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■■ NEWS
IOTA Community Schools to host open house on July 15
TSD Newsroom
IOTA Community Schools, formerly known as Green Dot Public Schools of Tennessee, will host an open house on Monday, July 15, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at each of its campuses. is grand re-opening and enrollment event marks the o cial launch of the newly rebranded charter school system, which aims to enhance its impact through closer collaboration with the greater Memphis community and the Achievement School District.
E ective July 1, 2024, Green Dot Public Schools of Tennessee transitioned to IOTA Community Schools. e name IOTA stands for Innovation, Opportunity, Transformation, and Access, embodying the goals of the new charter system. Green Dot, which has served the Memphis community for over a decade, is supported by Green Dot Public Schools National in this strategic rebranding e ort.
IOTA Community Schools will continue its commitment to transformative education at four schools: Blu City High School, Hillcrest High School, Kirby Middle School, and Wooddale Middle School. e schools will uphold their dedication to fostering sustainable pathways to economic growth and providing high-quality education to their students.
Leading the transition is Executive Director Jacquell Rogers, who brings over 24 years of experience in education to the role. Rogers expressed enthusiasm for the rebranding, stating, “I am happy to serve at the helm as we enter into a new and exciting phase as IOTA Community Schools. is rebranding re ects our ongoing commitment to nurture the academic, social, and emotional prosperity of all learners. IOTA Community Schools also strengthens our belief that even the smallest changes in education can have a profound impact on students,
families, and communities.”
Students, parents, and community stakeholders are encouraged to attend the open house to experience the IOTA di erence rsthand. e event will pro-
vide an opportunity to meet the sta , learn about the schools’ programs, and enroll for the upcoming school year. For more information about IOTA Community Schools, visit iotaschools.org.
The Tri-State Defender
President Calvin Anderson Interim Editor Lee Eric Smith
IOTA Community Schools will host open houses on the campuses of Bluff City High School, Hillcrest High School, Kirby Middle School, and Wooddale Middle School. (Photo: IOTA Community Schools Website)
If we’re serious about improving TCAP scores, it’s going to take ALL of us
By Curtis Weathers Special to The Tri-State Defender
For school systems in Tennessee, part of the ritual of preparing for TCAP each year is establishing performance goals in each of the subject areas tested on the state exam.
Indeed, establishing performance goals is a fundamental exercise for any organization whose performance has signi cant consequences for individuals and their respective organizations.
A er poring over Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) TCAP data, I wondered if district schools and the school system as a whole make it a practice to establish performance goals at the start of each school year. If indeed that occurs, school systems usually do not share that information with the general public. However, that data would be very helpful when evaluating a school system’s performance at the end of the school year.
However, Memphis Shelby County Schools does provide such information. In fact, the district’s annual plan provides a treasure trove of such information along with their performance intentions across a broad spectrum of academic areas.
I have to admit I did not know this data was available for public consumption. e document contained TCAP performance targets for English Language Arts, Mathematics, and various other academic areas. However, there were no projections for any of the other TCAP subject areas, i.e., Biology, Algebra, Social Studies, etc.
While schools set their own performance targets each year, the district, I’m told, does not require its schools to submit performance targets for any particular academic subject area.
Setting annual performance goals for schools and school districts is crucial for driving continuous improvement and ensuring accountability in education, or any eld for that matter.
ese goals provide a clear direction and focus for administrators, teachers, and sta , aligning their e orts toward speci c, measurable outcomes.
It would be helpful if the district published and shared school-level performance targets and district-level performance goals at the start of each school year.
ese performance goals would serve as benchmarks for evaluating progress, identifying areas of strength and weakness, fostering transparency and communication with stakeholders, including parents, community members, and policymakers, and making data-driven decisions to enhance educational quality. Establishing performance targets in areas such as student achievement, attendance, graduation rates, and even teacher e ectiveness can help our community understand more fully what it takes to help schools achieve their goals and help prioritize their resources and initiatives more e ectively.
While the district celebrated the gains made in various content areas and at various levels this school year, those numbers still did not reach the speci c goals set by the district at the start of the school year.
their performance goals each year, especially in English Language Arts and Mathematics?
We can do this as a community!
We can form powerful partnerships that can help boost academic achievement in our schools, especially on state TCAP exams. Schools can engage parents through workshops and various communication platforms, help answer questions about the TCAP exams, providing them with the tools and knowledge to support their children’s learning at home.
Faith-based institutions can o er tutoring and mentoring programs, supplement classroom instruction, and provide students with additional academic support and a safe space for learning.
For example, last year, MSCS set a pro ciency goal of 32% (rounded) in English Language Arts and 24% in Mathematics (Source: District Annual Plan). e school system missed its performance target in English Language Arts by nine percentage points and its Mathematics target by four percentage points.
I would love to see a list of the schools that set and met their TCAP performance goals. ose schools deserve an extra dose of recognition and celebration.
But wouldn’t it be great if the entire Memphis and Shelby County community had speci c, well-constructed involvement in helping our schools attain
Our churches can foster a sense of community and belonging, providing students with the emotional and spiritual support they need to overcome obstacles and stay motivated. Many religious teachings emphasize values such as discipline, perseverance, and respect for authority, which are essential for academic success. Faith-based institutions can help instill these values in children, preparing them for the challenges of standardized testing and beyond.
By working together (schools and the community), we can create a comprehensive support system that will allow our children to achieve their academic goals and address some of their social and emotional needs as well, leading to improved TCAP performance at every level.
is level of collaboration won’t be easy, but it can be done.
It MUST be done.
Curtis Weathers
By Lee Eric Smith lesmith@tsdmemphis.com
Last October, a report by HeartlandForward.org said that while Memphis has almost 55,000 Black Owned businesses, less than 1,200 of them have employees.
On Wednesday Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Dilawar Syed said he thinks that number should be closer to 15,000 — and that the SBA is there to help make it happen.
In a reside chat titled “SBA and Entrepreneurship in a Diverse America,” Syed emphasized the signi cant impact of federal initiatives such as the bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the American Rescue Plan, and the In ation Reduction Act. ese investments, he noted, are reminiscent of the New Deal era in their scale and ambition, aiming to create new opportunities for entrepreneurs nationwide.
“ ese investments are creating an entrepreneurial stimulus by necessitating new classes of companies to support large-scale projects like Ford’s EV factory near Memphis and major solar installations,” Syed stated.
e event, organized by the City of Memphis O ce of Business Diversity and Compliance, focused on how federal investments under President Biden’s administration are fostering entrepreneurial growth and economic development in historically underserved communities. It was held at the Universal Life Building, an icon of Black wealth in Memphis.
Syed highlighted that 18 million new businesses have been founded in the past few years, with the SBA playing a crucial role in providing access to nancing, mentorship, and federal contracts. Syed shared that the SBA facilitated $372 million in loans in Tennessee last year, supporting small business owners with working capital,
Deputy SBA Administrator chats with Memphis entrepreneurs about resources for Black-owned businesses
equipment, and real estate nancing.
He underscored the SBA’s commitment to democratizing access to capital, particularly through simplifying processes for smaller loans, which has resulted in a 47% increase in small-dollar lending.
“It’s very important that communities that have been historically underserved all have access to opportunity, funding, mentorship, and federal government contracts,” he said.
Syed also highlighted the importance of awareness about available resources, noting that many entrepreneurs are unaware of how to engage with the government and access funding.
“A lot of times people are looking for a $10,000 loan or $20,000 loan. We’ve simpli ed that process to drive more small-dollar lending that SBA can support.”
Syed mentioned that in Memphis, a majority Black city, there are only 1,518 Black-owned businesses with employees. He stressed the need for intentional
policies to change this number, aiming for a future with signi cantly more Black-owned businesses thriving in the city. He also drew parallels to Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Massacre, underscoring the importance of overcoming historic barriers to support the growth of Black-owned businesses.
Local business leaders expressed their appreciation for the SBA’s e orts.
Earnest Strickland, President and CEO of the Black Business Association of Memphis, highlighted the historical challenges Black entrepreneurs have faced.
“We’re running with injuries,” Strickland said. “Many of those entrepreneurs actually came from Memphis where they experienced yet another tragedy. It’s been a theme with Black people in this country for so many times.”
Strickland also mentioned the BBA’s “Succession Solutions” program, which reminds would be entrepreneurs that instead of starting a business from
scratch, they can consider acquiring existing businesses.
“ ere are aging owners having succession challenges. And we have many Black-owned minority-owned entrepreneurs looking to start businesses,” Strickland said. “We’re really wanting to marry these two dynamics. We want to bridge that gap by allowing them to have the resources and tools to acquire companies instead of always having to start things.”
Dr. Nashawn Branch, Executive Director of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC), emphasized the importance of teamwork and support for new businesses.
“If you are starting a business, you do not have the time, money, or the luxury of failure,” Branch said. “We strive to atten that learning curve, where we have experienced entrepreneurs to help newer entrepreneurs succeed.”
Eric Terrell, Senior Area Manager with the Memphis SBA, discussed the critical role of federal certi cations in helping local businesses expand.
“My job is to get you caught up on certi cations for the SBA and how to market yourself to the federal government,” Terrell said. “Our job is to make sure that we keep the small business owners engaged with federal contracting.”
Syed concluded the event with a call for intentional policies to overcome historic barriers and support the growth of Black-owned businesses in Memphis.
“We need to change the number of Black-owned businesses with employees from 1,500 to hopefully 15,000,” he said, stressing the SBA’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth.
e event marked a signi cant step in the SBA’s e orts to support Memphis entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to thrive in an evolving economic landscape.
Deputy SBA Administrator Dilawar Syed sat down for a “fireside chat” with about 30 Memphis area business leaders on July 10. Moderating the discussion was Zendaria Davidson, Deputy Director of the City of Memphis Office fo Business Diversity and Compliance. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)
■■ COMMUNITY
Black Farmers’ Market Memphis aims to be oasis in food desert
e Black Farmers’ Market Memphis kicked o its third season on recently, with the promise of bringing nutrient-dense fresh food into one of Memphis’ many food deserts.
e market opened on Saturday, June 15, in observance of Juneteenth weekend. e initiative, a collaboration between e Black Clergy Collaborative of Memphis, Pilgrim Rest Church, and Charlotte & Pickens, aims to address systemic issues such as food deserts and the wealth gap, while celebrating the community’s agricultural heritage. Brittney Sessoms, the owner of Charlotte & Pickens and the visionary behind the market, emphasized the signi cance of the event.
e market o ered a variety of local produce and artisanal products.
Vendors included Crawford’s Garden Starters, Lockard’s Produce, Midtown Bramble & Bloom, and Toles Farms, as well as Black Majestea, South of the Caribbean Islands, and Cx eeBlack.
e event featured a rich tapestry of local avors and cultural expressions, creating a vibrant atmosphere for attendees.
One of the highlights was a live plant-based food demonstration by the Nutrition Ambassadors Network, promoting sustainable practices. e rst 50 guests received reusable shopping bags with the message “Live, Love, Local,” underscoring the market’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
e market also featured live performances, including a set by DJ Juice the Great and an artist chat with local artist
Dottie, moderated by writer Danica Wills. Children’s author Alice Faye Duncan conducted a live reading of her book, “Opal Lee and What it Means to Be Free,” adding an educational component to the event.
Food trucks such as Frozen Spoon, Crossover Eats, and Chi Phi provided a diverse array of culinary options, further enhancing the market’s appeal. ese vendors not only o ered delicious food but also represented the entrepreneurial spirit within the community.
e Black Farmers’ Market Memphis is not just a marketplace; it is a movement aimed at fostering direct relationships between farmers, chefs, and consumers, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that bene ts the entire
“It makes no sense that black people anywhere are hungry or unhoused, given our historical connection to the land and food,” said Brittany Sessoms, who brought the vision to life. “The market is a response to the challenges faced by the local community, providing access to fresh, affordable, nutrient-dense food.”
Growing something . . . it all starts when a seed turns into a seedling . . .
community. It stands as a model for transforming local food systems into engines of economic, social, and cultural resilience.
e market will be open every Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. until September 24, 2024. For more information, visit Black Farmers’ Market Memphis or call 901-646-0947.
Brittany Sessoms (center, in hat) surrounded by the team that helped launch this season of the Black Farmers Market Memphis wants to support black business and black nutrition at the same time. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Produce wasn’t the only thing on sale at the Farmers Market. Artists and artisans also offered their work for display and sale.
So you like Herbal Tea? She’s got your Black
right here!
MajestTEA
One of the many vendors at the opening of the Black Farmers Market Memphis recently at Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church on E. McLemore.
Jones & Parker Vegetable Farm is based in Senatobia, Miss., but made a point to come up to Memphis for the Farmers’ Market.
TSD Newsroom
■■ COMMUNITY
LeMoyne-Owen installs Dr. Christopher B. Davis as 14th President
A er serving a year as the interim president of LeMoyne-Owen College, Dr. Christopher B. Davis has ascended to become the 14th President of small HBCU college in South Memphis.
Monday morning, LeMoyne-Owen College hosted an installation ceremony on campus, which was attended by a diverse gathering of students, faculty, sta , alumni, and distinguished guests, all eager to witness the beginning of Dr. Davis’s o cial leadership tenure.
e ceremony commenced with an enthusiastic welcome from Patricia Covington, the outgoing chair of LOC’s Board of Trustees, who immediately introduced and praised her successor as chair of the board: Memphis attorney Vanecia Belser-Kimbrow.
Kimbrow, in her inaugural address as board chair, expressed gratitude for Covington’s leadership and the trust placed in her by the board.
“I am excited about our future and the remarkable journey we are embarking on together,” she said in introducing Davis as LOC President. “Dr. Davis brings a unique perspective to our school. Not only has he actively served on the board of trustees for nearly eight years, but he is also a community advocate and an accomplished academic.”
Dr. Davis’s formal introduction was met with enthusiastic applause. He stepped to the podium, visibly moved by the occasion.
“It is a tremendous honor to stand before you as the 14th President of LeMoyne-Owen College. I am deeply humbled by this opportunity and grateful for the trust placed in me by both trustees, the faculty, the sta , and the entire LOC community,” Dr. Davis began.
In his address, Dr. Davis outlined his
“LeMoyne-Owen College has always been a beacon of hope and progress in Memphis, and we will continue to build partnerships that benefit both our students and our city.”
— Dr. Christopher B. Davis
vision for the future of LeMoyne-Owen College.
“Education is a transformative force, and at LOC we are dedicated to providing knowledge and experience in an ever-changing world,” he asserted. Dr. Davis emphasized the importance of investing in faculty, expanding academic programs, and creating opportunities for experiential learning. He also highlighted the signi cance of community engagement, stating, “LeMoyne-Owen College has always been a beacon of hope and progress in Memphis, and we will continue to build partnerships that bene t both our students and our city.”
Dr. Davis paid tribute to his family, acknowledging their support and sacri ces. “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my wife and my children. eir support, love, and encouragement have been our foundation for this journey,” he said, drawing heartfelt applause from the audience. Re ecting on his previous role at the eological Seminary, Dr. Davis shared his excitement about bringing a spirit of collaboration and innovation to LeMoyne-Owen College. “One of my top priorities will be to enhance the academic experience for our students. is means investing in our faculty, expanding our academic programs, and
creating opportunities for experiential learning,” he outlined.
Dr. Davis concluded his address with a commitment to open dialogue and mutual respect within the LOC community. “I aim to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that LOC continues to thrive and make a meaningful impact on the lives of our students and the broader community,” he declared. “ ank you once again for this incredible honor. I’m excited about the future of LeMoyne-Owen College.
Go Magicians!”
e installation ceremony was a celebration of past achievements and future aspirations, marking the start of a new chapter for LeMoyne-Owen College under Dr. Davis’s leadership. e community looks forward to the positive changes and continued success that his presidency promises to bring.
(Note: Vanecia Belser-Kimbrow also sits on the board of e Tri-State Defender.)
Incoming Board of Trustees Chair Vanecia Belser-Kimbrow, President Dr. Christober B. Davis and outgoing Board Chair Patricia Covington all celebrated Davis’ installation as 14th President of LeMoyne-Owen College.
Dr. Carolyn Johnson-Dean, Davis’ predecessor as LOC President, offered her insights during the installation ceremony. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/TriState Defender)
Methodist Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center hosting Community Health Fair on July 13
TSD Newsroom
e Methodist Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center will host a Community Health Fair on Saturday, July 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wilson Hall Gym, located at 251 S. Claybrook on the Methodist University Hospital campus.
is event aims to provide essential health services and information to the community at no cost.
e health fair will o er free health screenings, including tests for diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure, dental, and vision health. Attendees can also receive COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, making it an ideal opportunity for those needing to stay up-to-date with their immunizations.
Additionally, there will be Sickle Cell trait testing and valuable information on sickle cell disease, mental health, and other health topics.
Highlights of the event include CPR and choking rescue demonstrations, a blood drive sponsored by Vitalant, and a variety of information tables from local community organizations. Free lunch and numerous giveaways will be available for attendees, creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for all participants.
e Methodist Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center is committed to improving the health and quality of life for those a ected by sickle cell disease through comprehensive care and innovative treatments. e center provides a preventive outpatient clinic, a dedicated emergency infusion unit, and ongoing patient education.
For more information about the Community Health Fair or services provided by the Methodist Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, call 901478-2277 or visit Methodist Healthcare.
PUBLIC NOTICES / CLASSIFIEDS
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000889, Big Creek Park- Phase 3B Sledge Road Improvements. 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
I000889
DUE DATE TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2024 AT 2:30 PM CST
(SB-I000889) BIG CREEK PARK-PHASE 3B SLEDGE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
All bids will be opened and read via teleconference by Shelby County Government at the time mentioned above. Please use the following information to join the bid opening:
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Meeting ID: 249 154 478 815 Passcode: 3nu8b9
VOLUNTARY PRE-BID MEETING – A voluntary pre-bid meeting to address questions will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. (CST). Vendors can access the meeting via teleconference by utilizing the following access codes:
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Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 230 464 976 620 Passcode: 7K5P7T
Respondents may also contact Shelby County for information at the following numbers, TTY Number (901) 222-2301 or for information in Spanish 901-222-4289.
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. Shelby County encourages participation from WBE, MBE, LOSB, and Section 3 firms and vendors under this CDBG-NDR response.
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Memphis Redbirds to Celebrate Memphis Red Sox Night in August
TSD Newsroom
e Memphis Redbirds will honor the historic Memphis Red Sox, a prominent Negro League team, at AutoZone Park on Saturday, August 10, 2024.
e event, part of MLB’s “ e Nine” initiative, will feature a tribute game, giveaways, and a reworks display. e rst 1,500 fans will receive a Memphis Red Sox tumbler. Special o ers include all-inclusive suites and discounts for Little League Baseball teams.
e Memphis Red Sox were one of the founding members of the Negro American League, playing a signi cant role in African American baseball history. Founded in 1920, the team was a powerhouse in Negro League baseball, fostering great talent and o ering a source of pride for the black community during segregation. eir legacy is an essential part of Memphis’
rich baseball history, contributing to the cultural fabric of the city and the sport. MLB’s “ e Nine” initiative, launched to hon-
or the legacy of the Negro Leagues, focuses on celebrating and preserving the history of these pioneering players and teams. is initiative not only acknowledges their contributions to baseball but also educates new generations about their impact.
It is named a er the number worn by legendary Negro Leagues player Buck O’Neil and symbolizes the nine players on a baseball eld, representing unity and teamwork.
Taylor McFarquhar, Director of Promotions for the Memphis Redbirds, stated, “ is is a unique opportunity for Memphis to celebrate our rich baseball history and honor the legacy of the Memphis Red Sox. We invite everyone to join us for this special night.”
For more details and ticket purchases, visit the Memphis Redbirds website or contact Taylor McFarquhar at (901) 722-0228 or Kenneth Allen Sr. at (901) 281-4207.
The Memphis Red Sox played at Martin Stadium on Crump Blvd.
