The New Tri-State Defender - January 9-15, 2020

‘New’ council positions itself for decisions on electricity rates, TVA

by Erica R. Williams Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Pressing on the agenda was Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division’s proposed electricity-rate hike as six new members joined eight returning members for the first Memphis City Council meeting of 2020 on Tuesday.

According to MLGW President J.T. Young, if the council doesn’t vote on the increase soon, customer outage minutes through the year would likely increase.

In December, the council did a two-step on MLGW’s original, three-pronged proposal for a boost of utility rates. In an 8-5 vote, members approved an increase on gas and water, but held up on raising electricity rates. Instead, the council sent MLGW leaders back to their utility board with recommendations.

Tuesday, Young presented council members with an alternative proposal; but the new plan showed very little differences from the one he and his team presented to the council last

year.

The original plan would allow for $1 billion dollars in infrastructure improvements for water, gas and electric over a five-year period, with rate hikes spread over three years.

The alternative presented Tuesday would increase the average residen-

Tennessee unveils draft plan for lowest performing schools

Promises more community input

by Laura Faith Kebede Chalkbeat

A new state plan to help Tennessee’s struggling schools would either give them more autonomy to make improvements or face more state intervention.

State leaders say that means they can concentrate more money on schools with greater needs and give local districts more say in improving schools that are closer to escaping the state’s list of “priority schools,” which score in the bottom 5 percent on annual state tests.

The Tennessee Department of Education’s draft plan for its 82 priority schools was presented at a community meeting Tuesday evening in Memphis. Department staff also publicly unveiled a proposal to transition the 30 schools already taken over by state out of the Achievement

“This to me

— Eve Carney

School District in two years, which Chalkbeat reported Monday.

The proposal is the first under Tennessee Education Commissioner

Penny Schwinn to lay out how the state thinks its lowest performing schools should better serve students.

Eve Carney, the state’s chief districts and schools officer, said the state would consider more than just test scores and academic growth when placing schools on three levels of intervention, or “tiers.” The state would also take into consideration a school’s student discipline rates,

tial monthly by $8.98 over that period. That compares to a $9 average residential increase in the original proposal.

Council members said they wanted to be sure that MLGW had utilized enough cost-saving cuts before attempting to implement an

increase. In December, outgoing chairman Kemp Conrad suggested that the utility company should begin implementing the upgrades before rate hikes. “They should have been done

how often students are absent from school, and how many students are prepared for college or a job.

“Just to be frank, we will be in your schools, we will be in your business,” Carney said. “But this to me feels like we are trying really hard to give you what you need so your school doesn’t go into the ASD.”

Below is a brief description of each of the department’s proposed tiers, which would go into effect during the 2021-22 school year: Tier I, Improvement: Each school

would receive $50,000 in state support, which districts could pool together to fund identified needs. The state deems schools in this category to have effective improvement plans in place and simply need more time.

The schools would remain in district control, but the state would evaluate their curriculums and programs, and require regular reports on progress. State officials estimated about half of priority schools would fit into this category.

LOCATION: 1046 South 3rd Street

DETAILS: The We Have Dreams

Too event is dedicated to the famous Martin Luther King Jr. for his historic speech, I Have A Dream. The staff at Gaston Community Center are partnering with Knowledge Quest after school program to allow the kids in the program to write out their dreams on a small poster board and allow them to color and design their poster. The posters will be hung next to a big picture of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Lincoln Memorial, which is where his speech was presented. The Gaston Community Center will also present the youth with juice and a small goodie as a token of appreciation. Please contact Awendel Gordon or Harry Green at 901-636-0703.

First Responder Appreciations

There are several events to honor police, fire and paramedics all over Memphis:

WHERE: Mitchell Comm. Center

TIME: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

LOCATION: 602 West Mitchell Rd; Memphis, TN 38109

DETAILS: The Mitchell Community Center will pass out Thank You cards to nearby Police and Fire Stations. Please contact Rasheed Oladunjoye at 901-789-2927.

WHERE: Charles Powell Comm. Ctr. TIME: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

LOCATION: 810 Western Park Drive; Memphis, TN 38109

DETAILS: The Charles Powell Community center in partnership with Westwood High School, Chickasaw Middle School and Freedom Prep will make cards and write letters to the Police, Fire, and EMS workers. Please contact Debra Tate or Derrick Heyward at 901-636-0775.

District 4’s Jamita Swearengen and District 5’s Worth Morgan take the oath of office for service on the Memphis City Council. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Eve Carney, the chief districts and schools officer for the Tennessee Department of Education, speaks at a community meeting in Memphis. (Photo: Laura Faith Kebede/Chalkbeat)

Census Bureau ramps up hiring efforts for 2020 Census

TSD Newsroom

The U.S. Census Bureau is ramping up its national recruiting efforts to hire up to 500,000 temporary, parttime census takers for the 2020 Census in communities across the country to reach its goal of more than 2 million applicants.

In Shelby County, the current pay rate for an enumerator is $22 per hour, with the Census Bureau reporting that it has met 52.7 percent of the hiring goal for the county.

The positions offer competitive pay, flexible hours, paid training and weekly paychecks. To determine the pay rate in a specific area, learn more about these positions, or apply for one of the temporary jobs, visit 2020census.gov/jobs.

“Whether you’re looking to earn some extra cash, pay down your student debt or offset holiday season

SCHOOLS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Tier II, Turnaround: Each school would receive $300,000 to $500,000 in state money and have a substantially longer list of state requirements including regular teacher observations, a community advisory board at each school, and overhauling student discipline. The state would also require a school resource officer and a nurse at each school.

Tier III, ASD: This level is reserved for the state’s most extreme action of taking over a school through the Achievement School District. Department staff promised to return in the coming months to gather feedback on how the district will change, but gave few specifics Tuesday.

spending, our part-time positions are a great way to do that,” said Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham. “What better way to earn some extra money and help shape the future of your community for the next 10 years than with the 2020 Census?” 2020 jobs: Who should apply?

Anyone age 18 and older, such as recent high school graduates, college students, veterans, retirees, military spouses, seasonal workers and people who are bilingual are highly encouraged to apply. People who already have jobs and want to earn extra income evenings and weekends are also encouraged to apply.

Paid training occurs in March and April. After paid training, most positions work between May and early July.

To apply, visit https://bit.ly/2tEU73N.

calls these “focus schools.”

The state’s forthcoming hire for a “turnaround superintendent” would oversee schools in the last two levels of intervention, rather than focus solely on the Achievement School District.

“I thought it was really important to have a leader who was invested in getting it right in tier two, not just in the Achievement School District,” Carney told the audience. “So if that step becomes necessary, that leader has been in those schools, has already engaged those communities, so there’s more of a connection.”

2021-22 school year.

Some of those priority schools are already in a district-run school improvement program, known as the Innovation Zone or iZone, and they could continue in the program under the state’s proposal. The iZone has shown more academic gains than the state’s turnaround district, which researchers said posted about the same scores as schools that received no additional help.

“I’m encouraged that some of the supports they talked about are things we are already doing,” said Angela Brown, an instructional leadership director for the iZone.

COUNCIL CONTINUED FROM FRONT

years ago,” he said before adding that the council did not have confidence in the competence of MLGW to get things done.

“This would put it back on you and not us,” Conrad told MLGW leaders.

Little has changed since December, as no decisions were made on the alternative. It’s something Young said the council should reconsider.

“The system is just getting worse every year,” he said. “The longer we go without a decision then the longer it is before we can start ginning up resources to get things done, so it just delays that.”

Council members pulled December’s rejection of the electric hike from the minutes, allowing them to reconsider MLGW’s plan at the next council meeting, January 21.

The utility company is also studying whether it should get its power from a source other than TVA in a formal Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). That report is expected this spring.

ment specialist at Southwind High School.

Others hoped the state would put more money on the front end before schools need highly prescriptive state involvement or eliminate the Achievement School District altogether.

“They didn’t do our children right,” said Rebecca Murray, whose grandchildren has attended state-run schools. “I don’t see the improvement. They’re still at the bottom of the barrel.”

In other business

Council members also reviewed the second term appointees submitted by Mayor Jim Strickland last week. Thirteen of the 15 appointees are reappointments of division directors and chiefs. The new appointees are Chief Legal Officer Jennifer Sink, who would succeed Bruce McMullen, and Information Services Director Kimberly Bailey, who succeeds Mike Rodriguez.

Council member Cheyenne Johnson told Strickland that she wanted to see more African-American representation at the top. The mayor pushed back, citing data that his administration released earlier this week. The data highlighted that more minorities are working as department directors in Strickland’s administration compared to that of former Mayor A C Wharton.

“I’m very confident that we have a quality, diverse team,” Strickland said. “The most diverse this city has ever had.”

The council is set to vote on the appointees at the next council meeting.

tion. Memphians have clamored for more say in how the state approaches low-performing schools, and some were still cautious Tuesday.

“I’m trying to wait and see instead of assuming anything,” said Shelby County Schools board member Stephanie Love, whose children were zoned to three schools the state district took over in its early years. “I hope the people at the table have the heart to say we messed up. We need to make sure we don’t continue the same mistakes.” State officials said this time will be different.

When schools are not on the state’s priority list, but its English language learners, students of color, or students with disabilities test among the bottom 5% statewide, the state will require improvement plans and monitor it for up to three years before designating it a priority school. The state

The meeting attracted about 100 people and was held at Trezevant High, which sits in the Memphis neighborhood that has experienced the most state takeovers since 2012. Memphis is home to 40 priority schools: 22 in Shelby County Schools and 18 in the state-run Achievement School District. The next priority list is expected to be released in 2021.

Some educators at the meeting asked for more state training or resources to address chronic absenteeism and student discipline — especially since those measures could be a deciding factor in the state’s assessment of schools.

Commissioner Schwinn was not at Tuesday’s meeting, but is scheduled to be in Memphis on Wednesday for a meeting with Shelby County Schools’ top leader, Superintendent Joris Ray, to discuss the proposal.

“With the legislative season here, the commissioner attending the events wasn’t possible,” Carney told Chalkbeat.

“We want schools to be rooted in their community,” said Robert Lundin, the state’s assistant commissioner of school models and programs. “Nobody at my office, myself included, ever presumes that somebody in a bureaucratic office in Nashville knows better what’s needed for schools than people in their community.”

Under the state’s proposal, the state would place all priority schools in one of the tiers effective during the

“What I would really want to see funded at my school is an incentive program to deter negative attendance or poor behavior and academics,” said Willie Johnson, a family engage-

The department vowed to schedule more community meetings to gather feedback on the draft as state legislators weigh options in the upcoming session in Nashville — a marked departure from the previous administra-

(Reporter Caroline Bauman contributed to this story. Follow Laura Faith Kebede @kebedefaith lkebede@chalkbeat.org.)

(Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Congressman Cohen slams Trump, Republicans at annual prayer event

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell and Lee Eric Smith

As preachers, Memphis area clergy were probably expected to be hopeful and optimistic at a recent New Year’s Day prayer breakfast.

As a U.S. Congressman embroiled in the impeachment of President Donald Trump, Rep. Steve Cohen is saving his optimism for another year.

Cohen was the keynote speaker at the annual event hosted by City Clerk Myron Lowery and his son, County Commissioner Mickell Lowery.

Hundreds filled the Holiday Inn Airport banquet hall New Year’s morning for prayer and encouragement.

Cohen was not encouraging.

“I’m sorry that I can’t say I’m quite as positive as these pastors about the New Year 2020,” Cohen said. “One of the greatest years to start will be January 21, 2021.

“Until then, we’ve just got to suck it up and look to bringing this country back.”

Cohen, who has repeatedly filed articles of impeachment against Trump, also made headlines last year during Congressional hearings when

he munched on Kentucky Fried Chicken to illustrate Attorney General William Barr being “too chicken” to testify before Congress.

Cohen has never constrained his disdain for Trump, and he stuck to his script for the breakfast.

“Russia, if you’re listening, we’ve got a favor to ask of you,” Cohen said, mocking Trump’s 2016 campaign remark inviting Russia to interfere. “American elections are for U.S. citizens. It is for us to decide who the United States president is going to be.”

Cohen weighed in on Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s delay in sending impeachment articles to the Senate. “We will see what (she) decides to do,” he said, towing the party line demanding witnesses. “Without documents, without witnesses, you can’t get to a fair trial.”

Cohen had a final message for supporters, detractors, and those who may be eyeing his office in the future.

“I’m going to continue to be a strong voice for the rule of law, for democracy, for the Constitution,” he said.

“As I mentioned last year, I’ll be running for re-election in 2020 and 2022. And ain’t nothing changed.”

Deborah Manning Thomas, a 29-year participant in Lowery’s breakfast, rendered an acappela rendition of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” after Cohen’s address. The Tennessee Mass Choir, also a long-time fixture, gave a mini-concert for the occasion.

Ministers offering prayer were: Rev. Wade Bryant of Monumental Baptist Church; Bishop Linwood Dillard, Citadel of Deliverance COGIC;

In his opening remarks before Cohen’s speech, Myron Lowery thanked guests at the event.

“You brought me back out of retirement, and I want to thank you for that,” he said. “I appreciate your support and your prayers through the years. Thank you so much.”

Hamilton County Schools drops funding lawsuit against Tennessee Memphis and Nashville still seek relief

by Marta W. Aldrich Chalkbeat

A lawsuit charging that Tennessee underfunds its schools by hundreds of millions of dollars has been dismissed, while a separate education funding case is inching closer to trial in 2020.

Hamilton County Schools dropped its 5-year-old lawsuit against the state last week in a Nashville court. The school board for the Chattanooga-based district voted unanimously in October to pursue the dismissal after commending legislators for working to improve the level of state education funding. The case had been inactive in recent years.

The suit, which was joined by six smaller districts in southeast Tennessee, questioned the adequacy of state allocations through the funding formula known as the Basic Education Program, or BEP.

It charged that the state was significantly underestimating the cost of teacher salaries and other needs, shifting the burden to local districts and creating unequal opportunities statewide.

But the state has made substantial new investments in public schools in recent years, including $1.5 billion during the administration of former Gov. Bill Haslam and $211 million last year under new Republican Gov. Bill Lee. Attorney General Herbert Slatery III cited those investments as evidence that Tennessee is moving in the right direction

as he welcomed Hamilton County’s decision.

“Education funding is a profoundly important issue for the state and our children, but is best addressed by the other two branches of government, not the courts,” Slatery’s spokeswoman said this week.

A legal challenge by Shelby County Schools and Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools is expected to go to trial this year. The Memphis district filed suit in 2015, and Nashville joined it two years later.

The litigation pits Tennessee’s two largest districts against the state over whether it allocates enough money to provide an adequate education, particularly to urban students who live in poverty, have special needs, or come from non-English-speaking homes.

The case could have major implications for how public schools are funded in Tennessee. If successful, the lawsuit could force Tennessee to invest more in K-12 education, which already consumes about $6 billion of the state’s $38.5 billion annual budget.

Attorneys for the districts are arguing that the BEP allocates funds arbitrarily to districts –instead of basing them on research – to pay for needs like teacher salaries and technology, and support services such as guidance counselors, social workers, and nurses. The alleged underfunding, they say, results in students not receiving the level of education that they are constitutionally guaranteed, causing their academic performance to suffer.

Bishop Ed Stephens of Golden Gate Cathedral, and Rev. Willie Boyd Jr. of Martin Memorial Temple CME.

Now in its 29th year, father and son elected officials Myron and Mickell Lowery cohosted an annual prayer breakfast at the Holiday Inn Airport on New Year’s Day.

(Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Reconstruction Things to know 150 years after the 15th Amendment

by Tiffany Mitchell Patterson

The Conversation/AP

…I’m excited about new resources for teaching children, and everyone else, more about the history of slavery through The New York Times’ “1619 Project.” But based on my experience teaching social studies and my current work preparing social studies educators, I also consider understanding what happened during the Reconstruction essential for exploring black power, resilience and excellence.

During that complex period after the Civil War, African Americans gained political power yet faced the backlash of white supremacy and racial violence. I share the concerns many writers, historians and other scholars are raising about the shortcomings of what schoolchildren traditionally learn about Reconstruction in school. Here are some suggestions for educators and others interested in learning more about that time period.

Reconstruction amendments

As most students do learn, the U.S. gained three constitutional amendments that extended civil and political rights to newly freed African Americans following the Civil War.

The 13th, ratified in 1865, banned slavery and involuntary servitude except for the punishment of a crime.

The 14th, ratified three years later, granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all people born in the United States, as well as naturalized citizens – including all previously enslaved individuals.

Then, the 15th Amendment asserted that neither the federal government nor state governments could deny voting rights to any male citizen.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the 15th Amendment on Feb. 3, 1870. The anniversary is a good opportunity to learn about how the amendment was supposed to guarantee that the right to vote could not be denied based on “race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”

African American politicians

What few history and social studies classes explore is how these changes to the Constitution made it possible for African American men to use their newfound political power to gain representation.

Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American senator, represented Mississippi in 1870 after the state’s Senate elected him. He was among the 16 black men from seven southern states who served in Congress during Reconstruction.

Revels and his colleagues were only part of the story. All told, about 2,000 African Americans held public office at some level of government during Reconstruction.

White supremacist groups like the Ku

Klux Klan also formed following the Civil War. These terrorist groups engaged in violence and other racist tactics to intimidate African Americans, people of color, black voters and legislators. They thus made the accomplishments of African American politicians even more impressive as they served as public officials under the constant threat of racial violence.

Black activist women

African American women technically gained the right to vote in 1920, when the 19th Amendment passed. However, their constitutional right was limited in many states due to discriminatory laws.

Many black women were activists and women’s suffrage movement leaders. Through public speaking, prolific writing and developing organizations dedicated to racial and and gender equality, they fought for equal rights and dignity for all.

Among the black women who were activists during Reconstruction were the five Rollins sisters of South Carolina, who fought for female voting rights; Maria Stewart, an outspoken abolitionist before

the Civil War and suffragist once it ended; and Mary Ann Shadd Cary, the first black woman in North America to edit and publish a newspaper, one of the first black female lawyers in the country and an advocate for granting women the right to vote.

Other women of color who played key roles in the suffrage movement included Ida B. Wells, the journalist and civil rights advocate who raised awareness of lynching, and Mary Church Terrell, founder of the National Association of Colored Women.

Higher education

Before the Civil War, many states made teaching enslaved individuals to read a crime. Education quickly became a top priority for black Americans once slavery ended.

While northern, largely white philanthropists and missionary groups and the U.S. Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, better known as the Freedmen’s Bureau, did help create new educational opportunities, the African American public schools established after the Civil War ended were largely built and

staffed by the black community.

Many new institutions of higher education, now called Historically Black Colleges and Universities or HBCUs, began to operate during Reconstruction.

These schools trained black people to become teachers and ministers, doctors and nurses. They also prepared African Americans for careers in industrial and agricultural fields.

Public and private HBCUs founded during Reconstruction and still operating today … train a disproportionate share of black doctors and other professionals even today.

Historical experiences

Storytelling, multimedia experiences and trips to historic sites and creative museums help get people of any age interested in learning about history.

Depending on where you live, you may want to embark on a family outing or school field trip. …

I also recommend watching the PBS documentaries about Reconstruction by the scholar and filmmaker Henry Louis Gates Jr. and reading the young adult book Gates co-authored with children’s nonfiction writer Tonya Bolden about the era. Gates has also compiled a Reconstruction reading list for adults.

In addition, the organization Teaching for Change curates a booklist on Reconstruction for middle and high school students. And the Zinn Education Project Teach Reconstruction Campaign offers a variety of resources including readings, primary sources and even lesson plans.

An incomplete transition

As the renowned black scholar W.E.B. DuBois observed, racist laws and violent tactics in many states actively limited black freedom.

“The slave went free; stood for a brief moment in the sun; then moved back again toward slavery,” he explained.

This was by no means voluntary. Intimidated and threatened by black enfranchisement and excellence in the era of Reconstruction, white supremacists attempted to enforce subordination through violence, such as lynching; and in systemic ways through Jim Crow laws. African Americans continued to assert their civil and constitutional rights as activists, politicians, business owners, teachers and farmers in the midst of white supremacist backlash.

With the latest voter suppression efforts restricting access to the ballot box for voters of color and the resurgence of racist violence and vitriol today, DuBois’ words sound eerily familiar. At the same time it’s reassuring to recall how quickly formerly enslaved African Americans made their way to schoolhouses and public offices.

(Tiffany Mitchell Patterson is assistant professor of Secondary Social Studies, West Virginia University and a board member of Teaching for Change.)

Tiffany Mitchell Patterson

RELIGION

Family roots anchor pastoral legacy at Tucker COGIC

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Count the Rev. Jeffrey Williams among the local pastors who – despite dwindling attendance – is rock-solid sure that the church will increasingly become a place of refuge in the troubled times ahead.

Such assuredness is rooted in a faith that sustains the pastor of Tucker Temple Church of God in Christ even as churches have seen a sharp decline in membership numbers since 1999, according to a Gallup poll.

“There has been a great falling away because we are living in the last days,” said Williams. “But God is going to drive people back to the church. Trouble and persecution is coming. And we are seeing the beginning of some troubling times in the Middle East.

“We’re standing on the brink of war. The church is going to be the only place of comfort and refuge. There will be a return to prayer and people crying out for God’s mercy and intervention.”

A third-generation pastor, Wil-

“We’re standing on the brink of war. The church is going to be the only place of comfort and refuge. There will be a return to prayer and people crying out for God’s mercy and intervention.”

— Rev. Jeffrey Williams

liams’ grandfather, the Rev. Charles Samuel Tucker Sr., started in the 1950s what now is known as Tucker COGIC.

“My grandfather was a member of Lane Avenue COGIC, where he led Sunday School. He was called to preach, and sometime after that, he was appointed pastor of Hemlock COGIC on Hemlock St. When the church moved, the members renamed it Tucker Temple to honor my grandfather, Charles Samuel Tucker Sr.”

The elder Pastor Tucker served at Tucker Temple for more than 50 years before he passed away from a

brief illness in 2006. His son, the Rev. Charles Samuel Tucker Jr., Williams’ uncle, was appointed successor.

Jeffrey Williams became minister of music at age 15. He plays, sings, composes original numbers and has been the driving force behind Tucker Temple’s dynamic music department.

When he became pastor in 2017, the music director’s post passed to his son, Jeffrey Jr.

While he served as minister of music, Williams also took on pastoral duties to assist Pastor Tucker Jr., who suffered ill health throughout his 11year tenure. For the Tucker Temple Church family, the line of succession had been set. Jurisdictional Prelate Dr. David Allen Hall Sr. of the Tennessee Headquarters Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction appointed Williams the new pastor in 2017, shortly after Tucker Jr.’s passing.

‘…remain faithful’

Recalling the days when the church’s pews routinely were full, Williams moves forward with resolve.

“We will just keep preaching the

First Sunday 2020

word of God, and living a holy life before the world. So when tribulation comes – and it is coming – they will know that Jesus waits with open arms. Jesus will be their Lord and Savior. Until then, we want to remain faithful in that which God has called us to do,” he said.

For the past three decades, Pastor Williams has directed a community choir, “Jeffrey Williams and the Voices of Inspiration.” The highly sought ensemble has charted on Billboard’s Gospel 100 with popular recordings, such as “My Love Song,” “Prodigal Son,” and “I’ll Praise Your Name ” Williams and the choir have toured with and opened for such gospel

greats as John P. Kee, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp and James Fortune. Now, The Voices of Inspiration are preparing for a new live recording this summer. For Pastor Williams, it will be his last.

“It’s time for us to step aside and let the young people take over,” he said. “They have grown and developed under our tutelage, and the time comes when they must take the helm and make their own mark. Gospel music and ministry are no different from any other endeavor,” he said.

“Not only Tucker Temple, but I believe the church of Jesus Christ will be left in good hands.”

Tucker Temple COGIC Pastor Jeffrey Williams and his wife, Jennifer, with their children: Jeffrey Jr. Ethan, Jaylen, Aylani, Madison and Kayli. (Courtesy photo)

Pentecostal Temple COGIC Pastor Charles H. Mason Patterson Sr. prays for a congregant during a First Sunday service at the church at 229 S. Danny Thomas Blvd. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

The First Sunday of 2020 at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church at 394 Vance Ave. provided this all-smiles moment. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Widow of former TSD editor passes at 95

Emogene Wilson blazed her own journalism trail

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Emogene Wilson, former women’s editor and society-page writer for the Tri-State Defender, will be interred at Elmwood Cemetery next to her late husband, former Tri-State Defender editor, general manager and civil rights era icon, L. Alex Wilson, on Friday.

The homegoing service is set for noon (Jan. 10) at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4150 Boeingshire Dr. A viewing at the church will precede the service, beginning at 11 a.m. A Thursday wake is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. M. J. Edwards has charge.

Mrs. Wilson, whose multiple talents also included teaching Spanish, was a little more than four months from her 96th birthday when she died on Christmas Day at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Woodlands, Texas.

Emogene Wilson (formerly Watson) and L. Alex Wilson still were newlyweds on Sept. 23, 1957 when Wilson went to Little Rock to cover the “Little Rock Nine,” a group of African-American students with the daunting task of integrating Central High School. He was attacked and beaten severely by members of a mob that left him with head and other injuries that family members believe caused his death in 1960 at age 51. That was after he had been relocated to the Chicago Defender and developed a form of Parkinson’s disease.

Emogene Wilson was left to raise her three-year-old daughter, Karen, alone. Now Karen Wilson-Sadberry, Wilson’s daughter and her husband, A. J. Sadberry, are the parents of new Memphian and Memphis Symphony Orchestra member, Adam Sadberry. In her later years, Emogene Wilson went to Texas to live near the Sadberrys. “She wanted to maintain her independence, so we found an

apartment not far from the house,” said Wilson-Sadberry. “I could get to her quickly and vice-versa. When the lease ran out on her apartment, I said to Mother, ‘Why don’t you just come and live with us. We won’t have to worry each month about that rent.’ She agreed and moved in with us. We dedicated our den to Mother.”

In 2017, the National Association of Black Journalists honored L. Alex Wilson posthumously with a

special award. His widow accepted during the organization’s confab in Washington, DC.

“We flew up there together and she used a wheelchair and scooter, and she just had a ball,” Wilson-Sadberry said. “I knew Mother had never been more proud of my father’s legacy than she was that night.”

Emogene Watson: The early years

Emogene Watson was the oldest child of Johnny Robinson Watson (a stay-at-home mom) and Dr. Thomas H. Watson (a general practitioner) and was born on April 15, 1924. The Watsons would have another daughter and a son. They lived on Bellevue in North Memphis and Emogene attended Booker T. Washington High School.

After graduation, she earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Journalism at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Back in Memphis, she found little opportunity for a journalist, but an abundant need for good English teachers in Memphis City Schools. After getting her teaching certificate from Tennessee State University, she began a 35-year

career in teaching.

One summer, she attended a journalism seminar at Howard University and landed an opportunity to write for Life Magazine. She spent three summers when school was out in New York City, writing for the national publication.

At home in Memphis, an unpaid opportunity to work in women’s news as the society editor became available at the Tri-State Defender, and for sheer love of the work, she took the job. She was working there in the mid-1950s when L. Alex Wilson was sent to Memphis from The Chicago Defender to take the helm of the TriState Defender as editor and general manager.

It wasn’t exactly love-at-first sight, said Sadberry-Wilson, noting that her father and mother were absolutely committed to their professions and the needs of the time for journalists with just such high levels of commitment.

(Tune in to “Where Do We Go From Here?” on TSDRadio on WLOK this Sunday at 5 p.m. to hear Karen Wilson-Sadberry and her husband, A.J. Sadberry, reconstruct the life of Emogene Wilson.)

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The passing of Christine Grandberry has evoked an extraordinary outpouring of grief, especially in the Frayser community where she was dub hailed as “Queen,” or the “Mayor of Frayser.” Nothing happened without her hand, her blessing, her sanctioning—politicians knew it, community leaders acknowledged it, and resident families depended on it.

“Of course, Ms. Grandberry sat on our board at the Frayser Community Development Corporation,” said Steve Lockwood, executive director.

“Of course, that was several years ago. She was still very active in the community fairly recently. It was only lately that she had slowed down some. Ms. Grandberry was a lifelong resident of Frayser, one of the most effective advocates. She will be greatly missed.”

Rev. Charlie Caswell, also a prominent advocate in the Frayser community, penned a brief but touching and message on Facebook to the community and to Ms. Grandberry: “Frayser, keep our Queen Christine Grandberry’s family in your prayers as she has gained her wings. She will be missed. She played a key role in my life as a community activist. ‘Thanks for all you gave to our community and my life, Ms. Grandberry.’ Heaven, get ready—a Queen who is a fighter is on her way home. #RIH (Rest in Heaven)” She was a world-changer, and her world was Frayser. No one knew it better than elected officials seeking community support.

State Representative Antonio Parkinson also posted on Facebook:

“We lost a wonderful person in Christine Grandberry. Before there was a State Rep. Antonio Parkinson, Christine was there. I held my first community meetings in her den, my first campaign organizing meeting

in her den, and enjoyed my first neighborhood night out in her den. She was the epitomy of ‘love for community’. She used to LOVE cutting her grass and cutting a design in her yard such as that when she carved “Obama” in it during his first election.

“I’ll never forget that even after I lost my first election, she proudly kept my 8-foot campaign banner on her porch for the world to see. She was there at Mrs. Winners when I began my community service and never faltered in her support for me...ever! I’m glad that I always told her, ‘I loved her’ and she would always say, ‘Love you more’ every time we ended our conversations. We will miss her.”

Ms. Grandberry was a lifelong resident of North Memphis, born to Lem Anderson Jr. and Roxanna Brown. Health problems plagued her at the year’s end, but she held on until Christmas. She passed two days later at the age of

Ms. Grandberry graduated from Manassas High School in 1966, she attended Manassas K-12.

“My mom loved her school and was a true Blue-and-Gold alumni. She was a lifetime season ticket holder of the Memphis Grizzlies from the time they first came to the city. She tried to make all the home games to cheer them on, win or lose, until poor health prevented her. Not only did she love the Frayser community, but she loved her city.”

Ms. Grandberry worked at General Electric and later, the Kellogg Company until her retirement.

She leaves to mourn her passing two children: one daughter, Duckett, and a son, David H. Tuggle; four grandchildren, three sisters, one brother, and a loving host of other relatives and friends.

Joyce Blackmon – MLGW barrier breaker – left her mark upon many

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

So many stories remain untold of the gestures of love and acts of sacrifice in the lives of thousands of people Joyce Blackmon touched in her lifetime.

Yes, she was lauded as the first African American and the first woman to serve as a vice-president at Memphis Light Gas and Water. But her former students remember her smile and tenderness as a teacher in Memphis City Schools for nearly two decades.

Blackmon, who was the widow of Lawrence B. Blackmon Sr., died on Dec. 16, 2019. Former students, long-time family friends and employees gathered days later to bid her a final “goodbye” and relive their stories of her love, care, and compassion.

But many people’s Joyce Blackmon stories extend beyond MLGW and teaching. One story worth remembering is the “Lucky Eleven.”

The year was 1973. Eleven high school football players at South Side High School in Memphis enrolled at Fisk University, an Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

The impact was profound and life-changing for those young men, who became excellent scholars, sportsmen and successful working adults. And Blackmon was key.

Filmmaker and Fisk Memphis

Club President George W. Tillman Jr., one of the Lucky Eleven, reflected on the passing of Ms. Blackmon that same day as news spread quickly on social media. “Today, one of the greatest women in my life passed away, Mrs. Joyce Blackmon,” he said. “I grew up with her sons, Larry and David. “She treated me like one of her own.

Had it not been for Mrs. Blackmon, there would have been no ‘Lucky Eleven’ to talk about. She saw to it that all of us went to Fisk University to be educated, and now, we good products of society. “I just lost the other mother in my life, but the good thing about it all was she lived to see us all become good men,” Tillman said. “She truly loved her students,” said Tajuan Stout-Mitchell, a former student of Blackmon’s and former city council member. “Ms. Blackmon loved them so much and encouraged them so much that they began to believe that they could do impossible things.”

Later, Blackmon would become vice president of personnel and training at MLGW, leading the utility’s equal employment and affirmative action program. By the time she retired in 1996, she was SVP of administration and support. She was also president of her own consulting, JBlackmon and Associates, from 1994 to 2007.

A native Memphian, Ms. Blackmon graduated from St. Anthony

Catholic School and matriculated at the University of Memphis where she earned both a bachelors and a masters degree.

She was active in many civic and cultural organizations, she is past national director of the arts for The Links, Inc., past president of Memphis in May, and immediate past chair of the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church Board of Trustees.

“Mrs. Blackmon became one of the most accomplished women in this city,” said Carol Lumpkin, a former student. “We don’t take that away from her. She was a highly decorated, professional woman.

“But the best part of her was her humanity,” Lumpkin continued. “She was a mother to us back when teachers were your mother at school. And she loved us. Maya Angelou said that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

“I will never forget how Ms. Blackmon always made me feel.”

Emogene Wilson (left) with her daughter, Karen Wilson-Sadberry. (Family photo)

These images of the attack on Tri-State Defender editor L. Alex Wilson appeared in the New York Times and reportedly spurred President Dwight Eisenhower to send the National Guard to Little Rock to assure order amid efforts desegregate schools.

Christine Grandberry

Christine Grandberry – Frayser advocate, mentor and more

Joyce Blackmon was well-known for her accomplishments, but she was well-loved for caring about people. “The best part of her was her humanity,” said one former student. (TSD File Photo by Morgan Mukarram)

WHERE: Gaisman Comm. Center.

TIME: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

LOCATION: 4221 Macon Road

DETAILS: The Gaisman Community Center will do Thank you cards for First Responders. The center is also asking for the community to donate school supplies for the youth

WHERE: McFarland Community Center

TIME: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

LOCATION: 4955 Cottonwood

DETAILS: The McFarland Community Center will host “First Responder’s Day.” A catered lunch will be provided for Police Officers, Fire Fighters and other First Responsers. The McFarland STAR program will also make Thank You cards for the First Responders. Please contact Gloria Watkins at 901-362-8350. •

EVENT: A March Through History

TIME: 4 p.m.-6 p.m.

LOCATION: 4318 Graceland Drive

DETAILS: The Whitehaven Community Center Presents: A Walk through Civil Rights History with displays, spoken word, and a youth choir performance.

EVENT: MLK Service Project

TIME: 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

LOCATION: 317 Tillman

DETAILS: The Lester Community Center will remove a very heavy bench from the front of the building to the back of the building. The center is also preparing to clean and scrub the upper basketball court that has four basketball goals and the lower basketball court that has four basketball goals. Lastly, the center will replace the basketball nets and clean the backboards. Please contact Walter Casey or Alice Davis at 901-324-2639.

EVENT: A Painting Day with Martin Luther King TIME: 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

LOCATION: 973 Alice Ave.

DETAILS: The Pine Hill Community Center will have canvas painting of Martin Luther King and refreshments. Please contact Rory Campbell at 901-774-7950.

EVENT: Cordova Fire Fighters Appreciation TIME: 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

LOCATION:

DETAILS: Bert Ferguson teenagers, art groups, and staff will make Thank You cards and deliver food to the fire fighters at the neighboring fire station #54. To make Thank You cards please contact Alex Hall or Neely Wright at 901-309-1761 between 12-8.

EVENT: Appreciation Day for Raleigh First

Responder’s TIME: 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

LOCATION: 3678 Powers Rd.

DETAILS: The Raleigh Community Center will host an appreciation day on January 17th and invite first responders in the Raleigh area. They will provide refreshments as well as invite them to participate in the GIT UP CHALLENGE and record the videos to share later

EVENT: Read Aloud TIME: 6:30 p.m.

LOCATION: 1235 Brown

DETAILS: The Katie Sexton Community Center will collect books for school age youth and host a read aloud event at the community center.

JAN 18

EVENT: Raleigh Community Cleanup

TIME: 9 a.m.-11 a.m.

LOCATION: Breath of Life Christian Center; 3795 Frayser Raleigh Road

DETAILS: Please join Raleigh residents for a neighborhood cleanup. This event is part of the Clean Memphis 2020 MLK Days of Service events. This project consists of litter abatement and storm drain cleaning. Please dress warm, wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk. This event is family friendly. Volunteers will meet and cleanup the Raleigh area.

EVENT: Healing the Body, Warming the Heart: Standard of Living Packets for Those in

Need

TIME: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

LOCATION: 233 Henry

DETAILS: Bickford and Dave Wells Community Center will team up to create “Standard of Living packets for the homeless. During the month of January, Dave Wells will do a hygiene drive. On the service day, Dave Wells will bring their items to to Bickford Community Center on January 18th where volunteers will be making blankets scarves.

Other volunteers will put the collected hygiene products in give-away bags. At the end of the event, the hope is to have 50 bags filled with a variety of hygiene products and at least one blanket scarf to give out, via MPD, to the homeless around the City of Memphis.

EVENT: Binghampton Cleanup

TIME: 9-11 p.m.

LOCATION: Lester Community Center; 317 Tillman Street

DETAILS: Please join Binghampton residents for a neighborhood cleanup. This event is part of the Clean Memphis 2020 MLK Days of Service events. This project consists of litter abate-

ment and storm drain cleaning. Please dress warm, wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk.

Volunteers will meet and cleanup the Binghampton area, Howze Park, and the Tillman Greenline. Parking is available at the Lester Community Center. We will meet inside the center for safety instructions and to sign in.

EVENT: Oak Ridge Neighborhood Cleanup

TIME: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

LOCATION: Cherry Road Baptist Church; 1421 Cherry Road

DETAILS: Join the Oak Ridge Area Neighborhood Association for a neighborhood cleanup. This event is part of the Clean Memphis 2020 MLK Days of Service events. This project consists of litter abatement and storm drain cleaning.

EVENT: Book Fair

TIME: 12 p.m.-3 p.m.

LOCATION: 1560 North Hollywood

DETAILS: The Hollywood Community Center will host a Community Book and Literacy Fair, with various vendors and refreshments will be served. Please contact Raquel ReedShaw or James Wells at 901-636-0784.

EVENT: Financial Wellness Seminar

TIME:

LOCATION: 3773 Old Allen

DETAILS: The Cunningham Community Center will be offering a free financial wellness seminar for the elderly and youth in conjunction with Regions Bank on January 18th. There will also be a hat and glove give-away. Please contact Michele Simmons at 901-636-3037.

EVENT: Support Our Girls: Feminine Hygiene Drive

TIME: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

LOCATION: 3910 Ridgeway Road

DETAILS: The Hickory Hill Community Center will collect feminine hygiene items for young ladies that attend Shelby County Schools Beginning December 1st through January 18th. On the 18th with the help of community volunteers will bundle those items into kits and they will be delivered to schools within the Hickory Hill Community.

EVENT: Passport to Financial Fitness

TIME: 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

LOCATION: Benjamin Hooks Central Library; 3030 Poplar Ave.

DETAILS: Bank On Memphis will host the Passport to Financial Fitness event on Saturday, January 18, 2020. The event will be held in the Benjamin Hooks Library meeting rooms to the left of the art gallery from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Financial experts will be on hand to advise people on banking, credit, education, employment, financial counseling, food insecurity, healthcare, housing, income taxes, property taxes, transportation and utilities. Children’s activities will be provided by Junior Achievement.

JAN 20

EVENT: TLC at T.O. Fuller State Park

TIME: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

LOCATION: 1442 Pavilion Drive

DETAILS: Volunteers will meet at 1442 Pavilion Dr. and will split up into teams. Each team will be assigned a team lead and supplies relevant to their site. This project is family and kid friendly.

In an effort to reduce waste, we ask that you bring your own water & water bottle. Make sure to check your email the morning of the project

(Monday January 20, 2020 arrival - 8:30 a.m. start time - 9 a.m.) for inclement weather updates. Barring heavy rain or ice, we will proceed with this project. No email the morning of means the project is a go. Projects include tire collections from nearby illegal dumps, cleaning campground fire pits, community garden beautification, hiking trail cleanup and beautification in TO Fuller State Park’s Butterfly Garden.

EVENT: MLK Day Food Drive

TIME: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

LOCATION: 450 Mulberry St.

DETAILS: Mid-South Food Bank, in partnership with the National Civil Rights Museum, will host our King Day Food Drive benefiting our hungry neighbors across the Mid-South. For this event, volunteers will be outside of the museum collecting nonperishable donations from patrons as they enter through one of the two main entrances and exits.

All volunteers are REQUIRED to arrive 30 to 40 minutes (earlier if desired) prior to their shift. This will ensure enough time to park, sign- in, and receive specific instructions as to where you’ll be stationed during your shift. This will also give existing volunteers time to leave their post and exit the event.

There will be MANDATORY orientation taking place January 13th from 10A to 12P and January 15th from 5:30P to 7:30P. Orientation will be held at Mid-South Food Bank located at 3865 South Perkins.

EVENT: KING DAY 2020 Volunteer (3rd Shift)

TIME: 2:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.

LOCATION: National Civil Rights Museum; 450 Mulberry Street

DETAILS: Volunteers will be assigned to assist museum guests as directional assistants both indoors and outdoors and provide museum information with a warm, friendly attitude.

Qualifications: Good communication and customer service skills; ability to assist guests in a calm, enthusiastic, controlled manner; must have a desire to interact with people of all ages and walks of life; must be flexible and able to work with minimal supervision.

Volunteer Orientation is Mandatory and will be held on Saturday, January 11 at 10 a.m. and Tuesday, January 14 at 6 p.m.. Both orientation sessions will be held in the Hooks-Hyde Hall.

COMMUNITY

Business phenom captures coveted spot with Ted Talk

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

It wasn’t that Malik Mayweather’s mother didn’t want him and his two sisters. But when it became apparent that she and her long-time, live-in boyfriend were going to end their relationship, Malik’s mother made the hardest decision she would ever have to make.

Malik’s father was a successful entrepreneur, and would make the better custodial parent, the parents decided. Mayweather’s three children returned home to Memphis from the Washington D.C. area.

That’s the story Malik Mayweather will take with him when he delivers his 18-minute Ted Talk in Miami later this Spring.

“I’m a 25-year-old business owner completing my masters in Health Administration from the University of Miami Herbert Business School,” Mayweather said. “I learned about the auditions, and I knew there were only 10 spots available.

Hundreds were going to try out, I knew. I just decided to go for it anyway.”

TED began in 1984 as a conference where technology, entertainment and design converged. Today, the confab features accomplished professionals talking about any number of relevant topics — from science to business to global issues. These talks inspire others, motivating listeners to pursue their own personal achievements by sharing life lessons and innovative ideas. TED Talk videos are often viewed by millions around the world – and Malik Mayweather is set to record his segment on April 8. Coming back home

Robert L. Mayweather had no doubts about where Malik and his sisters should be.

“I knew my family and I could make the best provisions for my daughters and son,” he said. “It was the right decision for our situation. Here in Memphis, we could invest the time and nurture required to produce successful, well-ad-

justed adults. I had graduated Howard University, and it was time to return home. There was no way I was leaving my children behind.”

in strength and prowess at a very young age in two of his favorites games—football and baseball. Malik was a promising standout, even then, in little-league baseball and peewee football.

“I am a guy who likes to help people. That’s who I am.”

— Malik Mayweather

And so began the saga of the Mayweather children here in Memphis. Miah, Malik and Maliah had a loving tribe of cousins, great aunts, great uncles, and adoring, doting grandparents who all showered them with love and attention. Their aunt, Robin Mayweather, who became their de facto mom, was called “Momma” and “T-Aunt.” Their grandparents, Billie and Robert Mayweather, were “Meemaw” and “Grotty.”

Almost from the very beginning, it was evident that Malik loved the physicality of playing sports, and that he excelled from above his peers

Making ‘MAGIC’…

“As parents, we are not only required to provide every possible advantage for our children, but we must give them a village in which to grow and thrive as they get older,” said Robert Mayweather. “My girls had all the support and nurture from the women in our family. I wanted to make sure that my son thrived as well with strong, caring role models to guide him.”

Malik’s involvement in sports fueled dreams of playing in the NFL after college. Like thousands of gifted and disciplined hopefuls, that aspiration changed as he grew older and evolved. After earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami in Health Sector Management and Policy, his ambitions changed as other talents and gifts became apparent.

“There should be no plan A, B, or C,” he said. “The real

question is, ‘Who am I?’ Playing football was just a part of who I am. It was one of the things I did, but it was not all of who I am.

“I am a guy who likes to help people. That’s who I am,” Malik Mayweather said. “If what we do does not support who we are, we won’t be happy.”

Part of what makes Malik happy is health and fitness.

“Right now, my business partner and I have an expanding fitness company with a devoted following that has become successful, largely by word of mouth,” he said. “We help people reach their health and wellness goals.”

After earning his masters degree this Spring, he wants to get into hospital administration – preferably dealing with clients.

“Client relations is the direction my talents are directing

BRIEFS & THINGS

River City Capital awarded $225,000 to help local businesses grown

River City Capital Investment (RCC), an affiliate of Community Lift, was awarded $225,000 from the U. S. Department of Treasury as a part of their community development financial institution (CDFI) Fund.

“This is flexible, no-cost capital that RCC can use to increase the volume of its products and services,” said Babacar Thiaw, lending executive in Residence at River City Capital. “This is great not only for us as an organization, but also for the city of Memphis. We go beyond traditional lending, and this is an opportunity for us to help people in underserved communities.”

The award is intended to expand economic opportunities via CDFIs in economically distressed and underserved areas. RCC plans to use the funds to help businesses in Whitehaven along with other communities in the city. As such, they have been working with organizations like the Greater Whitehaven Economic Redevelopment Corporation (GWERC) to identify businesses that may benefit from their services.

“Economic opportunities like RCC helps GWERC to remain true to our commitment of helping the Whitehaven community to reach its full potential through the revitalization and redevelopment of businesses and the promotion of economic development in the area,” said Trey McKnight, executive director, GWERC.

(For more information, visit www.RiverCityCapital.org.)

UofM, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare ‘MAAP’ career pathways

The University of Memphis and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare have formed a new partnership with a joint program called MAAP (Methodist Associate Advancement Program), aimed at removing barriers to the pursuit of higher education for MLH Associates.

“We are excited to add Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare as a corporate partner,” said Dr. Richard L. Irwin, executive dean of UofM Global & Academic Innovation. “The MLH vision for fostering Associate advancement aligns with our goals of building on the success of the FedEx LiFE program and extending that success to remove barriers to post-secondary education.”

Through MAAP, UofM Global offers online education for scheduling flexibility, direct billing to MLH for tuition expenses (MLH covers up to $4,000 per year) and Experiential Learn-

me,” he said. “It’s all a matter of deciding who I am and who the Lord wants me to be.”

The Mayweather clan and extended family members plan to be front and center in Miami when Malik takes the stage. “Oh, you can be sure, we will be right there,” Robert Mayweather said.

“Most of the news about young, African-American men is not good. I’ve seen celebrity speakers and other professionals sharing the conventional wisdom they have learned,” he said. “Malik is much younger than those speakers are, and black men on the TED stage are a precious few.

“This is important. This is a great milestone, and we will be there to celebrate and cheer him on,” he added. “The man my son has become is an answer to prayer. And we are all very grateful.”

ing Credit for knowledge, training and skills from previous work/life experience.

The MAAP Prep Academy provides a resource for students needing to earn high school equivalency or those with little to no college or online course experience. The Prep Academy offers self-paced online coursework and covers topics such as academic success skills, life skills and professional skills development.

Those who complete the Academy earn admission to the UofM plus 12 college credit hours. A UofM Global Advocate serves as the point of contact from enrollment through completion, and 24-hour tutoring is available. The Advocate will also evaluate transcripts and help Associates find the shortest path to completion.

Methodist Associates can choose from four bachelor’s programs: Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Leadership or Health Sciences, or a Bachelor of Professional Studies with a concentration in Organizational Leadership or Health Services. Two professional certification programs will be added to the program in March, Certified Nursing Assistant and Surgical Technologist.

“When an Associate walks through our doors on their first day of work, we believe that day can represent the very beginning of a rewarding journey of advancement and career progress,” said Michael Ugwueke, president and CEO for Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare.

“Education and skill development are the fuel of anyone’s career advancement, which is why we are so excited to offer these new opportunities to our Associates.”

(For more details, visit maap.memphis.edu.)

Nominations now due for 2020 Women of Achievement awards

Nominations are being accepted now for the 36th annual Women of Achievement awards. The nomination form can be found at www. womenofachievement.org and must be emailed or postmarked by Monday Jan. 13.

The awards given by a coalition of women and organizations honor outstanding community service and leadership in the categories of Initiative, Heroism, Courage, Determination, Vision, Steadfastness and Heritage. Find full definitions and a complete list of past honorees on the WA website.

The annual awards celebration will be March 29 during National Women’s History Month. To participate in the selection process or to help plan the event, become a member of Women of Achievement. The initial selections session is set for Jan. 25.

(For more details or questions, contact Deborah Clubb at dclubb@memphiswomen.org or by phone 901-378-3866.)

Oh my goodness!... Shelby County Democratic Party activist Lexie Carter (right) was the center of attention at a surprise birthday bash coordinated by Felicia Bean Catering and held at Spindini Memphis on South Main on Jan. 3. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

MAGIC (Making All Girls

was in The House Of Mtenzi Museum at 1289 Madison Ave. for

recent gathering, which included Georgia King, Patricia Lee and and Ellen “Butterflyy” Allen, and helped advance the play “A Cougar’s Passion” that is set for The Little Theatre at LeMoyne-Owen College on Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Malik Mayweather

DATE: 1/17/20 STARTS: 8:00:PM WHERE: 66 South Cooper Street, Memphis, TN 38104

DESCRIPTION:

In the 1950s, on the downtown streets of Memphis, Rock and Roll was born. The marriage of downtrodden blues, uplifting gospel and forlorn country made way to a genre of music that would, one day, speak to the soul of the entire world. But for now, in a seedy bar on Beale, this music has spoken to the soul of a local country-boy. The girl that the sound has come from has stolen his heart. Will the objections from their families or the challenges of society be too much for the couple to withstand? Or will Huey and Felecia let nothing steal their rock and roll? Performances will run Thursday through Saturday with an 8:00 pm curtain. Sunday Matinees have a 2:00 pm curtain. Special ticket pricing for opening weekend $27. Pay What You Can performance, sponsored by Arts First and the First Tennessee Foundation is January 23rd.

THE SCIENCE OF BEER

DATE: 1/17/20

STARTS: 6:30:PM

WHERE: 3050 Central Ave. Memphis, TN 38111

DESCRIPTION: Participants must be 21 or over to attend. Taste beer from professional craft breweries and home brewers. Talk to local brewers, attend guided tasting sessions, or learn through experience with our beer goggle challenges and science experiments with beer. Enjoy your beer with food from some of the best local restaurants. Follow the Pink Palace Science of Beer event on Facebook for the latest updates and information.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 901.636.2362 or visiting ScienceofBeer2020.bpt.me.

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA

SORORITY 112TH FOUNDERS DAY AND THE PHI LAMBDA

OMEGA CHAPTER’S 20TH CHARTERING ANNIVERSARY

DATE: 1/18/20

STARTS: 10:00:AM

WHERE: 939 Ridge Lake Blvd.

DESCRIPTION:

An exciting weekend is planned to celebrate Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 112th Founders Day and the Phi Lambda Omega Chapter’s 20th Chartering Anniversary. This is an opportunity for the public and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha to celebrate Phi Lambda Omega’s 20 years of service in the Memphis and Mid-South with a Celebration Luncheon on January 18th @ 10 a.m. and Gospel Brunch on January 19th @ 11 a.m., both at the Hilton Memphis. Our musical special guest is Gospel Artist Jekalyn Carr and special performances by Trio Plus of Memphis and Gospel Artist Titus Showers. Attire for the luncheon is Sea of Pink and Green Dressy Attire and for the Gospel Brunch is All White Dressy Attire. Tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite. https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/ aka-112th-founders-dayphi-lambda-omega-chapter-chartering-anniversary-tickets-72203910841

INDECENT

DATE: 1/24/20

STARTS: 8:00:PM

WHERE: 51 S. Cooper St. Memphis, TN DESCRIPTION:

In 1923, a Jewish theatre troupe produced a controversial play on Broadway that led to the entire company being arrested on the grounds of obscenity. Playwright, Paula Vogel, recounts the controversy surrounding this play and the lives of the actors who created it. Indecent questions the fear of love, the joy of making art, and the courage to do so during the rise of Nazism. Playhouse on the Square’s Production of Indecent Will Run in Conjunction with NJFT Holocaust Remembrance Days Playhouse on the Square is proud to participate in the 6th annual National Jewish Theater Foundation Holocaust Theater International Initiative - Remembrance Readings. This production commemorates: International Holocaust Memorial Day - Monday January 27, 2020; Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day)

- April 20-21, 2020; and Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass) - November 9-10, 2020. With our talents we honor the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. Our collective artistic goal is to keep alive their memories, stories, and, never to be forgotten lessons. May the power of live theatre serve as a moral compass in today’s world and for future generations. Performances will run Thursday - Saturday 8:00 p.m. curtain and with 2:00 pm curtain on Sunday. For tickets, call the Box Office at (901) 726-4656 or visit our website www.playhouseonthesquare.org. Group rates are also available. Special ticket pricing for opening weekend $27. Pay What You Can performance, sponsored by Arts First and the First Tennessee Foundation is January 30th.

ROARING 20S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION HOSTED BY THE MEMPHIS ZETAS!

DATE: 1/25/20 STARTS: 7:00:PM

Jubilee Day…

The 39th Annual Jubilee Day Program at St. Paul Baptist Church on Holmes Rd., where the Rev. Christopher Davis serves as pastor, was held on New Year’s Day. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

LeMoyne-Owen grinds out tough win over Morehouse

by Terrisa C. Mark Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The New Year brought a clash of HBCU hoops in Memphis on Monday evening, with LeMoyne-Owen College hosting Morehouse and pulling out a close 74-69 win over the visiting Maroon Tigers.

LeMoyne Owen was coming off a thrilling 80-64 win last weekend over Albany State University. Meanwhile, Morehouse was recovering from a 49-70 blowout loss to Miles College.

Classes haven’t resumed yet, but that didn’t stop more than 250 basketball fans from checking out the game at Bruce Johnson Hall. LOC got off to a fast start, with Tyrone Banks scoring LOC’s first bucket just 15 seconds into the game.

“I thought we started the game with a lot of good energy,” said LOC head coach William Anderson. “We seem to be playing in the system that seems to be working for us.”

But the game slowed down when LeMoyne-Owen’s Tory Mason landed awkwardly, dislocating his shoulder. The entire game changed, as the fast pace that the Magicians like to play vanished and Morehouse was able to close the gap.

“When we lost him, it took us a while to overcome not having his hustle on the floor,” Anderson said.

Fortunately, Anderson had “The Booker Brothers” to help speed up the game again. Jordan Booker scored nine first half points while his brother Devin crashed the boards, reeling in four defensive rebounds.

“They have heart,” he said. “They just play so hard and don’t give up. They have the desire to do the little things, whatever it takes to win. We always want guys like that on the floor.”

Morehouse’s Robert Andrews scored 13 first-half points to keep the game close at halftime, 3735. Andrews, who finished with 21 points for Morehouse, scored a basket that gave Morehouse a brief lead. But Banks answered with back-to-back threes. He finished with 21 points.

With just 1:23 remaining, the game was tied at 69, but LeMoyne-Owen’s Jaquan Lawrence scored on a fast-break opportunity that gave the Magicians the lead and the win. Lawrence led all scorers with 23 points.

Next for LeMoyne-Owen: The Magicians travel to Miles College on Sat. Jan. 11 at 3 p.m., the first of four consecutive road games.

GRITGRINDGRIZZ

Grizzled veterans Crowder, Hill guiding Grizz cubs

by Lee Eric Smith lesmith@tsdmemphis.com

After Tuesday night’s 119-112 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, your Memphis Grizzlies are currently ranked No. 9 in the Western Conference — just a half-game behind the San Antonio Spurs for the No. 8 seed in the NBA Playoffs.

Yes, I said the “P” word, because well, darn it, these young cubs have played themselves into that position. Now sporting a 16-22 record, one could argue that a more experienced Grizzlies team –one that knows how to protect leads and win close games –would have a winning record and be seeded even higher.

And lest we get too carried away: Yes, it’s still only January and early season games don’t matter. Often, when a young team plays well early in a season, it’s easy to be dismissive – to say that Playoff Contender X hasn’t integrated new players just yet, or that Championship Contender Y has been resting players.

But however it’s happened, the Grizzlies are now riding a three-game winning streak with the next five games at FedExForum. Many of the teams they’ll face in January are below .500, so there is a chance the momentum continues.

works for Memphis.

Or, they might just stand pat. If no deal materializes, the worst that happens is that Iguodala’s $17 million gives Memphis more cap flexibility in the offseason. Zach Kleiman and the Grizzlies front office have worked magic this season, so there’s no reason to believe they won’t make a solid move, if not a spectacular one.

But it’s the ripple effect I’m more concerned with – namely, team chemistry. Which brings me to Jae Crowder and Solomon Hill.

Valuable Veterans

It’s media-types like me that are talking playoffs. In the Grizzlies locker room, they know better.

“You take it one game at a time, block out all the noise,” Crowder said Tuesday. “I just really feel that’s the message we should preach as leaders –just take it one game at a time.”

Spoken like a veteran. While superstar rookie Ja Morant has electrified the NBA with his drives and dunks, and Jaren Jackson Jr. has rediscovered his stroke from the arc, it’s been veterans like Crowder and Hill that have helped this team mature much faster than initially expected.

“A lot of (what they talk about in games) is learning patience and picking spots... figuring out how to get to your spots better,” Jackson said. “If I’m not being aggressive enough, or if I forced a shot . . . They’re really good at that.”

‘You take it one game at a time, block out the noise... that’s the message we should be preaching as leaders.’

– Jae Crowder, on playoff buzz

Grizzlies evolve into a good team.

The elephant NOT in the room

Andre Iguodala has stayed away from the team in hopes of either a buyout or trade to a championship contender. But Memphis wants draft picks and/or young talent back in any deal for Iguodala and his $17.1 million expiring contract – and they have no reason to rush.

I do believe an Iguodala trade will get done, though it might not be to a true contender. Title favorites like the Lakers and Clippers don’t have the young talent and picks Memphis wants. It will likely take a third team, probably a lottery team looking for cap relief, to facilitate a trade that

It certainly helps.

“It’s awesome when you can just take a step back and let (the veterans lead),” Jenkins said after the Minnesota win. “To be able to lean on your vets – sometimes behind closed doors, not even in a game situation – I take that experience and roll with it, because it helps me grow as a coach too.”

But lo and behold, the Grizzlies are well on their way to becoming a good team right now. And guess what good teams – ones that make playoff runs – have? They have 2-3 savvy veterans who embrace their roles on the team and just help everything run smoother.

Which is exactly what the Grizzlies have now in Crowder, Hill and Kyle Anderson. In other words, the Grizzlies could trade Crowder or Hill, maybe as soon as this month – but eventually, they would be looking for players to bring just what those guys already do.

In fact, if I’m putting on my general manager hat, one scenario I’m considering is this: Allow Iguodala’s contract to expire this summer and use the cap space to re-sign Crowder and, if possible, Hill.

At the beginning of the season, the prevailing logic was that Crowder and Hill were not a part of the team’s long term plans. Both on expiring contracts, they were supposed to come in, mentor the youngsters and accept their roles until their inevitable trade for more young assets – until the

Solomon Hill has been a reliable veteran for the Grizzlies.

The trade deadline is Feb. 6, followed by AllStar Weekend and the giddiness of a possible return to playoff contention.

But the Grizzlies aren’t thinking about all that. Like vets, they’re taking it one game at a time.

GRIND ON!

PREP BASKETBALL: MEMPHIS HOOPFEST

Stars shine at Memphis Hoopfest

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Memphis Hoopfest 2020 was a success on and off the court this season. For the first time in the history of the tournament, the most top players across multiple TSSAA classes played in the games. Hoopfest also featured the No. 1 and No. 3 teams in the MaxPreps Top 25: Montverde Academy (Florida) and IMG Academy (Florida).

Before standing-room crowds at three different game sites, the players everyone came to see did not disappoint.

Briarcrest’s Kennedy Chandler controlled the game in the matchup against IMG. Former Memphian Mathew Murrell plays for IMG and had his homecoming spoiled by Chandler, as Briarcrest got the 32-22 win. Chandler scored 12 in the win.

Lausanne’s Moussa Cisse dominated in the two games he played in. Lausanne won both games. Cisse had a triple-double (31 points, 17 rebounds and 10 blocks) in the win on Saturday over St. Louis Vashon 6850.

In another feature game, Cisse and Lausanne took on Wooddale and its own prep sensation Johnathan Lawson. Lawson has blossomed since his brother Chandler Lawson graduated, last season, and is now averaging a near triple double himself.

Cisse had another great game against Wooddale, dropping 17 of his 19 points in the second half. Cisse added 16 rebounds and

shots

For more coverage, including an extended

eight blocked

in the (70-59) win over Wooddale.

Above: Moussa Cisse had two monster games during Memphis Hoopfest, including a triple-double (31 points, 17 rebounds and 10 blocks) in Lausanne’s 6850 win over St. Louis Vashon on Jan. 4.

Left: Former Whitehaven star Matthew Murrell, who plays for IMG Academy in Florida, guards Briarcrest’s Kennedy Chandler. Briarcrest got the 32-22 win over No. 3 ranked IMG Academy, ruining Murrell’s return home.

Below: Matthew Murrell of IMG Academy; Kennedy Chandler of Briarcrest Christian School. (Photos: Terry Davis)

Lee Eric Smith GritGrindGrizz

(Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

(Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

LeMoyne-Owen’s Jaquan Lawrence impressively dunks during the game against Morehouse College and scores a total of 23 points for the night. (Photo: Terry Davis)