration programs and a listening session to hear how these programs have impacted their local communities – directly from those who live in them. Representatives from Tennessee, West Virginia and Kentucky were invited to participate.

I was invited as the President of the National Women’s Political Caucus. Members from the Biden-Harris Administration shared updates on programs around infrastructure, clean-energy, the economy, lowering costs for Tennessee Families.

One of the speakers was U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

“We are proud of the investments we’ve made in awarding $54 million to Memphis Area Transit Authority for a new operations and maintenance facility to accommodate more vehicles,” Buttigieg said. “I’ve been down to Memphis attending an event at the Memphis International Airport and we’ve awarded them a grant for terminal modernization.”

In Tennessee, residents are saving money on their health care premiums and prescription drugs, high speed

Memphis area leaders meet with BidenHarris Administration at White House

internet and home energy costs. Nearly 1.3 million Tennesseans with Medicare will bene t from the $2,000 yearly cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, a $35 monthly cap per insulin prescription and free vaccines.

According to the Biden-Harris Administration, more than 338,000 Tennesseans signed-up for health

insurance through the A ordable Care Act during the 2023 enrollment period and will bene t from savings of lower health care premiums.

I thanked the Administration for providing the A ordable Connectivity Program investment bringing free internet services to underserved communities. More than 340,000 people in our state took advantage of the ACP program. Program funding is about to end, but the administration is looking at the possibility of extending this program according to sta .

Shelby County Commission Chairwoman Miska Clay Bibbs, thanked the Biden-Harris Team for their investments in Tennessee.

“I’m thankful for all the investments made in Tennessee by the Biden-Harris Administration, including the nancial assistance provided for BlueOval City, MATA and the Memphis International Airport,” said Clay Bibbs. “I also want President Biden to know that we need

more investment in Memphis and Shelby County. Anything you can do to assist us would be appreciated.”

Others representing Tennessee included:

• Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly

• State Senator Charlane Oliver (Nashville)

• State Senator Je Yarbro (Nashville)

• State Representative Harold Love (Nashville)

• State Representative Gloria Johnson (Knoxville)

• State Representative Sam McKenzie (Knoxville)

(*McKenzie also chairs the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators)

• Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Hendrell Remus

• Out Memphis Executive Director Molly Quinn

• A representative from the Ironworkers Union.

Elected officials and community leaders from Tennessee attended a listening session at the White House. (Courtesy Photo)

Deidre Malone and Shelby County Commission Chairwoman Miska Clay Bibbs represented Memphis and Shelby County at the White House on Feb. 29.

Bethlehem MB Church celebrates unveiling of ‘O.C. Collins Jr. Street’

By Gary S. Whitlow Special to Tri-State Defender

In a heartfelt display of gratitude and community spirit, Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church recently unveiled a street sign dedicated to the legacy of Rev. O.C. Collins, Jr.

Rev. O.C. Collins, Jr., hails from a venerable family long associated with spiritual guidance and community engagement in Memphis. His father, Rev. O.C. Collins, Sr., le a 47-year legacy of leadership at the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, in uencing a generation with his stewardship and commitment to outreach.

Rev. O.C. Collins, Jr.’s dedication is mirrored in his leadership, with a focus on community development initiatives that honor his father’s vision. From infrastructure improvements to support for local ministries and a long-term goal of providing a ordable housing, the Collins family continues to foster the well-being of their congregation and neighbors.

Rev. O.C. Collins Jr. was surrounded by love and well wishes for the unveiling of a street sign in his honor on March 17.

(Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)

e ceremony, which took place on March 17, brought out family, friends and church members to celebrate the occasion. TSD Photojournalist Gary S. Whitlow was on hand with his camera to capture precious moments at the corner of Looney Ave. and Ayers St.

‘Look Back, Launch Forward’ event celebrates and commemorates Memphis 13

Dozens screen

“The Memphis 13” documentary at Crosstown Concourse

By Sherri Neely

Special to the Tri-State Defender

Last week, the Memphis community gathered for an extraordinary event, “Look Back, Launch Forward,” a collaboration between e Memphis 13 Foundation and the Crosstown Arts Film Series, held at Crosstown Concourse.

is event was not just a commemoration but a profound call to action, weaving the themes of inclusion, tolerance, and social change into a tapestry of re ection and dialogue.

At its core, “Look Back, Launch Forward” aimed to honor the brave actions of e Memphis 13, whose courage in desegregating Memphis Public Schools in 1961 continues to inspire the path toward a more inclusive and equitable future.

Central to the evening was the screening of “THE MEMPHIS 13,” a documentary directed by Daniel Kiel. is powerful lm serves as a beacon, illuminating the stories of thirteen remarkable young individuals whose bravery transcended their age.

It’s a narrative that not only pays homage to their legacy but also ignites conversations about the essentiality of fostering inclusion, tolerance, and social change within our communities.

is screening set the stage for a deeper engagement with the past, a mindful acknowledgment of the present, and a collective aspiration for a future enriched with comprehensive understanding and unity.

Following the lm, the event featured

a panel discussion with members of e Memphis 13, including Dwania Kyles, Leandrew Wiggins, Alvin Freeman, Sharon Malone, Sheila Malone Conway, Jacqueline Moore-Christion, and Menelik Fombi (formerly Michael Willis), moderated by Dory Lerner from the National Civil Rights Museum.

is dialogue was not only a re ection on their historic journey but also an exploration of how their legacy continues to impact modern e orts toward social justice. e discussions culminated in an onstage conversation between Danette Stokes, President of the

United Education Association of Shelby County, and Dory Lerner. Rather than delivering a keynote, this discussion provided a platform for exploring the intersections of education, civil rights, and the ongoing work required to achieve true equity and inclusion.

As guests arrived, the event’s atmosphere was enriched by the African sounds of musical guest Ekpe Abioto, setting an appropriate tone for an evening dedicated to celebrating history, courage, and the potential for positive societal transformation.

“Look Back, Launch Forward” offered the Memphis community a rare

opportunity to re ect on the past, embrace the present, and pave the way for a future where meaningful connections are forged through shared history and collective aspirations for social change.

Inclusion, tolerance, and social change were not merely themes of the evening; they are the pillars upon which e Memphis 13 Foundation and the Crosstown Arts Film Series build their mission. As we move forward, let the legacy of e Memphis 13 remind us of the power of unity and the importance of each individual’s contribution to cra ing a more equitable and inclusive society.

Surviving members of the Memphis 13 participated in a panel discussion about their experiences (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)

Best Karaoke Night EVER ...

Let’s face it: Most people who get up to sing at a karaoke bar aren’t good, let alone great. But what happens when multiple members of the Tennessee Mass Choir meet up for karaoke at Neil’s Music Room in East Memphis? An incredible night of music, that’s what. Choir members met up at Neil’s in early February and had so much fun they came back again in March. Performers did popular secular hits like Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary” and Anita Baker’s “Caught Up in the Rapture.” But the group did join up on stage for a powerful rendition of “I Want to Know What Love Is” to close the evening out. No word yet on whether they’ll meet up for karaoke in April . . . stay tuned! Scan the QR code for more photos and a clip of the group performance! (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprise/Tri-State Defender)

With Microphone: “We were proud to honor the lives of Thomas Moss, Calvin McDowell, and William Stewart, along with all those buried in this sacred ground. Their stories must continue to be told, and the cemetery itself must be restored as a testament to their resilience.” — Elaine Turner, Chairperson of the Zion Community

Zion Community Project Honors Lynching Victims, Continues Calls for Cemetery Restoration

Ceremony honors victims of 1892 Peoples Grocery Lynching that inspired Ida B. Wells

TSD Newsroom

is past Saturday, March 9th, the Zion Community Project Inc. held a poignant commemoration ceremony in honor of omas Moss, Calvin McDowell, and William Stewart, victims of the 1892 People’s Grocery Lynching.

e event, marking the 132nd anniversary of the lynching, included a volunteer clean-up of the historic Zion Christian Cemetery, followed by a ceremony honoring the victims and highlighting the ongoing e orts to restore this landmark of African American history.

“ is year’s commemoration took on special signi cance as it fell on the

anniversary date of the horri c lynching,” said Elaine Turner, Chairperson of the Zion Community Project. “We were proud to honor the lives of omas Moss, Calvin McDowell, and William Stewart, along with all those buried in this sacred ground. eir stories must continue to be told, and the cemetery itself must be restored as a testament to their resilience.”

e Zion Christian Cemetery, established in 1876, is the oldest African American cemetery in Memphis. It holds the remains of countless individuals who made signi cant contributions to the city and beyond. However, the cemetery has faced challenges over the years, and restoration e orts are crucial to preserving this important

historical site.

e volunteer clean-up on Saturday saw community members come together to clear debris, trim vegetation, and honor the memory of those buried in the cemetery. e subsequent ceremony featured speeches, tributes, and a renewed call for support in the ongoing restoration project.

Call for Support and Restoration

e Zion Community Project continues to advocate for the full restoration of the Zion Christian Cemetery. ose interested in supporting the cause can nd details about volunteering or donating on the Zion Community Project Inc. Website.

Project (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/TriState Defender)

The Zion Community Project is committed to keeping the cemetery in good shape, and its history alive.

BLACK MAYORS UNITED: Black mayors converge in Memphis to collaborate on crime

Inaugural meeting of the Black Mayors Coalition on Crime wrapped up March 28

By TSD Newsroom

In an unprecedented move to address the rising concerns of crime across the nation, Memphis

Mayor Paul Young, in collaboration with the African American Mayors Association (AAMA) unveiled the Black Mayors’ Coalition on Crime (BMCC).

And the coalition’s inaugural meeting was held right here in Memphis, on March 27-28. At TSD presstime, the conference was still underway with a press conference set for the a ernoon of March 28.

is groundbreaking initiative aims to unify black mayors throughout the United States to devise and implement e ective crime- ghting strategies. Mayors and representatives from 21 cities in Southern states like Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina and Georgia attended, as well as representatives from cities in Arizona, Indiana and Washington, D.C.

But the e ort also has engaged the mayors of America’s two largest cities: Mayor Eric Adams of New York City and Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles.

“For the rst time in history, we have an unprecedented number of black mayors in some of our biggest cities,” Young said in a statement. “Others, like myself, represent millions of Americans in small-to-medium and large-sized cities across the country.”

“Many of these leaders come from the communities most a ected by crime, so they have a unique perspective on solving it,” he added.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams echoed the sentiment.

“Across our great and diverse country, there’s one thing that every city has in common: public safety is the prerequisite to prosperity,” Adams said in a press release. “As a former police

“I applaud Mayor Young for convening the Black Mayors Coalition on Crime to have an honest conversation around protecting our cities and delivering peace of mind at a time when our communities need it most.” — Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City

o cer, I know rsthand that public safety is not just about keeping people safe — it is also about making sure people feel safe.

“I applaud Mayor Young for convening the Black Mayors Coalition on Crime to have an honest conversation around protecting our cities and delivering peace of mind at a time when our communities need it most,” Adams said.

e two-day summit will be facilitated by Dr. Russell Wigginton, President of the National Civil Rights Museum, and promises to be a blend of keynote speeches and case study presentations. Highlighted initiatives like “Operation SCARLET” from Charlotte, NC, and “Operation Good” from Jackson, MS, will o er insights into successful crime reduction strategies.

Young campaigned on bringing a

fresh and comprehensive approach to crime, and he’s been pounding that message since being sworn in Jan. 1. He attended a vigil commemorating the fatal 2022 beating of Tyre Nichols in January. In February, he made his rounds around the city on a listening tour, and recently listened to citizen at the Ed Rice Community Center in Frayser.

With the coalition, he believes that through collaboration, mayors can forge a powerful collective voice that can spur signi cant policy changes and resource allocations to tackle crime e ectively.

“ e time is now for us to speak with one voice, to call for national and local policy change and funding, and to share our collective learnings to create the meaningful change that will reduce crime in all of our communities,” said Young.

While the BMCC currently focuses on black mayors, Young is open to contributions from any leader committed to addressing crime.

“My hope is that this will be the start of a broad ongoing national e ort to nd real solutions to this very complex issue,” he said. “I believe we can leverage our collective platforms to create change in the policies, laws, and resources needed to reverse the trend and heal our communities.

“We cannot wait.”

Phyllis Dickerson, CEO of the African American Mayors Association, expressed her support for the initiative, praising Mayor Young’s leadership.

“I welcome this initiative, and I am energized to see a new, young mayor step up in a leadership role to tackle this issue,” she said. “He has our full support, and I’m con dent other mayors will join him.”

Mayor Young: Memphis must show youth a ‘more hopeful path is possible’

TSD Newsroom

In February, Memphis Mayor Paul Young participated in a Summit on Youth Violence hosted by STEM4US and the Memphis Islamic Center. A er his initial remarks, Young participated in a conversation with MIC Director Talib Ibn Karim, which was recorded and posted to Youtube.

e Tri-State Defender accessed a transcript of that conversation, and with the help of arti cial intelligence, have edited Young’s 30-minute Q & A session for clarity and length.

Talib Ibn Karim: Mayor Young, amidst this pivotal moment for our community, how do you interpret our situation and proposed response?

Mayor Paul Young: We are indeed in a crisis, at a pivotal moment in our history where the direction we take is critical. e events unfolding in our community, their brazen nature, are deeply troubling. Since my rst day in o ce, I’ve been adamant that tackling this issue requires a uni ed approach. It’s not just about the immediate actions but understanding the deeper, systemic issues that have led us to this point.

Our young people, faced with dire choices, are making decisions that, while seemingly logical to them given their circumstances, lead down a path of destruction. It is absolutely critical that we, as a community, come together to show them that there are alternatives, that a di erent, more hopeful path is possible.

Q: With the city in a state of crisis, what strategies do you believe are

essential to navigate this turmoil?

Young: Addressing this crisis requires a multi-faceted strategy. First and foremost, we must hold those accountable who seek to terrorize our communities. But beyond accountability, we need a strong focus on intervention and prevention. For too long, our approach has been reactionary, waiting until a point of no return before we take action.

We need to identify at-risk youth early on and engage them in meaningful ways. is involves not just law enforcement but the entire community— schools, churches, community organizations—coming together to provide support and alternatives to those who feel they have none. It’s about changing the narrative and showing our young people that their community is invested in their future and well-being.

Q: In tackling public safety and youth violence, can you outline the speci c actions your administration is taking?

Young: Our administration is taking a comprehensive approach to enhance public safety and address youth violence. We’re increasing law enforcement presence in key areas, focusing on data-driven strategies to identify and intervene with the small subset of individuals responsible for the majority of serious crimes. We’re also working to improve communication and coordination among the many organizations doing critical work on the ground.

By creating a uni ed platform for these e orts, we can ensure that our resources are being used e ciently and e ectively. Furthermore, we’re conducting a thorough analysis of gun

violence incidents to better understand the networks and dynamics driving this violence. is will enable us to target our interventions more e ectively, aiming to disrupt the cycle of violence at its core.

Q: Re ecting on the broader community’s role, especially parents, what’s your vision for enhancing their involvement in this collective e ort?

Young: e role of parents and the broader community in this collective e ort cannot be overstated. Our vision is to empower parents, guardians, and community members to become proactive participants in shaping a positive future for our youth. is involves providing them with the resources, support, and education needed to e ectively guide and mentor their children.

We recognize the challenges many families face, including economic hardships, lack of access to quality education, and limited exposure to positive role models. To address these issues, we are exploring ways to reallocate our budget and resources towards programs that directly benet our youth and their families. is includes a er-school programs, job training initiatives, and community mentoring schemes. By enhancing the support structure available to parents and guardians, we aim to create a more nurturing and conducive environment for our young people to grow, learn, and thrive.

Q: As you envision Memphis’s future, particularly in terms of technology and innovation, what steps are you taking to realize this vision?

Young: “Memphis’s future as a

hub of technology and innovation is a vision that my administration is deeply committed to realizing. We are actively taking steps to attract tech companies and promote innovation within our city. is includes leveraging our strategic location and existing strengths, such as our signi cant logistics and distribution capabilities, as a foundation upon which to build our tech ecosystem. Furthermore, we are focused on nurturing our homegrown talent, particularly among our black and female populations, who represent a largely untapped resource in the tech industry. By creating partnerships with educational institutions, private sector entities, and community organizations, we aim to develop programs that foster technological skills and innovation among our youth and the broader community.”

Memphis Islamic Center Director Talib Ibn Karim (left) recently hosted a National Summit on Youth Violence. Karim and Memphis Mayor Paul Young held a deep discussion on how to tackle violent crime in Memphis. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/ GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)

Cover Caption: Flanked by the type of young people he wants to keep both out of jails and morgues, Memphis Mayor Paul Young wants to engage and empower parents to help stem the wave of crime overtaking the city.

To view Mayor Young’s remarks on YouTube, scan the code.

REMEMBERING BRIAN CLAY (1969-2024): In his own words

By Brian Clay

Special To The Tri-State Defender

Editor’s Note: Shortly a er I accepted this responsibility as Interim Editor here at the TSD, I got a message from Brian Clay, inviting me to the latest — and sadly, now, the nal taping of his local community a airs talk show, “ e Brian Clay Chronicles” on Feb. 28. I had a conict, but would have loved to be there for his interviews with Mayor Paul Young and other luminaries. So it was shocking on Tuesday, when I learned he had died a er a long illness. Late last night, my predecessor, Karanja Ajanaku, emailed me this column Brian wrote in 2018 that he felt re ected who Brian Clay was, what was important to him, and why he was an inspiration to so many. A er reading it, I couldn’t agree more.

— Lee Eric Smith

In 1992, I graduated from LeMoyne-Owen College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science, with a minor in English. I then went to work as a legislative assistant for then-Memphis City Councilman Shep Wilbun.

I felt on top of the world – a new degree, working for a progressive political gure, Dr. Willie W. Herenton had just become the rst African American elected Memphis mayor (thanks to the Memphis People’s Convention) and the Blu City seemed to be on the upswing.

During all of that goodness, another cool thing was the country’s number one song – “ e Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat) – by the alternative hip-hop group, Digable Planets. It was the rst single from the mild-mannered, jazzrap trio’s debut album, emerging in the early 90s while the Southern rap era was giving birth to Eight Ball & MJG. e cool vibe of “ e Rebirth of Slick” resonated with me and many of my friends. It was the sound of freedom and an embrace of various cultures and lifestyles of a new generation, becoming the anthem for many – African Americans, white people and others –during the evolution of Generation X.

It was an era when things hoped for seemed possible. For me, the cool and melodic groove symbolized the generation that would put the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the other civil rights warriors into practice. Late President John F. Kennedy’s desire to see one nation would happen during this era. e United States would be, as the late President Ronald Reagan declared, that “Shining city on the hill.”

Fast Forward to 2008 when many of my college classmates were getting married, nishing graduate school and becoming viable parts of the community. Barack Obama, a junior U.S. senator from Chicago is the rst African American elected president, signaling to many a major step toward long-delayed equality in this country.

It wasn’t long, however, before Obama was engulfed in a backlash that

shook many African Americans to the realization that we were fooling ourselves in thinking that racial equality had either arrived or was just around the corner.

President Obama and his ultra-classy wife, Michelle, both Ivy-league educated, withstood vile indignities. Meanwhile, successes racked up – the A ordable Health Care Act, the end of Osama Bin Laden and progressive domestic policies.

However, our progressive thinkers underestimated the contempt that closeted racists had for the progression made under Obama. e thought of Donald J. Trump defeating Hillary Clinton, well, never felt real. Surely his list of racebased moves would derail his bid.

Nope. And his continuation of such tactics as President 45 is numbing. Republicans have empowered this racist,

narcissistic President to spew lies and open the gateway for hate to become in vogue – again.

Or, maybe it never went away. Fi y years a er Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in Memphis, America has the whitest White House and the most racially exclusive cadre of presidential appointees since the presidency of Herbert Hoover.

Do I think most white people hate people of color? Heavens no!!! However, racism can be practiced without hate.

White people – those who perpetrate racism directly and those who stand idly by – have the ability to overlook racism for a variety of reasons.

(Brian Clay was founder/executive director of Greater Memphis Media, Inc. and host of e Brian Clay Chronicles Lecture Series.)

Since his inauguration, Memphis Mayor Paul Young has been on a listening tour across Memphis. On Feb. 28, media personality Brian Clay welcomed Young to North Memphis for a recording of his YouTube talk show, “The Brian Clay Chronicles.” (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)

Birthday Girl: Alma Lewis Hassell celebrates being 98 years young

By Gary S. Whitlow TSD Photographer

Margaret Hassell took a moment to re ect on the special day they had just celebrated - her mother, Alma Lewis Hassell’s 98th birthday.

“We just want to say we’re grateful,” Margaret Hassell said. “She’s an absolutely wonderful, loving, supportive and independent woman of God — even at 98.”

e birthday girl, Alma Hassell, was born Feb. 23, 1926 in Macon, Tennessee. About 35 friends and family members gathered at Piccadilly Cafeteria in Germantown to celebrate the

matriarch’s life — a life lled with love, support, and independence, qualities that Margaret admires deeply.

e fellowship at Piccadilly’s was not just a birthday party; it was a testament to Alma’s enduring spirit and the impact she has had on those around her. When asked about how she felt about the day, Alma’s response was lled with gratitude and happiness.

“Oh, I certainly enjoyed the birthday celebration today,” Alma Hassell said. “Everything seemingly went wonderful. ank you. ank you, very much.”

is birthday was more than a number; it was a celebration of a life lived with grace, strength,

a celebration with family and friends

(Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Entrprises/TriStateDefender)

and unwavering faith. Alma’s 98th birthday brought together those who have been touched by her kindness and resilience, making it a day to remember for everyone involved.

Alma Hassell turned 98 years young in February, with

Alma Hassell was surrounded by friends and family for her 98th Birthday at Picadilly Cafeteria.

PUBLIC NOTICES / CLASSIFIEDS

New Frayser High School ERP 1

CLIENT Memphis Shelby County Schools

Construction Manager

TWF BUILDERS

TURNER Chris Woods

LOCATION

Dellwood Ave. Memphis, TN 38127

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This package will comprise of site work, demolition of existing trailers, purchasing of long lead electrical equipment, and enabling work for the New Frayser High School Project.

RFP PACKAGES

• Demolition (trailers)

• Electrical Equipment

• Generators

• Earthwork

• Erosion Control

• Asphalt Paving

• Curb and Gutter

• Site Utilities

ANTICIPATED PROCUREMENT PERIOD

Dates below are subject to change.

RFP Issued

March 20, 2024

Pre-Bid Conference

March 28, 2024

Proposal Due

April 10, 2024

RFP DOCUMENTS

Visit the Public Plan Room Type or copy URL into web browser: tinyurl.com/my6353m9

MWBE Participation Goal

23% MWBE Participation

PREQUALIFICATION

All proposing companies must be prequalified at the time of proposal Submission.

Visit Subcontractors | Turner Type or copy URL into web browser: https://www.turnerconstruction.com/sub-contractors

IF INTERESTED EMAIL

Khalif Johnson, TWF Builders – Procurement Manager kajohnson@tcco.com

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §675-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property:

Marketra Glass

Tax Parcel #: 07002800000070

Tax Sale #: 1902

Price Offered: $7,100

Terms: Cash

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days 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 a.m. on 4/30/2024, 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

1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

Notice of Informational Public Meeting

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will host two informational public meetings on April 18, 2024, and April 25, 2024, to gather public input on the proposed America’s River Crossing on I-55 over the Mississippi River Bridge Replacement Project, located along I-55 between West Memphis, Arkansas and Memphis, Tennessee. The meetings will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the following locations: April 18, 2024--Central Station Hotel Memphis, 545 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103; April 25, 2024-- West Memphis Eugene Woods Civic Center, 212 West Polk Ave, West Memphis, AR 72301. These meetings will be held to provide the public with an opportunity to provide comments regarding this proposed Project. Representatives from TDOT will be available to provide information on various aspects of this proposed Project. Anyone with questions regarding the meeting should contact: Mr. Brandon Akins, 300 Benchmark Place, Jackson, TN 38301, (731) 935-0192, Americas.River.Crossing@tn.gov Persons with a disability, who require aids or services to participate at the meeting, may contact Ms. Shanna Chevalier no less than ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting: Ms. Shanna M. Chevalier, ADA/504 Coordinator, Suite 1200, James K Polk Building, Nashville, TN 37243, Shanna. Chevalier@tn.gov, Phone: (615) 741-0465, TTY Relay (877) 831-0298

Comment sheets will be available for those who prefer to make written statements at the public meetings. Written statements and other exhibits to be included in the project transcript may be submitted within twenty-one (21) days after the final meeting date to the following address: Project Comments, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Suite 700, James K. Polk Building, 505 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37243-0332 TDOT is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, color, disability, or national origin.

SHELBY AND CRITTENDEN COUNTIES

PROJ. NO. 79I055-S0-004

AMERICA’S RIVER CROSSING ON I-55 OVER THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

ALONG I-55 BETWEEN WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS AND MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

GENERAL LOCATION MAP

NOTICE

OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §675-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property:

Marketra Glass

Tax Parcel #: 07008800000210

Tax Sale #: 1702

Price Offered: $5000

Terms: Cash

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:30 a.m. on 4/30/2024, 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 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1

MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §675-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property:

Marketra Glass

Tax Parcel #: 07003000000330

Tax Sale #: 1803

Price Offered: $6,600

Terms: Cash

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days 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 a.m. on 4/30/2024, 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 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1

MEMPHIS, TN 38134

(901) 222-1150

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §675-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property:

Marketra Glass

PUBLIC NOTICES / CLASSIFIEDS

TSD CLASSIFIEDS

1509 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104

PH (901) 523-1818

HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

DEADLINES:

Display ads Friday 5 p.m.

Classifieds ads Monday 5 p.m.

STANDARD RATES: $6.00 per line for 1 column ad.

Tax Parcel #: 07005900000140

Tax Sale #: 1702

Price Offered: $6,200

Terms: Cash

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on 4/30/2024, 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 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1

MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY

SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §675-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property:

Zaravelo Developments LLC

Tax Parcel #: 09340000003960

Tax Sale #: 1802

Price Offered: $39,500

Terms: Cash

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 11 a.m. on 4/30/2024, 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 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

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:

James Alston Jr.

Tax Parcel #: 03510000000120

Tax Sale #: 1804

Price Offered: $3,000

Terms: Cash

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 11:30 a.m. on 4/30/2024, 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 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1

MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §675-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property:

George Monger

Tax Parcel #: 01206200000030

Tax Sale #: 1802

Price Offered: $3000

Terms: Cash

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days 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 a.m. on 5/1/2024, 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 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1

MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §675-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property:

Andre Harris

Tax Parcel #: 02700600000210

Tax Sale #: 1904

Price Offered: $3,000

Terms: Cash

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a

Public “Bid Off” at 9:30 a.m. on 5/1/2024, 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 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §675-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property:

HomeKey Builders, LLC

Tax Parcel #: 07000400000220

Tax Sale #: 1702

Price Offered: $5900

Terms: Cash

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days 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 a.m. on 5/1/2024, 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 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1

MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §675-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property:

HomeKey Builders, LLC

Tax Parcel #: 07001300000090

Tax Sale #: 1801

Price Offered: $6,200

Terms: Cash

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on 5/1/2024, 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

1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1

MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

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