TRI-STATE DEFENDER
■■ COMMUNITY
Historic Griggs Business College set for $750K renovation
By TSD Newsroom
by
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In a significant boost for historical preservation and community development, Property Power and Preservation (P3) has secured a $750,000 grant to fund the rehabilitation of the Griggs Business and Practical Arts College.
e grant is partially funded by the African American Civil Rights grant program through the Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service Department of Interior.
Griggs Business College photo from earlier days. (Facebook.com/GriggsLegacyProject)
e Griggs Business College, established in 1949 by Emma Griggs, played a pivotal role in providing vocational training and education to African Americans during a time of segregation. Recognized for its historical importance, the college was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, a rming its critical place in Memphis’ educational and cultural history.
“We are honored to receive this grant which will allow us to breathe new life into the Griggs College,” said Sheryl Wallace, President of P3. “ is project is not just about preserving a building; it’s about honoring the legacy of those who fought for educational equity and access. We are committed to ensuring that the stories of our past continue to inspire and educate our community.”
e rehabilitation project will encompass structural repairs, the restoration of historical features, and the creation of educational programs to highlight the college’s impact on the community. P3 aims to transform the site into a cultural hub, serving as a
resource for education and community engagement.
e National Park Service’s African American Civil Rights Grant Program is dedicated to preserving sites and stories associated with the struggle for civil rights in the United States. is grant is part of ongoing e orts to honor the contributions of African Americans to the ght for equality and ensure their stories are preserved for future generations.
For more information about the Griggs Business and Practical Arts College rehabilitation project, contact P3 at griggslegacyproject@gmail.com.
artist’s rendering showcases the future restored facade of Griggs Business College, emphasizing the building’s historical architecture while incorporating modern amenities for community use. (Courtesy photo)
The Tri-State Defender
President Calvin Anderson Interim Editor Lee Eric Smith
This
If you haven’t heard, Project 2025 is a 920-page blueprint for a second Trump term, straight out of a dystopian novel. It’s packed with the horrifying policies MAGA Republicans dream of imposing.
It’s the MAGA Republicans’ plan to take control of this country and our lives. It demolishes checks and balances, tramples personal liberties, and outlines a Trump power grab ripped from a dictator’s playbook.
Project 2025: The Blueprint for America’s Democratic Demise
By Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson
(FL-24)
Trump is “America’s Hitler.”
ose aren’t my words. ey’re the words of Donald Trump’s running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance. at’s what he and many others used to say about Trump before they succumbed to his in uence. Now, they’re proclaiming their loyalty by bowing down and kissing the ring of an insurrection inciter, a racist, a sex predator, a twice-impeached, four-time indicted, now convicted felon, and former disgrace of a President.
Recently, the Republicans held their national convention. Despite the delusional and deranged policies Trump has been shoving down our throats, he was met with thunderous applause.
Let me paint a picture of a second Trump term, according to MAGA Republicans and Trump’s closest cronies.
Journalist and historian Anne Applebaum aptly noted, “O en, for autocrats, the second time in power is worst.” at’s a chillingly accurate description of what we’d face with Trump, especially with the tyrannical policies in Project 2025.
If you haven’t heard, Project 2025 is a 920-page blueprint for a second Trump term, straight out of a dystopian novel. It’s packed with the horrifying policies MAGA Republicans dream of imposing.
It’s the MAGA Republicans’ plan to take control of this country and our lives.
It demolishes checks and balances, tramples personal liberties, and outlines a Trump power grab ripped from a dictator’s playbook.
Trump wants to re up to 1 million people in the federal government and replace them with a bunch of extreme MAGA Republicans who would do Trump’s bidding instead of the American people and the Constitution.
And let’s talk about your wallet because you can forget about that with Project 2025. MAGA Republicans want to increase taxes on the middle class, gut social security for young Americans, slash Medicare, let employers stop paying overtime, and more.
ey also aim to obliterate the De-
Frederica S. Wilson
partment of Education and eliminate the Head Start program. As a former Head Start educator and school principal, I nd this vile and inexcusable.
Project 2025 also wants students in public high schools to take a military entrance exam in an e ort to dra them into the military. However, it leaves private school kids untouched.
e cherry on top? ey’re hell-bent on banning abortion and restricting access to birth control and Plan B. As someone who knew life before Roe v. Wade and almost died from a stillbirth, we simply cannot go back.
Now, Trump knows this plan is
insane and unpopular, and has recently tried to distance himself from Project 2025, claiming he knows nothing about it.
But Project 2025 is crawling with former Trump o cials and cabinet members.
All MAGA Republicans are trying to do now is lie about Project 2025 so they can win the election and begin to implement this draconian plan—just like authoritarians in other countries did when trying to grab onto power. But we cannot ignore their true vile intentions. So, what’s next?
Trump used his rst term to destroy the guardrails of democracy, stack the courts with loyalists, and make the truth seem like “fake news.”
So, while our democracy survived a rst Trump term, it won’t survive a second one.
Don’t take my word for it. Trump said he will become “a dictator on day one.” is isn’t just a scare tactic by Democrats; it’s simply what Trump has already told us will happen if he wins. So, believe him when he says he’ll be a dictator.
ere is simply too much at stake to focus on anything other than the choice we have in this election: democracy or dictatorship.
I’m choosing democracy every day.
John Hope Bryant American Aspiration Tour
Operation HOPE Chairman makes fiery case for financial literacy during stop in Memphis
By Lee Eric Smith Interim Editor
On July 30, hundreds gathered at Cossitt Library in Downtown Memphis to hear a conversation between Memphis Mayor Paul Young and renowned nancial literacy advocate John Hope Bryant of Operation HOPE, Inc.
But as Bryant made a ery case for nancial literacy and economic empowerment, the reside chat felt more like Sunday church — with Bryant preaching from the pages of his new book “Financial Literacy for All” and Young holding down the Amen Corner.
“Financial literacy is the civil rights issue of this generation,” Bryant told a packed room at the library. “Nothing changes your life more than God or love, than moving your credit score 120 points. If you want to save Memphis, you need to focus on raising credit scores and homeownership.”
If that was just a drop in the bucket, then Bryant was a rehose of wit, wisdom, insight, inspiration and nancial savvy at the Memphis stop of his American Aspiration Tour 2024. e tour is a nationwide initiative aimed at upli ing marginalized communities through enhanced nancial literacy and economic empowerment.
e tour features insightful discussions, workshops, and testimonials from individuals who have bene ted from Operation HOPE’s programs, emphasizing practical steps to improve credit scores, foster homeownership, and encourage small business development.
One testimonial came from Arnika Carter, co-owner of Loaded Juice in Memphis. Carter recounted how Operation HOPE’s small business
class helped her expand her business. Struggling with personal health issues, Arnika started her juice business to improve her gut and skin health. e business quickly gained popularity, prompting her to seek further education and resources to grow her brand. rough Operation HOPE, she met a guide who provided invaluable resources and guidance on creating a business plan and preparing for small business loans. Arnika successfully secured a $25,000 loan and she’s been rolling ever since — literally.
“With that loan, I have been expanding my local juice business. At rst, I just o ered cold-pressed juices,” she told the crowd. “Now, I have my food truck.”
Leanne Brown also shared her inspiring story of overcoming nancial challenges with the help of Operation HOPE.
Initially reaching out to the program with a low credit score in the 500s, Leanne worked closely with nancial coach Lester Watts. Despite initial doubts and setbacks, her persistence
paid o , and within 12 months, her credit score improved by 120 points. is signi cant improvement allowed her to achieve homeownership, profoundly impacting not just her and her family’s lives, but the broader community.
“Not only do you buy a home, but you change the community. When we change the community, we change lives,” she said.
And all of that was before Bryant started erupting nancial a-ha moments. Whether it was history lessons,
conservative DEI backlash, or weighing in on how Young should respond when businesses come knocking, Bryant peppered the audience with wit, profound insights and hard data to back up his points. Among them:
On building wealth: “Real wealth is built in your sleep—through real estate, stocks, bonds, business, homeownership, investment accounts, and education.”
On changing the culture: “It takes 20 years to change a culture. In the last 20 years, I think we’ve made dumb sexy. We’ve dumbed down and celebrated.
“Financial literacy is the civil rights issue of this generation. I call it ‘Silver Rights,’ the right to financial literacy, access to capital, and the ability to create wealth. It’s as important today as civil rights were in the past.” — John Hope Bryant (Photos: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)
■■ COMMUNITY
Memphis: “(Mayor Young’s) job is to be a salesman or a saleswoman for your city. And if somebody with legal money, ethical, legal money — not Pookie-nem, but legal, ethical money, a billion, $100 million, $50 million — and they want to do something positive, or remotely positive, or could be positive, in the City of Memphis, his job is to say yes.
OPERATION HOPE: COMMUNITY CREDIT SCORE INDEX
The following chart compares the areas of New Pathways / Downtown Memphis and Germantown. These two neighborhoods are less than 18 miles apart.
And now it’s time to make smart sexy again.”
On drug dealers: “(Being) a drug dealer is unethical and illegal . . . but one thing they’re not is DUMB. ey work with import-export, nance, marketing, wholesale, retail, customer service, security, territory, logistics . . . and a gang leader is a frustrated union organizer.”
On attracting economic activity to
“If it’s not hurting the citizens of Memphis and not coming out of the city’s account, that’s his job, to say yes,” Bryant continued. “Figure it out, say yes, drag it to the negotiating table and work out the details so it bene ts the City and the citizens of Memphis.” ose were among his opening remarks — about 20 minutes straight. But while the session was intended to be a conversation with Young and the audience, no one was bothered at
See Page 6
Source: www.operationhope.org
Leanne Brown shared her inspiring story of overcoming financial challenges with the help of Operation HOPE.
Arnika Carter founded her cold-pressed juice business “Loaded Juice” with support from Operation HOPE.
John Hope Bryant, founder of Operation HOPE, and Memphis Mayor Paul Young engage in a dynamic discussion on financial literacy and economic empowerment during the ‘American Aspiration Tour’ event at the Cossitt Library.
Financial Literacy Is the Civil Rights Issue of This Generation
COMMENTARY
Editor’s Note: During his “American Aspiration Tour 2024,” Operation HOPE founder John Hope Bryant stopped in Memphis for a lively conversation with Memphis Mayor Paul Young at the Cossitt Library. During his speech he referenced an OP-ED he was asked to write for Time.com. With his blessing, we re-share it here.
By John Hope Bryant, Chairman Operation HOPE
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the concept of civil rights has expanded beyond traditional boundaries. While equal opportunities and social justice remain essential, there is a new frontier that demands our attention: nancial literacy. Just as the Civil Rights Movement fought for equality in education, employment, and voting rights, nancial literacy is the civil rights issue of this generation.
As I assert in the thought-provoking 1865 Project, we are living in a time where one’s zip code can have more to do with his or her life outcomes than his or her dream or work ethic. ere is an urgent need to address the disparities that arise due to a lack of nancial education.
e 1865 Project looks to nish the work of the Freedman’s Bank—started by President Abraham Lincoln and American social reformer, Frederick Douglass—which was initially designed to teach the formerly enslaved about money. In 2016, the U.S. Treasury renamed the Treasury Annex—formerly the Freedman’s Bank headquarters—to the Freedman’s Bank Building. Today, as Operation HOPE continues to evolve a ird Reconstruction, it
is convening the public and private sectors in a national movement to help level the playing eld for Americans of all ethnicities so that families can thrive in a free enterprise economy.
Financial literacy is not just about understanding numbers; it is a tool for empowerment and social justice. Without proper nancial knowledge, individuals and communities are le vulnerable to cycles of poverty, debt, and limited economic mobility. Without a solid nancial education, many Americans will remain on the outskirts of the economic mainstream, trapped in a cycle of high-interest debt, limited access to banking services, and a lack of opportunities for upward mobility.
e dearth of nancial literacy in America also contributes to the ever-widening wealth gap. According to a recent study by the Federal Reserve, the median net worth of white house-
holds is about six times that of Black households, and nearly ve times that of Hispanic households. is stark disparity is deeply rooted in historical inequalities and systemic barriers that deny marginalized communities access to nancial knowledge and resources.
e 1865 Project underscores this point. However, I believe this chasm is not simply about race. Just like Black and brown communities, poor white rural neighborhoods are also impacted by the lack of access to capital, opportunity, and nancial education that limits economic prosperity for all.
e key to economic inclusion and empowerment is nancial literacy. By equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed nancial decisions, we empower them to create a path to economic stability, which can create a more just society for all. When individuals understand how to budget, save, invest, and manage debt, they gain greater control over their nancial lives, and the cycle of poverty begins to crumble.
Financial literacy is not just a personal responsibility; it is a societal imperative. e Civil Rights Movement fought for equal access to education and voting rights, today, we must ght for equal access to nancial knowledge with the same vigor. e 1865 Project calls upon us to nish the work started by e Freedman’s Bank, recognizing that nancial literacy is the civil rights issue of this generation.
As we strive for a fair and just society, let us commit to equipping every citizen with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complex world of money and nances. By doing so, we can break the chains of nancial inequality and build a future where nancial literacy is not a privilege but a fundamental right.
From Page 5
Bryant’s rapid- re style.
“You were on a roll, so I didn’t want to stop you,” Young quipped as Bryant caught his breath.
By ZIP Code, Bryant broke down the nancial realities of Germantown (38139) and New Pathways (38126), areas just 15 minutes apart geographically, but wildly di erent.
Germantown boasts an average credit score of 755, while New Pathways lags signi cantly behind with an average score of 583. is credit score disparity re ects broader economic inequalities, with Germantown’s median household income at $165,956 compared to New Pathways’ $16,112. Homeownership rates further illustrate the divide, Bryant said, with 96.4% in Germantown versus a mere 12.4% in New Pathways. Additionally, Bryant pointed out that life expectancy in Germantown is 82 years, compared to just 71.3 years in New Pathways. He noted that improving credit scores and increasing homeownership could signi cantly enhance economic stability and quality of life in underserved areas.
“If we can move credit scores 100 points, we can stabilize this city,” Bryant said to raucous applause. “Addressing these disparities is crucial for the future of Memphis. anks to a bulk purchase by First Horizon Bank, event attendees received a free copy of Bryant’s bestseller “Financial Literacy for All,” and lined up a erward to have their copies signed. He encouraged guests to read and share it, and buy copies for public and school libraries.
“Financial literacy is the civil rights issue of this generation,” Bryant reiterated. “I call it ‘Silver Rights’ — the right to nancial literacy, access to capital, and the ability to create wealth. It’s as important today as civil rights were in the past.”
John Hope Bryant (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/The Tri-State Defender)
‘Back 2 School Bash’ set for Saturday, Aug 3 at Middle College High
By TSD Newsroom
Set for Saturday, Aug. 3, the rst-ever Back 2 School Bash will o er a range of free services and activities, including school supplies, haircuts, and fun- lled activities. Food trucks will also be present, providing delicious options for all attendees.
Hosted by the CamKuy Group, the Back 2 School Bash set to take place this Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 12 PM to 4 PM at Middle College High School, located at 750 East Parkway South, Memphis. is event aims to support local students as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
e CamKuy Group, led by young community leaders and recent graduates of Memphis-Shelby County Schools, is dedicated to fostering unity through diverse and inclusive partnerships.
Rev. Cameron Kuykindall, President
and CEO, emphasizes the group’s commitment to giving back to the community that has nurtured them: “Our community was extremely supportive of us as we grew up, and it is now our job to pour back into the places that built and nurtured us. Hosting this Back 2 School Bash is one of the many ways we give back.”
e CamKuy Group is still welcoming donors and vendors who wish to contribute to the event. For more information, visit linktr.ee/thecamkuygroup, email the group at thecamkuygroup@ gmail.com, or connect with them on Facebook and Instagram by searching for e CamKuy Group.
Come out and join us in making this Back 2 School Bash a memorable and impactful event for Memphis students! For more information, contact Renee Joplin, VP of Innovation at 901-5243035 or email thecamkuygroup@ gmail.com.
Back To School Extravaganza
e Back to School Extravaganza, held on Saturday, July 27, at New Direction Christian Church, was a remarkable event dedicated to preparing students and families for the upcoming school year.
Organized by Shelby County Comissioner Miska Clay Bibbs of District 11, this event provided a variety of free services, including haircuts, dental exams, and vaccinations. Attendees enjoyed a day lled with family fun, entertainment, and essential school supplies, ensuring that every child was ready to start the school year equipped and con dent.
e community’s enthusiastic participation and the support from various sponsors made the event a memorable success, showcasing the power of unity and giving back. TSD Photojournalist Gary S. Whitlow caught the festivities . . . check them out!
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a
A young participant sparring with a coach from Bevo Boys Fitness Academy, showcasing the importance of physical fitness and discipline.
Chairwoman Miska Clay Bibbs appears ready to fight for kids to suceed in school.
A group of students excitedly choose their free school supplies, setting a positive tone for the new academic year.
child receives
vaccination shot, ensuring they are healthy and ready for the school year ahead. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The Tri-State Defender)
McGruff the Crime Dog shares a moment with two kids, teaching them about safety and crime prevention.
A local barber volunteers his time to give a fresh haircut to a young student, helping them look sharp for the new school year.
Rev. Dr. Stacy Spencer, Senior Pastor of New Direction Christian Church, energizes the crowd with a dynamic drum performance.
An entertainer performs on stage, adding music and excitement to the Back to School Extravaganza. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/ GSW Enterprises/The Tri-State Defender)
■■ COMMUNITY Memphis crime stats are down — but so are many police vehicles
By James Coleman Special to The Tri-State Defender
During a recent Memphis City Council committee meeting there was good news and bad news.
e good news: Crime is trending downward city wide since the beginning of the year, most notably in auto the .
e bad news: Nearly two-thirds of Memphis Police vehicles are in the shop waiting for repair and maintenance. Shortly a er reporting better results in reducing crime, Interim MPD Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis con rmed that nearly two-thirds of police cruisers at a downtown precinct are inoperable during a recent update to the Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee meeting.
During the rst six months of 2024, crime has fallen nearly across the board. For the year, overall property and violent crime rates tumbled 18 percent from the same period in 2023. e pace is accelerating too. For the month of June, the rate dipped 7.94 percent. ere have also been 863 less “victims” so far this year.
is includes auto – the “biggest drivers” of crime – the s and the s from autos.
“Last year, we had a huge increase in the from motor vehicles and auto the . is year, we are down…about 30 percent on our auto the and 27 percent on the of motor vehicle,” said MPD Deputy Chief Joe Oakley. But the vehicle shortfall clouded an otherwise sunny report on falling crime statistics.
“I got a report that there’s 37 cars assigned to Crump and only 13 of them are running,” said Councilwoman Jerri Green.
e paucity of vehicles was disclosed during conversations with precinct o -
cers. e rumor was quickly con rmed.
“You are absolutely right about the cars,” said Davis.
For a clearer picture of the shortage, City of Memphis Chief Operating Ofcer Antonio Adams hired a vendor to conduct an audit of the MPD eet.
Nevertheless, it is routine to have cars lined up for work at eet services. Without a replacement schedule, some vehicles are 10 to 15-years-old. e problem is so bad, discouraged o cers o en neglect routine work in fear of not getting their assigned vehicle back.
“We have many cars that are sitting around that should have been gone a long time ago. ere is really no idea of the entire eet status. ey’re in the process of doing that audit right now,” said Davis.
While the nal tally will have to wait until the audit is completed, a source for additional funding was suggested.
“I feel like we’re not collecting enough fees and I think that could be a good source of funding to get you more police cars,” said Green.
Green ran through a litany of events that MPD provides security for. ese include dozens of Memphis Grizzlies and University of Memphis Tiger’s games, the St. Jude Marathon and so on. For all the work, around $500,000 is collected annually.
To make matters worse, much of the work is done for free.
“We would love to have a conversation about the free work that o cers do for major events. Even though there’s a permitting process and a cost schedule for o cers, many times those bills aren’t paid. at’s just been sort of the routine,” said Davis.
e MPD head also said the department has curtailed work at some events.
Green suggested a resolution for more cars could be in the o ng, once
the audit is completed.
A resolution to return the insurance money from a wrecked cruiser to the a ected precinct was also hinted at. Insurance payouts are currently directed into the general fund.
“ ere’s no reason that should go back into the general fund and pay for something that’s not a car,” said Green.
Prior to the vehicle discussion, members of Davis’ leadership team provided an update on the city’s crime statistics.
Overall, the from motor vehicles fell around 1,100. Auto the s, meanwhile, fell almost 3,000 from this time last year. ere were 529 arrests for auto the over the time span. Most fell into
the 15 to 18 age group. e youngest o enders were 10-years-old. e numbers diminish as the teens age into adulthood.
e most popular brands for auto thieves are the Nissans, Maximas and Ultimas, followed by Hyundais and Kias. In niti, Dodge, Ford and other GM products are also popular with thieves.
Violent crime also experienced notable drops.
Homicides dropped by 11 percent. ere have been 162 on the year, compared to 182 during the rst six months of 2023.
