Week of: November 7, 2024
ELECTION 2024
• Vice President Harris concedes the election — Page 2
• Democrats’ missteps help usher in new era
— Page 3
• Memphis voters approve ordinances
— Page 6
• Area incumbents cruise to victory
— Page 7
• Memphis voters go to the polls
— Page 8
Terranisha Potts, 20, was one of thousands of first time voters in the 2024 election. For more on what the key issues were for her and other Memphis voters, see Page 8. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)
■■ ELECTION 2024
TRI-STATE DEFENDER
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VP Harris urges supporters to keep fighting for America
NNPA Newswire
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A diverse group of supporters, family members, and well-known allies, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, NAACP President Derrick Johnson, a host of other elected o cials, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, looked on as Vice President Kamala Harris emerged onto the stage at Howard University to the stirring strains of Beyoncé’s “Freedom.”
Jeezy’s song “My President,” which features the stirring line “My president is Black,” energized the crowd before her entrance, setting the scene for a moving farewell speech. e atmosphere was charged as Harris began, looking out at a sea of American ags and expectant faces at her alma mater.
She acknowledged her call to President-elect Donald Trump, stating that she o ered assistance to him in the upcoming transition. She urged her supporters not to give up, and to keep ghting for the Constitution and Democracy.
“While I concede this election, I do not concede the ght that fueled this campaign,” she said rmly. “ at is a
ght I will never give up. We will continue to wage this ght in the voting booth, in the courts, and in the public square.”
Harris addressed the emotions that many in the crowd were visibly grappling with, taking a moment to speak directly to young people.
“It is OK to feel sad and disappointed, but please know it’s going to be OK… Sometimes the ght takes a while, that doesn’t mean we won’t win.”
Later, she emphasized the need to accept the election results but with an eye to the future. “ is is not a time to throw up our hands,” she declared, urging her supporters to channel their emotions into continued e orts. “ is is a time to roll up our sleeves.”
Harris acknowledged the ght ahead, framing it not as a loss but as a turning point.
As she neared the end of her speech,
Harris’s words took on an unmistakable urgency. “ e ght for our freedom will take hard work, but like I always say, we like hard work,” she told the crowd. She urged them to continue engaging, reminding them that meaningful change requires sustained e ort.
With a nal, de ant wave, Harris
walked o the stage arm in arm with Emho , her head held high as Beyoncé’s “Freedom” lled the air once more. Her last words: “Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.”
(NNPA’s Stacy M. Brown contributed to this report.)
President Calvin Anderson Interim Editor Lee Eric Smith
Vice President Kamala Harris addresses supporters while conceding the 2024 presidential election. (Screen capture)
White women, latinos return Trump to power as Democrats’ missteps help usher in new era
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire
If there were a job description for the presidency, it might as well be written in bold print: women and people of color need not apply. America made history on November 5, though not the kind many would have foreseen. Voters chose a convicted leader whom a jury has found guilty 34 times, a man whom a judge ruled committed massive business fraud, while another court determined he had sexually assaulted a journalist.
ey chose the felon over the prosecutor, fascism over democracy, and servitude over freedom.
Latinos and white women, many of whom once more voted against their own interests, who have borne the brunt of his attacks, were primarily responsible for this outcome. But plainly put, Donald Trump has ascended to the highest o ce in the land once more. A bruised Kamala Harris, meanwhile, didn’t bother to address the thousands of heartbroken supporters who had gathered at Howard University and soaked up hours by dancing, praying, and hoping that they’d witness the rst woman—and rst Black and Southeast Asian woman—claim the presidency. As the clock ticked toward midnight, it became clear: Trump had taken the race, and, surprisingly, it wasn’t even close.
“I have to say from basically start to nish this night has been clear,” election analyst Harry Enten said on CNN. “ ere hasn’t been any weird shi ing directions. It’s basically been Trump since we got the rst counties in. Very much unlike 2020 when there was whiplash as the vote count went on.”
Uno cial results showed that Trump earned at least 276 electoral college votes compared to Harris’s 223. e battleground states that so-
called experts had insisted were in play weren’t close at all: North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio all went Trump.
Riding Trump’s wave, the GOP regained control of the Senate, guaranteeing the rapid implementation of their sweeping conservative agenda, Project 2025. Democrats held out hope for the House, but with Trump facing little to no punishment for his alleged crimes, many wonder if it matters. Many European leaders watched the results overnight.
A French o cial told NBC News that President Emmanuel Macron viewed the results with some sleep breaks in between. He was one of the rst to congratulate Trump, posting on X that he was “ready to work together as we did for four years.”
In Europe, the viability of NATO and other trans-Atlantic alliances hangs in the balance. Despite controversy over
Labor Party o cials openly backing Harris, Prime Minister Keir Starmer had little choice when he expressed optimism about the “special relationship” between the U.K. and U.S., saying, “I look forward to working with you in the years ahead.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, himself viewed as the kind of dictator Trump promises to become, appeared ecstatic, writing on X, “ e biggest comeback in U.S. political history! A much-needed victory for the World!” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz took a more formal tone, emphasizing Germany’s commitment to working with the U.S. “promoting prosperity and freedom,” while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the E.U.-U.S. relationship as “a true partnership.”
Back home, the path forward looks perilous for Trump’s political enemies. e outcome is a catastrophe for
the world, many said. While Harris’s campaign was characterized by skill, grace, and a desire to become the rst female president in America’s 248-year history, Trump’s campaign was marred by vulgarity, in ammatory rhetoric, and an attitude toward immigrants that o en-echoed history’s darkest chapters. It may have been fair to ask, how was the race even close?
Exit polls reveal that white women, who appeared on the verge of breaking free from the grip of MAGA ideology, voted heavily for Trump despite his disregard for their rights and autonomy. Latino voters also leaned toward Trump, despite his incendiary rhetoric, which included labeling Puerto Rico as an “island of trash” at a recent Madison Square Garden rally.
Democrats must also face the reality of their shocking defeat. A er a nal
From Page 3
■■ PERSPECTIVE
debate in which some questioned his cognitive skills, the party sidelined President Joe Biden yet failed to portray Trump as the volatile threat he posed. With his 2020 victory in hand, Biden had warned that he alone could defeat Trump. But instead of managing their issues internally, Democrats choose to embarrass Biden, forcing him out just over 100 days before the election.
Although Harris raised unprecedented amounts of cash and had the backing of global celebrities, she and the Democratic National Committee faced criticism from Black Americans. ere were complaints that the campaign appeared to scapegoat Black men, with even former President Barack Obama publicly admonishing Black voters for not doing enough.
High-ranking Democrats, including DNC Chair Jamie Harrison and former Congressman Cedric Richmond, played and lost the dangerous game of alienating Black voters, too. e campaign and the DNC largely ignored the Black Press, notably the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)—the trusted voice of Black America. Instead of engaging with
Black-owned outlets in a move that would not only have provided needed resources for these African American small businesses while helping to get the party’s vital messaging to a critical constituency, the DNC choose to enrich wealthy mainstream outlets and leave out the Black Press. e DNC betrayed the NNPA by allowing the DNC to approach some Black newspapers with miniscule ad buys.
Harris’s campaign, if reluctantly so, only carried through on Biden’s original promise to spend the same $1.5 million with the Black Press of America that Biden’s people had promised. e paltry sum even rankled high-ranking Black lawmakers like Congressman Benny ompson of Mississippi, who led the House Committee investigating Trump. Harris’s campaign and the DNC wrongly determined that the nearly 200-year-old Black Press couldn’t reach Black and Latino communities as e ectively as megastars like Beyoncé, Tyler Perry, and Samuel L. Jackson. Instead, as an extension of the Biden administration, they offered cursory invites to functions like the White House’s Black Excellence celebration, and, a er some pleading, access to campaign events like the vice president’s closing argument on the
Ellipse and her no-show appearance at Howard University.
ere’s little doubt that limited ad buys and the at refusal to engage the Black Press back red.
A lack of Trump’s accountability made the mistakes worse. Following his second impeachment by the House, Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell, who had called Trump “stupid” and “despicable,” had the opportunity to bar Trump from ever running again. But McConnell balked, and Trump was acquitted. A er Trump incited the January 6 insurrection, Democrats in Congress led a drawn-out investigation before nally recommending criminal charges. By the time prosecutors in New York, Georgia, Washington, and Florida issued indictments, Trump had rebranded these as “political witch hunts,” gathering momentum as a martyr gure.
“For nearly a decade, he has tapped into America’s id,” U.S. Guardian editor Betsy Reed observed, pointing to a painful racial history stoked by Obama’s election and a sense of displacement among white Christian Americans. Xenophobia, Reed added, remains the backbone of Trump’s political identity. His campaign’s investment in ads stirring fear over transgender
rights (“Kamala’s agenda is they/them, not you”) only magni ed the appeal.
With a sinister assist from billionaire Elon Musk, Trump secured his victory. “Now brace for another Trump inauguration—American carnage redux—and another fantastical claim about his crowd size,” Reed declared. “Brace for norms to be trampled, institutions to be undermined, opponents to be targeted for retribution. Brace for an Oval O ce occupied by a malignant narcissist without guardrails this time. Brace for unhinged all-caps tweets that trigger news cycles and move markets. Brace for national anxiety o the charts and global tremors from China to Ukraine. Brace, also, for a new resistance and surge of anti-Trump energy.”
While many across the globe and in America ask how Trump returned to power, Reed concluded with an ominous re ection: “America had ample opportunities to stop Donald Trump, but each time, it failed. It won’t turn into an autocracy overnight, but there’s no doubt this is a democracy in decay.” And in a piercing nal remark, she paraphrased Oscar Wilde: “To elect Trump once may be regarded as a misfortune; to elect him twice looks like madness.”
LEGACY: Quincy Jones Dies at 91, Leaving a Monumental Legacy in Music and Culture
By NNPA Newswire
Quincy Jones, the record producer, arranger, and cultural trailblazer whose in uence spanned more than seven decades, has died at 91. His publicist, Arnold Robinson, con rmed his death in a statement, noting that Jones died peacefully at his home in Bel Air. e statement did not specify the cause.
Known for producing Michael Jackson’s landmark albums, “ riller” and “Bad,” Jones’s career far exceeded even those iconic works.
Jones transformed genres, introduced new styles, and championed Black artistry in a largely segregated industry. e Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which inducted him in 2013, called him a “Jack of All Trades” but noted that Jones “excelled at every role he took on.” His contributions as a record producer, arranger, composer, and performer re ect a boundless curiosity that kept him at the cutting edge of music across generations. His presence shaped countless albums, lm scores, and even social movements, making him a bridge between jazz, R&B, pop, and hip-hop and between Black and white audiences.
Jones began as a jazz trumpeter, arranging for bands like Count Basie’s and becoming a respected composer in his own right. His compositions for lms, including e Pawnbroker and e Color Purple, displayed his extraordinary range, mixing classical, jazz, funk, and Afro-Cuban in uences. His television scores, such as those for Sanford and Son and Ironside, brought Black music to mainstream audiences, shaping a generation’s auditory landscape. e three Jackson albums Jones produced — O the Wall, riller, and Bad — stand among his most famous works. e albums broke sales records and rede ned the global pop music industry, bridging racial divides and setting new standards for production. But Jones’s career had already reached milestones before those records. He had become the rst Black vice president at Mercury Records in 1964 and had garnered critical acclaim for his arrangement of Count Basie’s “I Can’t Stop Loving You.”
Over time, he received 28 Grammy Awards from 80 nominations, a record surpassed only by a few.
Born in Chicago on March 14, 1933, Quincy Delight Jones Jr. faced a childhood lled with challenges and resilience. According to his o cial biography, Jones was primarily raised by his father, a carpenter, a er his mother was diagnosed with schizophrenic disorder. Moving to Seattle in his early teens, he honed his cra in a music scene as diverse as his musical inclinations. By 15, Jones had already earned a spot in Lionel Hampton’s band, launching a career
that would take him across the globe and into the company of jazz greats like Dizzy Gillespie and Ray Charles, who would become a lifelong friend and collaborator.
Jones’s time as a jazz bandleader and arranger in the 1950s established his name in elite music circles, but his ambitions led him into lm and television scoring, where he created iconic soundtracks. roughout the 1960s and 70s, Jones’s music could be heard in theaters and living rooms, with scores for lms like In Cold Blood and e Deadly A air and contributions to Alex Haley’s Roots, the celebrated mini-series. His soundtrack for e Color Purple in 1985, adapted from Alice Walker’s novel, remains a cultural milestone.
In 1985, Jones united more than 40 of the world’s biggest music stars for the charity single “We Are the World,” raising awareness and funds for famine relief in Africa. e project’s success further cemented his reputation as a visionary capable of bridging divides for a greater cause. His label, Qwest, produced a roster as diverse as his interests, featuring artists from George Benson to the experimental jazz saxophonist Sonny Simmons.
rough the 1990s and 2000s, Jones expanded his reach beyond music, producing television hits like e Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and the magazine Vibe. In his later years, he remained active, working on projects that celebrated his love for jazz and hip-hop alike. In 2022, he collaborated with e Weeknd on Dawn FM, delivering a spoken monologue re ecting his decades of life and artistry. His work became a rich tapestry, woven with threads from every major genre and cultural moment in modern American history.
“He always is soaring ahead and doesn’t like to look backwards,” Oprah Winfrey said of him during his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.
Jones leaves behind seven children: Jolie, Kidada, Kenya, Martina, Rachel, Rashida, and Quincy III in addition to his brother Richard, sisters Margie Jay and eresa Frank.
Quincy Jones (Photo: Sam Santos/Canadian Film Centre/Wikimedia Commons)
ELECTION 2024
Memphis voters approve ordinances to retool mayoral races, curb gun proliferation
By James Coleman Special to The Tri-State Defender
Memphians overwhelmingly approved two sets of ordinances up for approval on the 2024 general election ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Along with changes to mayoral elections, voters sent a near-absolute message to state lawmakers condemning the proliferation of guns in Memphis.
Yes to: Runoffs
Eager not to see a repeat of the 2023 mayoral contest, voters agreed by a 80% to 20% margin with a referendum that adds a run-o provision to future races.
Council members added the ordinance a er the 2023 contest produced a winner with no clear mandate. Mayor Paul Young emerged the winner from a crowded eld with a shade over 27%. e second place candidate, Shelby County Sheri Floyd Bonner, captured 22%.
A runo is a second election that is held if no candidate yields the minimum number of votes to gain o ce. e provision gained a total of 128,034 votes.
A previous runo provision was eliminated from the city charter by a federal judge in 1991, a er the jurist ruled the requirement hindered Black candidates’ ability to run for o ce.
e abolished requirement also applied to council members. It was passed in 1967. At the time, Memphis was a majority-White city.
Yes to: Salary oversight and approval
Voters also agreed 70% to 29% to a referendum that authorizes the city council to set the salaries of the Mayor, the administration’s CAO, appointed directors and deputy directors – in addition to their own pay.
A total of 113,653 voted to approve the ordinance, while 47,395 disagreed.
Young currently makes $210,000 per year, a er council members approved a 23% raise last year. Council pay, meanwhile, tops out at just under $30,000 annually. In the late 1980s, an ordinance matching council members compensation with their
counterparts at the Shelby County Commission was approved.
Before that, the question of pay raises were le up to the voters. As a result, the council rate stalled at $6,000 annually for two decades.
Yes, you have to be a “bona fide” resident
A referendum establishing residency rules for mayoral races also passed muster.
Voters agreed by an wide margin, 89% to 10%, to limit eligibility to “bona de” residents of Memphis, who have lived within the city limits for two years prior to the date of an election. e candidate also must be 18-years-old.
During the city council debate, attorney Allan Wade expressed doubts about whether a ve-year residency requirement adopted by a previous referendum was still on the books – or even constitutional. e residency issue came to a head a er Shelby County Sheri Floyd Bonner announced his interest in running for Memphis Mayor during the last election. Another candidate, former Mayor Willie Herenton, also had an issue with his Collierville residency. With the referendums’ approval, any prior relevant quali cations for the o ce contained in the charter.
BY ALL MEANS to gun control measures
e second set of questions approved includes a referendum that declares that “proliferation of assault weapons” poses a health and safety threat to all citizens of the city. A total of 139,868 voters agreed with the assessment. It passed 89% to 10%.
According to the Memphis Police Department statistics, there have been 266 homicides in the city this year to date. e total represents a steep drop.
e Blu City had a record 398 homicides in 2023, up 40% from 2022. Despite the decrease, an April report from U.S. Department found that Memphis’ homicide rate leads the nation.
Gun-related homicides are also considered to be one of the leading causes of death for youths.
Voters also approved an ordinance that seeks to prohibit the open carry, or concealment of assault ries within the city limits. Persons with valid handgun
permits would be allowed to carry the weapons on their property, or to a ri e range.
e ordinance received 136,555 votes to easily pass 80% to 19%.
Voters also assented to a third question that allows for a court to provide protections to people believed to be under threat from a gun owner – or to protect the life of the gun owner, if they are a threat to their self.
In addition to seizing the weapon, background checks would be ordered to identify individuals prohibited from owning rearms.
Furthermore, the ordinance outlaws furnishing a weapon to a respondent, while providing protections against false claims.
It passed 84% to 15%, with 140,353 votes.
Despite their easy passage locally, any provisions contained in ordinances aimed towards gun control run counter Tennessee state law. Currently, most citizens 21 and above are allowed to open carry or conceal a handgun without a permit.
e loose restrictions have caused friction between some area politicians and conservative members of the state legislature. e latter hold a large majority and typically represent rural interests.
A voter casts her ballot at the O.C. Davis Family Life polling station in Whitehaven. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/ Tri-State Defender)
ELECTION 2024
Area incumbents cruise to victory, including Republican state rep. John Gillespie
By James Coleman Special To The Tri-State Defender
Several familiar faces will be welcomed back to Nashville a er the 2024 general election cycle, as numerous state-level incumbents were swept back into o ce on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
In the closest area race of the night, Republican state rep. John Gillespie held o political newcomer Jesse Huseth to retain his District-97 seat.
e second term house member gained a slim majority, with 52% of the vote. Gillespie nished the race with 15,859 votes. Huseth, a 26-year-old Overton High Spanish teacher, gathered 14,600 votes for 48% of the total in his upstart bid.
He was considered a longshot going into the race. For his part, Gillespie is a moderate member of the conservative-dominated GOP house caucus. He was rst elected in 2020.
e win was the only competitive race of the night. In all, there were 13 seats in the state House of Representatives that were up for grabs on the Memphis ballot. e outcomes of the other contests were never in doubt.
Among Tuesday’s clear victors was Rep. G.A. Hardaway. e longest-tenured member of the house topped Republican candidate Renarda Renee Clariett 80% to 19%. e Democratic representative netted 12,047 votes, while his opponent managed 2,858. Hardaway has served as a member of the house since 2007.
He will be joined for another term in the house by Democratic Rep. Justin J. Pearson, who once again faced o against independent candidate Je Johnston a er defeating him in a Aug. 2023 special election. is time, the 29-year-old community activist toppled Johnston by a 15,136 to 4,351 vote margin. Overall, the community activist turned politician cleared over 77% of the District-86 vote.
e other state house incumbents on the ballot also found good fortune.
Democratic Rep. Larry Miller, District-88 easily defeated Republican Larry Hunter 71% – 28%. A retired MFD re ghter, Miller stockpiled 14,981 votes, while Hunter tallied 5,751. Fellow Democrat Antonio Parkinson, meanwhile, overcame Republican Cecil Hale by a 73% to 26% to hold onto his District-98 seat. e
pair had a vote total of 14,640 to 5,289, respectively.
Area Republicans also had some luck in 2024.
Rep. Tom Leatherwood, District-99 beat independent William Mouzon 75%-24%, while Mark White defeated Democrat Noah Nordstrom 58% to 41%.
White topped his opponent by a 19,283 to 13,713 vote margin. e District-83 matchup was the second closest race of the night.
Other representatives experienced even smoother paths to victory. A total of six candidates ran unopposed. e Democrats include: Joe Towns, District-84; Jessie Chism, District-85; Karen Camper, District-87; Torrey Harris, District-91; and Gabby Salinas, District-96.
Republican Kevin Vaughn, District-95, also ran unopposed.
Salinas is the only freshman-elect. e rest are
incumbents.
All 99 house seats were up for election. Each district is comprised of approximately 69,806 residents.
Prior to Election Day, house Republicans held a 75-23 majority.
In the two Tennessee State Senate races, the incumbents also fared well.
Democratic Sen. Sarah Kyle, District-30, collected the win by a 70% to 29% margin over Independent candidate Mitchell Morrison. Kyle is the wife of former state senator Jim Kyle.
Republican Paul Rose ran unopposed for his District-32 senate seat.
e GOP went into the election with a 27-6 majority. ere were 16 senate races Tuesday.
All Memphis precincts reported just a er 11 p.m.
Party leaders, including State Rep. Larry Miller and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris (center), check the early returns of the Nov. 5 election at the Shelby County Democratic Headquarters on Cooper St. Miller, an incumbent, easily won his race, winning 71 percent of the vote and defeating Republican Larry Hunter. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/ Tri-State Defender)
By Lee Eric Smith Interim Editor
■■ ELECTION 2024
Memphis voters go to the polls with women’s health, guns on their minds
On a rainy Election Day, Memphis residents turned out with steady resolve, each casting their ballots with a mix of purpose and pride. Across the city, voters’ motivations varied widely, but one sentiment rang clear: Memphians are determined to have their voices heard.
No matter how “blue” Memphis and Shelby County are, Tennessee was always unlikely to ip red — and sure enough some media outlets were calling Tennessee for President-Elect Donald Trump before the polls closed in Memphis.
In Shelby County, Harris captured 201,634 votes more than 61% of the county’s total 327,961 ballots cast. Trump won 118,847 votes, or around 36%.
I made it a point on Election Day to swing by multiple polling stations — to see if there were issues, anybody showing out . . . but more to just see what voters are thinking about as they were coming out of the polls. From Frayser to Hollywood Community Center in North Memphis to South Memphis and into Whitehaven, I did my own “exit poll” — what was on your mind as you voted?
e responses were revealing:
Terranisha Potts voted for the very rst time — poll workers celebrated her feat with a photo and cheering. For the 20-year-old, women’s health was very much on her mind. “Women’s rights, not just for me but for others,” she said.
Another voter declined to share her name, which was her prerogative. But she did talk to me about what motivated her — and the more we talked, the more I understood why she was reluctant to identify herself.
“(For me), my vote was just about the women’s body, how you want to make decisions for it and other things that play a role in my children’s future and grandchildren’s future,” the 34-year-old mother of
four said. “I do know people who have gone through certain situations and (access to maternal health) has been a burden for them. And I had my own things happen in life.”
I didn’t ask speci cally, but I couldn’t help but wonder if she didn’t identify herself because of backlash from people she knew . . . or if she was concerned about legal consequences. at’s kind of where we are in America now.
Robert Stewart (25): In Frayser, 25-year-old Robert Stewart arrived at the Ed Rice Community Center ready to vote, but was told he needed to go to a di erent location. He wasn’t so focused on local issues and races as he was the presidential race.
“Trying to get some of the crazy out of o ce, keep things more neutral,” Stewart said. “I’m more focused on the bigger government issues; It seems like they have more power.”
Marcus Ray, 30 also at Ed Rice, echoed a commitment to making an impact. A er dealing with an address mix-up that required him to return to his old precinct in Whitehaven, he still planned to vote, describing it as his “right to help change the world.”
“I don’t have a single deciding issue,” Ray said. “But yeah, we’re going with the Black lady.”
In Midtown, at Soulsville’s polling location, Isaiah Henderson, 22, was already familiar with the voting
process, having cast his ballot early with his mother. Henderson stressed the importance of young people getting involved.
“It’s not just about the presidents; it’s about what impacts us directly in Memphis,” he said, urging fellow young voters to focus on the facts and avoid misinformation. “ ere’s no reason to not vote. Change your future.”
Not surprisingly, Memphis voters sent a resounding
African American GOP voters celebrated with other Republicans as the results came in (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Citizens cast votes at the Sycamore View Church of Christ. (Photo: Brian Ramoly/The Tri-State Defender)
■■ ELECTION 2024
— if nonbinding — message to lawmakers on what they want to happen with gun control.
Hattie Kelly, a 69-year-old voter at the O.C. Davis Community Life Center on Elvis Presley Blvd, shared a similar sense of duty. For Kelly, women’s rights and gun control were paramount.
“Anybody can carry a gun anywhere. You got a gun in your pocket, you’re going to use it,” she said, expressing frustration with the current gun laws. ough Memphis’ gun control referendum is non-
binding, she hopes it sends a message to lawmakers about what the community wants.
Joanna Pace, voting in Whitehaven, voiced support for better leadership at the national level, while also backing local referendums aimed at stricter residency and age requirements for mayoral candidates and city council members.
“Everything they had on the ballot was pretty good, including the referendum,” Pace said. “We need some kind of gun control. It’s way out of control.”
There was a steady flow of voters at the Whitten Memorial Baptist polling station. (Photo: Brian Ramoly/The TriState Defender)
A poll worker at Pursuit of God polling location was all smiles as she greeted voters (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/TriState Defender)
Kamala Harris supporters wait for results at the Memphis Democratic Headquarters. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/TriState Defender)
Robert Stewart, in the blue shirt, prepares to leave Ed Rice after learning he needed to vote at another location. Stewart said he’d be voting to “get some of the crazy out of office, keep things more neutral.” (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/Tri-State Defender)
By Terry Davis Special to The Tri-State Defender
e season o cially began for the Memphis Tigers basketball team with a hard-fought win over the Missouri Tigers at FedExForum on November 4. Memphis rallied in the second half to secure an 83-75 victory, starting the season at (1-0).
■■ SPORTS Memphis second half proves too much for Missouri, Tigers win 83-75
Head coach Penny Hardaway praised his team’s resilience, saying, “I am proud of my team for making the adjustments at hal ime. I am really proud of that second half. We went out to get toughness and defense. We wanted to be better on the defensive end and not worry if the ball goes in or not. at is who we want to be.”
Missouri head coach Dennis Gates acknowledged the di erence in the second half, particularly the impact of Memphis guard P.J. Haggerty. “He was able to get to the free throw line. We did not do a great job with paint protection. ey were able to set up their press,” Gates said.
Memphis started o slow, trailing by as many as 14 points in the rst half. Missouri took advantage, shooting 54 percent from the eld and hitting ve three-pointers. e Tigers, by contrast, struggled o ensively, shooting just 20 percent early on and nishing the half at 34 percent. Memphis trailed 42-32 going into hal ime. Foul trouble also impacted their momentum, as Nicholas Jourdain, Memphis’s only returning
player from last season, picked up three fouls in the rst half.
e Tigers’ defense intensi ed early in the second half, turning turnovers into points and chipping away at Missouri’s lead. With 10:23 le in the game, Tyrese Hunter’s three-pointer gave Memphis their rst lead of the half.
P.J. Haggerty saved his best for last. A er scoring just 3 points in the rst half, he became instrumental in Memphis’s comeback, nishing with a gamehigh 25 points, 10 made free throws, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Colby Rodgers added 10 points to the e ort.
Fouls played a signi cant role in the game, with 48 fouls called in total. ree Memphis players fouled out, while four Missouri players nished with
four fouls. Free-throw shooting proved crucial, as Missouri converted 16 free throws compared to Memphis’s 23.
On Haggerty’s slow start, Hardaway said, “It’s not going to take a few months to get out of his habits. He’s still getting used to me and his teammates. As the game goes on, he sees his spots where he can pick. I hope sooner rather than later it picks up earlier.”
Hunter, on securing his rst win with Memphis, said, “It always feels good. We had to let some jitters go. We came back in the second half and cleaned some things up. We laid it all out on defense and let everything else take care of itself.”
Haggerty re ected on his debut, adding, “It was an exciting moment playing
in front of all the fans, playing a real game and getting the win.”
With 1:13 le , P.J. Carter sank a clutch basket to extend Memphis’s lead to 79-67, putting the game out of Missouri’s reach. Memphis closed out the game by making their free throws to maintain a comfortable margin. Moussa Cisse added 14 points, including 10 free throws—a standout performance for a player not known for his free-throw shooting. Hunter contributed 14 points, and Carter hit three three-pointers to nish with 9 points. Missouri (0-1) was led by Anthony Robinson II with 16 points and 7 assists. Tamar Bates and Trent Pierce each added 13 points. e Tigers’ defensive pressure was a factor in the second half, as Missouri, a er only three rst-half turnovers, gave up 11 turnovers in the second. Missouri also struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 2 of 14 from three-point range in the nal 20 minutes.
Next up, Memphis travels to Las Vegas to face the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels at the omas & Mack Center on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 5 p.m. CT. e Tigers will return to FedExForum on Nov. 11 to host the Ohio Bobcats at 7 p.m.
Memphis center Moussa Cisse (32) powers up to the rim against Missouri’s Tamar Bates (2) in a physical play under the basket.
Baraka Okojie (#6) drives into the paint, facing double coverage from Missouri defenders, as Memphis surges in the second half. (Photos: Warren Roseborough/TriState Defender)
Terry Davis
PUBLIC NOTICES / CLASSIFIEDS
PUBLIC NOTICE THE MEMPHIS URBAN AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
In compliance with federal regulations 23 CFR 450, the Memphis MPO is proposing two (2) amendments to the 2050 Moving Together Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-26 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for adoption. One project amendment to the RTP and TIP amendment is associated with an Air Quality Exempt Memo for Mississippi and one project amendment to the RTP and TIP is associated with an Air Quality Short Conformity Demonstration Report for Tennessee. Additionally, the MPO will present the FY 2026-29 TIP Criteria, amendments to the 2020 Congestion Management Process (CMP), updates to the Infrastructure Condition (PM2) & the System Performance – Travel Time Reliability and Freight (PM3) Performance Measure Targets, 2025 MPO Calendar, and an August Redistribution Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between TDOT and the Memphis MPO for adoption. The MPO will also provide the list of major planning projects for the upcoming FY 2026-27 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), the FY 2024 Annual Listing of Obligated Projects (ALOP), and the Household Travel Survey. Additionally, the MPO will provide presentations on the Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Greenprint Plan, Winchester Corridor Study, and Annual Safety Report, and information on other MPO activities will be presented as part of the MPO Administrator’s Report. These documents were made available for review and comment at the MPO’s office and online (memphismpo.org), and written public comments were accepted through Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Amendments to the 2020 CMP were made available for a 30-day public review and comment period, which ended on October 31, 2024. The TPB of the Memphis MPO will hold a public hearing to accept oral comments and take action on the proposed items.
The public hearing will take place on:
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: Holiday Inn University of Memphis, 3700 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111
The full meeting agenda will be made available, 10 days prior to the meeting, on the Memphis MPO’s website: (memphismpo.org). If you need assistance in participating in the meeting, please contact the MPO Office at 901-6367146 and provide at least seven (7) days notice.
It is the policy of the Memphis 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, or for persons that require aids or services to participate either in the review of these documents or during the hearing, please contact Nick Warren, at 901-636-7146 or Nick. Warren@memphistn.gov
This notice is funded (in part) under an agreement with the State of TN and MS, Departments of Transportation.
LEGAL NOTICE Request for Bids
RFB Number 19-1423-30-01
MEDIUM VOLTAGE CAPACITOR BANK REPLACMENT-CONSTRUCTION
Sealed bids for MEDIUM VOLTAGE CAPACI-
TSD CLASSIFIEDS
1509 Madison Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104
PH (901) 523-1818
HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
DEADLINES:
Display ads Friday 5 p.m.
Classifieds ads Monday 5 p.m.
STANDARD RATES:
$6.00 per line for 1 column ad.
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.
TOR BANK REPLACEMENT will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (Authority), Memphis International Airport –Receiving Dock, 4150 Louis Carruthers Drive, Memphis, TN 38118, until 2:00 PM local time, on DECEMBER 12, 2024. Responses will be opened and publicly read thirty (30) minutes after the response deadline via Microsoft Teams:
Join Team Meeting Meeting ID: 252 251 637 259 Passcode: FmV9AQ Download Teams | Join on the web Or call in (audio only) +1 872-242-8851, United States, Chicago Phone Conference ID: 254 982 050#
Request for Bids Packet with submittal instructions, additional data, and response format may be found on the Authority’s website on or after November 6, 2024.
A site visit will be held November 14, 2024, from 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM at Memphis International Airport’s Generator Building, 3980 Airways Blvd., Memphis, TN 38116. All Attendees must register at www.eventbrite.com
All Bidders are responsible for checking the Authority’s website up to the submission deadline for any updates, addenda, or additional information. In accordance with the Authority’s purchasing policies, the Authority will give preference to businesses located in Shelby County, Tennessee when awarding contracts and making purchases, unless prohibited by law. The successful Bidder must sign a contract with the Authority that includes Federal Aviation Administration provisions, if applicable, regarding the Buy American Preference, Foreign Trade Restriction, Davis-Bacon, Affirmative Action, Debarment and Suspension, Prohibition on Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment, Domestic Preferences for Procurements, and Drug-Free Workplace, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this Request for Bids in whole or in part; to waive any informalities, technicalities, or omissions related to this Request for Bids; and to reject responses on any other basis authorized by the Authority’s purchasing policies.
The Authority is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, disability, marital status, military service, or sexual orientation in its hiring and employment practices and in the admission to, access
to, or operation of its programs, services, and activities.
By order of: Terry Blue, A.A.E. President and CEO Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority
NOTICE TO BIDDER(S)
Sealed bids will be received by the Shelby County Government in the Department of Housing online until 9:30 a.m. on Friday, November 22, 2024, as shown below:
MULTIPLE AND ENTIRELY DIFFERENT LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION AND REHABILITATION JOBS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS BID NOTICE. BIDDER(S) MAY ELECT TO BID ON ANY OR ALL OF THE JOBS IN THE NOTICE.
SEALED BID I000902 DUE ONLINE AT 9:30 a.m. Friday, November 22, 2024
1. Rehabilitation of Owner-Occupied Housing Units throughout Shelby County some of which may require the use of lead-safe work practices and techniques; and
2. Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Jobs.
Detailed specifications for the items above may be obtained through the Neighborly Portal beginning Friday, November 8, 2024. All bids will be opened and publicly read by the Shelby County Government at the time mentioned above at the Department of Housing, 6465 Mullins Station Road Memphis, TN 38134, (901) 222- 7600; TTY Number (901) 222-2301; or for information in Spanish 901-222-7601. Award recommendations will be posted at the following website https://www.develop901.com/hous-
ing upon review of the bid opening results. As a condition precedent to bidding, each bidder must apply and qualify for a Vendor Number and Equal Opportunity Compliance (EOC) Eligibility Number prior to submitting your response.
We have now transitioned to conducting bids online through Neighborly. If you have not already signed up, you can do so at https://portal. neighborlysoftware.com/SHELBYCOUNTYTN/ contractor. All documents submitted must be current and uploaded into your Neighborly account. Bids submitted without all required documentation will be unacceptable. Paisley Pogue (Paisley.Pogue@shelbycountytn.gov or 901-222-7611) will be assisting with any questions you may have regarding uploading the documents.
All new contractors will need to register with the Neighborly portal in order for their bids to be accepted on projects. Interested contractors not currently on the contractor list should contact the Department of Housing in order to schedule a meeting with the Housing Site Inspector.
Paper copies of bids are no longer available. The Department of Housing encourages participation from WBE, MBE, LOSB, and Section 3 Contractors under these rehabilitation programs.
The Shelby County Government reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities therein.
Scott Walkup, Administrator
By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT
