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■■ NEWS
GUILTY: Justin Johnson convicted on all counts in Young Dolph’s murder
By Travis Loller and Adrian Sainz Associated Press
Justin Johnson was found guilty of murder in the death of rapper Young Dolph on ursday a er the jury heard testimony from a co-defendant that the killing was part of a feud between rival record labels.
Jurors deliberated for just under four hours before nding Johnson guilty of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and being a felon in possession of a gun. Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Jennifer Mitchell sentenced Johnson to life in prison.
Cornelius Smith testi ed that rapper Yo Gotti’s brother, Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, had put out a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph and had also put bounties on all the artists at Young Dolph’s record label, Paper Route Empire. Smith said he and co-defendant Johnson set out on the morning of Nov. 17, 2021, “looking for somebody” and “didn’t know who we were going to catch.”
ey knew that Young Dolph and some of his artists were participating in a anksgiving turkey giveaway, so they were heading in that direction when they saw Young Dolph’s car. ey followed him to a Memphis cookie shop and opened re in broad daylight, Smith said. Young Dolph was hit 22 times and died at the scene.
Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman, in opening statements, told jurors that Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph ornton Jr., was determined to make it on his own as an artist, and also with his own label.
“Trying to make it on your own can create enemies,” Hagerman said.
He noted that Cocaine Muzik Group (now known as Collective Music Group), a rival record label founded by Yo Gotti, wanted Young Dolph to work for them, but he turned them down. Young Dolph later wrote diss tracks directed at the label, its artists,
and its “number two person,” Big Jook. Big Jook was shot and killed outside a restaurant earlier this year.
Johnson had pleaded not guilty, and defense attorney Luke Evans said in closing arguments that the videos only prove that someone wearing similar clothing to Johnson shot Young Dolph. Evans told the jury Smith would say anything to try to save himself.
“Cornelius Smith is lying from start to nish,” Evans said.
Smith is also charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder and has pleaded not guilty.
Evans also noted that Smith’s ngerprints were found in the getaway car but Johnson’s were not. And he said there was “no proof that Justin Johnson
got a penny,” while Smith testi ed he received $800 before he was arrested and his defense attorney later received another $50,000.
Hagerman countered that the video and cell phone evidence corroborated Smith’s story. ey included calls between Smith and Johnson shortly before the killing and a call between Johnson and Big Jook immediately a er.
Also testifying was Jermarcus Johnson, who pleaded guilty in June 2023 to three counts of serving as an accessory a er the killing by helping Smith and Justin Johnson, his half-brother.
Hernandez Govan, whom Smith identi ed as a go-between with Big Jook, has pleaded not guilty to organizing the killing.
President Calvin Anderson Interim Editor Lee Eric Smith
Best in Black Awards: Nominations Closing Soon!
TSD Newsroom
e countdown is on!
e nomination window for the 2024 Best in Black Awards will close on October 14, and we don’t want you to miss out on this opportunity to recognize the incredible Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders making an impact in the Mid-South!
Hosted by e Tri-State Defender, the Best in Black Awards shines a well-deserved spotlight on those who contribute to the rich cultural and economic fabric of our community.
is year’s awards ceremony will celebrate excellence in a variety of categories, from top-performing businesses and nonpro ts to standout artists and educators.We want you to help us select the most deserving honorees.
If you know someone who’s making a di erence in the Mid-South, now is the time to submit your nominations and give them the recognition they deserve.
Nominating is quick and easy. Simply visit the https://tri-statedefender.com/bestinblack/ and complete the nomination form for any category you think applies. Whether it’s your favorite local restaurant, a trailblazing entrepreneur, or a community advocate, now’s your chance to celebrate their success.
e honorees will be revealed during the Best In Black Awards, set for November 14 at Central Station! Every vote counts in ensuring the best of the best are recognized. Join us in celebrating excellence across the Mid-South by submitting your nominations today!
Remember, nominations close on October 14, so don’t wait until it’s too late! And stay tuned . . . VOTING BEGINS SOON!
IN MEMORIAM: Rev. Cleophus Smith, Last of 1968 Memphis Sanitation Strikers, Passes Away
By TSD Newsroom
Reverend Cleophus Smith, the last surviving participant of the 1968 Memphis sanitation strike, has died, according to a statement from family members. He was 82.
Smith died on Sunday, Sept. 29, according to a Facebook post by the family. Arrangements were still pending at deadline.
Smith was among the 1,300 sanitation workers who went on strike to protest unsafe working conditions, racial discrimination, and low wages—a movement that drew the support of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and became a cornerstone of the ght for workers’ rights.
Mayor Paul Young expressed his condolences, stating, “His stand for justice and equality… helped change the way the City of Memphis treated its employees, as well as in uencing workplaces across the world.”
Born and raised in Memphis, Smith
worked as a sanitation worker when the deaths of two colleagues in a garbage truck incident sparked outrage, leading to the strike. Carrying signs that read “I Am A Man,” Smith and his fellow workers demanded fair treatment, eventually leading to improved working conditions and wage increases a er a tense 65-day strike.
“I was 24 years old when I started. But back then, it was a di erent ball game,” Smith told e New York Times in 2018. “Back then, the working con-
dition, it was unbearable.
“A er three weeks, when I got my rst check, I broke down and cried. We were working full time. And at the same time, the wages were so low, we was quali ed to get food stamps,” he continued. “We were determined that we was going to get a union organized, that we would see justice. We were striking about the wages, fair treatment and dignity.”
Smith was at Mason Temple on April 3, 1968, when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his mountaintop speech.
“Everybody was just jubilated, ust excited, not knowing the next day would be a day of silence,” he told e Times.
But it was Dr. King who inspired Smith’s own ministry, he said.
“I really had a lot of animosity. I came from the streets. I was a street thug,” Smith told e Times. “Dr. King was the one that taught me, through his humility and his leadership. I said, that’s the way I’d like to be.”
Ordained as a minister a er the
strike, Rev. Smith continued advocating for social justice, ensuring the legacy of the movement lived on through his work with labor organizations and his speaking engagements.
As recently as November 2021, Smith was on the picket lines in Memphis, striking with workers at Kellogg. He even wore an “I AM A MAN” shirt.
“If we made it happen in 1968, we can do it again today,” he said at the time.
His story of resilience and leadership has been preserved in various civil rights commemorations, including speaking at events at the National Civil Rights Museum.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support funeral expenses and honor Rev. Smith’s enduring legacy. Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced at a later date.
For more information and to contribute, visit Rev. Cleophus Smith’s GoFundMe page.
Cleophus Smith
MATA Announces route cuts, City Council Member threatens subpeona
By James Coleman Special to The Tri-State Defender
A subpoena could be in the o ng for MATA, following a decision by board members of the troubled transit authority to trim several routes during a Tuesday, Sept. 24 meeting.
Memphis City Council member Chase Carlisle suggested the legal maneuver as an option towards a better look into the agency’s operations, reported e Daily Memphian.
“I’m fully prepared to use our subpoena power. If the city administration and council continue to not receive timely, accurate information then I am inclined to make an o cial request no later than the October 15 meeting,” Carlisle said in a text message.
In all, ve bus routes were cut in an e ort to right-size a perennial money-losing operation. ey include:
• Route 16 Southeast Circulator
• Route 28 Airport
• Route 34 Central & Walnut Grove
• Route 37 Perkins
• Route 69 Winchester
• Zone 3 Cordova Ready on Demand!
According to MATA, the a ected routes were selected based on “current ridership, available funding and community feedback.”
“ is decision was not made lightly. Our goal is to ensure that MATA remains responsive to the needs of the community while optimizing our resources for long-term sustainability. ese changes re ect our commitment to enhancing service where it is most needed,” said Michael Fulton, Chair of the MATA Board of Commissioners.
Largely funded through federal and state grants, MATA’s budgets trended upwards as ARPA funds, for example, owed in during the pandemic years.
However, the rug was pulled out from under the transit authority, when the $180 million fund ran out.
A recent audit revealed 8- gure de cits are the norm. In fact, this year’s $60 million de cit was fairly typical for the operation. Over the last 10 years, shortfalls have ranged from $19 million to $91 million.
Despite being a member of MATA leadership for years, interim CEO Bacarra Mauldin has denied any knowledge of the annual de cits.
Nevertheless, she can’t deny the consequences. Last year, MATA’s budget was $85 million. FY2025…$60 million. A surplus of $800,000 has been forecast.
In an e ort to bring in more revenue, bus fares will also be adjusted to their pre-pandemic rates of $1.75 for regular routes. A new rate of $2.00 will also be introduced for Ready! On Demand services.
“ ese updates provide a ordable transit options and re ect MATA’s commitment to o ering exible transportation solutions for the Memphis community,” said MATA.
Still, not everyone is convince the route cut is the proper solution to solving MATA’s woes.
Council Transportation Committee chair Edmund Ford, Sr., has vowed to restore the a ected routes – along with restoring jobs lost in the shu e.
In all, 173 roles were “reduced.” Seventy- ve positions were eliminated. In addition to 18 trolley workers laid o during a recent safety “stand down,” 28 administration personnel were let go. e 52 unionized members a ected were given 60 days notice. E orts are underway to inform them of access to bene ts, like 401k accounts. Overtime hours were also trimmed by 30%. ere are 340 sta members remaining.
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MANE! Orange Mound’s own 8Ball & MJG honored with street naming
By Lee Eric Smith Interim Editor
e honorary naming of Park Avenue and Airways Boulevard a er two pioneers of Memphis rap was set to start at 2 p.m. But like many a rap concert . . . let’s just say it took a little while for the ceremony to get underway.
But when it did, Orange Mound showed up and showed out for two of their own, 8Ball & MJG, who have o cially written their names on these streets: 8Ball Blvd. & MJG Ave. is weekend, Memphis rap legends 8Ball and MJG were honored with an intersection named a er them in their home neighborhood of Orange Mound. e corner of Park Avenue and Airways Boulevard has been o cially renamed 8Ball Boulevard and MJG Avenue in recognition of the duo’s lasting contributions to music and Memphis culture.
“I wanna say hey to my Mama!” 8Ball said in accepting the honor. “I ain’t got much to say, everybody here know me and him.”
He paused for a second, emotional, before continuing.
“I wish Gangsta Boo was here to see this,” he said. “And I wish Dolph was here to see this. I know they both would be here right now. I love y’all, mane!”
Gangsta Boo (Lola Chantrelle Mitchell) and Young Dolph (Adolph Robert ornton Jr.) were two in uential gures in the Memphis rap scene, both of whom tragically passed away.
Gangsta Boo, one of the rst female members of the iconic Memphis rap
group ree 6 Ma a, was a pioneering voice for women in Southern hiphop until her death on Jan. 1, 2023, at the age of 43. Young Dolph was a celebrated Memphis rapper known for his gritty lyrics and business acumen. He was gunned down in 2021 as part of an ongoing rap beef. His killer was convicted last week by a Shelby County Jury.
e street naming ceremony was attended by city o cials, including Mayor Paul Young and Police Chief CJ
Davis, alongside a crowd of fans. Both 8Ball and MJG expressed deep gratitude for the honor. MJG shared words of encouragement for the younger generation, emphasizing the importance of self-belief, while 8Ball re ected on the signi cance of the moment.
A Legacy Born in Memphis
8Ball (Premro Smith) and MJG (Marlon Jermaine Goodwin) formed their iconic hip-hop duo in the early 1990s a er meeting at Ridgeway Mid-
dle School in Memphis. ey quickly became pioneers of Southern rap with their debut album, “Comin’ Out Hard,” released in 1993 under Suave House Records. e album was a critical success and laid the foundation for Southern hip-hop’s rise in the mainstream music scene.
Over the years, 8Ball and MJG have released several in uential albums, including “On Top of the World” and “In Our Lifetime.” eir storytelling prowess and smooth delivery have earned them a loyal fan base and respect from artists nationwide. ey are known for hits like “Space Age Pimpin’” and collaborations with other major artists, contributing to the growth and recognition of Memphis in the hip-hop industry.
e renaming of this intersection not only honors their contributions but also celebrates their deep connection to the streets of Memphis, as they famously said, “the streets are a part of us.”
8Ball Ave & MJG Ave are at the very heart of Orange Mound.
The intersection of Park Avenue and Airways Boulevard is now 8Ball Blvd & MJG Ave.
(Photos: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)
■■ COMMUNITY
8Ball makes his way through the fans at the unveiling of 8Ball Blvd.
MJG on his way to the podium.
Hundreds convened at the corner of what is now 8Ball Blvd. & MJG Ave. in Orange Mound to be a part of the moment. (Photos: Lee Eric Smith/The Tri-State Defender)
By TSD Newsroom
In a major step toward addressing gun violence in America, Memphis Mayor Paul Young stood alongside President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House on September 26, 2024, as the administration unveiled a sweeping executive order aimed at curbing rearm-related crime and improving school safety.
“On ursday, I had the honor of joining President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House for the signing of a critical executive order to get dangerous glock switches and machine gun conversion devices o our streets,” Young said on social media.
e new initiative seeks to combat emerging rearm threats and introduce updated, trauma-informed active shooter drills in schools.
“Our children deserve better,” President Biden said during the press conference, recounting a painful story of parents who sent their child to school one morning, never imagining that their child wouldn’t come home.
“No parent should ever get that phone call,” Biden added, echoing the grief that countless families across the nation, including Memphis, have felt. “ is order is about protecting those kids, about keeping families whole.”
e executive order, Combating Emerging Firearms reats and Improving School-Based Active Shooter Drills, is one of the most comprehensive initiatives from the Biden administration to date. It allocates federal resources to bolster local e orts aimed at reducing gun-related crime, enhances coordination among law enforcement agencies, and introduces evidence-based approaches to active shooter drills in schools—moving away from fear-driven tactics that many believe traumatize students.
Local Leadership on a National Stage
Mayor Young joins President Biden, VP Harris to announce gun violence executive order
“It’s our mayors and our city leaders who know their communities best. Mayor Young is one of those leaders. He knows what his city needs, and this executive order gives him—and others—the resources to make real change.”
— President Joe Biden
Memphis residents, particularly those a ected by the recent rash of shootings and school closures due to bomb threats, may nd hope in this national spotlight. Mayor Young, who has long championed crime reduction e orts in the city, emphasized the critical need for such measures.
“ is (executive order) will help save lives and protect our neighborhoods from the devastating e ects of gun violence,” he continued in his post.
“ ank you to President Biden and Vice President Harris for your leadership and partnership in creating safer communities.”
Vice President Kamala Harris, who has made gun violence prevention a cornerstone of her political career, also shared the harrowing realities facing
families across the country.
“Every child in America deserves to feel safe in their classroom,” she remarked. Harris recounted the story of a mother who lost her son to a school shooting, underscoring the importance of improving active shooter drills to focus on preparation without traumatizing students.
In Memphis, the conversation around school safety and gun violence is all too familiar. In 2024, Memphis faced not only gun violence but also a string of bomb threats that forced schools to close for days, shaking the community’s con dence in safety measures. ese incidents, coupled with a 4.3% rise in violent crime—driven largely by gun-related incidents—highlight the city’s urgent need for compre-
hensive safety reforms.
A Federal Push with Local Implications
e executive order arrives at a crucial time for Memphis, where aggravated assaults and gun-related crimes continue to surge. As of mid-2024, the city reported over 9,000 violent crimes, with rearms being a major factor. Gun-related violent incidents have risen by 30.1%, a sobering reminder of the challenge that lies ahead .
In his remarks, President Biden emphasized that the success of the new initiatives depends heavily on local leadership.
“It’s our mayors and our city leaders who know their communities best,” Biden said. “Mayor Young is one of those leaders. He knows what his city needs, and this executive order gives him—and others—the resources to make real change.”
Young has been a vocal advocate for collaborative approaches to reducing violence, working with the Black Mayors Coalition on Crime, which he helped form. is coalition is dedicated to sharing resources and data across cities facing similar challenges.
“Cities can learn a lot from each other,” Young remarked. “We’re in this together. What we’re doing in Memphis can set an example for other cities.”
A Turning Point for Schools
A key component of the executive order is the shi in how schools prepare for active shooter situations. Traditional drills, o en designed to shock students into readiness, have been criticized for doing more harm than good. e new protocols will focus on evidence-based strategies to protect students without leaving lasting emotional scars.
“We cannot allow our children to be paralyzed by fear,” Vice President Harris said. “ is is about giving them the tools to stay safe, not just survive.”
Vice President Kamala Harris and Mayor Paul Young. (Photos: X.com/MayorPaul Young)
President Joe Biden and Mayor Paul Young.
‘A happy Ja is a scary Ja’ After
lost season, Morant and Grizzlies set sights on June
By Terry Davis Special to The Tri-State Defender
“A happy Ja is a scary Ja.” at was said by Ja Morant a er he was asked how his mental health was doing. Ja Morant has become the forgotten superstar among the talking heads this past season. Morant said, “I am the happiest I have ever been right now.”
Morant served a league suspension and su ered a season-ending injury a er only playing in nine games a er returning from his suspension. e signs of a return to the top of the food chain for Morant has begun to evolve.
Nike has a Morant signature shoe line. e company just released a new commercial promoting Morant and his latest shoe. Another mural featuring Morant soaring for a dunk is on the Fedex Logistics building just across from the FedExForum.
Morant did not get clearance to play full contact until the middle of July. Morant had a constant presence on social media, but lately he has been only releasing post sparingly. One of the posts featured the play of his new big man Zach Edey.
When it comes to Morant no news is great news. Morant have been sus-
pended twice over the last 18 months. Missed games due to injury and has become the forgotten superstar across the league.
Morant on the makeup of the roster said, “ is is one of the best rosters I have been around on paper depth wise. It gives me even more con dence. We are loaded at every position. It is going to be interesting to see how plays out.”
On getting back on the court and playing on a regular basis said, “I get to do what I love to do. Obviously, it is my job. I want to be out there every game. My main focus is to be able to do that. Recovery has been the big thing for me this o season. I am excited to be back there on the oor with the guys. I would rather play every game than half.”
Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have become the latest and greatest young rising stars of the league. Morant’s response to all the noise is, that is he only cares about how the Grizzlies do as a team.
e fans will get a chance to the Morant and the rest of the Grizzlies on Sunday Oct. 6 at noon. Doors will open at 11 am. In the pass this has been an optimal chance to see your favorite Grizzlies up close.
“I get to do what I love to do. Obviously, it is my job. I want to be out there every game. My main focus is to be able to do that. Recovery has been the big thing for me this off season. I am excited to be back there on the floor with the guys. I would rather play every game than half.”
— Ja Morant
After a lost season, Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant is looking to lead the team back to the top of the NBA. (Screenshot)
■■ SPORTS Memphis Tigers get back on track with 24-7 win over MTSU
By Terry Davis Special to the Tri-State Defender
e University of Memphis returned to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium looking to get back on track a er last week’s loss to the Navy Midshipmen. e Tigers found their rhythm with a 24-7 win over the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders in front of 25,266 fans.
e defense bounced back a er a tough outing at Navy, holding the Blue Raiders scoreless in the rst half and allowing only 117 total yards. MTSU caught a break a er Koby Drake mu ed a punt, but Memphis’s defense held strong, forcing four sacks, two fumbles, and 6.5 tackles for loss. Linebacker Elijah Herring had a career-high 10 total tackles.
Chandler Martin and Kobee Minor each recorded a sack, with Minor forcing a fumble on his rst career sack.
“ at was the rst career one, so it felt good,” Minor said, a er getting emotional on the eld. Herring, returning from injury, said, “It was great being back and playing with the guys. I missed them the last two weeks.”
Head coach Ryan Silver eld praised the defense, noting the improvement in tackling compared to the Navy game: “ e communication was great. Every week, we have to focus more on tackling.”
Senior transfer running back Mario Anderson Jr. rushed for 118 yards and added six receptions for 43 yards. Brandon omas rushed for two touchdowns, bringing his career total to 31, placing him h alltime at Memphis.
Quarterback Seth Henigan spread the ball around, with Roc Taylor and Anderson Jr. each recording six receptions. Henigan passed for 227 yards, moving into second place in all-time passing yards in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). However, he
snapped his streak of throwing at least one touchdown pass at 41 consecutive games. e Tigers have now scored 20 or more points in 32 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the nation.
On his performance, Henigan said, “We started the game a little slow. We did not have the right intensity. We adjusted well as the game progressed. ere are some plays we le out there. You can’t hang your head a er a win.”
Next up for the Tigers (4-1, 0-1 AAC) is a road conference matchup against the South Florida Bulls (2-3, 0-1 AAC) in Tampa. e game will air on ESPN on Friday, October 11, at 6 p.m. CDT.
Demeer Blankumsee (#0) and Brandon Thomas (#22) celebrate after Thomas’ touchdown run put Memphis ahead 24-7. (Photos: Warren Roseborough/Tri-State Defender)
Memphis WR Roc Taylor (#3) sprints down the sideline against a Middle Tennessee defender. Taylor had six receptions for 69 yards in the Tigers’ 24-7 victory.
