DOJ, Mayor’s Office agree on collaborative approach, disagree on consent decree
— Page 8
MURDER TRIAL IN OXFORD
Trial stokes fears among LGBTQ in small town Mississippi. — Page 4
CULTURE
NIKKI GIOVANNI, ICONIC POET DIES AT 81
Giovanni rose to prominence alongside literary giants — Page 3
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■■ NEWS
The burial site of the people
Andrew Jackson
enslaved was lost. The Hermitage says it is found
By Travis Loller Associated Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — At least 26 enslaved people died on the Tennessee plantation of President Andrew Jackson between 1804 and the end of the Civil War in 1865. Where they were laid to rest is knowledge that had been lost to time.
But on Wednesday, the Andrew Jackson Foundation announced a discovery: They believe they have found the slave cemetery at The Hermitage, the home of America’s seventh president.
An old agricultural report from the 1930s had given them an idea: It mentioned an area that was not cultivated because it contained tall trees and graves. They also suspected the cemetery would be near the center of the 1000-acre (405-hectare) plantation, and on land of low agricultural value. Late last year, with the help of an anonymous donor who was interested in the project, they cleared trees and brought in archaeologist James Greene.
Physically walking the property to search for depressions and gravestones yielded a possible site. Ground-penetrating radar and a careful partial excavation that did not disturb any remains confirmed it: At least 28 people, likely more, were buried near a creek, about 1000 feet (305 meters) northwest of the mansion.
Finding the cemetery after all this time was exciting but also solemn for Tony Guzzi, chief of preservation and site operations.
“For me, this is going to be a reflective space. A contemplative space,” he said.
Jackson was one of a dozen early U.S. presidents who owned slaves, and identifying their graves has been a priority at other presidential sites as well.
The Hermitage historic site already includes some of the cabins where enslaved people lived.
The cemetery feels more personal.
“The existing cabins are a museum space, but it can be hard to get a sense of what slavery was like,” Guzzi said. “This is a tangible connection that makes it more real for people.”
The bodies are buried with their heads to the west in three north-south rows, but nearly all of their gravestones have sunk below the surface. All of the graves likely have stone markers at both the heads and feet, although they are not likely carved with names, Greene said.
And while ground-penetrating radar confirmed the presence of 28 bodies, there are likely more — including smaller graves of children or infants.
Starting next week, The Hermitage will begin including the cemetery in a free tour. Visitors won’t be allowed inside for now.
“Going forward, our belief is that we need to have other voices help us consider what is appropriate in terms of memorialization or commemoration and anything like that,” said Jason Zajac, president and CEO of the Andrew Jackson Foundation. An advisory committee will include historians along with descendants of some of the enslaved people who lived at The Hermitage.
Jackson brought nine enslaved people with him when he bought the property where he would build The Hermitage, and he owned about 150 people at the time of his death, Guzzi said.
“Besides the Jacksons, there was a large community of enslaved people here,” Guzzi said. “You can’t tell the story of the Hermitage without telling their story.”
Defender
President Calvin Anderson Interim Editor Lee Eric Smith
LEGACY: Nikki Giovanni, iconic poet and voice of the Black Arts Movement, dies at 81 Giovanni rose to prominence alongside literary giants
By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire
Nikki Giovanni, the groundbreaking poet, author, and professor whose work embodied the spirit of the Black Arts Movement and beyond, died on Monday in Blacksburg, Virginia. She was 81. Her wife, Virginia C. Fowler, confirmed the cause was complications from lung cancer.
Born Yolande Cornelia Giovanni Jr. on June 7, 1943, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Giovanni spent her formative years in Cincinnati, Ohio, but returned to Knoxville every summer with her sister to visit their grandparents. These visits helped shape her sense of identity and belonging, themes that would become central to her work.
She graduated with honors in history from Fisk University, a historically Black college in Nashville and her grandfather’s alma mater. While at Fisk, Giovanni’s defiant spirit and intellect were evident. Expelled briefly due to issues with authority, she returned after a period of reflection and was readmitted with the help of a supportive Dean of Women. This early experience of rebellion and reconciliation laid the groundwork for her unapologetic approach to life and art.
A Voice of Rebellion and Resilience
Giovanni rose to prominence during the 1960s as a fierce voice in the Black Arts Movement, alongside literary giants such as Amiri Baraka, Audre Lorde, Ntozake Shange, and Sonia Sanchez. Her early works, including “Black Feeling, Black Talk” (1968) and “Black Judgement” (1968), were steadfast in their militancy and pride. Her poetry grap-
“My dream was to discover something no one else had thought of. I guess that’s why I’m a poet. We put things together in ways no one else does.”
— Nikki Giovanni
pled with the injustices faced by Black Americans, including the brutal murder of Emmett Till and the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, which killed four Black girls.
At a time when mainstream publishers showed little interest in the work of a young Black woman writing what they labeled “militant” poetry, Giovanni took matters into her own hands.
She self-published her work, founding a company to distribute her collections. “No one was much interested in a Black girl writing what was called ‘militant’ poetry,” she once wrote. “I thought of it as good poetry.”
Her boldness paid off. In 1972, at just 29 years old, she sold out Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, reading her poetry to a crowd of more than 1,000 alongside the New York Communi-
ty Choir. The following year, for her 30th birthday, she filled the 3,000-seat Philharmonic Hall, where the choir joined her again, along with Melba Moore and Wilson Pickett. The audience erupted joyfully when she recited her now-iconic poem, “Ego-Tripping.”
The piece, a celebration of Black female strength, begins with the lines: I was born in the congo I walked to the fertile crescent and built the sphinx…”
And concludes triumphantly: I am so perfect so divine so ethereal so surreal I cannot be comprehended except by my permission I mean…I…can fly Like a bird in the sky…”
A Prolific Career
In addition to her poetry, Giovanni wrote children’s books, essays, and a memoir, “Gemini: An Extended Autobiographical Statement on My First Twenty-Five Years of Being a Black Poet (1971).” She was known for her candid reflections on race, gender, and identity, blending the personal with the political in provocative and deeply human ways.
Giovanni’s interview with James Baldwin on the television program Soul! in 1971 remains a touchstone in American cultural history. Their twohour conversation, filmed in London, explored the intersections of race, gender, and societal expectations. At one point, she posed a raw question about the cycle of violence affecting Black families: “What do you do about a man who is mistreated in the world and comes home and brutalizes his wife? Where does that leave his daughter?”
Baldwin’s response: “Sweetheart. Our ancestors taught us how to do that.”
An Educator and Mentor
In 1987, Giovanni joined the faculty at Virginia Tech, where she became a University Distinguished Professor. She remained there for 35 years, influencing generations of students with her wit, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to truth. Even in academia, her rebellious spirit shone through. Giovanni famously supported her student, Seung-Hui Cho, before he committed the tragic mass shooting at Virginia Tech in 2007. She had him removed from her class when she sensed his troubling nature.
Giovanni earned seven NAACP Image Awards, a Grammy nomination, and the distinction of having three of her books listed as New York Times and Los Angeles Times Best Sellers—a rare feat for a poet.
Giovanni described herself as a dreamer. “My dream was not to publish or to even be a writer,” she remarked. “My dream was to discover something no one else had thought of. I guess that’s why I’m a poet. We put things together in ways no one else does.”
A Legacy of Dreams and Defiance
Giovanni’s poetry was a lifeline for many, especially young Black women who saw their power and potential reflected in her verses. She wasn’t just a poet but a cultural force who celebrated Blackness, womanhood, and the art of dreaming. “I’m a writer. I’m happy,” she demanded.
Nikki Giovanni leaves behind her son, Thomas, and her granddaughter. Her father, mother, sister, and aunt preceded her in death.
Nikki Giovanni (Photo: NNPA Newswire)
Murder trial in Oxford stokes fears among LGBTQ in small town Mississippi
By Jay Green Special to The Tri-State Defender
As a journalist I am constantly reminded of two things as I grow in my career.
The first is that everyone has their own story to tell. The second is that everyone has the right to tell that story — their own story, in their own way.
A judge in Oxford, Mississippi has declared a mistrial in the capital murder case against Sheldon “Timothy” Herrington Jr., who was accused of killing Jimmie “Jay” Lee, a University of Mississippi student and prominent member of the local LGBTQ+ community.
Lee disappeared on July 8, 2022 and was declared legally dead despite his body never being found. Prosecutors argued that Herrington lured Lee back to his apartment after a sexual encounter, while Herrington maintained his innocence, citing the absence of a body. Herrington is free on bond, but faces life in prison if tried again and convicted.
The murder and trial have stirred emotions in a community that feels at best overlooked and ignored and more often than not, feels under attack.
Just as the trial got underway, I went to the “Queer Belonging in Mississippi,” an annual gathering of LGBTQ+ people in the Oxford/University community. The event invited attendees to admire the artwork of many students, but more fundamentally, it’s an occasion to come together for support to let them know that none of them are alone in this world.
I have friends who’ve told me that they’re way too afraid to tell a random person that they belong to Oxford’s
LGBTQ community. I think that is just horrible. People should be happy and they should be free to do whatever makes them happy. Life’s way too short to live it in regret.
But while transgender people in general are under attack, African American transgender people in particular consider themselves “basically a minority within a minority.”
The data backs it up. The Human Rights Campaign report “An Epidemic of Violence” reports that at least 33 transgender and gender non-conforming people were killed in the United States in 2023, bringing the total to a staggering 335 fatalities since the Human Rights Campaign began tracking in 2013.
Tragically, the victims were overwhelmingly people of color, with 90.9% belonging to marginalized racial or ethnic groups. But Black transgender women bore the brunt of this violence, comprising 61.8% of all fatalities. Additionally, the majority of victims—69.7%—were transgender women, underscoring the intersectional vulnerability faced by those who exist
at the crossroads of racism, misogyny, and transphobia.
As I spoke with people at the event, people gave voice to those fears. None wanted to go on the record, for fear of being outed or facing a backlash, but their fears and concerns are very real.
One recurring theme: Black transgender people tend to feel alone, because there aren’t many people like them in the area they’re in. Another theme: Being Black and LGBTQ gives them “two strikes”— sometimes they’re discriminated against by other Black people because of their gender identity or orientation.
“Being a black man and a part of the community in the South . . . it comes with mixed emotions,” one attendee said. “Sometimes people accept you for who you are. And sometimes they’ll come with different hate and different types of emotions towards you. There’s been progress but you know you got some people still stuck in their ways.”
It’s a terrible thing that people would dare to look down on people who make decisions for their own lives that have
nothing to do with anyone but them. In the end we’re all the same, because we’re all human.
But make no mistake, the case of Jay Lee is not about discrimination this case is about how a family and a whole community of friends lost someone that they cared about.
I sat in the courtroom and had the awful displeasure of watching two people live a parent’s worst nightmare. It is always the hope that the child out lives the parent never the other way around. However, even though I do not have any children of my own I looked at the two parents who were still grieving from their child’s death. I can only imagine their pain — and I don’t want to.
They thought of all of the memories they had with their child that made them happy, they then thought about how they’ll never be able to make more of those memories and that made them sad. Finally they thought about how it was all taken from them by a single person and that made them angry.
In 2022, Jay Lee was the third murder in a string of murders of queer people over the course of the years. To this day Lee is still missing. I can’t help but think about others who have disappeared, and who’s looking for them.
The mistrial will certainly delay justice and it’s still legally possible for Herrington to get a verdict of innocence. He deserves the same presumption of innocence until proven guilty that we should all expect.
Either way, regardless of what happens next in the case, we must remember we share common ground — we’re human. And no one should have to fear for their lives just for being who they are.
(Julius “Jay” Green is a senior journalism major at The University of Mississippi.)
Jimmie “Jay” Lee (Courtesy photo)
Jay Green
■■ NEWS
Jurors said they were unable to reach a verdict after over nine and a half hours of deliberation.
Judge declares mistrial after jury deadlocks over killing of transgender Ole Miss student
By Emily Wagster Pettus Associated Press
A judge declared a mistrial Wednesday in the case of Sheldon “Timothy” Herrington Jr. in the 2022 killing of Jimmy “Jay” Lee, a gay man who was prominent in the LGBTQ+ community at the University of Mississippi.
Jurors said they were unable to reach a verdict after over nine and a half hours of deliberation.
Lee’s body has never been found, but a judge declared him dead.
Herrington, 24, showed little emotion as he left the courtroom with his attorneys and several relatives. He remains free on bond and is still charged with capital murder, which Mississippi law defines as a killing committed along with another felony — in this case, kidnapping. Prosecutors had said they would not seek the death penalty. He faces life in prison if he is tried again and convicted.
Jurors on Wednesday were told they could also consider lesser charges of first-degree murder, punishable by life in prison; second-degree murder, 20 years to life; or manslaughter, up to 20 years.
Circuit Judge Kelly Luther said he will consult with prosecutors and defense attorneys about setting another trial.
Both Herrington and Lee had gradu-
ated from the University of Mississippi. Lee, 20, was pursuing a master’s degree. He was known for his creative expression through fashion and makeup and often performed in drag shows in Oxford, according to a support group called Justice for Jay Lee.
Lee disappeared July 8, 2022, in Oxford, where the university is located and the trial was held.
Police arrested Herrington two weeks after Lee vanished. Investigators testified that they used warrants to obtain electronic records including explicit messages between social media accounts belonging to the two men and online searches conducted by Herrington, including one inquiring how long it takes to strangle someone.
Prosecutors said during closing arguments Wednesday that Herrington and Lee had a sexual encounter that ended badly and Lee left Herrington’s apartment. They said text messages showed that Herrington, who was not openly gay, persuaded Lee to return with the promise of more sex. Prosecutors said Lee was killed after going back.
“Tim Herrington lived a lie — lived a lie to his family,” District Attorney Ben Creekmore said. “He lied to Jay Lee to coax him over there, promising to do something with him.”
Herrington’s attorney, Kevin Horan, has said prosecutors cannot prove Lee is dead without having a body. He told
jurors Wednesday that text messages showed Herrington did not lure Lee to his apartment.
“He’s the one that’s being dominant anchoring this particular conversation,” Horan said of Lee.
Lee, 20, has not contacted friends or family, and his financial transactions and once-prolific social media posts have stopped since the day he disappeared, investigators testified.
Police arrested Herrington two weeks after Lee went missing. Authorities interviewed Herington twice that day, and he gave conflicting information about the hours before Lee vanished, Oxford Police Chief Jeff McCutchen testified Tuesday.
Before officers interviewed Herrington, they had already obtained explicit messages exchanged between social media accounts belonging to Herrington and Lee during the final hours Lee was known to be alive, McCutchen said.
Google records obtained through a warrant showed that Herrington searched “how long does it take to strangle someone” at 5:56 a.m., University Police Department Sgt. Benjamin Douglas testified last week.
The final text message from Lee’s phone was sent to a social media account belonging to Herrington at 6:03 a.m. from a spot near Herrington’s apartment, McCutchen said Tuesday.
A cellphone tower in another part of Oxford last located any signal from Lee’s phone shortly before 7:30 a.m., the police chief said. A security camera showed Herrington moments later jogging out of a parking lot where Lee’s car was abandoned, investigators testified earlier.
On the day Lee vanished, Herrington was also seen on security cameras buying duct tape in Oxford and driving to his own hometown of Grenada about an hour south of Oxford, police have testified.
Herrington’s relatives sat behind him in the courtroom, and Lee’s sat behind prosecutors. When Luther dismissed court after the mistrial, he instructed the two groups to leave separately.
Jurors were chosen from another county about 250 miles (402 kilometers) to the south. They heard eight days of arguments and testimony.
The judge twice urged jurors to continue deliberating when they said they were deadlocked. After the third such message, Luther declared the mistrial and thanked them for serving, adding: “I’ve asked a lot of you.”
Sheldon “Timothy” Herrington Jr.
Collage Dance Collective accepted the 2024 Neighborhood Champion Award from Bank of America Memphis. The award comes with multi-year funding and leadership training to expand the ballet program’s impact.
Bank of America names Collage Dance Collective as Neighborhood Champion
On December 4, 2024, Collage Dance Collective was honored as the 2024 Neighborhood Champion by Bank of America Memphis. Celebrated at the Memphis Botanic Garden, this prestigious recognition highlights the nonprofit’s groundbreaking work in promoting diversity and access in ballet.
As part of this award, the organiza-
the Neighborhood
tion gains multi-year funding and leadership training to expand its impactful arts education initiatives. The event showcased the collaborative spirit of the Neighborhood Champion program, which has celebrated organizations like Hattiloo Theatre and Memphis Urban League since 2019. Check out these images from TSD photojournalist Gary S. Whitlow!
Whether it was attendees or the performers, bodies were in motion at the Bank of America Neighborhood Champion Award Ceremony at Memphis Botanic Garden in early December. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Guests at
Champion event at Memphis Botanic Garden were treated with delicious food and soulful live music.
AP recognizes GloRilla as 2024 ‘breakthrough entertainer’
By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. AP Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — GloRilla has gone from choir girl to husky-voiced rap queen, climbing the hip-hop ranks so high that she’s earned a trip to the White House.
The Memphis-born performer has become one of industry’s most promising voices with her genuine character, rap flow and unmistakable Southern drawl. She established herself this year as a proven hitmaker with “Wanna Be” featuring Megan Thee Stallion and the breakout hit “Yeah Glo!,” which earned two nominations at the upcoming Grammys.
The rapper’s mentality this year has been to “put your foot on the gas and don’t let up,” she told The Associated Press.
In 2024 alone, she’s been a guest performer on the domestic leg of Megan’s Hot Girl Summer Tour, gaining more confidence performing in sold-out arenas. She’s performed at a star-studded party in front of celebrities ranging from Leonardo DiCaprio to Kim Kardashian, and met with President Joe Biden during a women’s history month event.
All of this came before the October release of her critically acclaimed debut album “Glorious,” whose “TGIF” had Rihanna dancing in a social media post, earning GloRilla a spot as one of the AP’s Breakthrough Entertainers of 2024.
“Don’t ever get too comfortable,” said the rapper, who burst onto the hip-hop scene in 2022 with “Tomorrow” and the Grammy-nominated “F.N.F. (Let’s Go).” “Take advantage of everything that comes your way. If you drive and apply yourself, it’s going to happen.”
GloRilla’s humble beginnings served as a driving force to chase bigger horizons. Born Gloria Hallelujah Woods (the stage name was a cousin’s suggestion), the 25-year-old credits her mother and her church-centered upbringing for preparing her for this pivotal moment in her life.
“My momma always told me to be humble and grateful,” she said. “I come from nothing almost. My mom is well mannered. My mom taught us right, like, internally, have a great spirit. My personality and spirit come from my momma.”
GloRilla is still adjusting to her rising fame while dealing with some controversies. She was left “heartbroken” after three women were killed in a deadly stampede toward the end of a 2023 concert in upstate New York in which investigators found no criminal wrongdoing. She faced backlash for using a disability-related slur in her lyrics and was charged with drunken driving in Georgia this year.
Despite that, her profile has grown in recent months to become one of rap’s biggest names — thanks to something rapper Yo Gotti spotted when he signed her to his Collective Music Group label
in 2022.
“It’s the authenticity,” said Yo Gotti, a fellow Memphis native. “Even when she talks about the struggles throughout this journey, it’s refreshing. I don’t think many artists do that. Everybody wants to play perfect. I think that’s why so many people gravitate to her. She relates to real people.”
While she enjoys snapping photos with fans, she opts for incognito mode on her more casual days: “I don’t like to tell people ‘No.’ I don’t want to be mean to my fans. That’s probably the worst part. I hate taking pictures when I’m not prepared.”
Seeking a career role model, GloRilla often examines the work ethic of Beyoncé, who called the rapper one of
her favorite young artists.
“She’s a businesswoman. She multitasks a lot,” she said. “That’s something I have to get better at. She’s a super hard worker. Her work ethic is crazy.”
GloRilla could follow Beyoncé’s footsteps as an actor. Since childhood, she’s dreamed of starring in a film or TV show — though she’s bracing herself for the marathon days on set that come with it.
“Think I’m still going to do it,” she said. “But I’m not going to lie. When I’m on those music video sets, I be like ‘I don’t know if I can do acting.’ I can only imagine how many times I got to say the script and memorize in my head. I don’t know. ... But I’m going to still try it.”
AP Breakthrough Entertainer GloRilla throws up the “M” as she receives a recognition alongside Memphis City Council Chair JB Smiley Jr., Mayor Paul Young and Ladia Yates of LYE Academy. (TSD File Photo)
In wake of bombshell report, DOJ to host town hall at Civil Rights Museum
DOJ, Mayor’s Office agree on collaborative approach, disagree on consent decree
By Lee Eric Smith Interim Editor
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced plans for in-person community meetings next week at the National Civil Rights Museum following Monday night’s virtual town hall.
The DOJ’s first in-person meeting is set for Wednesday, Dec. 18, at the National Civil Rights Museum and will focus on addressing reforms specific to MPD’s handling of behavioral health calls. A specific time had not been set as of this posting; TSD will follow up.
The announcement was made during DOJ’s first virtual town hall since the release of a bombshell investigation finding that Memphis Police use excessive force, engage in discriminatory behavior and wrongly stop, frisk and arrest African Americans at an alarming rate.
“Our investigations are civil investigations. They are not criminal investigations,” said Maureen Johnston on the video call. “We do not prosecute officers for crimes. Instead, we look at a department as a whole, to see if there are systemic issues that result in regular violations of people’s rights.
“When we opened this investigation, we told the community, we told the city, and we told the police department that our investigation would be thorough and objective. And I can tell you that it has been,” she continued. “We have a long track record that we are proud of, of being able to work cooperatively with jurisdictions to address issues and look to the future.”
A Cold Splash of Water
It’s a stark shift of mood and topic. Just before Thanksgiving, Memphis
“Consent decrees are costly, bureaucratic, and often do not deliver the results we need. Chicago has spent over $500 million on theirs. Seattle spent more than $200 million.”
— Mayor Paul Young
city and law enforcement leaders were celebrating lower crime rates. Police were championing a proposed new command center at Peabody Place and rolling out AI-powered cameras designed to make Memphis safer.
Days earlier, the Mayor’s office had awarded $1 million to nonprofits to address the underlying causes of crime in Memphis. It was a feel-good moment in
a city burned out on deadly headlines. Then came the cold splash: After a 17-month investigation, the US Department of Justice released a scathing report uncovering a “pattern or practice” of excessive force, unlawful arrests, racial discrimination and failures to protect the city’s most vulnerable residents, including children and people with behavioral health disabilities.
For Memphis, the findings highlight a delicate and complicated truth: City officials must police the police while the police attempt to police the people. It’s a task made more difficult when the people have valid reasons not to trust the police. Add Tennessee’s open-carry gun laws to the mix, and tensions only escalate.
These competing priorities create friction that makes progress both urgent and incredibly difficult.
Policing the Police
The DOJ has called for a consent decree—a federally enforced agreement that would require Memphis to adopt reforms under close monitoring. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized the gravity of the situation.
“The practices we uncovered harm and demean people,” Clarke said during a press conference. “They promote distrust and undermine the fundamental safety mission of a police department.”
Mayor Paul Young and Memphis Police Department Chief CJ Davis acknowledged the seriousness of the findings but rejected the idea of a consent decree, citing concerns about cost and bureaucracy.
“Consent decrees are costly, bureaucratic, and often do not deliver the results we need,” Young said Thursday morning after the DOJ remarks. “Chicago has spent over $500 million on theirs. Seattle spent more than $200 million. We believe there is a better way—one that is community-driven and uses resources to make Memphis safer.”
Consent decrees typically last years and require cities to allocate substantial funding to federal monitors and oversight mechanisms. In New Orleans,
Flanked by Interim Police Chief CJ Davis, Memphis Mayor Paul Young addresses media minutes after the U.S. Department of Justice’s press conference detailing the scathing report about Memphis police conduct and racial discrimination. While DOJ and Mayor Young both spoke of working collaboratively, Young has so far rejected a consent decree. “We believe there’s a better way,” he said. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/TriState Defender)
■■ COMMUNITY
FAQ from Justice Department Virtual Town Hall:
Department of Justice officials did not directly respond to any specific questioner or identify any virtual attendee by name. But they did respond to some “frequently asked questions” as they came in. Here are those FAQs, along with responses from the appropriate DOJ attorney:
Q: How much will reform cost Memphis, and who will pay for it?
“There is a cost for constitutional policing, particularly in a place where there are systemic problems that require time to address. The city does bear the cost of implementing the reforms, but there are also significant benefits. The human cost of not reforming is enormous. These violations can cause injuries, deaths, and loss of community trust—trust that is essential for public safety. Additionally, cities pay millions in legal settlements due to police misconduct. Sustained reforms have been shown to reduce these costs significantly.”
Maureen Johnston, DOJ Deputy Chief:
Q: Will this DOJ team change if there’s a new presidential administration?
such a decree has been in place for more than a decade.
Young argued that Memphis can achieve meaningful reform without a process he described as “costly and complicated.” Clarke, however, underscored the need for enforceable accountability.
“Achieving meaningful, constitutional policing reform costs time and resources,” she said. “But failing to act imposes even greater costs on citizens’ rights, safety and public trust.”
A Tenuous Relationship: DOJ and Memphis
While both the DOJ and Memphis leaders say they want to work together, their relationship is fraught with tension.
By design, the DOJ’s role is investigative and, at times, adversarial. Yet Clarke acknowledged the city’s cooperation during the investigation, noting steps Memphis had already taken, such as disbanding the controversial SCORPION unit after the death of Tyre Nichols.
Still, the DOJ warned it is prepared to file suit if the city fails to address its findings.
Mayor Young struck a collaborative tone but maintained that Memphis should chart its own path forward.
“We believe that Memphians can
drive our own destiny,” he said. “We are committed to ensuring that we have a best-in-class police department that respects all citizens.”
Guns and the Challenge of Public Safety
One complicating factor unique to Memphis is Tennessee’s open-carry law Tennessee’s permitless carry law, effective July 1, 2021, allows most adults 21 and older to carry handguns openly or concealed without a permit. This legislation faced significant opposition from law enforcement agencies, including the Tennessee Sheriff’s Association, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police, who expressed concerns about its potential impact on public safety.
A report by EveryTownResearch. org indicates that states implementing permitless carry laws experience increases in violent crime rates and handgun homicides. The study noted a 13%--15% rise in violent crime and an 11% increase in handgun homicides following the enactment of such laws. Davis acknowledged the difficulties this creates for officers: “When you have more guns on the street, you have
See Page 10
“We’re all career attorneys who work across administrations. Personally, I’ve worked under three administrations, and the way our office is structured is to promote consistency regardless of who is in power. While every administration has its own priorities, this case will continue to be a priority for us.”
Maureen Johnston
Q: What does collaboration between the DOJ and the city look like? Who writes the reform plan?
“We would seek to negotiate a reform agreement with enforceable provisions that commit the city and MPD to making changes. Collaboration could include revising policies, improving training, and ensuring the changes are implemented in a timely, effective way. Importantly, community feedback will shape priorities, whether that’s through commenting on policies, proposing new systems, or advocating for transparency. Constitutional and effective policing go hand in hand, and we’ve seen these changes lead to better public safety outcomes.”
Suraj Kumar, DOJ Trial Attorney:
Q: Can the DOJ help Memphis navigate conflicts with state laws, such as those striking down local ordinances?
“Our investigation focuses on federal constitutional and civil rights violations. Federal law serves as the floor, not the ceiling. We’ve worked in diverse states and legal environments across the country to ensure that local practices meet federal standards. These rights are fundamental, and we’re confident in our ability to navigate the specific challenges here in Memphis.”
Suraj Kumar
Q: How can the community stay involved moving forward?
“Your feedback is essential. We’ll hold in-person and virtual meetings to discuss the findings and gather input on reforms. We want to hear specific recommendations, such as changes to policy, training, or oversight systems. You can also email us or call to share your ideas or request private conversations. This is your police department, and your voices will shape what it looks like moving forward.”
Kit Rees, DOJ Civil Rights Investigator
During a Monday virtual town hall, DOJ officials took turns addressing different aspects of the Justice Department’s sprawling 17-month investigation into Memphis Police policies and practices. (Screenshot)
From Page 9
more encounters with police officers. Especially in communities that already experience high levels of violence.”
The DOJ report does not directly address the impact of Tennessee’s permissive gun laws but notes that Memphis officers frequently escalate encounters. Examples cited in the report include the use of force against unarmed individuals and discriminatory targeting of Black residents.
Davis insisted that despite the challenges that open carry creates, MPD officers are capable of treating people with dignity and respect.
“The balance is what we try to get to, to make sure that we have a balance that’s fair and impartial and constitutional as well,” she said. “So (open carry) definitely (presents) a challenge. Memphis is an anomaly, but we’re up to the challenge.”
The People’s Voice Will Be Heard
As city leaders and the DOJ grapple with the challenges posed by policing in Memphis, both agree on one thing: The community’s voice is critical to shaping the path forward.
Monday’s virtual town hall was the first of several meetings DOJ intends to hold with Memphians, both online and in person. Investigators want to hear citizen stories and suggestions for reform. Community members are also invited to submit recommendations via email at Community.Memphis@usdoj. gov or by phone at 888-473-3730.
Clarke emphasized how important it is for the DOJ to hear directly from those impacted.
“The people of Memphis deserve to feel safe—in their homes, their neighborhoods, their cars—especially when they encounter police officers,” Clarke said. “We are committed to hearing from this community and working together to build a safer, fairer city.”
Concurrently, Mayor Young announced the city’s plans to host a series of in-person town hall meetings to gather local input. The meetings aim to address the DOJ’s findings and collaboratively develop a community-driven improvement plan for MPD.
“We believe that by working with all of you and our community, we can faster and more effectively work toward the outcomes that we all desire,” Young said.
PUBLIC NOTICES / CLASSIFIEDS
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Shelby County Government has issued RFQ number 25-010-12, Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Update of the Travel Demand Model (TDM) (Division of Planning & Development (DPD) Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (Memphis MPO)). Information regarding this RFQ is located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn. gov. At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, Click on “Purchasing” and “Bids” to locate the name of the above-described RFQ.
RFQ 25-010-12 DUE DATE THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 AT 4:00 PM CDT
RFQ 25-010-12 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN (RTP) AND UPDATE OF THE TRAVEL DEMAND MODEL (TDM)
(Division of Planning & Development (DPD) Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (Memphis MPO)
Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service.
By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Shelby County Government has issued RFQ number 25-011-17, On-Call Technical Services for Transportation Planning for Division of Planning & Development (DPD) Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (Memphis MPO). Information regarding this RFQ is located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn.gov . At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, Click on “Purchasing” and “Bids” to locate the name of the above-described RFQ.
RFQ 25-011-17 DUE DATE MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025 AT 4:00 PM CDT
RFQ 25-011-17 On-Call Technical Services for Transportation Planning for Division of Planning & Development (DPD) Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (Memphis MPO)
Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service.
By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT
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, December 27, 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.
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: $8.00 per line for 1 column ad.
SEALED BID I000908 DUE ONLINE AT 9:30 a.m. Friday, December 27, 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, December 13, 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/
housing 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.
By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Scott Walkup, Administrator
SPORTS Arkansas State stun Tigers, 85-72; Clemson up next
By Terry Davis Special to The Tri-State Defender
After surging in the AP polls last week, 16th-ranked University of Memphis was humbled by the visiting Arkansas St. Red Wolves, 85-72, at the FedEx forum on Sunday, Dec. 8.
The upset ends a quarter century of drought for the Red Wolves against the Tigers. Their last win was in 1999. It was also Arkansas State’s first victory in Memphis since 1991. Memphis’ record falls to 7-2.
Afterwards, Memphis Coach Penny Hardaway complimented ASU Coach Bryan Hodgson on his game plan.
“It was a crazy game. Coach had Arkansas State prepared. It doesn’t take much to be prepared for us. They are right across the bridge. If you don’t understand that, then you won’t understand anything else,” said Hardaway.
Turnovers, coupled with poor shooting, attributed to the downfall. The Tigers handed the ball over a season-high 20 times. Guards PJ Haggerty and Tyrese Hunter each had five. Memphis’ miscues were converted into 17 points for the visitors. Meanwhile, the Tigers only shot 28 percent from the field in the first half.
game average. Haggerty led all scorers with a season high of 29 points, shooting 8-15 for the afternoon. He also hit 2-3 three-point shots. Nicholas Jordain added 12 points and eight rebounds for the Tigers.
Memphis entered the second period with a 42-29 deficit, after a 7-2 run narrowed the gap before the horn. Tigers Forward Dain Dainja scored all seven points. The senior notched 16 points, along with a game-high 12 rebounds for the game.
The momentum carried over to the second half. A three-point shot from Senior Guard Colby Rogers with 11:01 remaining brought the score to 60-53. It was the closest the Tigers would come. A triple from Red Wolves Guard Joseph Pinion gave Arkansas St. a comfortable 73-60 advantage with 7:03 on the clock. From that point, the margin never came closer than 13 points.
“We can’t continue to have these slow starts. We don’t see the energy to start games. When you don’t compete, you don’t deserve to win the game.” — Tigers Coach Penny Hardaway
“We have to carry over what we do in practice to the game. We can’t continue to have these slow starts. We have to want it more. We don’t see the energy to start games. When you don’t compete you don’t deserve to win the game,” said Hardaway.
Hunter was named the American Athletic Conference Player of the Week last week. He ended the game with four points. The senior averages 16.6 point per game, second to Haggerty’s 22.3 per
The junior guard led the Red Wolves with 22 points, on 7-13 shooting. Pinion also hit 5-11 from deep. Senior backcourt mate Taryn Todd added 17. Backup Forward Dyondre Dominguez chipped in 19, with a perfect 3-3 from beyond the arc.
Arkansas State’s record improves to 7-3. It was their first road win of the season.
Next, the Tigers travel to Clemson on Saturday, Dec. 14 to face the namesake Tigers (9-1). Tipoff is at 11 a.m. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN2.
Tigers forward Nicholas Jourdain blocks a Dyondre Dominguez shot. (Terry Davis, Tri-State Defender)
Terry Davis
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