The New Tri-State Defender – January 14-20, 2021

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January 14 - 20, 2021

VOL. 70, No. 2

Dr. Miriam DeCosta-Willis dead at 86 First African-American faculty member at Memphis State University (1966)

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Trailblazing academician Dr. Miriam DeCosta-Willis believed that education was a tool that positioned one “to give back.”

Surrounded by her family Thursday morning at 5:30, Dr. Mariam DeCosta-Willis died peacefully at her East Memphis home.

Dr. Miriam She was 86.

DeCosta-Willis A private service at a local cemetery was scheduled for this week, with a public memorial envisioned for later in the year. Director Andre Jones at R.S. Lewis Funeral Home has charge of final arrange-

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$1.00

Trump impeached, again!

Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

First came the testimony and closing arguments – Congress members laid out a four-year reign of terror that was Donald Trump’s presidency.

Then came the verdict – Congress voted to impeach Trump, and in the process, placed an exclamation stamp at the end of perhaps the most divisive presidency in American history.

It also marked the first time that a president was impeached twice – in Trump’s case, it is the second consecutive January that House members agreed to the strongest rebuke it could provide a sitting president.

Trump was impeached in 2020 for obstruction of Congress and abuse of power. This time, Congress nailed him for “incitement of insurrection,” a shameful charge – probably the

On the day before he was impeached for the second time, President Trump told reporters the process was the continuation of a witch hunt. (Screen capture) most dishonorable of any president.

The Senate must now host a trial and decide whether to remove Trump, who has just one week remaining in his term.

“For years, we have been asked

to turn a blind eye to the criminality, corruption, and blatant disregard to the rule of law by the tyrant president we have in the White House.

We as a nation can no longer look away,” Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) declared.

Democratic Rep. Jim McGovern, the Chairman of the House Rules Committee, blasted: “President Donald Trump and his allies were stoking the anger of a violent mob.”

“A member of this very body proclaimed on that stage, today is the day American patriots start taking down names and kicking ass,” McGovern, of Massachusetts stated.

“Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani called for trial by combat.

Then Donald Trump told the crowd, ‘we’re going to have to fight much harder. You’ll never take back our country with weakness.”

Despite some pushback from die-

hard Trump supporters in Congress, the House voted to impeach the 45th president.

Unlike the first time the House impeached, Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), the Senate Republican leader, has expressed some uncertainty about his stance on impeachment.

At least seven Republicans have voiced that they favor impeaching Trump.

Some involved in the unfolding dynamics argue that if convicted in the Senate, Trump would no longer be eligible to hold public office, lose his $200,000 pension for the rest of his life and forfeit a $1 million per year travel allowance. Others dispute that conclusion.

Trump would still maintain eligibility for secret service protection.

The House impeachment resolu-

SEE TRUMP ON PAGE 3

SEE LEGACY ON PAGE 2

Claude Talford, former emergency operations chief for MFD, dead at 65 from COVID-19

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Claude Talford, greatly loved by colleagues at the Memphis Fire Department, where he was a trailblazer during the administration of former Mayor Dr. Willie W. Herenton, is one of the COVID-19 pandemic’s latest casualties.

After contracting the virus, Talbert was admitted to Baptist Memorial Hospital three weeks ago with issues related to respiratory distress. He died Thursday morning.

“I have been overClaude whelmed by Talford the outpouring of support of friends, family and even strangers who have shared their love for Claude with us,” said his wife, Jane Venson-Talford.

“It has been a welcome reminder of how loving our fellow man can be, even in stark contrast to the hatred and negativity being

SEE TALFORD ON PAGE 2

Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina, testifying during the impeachment hearings of President Donald Trump, said “This president’s refusal to participate in the peaceful transfer of power and his role in inciting last week’s violence is a threat to our Constitution and democracy. This threat must be extinguished immediately. This president must be impeached and convicted. And he must be prevented from ever attempting to seize power again.” (Quotes from other representatives on PAGE 5) (Photo: C-SPAN)

COMMENTARY

After the Capitol siege, will we even be able to talk to each other?

TSD columnist’s inner debate on how America moves forward

by Lee Eric Smith lesmith@tsdmemphis.com

I am known to be an optimist, some might even say naively so. I prefer the word pairing of “idealistic pragmatist” or “pragmatic idealist,” whichever floats your boat.

As a turbulent Trump presidency has metastasized into an insurrectionist assault on the U.S. Capitol last week, I’m trying to reconcile the two.

The idealism is that I am profoundly and personally inspired by the American principles of “We the People”:

Lee Eric Smith

the principles of free speech, free assembly, freedom of religion, and freedom of the press. Even though the Framers fell spectacularly short of living up to them, the ideals they wrote about resonate in the core

of humanity.

That’s why America, for all its historical problems, is a beacon of hope around the world. The nation’s motto is “E Pluribus Unum” – “Out of many, one.” It’s the pursuit of an ideal that despite our differences, we CHOOSE to be united. What can I

say? I love my country.

The pragmatic dilemma is: How do you reverse engineer that ideal of America – especially when it’s the President of the United Freakin’ States himself that’s dividing us?

I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not realistic to expect our elected officials to talk to each other across the aisle when we, the people, are unwilling to do the same. And, as somebody who is trying to “not just talk about it but BE about it,” I wanted to reach out to some of my more conservative white college friends from my Ole Miss days.

So I called Frank.

The last time I talked with Frank was shortly after George Floyd died under the weight of a police officer’s knee. Also in the news, our home state

of Mississippi finally retired America’s last remaining state flag with a Confederate flag embedded in it.

It should be noted that when I talk with Frank, I’m not trying to convince him of anything. Not trying to tell him he’s wrong for believing what he believes, and it works both ways. Accepting that neither of us will be changing positions creates a certain freedom to explore the space in between.

There goes that pragmatism again: You can’t create a safe space for communication if people feel like they must walk on eggshells with you. And you might wonder: What’s the point? If you’re not trying to debunk the lies, why even bother?

SEE CHAOS ON PAGE 3

The New Tri-State Defender

January 14 - 20, 2021

Page 2

NEWS LEGACY

CONTINUED FROM FRONT ments.University professor and author, Dr. DeCosta-Willis was born Nov. 1, 1934, in Florence, Alabama to educators Beautine and Frank DeCosta. She grew up in the South, but graduated from Westover School in Connecticut and received a B.A. degree, Phi Beta Kappa, from Wellesley College, in Wellesley, Massaschusetts, as well as masters and doctorate degrees from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

Prior to attending Johns Hopkins University, she applied to Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis), to begin work on her masters degree, but MSU did not accept African-American students.

Dr. Miriam DeCosta-Willis with her son, Judge Tarik Sugarmon. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku) “Both she and (the late) Maxine Smith (renowned educator and civil rights icon) were turned down,” said Municipal Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon, Willis’ eldest child. “But Mother graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Wellesley. She should have been admitted.

“Instead, she came north to Johns Hopkins University, earning both a masters and a doctorate in two years. Earning both a masters and doctorate should have taken five years. She became the first African-American woman to earn a degree from Johns Hopkins, and the third African American.”

In her 40-year career in education, she taught at LeMoyne and Owen Colleges ( and later, at the merged institution for a decade). She blazed a distinguished trail in history as the first African-American faculty member at Memphis State University in 1966, the university which had rejected her as a student only a decade earlier.

Later, Dr. De-Costa-Willis would chair the Department of Romance Languages at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The accomplished academician also was named Commonwealth Professor of Spanish at George Mason University in 1989, and was director of Graduate Studies in the Department of African Amer-

ican Studies at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, from which she retired in 1999.

Sugarmon reflected on the “wonderful memories and legacy of giving” left by his mother.

“In a conversation I had with her just recently, I got the opportunity to say how much I appreciated that she never gave up on her children,” Sugarmon said. “She never discouraged us from any endeavor. She never said, ‘You can’t do it.’ Mother would say, ‘You have the strength and education to do it.’

“But two things she insisted on: that we prepare and that we give back to help others.”

Dr. DeCosta-Willis was an activist throughout her life.

She organized a student protest at Wilkinson High School and joined her mother in the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

She was jailed several times in Memphis, along with other activists, for participating in civil rights demonstrations.

Willis also organized and led a boycott of Memphis Public Schools during her civil rights activism.

On December 14, the University of Memphis staged an unveiling ceremony of a marker in front of Jones Hall, renaming the building for her.

“She was unable to be there herself, but Dr. Willis saw the unveiling live,” said Linda Hall, Dean of Minority Affairs. “It was really cold that day, but her son, Judge Tarik was there with other members of the family to witness the event. It was past time and due time that the university honored Dr. Willis. She was able to call in and offer words of acceptance. I’m so happy she was still here to see that day.”

Sugarmon said his mother grew up on college campuses and was raised to believe in education.

“Her grandfather taught at Alabama State, and the family later moved to South Carolina State where he taught as well.

In Atlanta, she grew up on the campuses of Morehouse and Spellman. That love for education was passed down to us from both my mother and father.”

In 1955, she married Russell Sugarmon Jr., a civil rights attorney, and they had four children. Later, she married A.W. Willis Jr., an attorney, busi-

nessman and the first African American elected to the Tennessee Legislature since Reconstruction.

“It was more than 50 years after Dr. Willis came to this campus that we honored her,” said Hall. “There was no place on campus to acknowledge her contributions to the university. The renaming of Jones Hall was part of an initiative launched by President David Rudd.

“It was during that period of awakening when the world watched George Floyd lose his life that our president realized that this university must be a beacon of racial harmony and reconciliation.”

Dr. DeCosta-Willis was co-founder of the Memphis Black Writers’ Workshop, and a prolific and noted author of eight books, including: “Blacks in Hispanic Literature,” “Erotique Noire,” “The Memphis Diary of Ida B. Wells,” “Daughters of the Diaspora,” and recently, “Notable Black Memphians.”

A columnist, lecturer, consultant and visiting scholar, she was chair of the Tennessee Humanities Council, associate editor of Sage: A Scholarly Journal of Black Women, and editorial board member of the Afro-Hispanic Review.

Family friend Lois Williams has known the Willis’ children for 33 years.

“I live in Midtown, right across the street from Elena,” said Williams. “Elena called me last night and said that her mother was not doing very well. I reminded Elena of how many wonderful memories she had with her mother. Every year, Dr. Willis would take her children and grandchildren on vacation.”

Sugarmon recalled growing up that he never knew his parents were public figures. They were just “ordinary people to us.”

“My mom and dad were very unassuming,” said Sugarmon. “We just remember going out in public with them and everyone being so kind and gracious. Mother loved mentoring young scholars and teaching young people. She relished every moment in academia.

“Mother left behind blessings for us that we will share with others,” said Sugarmon.

“We loved her dearly, and we knew she loved us.”

TALFORD

CONTINUED FROM FRONT displayed in our nation today.”

Venson-Talford is the daughter of Cotton Makers’ Jubilee Board Chair Clyde Venson, a human resource manager at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis-Memphis Branch.

She is also president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter.

“My husband did not have to be a COVID-19 statistic,” said Venson-Talford, who has become an advocate for obeying Centers for Disease Control precautions and taking the vaccine.

“So much more could have been done to encourage community members to take safety precautions. I am hopeful that others will continue to participate in vaccine trials. This is so important. And, I will continue to encourage everyone to get a COVID-19 vaccine.”

Talford joined the Memphis Fire Department as a private in 1979. He was voted top recruit of Probationary Class #55, the first African American to receive the honor. In March of 1989, Talford was promoted to lieutenant. In 1993, he served as acting battalion chief, before being promoted to the position in 1995.

In 2001, Talford was promoted to division chief. After one month, he was appointed to chief of emergency operations of the Memphis Fire Division. He was the first command staff chief appointed during Mayor Dr. Willie W. Herenton’s administration.

After attaining the rank of

Claude Talford, pictured here with his wife, Jane Venson-Talford, was the first command staff chief appointed during Mayor Dr. Willie W. Herenton’s administration (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley) deputy director, Talford retired in 2004.

Talford’s daughter, Ashley Talford, 34, said her father was “compassionate, tender and extremely loving. He truly is my forever hero. I have no words when I try to sum up what he meant to me.

“He sacrificed so much to help make my goals and aspirations attainable. He taught me that great joy comes from great discipline and a commitment to excellence. I am so proud to be Claude Talford’s daughter, his fighter, his forever baby girl.”

Venson-Talford finds comfort in the fact that so many appreciated the man she loved.

“Claude was a man that never hesitated when duty called,” Venson-Talford said. “He has been a wonderful father, and husband, a great provider, a

shining example and model citizen. He was always willing to roll up his sleeves and do the work that others thought was too hard or emotionally challenging.

“Claude was willing to always do what was right and for the right reasons. He never let the misunderstanding by others deter him. He loved with all his heart.”

Final arrangements are as follows: Wednesday, Jan. 13, a visitation is scheduled for 4 p.m.-6 p.m. at R.S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Home, 2944 Walnut Grove Rd. The funeral service is Thursday, Jan. 14, at 11 a.m. at Brown Baptist Church, 7200 Swinnea Rd., Southaven, Mississippi.

Interment follows at Memorial Park Cemetery, Memphis.

Masking and social distancing will be strictly enforced.

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The New Tri-State Defender

January 14 - 20, 2021

Page 3

NEWS CHAOS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

The idealist and the pragmatist both answer: Simply having the conversation.

That’s the point. To keep alive this idea that people can disagree without being disagreeable.

So, on the eve of Donald Trump’s second impeachment for inciting an insurrection, I called Frank – only to get his voicemail. The next day, with a stream of impeachment arguments blaring in my ear, I called again and again. No luck. The idealist resists the urge to make any assumptions about why he hasn’t called back yet.

The pragmatist goes onto his Facebook page to see what he’s posted. Interestingly enough there’s a pre-election meme for his cover image. It reads “Jobs not mobs – Vote for America’s future” across a splitscreen image of Trump and an angry mob. Funny how context changes things.

Anyway, I scroll past a deleted post and some grousing about Twitter closing Trump’s account before I land on this one, posted just hours before the siege: “I’m sure there are some hard-core racists who would disagree with me, but I love Donald Trump.”

As I chuckled at the idea of what a “soft-core racist” might look like, I clicked to read the comments. Of course, many echoed their adoration for Trump, one referring to him as a “savior.” One guy posted pictures of the invasion followed by a two-word post: “Nice job.” For the record, Frank believes there was election fraud (his pre-election prediction: Trump 310 electoral votes, Biden 228), but he denounces the mob’s actions at the Capitol.

Yet I also found genuine outrage, revulsion and regret from some Trump supporters in Frank’s feed.

“I’m sick that I voted for someone so stuck on himself that he has no respect for the Constitution,” one person wrote. And some of Frank’s toughest criticism on his own page comes from his more progressive-minded older brothers.

Yet conspicuously missing, for the most part, was any acknowledgment that it was Trump’s own words that lit the fuse on the insurrection. I decided to fill the gap.

“Does he bear ANY responsibility for the events of Jan. 6?” I wrote. “Can any of you imagine finding all the tiny bits of your exploded brains if OBAMA had riled an angry mob to storm the Capitol, talking about overthrowing the government and killing lawmakers?

“Seriously? NONE of this $#!+ is HIS fault?

NONE OF IT?!”

So much for those eggshells. And where I was expecting some sort of response from either Frank or another friend, so far . . . crickets. And I still haven’t spoken with him. The idealist hopes it means the door for conversation is still open. Given the alternative, the pragmatist agrees.

Can we still have conversations with “the other side?”

Can we still hear each other out and work for the common good of the country?

Can we disagree without the disagreement ending in violence and attempted coups?

The idealist in me believes that We The People can do these things.

The pragmatist believes that We The People MUST.

COMMENTARY

Black GOP Congressmen who joined the Trump coup must resign

by David A. Love thegrio.com

Two newly-elected Black Republican congressmen signed up in support of the attempted Trump coup and overturn the 2020 presidential election – now it is time for them to resign.

These men joined a conspiracy to delegitimize the votes of Black Americans and desecrated the blood of our ancestors. And their act of sedition resulted in the White supremacist siege on the Capitol.

The two House members are Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT), the former NFL player with ties to the QAnon pro-Trump conspiracy cult, and Byron Donalds (R-FL), a Black conservative and former Tea Party activist. Prior to the U.S. Capitol siege, Owens and Donalds joined the more than 100 Republicans who announced

they would reject the Electoral College votes of certain states that brought presidential victory to Vice President-elect Joe Biden.

Owens, who calls himself the “anti-Colin Kaepernick” and labeled Black Lives Matter “a Marxist organization” comparable to the Ku Klux Klan, spoke at the Republican National Convention last year, praising Trump’s record on race.

Owens tweeted that he was proud to join his GOP colleagues challenging Biden’s Electoral College certification.

“This is not about ‘overturning an election’. This is about protecting the integrity of our elections,” he tweeted. Alliance for a Better Utah, a Utahbased government watchdog group has called for Owens’ resignation.

After calls for Donalds to resign following his objection to the Electoral College cer-

tification, the freshman lawmaker tweeted: “I don’t vote based on my skin; I do so in allegiance to our Constitution & to always follow the Rule of Law. Blue checkmarks live to delegitimize my right as a free Black man to act, think, & vote based on my convictions rather than skin color.”

Donalds and Owens participated in congressional insurrection, which we would expect from their white nationalist colleagues. But the act is particularly egregious when one considers they voted to erase the votes of millions of Black people in battleground states who exercised their solemn right of civic participation.

Black folks were lynched, beaten, shot and maimed simply for the right to vote, for attempting to register to vote and demanding respect as human beings.

Even today, Black Americans struggle against GOP voter suppression.

Reps. Byron Donalds and Burgess Owens (Photo: U.S. House of Representatives) Moreover, these two Black congressmen have blood on their hands. Their seditious acts emboldened the White domestic terrorists who came to Washington armed with guns and bombs, stormed the Capitol, ransacked the place and sought to overthrow the government — killing five people, including a federal police officer, in the process.

Black lawmakers in the Republican Party have come a long way since the days of Frederick Douglass, Senator Hiram Revels and Reps.

Joseph Rainey, Robert Smalls and others who led the way for the race following slavery and emancipation.

It would be funny if it wasn’t so serious, but the

caricatured behavior of these Black drum majors for white supremacy remind us of Uncle Ruckus of The Boondocks fame, and Dave Chappelle’s Clayton Bigsby character, the white hood-wearing, blind Black Klansman who thought he was white. Surely he would be would’ve been a MAGA lover too.

Considering the gravity of the situation and the damage that has been done, theGrio readers should call the offices of Rep. Burgess Owens at (202) 225-3011, and Rep. Byron Donalds at 202-225-2536 and demand they resign immediately.

Because they need to go – yesterday.

State lawmakers return for 2021 legislative session

NASHVILLE – Tennessee lawmakers gathered to start their annual session Tuesday in Nashville amid a pandemic and an FBI probe that drew searches of multiple legislative offices by federal agents last week.

Tennessee’s legislative session is likely to stretch for several months, with a special session called by Republican Gov. Bill Lee on tap starting Jan. 19 to address education challenges that have popped up amid the virus outbreak.

“We have seen dark clouds all across our country,” said House Speaker Cameron Sexton, who was unanimously voted as the top legislative leader for a second two-year term. “Tennessee must continue to be the example of how to work together in these challenging times. What will you do with your time?”

The Republican supermajority General Assembly is also likely to consider some proposals that were paused last year due to COVID-19, including a permitless handgun carry bill backed by Lee.

TRUMP

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

tion that passed on Wednesday cited “incitement and insurrection” for the President’s role in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Before introducing impeachment legislation, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland) attempted to pass a resolution to ask Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove the President from office.

The law has only been used a handful of times, most recently when, on Jun. 8, 2002, President George W. Bush’s powers were transferred to Vice President Dick Cheney for about an hour because Bush was under sedation for a medical procedure.

Section 4 of the Amendment strips power from the President.

It states that the Vice President and a majority of Cabinet can deem the President unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.”

If the 25th Amendment were invoked, Pence would assume the presidency and serve out what remains in Trump’s term.

However, Pence declined to invoke the measure.

However, one of the first things on the Legislature’s agenda is approving whether or not Tennessee should become the first to receive funding in a lump sum for its Medicaid program through a block grant. A vote on the plan is expected toward the end of the week, said Republican House Majority Leader William Lamberth.

The federal government approved the proposal earlier this month, but according to state law, the GOP-dominant Statehouse needs to sign off on the idea for it to take effect.

While Republican lawmakers are expected to easily advance the proposal, President-elect Joe Biden has previously said he opposed blockgrant efforts and has the ability to rescind the change once in office. This has cast doubt on the measure actually be implemented though current Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator Seema Verma has said she believes the new administration should see the 10-year demonstration project through to the end.

In the House, the empty seat of Republican Rep. David Byrd was a stark reminder that Tennessee has seen some of the country’s worst COVID-19 surges per capita in recent weeks. Byrd has endured a long hospitalization with COVID-19, including time on a ventilator.

The virus will heavily shape the legislative discussion. For one, lawmakers are suggesting ways to give themselves the power to limit or overturn emergency orders from future governors during health crises.

Meanwhile, more could also come to light in the federal investigation that spurred last week’s searches of a handful of Republican House offices and the homes of a few lawmakers and at least one former staffer. Federal authorities have not revealed the reason for the probe yet.

Those lawmakers include former House Speaker Glen Casada, Rep. Todd Warner and Rep. Robin Smith — all Republicans.

An attorney for Warner, who just took office after winning

“[Trump] needs to be removed. He’s dangerous,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated, echoing the sentiments of more than 200 members of Congress.

“The president not only incited an insurrection against our government – but has in word and in deed led a rebellion,” Congresswoman Omar declared on the House floor.

“We cannot simply move past this or turn the page for us to be able to survive as a functioning democracy.”

Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-Calif.) also railed against the Pro-Trump insurrectionists as “terrorists radicalized by Donald Trump.”

“We were attacked by terrorists, but this time the terrorists were radicalized right here in the United States,” Congresswoman Chu said.

“Worse, they were radicalized by the President, who intentionally lied to his supporters that the election was stolen, and then told them when to come to D.C., where to protest and who to direct their anger at.

“The need to remove Trump from office could not be more urgent. He is too dangerous to remain in office. Donald Trump must be held accountable. He must be impeached.”

In the impeachment legisla-

tion, Congress members wrote that the “President demonstrated that he would remain a threat to national security, democracy, and the Constitution if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with

Rep. London Lamar (D-Memphis) and (right) State Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) on the job as the 112th Tennessee General Assembly gets underway.

(Photos: Twitter) the seat in 2020, said the Republican was “shocked” when federal agents showed up at his door.

“Federal agents descended on Rep. Warner’s home and business in Marshall County with search warrants, the contents of which remain shrouded in mystery by the government,” Peter Strianse, an attorney from Nashville, said in a statement.

“Rep. Warner can assure the citizens of his district that he has violated no laws and welcomes any investigation,” Strianse added.

Warner on Tuesday said he’d like to apologize to his family, saying “nobody’s family should have to go through something like that for just wanting to serve the citizens of my district and the state of Tennessee.”

Ben Rose, an attorney for Smith, said Friday the lawmaker “intends to cooperate fully with the investigation in all respects.”

“While she would have preferred to do so voluntarily, Robin understands this may not have been possible,” Rose said in a statement. “Robin is not the target of the investigation, and she has not done anything wrong.”

Ahead of Tuesday’s start to session, Smith told reporters she does not want “to do anything to jeopardize what’s going forward.”

“I’m here to do the job,” Smith said. “But just know that right now I want to be very cooperative and very careful. I respect our justice system.”

Casada’s attorney, Ed Yarbrough, declined to comment.

self-governance and the rule of law.”

Further, the resolution states, “President Trump warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or

profit under the United States.”

Specifically, the resolution identifies Trump’s Jan. 2 phone call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger urging him to “find” enough votes to overturn the state’s election results.

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, January 14 - 20, 2021, Page 4

An educator’s view of last week’s mayhem

by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The Jan. 6 assault on the nation’s Capitol was a colossal failure of leadership and responsibility on numerous fronts, and has left our country as divided as ever.

It was an event for the ages.

Literally, at the behest of America’s sitting President, a mob of United States citizens attacked the Congress as lawmakers tried to certify the results of the Nov. 3 presidential elections. Several people were injured, and sadly, some lost their lives, including a Capitol police officer, who was fatally bludgeoned by the mob.

The fallout has been catastrophCurtis ic. Our standing on the world stage as Weathers a “shining city on a hill” of Democracy has been severely diminished.

World leaders mock us. There are deep divisions among our citizenry. Our government is in shambles and the American people’s faith in its democracy has been severely shaken.

As an educator, I could not help but notice the galaxy of teaching and learning material unfolding before my eyes.

I wondered if educators all over America were thinking and seeing the same things.

I know it sounds a bit weird to be excited about all the calamity that is engulfing us, but the learning material being generated is excellent. We are watching academic textbooks come alive in real time and we are actually taking part in the experience.

Let’s start with the Constitution, for example.

Constitutional Law and Social Studies teachers all over America now have new and fresh material they can use to challenge their students when it comes to understanding the U.S. Constitution.

I can see vigorous debates occurring this semester around the topic of free speech and other First Amendment rights.

The rioters, who stormed the capital building, claimed they were merely exercising their First Amendment rights of free speech and protest.

Were they? How does the Constitution describe such a right?

Does the First Amendment address decisions made by Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms to suspend permanently or indefinitely President Trump’s personal accounts.

Did the President and others in government, who put their hands on the Bible and swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution, do what they promised?

“I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter-so help me God.” — Presidential Oath of Office.

Should the President be impeached (again)?

I would love to watch a group of high school students conduct mock impeachment trials for both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Criminal law professors saw on television illegal and criminal activity being committed right before their eyes.

People crushed the doors of the Capitol and vandalized our nation’s most sacred institutions.

Law enforcement personnel and members of the press were assaulted. A protester was fatally shot by a law enforcement officer while she and others tried to force their way into a Capitol chamber. The event was shown on national television.

Professors, help your students identify the crimes and discuss how those who perpetrated those crimes can be charged and prosecuted.

Include also in those discussions the response of law enforcement during the assault.

Was their response adequate? Should they have been better prepared? Was law enforcement complicit?

TSD education columnist Curtis Weathers says, “We must learn from our experiences so that we can better anticipate what is on the horizon and be much better prepared to defeat such aggression in the future. (Screen captures) These are all rich and debatable questions, and should contribute to energetic and robust learning opportunities.

American History teachers can lead discussions about where and how last week’s events fit into our nation’s overall history.

How will history judge President Trump and his administration? What lasting damage have they done to American democracy? How can our reputation as a thriving democracy be repaired?

Civics teachers can bring it all together by showing how all of these elements — government, responsible citizenship, economics, the rule of law — contribute to a healthy and prosperous democracy.

Finally, those who teach courses in leadership have an embarrassment of riches at their disposal.

There are multiple examples of both poor and great leadership among citizens and government officials.

Have your students critique the leadership of President Trump’s, members of Congress, law enforcement and even members of the President’s seditious mob. (Yes, there were examples of leadership, good and bad, among

members of the mob.)

Lastly, no matter what discipline you teach, there always is room in your curriculum for a discussion regarding one’s right to vote and the role free and fair elections play in maintaining the health and vitality of our democratic norms.

We have been witnessing one of the most egregious assaults on our democracy in the history of our nation. The guardrails that are in place to protect us from such attacks seem to be holding for now.

But that does not mean those guardrails will be as strong and resilient the next time around.

We must learn from our experiences so that we can better anticipate what is on the horizon and be much better prepared to defeat such aggression in the future.

Be safe, everyone, and please keep our nation in your prayers.

(Follow TSD education columnist Curtis Weathers on Twitter (@curtisweathers); email: curtislweathers@ gmail.com.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

January 14 - 20, 2021

Page 5

NEWS

Quotes from the House

President Trump impeached for second time

“After President Trump was impeached, Susan Collins said, ‘He’s learned a pretty big lesson.

He was impeached.’ Then, he brought his wild riotous television show that he produced for one person, individual one. Intelligence reports indicate that the people he said he loves and are special are going to attack this city and attack this Capitol next week. He has not asked them not to do it. He’s not told them to stand down. I am most (fearful) for January 20 because I think he will go out with a bang and take attention away from Biden.”

— Rep. Steve Cohen

“President Trump’s actions encouraging, inciting a mob that stormed the United States Capitol for the sole purpose of stopping the constitutional counting of votes cannot go unanswered by this body. ... To the millions of Americans watching today, I hope you understand we are proceeding on this path out of love for our country.”

— Rep. Joe Neguse

“Let us be very clear, what took place on January 6, 2021 was an act of domestic terrorism by right-wing white supremacists … instigated by the president in the White House.

The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it sets to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil it multiplies it.”

— Rep. Yvette D. Clarke

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to support impeachment. I do so with a heavy heart and a lasting and searing memory of being in this gallery, this people’s house, right up there, “Last Wednesday’s events were not just fearing for my life and why? Because the the breach of a building but a breach of our president of the United States incited others to democracy, a threat to our republic and who we be violent, a mob of insurgencies in this house. are as Americans. Donald Trump incited threat(s) It’s unacceptable. It led to the killing of five against America and overturn(ing) the will of the Americans. Blood is on this house. We must American people. We must send a clear message do something about it. I ask that we move from that committing sedition disqualifies him from ‘stopping the steal’ to healing. The healing serving another day in office.” requires accountability. Everyone must be — Rep. Steven Horsford accountable.”

— Rep. Terri Sewell

“The President radicalized American citizens and as his Vice President fled from a lynch mob, the Speaker cowered; and while people died, he watched with glee. That is why even though it is only seven days before the end of his term, we have the fierce urgency of now. Seven days is too long for him to be in power. He could declassify state secrets and he could even pardon the person who killed our U.S. Capitol police officer.”

“In Michigan’s 13, we speak truth to power, even in the face of a racist-in-chief. Those who incited an attack on the people’s house do not talk about healing and unity. They have torn this country apart. They have stoked the fire and then handed the gasoline to Donald Trump. Dr. King once said, ‘true peace is not the absence of tension. It is in the presence of justice.’ Today, we must embody those words.

And we must understand that peace must be centered in truth and action. We cannot … sit idly by after a violent attempted coup and allow hate to continue. Today, we stand up for our constituents, who continue to be harmed.”

— Rep. Rashida Tlaib

“Let me make everybody aware that on those … sun-bleached bones of history … of many great nations are written those pathetic words: ‘too late.’ They moved too late to save their great nations. Let us not this day move too late to save our great nation.”

— Rep. David Scott

(Photos: C-SPAN)

— Rep. Gwen Moore

“I’m certain that every member of Congress would say if they had been in Congress when John Lewis walked across that Edmund Pettus bridge that they stood on the right side of history.

Well, Madam Speaker, today, we’re going to see exactly what side of history you all are going to be on.”

— Rep. Hank Johnson Jr.

The New Tri-State Defender

January 14 - 20, 2021

Page 6

RELIGION

Honoring Judge Teresa Jones...

Mayor Jim Strickland, who appointed then Shelby County Schools board member Teresa Jones to the Memphis Municipal Court, spoke at her funeral service at Midtown Church of Christ, 1930 Union Ave., on Monday. Judge Jones died Jan. 2 after losing her battle with cancer. She was 61. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Shonda L. English

Memphis tapped to host Rhythm of Gospel Awards

A tradition continues...

Union Valley Baptist Church, 1051 McLemore Ave., was the venue as Citizens For Better Service presented the 28th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Award Program for Outstanding Students/Community Role Models in Honor of State Rep. Barbara Cooper. Pictured (l-r): Dr. Kenny Brewer, Minister Johnny Culp, the Rev. Dr. H.O. Kneeland, Memphis Theological Seminary President Jody Hill (the guest speaker), and the Rev. David Gaulmon. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Speaking of ‘Praise’...

The Rev. Ricky Dugger, vice president of the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association, chose “Praise” as the focus of his sermon to the group on Tuesday. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

The Rhythm of Gospel Awards national celebration of its 13th year is slated for Memphis this September.

Shonda L. English, president of the National & Independent Gospel Music Association (NIGMA), will detail the Rhythm of Gospel Awards celebration at a media conference at the Guesthouse at Graceland Hotel on Saturday (Jan. 16).

The annual event features a variety of showcases, competitions and achievement galas. Outstanding churches/pastors, choirs and independent gospel music artist of all genres will be recognized for “outstanding contributions toward the betterment and advancement of their communities.”

For more information, visit https:// bit.ly/2LRtxha.

The New Tri-State Defender

January 14 - 20, 2021

Page 7

ENTERTAINMENT

Indie Memphis, Malco Summer Drive-in team up for Sundance Film Festival

by Brianna Smith-Herman Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Indie Memphis is set to play a major role in helping the world-renown Sundance Film Festival stage its first largely virtual festival this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sundance has partnered with independent cinema communities across the U.S. to screen an array of films beyond the festival’s traditional home in Park City, Utah.

From Jan. 28 through Feb. 2, adventurous audiences and indie film lovers Brianna Smitheverywhere will unite Herman to discover and celebrate the bold creative visions and exciting new talent in the film world.

Indie Memphis will host 10 Sundance-selected new films at the Malco Summer Drive-In at 5310 Summer Ave. The Summer Drive-In will join the ranks of venues across the country, including the Pasadena Rose Bowl, the Sidewalk Film Festival cinema in Birmingham, Alabama, and the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, in hosting films.

Memphis’ opening night film, “Strawberry Mansion” features filmmaker Kentucker Audley, who got his start at Indie Memphis.

Audley, now based in Brooklyn, New York, teamed with Albert Birney to direct and star in the film. Audley stars as James Preble, a “dream auditor” in a future world, where people must pay royalties if intellectual property appears in their subconscious minds.

Jan. 29 features two films. They are: • “I Was A Simple Man” by Hawaiian director Christopher Makoto Yogi, is the portrait of a dying man, who remembers his less-than-idyllic life in Oahu.

• Cryptozoo, an animated film about a couple who stumble onto a supernatural zoo for Bigfoots and Mothmen.

Jan. 30 will feature two films: • “Passing,” directed by Rebecca Hall, starring Tessa Thompson as a Black woman trying to appear white in 1920s

Ruth Negga and Tessa Thompson appear in “Passing” by Rebecca Hall, an official selection of the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. (Photo: Courtesy of Sundance Institute.)

America.

• Erin Vassilopoulos’s “Superior,” a visually luscious thriller that keeps the tension tight as the narrative navigates between violent memories and two sisters rediscovering their bond.

Jan. 31 films are: • “All Light, Everywhere,” an “essay film” by Theo Anthony. “All Light, Everywhere” directs our gaze to fascinating, often surprising connections among technology, weapons and mechanics of motion, as well as the effect of those factors on the ways we construct our realities.

• “Mayday” by Karen Cinorre is a movie I would describe as a feminist war film.

I am most excited to see Feb. 1’s film titled “Ailey,” by director Jamila Wignot.

The film is based on dance pioneer Alvin Ailey.

The final night of the festival, Feb. 2, features two films: • Kate Tsang’s “Marvelous & The Black Hole,” a story of a 13-year-old, who is struggling to cope with the death of her mother.

• “Philly D.A.”: Directors Ted Passon and Yoni Brook rigorously bring to life the people impacted and incensed by the failings of the system, as well as those fighting to maintain the status quo.

The Festival also will offer an online platform with seven days of premieres, events, artist talks, cutting edge XR exhibitions and dynamic spaces for social gath-

In “Ailey,” the story of the visionary artist, is told in his own words and via the creation of a dance inspired by his life.

Laetitia Ky appears in “Night of the Kings” by Philippe Lacôte, an official selection of the Spotlight program, a tribute to cinema loved from the past year. A young man is sent to La Maca, a prison on the Ivory Coast in the middle of the forest ruled by its prisoners. With the red moon rising, he is designated by the Boss to be the new “Roman” and must tell a story to the other prisoners. (Photo: Courtesy of Sundance Institute.) ering.

The network of partnerships will bring not only feature films but customized local programming — talks, events, artist meetups — to communities across the country.

While not every Sundance premiere will

be made available on the satellite screens, all 70-plus features will debut at designated times online, at festival.sundance.org.

Stay tuned for more coverage of Sundance in Memphis. Tickets and passes are available at the Indie Memphis website.

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, January 14 - 20, 2021, Page 8

COVID-19 aid gets County Commission OK

by Jim Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The Shelby County Commission voted 8-5 on Monday (Jan.11) to approve $2.5 million in aid to struggling food, hospitality and hotel industry workers – some of the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aid approval comes as service industries in Shelby County and nationwide have been hit hard by mandates and restrictions aimed at curving the spread of the of the COVID-19 virus.

The aid will be available to those who have been laid off or had their hours cut due to the pandemic in Shelby County. An estimated 2,500 affected workers will be eligible for $1,000. It will be distributed by the Memphis Urban League.

The resolution also was supported by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris’ administration. With seven commission sponsors, the aid was expected to be approved.

“They are desperate to receive this benefit. For many of them, $1,000 will aid in paying their rent, their utilities and some food at a time when their hours are being cut because of a reduction in tourism or an inability for the public to dine-in at a pre-pandemic level,” said Danielle Inez, Harris’ chief of staff.

In addition to restaurant and hospitality industry workers, hourly wage hotel and motel workers – such as housekeeping and desk workers – are eligible for the payout.

Money will be drawn from the general reserve fund to pay for the aid. The fund started

fiscal year 2021 (July 1, 2020) at $91 million, but with previous expenditures, the approval of the relief payments leaves $74 million in the rainy day fund coffer.

While the plight of the workers drew sympathy from the commission, it was tempered by the potential impact of the aid on the budget.

As the pandemic continues to rage and there is a still lack of accessibility to vaccinations for the general public, there are also concerns that the resolution could open the door to further aid down the road.

“There’s a couple of things that make me cautious about this resolution. The first being that there is no indication that the numbers are going down.

The situation will continue, and we will still be in the same predicament going forward but with fewer resources.

“This kind of plan would be needed again in the future. It would no longer be a one-time consideration. I do join others in saying it’s time to let businesses open,” said Commissioner Mark Billingsley.

Further intrusion by the county government in the affairs of the business community was another sticking point.

Tax revenues have been collateral damage in the war on the virus due to closures, various ordinances and fear. The aid would put further stress on the budget during a pandemic.

“This, to me, is the perfect example of how government is completely broken. The government breaks it. In this case, [it] shuts down restaurants and small businesses and then tries to fix it by taking taxpayer dollars out of the fund balance and assists the people that were hurt in the action taken

by the government in the first place,” said Commissioner Amber Mills.

A failure on the part of the federal and state governments – not the county – to respond appropriately to the pandemic was fingered by a co-sponsor of the resolution during debate.

“We did not receive a national coordinated response.

We did not receive any kind of efforts that would make our people have faith that the government was going to take care of this,” said Commissioner Tami Sawyer.

She continued, “Almost a year into this pandemic there are countries that have been able to reopen because they acted swiftly. Not because they ignored the pandemic.

Not because they said we need to have herd immunity. Not because they said, ‘if people die, they die.’ But because they acted swiftly. They shut down. They took the time to make sure they controlled the spread, and they got people the resources they needed in the meantime.”

To mollify critics and allay concerns of those on the fence, a letter signed by the Harris and the commission Chairman Eddie Jones has been sent to Gov. Bill Lee, asking for the county to be reimbursed by the state for the expense.

“I have signed a letter, along with the mayor, to the state to ask for these dollars to be reimbursed to us. We haven’t gotten an answer yet. We just signed that. As a reimbursement, there’s 2.5 [million dollars] coming back to us.

“So, that is on the table as well. I don’t know how the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security

Act) funding will come to us.

Basically, what I saw didn’t include government. Basically, it dealt with schools, public health. That is what most of the funding went to,” said Jones.

Budget Committee Chairman Edmund Ford, Jr. added an amendment to the resolution, asking for language to be added stating any federal or stimulus dollars received, such as CARES, will be reimbursed to the fund balance “to the extent permissible by law.”

The CARES Act is money provided by the state to local governments and communities to fund their pandemic responses. It also includes $150 million in grant funds available to nonprofits to address COVID recovery efforts.

“The same exuberance, the same energy, can we see that when it’s budget time?” Ford asked of the proponents of the measure.

He also added an amendment asking the language of the bill to clarify who is eligible for aid. Both amendments were seconded by Sawyer.

Voting in favor of the resolution were Van Turner, Michael Whaley, Reginald Milton, Willie F. Brooks, Jr., Mickell M. Lowery, Ford, Sawyer and Jones. Commissioners Mick Wright, David C. Bradford, Brandon Morrison, Mills and Billingsley fell into the “no” column.

The administration expects the aid to be flowing at the end of the month. It could take up to three months to distribute the money. The Urban League will receive between 1.5 and 5 percent of the money to cover the costs of awareness campaigns and distribution.

COVID-19 stats leveling off; health officials hopeful

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

Daily COVID-19 numbers have skyrocketed following the new year, but Shelby County Health Department officials said Wednesday that new infections are leveling off.

“On Tuesday, there were 508 new infections,” said Dr. Bruce Randolph, health department medical officer. “On Wednesday, there were 479.

That is still higher than what we want to see. But we feel that Shelby County is now beyond the Christmas surge and we’re moving through the New Year surge.”

Wednesday’s total case number for Shelby County was 75,016, with 1,055 deaths.

Shelby County Health Department Director Alisa Haushalter said not only are the numbers “plateau-ing,” other medical data is encouraging as well.

“Our testing capacity continues to be good,” said Haushalter at Tuesday’s COVID-19 Task Force update.

“Also, the hospital surge that

we have been concerned about is stabilizing as well.”

Officials said word was received from the Tennessee State Department of Health that Shelby County will be receiving 8,900 doses of vaccine each week for the remainder of January.

“With the change in federal government in the next few days, we expect to have more vaccines being distributed in greater quantity,” said Haushalter. “Shelby County is receiving a larger share of the state’s supply because we are the largest county in state and at a higher risk.”

Randolph said Wednesday that the health department will be looking at the data this week and next week, leading up to the time that the current Safer-At-Home health directive expires, which is Friday, Jan. 22.

“We want people to remember that just because someone has been vaccinated, it doesn’t mean we are out of the woods,” said Randolph. “Everyone must take responsibility and mask up in public, continue to social distance six feet, and

“We feel that Shelby County is now beyond the Christmas surge and we’re moving through the New Year surge.”

— Dr. Bruce Randolph practice good hand-washing.”

Randolph said the doses which are coming to the county will be used to finish up “1a1 and 1b1 persons. Medical personnel who have direct patient contact, seniors over the age of 75, and senior resident living in community housing, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses, Randolph said. A person who has only received one dose is not considered vaccinated.

“Most of the vaccines being shipped each week will be given to persons receiving first-time doses,” said Randolph. “But within the supplies being sent,

we will announce where those due for their second shot may come and receive it. A specific location will be designated for those persons, and a special notification will be sent.”

Randolph said the data from this week and next week will determine the health department’s next steps.

“Whether there is a health directive in place or not, it is still up to the individual to adhere and comply,” said Randolph. “Masks should be worn in public at all times. Social distancing must continue, and thorough hand-washing are all still guidelines set forth by the CDC, as well as Shelby County Health Department.

The solution is not the health directive, but people actually doing what is required in the health directive will make everyone safer.”

Contact-tracing and enforcement are major efforts for the health department, according to Haushalter.

“Let’s not get tired of doing the right thing,” Randolph said. “Let us all remain steadfast.”

Former WDIA radio personality Fred “Hollywood” Moore. (Courtesy photo)

WDIA’s Fred ‘Hollywood’ Moore mourned by colleagues and friends

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Colleagues and family friends took to social media as news spread that former WDIA radio personality Fred “Hollywood” Moore died Saturday (Jan. 9) morning.

He was 68.

One of the station’s most well-known personalities, Bev Johnson, told The New Tri-State Defender that Moore was “kind of laid back and real smooth.”

She continued, “I came to WDIA in 1983, 38 years ago, and Fred came a later that same year, I believe it was,” said Johnson. “Fred was real smooth on the air, and he had that infectious laugh. It sort of reminded you of (the legendary) Nat Williams.”

Johnson remembers that Moore came here to the Memphis market from Indianapolis.

“He worked at radio station WTLC in Indianapolis,” said Johnson. “Fred later became program director at that station in 1977. But before he came to the station in Indianapolis, Fred worked at a station in St. Louis. So, he was no novice when he came here to us.”

About 10 years ago, WDIA followed the declining trend of urban formats across the nation. A massive lay-off sweep ended the careers of a number of radio personnel and on-air personalities.

Moore was in that number.

Johnson said his presence was deeply missed by those who stayed. She remembers when Moore got the nickname “Hollywood.”

“When Fred first came to the station, he told us he always wanted to be an actor,” Johnson said.

“He landed some roles in stage plays in the city.

And we just started calling him ‘Hollywood’— Fred “Hollywood” Moore. And the name kind of stuck from that time. Fred was also in a couple of movies that filmed here, too.”

Mark Stansbury, on-air personality on Sunday, remembers Fred as a “good brother” to work with.

“Fred had a very good voice,” said Stansbury. He was one of the hosts for All Blues Saturday. Fred was a very caring family man and loved his daughter and wife dearly.”

Sherry Mackey, a former colleague of Moore, posted this tribute on Facebook: “Rest in Love to one of the kindest people I have had the honor to work with, former WDIA personality, Fred “Hollywood” Moore.

He loved God and people.

When I was a rookie, he gave me advice and always a good laugh. Praying for the strength and peace of his family as we honor his legacy.”

Stan Bell, one of the city’s most beloved on-air personalities and popular, local DJ also posted on Facebook: “We have lost a gentle giant in the radio industry. Former WDIA radio personality Mr. Fred “Hollywood” Moore transitioned Saturday morning. He was a kind and good man with a super smooth voice and infectious laugh. One of the best to don headsets and bless the mic in the control room. May God Bless his family, his spirit, and his legacy.”

Cam Mtenzi posted an extended tribute to Moore on Facebook. It reads in part: “MY GOD PLEASE HAVE MERCY! The Legendary Fred “Hollywood” Moore, (Former WDIA radio personality & Annual Stone Awards’ Host)…was my friend, partner in the Entertainment industry, an extension of Ma’&9 Mustard Seeds Family member and It’s my Time Entertainment/ House of MTenzi Museum Committee Member.

“Fred “ Hollywood” Moore was the leading Actor in MA’&9’s 1998/ 99/2000 stage play “Have Eyes see not; Have Ears hear not: Story of a family witness signs of the time…

My Prayers & condolences to Mrs. Judy Moore & the Moore Family…”

Final arrangements were pending at press time Wednesday (Jan. 13).

The New Tri-State Defender

January 14 - 20, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS

COMMUNITY LEGACY: Betty Brinson helped keep Memphis in tune

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

Anyone who has been to Brinson’s Downtown Lounge to enjoy a jazz set likely knows its owner, Betty Brinson. On Monday morning, Jan. 11, she died, according to her eldest son, Eric Brinson.

“Mother had not been sick at all, but she started not feeling well around New Year’s Day,” said Eric. “She passed away Monday morning at Methodist Hospital South in Whitehaven.

Mrs. Brinson was born June 7, 1943, in Hope, Arkansas to the union of Willie O. Lee and Vernell Langston McFaddon.

She was the third of seven children.

Educated in Chicago Public Schools, she graduated from Farragut High School in 1962. She earned a bachelor’s degree in History at Roosevelt University in Chicago and later received a masters degree in Educational Administration from the University of Memphis.

In 1966, Betty McFaddon married Emmitt R. Brinson, who died in 2008. They had four son: Eric, Emil, Byron and Emmitt.

Mrs. Brinson began her teaching career in Chicago at Harlan High School as a history teacher. In Memphis, she began teaching at Geeter High School in 1972. She worked as a guidance counselor at Sheffield High School and as a vice-principal at Lanier Jr. High School, where she retired from in 2008.

During her career as an educator and administrator, Mrs. Brinson led Project Achieve at Northside High School. The program was funded by the Department of Defense and prepared young people for medical and science careers.

Mrs. Brinson was a longtime member of Temple of Deliverance COGIC, serving as Sunday School superintendent under the leadership of the late pastor, Bishop G.E. Patterson.

In 2011, she founded a nonprofit organization called, “He’s My Brother.” The program sponsored outreach ministry efforts, including to the homeless. Mrs. Brinson also founded a spiritual outreach ministry of women called “Prayer Works.”

She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, as well as a member of the Golden Girls, a social club.

She leaves her four sons, all of Memphis; two siblings, Janice McFaddon and Willie McFaddon Jr., both of Chicago; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, four nephews, a goddaughter and a host of other relatives.

Jefferson Mortuary in Millington has charge. Final arrangements are pending.

Page 9

Emergency Food and Shelter Grant Funds Available Shelby County, TN will receive $445,272 in Phase 38 Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) Funds. EFSP funds are Federal funds awarded through the Dept. of Homeland Security. These funds are earmarked for 501 (c) (3) agencies to supplement emergency food and shelter services provided in Shelby County, TN. Non-profit agencies meeting these criteria may contact United Way of the Mid-South at EFSP@ uwmidsouth.org for more information and to access the application. The deadline for application submission is February 1, 2021 at 5:00 pm.

LEGAL NOTICE Request for Bids RFB Number 21-0004 4225 Airways Roof Replacement Sealed bids for 4225 Airways Roof Replacement will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (Authority), Procurement Department, Memphis International Airport, 4150 Louis Carruthers Drive, Memphis, TN 38118-6613, until 2:00 PM local time, March 1, 2021. Responses will be opened and publicly read thirty (30) minutes after the response deadline via zoom.

Login: https://zoom.us/ j/99807714922?pwd=VS9ZNGwzNUxJWmcxcEdUT0JRWU5zZz09 Meeting ID: 998 0771 4922, Passcode: 003832 A complete Request for Bids Packet with submittal instructions, additional data, and response format may be found on the Authority’s website on or after January 11, 2021.

A pre-bid meeting will be held February 1, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. via phone/video conferencing (Link: Join Zoom Meeting https:// zoom.us/j/92116399887).

All Bidders are responsible for checking the Authority’s website up to the submission deadline for any updates, addenda or additional information. In accordance with the Authority’s purchasing policies, the Authority will give a preference to businesses located in Shelby County, Tennessee when awarding contracts and making purchases, unless prohibited by law. The successful Bidder must sign a contract with the Authority that includes Federal Aviation Administration provisions, if applicable, regarding the Buy American Preference, Foreign Trade Restriction, Davis-Bacon, Affirmative Action, Debarment and Suspension, and Drug-Free Workplace, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this Request for Bids in whole or in part; to waive any informalities, technicalities, or omissions related to this Request for Bids; and to reject responses on any other basis authorized by the Authority’s purchasing policies.

The Authority is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, disability, marital status, military service, or sexual orientation in its hiring and employment practices and in the admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, and activities.

By order of: Scott A. Brockman, A.A.E. President and CEO Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Fifty Four Foundation Tax Parcel #: 05007700000050 Tax Sale #: 1002

THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER CLASSIFIEDS 1509 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104 PH (901) 523-1818 FAX (901) 578-5037 HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Price Offered: $83.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on February 2, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Fifty Four Foundation Tax Parcel #: 05007700000250 Tax Sale #: 803 Price Offered: $83.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:30 p.m. on February 2, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: James L. Austin and Wyatt Austin Tax Parcel #: 04104700000230 Tax Sale #: 903 Price Offered: $200.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:00 p.m. on February 26, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties

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of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400

GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Sarah Campbell Tax Parcel #: 03108500001660 Tax Sale #: 1301 Price Offered: $350.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:30 p.m. on February 11, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Sarah Campbell Tax Parcel #: 06010000000070 Tax Sale #: 1603 Price Offered: $500.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on February 8, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property:

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property:

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property:

James L. Austin and Wyatt Austin Tax Parcel #: 04104700000240 Tax Sale #: 1603 Price Offered: $800.00 Terms: Cash

Sarah Campbell Tax Parcel #: 06010300000330 Tax Sale #: 1501 Price Offered: $350.00 Terms: Cash

Roy Zacharias Tax Parcel #: 09005800001540 Tax Sale #: 1503 Price Offered: $600.00 Terms: Cash

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:00 p.m. on February 26, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:00 p.m. on February 11, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on February 19, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

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10/19/20 12:39 PM

SPORTS

The New Tri-State Defender, January 14 - 20, 2021, Page 10

Brooks scores 21 points, Grizzlies beat Cavaliers

Dillon Brooks and the Grizzlies put it all on the line against Taurean Prince and Brooklyn as Memphis won its first game of the season at FedExForum. (Photo: Warren Roseborough)

Grizzlies scrap their way to season’s first home win

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Winless on the season at FedExForum going into last Friday night’s game against Brooklyn, the Memphis Grizzlies started strong, withstood a 40-point outburst and scrapped their way to victory (115-110) over the Nets.

After a disappointing outing the night before against the Cleveland Cavaliers that saddled Memphis (36) with an 0-5 mark at home, the Grizzlies showed early resolve and, as the game evolved, engineered a defensive effort that helped generate enough offense to win.

“Our defense is getting a lot better,” Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins said. “We are trending in the right direction. It puts us in a position to win games. It really fueled our offense. This is stuff we have to continue to build off of.”

Prior to the FedExForum Friday victory, one of Memphis’ two wins

on the season up to that point had been against Brooklyn. The victory gave the Grizzlies their second straight season sweep of the Nets (5-5), who played without superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

Memphis had six players score in double digits. Dillion Brooks led the way with 24 points followed by Brandon Clarke with 21. Also in double figures were De’Anthony Melton (14) and Tyrus Jones (11), with Desmond Bane and Grayson Allen each contributing 10 points.

A glaring element in Memphis’ last few outings had been slow starts, with the bench called upon to get the team back into games. The starters did a better job against the Nets, taking their first lead of the game (1413) at the 7:33 mark. They scored the Grizzlies first 28 points, powering the way to a 40-28 lead at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the bench helped maintain the lead and increased the defensive pressure on the

Nets. Memphis pushed its lead to 22 points and settled in at the half with a 62-47 advantage.

The Nets had Caris LeVert and he was problem for the Grizzlies. Brooklyn made a 27-14 run to make it 7674 with 4:24 left in the third quarter.

LeVert scored 19 points in the frame, en route to a 43-point night.

“What heck of a performance by LeVert,” said Jenkins. “That third quarter they got going. They had a huge spark and momentum. Our guys just rallied.”

As the Nets were making their third-quarter spurt, the Grizzlies were without the services of starting center Jonas Valančiūnas, who was held out of the second half because of health and safety protocols. Valančiūnas, who did not test positive for COVID-19, had eight points and four rebounds in 14 minutes played.

Although they lost the lead to the Nets in the third quarter, the Grizzlies took it back to claim a 92-86 cushion going into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, the Grizzlies scrapped: Melton got a block, a steal and several deflections to stop Brooklyn possessions. The Grizzlies had 14 steals and scored 15 points off those turnovers.

Melton, who has the nickname “Mr. Do Something,” has had made his presence felt since NBA Rookie of the Year Ja Morant has been sidelined with an injury.

“We have got to keep watching film,” Melton said, reflecting on what it takes to get better. “LeVert had an explosion in the third quarter. We have to figure that out so it don’t happen again.”

Brooks, who scored well in both games against the Nets, zeroed in on the Grizzlies’ fourth-quarter offense against the Nets.

“We had a lot more confidence in our defense to transition into our offense,” said Brooks. “Guys were confident and stepping into every shot.

Guys were making it. We need that every single game.”

(AP) – Dillon Brooks scored 21 points and the Memphis Grizzlies recovered after blowing a 16-point lead to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 10191 on Monday night.

Brandon Clarke scored 15 points and Tyus Jones had 13 points, seven assists and three steals for the Grizzlies, who won their second straight and improved to 3-1 on the road.

Memphis led 73-57 late in the third quarter, but Cleveland responded with a 27-8 run capped by Damyean Dotson’s basket with 6:43 remaining in the fourth to go ahead by three.

A 3-pointer by De’Anthony Melton put the Grizzlies back in front for good at 89-86 with 4:40 remaining. A putback by Jonas Valanciunas and two free throws by Jones with 1:15 left extended Memphis’ lead to six.

Cavaliers center Andre Drummond had 19 points and 14 rebounds for his 11th straight double-double to start the season. Dotson added 14 points and six assists, and Cedi Osman had 14 points.

Point guard Collin Sexton warmed up and was expected to start but was a late scratch for Cleveland with a sprained left ankle. The third-year pro, who is averaging a team-high 25.1 points, missed his third game in a row.

Cleveland returned to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse after its longest road trip of the season, covering six games and 10 days. The Cavaliers beat the Grizzlies 94-90 four days earlier.

The Grizzlies took their largest lead at 73-57 on Desmond Bane’s uncontested layup. The 26-11 run to open the second half was highlighted by an alley-oop from Jones to Clarke.

Kyle Anderson collected four points, five rebounds and six assists in the first half as Memphis took a 47-46 advantage into the break. The Cavaliers led 27-24 after one quarter with Larry Nance Jr. posting 10 points and four rebounds.

Titans take 1 step forward but finish 2 steps back of goal

by Teresa M. Walker The Associated Press

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Titans took one step forward by winning their first AFC South title in 12 seasons.

Then they finished their season two wins short of a year ago and further away from their ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl.

“Nobody’s happy with the result,” Titans coach Mike Vrabel said Monday.

The Titans reached the AFC championship game a year ago after Derrick Henry helped run them through winning three straight road games.

Earning a home playoff game by winning the division was the top goal for 2020, and they did just that.

Tennessee started out 5-0 despite going through the NFL’s first COVID-19 outbreak that wiped out their bye week, forced the rescheduling of two games and left the Titans playing 14 straight weeks.

Henry became the eighth man to run for 2,000 yards, but joined a different version

of the 2,000-yard rushing club when the Titans lost 20-13 to the Ravens in the wild-card game Sunday. A disappointing finish for an offense ranked fourth best in the NFL, averaging 30.7 points a game and tied for second for most yards.

“Defense played good enough to win (Sunday), and the offense didn’t come through,” quarterback Ryan Tannehill said.

Unlike a year ago, the Titans have Tannehill under contract for three more seasons coming off the best season of his career with 33 touchdown passes and seven more rushing.

Henry, now an All-Pro and the NFL’s first back-to-back rushing champ since 2006-07, also is signed for three more years.

Wide receiver A.J. Brown started his career with consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons and earned a Pro Bowl nod.

That has the Titans poised to retool coming off the best season since going 13-3 in 2008.

“I think us as the team we’ll grow from this year, and we’ll be better for it,” safety Kevin Byard said.

Heal up

The Titans used 74 different players during this season played during a pandemic, seventh most in the NFL, and finished with 12 on injured reserve led by three-time Pro Bowl left tackle Taylor Lewan. First-round draft pick Isaiah Wilson went on the non-football illness list.

That led to lots of mixing, matching and coaching up during the season. The last pass Tannehill threw was to Kalif Raymond, who had only nine catches during the season. Corey Davis was sidelined by injury late and didn’t catch a ball in two of his final three games.

Adam Humphries, a big free-agent signee in March 2019, was on injured reserve not having cleared the concussion protocol. Humphries played only seven games and had 23 catches for 228 yards.

Humphries has played just 19 of 32 possible games since signing his four-year deal.

Free agency Linebacker

Jadeveon

Clowney, kicker Stephen Gostkowski, defensive lineman DaQuan Jones, tight end Jonnu Smith, Davis, linebacker Jayon Brown and cornerback Desmond King all are scheduled to become free agents.

Tennessee didn’t pick up Davis’ fifth-year option last spring, and he turned in a career year with 65 catches for 984 yards. Smith scored nine TDs with 41 catches for 448 yards, but his production dipped when needed to help block more after Lewan was lost for the season. Tannehill would love both back. woeful defenses

Vrabel apologized Monday for the confusion over not naming Shane Bowen as the Titans’ defensive coordinator, saying that decision took on a life of its own. The outside linebackers coach ran defensive meetings and called plays during games all season replacing the retired Dean Pees.

Not having the coordinator title made an easy target as the Titans turned in the

Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown rises to his knees after hauling in a touchdown pass that left a Ravens defender in disbelief. (Screen capture) NFL’s worst production on third down, allowing 51.8% conversions. They also ranked 28th in yards allowed and 29th against the pass with only 19 sacks all season.

Need another coordinator Vrabel also may be looking for his third offensive coordinator in four seasons with Arthur Smith a top candidate for the several NFL head coaching jobs currently open. Smith already has interviewed with

the Jaguars and Jets with more lined up.

Tannehill said the Titans have a strong foundation with the core of players returning and how they like to play the game.

“I feel strongly that no matter who fills that role, or if Arthur is back, that we can build on what we did this year,” Tannehill said.

(Follow Teresa M. Walker at https://twitter.com/TeresaMWalker.)