The Tri-State Defender - July 4, 2024

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DEFENDER

■■ PERSPECTIVE

The Tragedy of Mainstream Media Coverage of The Presidential Debate

First, let it be said that the Black Press of America believes in our democratic process, and believes that the record of President Joe Biden is greater than a bad debate night with Donald Trump.

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First, let it be said that the Black Press of America believes in our democratic process, and believes that the record of President Joe Biden is greater than a bad debate night with Donald Trump.

Second, the bigger tragedy was the mainstream media’s e ort to make their coverage of last ursday’s debate a matter of who did the better “sound bites” and not the substance of the issues put before the American people watching the debate.

As the Black Press of America, let it be said that we are appalled at the Editorial and News Broadcasts calling for the President to step down. It’s the media’s job to report the news and not initiate an orchestrated campaign to remove the President.

Where is the media discussion about the issues, and who said what about them? Where was the major fact checking of all the lies Trump told? e burden didn’t shi to Biden just because he chose not to respond to the issues the media had decided he should have addressed.

It was not the job of the media to take the issue of the President’s age or

push the issue of whether or not he should withdraw from the November 2024 election. But time and time again, on Fox News and Face e Nation, as well as the Editorial positions of the New York Times and Atlanta Constitution, just to name a few, there was the pushing of the idea that the President was too old and should step down. en there was the generating of polling questions to support the withdrawal of the President, which was not

the job of the media. Once again, it is the Black Press that emerges as the true “Trusted Messenger” not manipulating the news for ratings. “We the People” must not allow our silence to give consent to such media coverage.

President Calvin Anderson Interim Editor Lee Eric Smith
Dr. John E. Warren
President Joe Biden Donald Trump

Celebrate America’s Birthday by Thanking Those Who Teach Our Youngest Learners

As we mark America’s Independence Day, I’m re ecting on the role education played in my family’s journey to this incredible country and the educators who helped make it happen. I was born in Antigua in the Caribbean, where my father’s family had lived for many generations. ey coped with extreme poverty and many challenges — my grandmother was blind, for instance. Yet, from a very early age, teachers pushed my father to ful ll his potential. eir encouragement led him to attend university in Barbados and eventually earn his doctorate at the University of Sussex in England. Later, we settled in the United States, where my dad is a professor at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Each step of the way, a mentor encouraged him to keep growing and expanding his mind. eir support not only changed his life but also paved the way for future generations of our family. I was so excited to spend time recently with about 150 students at Florida International University in Miami who completed their Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential coursework through the Professional Development Institute at the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/ Monroe. rough articulation agreements with higher education institutions in Florida, these students can receive college credits toward an associate or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.

e CDA Credential is the most widely recognized credential in early

resilience in the face of challenges and embracing lifelong learning. at lifelong learning can include earning additional degrees as well as serving as CDA Professional Development Specialists, who use their expertise to assess CDA candidates’ competencies and facilitate re ective conversations with candidates for the credential.

childhood education and it’s a key steppingstone on the path of career advancement in the sector. e CDA is based on a core set of competency standards that guide early childhood professionals toward becoming qualied educators of young children. Our nonpro t, the Council for Professional Recognition, works to ensure that the nationally transferable CDA is a credible and valid credential, recognized by the profession as a vital part of professional development. CDA educators know how to put the CDA Competency Standards into practice and have an understanding of why those standards help children move with success from

one developmental stage to another. Put simply, CDA educators know how to nurture the emotional, physical, intellectual, and social development of children.

It was an honor to recognize and celebrate these scholars, who participated in 120 hours of instruction and at least 480 hours of on-the-job training. ey also compiled a professional portfolio and created a center-based capstone project. At the graduation ceremony, I told these students that they should feel proud of their achievements and be empowered to become advocates for early childhood education. I emphasized the importance of cultivating

Most importantly, the CDA scholars I met in Miami and other ceremonies this year are now serving as early childhood educators in communities across the U.S. ey’re professionals who support safe and healthy learning environments, provide positive guidance, successfully engage, and interact with families and contribute to ensuring an early learning program is well run. I know their work will pay o . Years ago, my dad’s teachers had no way of imagining where their in uence would lead. Indeed, when I look up to the sky on the Fourth to watch the reworks, I’ll keep in mind the educators who help their students reach higher and higher for spectacular results and the bright futures they create.

Davis (left) met with education leaders and supporters who helped students complete their Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential coursework through the Professional Development Institute at the Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe.
Andrew Davis, Chief Operating Officer, Council for Professional Recognition, spoke to about 150 students at Florida International University in Miami who completed their Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential coursework.

COMMUNITY

Frayser residents push back against proposed landfill expansion

e owners of Memphis Wrecking Company insist that the expansion of the land ll they operate in Frayser will pose no environmental threat. ey say that even if they wanted to put hazardous materials and organic waste in their facility — and they don’t — that state law prohibits it.

But even a er two meetings with community members, residents of the area are still skeptical — especially considering how close the land ll is to a residential area and an elementary school.

“We’re a Class 3 facility — construction and demolition debris,” said Carol Williamson, who owns the land ll with her husband. “ at means wood, concrete, dirt, trees, metal, things like that. We do not take any hazardous or toxic waste, like chemicals, asbestos, or liquids. We do not accept paper, plastics, or food. is is not the type of place that accepts any of that.”

“ is is a 20- to 30-year project,” said Ester Moore, a spokesperson for the group. “It not only a ects us, but it a ects our children and our grandchildren.”

A er other failed attempts at expansion, Memphis Wrecking is set to go before the Land Use Board on July 11, where they will seek approval to proceed with expansion.

Late last month, about 50 people turned out for an informational meeting with the Williamsons about the project. e meeting was organized and hosted by Abundant Earth Global CDC, a Frayser-based nonpro t. Moore, executive director of Abundant Earth, attended an initial meeting that raised more questions than answers, and began organizing a follow up.

“Individual citizens have come together and found issues with the land ll expansion,” Moore said before the meeting. “I don’t think that anyone in the community at this point has all the information that we need in order

to make a decision about whether we actually want the land ll to expand.”

e 24-acre site currently sprawls across an area that is bordered by omas St., Whitney Avenue and James Road, though only the westernmost part of the property is in use. If approved, the land ll would expand further east, bringing operations closer to homes and nearby Whitney Elementary School.

Community concerns about the expansion gained momentum when residents noticed foul smells in the air. Some residents noticed a troubling pattern: It seemed that whenever the land ll operated its incinerator, teachers, students and sta at Whitney Elementary said they noticed an uptick in rodent activity.

“ ere was a concern about potential rat presence at the school, Whitney Elementary,” said Lew Wardlaw, a land use attorney working with the land ll.

“(At the rst meeting), the Williamsons heard things that they had not heard before.”

While the Williamsons have been responsive to community concerns — even going as far as to hire a pest con-

trol expert to help determine the cause of the rodent problem — they contend that all of the outrage is based on misinformation and a misunderstanding of what their company does.

First of all, land ll representatives reiterated their status as a Class III land ll facility instead of a “take anything” Class I type of land ll, which does take food waste, scraps, mattresses and other things that might attract rodents.

On the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation website, a document de nes Class III as: ) “a landll which is used or to be used for the disposal of farming wastes, landscaping and land clearing wastes, demolition/ construction waste, shredded automotive tires, and/or certain wastes having similar characteristics and approved in writing by the Department.”

e Williamsons have o ered guided tours of their operations and proposed expansion, so residents can come and see for themselves.

Despite the reassurances, residents were still wary, wondering what could happen if Memphis Wrecking decided it wanted to take organic waste.

“ e state permit is for this type of land ll,” Wardlaw said. “It doesn’t allow them to change this to a more impactful land ll. ey can’t say we’re going to take in garbage and trash and orange peels and old dog food and all that. ey can’t do it. ey can’t do it by law.

“Forever is a long time but I can essentially look you in the face and tell you… they would have an easier time saying they want to put a rocket pad to the moon out there than getting a Class I land ll on this site. ey’re locked in.”

About burning, bad smells and rodents: Steve Williamson said that while they do burn wood, they adhere to strict guidelines designed to mitigate a burning smell. “Remember, the wastewater plant is nearby too,” he said. “ ose odors travel.”

As for the rodents, the Williamsons said that their rodent expert indicated a wooded area near the school is likely where the rat problem originates, though it’s unclear what spurs them in the direction of the school.

“Again, they don’t have food scraps and garbage on the land ll – the things that attract rats,” said Doug Baker. “But there (are dumpsters) at the school. And there may be garbage around the park. e Williamsons are happy to meet with Memphis Parks to help x that problem.”

In an era where people want equity and inclusion in big decisions, many in attendance simply felt like Memphis Wrecking could have done more outreach, more engagement with the community. For their part, Memphis Wrecking touted the jobs their company supports and how the company has been a part of Frayser for generations dating back to the 1950s.

“ is is a small family business,” Carol Williamson said. “We are not BFI. We are not FedEx. We are a small family business. We keep employees employed so that they can feed their families. is is how we feed our family. And we want to live in a community where you all can be compatible with us.”

Steven Williamson of Memphis Wrecking Company is joined by landscape architect Doug Baker to discuss plans to expand the Frayser landfill with concerned residents in late June. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)

Hot summer days, more pool delays: Gooch Pool expected to open soon, official says

In Memphis, the summer heat brings excitement among the city’s youth, eagerly awaiting the opening of public pools. By law, all pools in Memphis are supposed to open by June 15th, o ering a much-needed break from the sweltering temperatures.

However, for some community members, their wait for the pool has been longer than they expected. Gooch Pool, a vital community hub, has yet to be opened, leaving its regular patrons puzzled and frustrated.

“It seems as though they are violating a Supreme Court Order,” said JoAnn Street.

Street is a community activist and the founder of the community group, HUG Park Friends. HUG Park Friends supports the beauti cation and use of Hollywood, University, and Gooch Parks in Memphis, TN. Street stated that she and her community were given no clear reason why the pool had yet to open.

“At rst they said it was because of the cleanliness of the water, then they said it was because of a water pump issue,” said Street. “If there are other issues, they need to give an answer to the people.”

Memphis Parks Director Nick Walker acknowledges that Gooch Pool, and a few others, have yet to open this summer, but he says that this is for good reason. Walker states that the Gooch pool was one of many pools that underwent renovations and required more electrical work before it was able to safely open.

“Our intent was to open up all of them on opening day, but there’s a lot of stu that goes into it,” said Walker. “ e impact of it is substantial, and we don’t want to diminish that, but at the

“Before adding water to the pools, we needed to install SkyCop cameras for safety. These cameras were necessary because of past incidents of unauthorized pool use.”
— Memphis Parks Director Nick Walker

same time pools are exciting, they’re also one of the most dangerous things that we open. We have to make sure that we’ve got the sta ng and the pools are operating correctly.”

Walker said that eight of Memphis’ 12 outdoor public pools are open. Gooch Pool, needed renovations,

which were paid for from the city’s $75 million Accelerate Memphis bond issuance. Among the repairs and upgrades: a pool liner and new equipment room including pump and lter. ere’s also the production of the new mural at the park, done in collaboration with the Urban Arts Commission.

“Also, before adding water to the pools, we needed to install SkyCop cameras for safety. ese cameras were necessary because of past incidents of unauthorized pool use,” Walker said. “Electrical issues delayed the camera installations and, subsequently, lling the pools and testing the equipment. Gooch was a ected by these delays. We found additional electrical work needed to ensure safety.”

Walker said the pools would open once the work is nished and signed o , including by the Shelby County Health Department.

“I can’t give a speci c date, but the pools will open to the public as soon as everything is ready,” he said. When asked if it was worth it to open some pools for only a few weeks, he said.

“It’s unfortunate, but I think if you talked to anybody in these communities, they would rather the pool be open for two or three weeks than for us to just unilaterally say we’re not going to try,” he said.

ere is no doubt that the pool is an amazing resource on a hot summer day, but for Street and her community, this pool is more than just a place to cool o . It’s a sanctuary for the kids in underserved neighborhoods. It provides a safe space for them to socialize, build community, and stay out of trouble. Each day the pool remains closed, the community feels the impact of its absence.

“Crime is the result of poverty and neglect, so when you increase access to resources those incidents are very far and few between,” said Street.

For Street, the disparity in the treatment of public amenities across Memphis is stark. Parks like Shelby Farms and Overton Park, located in more a uent areas, consistently receive new equipment and facilities. ese parks boast well-maintained

■■ COMMUNITY

landscapes, modern playgrounds, and ample resources.

Meanwhile, she said, parks in underserved neighborhoods, like Gooch Park, struggle to secure basic necessities. Despite ongoing requests, Gooch Park is still trying to get simple things like portable toilets and water fountains.

“A lot of times I bring my own water to the park because we have no basics,” said Street. “When one of the kids went into distress because he got dehydrated, there was no water.”

is inequity is not just an inconvenience; it’s a re ection of a deeper, systemic issue. e lack of investment in parks and recreational facilities in underserved neighborhoods perpetuates cycles of neglect and disinvestment. It sends a message to the residents of these areas that their communities are less valued.

For the children, it means fewer opportunities to play, learn, and grow in a safe environment. For Street, a step toward park equity would include an increase in equipment and accessibility to equipment.

“It would be playground equipment for children according to their age, and

inclusive play, that means children of any ability can go and play,” said Street. “It would contain something for everybody to do, adult exercise equipment, walking

trails, and a pavilion for people to have outings for their family and friends.”

Moving forward, Street and those in her community will continue calling

for change. ey are demanding that their parks and pools receive the same level of care and investment as those in more a uent areas. ey know that equitable access to recreational facilities can have a profound impact on their community, fostering a sense of pride and providing safe spaces for their children to thrive.

Walker, approves of the approach and encourages it.

“I tell people all the time if you want to see improvements in your neighborhood, speak with your council members, speak with your representatives, speak with the administration,” he said. “Hold us accountable and advocate for more things.”

As the summer progresses, the hope is that the story of Gooch Pool and the ght for park equity in Memphis will be a catalyst for meaningful change. It’s a call to action for city o cials to recognize and address the disparities, ensuring that all residents, regardless of their neighborhood, have access to the resources and facilities they deserve.

“Parks and community spaces are the key to having a society where we can have joy, and we need that,” she said.

Above and on cover: Imani Mercadel, 15, was at Gooch Pool on July 3, helping to prepare the pool for its opening. As of July 3, the last remaining obstacle was a health inspection, one employee said.
fter a series of delays, the swimming pool at Gooch Park in North Memphis remains out of service. First there were renovations, then electrical delays, but one employee now says the facility is only waiting on a health inspection. (Photos: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)

It is too early to say if the Memphis Grizzlies’ dra was great. On paper, it looks very good. ey were able to address two major areas of weakness. e rst was solving the center position. Zach Edey was selected with the ninth pick. Despite only discovering the game about seven years ago, he improved his game every year when he was at Purdue.

Memphis selected Jaylen Wells with the 38th pick in the second round of the NBA Dra . Wells is a six-foot-six junior guard from the University of Washington. He is a native of Sacramento, CA. He played two seasons at Sonoma State, where he was named CCAA Player of the Year as a sophomore.

On being selected, Wells said, “It was a feeling of being blessed. I am not a person that shows a lot of emotions. I did not show a lot of emotions when I got dra ed, but I had a lot going through my mind. I am excited to be here.”

Wells, as a junior with Sonoma State, averaged 12.6 points and 4.6 rebounds. He shot 51.7 percent from three-point range, guiding the Cougars to their rst NCAA Tournament appearance since 2008.

Cam Spencer was selected with the

SPORTS

Grizzlies introduce Grizz rookies Zach Edey, Cam Spencer and Jaylen Wells

“They played their cards well. I had no idea they were selecting me. They were the only team that believed in me my sophomore year.”
— Zach Edey

53rd pick a er a trade with the Detroit Pistons. Spencer started all games for the Connecticut Huskies and won the National Championship last season. He averaged 14.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, shot 44 percent from three-point range, and 91 percent from the free throw line. Spencer is a 6’3” shooting guard who played with Santi Aldama in his freshman season at Loyola.

Reacting to being selected, Spencer said, “It was a special moment for me and my family. It took a lot of hard work to get to this point. I am super thankful for the opportunity the organization gave me.”

e selection of Edey, if successful, will ll many holes in the Grizzlies’ o ense. He will be able to set great ball screens for Ja Morant, protect Jaren Jackson Jr. from getting in foul trouble, help on the o ensive rebounds, and attract a lot of attention in the half-court game. is will open up opportunities for everyone on the oor.

“It was a special moment for me and my family. It took a lot of hard work to get to this point. I am super thankful for the opportunity the organization gave me.”
— Cam Spencer

On the selection, Edey said, “ ey played their cards well. I had no idea they were selecting me. ey were the only team that believed in me my sophomore year.” On playing with a chip on his shoulder, he said, “Being an underdog gives you motivation. ey keep trying to tell you who you are, like they know me. It just adds fuel to the re.”

On the defensive end, Edey will be

a force as the ultimate rim protector. He can reduce second-chance points for the opposition and has good vision to start the transition o ense for the Grizzlies.

e addition of Spencer and Wells will add to the shooting most NBA teams are looking for. It was announced that the Grizzlies will not pick up the contract option of Luke Kennard. To start the NBA Dra , Memphis had three open roster spots. Kennard and Memphis can enter into contract negotiations with all free agents starting on Sunday, June 30, at 5 p.m.

It is not out of the question for Kennard to return to Memphis. Spencer and Wells are expected to play on the summer league rosters both in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas this year. Edey’s status is still up in the air because he received an invitation to the Canadian National basketball team tryouts.

Cam Spencer, Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey show their new numbers with the Grizzlies. (Terry Davis/Tri-State Defender)

Tigers’ New Athletic Director not afraid of pressure

Ed Scott was named the new Athletic Director at the University of Memphis. He becomes the rst African American to lead the department. He comes to Memphis from the University of Virginia, where he served as an Assistant Athletic Director. Previously, he was the Athletic Director at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD.

He arrives in Memphis during a very critical time for the university.

e school must raise $27 million for the Federal Express matching funds to kick in for the Simmons Bank Stadium expansion. Memphis is hoping to be included in the next round of conference expansion. e college landscape is in a whirlwind with the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal.

Scott is not a stranger to Memphis. In 2015, he was in Memphis for a wedding. Scott, on his visit with his wife, said, “If this job ever becomes available, I am going a er it. It has always been on my radar. It was something I was ready for.”

On being the rst Black AD at Memphis, Scott said, “It is bigger than me. I am how I am. I did not choose to be Black, but I am who I am, and I am proud of it. I look at all the Black and Brown children that are aspiring to be ADs. If I am successful, they are going to think that they have a chance.”

Fundraising

is is the area of most importance for colleges. With the competition growing for the best student-athletes to attend and stay on campus, Memphis is faced with a large construction bill for the acquisition of Simmons Bank Stadium.

e City of Memphis gave the university the stadium. With that, the university is responsible for the maintenance and renovation costs of the facility. Scott mentioned that a focus will still be on getting people to attend the games, but there will be an added e ort to improve the luxury areas to increase revenue.

Conference Expansion

ere is massive pressure for the University of Memphis to move to a power conference. ey have been on the cusp of being invited to a power conference. Scott was not shy to address the issue. Scott said, “Pressure does two things: it bursts pipes or makes diamonds. I like jewelry. I am going to take the pressure because it is a privilege. I don’t have to do this; I get to do this.”

ere has not been a timeline for when the next round of conference expansion will occur. is fall, there will be new members in the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC. is year will be the rst year of the expanded college football playo s. If Memphis is successful and has a signi cant impact, it could boost their resume to move to a power conference.

Scott on conference expansion said, “I think we are at a di erent place than most at this level. Depending on what happens in some other conferences, that may open up some opportunities for us. ere are currently two options

everyone knows about, the Big 12 and the ACC. I think the Big 12 is rm with their membership right now. ere are some lawsuits pending in the ACC. My job is to position us to be ready if something were to happen.”

Revenue Sharing

In the very near future, there will be revenue sharing with student-athletes. Scott mentioned that Memphis would opt into revenue sharing. How this works is every school in the conference can share a set amount of funds with all the student-athletes. e amount has not been determined, but it could range from $10 to $20 million per year. is would work like a salary cap. is would have no impact on NIL. e student-athletes will still have the ability to sign any contract on their own for additional compensation. ere is no start date yet for when Scott will begin his tenure at Memphis. When he gets there, his plate will be full. He must hire a so ball coach and ll many open positions on his sta .

New Tigers Athletic Director Ed Scott was joined for his introductory press conference by Cato Johnson, Chair of the University of Memphis Board of Trustees. (Terry Davis/Tri-State Defender)
Terry Davis

■■ SPORTS

901 FC aims to stay dominant for second half of season

Memphis 901 FC had a standout month in June 2024, showcasing their o ensive prowess and resilience in the USL Championship. e team secured a remarkable 5-1 victory over Phoenix Rising FC on June 28, tying a franchise record for the most goals in a single match. is win highlighted the team’s strong performance, with goals from Carson Vom Steeg, Marlon, and others, solidifying their position as a top contender in the league.

Earlier in the month, Memphis 901 FC also achieved a 2-1 victory against New Mexico United on June 15, further demonstrating their consistent form. Additionally, they managed a thrilling 2-2 draw against Rhode Island FC on June 12, scoring twice in stoppage time to earn a crucial point.

With these results, Memphis 901 FC improved their overall record to 8 wins, 6 draws, and 3 losses. In June alone, they recorded 2 wins, 1 draw, and no losses, re ecting their strong form and competitive edge.

TSD Photojournalist William Weeks was on hand for many of the matches.

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ese performances have helped Memphis 901 FC climb to third place in the Western Conference, showcasing their potential as serious playo contenders. e team’s aggressive play and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities have been key factors in their recent success, promising an exciting second half of the season for their fans.

All Respondents are responsible for checking the Authority’s website up to the submission deadline for any updates, addenda, or additional information. In accordance with the Authority’s purchasing policies, the Authority will give preference to businesses located in Shelby County, Tennessee when awarding contracts and making purchases, unless prohibited by law. The successful Bidder must sign a contract with the Authority that includes Federal Aviation Administration provisions, if applicable, regarding the Buy American Preference, Foreign Trade Restriction,

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Nighte, Tula and other teammates celebrate a goal over the Vegas Lights.. (Photos: William Weeks/The Tri-State Defender)
Akeem Ward kicks ball for a goal against New Mexico United.

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