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LEGACY: Luther McClellan, First African American Graduate of University of Memphis
TSD Newsroom
Luther C. McClellan, the rst African American graduate of the University of Memphis and a member of the historic Memphis State Eight, passed away on July 12 at the age of 83.
McClellan was instrumental in desegregating the university in 1959 alongside seven other Black students. He graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and went on to have a distinguished career as an Air Force o cer and later as a program director at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
McClellan’s contributions and legacy were honored by the University of Memphis in 2021 when the alumni
mall was named a er him.
UofM President Bill Hardgrave expressed deep sadness over McClellan’s passing.
“As a member of the Memphis State Eight and the rst African American graduate at our institution, Luther was a trailblazer for our university and a beloved member of the Tiger Family,” Hardgrave said. “His perseverance paved the way for many and allowed the UofM to become the institution it is today. He will be missed and forever remembered.”
During his time at Memphis State, McClellan and his peers faced significant challenges and restrictions, including being barred from the student union, cafeteria, and sports events, and having to leave campus by noon.
Despite these hardships, McClellan remained focused on his education and his determination paved the way for increased diversity and inclusion at the university
“It was my opportunity to get an education and I was not going to let that escape me,” McClellan recalled at the 60-year commemoration of the Memphis State Eight’s integration of the University in 2019.
“I just challenged myself to focus on doing my work. If another student wanted to speak to me, that was ne with me,” he continued. “ at was my stance on it, and it worked for me. My classmates weren’t going to buck the system and become my friend, but I do think they knew that all people were created equal.”
President Calvin Anderson Interim Editor Lee Eric Smith
In 2021, the University of Memphis unveiled a marker naming the Alumni Mall after the first African-American graduate, Luther C. McClellan, who was on hand for a ceremony he did not envision when he and seven others integrated what was then Memphis State University. (File Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)
■■ NEWS
“As a member of the Memphis State Eight and the first African American graduate at our institution, Luther was a trailblazer for our university and a beloved member of the Tiger Family.”
—
Bill Hardgrave
Friends, family and supporters of Luther C. McClellan were on hand for the 2021 marker dedication, including Memphis State Eight trail blazers Bertha Rogers Looney (front, fourth from right) and Ralph Prater (front, second from left). Marvis Kneeland Jones, the only other surviving member of the Memphis State Eight was unable to attend because of illness. The other Memphis State Eight students were Eleanor Gandy, Sammie Burnett Johnson, Rose Blakney Love and John Simpson.
Resurgence of Political Violence in America
Violence is nothing new in association with politics in America. What has become different, however, is how it is reported in the so-called mainstream media and in the various channels of social media.
By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and Bobby R. Henry Sr. NNPA Newswire
As we approach the 200th Anniversary of the Black Press of America in 2027, the National Newspapers Publishers Association (NNPA) is obliged to speak and plead for our own cause considering the resurgence of political violence in America. e attempted assassination of former President Trump in Pennsylvania was the latest violent contradiction that, unfortunately, remains deeply embedded in American life, culture, and politics.
America is rapidly approaching another violent and counterproductive abyss of division, hatred, and anti-democratic repression.
Dr. Benjamin F.
For nearly 200 years the Black Press has had to call out and confront the evils of violent racism, hatred, oppression, imperialism, slavery, and fascism. Violence begets violence. Extremism begets extremism. Political violence begets political violence. In a democracy, political violence cannot and should not be condoned, tolerated, or normalized. As President Biden stated, “Hate must have no safe harbor in America.”
Racial hatred and violence as well as political hatred and violence are abhorrent to freedom, justice, and equality for all. We don’t need another bloodstain on the character of America, and we don’t want to see this country implode from within due to
We don’t need another bloodstain on the character of America, and we don’t want to see this country implode from within due to politics of violence.
politics of violence. Even though we are concerned about the political climate of this country, we are keenly aware that the current escalation of hate and outward racism comes at a time when political di erences are hotly contested. Unfortunately, the association of violence and politics is nothing new in
America. However, what has changed is how political violence is reported by the so-called mainstream media and amplified across social media channels.
e Black Press has not only emerged as the trusted voice of Black America, but as an authentic voice for all Americans who demand equality over inequality, justice over injustice, freedom over bondage, and nonviolence over violence.
American journalism needs to be rescued from the fake, false, frailties of extremist propaganda and subjective refusal to courageously publish and distribute facts and truth. Millions of people throughout the nation continue to be polarized because of disinformation and misinformation.
Again, we rea rm the value, purpose, and impact of the Black Press. is year, we intend to mobilize our NNPA member publishers and constituencies across the nation to ensure the largest intergenerational Black voter turnout in America’s history.
Yes, democracy is on the ballot. Freedom is on the ballot. Justice is on the ballot. Equality is on the ballot. By working together with civility and unity, we shall overcome.
(Bobby R. Henry Sr. is the chairman of the NNPA’s Board of Directors and the publisher of the Westside Gazette. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is the NNPA’s president and CEO, an ordained minister and longtime champion of civil rights and environmental justice.)
Chavis Jr.
By Taylor Batson Special To The Tri-State Defender
Gooch Park and Pool had been through some rough times – most recently, a delay in reopening the pool. But the pool opened July 10 with a stunning display of murals on its pool house – courtesy of popular Memphis mural artist Jamond Bullock.
“Gooch Park just got a faceli ,” Bullock said.
On July 13, the UrbanArt Commission (UAC), partnered with HUG Parks Friends and Memphis City Parks to dedicate the mural and honor Bullock.
Bullock was born and raised in North Memphis where he frequented Gooch Park and Pool with his family as a kid. A er graduating from LeMoyne Owen College, Bullock founded his visual arts company, Alivepaint, where he began to express his creativity freely. Bullock then went on to create several murals displayed across the nation.
Bullock, known for his vibrant and thought-provoking murals, completed a series of artworks titled “Slice” surrounding the pool at Gooch Park. e positive response from the community was overwhelming, leading to Bullock being commissioned to extend his creative touch to the pool house. e new mural, “Slice 2.0: We All Stars,” is a stunning addition to the park, celebrating community spirit and unity.
Bullock shared his thoughts on the project through a heartfelt message on his Instagram page.
“It’s rare to be given an opportunity to come back to a community and paint, but when the community calls you back to do more work, you pick up the phone and answer. I thank God
‘Gooch Park just got a facelift’ Urban Art Commission honors local mural artist
“It’s rare to be given an opportunity to come back to a community and paint, but when the community calls you back to do more work, you pick up the phone and answer,” says Jamond Bullock. (TSD File Photo)
every day for my gi s, and this was a chance to help bring inspiration and healing to a community I am connected to,” said Bullock.
“Life can be like a game of chess, but you have to look beyond your surroundings to continue to elevate. We o en forget that it’s more than one spotlight; we can all shine together. We All Stars. is is the rst building we have wrapped front and back, so if you get a chance, it’s a sight to see.”
Bullock serves as a positive role model in his community, giving young kids someone to look up to.
“ ey tell me all the time ‘He’s one of us’,” said JoAnn Street, founder of HUG Parks Friends.
“Life can be like a game of chess, but you have to look beyond your surroundings to continue to elevate. We often forget that it’s more than one spotlight; we can all shine together. We All Stars.” (TSD File Photo)
Jamond Bullock’s murals at Gooch Park are mesmerizing. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/TriState Defender)
Community members gather at the Alley Dayz event kickoff, setting the tone for an evening filled with fun and excitement. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises//The Tri-State Defender)
ALLEY DAYZ
OnWednesday, July 10, Barbaro Alley in Downtown Memphis turned into a vibrant community festival called “Alley Dayz.” e street festival, hosted by the Downtown Memphis
Commission, transforms the city’s alleys into lively hubs of activity, featuring a diverse array of local performers, artisans, and food vendors. Attendees enjoy live music, dance performances, and interactive activities designed for all ages, making it a family-friendly a air.
TSD photojournalist Gary S. Whitlow caught some of the sights on camera . . . check it out!
If these streets could talk, they’d do it with chalk.
A variety of booths showcasing local crafts and artisan goods draw the interest of the community, highlighting local talent.
■■ COMMUNITY
Food stalls offering an array of delicious treats become a central attraction, providing a taste of the local cuisine.
This young artist took the challenge, grabbed a piece of chalk and made some art . . . or just scribbled on the sidewalk.
This gentlemen reviews his options at a vendor booth.
The Main Street Trolley was a great way to easily get down to Alley Dayz.
Street performers like this violinist entertained the crowd, adding a lively and engaging atmosphere to the event.
Alley Dayz was a team up effort with the Downtown Memphis Commission and Henry Turley Properties.
The team from Jasper Float Spa and Wellness took advantage of Alley Dayz to let people where they need to go when it’s time to relax and unwind.
COMMUNITY
Mayor Young Appoints Interim Animal Services Director
By James Coleman Special to The Tri-State Defender
With an investigation into allegations of neglect still ongoing, Mary Claire Borys has been named interim director of Memphis Animal Services.
City of Memphis Mayor Paul Young made the announcement during during a meeting with animal advocates at City Hall on ursday, July 11.
MAS director Ty Coleman was placed on suspension four days a er the heat-related death of a dog named “Lulu,” on June 24. e pit mix was allegedly le outside in an unshaded playpen at the Memphis Animal Shelter
as temperatures reached 93 degrees. e heat index hit 105 degrees.
Coleman was renominated for the position by Young - who is in his rst term - and was reappointed by the Memphis City Council in January.
Borys previously served as the strategic initiatives administrator of Division of Housing and Community Development since 2017. Her employment with the division includes Young’s tenure as its director. His ve-year helm at the department ended in 2021. Her stint with MAS begins Monday. A title is pending.
Prior to Borys’ appointment, City of Memphis Chief Administrative O -
cer Antonio Adams had been leading MAS. On Tuesday, July 9 he addressed the issue with city council members.
“Addressing the elephant in the room, I’d like to thank you all for your support as we in the administration, we in the city go through…turbulent times at Memphis Animal Services. We are continuing to stabilize services there,” Adams said.
He also said MAS was currently implementing a plan to improve services - including hiring more sta .
During the Libraries and Neighborhood Improvement Committee meeting, council members approved an intergovernmental agreement with
Shelby County for animal housing and rabies tag collection. Opponents fear the resolution will add more responsibilities to an already troubled division.
“Our Memphis animal shelter is in a hot mess right now,” said Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton. “We’re going to have to get our own house clean before we start adding other stu to our house…and get it managed well.”
Meanwhile, Young has promised a “broad” investigation into Coleman’s leadership. He earns $120,000 annually.
With an annual budget of $6 million, MAS’ 70 full-time and part-time shelter employees care for around 9,000 animals per year.
City Council approves MLGW board expansion on first reading
By James Coleman Special to The Tri-State Defender
A referendum ordinance to expand the MLGW board to include suburban representation narrowly passed during the Tuesday, July 9 Memphis City Council meeting.
Members approved the item 6-5. If the ordinance passes on a third and nal reading, it will be added to the November ballot.
“ is was an item that was brought to us from people outside of Memphis, requesting that we add two voting board seats,” said Councilman Je Warren. “It’s my understanding that the people that brought this to us, they just want us to vote on it, up or down. I think that it would be reasonable for us to take this, move it downstairs and go for three readings.”
During the close of the earlier Memphis, Light, Gas & Water Committee meeting, the item failed on a voice vote, a er chairman JB Smiley ruled it didn’t reach a seven-vote majority to proceed. However, the item was added to the consent agenda, a er members consult-
ed with Council Attorney Alan Wade in council chambers.
Consent agenda items are voted on without debate.
Its reintroduction drew no objections, despite an earlier motion from Smiley to delay a vote for two weeks and continue discussion that overwhelmingly passed.
Earlier, Smiley ruled that motion by Warren to let the item proceed before the full council failed to muster a seven-vote majority, as required by the rules.
e failed motion was packaged with an amendment. With the updated proposal, one proposed seat would go to a resident of unincorporated Shelby County - Arlington and Lakelandwhile the other would go to a resident of Collierville, Germantown or Millington.
e former receives all three services - gas, electric and water - from the utility. ey would receive a “full voting power seat.” e latter, meanwhile, only receive electricity and gas from MLGW. As a result, their choice would be excluded from any water-related issues. If the referendum passes in No-
vember, City of Memphis Mayor Paul Young would make the nominations. City council approval would follow. Names are already being thrown in the hat. A local environmental group has already pitched a nominee to Warren. Currently, all ve voting board members are required to reside within the city limits of Memphis.
e proposed ordinance follows a resolution passed by the MLGW board in April, to increase its membership. Two seats would be added to represent areas outside the Memphis city limits, particularly the suburbs.
Over the years, the utility’s charter has been amended several times. A home rule ordinance was passed in 1983. Prior to that, members were only required to live within Shelby County.
MLGW was created in 1939. A board was soon established that had three members. It was expanded to ve members in 1951. By 1980, the utility’s president and vice president were no longer considered members of the board.
MGLW Committee members were also informed that the utility and Ten-
nessee Valley Authority are working together to design a greywater treatment facility at the incoming xAI facility in Southwest Memphis.
Both are slated to receive design plans and cost of the facility from a local engineering rm, CDM Smith, within the month.
xAI is an arti cial intelligence company founded by businessman Elon Musk, who also founded Space X and Tesla Motors, Inc.. It is expected to employ 320 people.
e facility will lter wastewater from the City of Memphis Waste Water plant to produce water clean enough for industrial uses. e goal is to produce 10 millions gallons of usable water per day to meet forecasted needs. e water is currently discharged directly into the Mississippi River.
“We did our level best to make sure we protected our future and all of our resources with the actions that we took here,” said MLGW President and CEO Doug McGowen.
MLGW began discussions with xAI in March. Public announcement of the project was in April.
NOTICE TO BIDDER(S)
Sealed bids will be received by the Shelby County Government in the Department of Housing online until 9:30 a.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024, as shown below:
MULTIPLE AND ENTIRELY DIFFERENT LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION AND REHABILITATION JOBS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS BID NOTICE. BIDDER(S) MAY ELECT TO BID ON ANY OR ALL OF THE JOBS IN THE NOTICE.
SEALED BID I000892 DUE ONLINE AT 9:30 a.m. Friday, August 2, 2024
Rehabilitation of Owner-Occupied Housing Units throughout Shelby County some of which may require the use of lead-safe work practices and techniques; and Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Jobs.
Detailed specifications for the items above may be obtained through the Neighborly Portal beginning Friday, July 19, 2024. All bids will be opened and publicly read by the Shelby County Government at the time mentioned above at the Department of Housing, 6465 Mullins Station Road Memphis, TN 38134, (901) 222-7600; TTY Number (901) 222-2301; or for information in Spanish 901-222-7601. Award recommendations will be posted at the following website https://www.develop901.com/ housing upon review of the bid opening results.
As a condition precedent to bidding, each bidder must apply and qualify for a Vendor Number and Equal Opportunity Compliance (EOC) Eligibility Number prior to submitting your response.
We have now transitioned to conducting bids online through Neighborly. If you have not already signed up, you can do so at https://portal. neighborlysoftware.com/SHELBYCOUNTYTN/ contractor. All documents submitted must be current and uploaded into your Neighborly account. Bids submitted without all required documentation will be unacceptable. Paisley Pogue (Paisley.Pogue@shelbycountytn.gov or 901-222-7611) will be assisting with any questions you may have regarding uploading the documents.
All new contractors will need to register with the Neighborly portal in order for their bids to be accepted on projects. Interested contractors not currently on the contractor list should contact the Department of Housing in order to schedule a meeting with the Housing Site Inspector.
Paper copies of bids are no longer available. The Department of Housing encourages participation from WBE, MBE, LOSB, and Section 3 Contractors under these rehabilitation programs.
The Shelby County Government reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities therein.
By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Scott Walkup, Administrator
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
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Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000881 Point Blank Endeavor Vet Pouches. 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 I000881 DUE DATE MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2024 AT 2:00 PM CST
(SB-I000881) POINT BLANK ENDEAVOR VET POUCHES
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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
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000882 Point Blank Omega Vest Plates. 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 I000882 DUE DATE MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2024 AT 2:30 PM CST
(SB-I000882) POINT BLANK OMEGA VEST PLATES
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Join from a video-conferencing room or system. Meeting ID: 490-847-181
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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.
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Above and on cover: New Minnesota Twins player Kaelen Culpepper has been a standout player for Kansas State, posting an impressive .325/.423/.576 slash line with 10 home runs and 41 RBIs in his sophomore season. “All those hard times, all the adversity I’ve been through . . . it, it just means so much,” Culpepper said after the draft. “They’re gon’ get a dog out of me, and I’m just ready to go!”
e Minnesota Twins selected Kansas State in elder Kaelen Culpepper with the 21st overall pick in the rst round of the 2024 MLB Dra on Sunday.
Culpepper, an alumnus of St. Benedict at Auburndale High School in Cordova, could barely contain his emotions moments a er the dra .
“I mean, when you look back at the journey that I been through, all those hard times, all the adversity I’ve been through . . . it, it just means so much,” Culpepper said with his fresh Twins jersey and cap on.
“ is is the result of it right here,” he continued. “All my family back there, you know, they all understand how hard I work. Just with what
it took to get here. I’m just really happy, full of excitement right now.”
Culpepper has been a standout player for K-State, known for his powerful bat and solid defensive skills.
Culpepper’s sophomore season saw him post an impressive .325/.423/.576 slash line with 10 home runs and 41 RBIs. His performance earned him multiple accolades, including AllBig 12 Honorable Mention and a spot on the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team, where he led Team USA with a .471 batting average during international play.
“I’ve worked hard to get to this point, and it’s an honor to be dra ed by the Twins,” Culpepper said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to contin-
ue growing as a player and to contribute to such a storied organization.”
At Kansas State, Culpepper was not only a key o ensive player but also a versatile defender, playing both third base and shortstop. His strong arm and athleticism have drawn comparisons to some of the top in elders in the game today.
Culpepper is expected to start his professional career in the minor leagues, with a focus on developing his already impressive skills and preparing for a future in the majors.
“I can do everything. I can do everything on the eld,” Culpepper said, brimming with condence. “ ey’re gon’ get a dog out of me, and I’m just ready to go!”
(Photo: Kansas State University
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See other ways we give back to Chattanooga and other Tennessee communities at BCBSTnews.com/impact
