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■■ NEWS Environmental rally takes aim at xAI and other projects
By TSD Newsroom
e Memphis Community Against Pollution (MCAP) will host a rally on October 12 at Alonzo Weaver Park to celebrate past victories in environmental justice and address new concerns a ecting the city.
e event, titled Environmental Justice NOW, will run from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., bringing together local leaders, organizations, and residents to discuss the future of Memphis’s environmental health.
e rally was originally scheduled for Sept. 28, but was postponed due to weather.
is year’s rally will address new environmental concerns, including the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) plan to introduce additional gas turbines, which could increase air pollution in an area already disproportionately a ected by industrial contamination.
e community also remains wary of Elon Musk’s xAI project, which is already close to completing its data center in Memphis, despite only announcing the project last Spring. While local elected o cials have welcomed the potential economic bene ts, many residents are concerned about the environmental costs, particularly the center’s energy consumption and potential water usage.
“We cannot accept Southwest Memphis being used as a waterhole for corporate exploitation while we we continue to su ocate from poisonous air that @xai contributes with their generators,” said MCAP President Keshaun Pearson in a recent social media post. “Where is the care for our community?”
MCAP is no stranger to successful environmental protection campaigns. In 2021, MCAP rallied public opinion to stop the Byhalia Connection Pipeline, a proposed crude oil pipeline that would have cut through
predominantly Black neighborhoods in southwest Memphis. e pipeline, backed by Plains All American and Valero Energy, faced heavy opposition due to the risks it posed to the Memphis Sand Aquifer, the city’s main source of drinking water.
MCAP, alongside Black Voters Matter, Up eVote901 and Protect Our Aquifer, is organizing the rally to raise awareness of these issues and build resistance. e event will feature free food trucks, a live DJ, and guest speakers from various community organiza-
tions. Attendees will also be able to visit resource booths to learn more about how they can get involved in ongoing environmental justice initiatives.
Southwest Memphis, which has long borne the brunt of industrial pollution, remains a focus for the organization’s e orts to protect the city’s air and water. For more information or to register for the rally, visit the event page on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/environmental-justice-now-rally-tickets-1037247614537
Event Details:
Date: October 12, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM CST
Location: Alonzo Weaver Park, 730 West Mitchell Road, Memphis, TN 38109
President Calvin Anderson Interim Editor Lee Eric Smith
Keshaun Pearson
Rep. Steve Cohen requests federal funding for cash poor MATA
By James Coleman Special to The Tri-State Defender
On the heels of a series of budget-cutting measures by Memphis Area Transit Authority, U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen reached out to federal administrators in search of additional funding for the cash-strapped transit system to restore routes with a letter on Wednesday, Oct. 2
“I would appreciate any recommendations on how we can strengthen MATA’s funding sources through existing federal programs or new initiatives,” wrote Cohen.
e letter addressed to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg and Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool
follows a recent decision by the MATA board of directors to cut several routes from its bus schedule.
“ ese cuts will disproportionately impact low-income and vulnerable populations who rely on MATA as their primary means of transportation. Without immediate intervention, further service reductions could devastate the mobility and economic security of many in the Memphis community,” wrote Cohen.
e Sept. 24 vote was preceded by layo s and role reductions that trimmed MATA’s workforce. In all, 75 positions were eliminated. ey included 18 trolley workers, who were let go a er a safety “stand down” over a series of brake failures on the historic line. ere are 340 sta members remain-
ing.
“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. e decision to tailor its budget came a er a $60 million de cit this year came to light. However, a recent audit revealed eight- gure de cits are the norm. In fact, this year’s shortfall was fairly typical. Over the last 10 years, shortfalls have ranged from $19 million to $91 million.
With the cuts, a $800,000 surplus has been forecast for MATA’s $60 million FY2025 budget.
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.
MATA has also been plagued with a steadily decreasing ridership over the years. e pandemic only served to exacerbate the problem.
“I strongly believe our nation must prioritize investments in public transit systems like MATA. Federal assistance is crucial in helping transit agencies meet both operational and infrastructure needs, particularly as they recover from the nancial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and address chronic underfunding,” wrote Cohen.
Memphis City Council Approves Purchase of Downtown Sheraton
By James Coleman Special to the Tri-State Defender
e City of Memphis is the new owner of an old hotel, a er council members unanimously agreed to purchase the outdated Downtown Sheraton during the Oct. 1 meeting.
Mayor Paul Young pitched the vote as a choice between potential “catalyst” to invigorate economic development Downtown, or a property with declining returns.
“ is is one of those projects that I believe is very, very important for our economic vitality as a city. We cannot a ord, as a community, is to have another tower in Downtown Memphis go dark – or to be auctioned o to the highest bidder and it become a one-star or two-star hotel,” said Young.
e deal was closed on a 9-0 vote.
e franchise e ectively operates as the nearby Renasant Convention Center’s hotel. If the location were shuttered, it would also leave a hole the the city’s plan to pay o $300 million in renovations to the center. e revenue is collected through taxes on hotels and
motels.
However, the poor condition of the 600-room hotel has inspired visitors to seek other lodgings.
Nevertheless, city leaders see potential for greater revenue from the property – along with the increased tra c events held at the center bring to Downtown. e downside to doing nothing has also become apparent.
“ e impact they create when they come into the community is substantial. We applaud the administration’s e orts to make this move forward,” said Renasant G.M. Dean Dennis. “We have a record of those conventions that won’t come because the quality of the hotel. Most recently, KOA Campgrounds said we want to come to Memphis. We want to continue to think about it, but it’s not up to the standards that we need to make it work.”
Young related a text he recently received from a small business owner, a er a recent conference in Memphis.
“ ey were giving us praise – us as a community, praise – for the conference that was just held, because they had such an amazing week with all the
patrons that have come to their business. at’s just one example of the potential impact our convention center has on small businesses Downtown,” said Young. “It really is an economic impact, having a hotel that is going to allow us to attract more conferences and events.”
Money for the $22 million purchase was freed up through a $30 million bond sale. e Center City Revenue Finance Corporation put up $1.5 million in good faith money. e state-chartered industrial developmental board will take control of the city’s new property.
e transactions were approved separately during the morning Economic Development, Tourism & Technology committee.
Prior to the vote, members inspected the rundown location for nearly an hour.
e building was purchased from Starwood Capital Group, a er the Miami-based investment rm balked at renovations. Built in 1978, the Downtown Sheraton’s last renovation was in 2009.
e rehab on the building is expected to cost upwards of $200 million “to match the quality” of the convention center.
“It’s certainly going to be a signi cant amount of money,” said Young.
However, the city doesn’t plan on being a long-time owner. Ownership of the hotel is expected to transfer to a nonpro t within two years. One potential owner is Provident Resources Group. Talks are expected to continue. e owner will be expected to hire the developer for the site’s rehabilitation at a fee. e nonpro t will issue a bond. It will be secured through a tourism development zone surcharge and other “tools.”
e signi cant renovations to the structure won’t begin in earnest until the bonds are issued. It could take up to two years for them to be issued.
In the interim, the administration is proposing working with the previous team that had the contract on the property.
“We don’t want to be the ones managing a hotel,” said Young.
Health Department to offer free flu vaccines
TSD Newsroom
Shelby County, TN – e Shelby County Health Department encourages all Shelby County residents to get annual u vaccinations as the best prevention against getting or spreading the u virus. On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the Shelby County Health Department will make getting free seasonal u shots easy and convenient.
Shelby County Health Department will join other health departments around Tennessee as a part of the statewide in uenza vaccination event. Get free u vaccines from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the following locations:
Drive- ru Location:
Church Parking Lot on Goodlett North of Park Avenue
4060 Park Avenue, 38111
Walk-up Locations: Civic Center Plaza
125 N. Main Street, 38103
SCHD Headquarters
814 Je erson Avenue, 38105
“Older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and young children are all at risk of severe complications from in uenza,’’
Dr. Michelle Taylor, Shelby County Health Department Director-Health O cer said. “Flu activity is already on the rise in Shelby County and will likely increase through the holiday season. Please take advantage of this opportunity to get a free u vaccine on October 15th.”
e drive-thru vaccination clinic is part of a Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) large-scale preparedness exercise where medical sta and teams at county health departments statewide practice their emergency response plans using free u vaccine for the public. Visit TDH’s Fight Flu webpage, to nd other locations where the vaccine is available and to get more information.
CLOSE 10/14
■■ COMMUNITY
Shelby County voter registration tops 600k
By James Coleman
Special to The Tri-State Defender
Local enthusiasm for this year’s general and municipal elections are up, if registrations in Shelby County are any indication.
According to the Shelby County Election Commission, over 600,000 area voters intend to cast ballots on November 5.
Moreover, the numbers could also re ect a large turnout from younger voters.
Of the ages groups represented, 28-37 and 38-47 led the way. eir collective 221,675 registrations comprised 37% of the total. ey are followed by the 5867 age group, who netted 92,477. e 48-57 age group came in a close fourth, with 92,477.
e 18-27 age group came in h, with 78,334 registrations. However, its nal total was down from a September count as voters aged out of one bracket and into another.
e median age for the county’s registered voters is 49.
e numbers become a little more
cut and dry when split by gender. Women continue to make up a clear majority with 57.5% of all registrations. e breakdown by race isn’t as clear. A majority of the county’s likely voters failed to disclose their race, or marked it as “other” when registering. e state does not require voters to reveal their race.
Of the nearly 44.8% who did disclose their race, Black voters make up a plurality 163,171, or 27.2%. White voters trailed with 103,701 registrations. Hispanic and Chinese, meanwhile, pulled in 0.32% and 0.02% respectively.
All totalled, the 600,160 gure gives Shelby County the largest concentration of registered voters in the state. However, the numbers don’t re ect the partisan split between the Democrat-heavy urban areas and the Republican-slanted suburbs. e state does not release county-by-county partisan registration numbers.
Unlike o -year elections, general elections typically draw a majority of the county’s voters to the polls. However, the last time a majority of Shelby County voters turned out vote was
EVERY VOTE MATTERS: Early Voting Begins Oct. 16
TSD Newsroom
Early voting for the upcoming federal, state, and local elections in Tennessee will begin on Wednesday, October 16, and continue through ursday, October 31. Voters can visit any early voting location during the designated hours to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day, which is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5.
In Shelby County, 26 early voting sites are available, including the main location at the Shelby County Election Commission o ces at 157 Poplar Avenue. is site will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. All other early voting sites across the county will oper-
ate from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. All locations will be closed on Sundays.
e election will include votes for U.S. President, Senate, and House of Representatives, as well as a variety of local positions such as mayor, city council, and school board seats. Several referendums will also be on the ballot, including key amendments to the City of Memphis Charter, which cover issues like mayoral election procedures, salary adjustments for city o cials, and gun control measures.
Voters are reminded that they can also make changes to their name or address during the early voting period at any of the early voting locations.
during the 2018 congressional midterm election.
Local registration e orts wrap up on Monday, Oct. 7. Early voting begins on Wednesday, Oct. 16 and runs through Oct. 31.
e election is headlined by a race that pits Vice President Kamala Harris against Republican nominee former President Donald Trump in an open contest for the seat. Harris was a last minute replacement for President Joe Biden, a er the 81-year-old called it quits following a disastrous June debate performance.
Biden defeated then-incumbent Trump in the 2020 contest. If elected, Harris would be the rst female president and the second person of color. She is of both Jamaican and Indian heritage.
Rates are non-commissionable and are quoted at the net rate. No refund for early cancellation. For additional information contact Sales Dept. at (901) 746-5201 or email: advertising@tsdmemphis.com. trying to get a title for this car been in my yard for 3 years Make Chevy Model impalal lt Yr 2017 Vin 2g1105s34h9161065
“We’ve held Beat Garden in places like Vegas and Taijin, but there’s something magical about Memphis. These kids bring a unique energy and passion that make every minute worthwhile.”
— James Fauntleroy
Beat Garden at Stax invites young people to explore musical talents
By Jay Green Special to the Tri-State Defender
Many a hit song has been composed just by someone goo ng o and/or playing around on a musical instrument, just for the fun of it. And while it’s too early to tell if any hits will come out of the recent “Beat Garden’ event at Stax Music Academy, participants were clearly having fun.
“I feel so blessed to be here,” said Stax student Zufora Israel. “I’m so excited. It’s my second year being here, so I’m really pumped!”
e Stax Music Academy has once again become the epicenter for creativity with its annual Beat Garden event, attracting a new generation of musical talent. Spearheaded by GRAMMY-winning songwriter and producer James Fauntleroy, this year’s event marks its second return to Memphis.
Fauntleroy, known for his work with Drake, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, and as a member of the production group 1500 or Nothin’, has helped cra some of today’s biggest hits, including Bruno Mars’ “ at’s What I Like” and Timberlake’s “Pusher Love Girl.” His unique blend of traditional songwriting and modern production makes him a sought-a er creative force in pop and R&B.
“We’ve held Beat Garden in places like Vegas and Taijin,” Fauntleroy shared, “but there’s something magical about Memphis. ese kids bring a unique energy and passion that make every minute worthwhile.”
Beat Garden, which o ers students hands-on experience in music production using professional equipment, is designed to inspire and empower aspiring
young musicians. e event, a collaboration between Fauntleroy, Stax Music Academy, and music tech giant Roland, provides access to industry-leading tools and insights that many young people in underserved communities wouldn’t otherwise experience.
Isaac Daniel, Executive Director of the Stax Music Academy, praised the initiative.
“We need more events like this,” Daniel said. “James and his team are truly making a di erence in our community by investing in our youth.”
With Fauntleroy’s commitment and the continued success of Beat Garden, the event is poised to grow, helping to nurture Memphis’s next wave of musical innovators.
These young ladies tap out a tune while experimenting on real studio equipment at Stax Museum. “Beat Garden” a project of Grammy winning producer James Fauntleroy, aims to expose young people to simple joy of making music. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)
■■ CULTURE
These guys look like they’re goofing off . . . but goofing off and having fun in the studio has led to some great music! (Photos: Lee Eric Smith/The Tri-State Defender)
It wasn’t just keyboards and drum machines either. This young man had some lyrics on his phone he wanted to try out.
More experienced musicians were able to lay down some tracks at a workstation.
Beat Garden wasn’t just for kids, either. This woman had some fun on the mic.
Cover: Young Lee Eric Smith II samples some sounds at Beat Garden at Stax Museum.
Grizzlies Looking to Bounce Back After Lost Season
ANALYSIS
By Terry Davis Special to The Tri-State Defender
Last season was nothing short of disappointing for the Memphis Grizzlies. More o en than not, the team’s injury report was longer than its list of eligible players. At various points, the Grizzlies were forced to rely on a mix of two-way players and 10-day contract signings just to eld a legal roster. Heading into the new season, the hope is that the days of key players spending extended time on the injury list are behind them—though preseason injuries continue to linger.
Injury Updates and Preseason Outlook
GG Jackson, Vince Williams, and rookie sharpshooter Cam Spencer are all sidelined. Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr. su ered a mild hamstring strain, though he is expected to be ready for the season opener. However, the injury bug continues to bite, as Ja Morant su ered a mild ankle sprain during the Grizzlies’ preseason opener against the Dallas Mavericks on October 7, 2024. Morant le the game in the second half as a precaution, and his status will be monitored closely. Early reports suggest that the injury is not serious . Despite these preseason setbacks, optimism is high as the team gears up for another run in the competitive Western Conference. If the projected starters can stay healthy, the Grizzlies are poised to climb back to the top of the standings. Ja Morant, who only played nine games last season, is back, along with Marcus Smart, who missed a signi cant chunk of last season.
Brandon Clarke, who returned a er the All-Star break, is also ready for action. e projected starting ve of Zach Edey, Jaren Jackson Jr., Morant, Desmond Bane, and Smart should be a force to reckon with.
Speaking about the team, Morant said, “I feel like this is one of the best rosters that we have.” Bane echoed that con dence, expressing his belief that the Grizzlies can challenge for a championship. Jackson Jr., now sharing the oor with rookie big man Zach Edey, added, “With him being out there, I feel I can be a little stealthier.” Every player hinted at what this season could hold if everyone stays healthy.
Transition in the Locker Room
e Grizzlies will also have to adjust to the absence of a veteran voice.
Derrick Rose, who provided leadership in the locker room last season, recently announced his retirement. His departure was felt throughout the team, with players expressing appreciation for what Rose brought to the table.
Even General Manager Zach Kleiman, unprompted, acknowledged the significant role Rose played during his time with the Grizzlies.
Open Practice: Building Team Chemistry
e Grizzlies held an open practice on October 6 at FedExForum, and the turnout was impressive. While the event was billed as a practice, the Grizzlies entertained fans with skills challenges and competitions reminiscent of NBA All-Star Weekend.
Rookie Jaylen Wells took home the win in the skills competition, while Desmond Bane and Jake LaRavia bested Luke Kennard and Zach Edey in a 3-point shootout. One of the crowd favorites was 5-foot-8 guard Yuki Kawamura from Japan, who energized the arena with his performance in the rookie dance challenge alongside Ja
Morant.
e camaraderie was evident when John Konchar pulled a playful prank on Wells. Spotting Wells at an establishment on Mud Island, Konchar approached him pretending to be a fan, asking for a photo. Wells obligingly took the picture, unaware that Konchar was actually his teammate—a joke that was only revealed when a cashier tipped o Wells. e prank took place before Grizzlies Media Day, giving the team a fun start to the season .
Preseason Setbacks and Training Camp
Unfortunately, the injury concerns from last season have not fully disappeared. GG Jackson is not expected to return until late December, and Vince Williams will likely miss the start of the season. However, Cam Spencer, who injured his ankle last week, should be ready by the season opener. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Spencer are both expected to miss the rst exhibition game but could return later in the preseason.
e Grizzlies headed to Nashville
for training camp a er Media Day, and preseason games will be a critical test, especially for Zach Edey. His performance in summer league generated excitement, and this preseason will mark the rst time he plays alongside the bulk of the main roster. In his preseason debut against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, Edey scored six points to go with seven rebounds.
Edey’s development will be closely watched as his play could determine whether the Grizzlies make a move to add another player or promote Scotty Pippen Jr. to a full contract.
Ja Morant’s Return Key to Success
All eyes will be on Ja Morant, who remains the centerpiece of the Grizzlies’ hopes for success. His brief stint on the court last season showed just how much the team thrives with him in the lineup. As Morant gets ready for a full season, his return to form will be crucial in elevating the play of his teammates.
New Offensive Approach
Head coach Taylor Jenkins has installed a new o ensive system heading into this season. Speaking about the changes, Jenkins said, “We are now going to go crazy with the minutes— maybe high teens or low twenties. We just install our philosophy and not call plays as much. It is about how we want to play.”
Upcoming Schedule
e Grizzlies’ preseason opener resulted in a 121-116 victory over the Mavericks, despite Morant’s injury scare . e next test for the team comes in the preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets on ursday, October 10, at 7 p.m. Memphis will host their rst regular-season home game on Saturday, October 26, when they face the Orlando Magic.
Terry Davis
Ja Morant is looking to bounce back from suspension and injury this season, but is currently sidelined with a sprained ankle (Photo: Terry Davis/Tri-State Defender)
