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■■ NEWS
City Council Questions Cuts in Proposed MATA Budget
By James Coleman Special to The Tri-State Defender
Staring at the possibility of reduced service, Memphis City Council members reacted coolly to a proposed $67.4 million MATA budget for FY2025 during the Tuesday, August 20 Transportation Committee Meeting.
“You all want us to give you the money and then you go on and do what you do. Guess what? We’re not doing that anymore,” said council member Eva Pearl Walker. “We’re going to have some integrity and accountability.”
e scaled down proposal would result in a 30 percent service cut. It acknowledges annual increased operating costs and dwindling ridership the transit system experiences.
“We can’t have a system that costs more than what we’re taking in,” said MATA Interim CEO Bacarra Mauldin. “ at is what we’re trying to do in proposing this lower budget number.”
With operating revenue of $3.4 million, the transit system relies heavily on grants. e largest donor is the City of Memphis, at $30 million. e federal and state governments cover most of the remainder. Shelby County would pay $1.3 million in the proposal.
To maintain current service levels, a “right-sized budget” would run $85 million.
“Radical change for radical results…I think radical change should just yield normal expectations and results. Integrity should be a normal expectation, not a radical expectation. Accountability should be a normal expectation, not a radical expectation,” said Walker
Several sign-wielding citizens opposed to the cuts applauded a er the rst-term council member tore up her copy of the proposal.
“I wish you the best with this mess. My nal comment is on behalf of the people,” said Walker.
MATA’s board of directors are expected to consider the proposal on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
In addition to criticizing the proposed cuts in service, council members chided MATA leadership for announcing the proposal through media spots. Several members also learned the trimmed budget would result in scaledback MATA routes through reporting. ey also gained insight into the suspension of MATA’s trolley system, following a brake failure on a trolley in July. It was the second incident this year. A new brake systems cost $200,000 per trolley. Maintenance crews are maintaining the tracks, in hopes of a return to service.
In the meantime, 18 MATA employ-
ees have also been laid o due to the service’s suspension.
“Everyday, you’re sharing something else. From the trolley lines to everything else. at is not a good thing,” commented committee chair Edmund Ford, Sr.
However, it will only the be rst round of layo s. An additional 200 employees are expected to be laid o in the coming weeks.
During the update, members also learned of a service audit planned for MATA by Transpro. e Tampa-based transportation consulting rm’s inspection is expected to last six to eight weeks. It follows the decision to hire global accounting rm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to conduct a forensic audit earlier this month.
President Calvin Anderson Interim Editor Lee Eric Smith
Katrina’s Wake-up Call: The Urgency of Climate Action Now
As we approach Katrina’s 19th anniversary, the decisions we make on Election Day will determine whether we can prevent future superstorms.
By Tonya Calhoun Word in Black
Editor’s Note: e following was rst published via “Word in Black,” a collaboration of 10 of the nation’s leading Black publishers that frames the narrative and fosters solutions for racial inequities in America. Read more at wordinblack.com
Every year, as August 28 approaches, I nd myself counting down the days — not just to celebrate another year of life but to re ect on the day Hurricane Katrina forever changed mine.
Growing up, my birthday was a time of joy, lled with streamers, balloons, and the aroma of my favorite local dishes. My mother always went out of her way to make it special, decorating our kitchen with bright colors and preparing my favorite meals. But on August 28, 2005, that joy was replaced by fear, anxiety, and a deep sense of loss.
Now living in Atlanta, Georgia, I’d planned to travel home for my birthday that year, but a looming storm forecast made me cancel my trip. Instead, I stayed in Atlanta, enjoying shrimp etou ee, French bread, and alligator bites with friends. We were having a great time, completely unaware of the devastation that was about to unfold.
But as I le the restaurant, my heart sank as images of my beloved city of New Orleans ashed across every TV screen. It was the day before Hurricane Katrina made landfall, and I watched in horror as the levees broke, the city ooded, and thousands of lives were turned upside down.
e devastation was severe — over $100 billion in damages, communities shattered, and more than 1,800 lives lost. I am grateful that my family survived, but the psychological scars remain. e trauma of that day le me with deep PTSD, and while I still look forward to celebrating my birthday, it now serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the persistent threat of climate change.
As we mark the 19th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, I nd myself asking: Are we better prepared as a nation to avoid such disasters? e answer is complicated. We’ve made progress, but the work is far from over.
In the years since Katrina, we’ve seen some promising developments. e Biden-Harris Administration’s In ation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law two years ago, represents the largest-ever public investment in climate action and clean energy in U.S. history. is landmark legislation has funneled over $350 billion into climate initiatives, clean energy, and infrastructure, providing a critical lifeline to communities across the country. ese investments have spurred sustainable infrastructure projects, incentivized clean energy developments, and created jobs essential for our transition to a cleaner, greener future.
But as extreme weather events continue to intensify, driven by climate change, the stakes couldn’t be higher. e hot, moist air thick with clouds, combined with the unusually warm waters of the Gulf, is a potent combination that can supercharge storms. And while climate change threatens everyone, its e ects are not felt equally.
Black communities, like those in New Orleans, are disproportionately at risk. Historical redlining and systemic discrimination have le many of these neighborhoods more vulnerable to
While climate change threatens everyone, its effects are not felt equally. Black communities, like those in New Orleans, are disproportionately at risk. Historical redlining and systemic discrimination have left many of these neighborhoods more vulnerable to flooding.
ooding. A Red n study from 2021 illustrated that areas previously a ected by redlining are now also prone to extreme ooding and sea-level rise, a problem compounded by poor infrastructure that fails to mitigate these risks.
Speci cally, hurricanes can result in extensive infrastructure and property damage and cause uncontrolled toxic ooding from major pollution sources. ese communities are likely to su er more severe damage and have less capacity to recover from the impacts.
Even today, nearly two decades a er Katrina, many in New Orleans are still grappling with the destruction of the levees and ghting for stronger ood protection. A single ood event can push a low-income family below the poverty line, making it nearly impossible to rebuild and recover.
is is why the next four years are so critical. e success of the IRA has shown us that we can make meaningful progress on climate change, but we cannot a ord to slow down. We must continue to advocate for policies that are equitable, just, and grounded in the needs of the communities most impacted by climate change. e decisions we make now will determine whether we
can prevent future superstorms like Katrina or if we will be doomed to repeat the past.
e challenges we face are immense, but they are not insurmountable. We have the tools, knowledge, and resources to build a more resilient and sustainable future. What we need now is the will and collective determination to see it through. is November’s election is not just about choosing leaders; it’s about choosing the future we want for our children and grandchildren.
As we approach this critical moment, we must remember that the power to move the needle on climate progress begins with collective action. Our communities, families, and future generations are worth the ght. Together, we can work toward a future where everyone has what they need to protect their homes, their loved ones, and their culture for years to come.
In the end, the question is not just about whether we are better prepared for the next storm. It’s about whether we have the courage to build a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for all. e time to act is now.
(Dr. Tonya Howard Calhoun is the director of community engagement at the Environmental Defense Fund, where she works to put people at the center of climate solutions. She previously worked as the national eld manager for Moms Clean Air Force. )
On Aug. 28, 2005, Hurricane Katrina reached category 5 status with sustained winds of 175 mph. (Courtesy photo)
By TSD Newsroom
■■ COMMUNITY
Binghampton inches closer to revitalized Lester Community Center
e revitalization of the Lester Community Center reached a signicant milestone on August 12th with the Topping Out Ceremony, a traditional event marking the completion of the building’s highest point. e ceremony was a momentous occasion for the Binghampton community, symbolizing the progress and promise that this new facility brings.
Nick Walker, the Director of Memphis Parks and Recreation, highlighted the importance of this milestone, emphasizing how the project is not just about constructing a building but about investing in the lives of community members.
“Today, as we place the nal beam, we’re not just completing a structure; we’re laying the foundation for the next chapter of this building’s life and investing in this community,” Walker remarked during the ceremony. He also re ected on the broader context of city investment in parks and community centers, noting that this project caps o an impressive $200 million in city-wide investments, with more than half of that dedicated to parks and community centers.
e Lester Community Center has long been a vital hub for the Binghampton neighborhood, o ering a range of services and programs that cater to residents of all ages. e new $18 million facility, set to open in 2025, will signi cantly expand on this legacy. e center will include a state-of-the-art gym, a tness center, an indoor walking track, a tech lab, and multi-purpose rooms designed to foster community connections and personal growth.
Mayor Paul Young underscored the center’s role in the community’s future.
“ is new Lester Community Center is more than just a construction project. It represents progress in Binghampton; it means growth for this community,” Young stated. He also highlighted the center’s role as a multi-generational facility, pointing out that the new amenities will bring together people of all ages to be active and engaged.
e mayor also connected the Lester Community Center’s development to broader e orts in the area, including the recent opening of the Tillman Cove apartments across the street. ese projects, he noted, are part of a concerted e ort to breathe new life into the Tillman Street corridor, making it a safer, stronger, and more connected community.
In a post-ceremony interview, Mayor Young expressed excitement about the facility’s potential to serve the diverse needs of the community, from youth programs to services for the elderly. He also hinted at the possibility of replicating this model in other parts of the city, depending on the success of the initial projects.
As the Lester Community Center nears completion, the anticipation among residents and city o cials alike is palpable. e center’s reopening will mark a new era for Binghampton, providing a modern, welcoming space where residents can come together, learn, and grow.
is revitalization e ort underscores the city’s commitment to investing in its neighborhoods and ensuring that facilities like the Lester Community Center continue to be pillars of support and connection for communities across Memphis.
(TSD Photojournalist Gary S. Whitlow contributed to this report.)
Kendra Clay signs her name to a beam at the Lester Community Center construction site. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
A rendering of the new Lester Community Center in Binghampton. (Courtesy photo)
The Topping Off Ceremony at the Lester Community Center brought out some of Memphis’ best and brightest. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
■■ NEWS
FIRST TIME VOTER: Memphian Dottie Ferreira soaks it all
in at Democratic National Convention
By Taylor B. Batson Special to The Tri-State Defender
By Tuesday Night in Chicago, a roll call vote at the Democratic National Convention was a formality. Weeks ago, the party con rmed that Vice President Kamala Harris had enough delegates to win the nomination.
But the rst domino to fall in that chain of events? It happened the night of President Joe Biden’s historic withdrawal from the race. And Dottie Ferreira was among those who helped set those events in motion.
Ferreira, voting in her rst election, is one of two of the youngest members of Tennessee’s Delegation.
“It’s kind of surreal, honestly,” said Ferreira. “I never really thought that I could see myself in this space, especially being 21 years old.”
Ferreira, a student at Sewanee: e University of the South, was part of the Tennessee delegation that garnered attention for being the rst to endorse Kamala Harris to replace President Joe Biden a er he announced his withdrawal from the race.
When Biden made his announcement, the Tennessee Delegation already had a previously scheduled conference call the same night. Shortly a er that call was over, the Delegation announced they were pledging all of their delegates to Kamala Harris.
Ferreira explained the excitement that came with being a part of this pivotal moment.
“It’s amazing being in a space where
we are able to support a presidential nominee,” Ferreira said. “I’m glad that we stepped up and decided that this was a good opportunity for us, and for other states that decided to come behind us.
I have to admit, It’s amazing.”
In the weeks a er Biden dropped out from the race and endorsed Kamala Harris, there has been a surge in voter registrations across the country. People are using both word of mouth and the internet to encourage people to register to vote, but there is still work to be done on multiple fronts.
As a student attending college in a predominantly Republican area in Tennessee, Ferreira understands the importance of seeing and understanding both sides of the ticket. Although
there may be bias, it is important to understand where the opposite party is coming from to reach a middle ground.
“My mom and I talked about bringing in representatives to come speak to students to actually encourage them to vote because a lot of people in college tend to follow in their family’s footsteps,” said Ferreira. “Some people step out of their comfort zone, but it’s pretty rare.”
It is not uncommon for college-aged students to lean heavily toward a certain party based on how they saw their parents vote while they were growing up. Open and honest conversations
could allow these students to learn and set a path of their own.
A er the Democratic National Convention, Ferreira hopes to build on the momentum and continue to encourage people to register to vote. She acknowledges the importance of grassroots e orts during this time.
“Getting to know your community members, being a part of the polling process, or any type of volunteering [are all helpful],” said Ferreira. “Also, nding out the people that are not registered to vote and extending a hand to help them get the proper resources to register to vote and to get to the polls
The Tennessee Delegation stands united at the Democratic National Convention, casting their votes for Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. (Screen capture images) ON THE COVER: Tennessee delegates cast their votes fot Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
Dottie Ferreira
to vote.”
Although there are many things at stake in this election, there is no doubt that some issues are more glaring than others. ings like the economy, housing reform, and women’s rights are three of the top problems that people are hoping will be addressed.
“Kamala recently talked about the economy and housing reform, and with those things, especially with how capitalism is and everything increasing, that’s a very important conversation for people,” Ferreira said.
Ferreira also highlighted the importance of addressing abortion rights.
“ ose three things: the economy, housing, and abortion rights, I feel like that really reels in people because those are the three massive topics that people have been really pushing and speaking about since Trump’s tenure.”
■■ NEWS
As the Democratic National Convention continues, the atmosphere is electric with a sense of history in the making, but Ferreira remains focused on the task ahead.
“We have 78 days,” Ferreira said. “People are really hyped, especially that Tennessee was the rst to endorse Kamala, so I think people are trying to really get this going because this election is serious.”
While the work in the next few months is extremely important, it can’t stop there. In order for the Democratic Party to see a victory in November, communities have to actually show up at the polls.
“Please go out and vote. Register to vote. Tell your friends and family members [to vote]. Go out and vote because this is a very pivotal election,” Ferreira said.
“Kamala Harris at a rally in Milwaukee moments after the roll call vote confirmed her as the Democratic nominee.”
Passing the torch: Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff greet President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden after his powerful Monday night speech at the DNC.
A powerful display of respect: Memphis Fire Department raises an American flag over the procession route as motorcycle units from the Memphis Police Department line the road. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Sea of Blue salutes homegoing of MPD’s
Demetrice Johnson, killed in line of duty
By TSD Newsroom
O cer Demetrice Johnson, a member of the Memphis Police Department, tragically lost his life in the line of duty on August 2, 2024, following a devastating crash in downtown Memphis. e crash, which also claimed the life
A somber moment as Memphis Police officers and other law enforcement officials salute the casket of Officer Demetrice Johnson, marking the final journey of a fallen hero.
of 22-year-old Rantavious Johnson and le another o cer critically injured, occurred when a vehicle, driven by Rantavious Johnson, collided with O cer Johnson’s patrol car. is incident has le the Memphis community in mourning, as O cer
Johnson was known for his dedication despite having joined the force only recently, in May 2023.
In honor of his service, a “Sea of Blue” procession took place on August 14, with o cers from across the region joining to show their solidarity and
support for his family and colleagues. e funeral was held on August 15 at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where friends, family, and fellow ocers gathered to pay their respects.
Demetrice Johnson
■■ COMMUNITY Civil Rights Museum expansion aimed at sparking dialog, exploring post-1968 movement
By Lee Eric Smith lesmith@tsdmemphis.com
In many ways, Memphis is a city stuck in the past. ere are a lot of years you could say that about, but 1968 would certainly have to be one of those “frozen in time” moments, for the horri c events of the Sanitation Strike and the Assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Nowhere is this more true than at the Lorraine Motel, home to the National Civil Rights Museum, which has not only maintained the look it had on that fateful April 4 day, but even has a classic car outside the balcony to Room 306.
Needless to say, time did move on, even if Memphis didn’t. e Civil Rights Movement absolutely and fundamentally changed on that day — but it didn’t end. And at a recent media update on NCRM’s “Become e Dream” capital campaign, o cials explained how new additions to the museum grounds will delve into that under-explored era a er 1968.
“ is renovation represents the next major chapter for the National Civil Rights Museum, one that will engage visitors in contemporary conversations about justice and equality,” said Ti any Leggington-Graham, Chief Marketing and Development O cer for the museum. “We’re not just transforming a physical space; we’re expanding the museum’s ability to inspire action and dialogue around the civil rights issues that remain urgent today.”
With a $9.6 million investment from the BlueCross Foundation, the project will create the BlueCross Healthy Place at Founders Park—a space dedicated to re ection, community engagement, and deepening the connection to the museum’s mission. Set to open next
summer, the site will include new landscape architecture designed to encourage community interaction.
Features will include water installations, artwork, and expanded seating areas, all intended to transform the space from a simple thoroughfare into a welcoming environment where visitors can gather, re ect and connect.
“ is really felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to align the purpose of the BlueCross Healthy Place program with something that means so much to so many people here in the Memphis area, across Tennessee, and even around the world,” said John Hawbaker, Managing Director of Corporate Communications and Commu-
nity Relations for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.
“ e BlueCross Healthy Place at Founders Park is going to bring people together in a new way, giving them an opportunity to gather and re ect a er experiencing this fantastic museum,” Hawbaker added.
e renovation of Founders Park is part of the museum’s broader “Become the Dream” campaign, which also includes the extensive renovation of the Legacy Building, formerly known as the Boarding House. is building, deeply tied to the history of Dr. King’s assassination, will be repurposed to house new exhibitions and programmatic spaces that explore the civil
rights narrative beyond 1968.
“ e renovation really intends to answer the question of the post-1968 story, with a focus on a major exhibition of the Poor People’s Campaign,” Leggington-Graham said. “ ere’s also a wonderful Freedom Award gallery celebrating three decades of the Freedom Award and all of its honorees, and the ve key pillars of justice. is space will be three stories of new exhibitions, new gathering spaces, and new programmatic areas.
“It truly marks the National Civil Rights Museum’s next major chapter in engaging folks who have not been to the museum and those who return to explore more deeply,” she said.
The Legacy Building renovation, expected to open in early 2026, will delve into critical themes of justice, including housing, gender equity, poverty, mass incarceration, and education. This expansion is designed to provide enriched opportunities for learning, reflection, and dialogue, further cementing the museum’s role as a vital cultural and educational institution.
Re ecting on the overall impact of the project, Dr. Russ Wigginton, President of the National Civil Rights Museum, emphasized the importance of community in this new development.
“ e new Founders Park will draw people to be in community with each other,” Wigginton said. “Today, the space is a thoroughfare, but the transformed park will be much more inviting and much more focused on people being in space outside together, whether they know each other or not, and associating the museum as the place that draws them together.”
(TSD Photojournalist Gary S. Whitlow provided reporting for this story.)
Tiffany Leggington-Graham of the National Civil Rights Museum provides an update about BlueCross Healthy Place at Founder’s Park recently. She was joined by John Hawbaker of BCBST. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Black Business Association set to celebrate 50th anniversary with mixer and symposium
By Lee Eric Smith Interim Editor
I noticed something lately about the stories I’m covering: there’s a lot of conversation in Memphis about building generational wealth.
In April, the local chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers hosted a whole week dedicated to the topic. Recently, a deputy director of the Small Business Administration spoke in Memphis, and shortly therea er acclaimed nancial literacy advocate John Hope Bryant joined Memphis Mayor Paul Young for a conversation about it.
So maybe that’s part of why I notice myself thinking more about entrepreneurship these days. Sure, it’s going to take good hearted people in the nonpro t space to help heal Memphis, but it’s also going to take good hearted business people too – creating jobs, bringing resources, doing good while doing good.
It’s also why I’m looking forward to connecting with other like-minded people at the Black Business Association of Memphis’ 50th Anniversary Celebration, culminating this weekend with activities aimed at celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship in the Chocolate City we call Memphis.
On Friday, Aug. 23, a networking mixer will take place at the Stax Museum, featuring a conversation with legendary songwriter and entrepreneur David Porter. On Saturday, the Graceland Exhibition Center will host the second annual Building Wealth in the Black Community Symposium, which will include panels on women in leadership, the impact of AI on business, and insights from successful entrepreneurs like Memphis beverage manufacturing titan Carolyn Hardy. In the lead-up to these events, Ernest Strickland, the president of the BBA,
sat down to discuss the association’s rich history, the enduring challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs, and the importance of fostering a mindset focused on opportunity.
Lee Eric Smith: e BBA is reaching a signi cant milestone with its 50th anniversary this year. What are your initial thoughts on what this moment means for Memphis and the organization?
Ernest Strickland: With the Black Business Association celebrating its 50th year anniversary, we’re re ecting on the origin of the organization— why there was a need for an entity that works speci cally to ensure Black businesses have advocacy and access to technical assistance. What’s profound to us is that the need that existed 50 years ago still exists today.
As we look at the barriers to Black business success, we still nd access to capital as the number one challenge. We also see that the wealth gap in Memphis, which is a 65% African American community, is astonishing. Although there has been some progress, there’s still so much more work to do, and our mission today is as relevant as it was 50 years ago.
Smith: I was born in 1969, right at the beginning of the rst post-Dr. King generation. Just before he was killed, Dr. King had pivoted his message—not just focusing on civil rights but on economic empowerment. I have to imagine that in Memphis, by 1974—just ve or six years a er that fateful event—this shi deeply in uenced the thinking of the BBA’s founders.
Strickland: e struggle has pivoted to include a strong focus on wealth building. As I o en tell people, wealth building is not just an inclusion strat-
egy or an economic development strategy—it’s also a law enforcement strategy, an education strategy, and a health and wellness strategy. With resources and means, people have options; they can make di erent choices and decisions. When it comes to the justice-involved community, I rmly believe that circumstances, not background, are the best indicators of future behavior. Circumstances and situations drive behavior far more than background. at’s what we’re working towards: changing circumstances and situations so that people can make better choices, leading to a more equitable and robust Memphis.
As I often tell people, wealth building is not just an inclusion strategy or an economic development strategy—it’s also a law enforcement strategy, an education strategy, and a health and wellness strategy. With resources and means, people have options; they can make different choices and decisions.
— Ernest Strickland
Smith: It’s interesting you mention access to capital as a consistent challenge over the decades. How has the nature of this challenge evolved since the 1970s?
Strickland: e laws have certainly changed, but underwriting still remains favorable to those who had preference over time. Banks like to lend money to people who don’t need money. ey evaluate you based on your balance sheet, which o en includes assets accumulated over generations and passed down through inheritance. If you weren’t able to participate in the opportunity to build such an inheritance, that puts you at a disadvantage today. Although the law allows you to apply for the loan and receive it, the situation with underwriting still favors those
who have historically bene ted.
Smith: So how do we overcome these barriers in today’s environment?
Strickland:
Overcoming these challenges takes all hands on deck. Jim Crow was public policy. Public policy helped to create the current situation, and we’ll need support in making the necessary pivots.
For instance, we have a grant program designed to support companies in the food, hospitality, and tourism space. So far, we’ve provided over $125,000 in grants to help businesses with operating needs and innovations. But it takes intentional e orts like these to move the needle.
Smith: If you had to identify the three most favorable industries right now for African American entrepreneurs in Memphis, what would they be? I’d guess one of them might be wings—I’m only half-joking.
Strickland: A recent study by the Hartford Forward Institute, showed that African Americans o en start businesses based on necessity rather than opportunity. We tend to gravitate towards industries with lower barriers to entry, like retail, rather than manufacturing, where margins are higher and opportunities are greater.
I would advise leaning into our experience and expertise. Take Carolyn Hardy as a perfect example—she catapulted her career from managing manufacturing facilities to owning them. She had the experience, connec-
Ernest Strickland
■■ COMMUNITY
tions, and acumen to be pro table in manufacturing. She leveraged her experiences rather than looking externally for low-hanging opportunities.
Smith: You made a distinction between businesses born out of necessity versus those born out of opportunity. Can you explain what you meant by that?
Strickland: Sure. When we talk about businesses born out of necessity, we’re referring to those that are o en started because someone’s current job isn’t providing the revenue they need, or they’ve been disconnected from the workforce due to circumstances beyond their control, like downsizing. ese businesses are driven by immediate needs, rather than by seeing a market opportunity and seizing it.
On the other hand, businesses born out of opportunity are those that are started by innovative entrepreneurs who identify a trend, like the rise of AI, and decide to leverage their skills to capitalize on it. It’s about seeing where
the market is headed and positioning yourself to take advantage of it.
Smith: at’s a fascinating perspective. It seems like the mindset behind these two types of businesses is quite di erent.
Strickland: Absolutely. When you’re starting a business out of necessity, you’re o en making choices from a place of urgency, which can limit your options. But when you’re driven by opportunity, you’re making strategic decisions that align with your skills and where the market is going. We want to encourage more of that opportunity-driven mindset, where people are leveraging their expertise and thinking about the long-term growth potential in emerging industries.
Smith: Looking ahead, the BBA has planned several events to mark this 50th anniversary. What can people expect from the upcoming mixer and symposium?
Strickland: Friday, we’ve secured
PUBLIC NOTICES / CLASSIFIEDS
Request for Qualifications for Program Management Services for Regional One Health Rebuild
Allworld Project Management, LLC, as the Owner’s Representative (OR) for the Regional One Health Rebuild project located in Memphis, TN, is soliciting submissions for Program Management (PM) services on behalf of Regional One Health.
The intent of this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is to obtain qualification submissions to provide PM services for the planning, design, construction, occupancy, and closeout phases for the Regional Rebuild project.
Beginning August 19, 2024, the documents comprising the RFQ may be obtained from the following link:
Regional One_PMRFQ.pdf
RFQ Documents may also be obtained by contacting cacuff@allworldmail.com .
Submission of Qualifications:
Email submission of qualifications to cacuff@ allworldmail.com, until 5:00 PM (CST), September 6, 2024. Late RFQ responses will be rejected and will not be considered for award. Additional instructions for submitting proposals are included in the RFQ.
Destruction of Special Education Records Letter
Gestalt Community Schools Department of Scholar Support
2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Suite 2200 Memphis, TN 38118
In accordance with the state and federal regulations implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), this is to inform you of our intent to destroy personally identifiable information related to special education services for students who turn 22 years old by June 30, 2024.
If you wish to maintain this information for your personal records, you need to notify us upon receipt of this notice; otherwise, these records will be securely disposed of by September 30, 2024, as per our disposal guidelines. Please be advised that the records may be needed by the student or the parent(s) for social security benefits or other purposes.
Records to be destroyed are as follows:
- Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Evaluation Reports
- Test Protocols (Available for inspection only; no copy will be provided)
- Notifications of Meetings
- Notices of Action
- Review of Existing Data Summaries
- All other personally identifiable information within the Special Education file
For more information, you may contact the Gestalt Community Schools—Department of Scholar Support office at the address above, call 901-229-5562, or email scholarsupport@ gestaltcs.org
David Porter, a Hall of Fame songwriter, business owner, and artist who lived through the heyday of Stax Records. He was part of the cohort that helped build Stax into a powerhouse and also witnessed its demise. If you haven’t seen the documentary on Stax, I highly recommend it—it gave me chills.
We wanted to have a conversation with David because music is one of the sectors where our community has a long-standing history of success. e goal is to revisit the lessons learned from Stax and see how we can incorporate those lessons into future opportunities. We want singers, songwriters, and entrepreneurs to gain insights, apply them to their current work, and hopefully achieve some of the success seen during the Stax era. So, that’s what we’ll be discussing on Friday at the Stax Museum with David Porter.
Smith: Sounds great. And the Symposium is on Saturday.
Strickland: On Saturday, we’ll be
hosting our second annual Building Wealth in the Black Community Symposium from 9 am - 1 p.m. at the Graceland Exhibition Center. e event will feature panels on women in leadership and a conversation with Carolyn Hardy, where we’ll reverse engineer some of her successes in acquiring companies and gain insight into her current ventures.
We’re also excited to have a powerhouse speaker, Juanita McDowell, who will share strategies for elevating the Black business experience. Additionally, we’ll have a panel focused speci cally on AI, exploring how Black business owners and entrepreneurs can get in on the ground oor to leverage the eciencies and cost savings that AI o ers. Finally, I’ll be sharing an update on the vision and future of our organization. It’s going to be an action-packed day, and we invite everyone to come out and be a part of history in the making.
BlueSky Institute develops tech talent and provides local students with a fast track to a well-paid tech career.
But bigger than that, BlueSky Institute gives students from six Hamilton County high schools that serve historically disadvantaged youth a chance to earn a B.S. in Computing from East Tennessee State University in just over two years.
Join us in celebrating the BlueSky Institute and all the students who will go on to accelerate their degrees and careers. We congratulate them all, and we can’t wait to see them unlock their full potential to support Tennesseans.
See how we support Tennessee communities and businesses at BlueSkyTN.com .
