The New Tri-State Defender - January 16-22, 2020

•

•

•

•

by John Semien Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Some of the sounds coming from Handy Park in the Beale Street Entertainment District in Downtown Memphis are chest-rattling forerunners of a wave of improvements under the guidance of an African-American-owned, general-contracting firm, Castle Black Construction.

Twin brothers Jarrett Logan and Jonathan Logan own Castle Black Construction, which – according to the Downtown Memphis Commission – land-

ed a $879,000 contract that features renovations to the lawn, general seating areas, shade trees, lighting, access points and the addition of a retractable safety-enhancing security fence. The Handy Park renovation contract – awarded to Castle Black on the basis of its qualifications and bid – resulted from an open bid process managed by Kimley Horn, according to a statement from the commission. It comes as billions of dollars of Downtown construction is underway and as watchful eyes monitor to

SUPPORT FOR NONPROFITS

NAACP, Kroger and TSD open window for Uplift Community Grants

Applications accepted through Feb. 28

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

A Wednesday morning news conference at the NAACP Memphis Branch office kicked off big buzz around the 2nd Annual Uplift the Community Grant awards for non-profit organizations. Applications are available now on the NAACP website.

A three-fold partnership between Kroger’s Delta Division, the Memphis NAACP, and The New Tri-State Defender launched inaugural endowments last year to four winners chosen from dozens of local applicants.

“We started Uplift the Community grant awards to empower nonprofits to support and uplift their communities,” said Teresa Dickerson, manager of Delta Corporate Affairs. “We are proud of our role in making these grants possible. It is very much in line with Kroger Delta’s role in the larger community as a good corporate citizen.”

Community Foundation of Greater Memphis awards grants to 21 nonprofits. See Community, Page 8.

As Jarrett Logan describes the enormity of the planned changes to Handy Park, his brother, Jonathan Logan, works in the background (lower right). Under the plastic covering is the statue of the park’s namesake, W.C. Handy. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku)

see how much of that money ultimately is directed to firms owned by African Americans.

“We are really grateful and fortunate for the opportunity and the exposure Handy Park gives us in the downtown area,” said Jarrett Logan.

“There are quite a few of us (minority construction businesses) and some are larger than we are. We get to have an identity downtown and on such a notable project.”

Jaske Goff, chief diversity officer and vice president

of operations for the Downtown Memphis Commission, said the commission recently raised its expected MWBE (minority- and women-owned business enterprises) compliance percentage from 20 percent to 25 percent.

“We are intentional and invested in creating connections and capacity for MWBE firms,” Goff said in a media release.

The Logan brothers started

No more ‘secret handshake’

Universal screening qualifies 600 more students for gifted education; And, more to come

by Laura Faith Kebede Chalkbeat

Vickie Terry, executive director of the Memphis Branch NAACP, said recipients will be chosen in three particular areas of community help: decreasing blight, decreasing crime and uplifting the community through families.

“Just as we did last year, we will be focusing on those same three areas,” Terry said. “But this year, we may be choosing six recipients because we might have more funding to work with. Each recipient last year was awarded $7,500, and

The project is about helping non-profits already working to make a difference in their community, said The New TriState Defender Associate Publisher/Executive Editor Karanja A. Ajanaku. “This is about stepping up,” he said. “Its about stepping up to help people who are already out there helping people with needs. That’s one of the great things I like about this. We’re going to step in to help people who are already stepping up.”

Rising star…

Making use of a vertical leap measured (at least once) at 44-inches, Ja Morant is a picture of point-guard concentration and a key reason the Memphis Grizzlies are in the NBA Playoffs picture. (See Sports, Page 11.)

(Photo: Warren Roseborough)

Before this month, just one student between kindergarten and second grade, a white boy, was identified as gifted at Treadwell Elementary School in Memphis, where half of the students are black, more than a third are Hispanic, and just 4 percent are white.

Now, eight other students have joined him after Shelby County Schools switched to universal screening instead of relying on teacher recommendations to identify advanced students.

Across the district’s schools, 600 more Memphis students in kindergarten through second grade are starting this month in the district’s gifted education program, known as CLUE, which stands for Creative Learning in a Unique Environment. Another 600 older students are waiting for additional state testing to see if they qualify for the gifted program.

The additional K-2 students more than doubles the number last year identified as gifted

in those grades, according to district data Chalkbeat requested. By expanding district testing to all elementary and middle school students, officials said this week that every district-run elementary school now has at least one student in CLUE.

As a result, more black students are represented in the program’s newest K-2 cohort.

About 60% of newly identified elementary CLUE students are black, compared with last year’s 44%. Officials hope eventually the CLUE program can be more representative of the district’s racial makeup — nearly three-fourths of its students are black.

And in each ethnic group, more boys were identified than girls, which CLUE supervisor Jennifer Chandler said “almost never happens” in gifted education and called it a “huge win.”

“Parents no longer have to know the secret handshake to get in the door,” Chandler said of parents who have the resources to get their young chil-

CLUE CONTINUED FROM FRONT

dren privately tested if a teacher does not recommend them for the gifted program. “We talk about how we want to serve all kids. Through this process, we now can say we can.”

The 600 additional students the district identified in grades 3 through 8 are waiting to take a state test for giftedness that is not required for younger students. Chandler said she hopes to finish that testing by spring break.

School board chairwoman Miska Clay Bibbs said Monday the data was welcome news, but also an indictment of the previous method of relying mostly on teacher recommendations.

“What this shows me is that we also need to do a culture shift around understanding how we treat our kids,” she told board members during a committee meeting. “I don’t care what building you’re in, there’s going to be some gifted kids in the building.”

Last year, one in five schools had no CLUE students, according to district data presented in August. More than 60% of schools had fewer than 10 students in CLUE.

At the beginning of the school year, Brownsville Road Elementary Principal Charles Newborn, said it’s not always as simple as a teacher misidentifying a student, though.

“You never know what you can find out about a student unless you have the data to show it,” he said.

The shift to universal screening increases access to more rigorous instruction for students who might have otherwise been overlooked in teacher recommendations. Other districts that have started universal screening have also seen increases in both the number and diversity of gifted education programs. Researchers say relying solely on teacher rec-

ommendations can be biased against black and poor students.

A recent study from Vanderbilt University and the University of Florida found that students from high-income families are seven times more likely to land in gifted programs than their other classmates with similar reading and math scores. Black students nationwide are far less likely to be placed in gifted programs, even if they have the same test scores as their white peers, and especially if their teacher is white, according to a 2016 Vanderbilt study Those students who are most often overlooked are also likely to gain the most from gifted programs, which are linked to greater student motiva-

tion and engagement in school.

Jonathan Plucker, an education professor at Johns Hopkins University, said universal screening expands access “for all the students we keep missing,” he told Chalkbeat.

“The odds that they’re being challenged appropriately probably aren’t great. And we know that challenge is so important to our kids… because when you’re challenged, that’s when learning takes place,” he said.

District leaders also hope the more challenging instruction will create a pipeline of students ready to take high school courses that award college credit, which would better prepare students for college-level work.

Though this year’s jump is significant, it will likely be a while before

the effects are felt throughout the gifted program, now in its 50th year in Memphis. Even with the new additions, only 45% of the program’s students are black overall, up from 41% last year. The percentage of Hispanic students in the program overall remained steady at around 9%.

Last year, 15% of CLUE students were from low-income families, compared with more than three quarters of students in district-run schools. The district was unable to provide the new number of CLUE students from low-income families.

CLUE students in kindergarten through fifth grade are pulled out of class for two and a half hours, twice a week, to participate in more challenging coursework, usually with more projects and field trips. In sixth through ninth grades, CLUE is the student’s English class.

The district directly funds CLUE students in kindergarten through sec-

ond grade. The state pays for third through ninth grade and is one of the few states nationwide that requires schools to work with parents to create a plan describing how to meet the gifted student’s academic needs. The requirement is more widely used for students with disabilities and ensures regular progress meetings and special instructions to teachers for the student.

The switch did not cost the district anything this year because officials used tests they already had access to, but the district plans to hire more CLUE teachers next year. The cost to screen that many students has been a deterrent to other districts, including in Nashville. That district piloted a universal screening for second graders in 2017, but dropped it because it was too expensive.

(Laura Faith Kebede @kebedefaith lkebede@chalkbeat.org)

Students in Treadwell Elementary’s new CLUE class begin a getto-know-you activity.

Kindergarten and first grade students in Treadwell Elementary’s new gifted education class compare each other’s height to get in line from shortest to tallest.

(Photos: Laura Faith Kebede/Chalkbeat)

is to strengthen the bond of families, change lives for the better and transform Memphis in the process.

there were four. The maximum amount an organization may apply for is $10,000.”

All applicants must have a 501(c)(3), non-profit designation from the Internal Revenue Service, and the organization must be located in Memphis.

Three of the 2019 recipients – Principles of Manhood, SafeWays Direct Blight Action Program, and Strong Tower, Staying Power – had representatives on hand to explain how the funding helped in achieving their objectives. A fourth, Building Blocks Mentoring Program, had a scheduling conflict.

Carol Jackson, director of Families Matter, which operates Principles of Manhood, said the organization’s mission

“We work right here in the 38126 ZIP code… One of our most effective programs involves working with young men at Booker T. Washington High School who may not have positive, male role models. We were able to get men in there who help them know who they are, whose they are and what they can become in life,” she said.

“We work to feed the human spirit through education and mentorship. We appreciate all that the funding helped us to achieve last year.”

Cynthia Banks from East Trigg Baptist Church (Strong Tower, Staying Power) said the funding allowed the church to purchase a SkyCop Cam to improve the level of safety in

their crime-challenged community.

“We were able to install a camera that monitors in three different directions: down East Trigg, Bellevue and down Neptune. We have a lot of functions, and we are concerned about residents in our community feeling safe, as well as our church members,” she said.

“We are located in the 38106 area (ZIP) code, and just having that cam has increased our level of security around our church and in our community. And we are so grateful for our Uplift the Community grant, which made it possible.”

Janine Heiner Buchanan, who represented the SafeWays Direct Blight Action Program, said the grant helped improved the environment in a section of the Frayser community.

“We have been operating

“We work right here in the 38126 ZIP code… One of our most effective programs involves working with young men at Booker T. Washington High School who may not have positive, male role models. We were able to get men in there who help them know who they are, whose they are and what they can become in life.”

since 2013, and we work to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in apartment complexes here. So, we were super excited about applying for the grant because we wanted to clean up the area around two low-income apartment communities. There was lots

of graffiti, dumping and litter.

“We were able to partner with a wonderful organization called Lifeline to Success, and they took care of these issues,” she said. “The area was kept clean through the summer, and we were able to provide jobs for these young people. We

are so grateful for the opportunity that funding gave us, and we are so excited to see that you’re going to be doing it again this year.”

Ajanaku said The New TriState Defender has created a periodic column called “Stepping Up!” to highlight the work of deserving non-profits that apply for the grants.

Organizations interested in applying for grants should go to: www.naacpmemphis.org, and print the application and requirements.

(For more information, call Terry at the NAACP office at 901-521-1343; email: Vickie@naacpmemphis.org.)

Ajanaku). Also pictured: Teresa Dickerson, Cynthia Banks, Carol Jackson, Kermit Moore, Vickie Terry and Janine Heiner Buchanan. (Courtesy photo)

Diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer, TSD freelance photographer Warren Roseborough partnered with health care professionals to chart a course forward and then chose to share his story in hopes of helping others.

sort

But as

or later, we all realize that none of us are. For me, it was my recent bout with stage 1 prostate cancer. I grew up in Harvey, Ill., a tiny suburb right outside of Chicago. My parents always made sure my siblings and I had our shots and they took us to the doctor when we were ill. But the truth is that a lot of black people can’t afford to go to the doctor or get preventive check ups. And there are a lot of black men like me who have access to the best health care in the world – and don’t go to the doctor.

The way I grew up, we were always told as African-American men, don’t cry – be tough, don’t

Memphis needs justice much more than service

by Dr. Earle J. Fisher

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Martin Luther King Day in Memphis (and the nation) has become a sham. There’s nothing wrong with the marches.

The events hosted by the National Civil Rights Museum are fine.

What has become superficial is the spirit and purpose of the “day of service.”

Dr. King Day became a federal holiday in 1983. Eleven years later, in 1994, Congress designated the day as “a national day of service” and assigned the Corporation of National and Community Service with the task of leading the effort.

In 2020, the “day of service” has become a sham. It has been a sham for several years now.

The modern MLK Day is used as a day where people evoke Dr. King’s name who do not share Dr. King’s nature. People who work against the initiatives King fought for, chastise citizens – subversively blaming vic-

be soft. But for many of us, underneath that tough face, there’s a man scared to know what’s happening in his body.

Thank God I don’t think like that.

In October 2019, I was diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer. And I found out almost by accident.

I was just overcoming a rare spinal disease that could have killed me had I not been getting my medical check ups. Thankfully, I was treated for it and cured.

But it was during routine follow-up visits that my physician noticed I had a high PSA level. PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen. If your PSA level is a 5 or higher, get a biopsy. My doctor ordered one thank God, and that is when I was diagnosed.

I went in for a physical with routine blood pressure checks; I came out a cancer patient.

tims for the social conditions – and challenge them to engage in charitable acts instead of advocating for justice.

I recently listened to an interview Dr. King gave to NBC News in 1967.

He confessed that the “dream” he shared at the March on Washington in 1963 had “at many points turned into a nightmare.”

Dr. King felt he was guilty of (as James Baldwin coined it), “integrating (my) people into a burning house.”

We don’t ever hear that quote from Dr. King in mid-January (or ever, really).

Dr. King would go on to suggest that his “optimism was a bit superficial and must be tempered with a solid realism.”

Here’s the real – Memphis is unwilling to highlight the critical claims King made regarding social change.

Hardly any of our social, political or religious leaders talk about our need for radical transformation (and those

Just this month, I completed my treatments and I am expecting a clean bill of health in a few weeks. At least I hope and pray for a full recovery.

I am a private person. So I was pondering whether I should share my story so I can help others. I asked my big sister what she thought, and after talking it over with other family members, here we are.

I just recently celebrated my 66thth birthday. I’m a veteran and I will be retiring from federal government work in a few weeks.

I’m planning to keep shooting photos for The New Tri-State Defender, and taking other photography gigs as they come. I’m looking forward to retirement – a cancer-free retirement!

I want to thank Dr. Jenny Tibbs and her staff at Saint Francis Cancer Center. Also to my urologist Dr. William Shappley lll and his

that do are demonized and vilified). We’re prodded to pick up more trash, pray for those in poverty and take a child to the Grizzlies’ game.

Does anyone care that while we’re bragging about billion-dollar projects in downtown, Midtown and Harbor Town, poverty is increasing in Boxtown, South Memphis and North Memphis? We have money for bridge lights, banquets and banners. But we can’t seem to find money for black lives.

MLK Day makes me think about what we’re doing pragmatically for everyday people; people like one of my new parishoners (let’s call him) Greg. I met Greg while he was in jail at 201 Poplar facing an armed robbery charge. He was about 25 years old at the time. He was just beyond the scope of those we now refer to as “opportunity youth.”

In other words, he was just old enough to be left behind by the current thrust of “momentum” we have in the city.

Greg’s life won’t be transformed through 100 more hours of community service or a baptism into volunteerism. His quality of life won’t improve through pious prayers that

staff. And I’m grateful to both my primary care physicians and my Veteran’s Hospital medical staff. Most of all, I thank God for blessing me with these great people. I credit the VA Hospital in Mem-

phis for being persistent with lab tests.

Meanwhile, I am pleading to everyone, especially African American men: Take your behind to the doctor!

are disconnected from progressive public policy. What Greg needs is a restructuring of the social conditions. He needs access to a livable wage job. He needs healthcare. He needs a community that will spend more on his education than we spent on his incarceration. Community service only requires a sacrifice of our time. And when you are white, rich or privileged time is usually on your side. Time is not on Greg’s side. In fact, Greg is trying to reconfigure his life to make up for time he’s lost.

Black folks in Memphis are working against the clock. We need people willing to sacrifice their treasure – money made on the backs of black labor – more than we need tutors to help kids in schools we refuse to support with city tax dollars. Calls for service in an inequitable environment are concoctions of deception and disrespectful to Dr. King’s transcendent legacy. Service is cosmetic. Equity is structural.

What if MLK Day became the day where elected officials, clergy and community advocates presented progressive policy proposals to the pub-

lic in Dr. King’s honor? Sign me up for that program.

When King began to advocate for a redistribution of wealth and the revolution of values, he was targeted (more aggressively) and killed…in Memphis.

But maybe that’s the plan after all. Keep us all chasing a dream…serving…waiting on justice…until we die.

(The Rev. Earle J. Fisher, Ph.D. is senior pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church in Whitehaven, Founder of #UPTheVote901 and

(Courtesy photos)

Here to ‘introduce’ Dr. King is Dr. Luther D. Ivory

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

Dr. Luther D. Ivory, professor emeritus at Rhodes College, speaks from experience when he says a new generation of students wants to know who Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was and how his resistance to the status quo changed life for African Americans. They are curious, he says, about lasting affects the civil rights movement bears on modern-day race relations.

“I teach a 14-week course called

‘The Spirituality of Dr. King,’ Ivory said. “There are only a limited number of slots for the course, and it is always full. These students are searching for something, something meaningful that will shed light on their own call and purpose.

“Dr. King contemplated his own death and suffering. A study of his spirituality teaches life lessons on activism, taking up a cause and fighting for that cause with your very life.”

Activism in its purest sense is generally not considered a spiritual endeavor, according to Ivory, who noted that all that Dr. King fought for involved divine direction and purpose because he was willing to sacrifice his life for justice and equality. King’s brand of Liberation Theology, Ivory said, compelled him to work for social and economic justice for all people.

“Students signing up for the course are predominantly white. Young people are looking for spiritual direction, and they are not seeking it in the traditional religions we grew up with,” said Ivory. “Practical spirituality that is lived out in action draws them. They want to do something that touches the lives of other people.

“They are searching for some purpose, some meaning in their lives. And they are joining African-American students in finding their life direction through 21st-century Liberation Theology.”

Dr. King as a historic figure is characterized by two inaccurate extremes: the “Holiday King” and the “Radical King,” Ivory said. “The first extols his attributes and glorifies him, but fails to humanize him as a man. The second one paints him as a disruptive and troublesome figure. Detractors favor this characterization.”

As the federal holiday in honor of Dr. King approaches next Monday, it is important to appreciate the man as imperfect and fallible, says Ivory.

“In the first two sessions, I stress

Dr. King’s humanity. He was an ordinary man doing extraordinary things,” Ivory said. “It is well-documented that Dr. King was a heavy smoker, he loved screw drivers, the cocktails and he had a number of sexual liaisons as a married man. Through this students come to understand that God works through our imperfections.”

Ivory’s own introduction to Dr. King came in April 1968 when he was 14 years old, running with a gang from the Douglass community. He went over to Mason Temple, where the church was packed as people waited for Dr. King to arrive. The weather was fierce, straight-line winds coming over from Arkansas. Dr. King was late. Other local ministers had addressed the crowd, but the people were clamoring for Dr. King.

Ivory picks up the story from there: “We went down there to rob people. While they were in the church, we knew a lot of women had locked their purses up in the trunk. Back then, we knew how to pop the trunk open, take the money out, and put the purse back in the trunk. That’s why we were over there. But the weather got so bad, we were forced to go inside,” he said.

“Everybody was chanting, ‘We want King. We want King.’ And those women were stomping on the floor with those high heels. This went on for a while. And when he walked in, the whole place erupted. We were forced to listen to his speech.

“That was the night he delivered the famous ‘I’ve Been to the Mountaintop’ speech,” Ivory recalled. “I was mesmerized because he was quoting Shakespeare, and I was an avid reader. He quoted William Cullen Bryant: ‘Truth crushed to earth shall rise again.’ He quoted Thomas Carlyle: ‘No lie can live forever.’ It blew my mind.

“When he was assassinated the next day, it had a profound effect on me. It literally changed my life.”

(Dr. Ivory has written and lectured extensively on the life and work of Dr. King. He authored (1997) “Towards a Theology of Radical Involvement: The Theological Legacy of Martin Luther King” and in 2008 “Rhythm of Discipleship (socially active faith).”

A journey remembered…

In appreciation…

Leon Neely served Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood as a security officer/transportation specialist for 20 years; Bettye J. Cooper did so as a receptionist for 25 years. The retirees were saluted during a service at the church last Sunday. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

General Sessions Court Judge Deborah Anne Means Henderson (far right) celebrated (Jan. 10) the life and homegoing of her mother, Rosa Lee Lewis Means, along with other family members, including (r-l) her sister, Renita Delores Means Randolph, and her brother, Aaron Anthony Means III. Mrs. Means, who passed on New Year’s Day, was 86. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Dr. Luther D. Ivory

The New Tri-State Defender, January 16 - 22, 2020, Page 6

ALL OVER TOWN

Natoya Matthews crowned Ms. Black Tenn. International Ambassador 2020

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

Add Natoya Matthews to the ever-expanding list of African American pageant queens – the Memphis native is the new Ms. Black Tennessee International Ambassador for 2020.

“To win such a prestigious title at a time where African American women dominate the predominantly Caucasian pageant system (Miss Universe, USA, Teen USA, & America) is the most incredible feeling,” Matthews said.

“Pageants are becoming more and more popular and prevalent in our community and it’s so important that our children see a representation of themselves as much as possible,” she added.

According to the official website, the Miss Black International Ambassador (MBIA) Pageant, formerly the Miss Black US Ambassador Pageant, is a program of Ambassadors of Change Inc., an organization which exists to give a once in a lifetime opportunity to black women globally.

“As Ambassadors of Change, each woman embarks on the journey to encourage, empower, and enlighten communities, states, and nations,” said a statement on the MBIA site.

“These women are a rising voice in the community that seeks to make a difference, by providing educational forums and events that focus on health disparities, poverty, violence and major issues plaguing black women of the diaspora globally. They are role models not only for young black women but to all women around the world.”

Winning the crown is allowing Matthews an opportunity of a lifetime!

“Pageantry is my passion and to be able to bring home a state title of this magnitude is still surreal and just a sheer blessing for me,” she said. “As a young lady, finding my passion in life was extremely important to me. I’ve been a part of performing arts – acting, singing, dance and other disciplined arts – since the age of five.”

After receiving a bachelor’s in mass communications, Matthews and her twin sister co-founded Memphis’ very own gem, LilyRoze Studios, an acting studio that caters to youth.

“I had the opportunity to teach, act in several hit plays, and work directly with some of the city’s most radiant actors,” Matthews said. But despite working for a Fortune 500 company, pageantry was never far from her heart.

“I kept gravitating back to my first love… pageantry,” she said. “My passion is and has

always been centered in the betterment and welfare of our young girls. I love showcas ing intelligence, talent, and beauty.”

As the newly crowned Ms. Black Tennes see International Ambassador, Matthews will work to encourage, empower, and enlighten statewide communities.

“During my reign, I plan to travel across the state of Tennessee promoting my platform which is youth empowerment,” she said. “I am set to go on school and church tours and serve in the community with youth organizations all over the state.”

Matthews is most ex cited about an upcoming pageant she is hosting on May 31 at the West Memphis Civic Center. It will be a traditional competition filled with

empowerment workshops, trainings, and fun events for girls ages 4-18, she said.

“I hope to inspire girls through pageantry by teaching them that being a girl with class, poise, dignity, and etiquette is cool, (especially) in an oversexualized world that looks at women for what they look like on the outside versus what they posses on the inside,” she said. “I hope to inspire girls and women by showing them, ‘if you envision it, you can do it.

“I was bullied and had low-self esteem growing up, so if I can be to other girls, what I needed when I was a young girl, then I feel that I’m not only fulfilling my pageant duties, but the calling God has placed on my life!” she said.

Next up, Natoya represents the Volunteer State in the MBIA International competition in July in Nassau, The Bahamas. And I will keep you updated on the reign of this inspiring woman!

“My passion is and has always been centered in the betterment and welfare of our young girls. I love showcasing intelligence, talent, and beauty!”

Natoya Matthews

Ms. Black Tennessee International Ambassador 2020

Memphis’ first AKA chapter embraces ‘excellence, service, sisterhood’ at Founders’ Day celebration

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

Adorned in their signature pink and green, dozens of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorors gathered at New Sardis Baptist Church to celebrate the 112th anniversary of the founding of America’s oldest Greek-letter organization for black women.

Beta Epsilon Omega chapter, along with undergrad chapters at LeMoyne-Owen (Beta Tau), the University of Memphis (Epsilon Epsilon) and Christian Brothers University (Mu Epsilon), came together to re-commit themselves to excellence, service and sisterhood at the AKA’s Founders celebration on Jan. 11. The sorority was founded on Jan. 15, 1908.

“(Our sorority) has been exemplifying excellence in leadership since 1908, by challenging the status quo and setting the standard as the first, in various aspects,” said Kasey Coleman, the International Second Vice President of AKA, who delivered the keynote. “Not only gaining recognition and support of our international initiatives and programs, but also opening the door for other likeminded organizations.”

Affectionately known as “BEO,” the Beta Epsilon Omega chapter was the first chapter of the sorority chartered in Memphis in 1934 and the 55th graduate chapter established in the United States.

Pink and Green decor flooded the church. The celebration was open to sorority members, other divine

nine members and community guests. The program theme focused on a combination of the sorority’s current service initiative “Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service” and the sorority’s international program “Target 4: The Arts!”

“For more than a century Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has personified its Supreme in Service mantra through groundbreaking social action initiatives and innovative service programs, that have engendered hope, aid, and richer fuller lives for millions of people,” said BEO president Jane Venson-Tal-

ford, “Since 1934, the Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter has continuously focused on advancing (the sorority’s) mission of ‘Service to All Mankind’ with excellence in the Memphis community and surrounding areas.”

Many elected officials were present to help celebrate, including Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, Shelby County Commissioners Eddie Jones and Van Turner. Alo on hand were U. S. Congressman Steve Cohen and Office of , Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, Commissioner Eddie Jones, Commissioner Van D. Turner,

and Office of Business Diversity and Compliance director Joann Massey represented on behalf of Mayor Jim Strickland. Cohen waved a pink and green AKA flag as he went to the podium to give his remarks. “Its inspiring to me when I come to the Founders’ Day Program, which I attend every year, and see how the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha remember and pay tribute to their ancestors,” Cohen said, adding that the issues AKA sought to fight in 1908 “were important 112 years ago, but are still so very important today.” Jones presented the sorority with a resolution from the county commission and Massey, an AKA sister herself, presented the sorority with a proclamation from the City of Mem-

phis.

BEO’s very own Georgia P. Quinn Ensemble entertained guests with their musical traditions and the undergraduate members performed an imaginative salute to the Black Arts Movement and the Harlem Renaissance, as well as paying homage to AKA founders.

During her keynote, Coleman painted a vivid picture of the sorority’s purpose, impact and significance, spotlighting the revolutionary and leading-edge women who have belonged to the sorority and its trailblazing moments over the past 112 years.

“We are truly our ancestors wildest dreams,” she said. “These 112 years have been profound but it has just begun!”

Hundreds of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorors posed for a group shot after a Founder’s Day program at New Sardis Baptis Church.

Brianna A Smith

Kasey Coleman, AKA’s second international vice president, delivered the keynote speech for the AKA Founders program on Jan. 11 at New Sardis Baptist Church.

The leaders of Beta Epsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Among those pictured are members of the Georgia P. Quinn Ensemble.

(Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

MLK DAY EVENTS United Way offers free tax help

TSD Newsroom

The United Way of the Mid-South will launch its 17th annual free tax prep program on Jan. 20.

Individuals and families who earned less than $56,000 in 2019 are encouraged to call 2-1-1 to schedule an appointment and receive the most current information for a Free Tax Prep location.

Free Tax Prep opens in 17 stationary locations and several mobile sites throughout the Mid-South including five SuperSites in Memphis: Southland Mall, Hickory Ridge Mall, Raleigh Library, Frayser CDC and United Way of the MidSouth Plaza.

“United Way’s Free Tax Prep program offers individuals and families extensive financial supportive services,” said Phyllis Fickling of the United Way. “By seeking targeted neighborhoods where predatory tax preparation practices are most prevalent, support can be offered to one of the most vulnerable populations—the working poor—allowing them to achieve self-sufficiency and financial stability.”

People interested in volunteering with Free Tax Prep can sign up by calling United Way at (901) 433-4364 or by visiting: https://www.uwmidsouth.org/volunteer/.

MLK Days of Service

Volunteer Memphis, Leadership Memphis, the United Way of the Mid-South along with sponsors are coordinating volunteer/service projects the weekend of January 18-21 honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy.

For outdoor events, Please dress warm, wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk. This is only a partial list. To see a full listing, sign up or learn more about a project, visit: https://uwmidsouth.galaxydigital.com/need/.

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 abatement 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 Reed-Shaw 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 commu-

nity 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: Dream Keepers Workshop

TIME: 9:30 a.m.

LOCATION: Mt. Olive Cathedral CME Church, 538 MLK Jr. Ave.

DETAILS: Featuring a presentation by Atlanta-based motivational speaker Keith L. Brown “Mr. I’m Possible,” The Dream Keepers Workshop will teach Dr. King’s six principles of nonviolence to children, youth and young adults.

This MLK Day of Service is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.” Let us come together to learn, share, and help some that are less fortunate than we are. We can help by bringing non-perishable items to give to a homeless shelter and/ or the mission. We need your help to help us share God’s blessings with others.

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

‘Obvious choice’ is Common Table Health Alliance’s new COO

TSD Newsroom

Carla Baker, the project director of the Memphis Breast Cancer Consortium (MBCC), has been named the new chief operating officer of Common Table Health Alliance, a nonprofit health and healthcare improvement collaborative.

Founded in 2000, Common Table Health Alliance (CTHA) serves as a neutral convener of community organizations seeking to improve community health through local efforts to “identify health disparities, improve healthcare quality, activate and engage healthcare consumers, increase health literacy and

align resources to address the area’s most critical heath issues.”

Baker joined the organization in 2011 and has served in various capacities. She is widely recognized for her MBCC role, spearheading collaboration between the various breast cancer organizations in Shelby County and creating awareness and education events for patients, providers, survivors and caregivers to help eliminate healthcare disparities and achieve health equity.

Baker has also helped publish various breast cancer resources such as the MBCC Pink Care Directory, MBCC Membership Profile Directo-

Community Foundation details grants to boost 21 nonprofits

TSD Newsroom

Twenty-one grantees, including the city’s oldest active cemetery, have secured grants from the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis and its Nonprofit Capacity Building funding category.

Totaling $210,041, the grants are awarded annually to established nonprofits that are working to become more effective organizations by increasing efficiencies in operations.

“Through these grants, we address how vital but often overlooked it is for a nonprofit to have access to funds specifically to boost its infrastructure, so that its programs and services can be sustained into the future,” said Elizabeth Warren, the foundation’s director of grants & initiatives.

The grants often support projects such as technology improvements, evaluation of core programs, and staff or board training.

This year’s grant awards range from $3,000 to $21,487 and include 168-year-old Elmwood Cemetery.

The $21,487 grant to purchase and implement the WebCemeteries online platform will enable Elmwood to electronically consolidate and safeguard its collection of records, maps, photos, and 130,000-plus pieces of paper in its archives.

“This technology grant enables Elmwood to invest in its past and its future,” said Elmwood Executive Director Kim Bearden. “I can’t stress how big of a project it is and how fundamentally it will change how we operate.”

Nonprofit Capacity Building grants, which are awarded from the Foundation’s Immediate Impact Fund, are decided by a committee of community volunteers. Each grantee must raise a dollar-for-dollar match.

Other grantees are:

• Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Memphis, Inc. ($5,700), new server and staff laptops;

• Arkwings Foundation ($9,900), consulting to build out evaluation tools to assess programming and inform future growth;

• Ave Maria Home ($3,000), fundraising software to target, retain, and engage donors and volunteers;

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis ($5,950), equip Career Exploration Program staff with lap-

tops;

• Church Health ($10,000), Quality Improvement initiative to train and empower staff to design, deploy and assess processes and systems across operations;

• DeltaArts ($5,925), development and fundraising training for board and staff; Friends for Life Corporation ($15,000), feasibility study to determine future locations in Memphis for HIV prevention clinics;

• Green Dot Public Schools Tennessee ($7,500), science instruction pilot to improve science instruction quality and address changes to state science standards;

• Indie Memphis ($20,000), fundraising and technology consulting services to create infrastructure for effective development processes;

• Knowledge Quest ($15,000), consultancy to create a marketing, fundraising, and branding plan;

• Let’s Innovate through Education (LITE) ($7,269), technology upgrades to better track the organization’s long-term efficacy, improve community engagement and grow local donor base;

• Memphis Botanic Garden Foundation ($17,500), develop a visitor experience and wayfinding plan;

• Memphis Brooks Museum of Art ($4,500), develop and implement data tracking and evaluation strategies;

• Memphis Library Foundation ($9,700), fundraising software, training, coaching and support;

• Midtown Development Corporation ($7,500), feasibility study for a community improvement district;

• Mustard Seed Inc. ($3,897), upgraded computers and essential programs in resource center;

• New Ballet Ensemble & School ($9,000), redesign and relaunch of website;

• Room in the Inn - Memphis ($9,963), office technology, hardware and communications platforms to create a viable work hub;

• Tech901 ($15,000), new virtualized computer infrastructure to allow more students to apply classroom learnings;

• Thistle and Bee Enterprises, Inc. ($6,250), board development facilitation and leadership coaching. (Founded in 1969, the Foundation last year awarded more than $147 million in grants to nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit cfgm.org.)

ry and Breast Cancer 901: The Status of Breast Health Care in the Memphis Metropolitan Region. She will continue in that capacity and in her new role as COO, she is responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of CTHA and will assist in executing plans created by the CEO.

CTHA Board Chair Bobby Peters called Baker the obvious choice. “Mrs. Carla Baker has been involved with the Common Table for almost a decade. Her unique experience and depth of knowledge exceed all the requirements for this position. Her role as COO is a strategic step forward for CTHA as we continue to

build a dynamic team.”

Baker sees her promotion to COO as an extension of the work she has been able to be a part of since she joined CTHA.

“It is the duty of every healthcare professional to assist their community to obtain health equity and alleviate healthcare disparities. Everyone living in Shelby County has the right to adequate and quality healthcare. I’m proud of the work CTHA has done and will continue to work hard to achieve those goals,” she said.

A registered nurse, Baker was previously employed by Baptist Memorial Hospital and Heritage Nursing Fa-

cility before transitioning into roles in administration and nursing education.

(For more information about Common Table Health Alliance, visit commontablehealth.org.)

TSD Newsroom

The TN Promise Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filing deadline is Saturday, February 1

-- the final day for both TN Promise high school and college students to complete the 2020-2021 FAFSA to retain scholarship eligibility.

The FAFSA, a

dent to access federal and state aid.” Tennessee’s college going rate has increased to nearly 63 percent since the implementation of TN Promise and Tennessee has become a national leader in FAFSA completion over the past five years. “Local communities continue to come together to assist students in successfully completing FAFSA and enrolling in post-secondary,” says Krissy DeAlejandro, tnAchieves Executive Director.

‘Realizing the Dream’…

Citizens For Better Service presented the 27th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Award Program for Outstanding Students/Community Role Models at Bloomfield Full Gospel Church, 123 South Parkway West, last Sunday. The program was dedicated to the Rev. Ralph White, the church’s long-time pastor, who passed away last year. (left) Congratulatory remarks were delivered by Deputy Chief Sharonda Hampton of the Memphis Police

“School counselors, K12 administration, college professionals, state agencies and local non-profits have aligned to offer critical support as students and families begin and complete the financial aid process. This alignment is crucial to ensuring student success and college completion!”

For TN Promise eligibility, high school seniors and current TN Promise college students must complete the 2020-2021 FAFSA no later than February 1. The FAFSA is found at www.fafsa.gov.

For assistance in completing FAFSA, students and families may contact tnachieves@tnachieves.org.

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

Fogelman donates handwritten Dr. King speech to UofM

Carla Baker: “It is the duty of every healthcare professional to assist their community to obtain health equity and alleviate healthcare disparities.” (Courtesy photo)

Department. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

out in 2003 building homes under the name Jonathan Jarrett Inc. That market fell on hard times, so in 2013 they rebranded their company Castle Black Construction Inc. Now a very successful commercial building operation, the firm’s resume includes clients such as Shelby County Schools, the City of Memphis and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“It’s been good,” Jarrett Logan said. “We’ve grown tremendously.”

Both brothers are fans of the HBO hit fantasy series “Game of Thrones.” In the series, Castle Black is the headquarters garrison of the Night’s Watch, protectors of the seven kingdoms from the forbidding lands beyond.

The Logans grew up in Lakeview Gardens, graduating from Westwood High School in 1997. Both graduated from Jackson State University, with Jonathan Logan later earning a master’s degree in construction management. Castle Black does about 90 percent of its work on commercial projects, Jarrett Logan said. The company has a fulltime staff of 11 and another half-dozen or more part-time workers. Because Castle Black goes after work on the state,

— Jon Shivers

local and federal levels, it reaches beyond the Bluff City, with an office in Nashville and a presence in Houston. Jarrett Logan said the Handy Park project is still in its early stages.

“Right now we’re in the demolition phase,” he said, noting the company waited until after the holidays to get started so as not to disrupt any holiday events. Once the renovations are completed, the park will be “more appealing for people coming, say on their lunch break,” said Logan.

Fencing with covering now blocks general access and –from ground level – obscures much of the work underway. Some of the salvaged items from Handy Park will be repurposed at other Beale Street locations, such as the courtyard at Fourth and Beale, according to the Downtown Memphis Commission.

The statue of the park’s namesake, W.C. Handy (“father of the blues”), is under wraps and sheltered by the ex-

isting stage roof. Later, it will be moved to a new location that is more central in the park and where it will have better lighting.

“The entire park itself is going to have more lighting,” Jarrett Logan said.

Jon Shivers, director of the Beale Street Historic District, said the revitalization of Handy Park is a major win for Downtown. “Beale Street is one of our region’s most important

cultural landmarks and the world’s most iconic streets,” Shivers said. “This renovation is designed to elevate both the park and the experiences held there. “We couldn’t be more excited about the team working on this project,” he said. “Everyone involved, including Castle Black, seems to understand the significance of the space and are committed to helping create a world-class outcome.”

The demolition phase is well under way at Handy Park. (Photo: Brian Ramoly)

Jonathan Logan, co-owner of Castle Black Construction, puts in the work taking out seats that are making way for progress and renovation of Handy Park. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku)

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

County Election Commission confirms that all polling locations for the March 3, 2020 Election meet the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any disabled and/or elderly persons who believe that their polling places are inaccessible are encouraged to vote by mail, during Early Voting, or at the Election Commission Office on Election Day. To vote at the Election Commission Office on Election Day, such voters must give a written notice to the Election Commission, 157 Poplar Ave., Suite 137, Memphis, TN 38103 or 980 Nixon Dr., Memphis, TN 38134 of their intention to do so no later than Saturday, February 22, 2020. To vote by mail, person(s) must request in writing an absentee ballot by Tuesday, February 25, 2020.

ID LAW A Federal or Tennessee government-issued photo ID is required to vote in person unless an exception applies. College student IDs will not be accepted. City or County employee IDs (including library cards) are excluded and will not be accepted. To learn more about the law and its exceptions, please visit GoVoteTN.com. SHELBY COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION

GRIZZLIES MLK CELEBRATION:

Now in its 18th year, the Memphis Grizzlies will host a day of activities commemmorating the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – a day that culminates in the annual MLK Celebration game, when the Grizzlies take on the New Orleans Pelicans.

All events below are at FedExForum on Monday, Jan. 20. To see a full listing, visit TSDMemphis.com.

NBA Coaches Forum Draft Room

1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

featuring

Earl Lloyd Sports Legacy Symposium Practice Court

2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Featuring honorees (clockwise from top:)

WNBA champion Sheryl Swoopes, NBA icon

Robert Parish; NFL legend

Doug Williams and former NBA star Caron Butler.

MLK Celebration Game

Grizzlies vs. Pelicans Center Court 4 p.m.

SPORTS

The New Tri-State Defender, January 16 - 22, 2020, Page 11

GRITGRINDGRIZZ

Halfway through season, Grizzlies’ emphatic win over Houston shows there’s substance behind playoff hype

by Lee Eric Smith lesmith@tsdmemphis.com

Just before the Grizzlies’ dramatic and emphatic 121-110 win over the Houston Rockets, I was scouring the NBA’s official stats site, looking for numbers that would back up something Ja Morant told me after their win over Golden State.

I’d asked the young phenom what it was about Coach Taylor Jenkins’ system that has been able to unlock these dimensions of Morant’s game. Without batting an eye, he said something both surprising and obvious: “Getting stops. Get out and run,” Morant said. “That’s what we try to do. I feel like I’m at my best in transition in the open floor, and once we get stops, we’re able to get in the open floor. Also, it’s just getting downhill, making reads.” Then, he paused and flashed a shy grin that belies his on-court swagger.

“I’m pretty sure everyone knows that’s my game, so . . .”

In other words, it’s the defense, stupid. In the Grit-N-Grind era, the defense was all about dragging opponents “in the mud” as Tony Allen would say. But those teams didn’t have young athletic legs to run the fast break.

Back then, the Grizzlies would grind teams into submission, deliberately slowing the game down to limit possessions. Memphis was as known for its reliably slow pace as it was its

“we-don’t-bluff” defense.

Well, Taylor Jenkins has taken that blue collar ethos that Grizzlies fans love and molded it into a relentlessly ferocious, attacking defense – one that gets deflections, steals and rebounds, hands the ball to Morant and then turns on the jets.

Morant, in the open court. Everyone knows that’s his game. And if they didn’t the Houston win provided some context for those NBA statistics I mentioned a moment ago.

Getting stops

Much like the Hubie-ball era Grizzlies, these bear cubs play a swarming, disruptive style of defense that forces turnovers and mistakes.

Memphis is among the league leaders in deflections, with 16 per game. They also are second only to the Bucks in contesting shots.

And over these last 10 games, they’re third in the NBA in blocks with 6.4 per game – during which period they’re also No. 8 in rebounding.

They are not an elite defensive team – not yet, anyway. But they are already good enough to facilitate the offensive style they want – fast, furious, fun and free.

Get out and run

For years now, the Houston Rockets have been among the league leaders in pace – how many possessions they get in a game, how

quickly they shoot – after all, head coach Mike D’Antoni pioneered Phoenix’s “seven seconds or less” offense 15 years ago.

Well, over the past 10 games, the second fastest team in the NBA are the Grizzlies (103 possessions per 48 minutes), behind only the Milwaukee Bucks (105). The Grizzlies also lead the league in points in the paint during that span (59) and are second only to the Lakers in fast break points.

That showed up in the Houston game, where Memphis outscored Houston 25-7 on fast break points, as well as 56-44 on points in the paint. You can bet that a number of those are pinpoint passes to or from Morant for a highlight reel dunk.

Getting downhill, making reads

During Golden State’s dynastic run, the dubs averaged more than 300 passes per game.

This season, the Grizzlies are third in the NBA in passes – 310 per game. Correspondingly, Memphis is leading the league in assists (29 per game). Against Houston, Memphis got those 29 assists on 46 made baskets – accounting for 63 percent of their scoring.

Fast. Furious. Freewheeling. And fun.

“Playing hard is all we know,” Jackson said. “At the end of the game, in terms of pace, we can sustain it. It’s just a matter of habit. If you’re doing it at both ends, you’re in a rhythm of playing hard and just going fast.”

GRIND ON!

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP: TENNESSEE TITANS @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

RUNNING LIKE CRAZY

Can the Titans pull off one more upset to make it to the Super Bowl?

by Teresa M. Walker AP Pro Football Writer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee coach

Mike Vrabel made it clear before flying to Houston needing to win their regular-season finale that the Titans would have to be road warriors to keep this season alive.

They’ve done just that, winning three straight, with each win bigger than the last, to reach the franchise’s first AFC championship game since the 2002 season. Their formula is simple: The Titans dominate with the NFL’s rushing leader running like no one in league history, and with a stingy defense.

“It was an easy path,” Vrabel said Monday.

“They didn’t have to worry about if we were going to be home or anything else.”

That said, the Titans (11-7) have taken a challenging path in trying to become the first sixth seed to reach a Super Bowl since the Green Bay Packers in 2010. They knocked off the defending Super Bowl champion in New England and followed up by stunning the team with the NFL’s best record in Baltimore 28-12.

Now they have to go to Kansas City, the No. 2 seed with the 2018 NFL MVP in Patrick Mahomes

on Sunday in the franchise’s third AFC champion-

TITANS CHIEFS

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Sunday, Jan. 19 2:05 p.m. CT

TV: CBS

ship game since moving to Tennessee, and fifth all time. The Titans are 7-3 on the road counting both the regular season and playoffs.

“We knew our situation started in Houston and our playoffs started then. We had to win,” center Ben Jones said. “All we can focus on is this week.

So this is a big one for us, and we just got to take care of this week.”

What’s working

Derrick Henry, aka El Tractorcito, was impressive in the regular season, leading the league with 1,540 yards rushing. Now Henry and the Titans are making NFL history and punishing defenses.

Nobody had ever run for at least 180 yards in three consecutive games before Henry. He has strung together games with 211 yards in the regular-season finale at Houston and followed that by setting the franchise postseason rushing record with 182 yards against New England, then 195 against Baltimore, which had been the NFL’s fifthbest rushing defense.

The Titans set a postseason record with 217 yards rushing in Baltimore, having topped 200 yards in each playoff game. The offensive plan might be tweaked against the Chiefs, but the recipe is simply keep giving Henry the ball. He’ll even throw a touchdown pass if needed.

“He’s an amazing player, and we knew he had it in him,” Jones said of Henry. “Our thing is just don’t let it end now.”

What needs help

This really feels like nitpicking here with the Titans coming off big wins. But at some point the Titans will have to throw for more than 83 yards to win in the playoffs. That said, Ryan Tannehill does have three TD passes, and he has been sacked only twice with one interception. He also has used his legs, running for a touchdown against the Ravens.

The Tennessee Titans have used a stingy defense and a historic season by “El Tractorcito” – NFL rushing leader Derrick Henry – to upset both the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens.

(Photo: Donald Page/Tennessee Titans)

Lee Eric Smith GritGrindGrizz

Taylor Jenkins (Grizzlies), Alvin Gentry (Pelicans) and Jason March (Hustle)

Above: Ja Morant dishes a “Jadropping” behind the back pass to Jaren Jackson Jr. for a dunk.

Below: Jackson wrestles with Houston’s Clint Capela for a loose ball. (Photos: Warren Roseborough)

If it were up to me, we’d have all the healthcare we need.

The 2020 Census informs funding for walk-in clinics, Medicare and all types of health services. Rest assured your answers are safe and secure.