The Tri-State Defender - May 16, 2024

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■■ NEWS

Former Congresswoman Val Demings to Keynote NAACP Memphis Freedom Fund Celebration

TSD Newsroom

e NAACP Memphis Branch has announced that Val Demings, former U.S. Congresswoman from Florida, will be the keynote speaker at its 48th annual Freedom Fund Celebration on Saturday, June 15, 2024.

e event, themed “ riving Together: As One,” will be held at the Halloran Center for Performing Arts & Education in downtown Memphis.

Demings, a former social worker and police chief, served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2017 to 2023. She gained national prominence as an

impeachment manager during the rst impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump.

“Val Demings has an incredible story to share with Memphis,” said Kermit Moore, President of the NAACP Memphis Branch. “Her life story is inspiring, from her childhood to walking and serving in the hollowed halls of Congress.”

e Freedom Fund Celebration is

the NAACP Memphis Branch’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting the organization’s programs and initiatives aimed at promoting social justice and equality.

“ e Honorable Val Demings has a message for our city,” Moore added. “We look forward to hearing her insights and being inspired by her words.”

Sponsorship opportunities for the event are available, and more information can be found at www. naacpmemphis.org or by calling (901) 521-1343.

President

Calvin Anderson

Interim Editor

Lee Eric Smith

Val Demings

Improving Child Welfare to Help Kids Heal and Thrive in Early Education Years

By Fatima Killebrew

As I recently walked the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, each step carried the weight of purpose and possibility. I was nervous about meeting with members of Congress, who hold the power to act on issues that a ect my family and many others. I worried: What if I stumbled over my words? What if I failed to convey the sense of urgency and the depth of my passion for family reunication?

But as I walked to my rst meeting, those doubts faded. Nerves were overpowered by determination as I remembered my mission — advocating for babies and toddlers, who don’t have a voice in the child welfare system. I focused on my message: We must ensure they have the nurturing relationships, stable homes, and access to mental health services they need to thrive socially, emotionally, mentally, physically, and academically as they grow and develop. I was at the Capitol with families from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., as part of the annual Strolling under™ event, an initiative of ZERO TO THREE to create a national movement urging policymakers to prioritize the needs of infants, toddlers, and their families. We met with lawmakers to discuss investing in childcare; expanding Early Head Start; investing in infant and early childhood mental health; establishing a national permanent paid family and medical leave program; permanently reinstating the enhanced, fully refundable child tax credit; and my focus, improving the child welfare system.

We urged them to enact legislation that supports good health, strong families, and positive early learning experiences. As a foster and adoptive parent, I know that when babies and toddlers are separated from their families, they carry that trauma into their early edu-

cation years and beyond. at is why I am particularly concerned that early childhood educators are equipped with information and training about infant and early childhood mental health, so they are better able to support all children — and particularly my children — in early learning settings. Strolling under was an opportunity for ordinary people like me to advocate for extraordinary, long-overdue change. I learned about it through the Memphis Parent Leadership Training Institute, which provided 20 weeks of classes that taught me about community advocacy — and helped me nd my calling in advocating for siblings in foster care.

e Capitol Hill meetings were a testament to the potential for change through dialogue and a rmed the power of personal connection. Each

interaction felt like a step toward progress, from talking with sta members for Tennessee Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty to meeting with Rep. Steve Cohen of Memphis and his team. I felt especially seen and heard during a meeting with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sta ers. As we shared personal stories to make the case for mental health services and child welfare system improvements, the sta ers’ expressions conveyed genuine concern for families like mine. As a wife, mother, social worker, and foster care advocate in Memphis, Tennessee, I have experienced the complexities and challenges families face. My own blended family of nine has navigated foster care, striving to keep siblings together and connected with their families.

Children under age 3 enter the child welfare system at higher rates than any other age demographic; and in my home state, Black children are removed from their homes more o en than children in any other racial group.

In my family’s foster care experience, I have seen my daughter Remy’s joy in knowing she has a baby brother, and her disappointment at hearing he can’t come home. Remy was initially separated from her parents and siblings. I made it a mission to reunite her with her biological siblings, Amir and Khai. Despite obstacles due to outdated policies and understa ng, we reunited Remy and Amir, thanks to the support of their biological family. But our journey continues to reunite all three siblings. We won’t stop pushing so they can heal together and be with relatives who share their values, culture, and medical history. And in the meantime, my children need support from an early care system that responds to their social and emotional needs. In D.C., I called on legislators to support the Strengthening America’s Families Act. We must prioritize reuni cation, invest in preventive measures, and provide comprehensive mental health support to children and families. My family is proof there are alternatives. We shouldn’t have to ght so hard to keep siblings together.

As I le Capitol Hill with my son Amir, I felt hopeful that Congress could enact meaningful changes. Our collective voice can pave the way for a more compassionate and e ective child welfare system that prioritizes child well-being and reuni cation, as well as a childcare system that centers on social and emotional development. As I see my children interact, I know that keeping these siblings together will only strengthen their potential to thrive throughout their early education years and beyond.

Fatima Killebrew and her family visited the U.S. Capitol with families from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., as part of the annual Strolling Thunder™ event, an initiative of ZERO TO THREE. She’s particularly concerned that “early childhood educators are equipped with information and training about infant and early childhood mental health, so they are better able to support all children — and particularly my children — in early learning settings.”

■■ COMMUNITY

Reverend Vincent E.H. Joplin of Hope Presbyterian Church provided a reading of scriptures.

Congratulations . . . and Thank you for your service!

On the Cover: Offering inspiring words to the Class of 2024 were: Class Valedictorian Chido Chimbetete; and Kim Seymour, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Etsy.com, who deliverd the commencement address. Dr. Zedric Clayton of Olivet Baptist Church opened the ceremonies with a word of prayer.

The graduates make their way to the stage to receive their degrees.

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

The future is bright for the LeMoyne Owen Class of 2024!

LeMoyne Owen

■■ COMMUNITY

A Dream No Longer Deferred

‘forgives’ a long-forgotten debt so 79-year-old can march after a 51-year wait

By Lee Eric Smith Interim Editor

It was 1973 when Richard “Dickie” Williams took his nal exams at LeMoyne-Owen College. By that point, he’d completed all his course work, despite having to leave school for a one-year tour in Vietnam. But he hadn’t paid o his bill with the college.

And that meant he never received his degree, never enjoyed his commencement. But that all changed on May 11, when Richard Williams received his degree in elementary education from LeMoyne Owen College – a fresh faced college grad, ready to embark upon life at the tender age of 79.

“I’m all retired,” Williams chuckled when asked about his next career move.

It’s a winding road for a man whose initial reason for going to what was then Owen College had little to do with getting an education. Like a lot of young men in the 1960s, he was trying to stay away from the combat zone.

“I ain’t gonna lie. I went to Owen to dodge the dra ,” he said. “I didn’t want to go to Vietnam. Too many of my friends getting killed over there. My brother had been there and just got back home. So, I didn’t really want to go, but they got me anyway.”

Williams’ younger brother is John Gary Williams, former singer with e Mad Lads, a 1960s soul group signed to Stax. John Gary’s music career was interrupted when he had to go to Vietnam, where he witnessed horrors and death.

“From what I understand, he said, ‘Dickie gonna get killed over there,’” Richard said. “I didn’t really think about that. I knew it was dangerous,

but I always trusted God. So I just took my chance.”

Williams went to Vietnam in 1968, survived it, then returned home to Memphis where he resumed his education at the now-merged LeMoyne Owen College in 1969. Four years later, with all his coursework complete, he was ready to graduate. But there was one problem.

He owed the school $50 – which doesn’t sound like a lot, but for comparison’s sake, consider: Gasoline was about 39 cents a gallon; movie tickets were about $1.50 and record albums on vinyl cost about $5.00.

“It was a misunderstanding about that $50,” he said. “I had all the credits to march. I forgot the lady’s name who prevented me from marching. But she was just doing her job, I guess. I hold no malice against her.”

With a wife and family, Williams just went on with his life. He tucked his academic papers away and went on to have a 33-year career with the EEOC, including working as an investigator. He still got to feed his inner teacher as a mentor and community volunteer. Set to turn 80 in November, he was ne. Fast forward to earlier this spring. A er coming to campus to hear a high school classmate speak, Williams’ niece took him for a conversation at the registrar’s o ce.

“She talked to this young lady and told her, “My uncle had enough credits to graduate but I think he owes $50.’ e young lady said, ‘Let me see what we can do.’

Later, she called Williams back and asked if he had any proof of his claim. And, of course, he did.

“I kept those papers. I don’t know

why,” he said, before correcting himself. “Well, I do now, but back then, I don’t know why I was keeping all those papers. And when I showed it to her, she said, ‘We don’t need anything else. You got the proof.’

“And that’s how all of this got started.”

Several weeks later, Williams nally marched across the stage to receive his degree — a dream no longer deferred. So what are his post-baccalaureate plans? Start teaching? Maybe grad school?

“No sir, I’m good right here,” he said with a laugh. “Like I said, I’m retired.”

Interim LOC President Dr. Christopher B. Davis makes a long overdue presentation: Richard “Dickie” Williams, who completed his coursework in 1973 but never walked, finally receives his degree in Elementary Education.

The LeMoyne-Owen College Alumni Concert Choir delivered a stirring performance of “Jesus Is A Rock In a Weary Land.”

No prom?!?! No problem!

Parents step in to make a memorable Sneaker Ball for JP Freeman students

TSD Newsroom

Memphis parents stepped up to create a magical prom night for their middle schoolers a er the school unexpectedly canceled the planned events.

e “8th Grade Sneaker Ball” was held at Southbrook Mall on Saturday night, a joyous celebration lled with dancing, laughter, and fresh kicks.

Larry and Syreeta Dotson, parents of an eighth-grader at John P. Freeman Optional School, were the driving force behind the event. A er their daughter shared the disappointing news of the cancellation, they quickly mobilized, gathering resources and support to ensure the students wouldn’t miss out on this cherished milestone.

“I was really sad. I was kind of upset about it,” Dodson’s daughter told WREG.

Larry, a booking agent, used his connections to secure the venue and other necessities for the event. Syreeta, alongside other parents, rallied the community to make the night special.

“Whitehaven is strong,” said Larry Dodson. “And as an alum of John P. Freeman, we could not let the hard work of our youth go without a grand celebration as they prepare to transition to high school.”

“ e parents are in full support of celebrating the kids,” Syreeta Dodson said to WREG. “We see the hard work, we see the sleepless nights...and they need to be celebrated.”

e Sneaker Ball was a resounding success, with students reveling in the opportunity to dress up, dance, and create lasting memories. While the reason for the school’s cancellation remains unclear, the community’s response showcased the power of parents coming together to support their children.

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

Larry Dodson Jr. sparked the idea of an event to replace his daughters abruptly cancelled prom. Get him looking right, fellas!

■■ COMMUNITY

A night to remember.

Drip. Drip. Drip!

Sneaks with style! Making their entrance!

Making moves and memories with friends on a special night!

Can Black Muslims’ Core Values Can Transform the Racial Wealth Landscape?

By Dr. Quiana M. Shamsid-Deen NNPA Newswire

In order to encourage economic empowerment, the Nation of Islam (NOI) put a strong emphasis on business education and nancial literacy. ey founded a national bank in 1973 with o ces in Chicago, Detroit, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York City that provided nancial services like small business loans and credit cards that were especially suited to their members’ requirements.

e Nation of Islam also aimed to establish member-run cooperatives and small businesses in order to foster a culture of economic self-su ciency. ey established Muhammad Speaks Music Group, their own record company, to release albums from various rap and R&B artists. In terms of economic justice and self-su ciency, the Nation of Islam has le a signi cant legacy, and its teachings are still applicable today.

In order to build a sustainable business that generates jobs and supports the neighborhood economy, Black Muslim entrepreneur Khalilah Beavers opened the Halal Soulfood restaurant

in New York City in 2019. She did this by drawing on Islamic principles of economic justice.

Meals were donated to food banks, homeless shelters, and other charitable organizations as a result of Beavers’ dedication to social responsibility.

e development of impact Investment funds are another instance of how Black Muslims have applied these ideas. e Black Muslim Investment Group (BMIG) is an African American-led investment fund that focuses on delivering nancial returns while also achieving positive social and environmental impact.

e BMIG has invested in companies in a variety of sectors, including technology, healthcare, education and renewable energy. ey support sustainability while also fostering economic opportunity within their community by utilizing their resources to invest in companies that share their values.

rough the concept of Zakat, an obligatory act of charity and one of

Islam’s Five Pillars, Islamic principles can combat the structural causes of the racial wealth gap. By requiring people to donate a portion of their wealth to the less fortunate, zakat promotes economic justice by providing income to those in need.

Properly implemented, this system can help lessen economic inequality by redistributing wealth among the various social classes. Islamic principles also place a strong emphasis on racial and class-neutral solidarity among all members of society; this idea of universal equality under God serves as a foundation for opposing systemic racism and advancing equality for all.

Last but not least, Islamic banking practices like the ban on interest can act as an alternative to conventional banking systems, which have been accused of fostering racial socioeconomic inequality. Islamic banking can increase access to nancial services for minorities, who frequently lack access to traditional banking services due to income inequality. Islamic banking does this by providing an ethical framework for lending money without charging interest.

We have an obligation to evaluate the current economic state of our commu-

nity — to be aware of our purchasing power and support policies that expand local economies. We should not rely on government or corporate entities to bring about change.

However, we should hold them accountable and have a plan to make amends for their wrongdoing. It is our responsibility to champion capital reinvestment in our communities to ensure prosperity for coming generations. Furthermore, rather than relying on outside sources, we must develop a nancial system unique to the Black community. We have the ability to a ect long-lasting change both domestically and internationally because of our position as Black Americans. However, we must take decisive action to overcome systemic obstacles. We’ve waited too long; it’s time for us to take control and turn survival into thriving!

Dr. Quiana M. Shamsid-Deen is an associate professor at Georgia State University and Executive Director of the Supreme Family Foundation. An unedited version of this article originally appeared in e Muslim Journal, and can be found on our website.

Dr. Quiana M. Shamsid-Deen

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000820A, Toner Cartridges (Purchasing Department). Information regarding this Bid is located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn.gov . At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, Click on “Purchasing” and “Bids” to locate the name of the above-described Sealed Bid.

SEALED BID-I000820A DUE DATE

THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024 AT 2:30 PM CDT

(SB-I000820A), Toner Cartridges (Purchasing Department)

Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service.

By order of

LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Terminal Modernization & Seismic Program, Phase – Concourse A Demolition DBE Outreach Event

CLIENT Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority

Construction Manager

Turner CHRIS WOODS

LOCATION

Memphis International Airport 2491 Winchester Rd. Memphis, TN 38116

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This package will be the decommissioning and demolition of Concourse A as make ready for an upcoming Admin building and upgrades to the existing Concourse A.

RFP PACKAGES

• Demolition and Abatement

• Concrete

• Masonry

• Finishes

• Fire Sprinkler (Cut, Cap, and Make Safe)

• Plumbing (Cut, Cap, and Make Safe)

• HVAC (Cut, Cap, and Make Safe)

• Electrical (Cut, Cap, and Make Safe)

• Data and Structured Cabling (Cut, Cap, and Make Safe)

• Earthwork and Utilities

DBE Outreach Event

Date & Time: May 21st, 2024 @ 11:00-12:30

Location: 2491 Winchester Road, Memphis, TN 38116

Room: Authority Boardroom (mezzanine level between A&B ticket lobbies above the American Allegiant ticket counters)

REGISTRATION:

Link: https://tinyurl.com/ye69y7za

IF INTERESTED, EMAIL: Khalif Johnson, TAC JV - Procurement Manager kajohnson@tcco.com or Noah Hudson, TAC JV – Procurement Agent nhudson@tcco.com

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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:

Memphis Acquisitions LLC

Tax Parcel #: 02602300000210

Tax Sale #: 1902

Price Offered: $3,500

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 11:30 a.m. on 6/26/2024, 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:

Paul Aguilar

Tax Parcel #: 06019900000030

Tax Sale #: 1902

Price Offered: $11,000

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 a.m. on 6/27/2024, 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:

Debra Hogue Brantley

Tax Parcel #: 02405800000140

Tax Sale #: 1402

Price Offered: $1,300

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 6/27/2024, 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

PUZZLES