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■■ NEWS
IN MEMORIAM: Dr. Willie B. Dean made history as YMCA leader
Dr. Willie B. Dean, a trailblazing leader, devoted Christian and husband of former MSCS Superintendent Carolyn Johnson-Dean, died August 22, 2024, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service and faith.
Born on March 15, 1951, in Potts Camp, Mississippi, he was the second of four children to Eddie Dean Sr. and Mattie Brown Dean. Willie was deeply in uenced by his family’s strong values of hard work, education, and faith.
Dr. Dean broke barriers as the rst Black president/CEO of the Omaha-Council Blu s Metropolitan YMCA and later served as a national eld executive, overseeing 700 YMCAs across 18 states. His leadership was instrumental in transforming the YMCA into a beacon of hope for urban communities across the nation.
Dr. Dean’s life was marked by resilience. He faced numerous challenges, including health issues, discrimination, and the untimely death of his rst wife, Pamela Williamson-Dean. Despite these hardships, he remained a devoted father to his three sons—Cedric, Jarrod, and Matthew—who admired his strength and dedication.
In 2017, Dr. Dean experienced what he described as a miraculous reconnection with Dr. Carol Johnson-Dean, a former MSCS Superintendent, at a church service in Minneapolis. ey married in 2018, sharing a deep love for family, education, and faith.
Dr. Dean continued to serve his community, writing a memoir titled “Overcoming: How Faith, Family, and Friends Helped One Black Man Beat the Odds,” which chronicled his life’s challenges and triumphs.
In addition to his work with the YMCA, Dr. Dean served as general manager of a nonpro t radio station and executive director of YouthCARE in the Twin Cities. He was also an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and various Rotary and
Kiwanis clubs.
Dr. Dean enjoyed a variety of hobbies in his retirement, including basketball, TaeKwonDo, photography, and music. He cherished his time with Carol, planning adventures and attending reunions. His love for life and faith remained strong until the end.
Dr. Dean is survived by his beloved wife Carol, his sons Cedric (Melissa), Jarrod, and Matthew (Kristine), his brother Joenathan, and his grandchildren. He is also remembered by his stepchildren and step-grandchildren,
as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Christine, and brother Eddie Jr.
A celebration of Dean’s life will be held with a visitation on Friday, August 30, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Rawls Funeral Home in South Fulton, Tennessee. e funeral service will take place on Saturday, August 31, at 11:00 AM at the same location. Interment will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Newbern, Tennessee. e family invites friends and loved ones to join them in honoring Dr. Dean’s legacy and to share memories during these services.
For further details, please visit the full obituary on the Rawls Funeral Homes website.
President Calvin Anderson Interim Editor Lee Eric Smith
Dr. Willie B. Dean
BEST IS BACK:
Best In Black Awards nominations now open!
By Lee Eric Smith Interim Editor
“Whoops of joy, straight forward expressions of appreciation and tears associated with precious memories meshed with myriad other sights and sounds at the 2020 Best In Black Awards presented at the new Central Station Hotel ursday Night.” at little time capsule of a paragraph is from a Feb. 7, 2020 story fresh o of e Tri-State Defender’s Best In Black Awards. Only a little over four years at this point, and yet a lifetime ago.
Nationally, Joe Biden was still very much a longshot to win the Democratic nomination, let alone the Presidency. Then-President Donald Trump was embroiled in (insert mind-melting scandal here). George Floyd hadn’t happened yet (or Breonna Taylor, for that matter). We were all still reeling from the shocking and waaaay-too-early death of NBA Icon Kobe Bryant.
Locally, Dr. Joris Ray was still in the honeymoon phase of his tenure as MSCS Superintendent. Eventual NBA Rookie of the Year Ja Morant was still reeling o multiple highlights per game for the Memphis Grizzlies, and the late 2019 removal of Confederate statues from city parks was still buzzing in the Blu City. at was the world and the city of Memphis the last time we hosted the Best In Black Awards.
And then came COVID. And the shutdown of everything.
Suddenly and shockingly, COVID forced everyone into questioning their existence — including the team here at e Tri-State Defender.
You want existential crisis? Try: “Should we keep printing a physical paper, even if everyone is sheltering at home?” Or: “If you DO print, how do you distribute it? Who distributes it? Who picks it up to read it?” Or the much more fundamental one: “Why are we paying rent for o ce space that no one can go to?”
Needless to say, the TSD — and by extension, e Best In Black Awards
— have been through some changes in recent years. Between the high costs of printing and the rise of smartphones as news devices, TSD leadership made the di cult decision to suspend weekly publishing in favor of a once-monthly format, starting earlier this year. A few months later, we suspended print altogether.
Now focused on creating great digital news and info content as only we can, the TSD is looking to the future, even as we celebrate 73 years of community journalism here in Memphis. We’re at the dawn of a new era in the life of
Black-owned businesses in Memphis, with a chance to help Memphis be its best.
And if that’s the goal, then it only made sense to bring e Best In Black Awards back!
Since its inception in 2012, Best In Black Awards has sought to highlight outstanding Black businesses, community organizations, entrepreneurs, and individuals in the Mid-South. e mission is to celebrate Black-owned and operated businesses, providing a platform for marketing and recognition of the honorees.
e Best In Black Awards allows citizens to nominate and vote for businesses, organizations, and individuals. It also gives e Tri-State Defender a chance to promote and celebrate the businesses that support our media platforms. If you’re interested in sponsorship, download the sponsorship packet and contact a representative for more information.
is year’s Best In Black Awards will take place on ursday, November 14, at the Central Station Hotel. More details are coming, but you don’t have to wait to nominate!
e Tri-State Defender is currently seeking sponsorships for the event.
Nominations are now open for all categories! If you know an outstanding Black-owned business and would like to nominate them, head on over to https://tri-statedefender.com/bestinblack and nominate away!
e Best is Back! Best in Black Awards Memphis coming this fall!!
Since its inception in 2012, Best In Black Awards has sought to highlight outstanding Black businesses, community organizations, entrepreneurs, and individuals in the Mid-South.
In 2020, with plenty of support, Mary Watson, proprietor of “Mary J. The Salon,” basks in the glow of winning the BIBA for “Best Beauty Shop.” Six months pregnant and I’m still going to work, Watson said in accepting the award. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises
■■ COMMUNITY
GloRilla seizes 901 Day as Memphis Celebrates with Food, Fun, and Culture
By Brianna Smith-Herman TSD Social Media Coordinator
Memphis celebrated its annual 901 Day on Sunday, September 1 (9/01, get it?), bringing together the community for a day lled with music, food, and cultural pride. Named a er the city’s area code, 901 Day is a tribute to all things Memphis, and this year’s festivities were bigger than ever, with performances, food festivals, and local icons in the spotlight.
Under the leadership of Mayor Paul Young, the event featured Memphis jookin’ star Ladia Yates headlining the Beale Street celebration. Yates delivered a dynamic performance, leading a ash mob that showcased the city’s signature dance style. Other highlights included
a youth talent showcase, a spoken word poetry segment, and a fashion show featuring local designers.
e day’s headliner, rapper Big Boogie, lit up the stage with his high-energy performance, while GloRilla received the prestigious Key to the City, solidifying her as a Memphis icon.
e BFF Cookout at Tom Lee Park, presented by Black Foodie Finder, added avor to the celebration. Attendees indulged in dishes from local favorites like Slutty Vegan, 18 Wayz Wings & ingz, and Cx ee Black. e event also featured a kids’ zone hosted by Heal e Hood, making it a family-friendly a air. Memphis came alive in celebration of its culture, unity, and resilience on 901 Day, honoring what makes the Blu City special.
901 Day
International Hip-Hop star and Memphis native GloRilla reps for the M after receiving a key to the city from Memphis Mayor Paul Young (in black) and City Council Chairman JB
Big Boogie rocked the crowd during his set from the East end of Beale Street on 901 Day.
Memphis producer HitKidd made sure to show up and represent for the 901.
Smiley Jr. Also on hand for the special moment was Memphis dance icon Ladia Yates.
River City Jazz & Music Fest delights music lovers
THE6th Annual River City Jazz & Music Festival brought world-class talent to Memphis over Labor Day weekend. Held at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, the festival featured unforgettable performances by legends such as Karyn White, Najee, Avery Sunshine, and the iconic jazz fusion band Pieces of a Dream.
Memphis City Council Members Pearl Eva Walker and Jana Swearengen-Washington were also in attendance to present a special resolution honoring the event. Photographer Gary S. Whitlow of GSW Enterprises was on hand to capture the electrifying moments and the vibrant energy of the festival.
“A representative of event promoter Fresh Ideas Entertainment, stands proudly with Memphis City Council Members Pearl Eva Walker (left) and Jana Swearengen-Washington (right).” Fresh Ideas was recognized with a resolution from the Memphis City Council. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Multihyphenate artist Najee — best known as a saxophonist — picked up the flute for part of his set.
“Karyn White, performing at the River City Jazz and Music Festival, brought her signature style and grace to the stage.”
Avery Sunshine brought her signature “just a girl at the piano” style for a scintillating set.
By Taylor Batson
■■ COMMUNITY
With DNC in rearview and Election Day weeks away, Tennessee Delegates Plan for the Road Ahead
Special to The Tri-State Defender
e 2024 Democratic National Convention was a de ning moment for the party as it showcased unity and a forward-looking agenda amidst a polarized political landscape.
ere was an average of over 21 million viewers across all four days, and during Vice President Kamala Harris’ speech on the nal day, 28.9 viewers were tuned in. In Chicago, delegates from across the country gathered to rally behind the party and its candidates.
More than 70 of those delegates came from Tennessee, and now, with the 2024 election cycle in the homestretch run-up to November, Tennessee delegates are taking time to re ect on the convention and the path forward. Not surprisingly Tennessee’s delegates le inspired and determined to build momentum for the upcoming election.
“ is was more than a routine regular convention, this one has something di erent in the air,” said Lexie Carter, Chair of the Shelby County Democratic Party.
Carter was one of 77 delegates from the state of Tennessee who attended the Democratic National Convention, marking her h time attending this pivotal event. Although she has attended other historic conventions, including the 2008 convention for Barack Obama, she described the 2024 convention as an experience unlike any other. e energy, the sense of urgency, and the diverse coalition of voices came together in a way that le a profound impact on not only her but the entire Democratic party.
“I felt like all four days were just really amazing,” said Dottie Ferreira, the youngest member of the Tennessee Delegation. “It’s been probably a week, and it’s just kind of surreal.”
Ferreira, a rsttime delegate and voter, also acknowledged the high energy during the convention. e planning, preparation, and execution in just a short amount of time exceeded everyone’s expectations, and the morale was high from the rst day of the convention — “President Joe Biden” day at the convention.
“I think it made history. I don’t think there’s been a rst day that could equal that,” said Carter. e rst day of the convention set the tone for what the next few days would entail. ere was a surprise appearance from Vice President Kamala Harris, and it ended with a speech from President Biden that electri ed not only the ones at the convention but the entire Democratic party.
e days that followed were lled with both Democratic and Republican speakers, and performances that continued the trend of energizing and unifying the party. Although all four days had palpable energy, the most impactful day was day four, when Kamala Harris accepted the presidential nominee and had her rst speech as the o cial presidential candidate.
“ e last day was just very important because that’s when Kamala came and addressed pretty much everything that she was planning on doing during her presidency,” said Ferreira. “I feel like everybody’s just excited because we know that she’s going to follow through with it.”
For many delegates, the convention
“The last day was just very important because that’s when Kamala came and addressed pretty much everything that she was planning on doing during her presidency. I feel like everybody’s just excited because we know that she’s going to follow through with it.”
— Dottie Ferreira
was an opportunity to witness rsthand the unity and vitality within the Democratic Party. e event reinforced their commitment to the party’s values and highlighted the signi cance of their role in a state that has traditionally leaned Republican. e experience has galvanized them to work harder to ensure that the party’s message resonates with voters across Tennessee, particularly in areas where Democratic support has historically been weaker.
“ ere was this unity, and there was this willingness to get out and work hard,” Carter said. “One of the most profound statements made was: ‘We want to add this chapter to the greatest story ever told.’”
Looking ahead, the Tennessee delegates are focusing on mobilizing voters in their communities. ey recognize that the key to success lies in grassroots e orts—engaging with voters face-toface, listening to their concerns, and encouraging them to participate in the electoral process. e delegates plan to leverage digital tools, social media, and traditional outreach methods to connect with as many people as possible.
“What I tell people right now is, ‘I expect you to work harder than you have ever worked for a candidate in your
life,’” said Carter. “I need everybody on the ground giving all that they can give because this is going to be a close election.”
ere is also a strong sense of urgency among the delegates. ey understand that the stakes are high, and they are prepared to tackle the challenges ahead with a renewed sense of purpose. Whether its organizing voter registration drives or simply having conversations with neighbors, the Tennessee delegates are determined to turn the inspiration from the convention into tangible results at the ballot box.
Ferreira emphasized the importance of in uencing not only Democratic voters but Republican voters as well. Healthy and informative conversations could be the di erence between someone voting for a Democratic instead of a Republican.
“I know that it could be a touchy subject because people don’t want to leave their party and they don’t want to feel like they are giving up on something that they’ve known for so long,” she said. “But when it has to do with your rights as a person it’s important to kind of leave what you’re typically used to so you can help yourself and others.”
Carter agrees.
“ ere’s too much that has been at stake over the years and too many people that our future is based on how we vote. is is a big deal, and I want it to be treated like a big deal,” said Carter.
As they return to their communities, the delegates carry with them the spirit of the convention—a reminder that change is possible, even in the most challenging environments. With a clear vision and a collective commitment to action, Tennessee’s Democratic delegates are ready to play their part in shaping the future of their state and their country.
“Let’s come together as a community and make this work,” said Carter.
Lexie Carter
Dottie Ferreira
By Keith Jones Special To The Tri-State Defender
As the second half of 2024 is underway, Memphis entrepreneurs are condent in their businesses despite any lingering uncertainty. Memphis is one of the top cities where entrepreneurs are thriving. A recent study by Blacktech Week listed Memphis as one of the best metropolitan areas for Black-owned companies. A recent MagnifyMoney study named Memphis one of the best cities for women entrepreneurs.
According to new Bank of America research, business owners anticipate revenue growth for the year ahead and are feeling con dent in the overall economy, despite economic concerns.
Entrepreneurs’ concerns around several key economic factors remain elevated nationwide but are down from last year. While concerns around supply chain issues and a recession are down signi cantly, concerns around in ation and interest rates only slightly dropped, as the Federal Reserve holds interest rates at a 23-year high until in ation becomes more manageable.
Additionally, the political environment and health care costs are top of mind for local business owners, both seeing increases since 2023. Despite these concerns, the majority (65%) ex-
Three Strategies for Local Business Owners to Navigate the Current Economic Environment
pect their revenue to increase in the next 12 months.
So, how can business owners meet their revenue expectations as we head into the second half of 2024? Here are three strategies local business owners should consider implementing to ensure success and growth this year:
Conduct a SWOT Analysis
It’s always smart to conduct routine evaluations of your business, but especially ahead of any upcoming shi s in the economy or impacts from the political environment. Consider nding time to analyze your business’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT).
A SWOT analysis not only helps evaluate the state of your business but will help identify what changes and tradeo s are needed to ensure success. In fact, 70% of local business owners say they have made tradeo s to maintain pro tability, including personal sacri ces, such as working more hours or reducing their own salary, and operational changes, such as increasing prices or reducing marketing costs.
Before implementing any similar adjustments, make sure your decisions are informed by your SWOT analysis results so you can continue to strengthen and build your business.
Monitor Your Cash Flow
By tracking current and anticipated revenue and comparing it with your business’ expenses, you can anticipate when to adjust your business model to avoid unnecessary costs. Digital tools can be helpful to future-proof your business.
According to our research, 71% of local business owners have digitally optimized their business and operations in the past 12 months, and over half of those local business owners are using mobile apps or business banking online. ese digital tools enable easier nancial tracking, as business owners have more exibility to access their nances wherever they are, whenever. When faced with economic uncertainty, this can be particularly useful, allowing for faster and more informed decision-making around cash ow management.
Reconnect with Customers
While the year may feel tumultuous for your business, remember that a worrisome economy impacts your customers as well. Take time to connect
with your customers and build brand recognition so they continue to show loyalty even when times are tough. 82% of local business owners have implemented tactics to engage with their clientele, whether that’s personalizing interactions with customers, taking steps to implement customer feedback or hosting community events. Consider if any of these options are viable to help your business stand out in your community.
You can also look to social media platforms to help humanize your business. 65% of local business owners use social media to interact with customers and promote their business through responding to comments, posting about themselves and their employees and promoting upcoming sales.
Whether your local business has been around for decades or is just opening, there are always steps to take to strengthen your business, especially in an uncertain economy. Bank of America is committed to providing the resources necessary to operate and grow a business at every stage, in every circumstance.
(Keith Jones is the Vice President of Business Banking, Bank of America, Memphis. e views expressed here do not re ect those of e Tri-State Defender.)
Keith Jones
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PUBLIC NOTICE THE MEMPHIS URBAN AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
In compliance with federal regulations 23 CFR 450, the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will hold public engagement events to provide the public the opportunity to comment on the development of the Winchester Road Corridor Pilot Study.
The following event date, time, and location have been confirmed:
Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Hickory Hill Community Center 3910 Ridgeway Rd Memphis, TN, 38115
Attendees will be afforded the opportunity to comment on the information presented at the events. Any comments provided at the events should be applicable to the information presented and should be provided in a respectful manner. Please note that additional engagement opportunities may be considered. In the case of an emergency or other unforeseen circumstances, the public engagement opportunities
listed above could change with limited or no notice and will be shared on the MPO’s website: memphismpo.org.
It is the policy of the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) not to exclude, deny, or discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, immigration status, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, veteran status, familial or marital status, disability, medical or genetic condition, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law in its hiring or employment practices, or in its admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. For any and all inquiries regarding the application of this accessibility statement and related policies, please contact Nick Warren, at 901-636-7146 or Nick. Warren@memphistn.gov.
If you need assistance participating in these events, please contact the MPO Office at 901636-7190 and provide at least seven (7) days notice. This notice is funded (in part) under an agreement with the State of TN and MS, Departments of Transportation.
■■ SPORTS Memphis Tigers Enter the Season with Great Expectations
By Terry Davis Special To The Tri-State Defender
As the calendar slowly fades away from the dog days of summer, football season is suddenly upon us. e Memphis Tigers football team, coming o a 10-win season, is looking to return to its championship ways.
e Tigers got o to a pretty good start in their Aug. 31 season opener, a 59-0 blowout win over the University of North Alabama. Memphis opened a 31-0 advantage on the strength of three rst-half forced turnovers, scoring 21 points o those turnovers.
Again, a good start for one of the most anticipated seasons in the program’s history. e team is projected to be in the mix for the newly formatted 12-team playo . With the return of Seth Henigan and Roc Taylor, the Tigers had one of the most proli c o enses in the country last season. Henigan needs only 365 yards to have the most passing yards in the history of the program.
is year’s team may be even better. e o ensive line is much improved, depth has been added to the skill positions, and the defense is expected to be stronger. Memphis has been projected to be in the 12-team playo s as the best team from the Group of 5 conferences. Henigan, who has changed his number every season, will wear number 9 for his nal season. He is poised to smash most passing records this season. He is on everyone’s watch
list, including First Team Preseason All-AAC, Maxwell Award, Manning Award, and many others. He has 10,366 career passing yards and 77 passing touchdowns.
He has rushed for 705 yards and 8 touchdowns and has thrown for over 3,000 yards each season. Roc Taylor had his best season last year and returns for his senior year. He had 69 receptions, 1,083 receiving yards, and 4 touchdowns.
Newcomer Mario Anderson, a transfer from the University of South Carolina, will look to ll the void le by Blake Watson. Anderson rushed for 707 yards and had 22 receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown last season with the Gamecocks. He will lead a deep group with hard-rushing Brandon omas and the explosive Sutton Smith returning.
Greg Rubin, Cormontae Hamilton, and Cameron Miller are the Memphians who hope to lead the Tigers’ defense to one of their best seasons. All three played football at Memphis area high schools and look to show out for their city.
Rubin, who converted to safety last season a er playing his rst two seasons at cornerback, is a senior from White Station. He has played in 35 games, has 146 tackles, and 21 pass de ections.
Hamilton, who transferred from Ohio State a er playing at Whitehaven, is the anchor on the defensive line. e 6-foot-3, 265-pound lineman has been a force over the last two seasons with the Tigers. He has 77 tackles during his time at Memphis.
Miller was a standout star at Memphis Academy of Health Sciences. He originally signed with the Tennessee
Volunteers before transferring to Memphis. He appeared in 11 games last season and looks to make a deeper impact this season.
Memphis (1-0) will stay at home and host Troy (0-1) University next at 11 a.m. at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. e game can be seen on ESPNU.
Terry Davis
Mario Anderson Jr. celebrates after scoring a touchdown for the Memphis Tigers, in the blowout win over North Alabama. (Photos: Terry Davis/Tri-State Defender)
Roc Taylor charges down field early in the Tigers rout of the University of North Alabama.
