The New Tri-State Defender - February 3-9, 2022

African-American History Month

February 3 - 9, 2022

VOL. 71, No. 5

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JSU abruptly pulls out of annual Southern Heritage Classic

by Karanja A. Ajanaku kajanaku@tsdmemphis.com

Often depicting the reality of Black people in America, Mary “Mayfair” Matthews loved to feature the family unit in her artistry.

Mary ‘Mayfair’ Matthews – An Artist & Answer to Prayer Candace A. Gray

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Memphis’ local PBS outlet, WKNO (Channel 10) and its sister radio station, WKNO Memphis NPR (91.1FM), have always supported the arts. The station has been known to broadcast live theatre performances, interview artists promoting shows and more.

This February, as part of its Black History Month celebration, WKNO will feature an art exhibit “I Remember Mayfair,” with

12 works from Mary “Mayfair” Matthews, a self-taught folk artist, in Gallery 1091, its online art gallery.

Prior to the pandemic, WKNO’s office was open to the public and featured art from local artists in the lobby. Crowds of 250+ people would gather to discuss and celebrate the work of local artists.

“The lobby was designed to showcase art because of the natural light that comes in,” said McDaniel.

From 2008 through March 2020, WKNO featured different exhibits every

month. McDaniel was used to booking artists out as far as two years ahead of time.

However, when COVID-19 hit, the station shut down and the celebration of art took a different form. The art gallery, like so many other personal and professional endeavors, went online in November 2020.

“We’ve still been fortunate enough to showcase one artist per month online since that point,” said McDaniel.

But after about a year of maintaining the

SEE MAYFAIR ON PAGE 2

Southern Heritage Classic Founder Fred Jones Jr. said he had no inkling that Jackson State University planned to pull out of the annual fall event until he received a letter Tuesday evening.

“We have a contract. They clearly have breached the contract,” Jones told The New Tri-State Defender about 24 hours later.

The letter Jones referenced was via electronic mail and the U.S. Postal Service. It foreshadowed its essence with this line: “Notice of Termination – Southern Heritage Classic Agreement.”

The two-paragraph letter notes that Jackson State University (JSU) entered into the agreement with Jones’ Summit Management Corporation on or about November 8, 2019.

“Since that time the Southwestern Athletic Conference, JSU’s governing athletic conference, has entered into an agreement in which (JSU) will participate in events that conflict with the Southern Heritage Classic Agreement. Said conflict prevents JSU’s participation in the Southern Heritage Classic.”

The letter from Edward O. Watson, general counsel, states that it serves as notice of termination of the agreement and includes this line: “We thank you for your attention to this matter.”

Jones said the next step will be a response back to JSU’s attorney.

“We will see where it goes from there. They are very clear. We are Fred very clear that they are Jones Jr. in complete breach of the contract.”

For years, The Classic has pitted JSU’s Tigers against the Tigers of Tennessee State University. TSU President Dr. Glenda Glover said JSU’s announcement that their football team will no longer play in the Southern Heritage Classic is “an insensitive and irresponsible act that has far-reaching implications and goes beyond football. The Classic

SEE JSU ON PAGE 2

GOP-led Tennessee Senate expels Katrina Robinson TSD Newsroom

Sen. Katrina Robinson (D-Memphis), with her attorneys alongside, addressed the Tennessee Senate prior to the vote to expel her on Wednesday (Feb. 2).

(Screen capture)

Despite the objections of the Tennessee Black Caucus and other supporters, Sen. Katrina Robinson was expelled from the Tennessee Senate on Wednesday during what she called a “procedural lynching.”

The Republican-led Tennessee Senate voted 27 to 5 to remove the Memphis-based Democrat because of her recent wire fraud conviction. It was the first time the chamber has removed a senator since at least the Civil War. The criminal case against Robinson involves federal grant money at a school for health care school workers she operated in the city before she was elected to the Senate. Robinson and other Democrats called her expulsion premature, noting that many of the original charges

“I feel beat up standing in front of you guys. And really I didn’t prepare any words because there are no words for what this is.”

— Sen. Katrina Robinson were dropped and she hasn’t been sentenced yet on the two remaining counts.

“While the expulsion of a Senator for the first time in history was not something any of us wished to see, it was a necessary action,” said Senate Speaker Randy McNally in a statement after the vote. “The integrity of the Senate is of paramount importance.”

Robinson argued before the vote to expel

her that she had been unfairly judged by the white-majority chamber. She called it a “procedural lynching,” prompting cheers of support that the Republican speaker gaveled down.

Some of her supporters in the gallery were in tears and others stood in solidarity.

“I feel beat up standing in front of you guys,” Robinson said. “And really I didn’t prepare any words because there are no words for what this is.”

State Rep. Antonio Parkinson, chairman of the Tennessee Black Caucus, said, “The expulsion of Senator Robinson is deeply disheartening. Valid arguments were made to allow for the postponement of the decision made by the senate. The thirty-day request to postpone

SEE SENATE ON PAGE 2

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The New Tri-State Defender

February 3 - 9, 2022

Page 2

NEWS

MAYFAIR

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

breach the contract. I don’t what else to say or what I can say. We have been very straightforward.

“We have worked very hard at producing something that Memphis, the schools, the alumni, the fans, everybody is proud of. It just boils down to that they made a decision that was not in everybody’s best interest.”

Jones and The Classic have dealt with multiple challenges beyond the norm of what it takes to successfully host such an event in recent years, including a lightning-packed storm that forced a cancellation and a COVID-19 forced cancellation.

“The Classic has been a very tough cookie,” said Jones.

“We have managed to survive and thrive every time we’ve been confronted with something that is considered negative. And I think we will move forward behind this.

“It’s a tough one. You’re seven months before the event and you’ve got to figure out who is going to play in the game. We’ve never had to be confronted with something like that.”

online Gallery 1091, appropriately named after Channel 10 and 91.1FM, McDaniel was faced with another challenge. In December of 2021, McDaniel realized she had no artist lined up for February 2022 and called in reinforcements.

“I literally prayed and 20 minutes later, God answered my prayers,” said McDaniel.

That day, McDaniel went to lunch and was informed upon her return that she’d missed a visit from longtime friend, Carl Scott. She and Scott went to high school together in Forest City, AR, and he, a local artist and muralist, dropped by with his fiancé, Rose Marr, also a local artist.

Remembering her predicament, McDaniel called Scott to come back to the office and what unfolded was truly serendipitous.

McDaniel asked Scott if he’d be able to exhibit in February, but he said no. Without hesitation, Marr chimed in, “My mother was an artist,” and pulled out her phone to show McDaniel some of her mother’s work.

“It was magnificent,” said McDaniel. “I’ve been in this business for more than 30 years and every now and then I come across an artist whose work and backstory really make me emotional.”

According to McDaniel, Mary “Mayfair” Matthews’ work, with its unique lighting and technique, remind her of the work of another popular artist, NJ Woods, and is truly amazing.

Matthews, born in 1938, grew up in a sharecropping family in Senatobia, MS, and exhibited artist potential in her youth. However, it wasn’t until after she moved to Memphis (1964) to escape abuse and experienced a tragedy (1991) that she would accept her calling to become an artist.

“After her son, my brother, was murdered in 1991, my mother turned to art as a means of survival,” said Marr. “None of us even knew she was an artist! But once she started, she never stopped.”

Matthews would go on to produce more than 350 works of mixed media art from 1991 until 2011 when depression brought about her ultimate demise. Even on the day she died, she sketched a family portrait of her and

fellow citizens.

“They determined she violated a criminal statute. A federal judge did not disagree with that determination.

How can we demand that citizens respect the integrity and reputation of the Senate if we disrespect them by ignoring their determinations?”

Prosecutors accused the Memphis lawmaker of paying personal expenses from more than $600,000 in federal grant money awarded to a school for health care workers she operated. She was ultimately convicted of two of the 20 counts, involving $3,400 in wedding expenses in 2016.

Robinson, one of three Black women in the Senate, all of them Demo-

crats, has maintained her innocence.

GOP senators, who outnumbered Democrats 27-6 before the expulsion, declined Robinson’s request to delay removal proceedings until after her sentencing in March. Robinson’s Democratic colleagues renewed the request on Wednesday, but it failed on a tie vote.

Tennessee’s state law and Constitution contain provisions that disqualify people convicted of felonies from eligibility to hold public office.

Democrats have said the judgment isn’t final until sentencing.

Democrats have also said the case could prove a “slippery slope” to seek removal on alleged behavior that preceded a lawmaker’s election

Jackson State University coach Deion Sanders and his team of Tigers celebrate with fans after a 38-16 win over Tennessee State University in the 32nd Southern Heritage Classic. (Photo: Warren Roseborough)

JSU

CONTINUED FROM FRONT is about more than TSU, JSU, our alumni and fans.”

Via a distributed response, Glover said, “The Memphis business community, including small Black-owned businesses, many of which are mom and pop businesses, will suffer incalculable damage. These businesses rely on contracts that are generated as a result of activities associated with the game and purchase supplies and other items in preparation for this annual event.”

According to Glover, “What’s even more disappointing is that there was no opportunity for discussion or a courtesy call to the TSU president, director of athletics, or head coach before the decision was made to breach the contract, which has three years remaining. TSU found out from a national scheduler.”

Jones said The Classic would “be fine.”

“Usually when there is a breach of the contract there are clauses in the contract that are breached. We didn’t

SENATE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT the vote, had it been honored, would have allowed Senator Robinson to complete the legal process and resign if the guilty verdict and sentencing were held up or be voted out based on the rules of the senate.”

The Senate’s decision, said Parkinson, is “a jolting reminder that we operate in the most powerful building in the land where the rules for citizens, the governor, the courts and members are made by the ruling parties.”

Sen. John Stevens, a Republican from Huntington, said Robinson had been judged in a courtroom by her

Artist Mary “Mayfair” Matthews often featured couples in her work as a hopeful aspiration for herself.

Rose Marr and her mother, Mary “Mayfair” Matthews, at the Black Arts Festival in Atlanta in 1994. (Courtesy photo) her four children.

“I am now in a position to make sure that the world knows my mother deserves a place in the art world,” said Marr. “I wish I’d done it sooner, but my mom’s legacy is not going to stop just because she’s gone.”

Marr has a home gallery featuring her mother’s work downstairs from her own art studio. Marr attended Memphis College of Art at age 28 and recalls that during her time there, there were no black faculty members and no mention of black artists.

“It’s part of my legacy to let the world know that black people have a place in the art culture, just like in any other culture,” said Marr.

Nearly 10 years after her mother’s passing, Marr found “I Remember Mayfair,” Matthews’ handwritten memoir that recounts youthful memories of rural imagery and life in Senatobia. These images are seen

throughout her artwork, which includes quilts, paintings and small sculptures. The varying images, some tragic, others playful and hopeful, all celebrate cultural aspects of African-American life in rural Mississippi. Marr is planning a mother-daughter art show featuring her and her mother’s work.

“As I read my mother’s memoirs, the narratives behind some of her paintings were revealed. I plan on publishing her memoirs, as well,” said Marr.

McDaniel agrees. “Matthews’ story needs to be told, and her art needs to be seen. There’s something extra special about it,” McDaniel said.

Marr and McDaniel hand-picked 12 pieces from Matthews’ collection to display on Gallery 1091 throughout February. Some of these pieces are for sale and a portion of the proceeds will benefit WKNO programming.

and time in office.

Robinson, who was elected to the state Senate in 2018, pointed out that several of her former and current Republican colleagues have faced legal scrutiny over the years without facing the same punishment. Robinson referenced Sen. Brian Kelsey, from Germantown, who was indicted last year on charges that he violated federal campaign finance law. He has since stepped down as the Senate’s education chairman, but has not faced threat of being expelled.

The last expulsion of a Tennessee lawmaker happened in 2016 when the House voted 70-to-2 remove Republican Rep. Jeremy Durham after an attorney general’s investigation

detailed allegations of improper sexual contact with at least 22 women during his four years in office.

In the House, Rep. Robert Fisher was ousted on a 92-1 vote in 1980.

The Elizabethton Republican had been convicted of bribery for asking for a bribe to kill a bill.

According to legislative librarian Eddie Weeks, the only previous expulsions involved six House lawmakers who refused to attend a special legislative session called in 1866 by then-Gov. William “Parson” Brownlow after the conclusion of the Civil War. (This story includes a report by the Associated Press.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

February 3 - 9, 2022

Page 3

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

Black Men in Business – Part 1

by Candace A. Gray

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

For hundreds of years, Black people have been business owners – out of necessity in some cases and as the ultimate sign of freedom in others.

Finally, as a result of the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and so many others who fought for equality, it seems that in today’s world some entities are focused on making sure there is some intentionality about making sure Black businesses get a seat at the table. We are seeing government and other large businesses suggesting or even requiring a certain percentage of capital project spends be awarded to an MWBE (minority and women-owned business entity).

One might say it’s about time.

For Black History Month 2022, The New Tri-State Defender (TSD) will spotlight a few businesses from various industries led by Black men. In March – during Women’s History Month – the focus will shift to Black women in business.

Our Black Men in Business series kicks off with the creative industry and Kenneth Worles Jr., founder/CEO of Three(i) Communications and a former TSD contributor.

TSD: What type of business do you own?

What do you do?

Kenneth Worles Jr.: Three(i) Creative Communications is a social-impact marketing agency that helps do-good brands, campaigns and organizations maximize engagement, build community relationships, and craft winning messages to make change. We are a small-butmighty team of creatives, strategists, thinkers and doers with our HQ in Memphis, TN but our sidekicks are from all around the world.

TSD: How many employees do you have?

KWJ: 10 TSD: How long have you been in business for yourself?

KWJ: I’ve worked as a freelance designer for many years, but I launched the agency in 2017 while living in Washington, DC. We’re

celebrating five amazing years in September!

TSD: What was your motivation for starting your business?

KWJ: Living in DC, you really get sucked into the progressive politics, so I really wanted to build an agency that prioritized people and purpose over products and profits. Our clients are non-profits, government agencies, education and health institutions, and brands with corporate social responsibility or diversity and inclusion initiatives. I also wanted to disrupt the standard look of the marketing and advertising industry – which is older white male-dominated. I’m looking to build an agency that looks like the real America - diverse in race, sex, culture, and experiences.

TSD: What impact does your business have or do you hope your business will have in the future? On your family, community, etc.

KWJ: (1) Our vision is to create a better tomorrow - for our staff, clients, local communities, and the next generation of creatives and storytellers that feel like they need to leave their hometown to win. (2) One thing I hope people say in the future is, Three(i) transformed the marketing and advertising industry while staying true to being an agency for do-gooders by do-gooders.

TSD: What advice do you have for someone who might be interested in entering your field?

KWJ: I could write a book on this, but I’ll settle on three pieces of advice.

(1) Provide value. Whether it’s to an agency or a client, always look to add value and help them become better. With that, you’ll win.

(2) Relationships matter. I know many people who are talented, but struggle to grow in the industry because they ignore relationship building. Your network will improve your net worth.

(3) This supports #2, but I recommend joining the local chapters of PRSA, AAF, and AMA. This will help provide education, friends in the industry, and potential job opportunities.

TSD: What advice do you have for other

AT A GLANCE Business Name: Three(i) Creative Communications Owner’s Name: Kenneth Worles Jr. KWJ: Engagement. We’re really good at making things look pretty, but that doesn’t create a better tomorrow. We make people take action, and our clients value this.

TSD: As a former Tri-State Defender employee, how did your time here prepare you for your current role?

KWJ: Tri-State Defender, under the leadership of the late Bernal Smith and Dr. Ajanaku, I managed the organization’s digital footprint, and it was an amazing experience. It really helped me understand and respect traditional media, and most importantly, I learned some of the ups and downs that can come with being a successful black-owned business. I still brag about the opportunities TSD provided for me - I mean, my first major branding project was designing the current print publication’s logo.

“I really wanted to build an agency that prioritized people and purpose over products and profits. Our clients are non-profits, government agencies, education and health institutions, and brands with corporate social responsibility or diversity and inclusion initiatives.” (Courtesy photo) Black business owner hopefuls?

KWJ: A successful business owner in Memphis once told me “Success comes to those who hold on long enough to see it.” And it’s true. I remember sending a huge proposal that took a year to win. If I had quit or collapsed before then, I wouldn’t have seen it happen.

TSD: If you weren’t doing this, what else would you be doing?

KWJ: I’d be a music exec supporting artists from the South or heavily focused on commercial real estate in Memphis. Two things, I think I’ll end up moving more towards in the years to come.

What do you think is the most important aspect of the product/service you provide?

TSD: What professional accomplishment or major milestone are you most proud of?

KWJ: Honestly, my most proud accomplishment changes every year. Lol. We’re always ourselves to do bigger or better things at Three(i). So currently, I’m super proud to provide our staff with amazing health benefits, retirement benefits, and a wellness stipend to support things from fitness to therapy. Some seasoned business owners are reading this and thinking “that’s it”, but it was a big deal for Three(i) to support our team’s wellbeing as soon as we had an opportunity to do so. It’s a hell of a feeling to hear “I’m going to the eye doctor for the first time in years!”

TSD: Anything else you’d like to add?

KWJ: Memphis minority entrepreneurs and small businesses are the life heart of the city, and I truly appreciate Tri-State Defender for highlighting and uplifting our stories.

Also, if you’re looking to increase engagement, build community relationships, and capture your audience with bold storytelling, visit weare3i.com today.

PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, February 3 - 9, 2022, Page 4

Gov. Lee’s 4th State of the State speech – what’s in it; what’s not

by Associated Press NASHVILLE — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee promised on Monday in his fourth annual address to lawmakers to boost education funding, invest in infrastructure projects and funnel more money to the state’s law enforcement agencies.

The Republican, who is currently running for reelection, focused heavily on Tennessee’s exceptionalism without even mentioning the COVID-19 pandemic still plaguing most of the state — which has consistently struggled with low vaccination rates compared to the rest of the country.

“For 225 years, Tennessee has been a beacon to those who wanted something more and needed a frontier to build their American dream,” Lee said.

Flush with cash from higher-than-expected state revenues and a flood of federal relief funds, Lee outlined a $52.5 billion spending plan for fiscal year 2022-2023. The amount is nearly 20 percent more than what Lee proposed last year.

According to the budget, an additional $125 million would be dedicated to boosting teacher salaries. However, just how much of the amount will actually benefit their pay is unknown. Lee’s budget officials haven’t said how much the move will bump up a teacher’s base salary.

The funding comes as Lee looks to overhaul how the state funds its K-12 public school system. He spent months touting the need for a makeover to the 30-year-old funding formula, but he has not yet disclosed how he plans to accomplish that. The administration is promising $750 million more for the new education funding formula, but it would not kick until the budget year after next, and the money would go toward various education grants for the upcoming fiscal year.

“Historically, funds put in the salary pool don’t always make it to deserving teachers,” Lee said. “When we say teachers are getting a raise, there should be no bureaucratic workaround to prevent that. In our updated funding formula, we will ensure a teacher raise is a teacher raise.”

His administration confirmed Monday that the goal is to have something implemented by 2024, but House Speaker Cameron Sexton has already expressed doubts whether the task can be completed during this year’s legislative session.

Meanwhile, Lee confirmed that his administration was backing legislation to “ ensure parents know what materials are available to students in their libraries.” Lee said the goal is to create “great accountability at the local level.”

Across the country, conservative officials have increasingly tried to limit the type of books that children are exposed to, including books that address structural racism and LGBTQ issues. Most recently, a Tennessee school district attracted national attention after officials voted to ban

Flush with cash from higher-than-expected state revenues and a flood of federal relief funds, Gov. Bill Lee outlined a $52.5 billion spending plan for fiscal year 2022-23. The amount is nearly 20 percent more than what Lee proposed last year. (Screen capture)

Gov. Bill Lee told a joint session of the Tennessee legislature that his latest budget is “bold and balanced” and “most importantly” doesn’t ask Tennesseans for a penny more in taxes. (Screen capture) the Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel “Maus” due to its language and illustration of a nude woman.

Lee’s address drew criticisms from Democrats, including Rep. Vincent Dixie, who called it a “locker-room pep speech” that lacked substance.

“There was a glaring omission that the governor did not

address, and that was his COVID response,” said Dixie, the House Democratic caucus chairman from Nashville.

Also included in the proposed budget is $356 million to build a new multi-agency law enforcement training academy, $150 million to create a violent crime intervention grant and funding to hire 100 more state troopers.

“I believe now more than ever, we must show great discipline and regard for our freedoms. One way we do that is through a small government that contributes to a safe and well-ordered society,” Lee said.

“In recent history, big government has attempted to take over society instead of contributing to it. That’s no way to live, and Tennessee has pushed back on that big government.”

An additional $623 million has been allocated for road projects, ranging from improving rural roads to assisting litter removal. Lee said that Tennessee had “an obligation to future generations” to invest in roads and bridges.

Meanwhile, $200 million has been set aside to help Tennessee’s Colleges of Applied Technology, designed to double the state’s skilled workforce by 2026.

In a nod to his gubernatorial reelection campaign, Lee reminded the audience of his anti-abortion stance throughout his first term in office, which has included enacting legislation that banned abortion once cardiac activity is detected in an embryo – or at around six weeks.

While no new abortion policy was introduced Monday, Lee said Tennessee’s laws are ready to “provide the maximum possible protection” for the “unborn.”

However, the governor acknowledged the state had “significant work to do” in improving services for Tennessee families should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion rights decision.

TSU embraces ‘priority’ status in Gov. Lee’s proposed budget Special to The New Tri-State Defender From the vantage point of Tennessee State University officials, the budget Gov. Bill Lee presented on Monday makes TSU a budget priority and would enhance the growth and development of the HBCU (historically black college and universities).

In his State of the State address delivered Monday evening, Lee said he is proposing that TSU receive $60 million for a new engineering building and $250 million for strategic initiatives.

That includes infrastructure improvements, repairs, renovations of multiple buildings, as well as planning, design, and out-year construction. Another $8 million is included for building maintenance.

It is the largest funding recommendation in the University’s 110-year history.

“We are pleased that Governor Bill Lee made Tennessee State University a priority in his budget,” said TSU President Dr. Glenda Glover. “Governor Lee has taken a crucial

step in highlighting the State’s commitment to our infrastructure needs, but more importantly to our students.

“His budget recommendation will enhance TSU, directly benefiting our faculty, staff, students, and all Tennesseans. This is a historic moment for TSU and our legacy. I am hopeful that lawmakers will help us build upon that legacy and be a part of it.”

Dr. Glenda Rep. Harold Love Jr., also a TSU Glover alumnus, agreed that Lee’s proposal is important to the competitive growth of the university.

“I appreciate the governor including in his budget proposal to the legislature a significant investment in the infrastructure of Tennessee State University’s campus,” said Love.

“Now the work begins to keep it in the budget and get the budget passed.”

In his State of the State address on Monday evening, Gov. Bill Lee made the largest funding recommendation in Tennessee State University’s 110-year history.

Lee also is proposing $90 million to fully fund the outcomes-based funding formula, which will benefit each of the State’s 4-year public universities.

Dr. Glover said the administration will bring forth a bill for lawmakers to consider that will increase the Hope Scholarship dollars to $5,100 per year for all four years at TSU. Currently, the allotment is $3,500 for years one and two, and $4,500 for years three and four.

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The New Tri-State Defender

February 3 - 9, 2022

Page 5

RELIGION

Jubilee Hummingbirds’ ‘Redd’ Watson honored with ‘Love and Benefit Concert’

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

The Rev. William “Redd” Watson (left) of the Jubilee Hummingbirds is presented with “The Rise of 300 Moral Leaders” Award by Stanley Campbell, the award’s founder.

(Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The Jubilee Hummingbirds have embodied a celebrated gospel style known as the “jubilee quartet style” for 82 years, according to the group’s leader, the Rev. William “Redd” Watson.

Last Sunday (Jan. 30) afternoon, Watson was honored with a “Love and Benefit Concert” as his Olive Branch church family enjoyed the rich and uplifting harmonies of the historic recording ensemble.

“I just wanted to do something to help Bro. Watson, since he is our church member,” said Pastor Kenneth Artison, House of God Church.

“Bro. Watson has been sick, and so many families have suffered through this pandemic with very little added support. My heart went out to him, and we wanted to show the family that we really love them.”

Watson, who was hospitalized with COVID-19, has suffered extended respiratory issues since contracting the virus in the early part of 2021.

Jan. 30, the last Sunday of the month, gave Watson lots of things to rejoice about.

“In the hospital, I was on 20 liters of oxygen,” he said. “I was sent home with three liters. They said I was going to die, but God said something differ-

The “Love and Benefit Concert” at House of God Church was a crowd-pleaser. ent. I am just grateful to be here.”

Not only did Watson receive a love offering from attendees of the event, but he was also presented with “The Rise of 300 Moral Leaders” Award

by Stanley Campbell, the award’s founder.

“Redd Watson was named in our first year of 2021,” said Campbell.

“He announced the names of 100 honorees on April 4, 2021, and we presented the actual awards later on in the year during the Annual Stone Awards. Mr. Watson couldn’t be there because he was sick. But, we wanted

to make sure he received his award during this event given in his honor.”

The Jubilee Hummingbirds helped to define a style of showmanship and enthusiastic shouting that became synonymous with the jubilee quartet genre. Secular singers, such as James Brown and Jackie Wilson, adapted the style of performing during their popular stage acts of the 1960s.

Brown was known for falling on his knees, someone throwing a cape over his shoulders, walking out, but then, throwing the cape off and returning to the performance. It was a

popular stunt taken straight from the quartet acts of the 1940s and 1950s.

Watson delighted church family and community supporters by performing with his quartet after a long absence.

“Bro. Watson was able to sing and play with his group for a couple of numbers,” said Artison. “He had to sit down during the performances, but he sang and played his guitar, and it was just wonderful.”

Watson said the group is proud of its history, and that history must be passed on.

“We were started in the ’40s by Clarence Johnson,” said Watson.

“We always honor him as our founder. In 1964, we recorded at Stax. In the fall of 1968, we started performing each week on ‘Songs of Praise,’ a local gospel program on WREG Channel 3.”

Watson said at their busiest, the Jubilee Hummingbirds were singing through the week, twice on Saturday, and three times on Sunday.

“Those were wonderful days,” he said. “Not only did we go all over the Mid-South, we were singing in Chicago, just all over. Those were wonderful days. Now, many of the old guys have passed away. We want to tell these younger members about our history and what those members did back then to make Jubilee Hummingbirds what they are. Our history must be kept alive.”

Watson lives in Cordova. Other members of the group live in communities around the city of Memphis.

Remembering Officer ‘CJ’ Jones

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The last thing that one loved one says to another before death separates them tends to be something routine when death is not in the picture as the words are uttered.

“The last thing he said to me was that he was getting ready to go save lives,” said Sharon Jones, the mother of Memphis Police Department Officer Corille Cortez “CJ” Jones, who died on duty in a multiple-vehicle crash on Jan. 20.

“That meant he was getting ready to go to work. And I told him, ‘Alright, baby, be careful.’”

MPD is still investigating the crash, which involved three cars near the intersection of Shelby Drive and Pleasant Hill at about 3 a.m. Jones’ car collided with one of the two other vehicles, with that driver also killed.

After a visitation service last Wednesday night (Jan. 26) at Hope Presbyterian Church, a “Sea of Blue” – law enforcement vehicles with blue lights flashing – streamed away from the church at 8500 Walnut Grove Road as family, friends and colleagues watched the procession.

The funeral for Jones, 32, was held at the church the next day.

“You just had to know CJ,” Sharon Jones said in an interview with The New Tri-State Defender. “He loved

Memphis Police Department Officer Corille Cortez “CJ” Jones’ photo and badge shown on a screen at Hope Presbyterian Church during his funeral service. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender) Paying tribute to MPD Officer Corille Cortez “CJ” Jones. being a police officer. He loved people and had a real desire to protect and serve.”

Initial news reports simply stated that a police officer and civilian had been killed. Sharon Jones and other family members learned that “CJ” was the police fatality when MPD came to the home to deliver the news later that morning.

Sharon Jones took in the message but it was unbelievable to her because “CJ” had always been such a good driver, she said.

Some family members saw a video of the crash. CJ’s aunt, Vicki Logan, who works for the Shelby County

Sheriff’s Office, called the crash horrible, adding that the intersection was dangerous.

Logan is credited with getting her nephew interested in becoming a police officer.

“Before CJ became an officer two years ago, he was a firefighter,” said Sharon Jones. “CJ had worked as a firefighter a year before he decided that he really wanted to be in law enforcement. He felt like he could really make a difference and show people that there really were good police officers. He always tried to be the best.”

Among the online expressions

shared after Officer Jones’ death was one from a fellow officer who recalled Jones once taking off his gunbelt to play basketball with a group of kids.

MPD Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis, along with officers Terrence Balfour, Stephen Owens and Keith Payne, shared expressions and reflections during Jones’ homegoing service, with the eulogy delivered by Dr. Brian M. Carmichael Sr., senior pastor of Holy Temple Missionary Baptist Church.

Officer Jones also leaves an uncle and aunt, Stanley and Gale Lynn, who raised him; two daughters, Kaitlyn M. Jones and Harmony A. Jones; his grandmother, Margaree Logan;

three sisters, Sylvia Wells, Sandra Griggs and Carolyn Brooks; and his fiancée, Melanie Clark. He was preceded in death by his father, Robbie McKinney Sharon Jones said that when her son would learn of the death of another officer he would, “Say a special prayer for their families, their children. … I guess we never imagined that he would be one of those officers one day.”

Officer Jones would have been 33 on April 25 and he would have celebrated the second anniversary of joining the police force on February 15.

The Memphis Police Association has started a fundraiser for the family.

The New Tri-State Defender

February 3 - 9, 2022

Page 6

ENTERTAINMENT

Stax Museum of American Soul Music added to U.S. Civil Rights Trail TSD Newsroom From 1960 to 1974, a tiny movie-theater-turned-recording studio in South Memphis produced a string of hits that stir souls today. Now its offspring – Stax Museum of American Soul Music – is a landmark on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Travel South announced the Stax Museum’s addition to the trail, which now features 14 Tennessee stops.

The Tuesday (Feb. 1) announcement dovetailed with the Stax Museum’s launch of its second annual Virtual Black “Our launch of the History Month Tour, which is Stax Museum’s available at no cost to educaVirtual Black tors and students throughout the world. Registration is required History Month at https://bit.ly/3s490qW. Tour couldn’t be “Our launch of the Stax Mumore in line with seum’s Virtual Black History Month Tour couldn’t be more in the announcement line with the announcement that that the museum the museum is now being addis now being ed as an iconic location on the added as an iconic U.S. Civil Rights Trail,” said location on the U.S. Stax Museum Executive DirecCivil Rights Trail.” tor Jeff Kollath.

— Jeff Kollath “More than just a label that recorded some of the most indelible, timeless music in history, Stax Records provided a company culture that was inclusive and where people of all races and genders worked together like family at a time of extreme racism and sexism in the United States and particularly in Memphis and the South.”

The U.S. Civil Rights Trail, which debuted in 2018, includes more than 120 sites that were significant to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Among the sites are a collection of churches, courthouses, schools, museums and other landmarks primarily in the Southern states where activists challenged segregation to advance social justice.

The people, locations and destinations included in the Civil Rights Trail collectively provide a way for families, travelers and educators to experience history firsthand and tell the story of how “what happened here changed the world.”

Other locations in Memphis include the National Civil Rights Museum, Beale Street Historic District, the original WDIA Radio Station facility at 112 Union Ave., Mason Temple Church of God in Christ, and Clayborn Temple and I AM A MAN Plaza.

With permanent exhibits such as the interior of a circa-1906 A.M.E. Mississippi Delta church and Isaac Hayes’ 1972 gold-trimmed Cadillac Eldorado, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music tells the story of Stax Records and the role of American soul music in the Civil Rights Movement.

The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) in Nashville, which opened in January 2021, also was added to the trail on Tuesday.

The Stax Museum opened in May 2003 and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2023.

“Both our new status on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail in advance of our 20th anniversary, and the launch of our Virtual Black History Month Tour, reflect the role Stax Records played in Memphis’ history and how it continues to do so today,” Kollath added.

(For more information about the Stax Museum on the United States Civil Rights Trail, visit https://bit. ly/34lO1aV. For more information on Tennessee stops, visit www.TNcivilrightstrail.com.)

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is located on the former site of Stax Records. Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton, a brother and sister duo, purchased the old Capitol Theatre on McLemore Avenue to relocate their recording equipment. They soon became part of a worldwide sensation dubbed American soul music. Many of the artists and musicians who recorded at Stax were from surrounding neighborhoods, local churches and schools.

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, February 3 - 9, 2022, Page 7

Pervis Payne gets concurrent ruling; D.A. Weirich maps out an appeal

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The movement to free Pervis Payne celebrated a huge legal victory on Monday (Jan. 31), as Shelby County Judge Paula Skahan ruled that Payne’s two life sentences would run concurrently instead of consecutively.

The ruling means that Payne will be eligible for parole in five years.

In a statement released after the ruling, Payne’s attorney said that Skahan “considered this matter thoughtfully and deliberately and did the right thing.”

“She followed Tennessee law, which favors concurrent sentences and places the burden on the State to prove that consecutive sentencing is necessary to protect the public,” said Kelley Henry in the statement. “The Shelby County D.A. was effectively asking for a sentence of life without parole – which is not authorized under the law.”

“The plain fact,” Henry continued, “is that Pervis Payne is no threat to society and he never was.”

Skahan’s ruling is the latest development in Payne’s decades-long legal

saga. Payne was sentenced to death in a Memphis court for the 1987 stabbing deaths of Charisse Christopher and her 2-year-old daughter, Lacie Jo. Christopher’s son, Nicholas, who was 3 at the time, also was stabbed but survived.

Payne was scheduled to be executed in Nashville in December 2020, but Gov. Bill Lee granted a temporary reprieve. Payne’s two death sentences were changed to two life sentences following an updated law that forbids the death penalty for the intellectually disabled.

Shortly after the latest ruling, Shelby County District Attorney Amy Weirich asked the State Attorney General’s office to appeal Skahan’s decision.

“We respectfully disagree with Judge Skahan’s interpretation of the new statute that removed the oneyear statute of limitations on claims of intellectual disability,” Weirich said in a statement released Tuesday morning. “The statute does not authorize changing the original judge’s ruling that multiple sentences in the case should be consecutive.”

Members of the Free Pervis Payne

Coalition reacted to both Skahan’s ruling and Weirich’s request for appeal. Bishop David Hall, General Board member of the Church of God in Christ and pastor of Temple COGIC, said the church stands with the Payne family and is asking Weirich to help expedite Payne’s release. “(Weirich) showed some heart when she admitted the evidence in this case had been badly mishandled,” Hall said. “But we are now wondering if she will have the courage, not the political savvy, to do the right thing and let Pervis go home to his family after 40 years.”

Henry expressed gratitude to those who played a role in getting Payne off of death row, including Lee, State Rep. G.A. Hardaway and the Tennessee Legislature for “answering the call of the Tennessee Supreme Court to modernize our state’s intellectual disability law. Without them, Pervis would be facing execution.

“We are equally grateful to our broad and diverse nationwide coalition of supporters, including more than 150 faith and community leaders right here in Memphis,” Henry added.

Lead organizer of the Free Pervis

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Supt. Dr. Joris Ray was the featured speaker as Mt. Pisgah C.M.E. Church observed Youth Day last Sunday (Jan. 30). Awards were presented to Mt. Pisgah scholars.

(Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New TriState Defender)

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

MTS ‘intentional’ in creating Christian education in ‘The Black Church’ context Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Memphis Theological Seminary just broadened its focus in providing Christian Education in the context of “The Black Church,” thanks to a $1,000,000 grant from the prestigious Lily Endowment.

“Establishing ‘The House of Black Church Studies’ is an extremely significant development at Memphis Theological,” said Dr. Christopher Davis, associate dean of doctoral studies.

“This is a Cumberland Presbyterian seminary, and this new endeavor represents an intentional effort to acknowledge that the African-American church is a large faction of Christians. Leaders should be trained in the cultural nuances of working with a black congregation.”

Davis, who is also an associate professor of preaching and pastoral ministry, said the entity will store a wealth of sermons and teaching documents. There will be an emphasis on the cultural practices of the “black church.” A deliberately designed component of study will recognize the many contributions of the church.

“The House of Black Church Studies will create exceptional opportunities for our students to focus on the black church as unique and distinc-

Payne Coalition, Pastor Andre Johnson of Gifts of Life Ministries, said he was not surprised at Weirich’s response.

“Attorney Henry expected as much from the DA,” said Johnson. “We were elated that Judge Skahan ruled that the two life sentences should run concurrently. And of course, we are grateful that Pervis will never have to face the death penalty ever again. The judge made a just and fair determination. We will continue our fight to free Pervis Payne.”

Hall has said multiple times that the international COGIC denomination supports freeing Payne.

“I have tried to stay out of the political fray, but the DA is following the hard Republican line,” Hall said.

“I commended her work in Shelby County when she attended the opening of our prison ministry.

“We are asking Amy Weirich to show

evidence of a moral compass. The facts in the case, based on the evidence that was available, say Pervis Payne did not commit these heinous crimes.”

Henry reminded the public in her statement that Payne had never been arrested before and has always maintained his innocence. Testimony over two days, according to 19 witnesses, said Payne was a model prisoner, never having received one infraction, not even a minor one.

Henry did not respond directly to Weirich’s action, but said the fight to free Payne goes on.

“This journey will continue until we uncover the truth and Pervis is exonerated. We are thankful to the Innocence Project for partnering with us to help prove Pervis’ innocence.”

(This story includes a report by the Associated Press.)

Council greets new diversity and compliance leadership team

Youth Day …

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Former Tennessee death row inmate Pervis Payne (third from left,) stands as Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Paula Skahan enters the courtroom on Monday (Jan. 31). Skahan sentenced Payne to serve two life sentences to run at the same time, meaning he is now eligible for parole in about five years. Payne was removed from death row in November after he was found to be intellectually disabled. (AP Photo/Adrian Sainz)

tive from the other MTS houses,” said Davis. “This is especially exciting because practitioaners will be brought to share about the work they do every day. Creating a meaningful connection between the sanctuary and the seminary will be invaluable.”

Davis said a mutually beneficial expansion of the sanctuary and seminary connection will be the addition of paid internships for students to spend time with church leaders within the church setting.

“They can learn from pastors while sharing what they are learning in seminary. We can pay them a stipend during the internship. It’s a win-win for everybody.”

MTS President Jody Hill said with the addition of the House of Black Church Studies, “Memphis Theological Seminary can now celebrate that we have houses of study dedicated to equipping leaders in our student body’s three largest congregational settings: the African-American Church, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and the Methodist Church.”

Hill said the new house will “enhance the seminary’s capacity to carry forward its efforts to prepare and support pastors and lay ministers of African-American traditions to serve their local congregations.”

Program Director Dr. Karren Todd

said she was “excited to be a part of this new and necessary work for the Black church … Our mission…is to enrich the work and witness of Memphis Theological Seminary as a theological and spiritual resource in the context of the Black church. I look forward to the work and the impact of the MTS House of Black Church Studies.”

Davis said 60 percent of MTS students are African American, and most will likely work in Memphis, which is majority African American.

The grant will partially fund the new house. More than 100 churches are expected to partner with MTS in funding the work of House of Black Church Studies.

The Lily Endowment Inc., has a long-standing record of supporting Christian education.

“Theological schools have played a pivotal role in preparing pastoral leaders for churches,” said Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion. “…Theological schools will take deliberate steps to address the challenges they have identified in ways that make the most sense to them....

Their efforts are critical to ensuring congregations continue to have a steady stream of pastoral leaders who are well-prepared to lead the churches of tomorrow.”

Memphis City Council members greeted the new leadership of the city’s Office of Business Diversity and Compliance during the Economic Development, Technology and Tourism committee meeting on Tuesday, February 1.

Retired software company founder Marvell Mitchell is the new OBDC head. He is joined by office administrator Zandaria Davidson. The department supports and monitors the awarding of city vendor contracts to minority or women-owned businesses.

Both are African-American.

“Your task is an awesome one,” said Councilmember Cheyenne Johnson. “There’s a lot of moving parts in trying to make small business, minority business an active part of this community. So, I’m looking forward to seeing what type of ideas you may have to change what may be going on.

“The department works, from what I know so far about it,” she continued. “New faces always see it differently, so I am excited to have you both on board.”

Mitchell and Davidson were appointed by Mayor Jim Strickland, who seeks to increase the percentage of contracts awarded to MWBE’s to 24 percent. Mitchell succeeds Joanne Massey, who stepped down in September. Ken Moody, special assistant to Mayor Strickland and a Democratic candidate for Shelby County Mayor, served in the interim.

“We have come a long way under Strickland’s administration in terms of supporting MWBE’s, but we also have to keep in mind where we currently stand,” said Councilmember JB Smiley Jr. “This is a minority-majority city, but when we talk about contracting dollars for MWBE’s we are significantly behind.”

The OBDC was launched in February 2016, when Strickland

folded the Memphis Office of Resource and Enterprise (MORE) and Office of Contract Compliance in Stricklands’ first term. At the time, U.S. Census data reflected that less than one percent of local sales receipts found their way to MWBE’s.

“You all have a very difficult task, but a task that I think this council is willing to embrace - the City of Memphis is willing to embrace,” Smiley said. “On the behalf of, I think, the majority of members on this body, we stand willing and ready to support you all’s work, because it’s needed work.”

The new leadership team brings contrasting resumes and work-aday perspectives to the office.

Mitchell, who came out of retirement for the role, spent his whole career in private business. Prior to leading Mitchell Technology Group for 25 years, he spent the first 20 years of his career at IBM and Digital Equipment Corp.

Davidson, meanwhile, is a 23year city employee. Most recently, she dealt with contract compliance with the Division of Public Works.

She has also served on the board of directors with the American Contract Compliance Association for six years.

“Hopefully we can look at both sides of the fence and try to do everything we can to move the needle as it relates to diversity business,” Mitchell said.

In other developments, the Council unanimously approved an item in its second reading that would increase payment options for drivers to have their vehicle released after being towed.

Currently, some tow-truck companies only accept cash payments.

If it passes on its third reading it would require wreckers to accept credit cards, debit cards and other forms of cashless payment. The next vote on the item, sponsored

by Smiley, is scheduled for February 15.

The New Tri-State Defender

February 3 - 9, 2022

Page 8

NEWS

TAKING NOTE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

Through the new FedEx-HBCU Student Ambassador Program selected students will have the chance to build leadership and career-ready skills and participate in unique experiences, while also helping expand the company’s pipeline for diverse talent. (Courtesy photo)

FedEx launches Student Ambassador Program TSD Newsroom Students from eight historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have been selected for the launch of the FedEx-HBCU Student Ambassador Program.

The program is designed as a continuing commitment to help prepare HBCU students to be future leaders with opportunities to learn about the FedEx enterprise from executives.

Students will have the chance to build leadership and career-ready skills and participate in unique experiences, while also helping expand the company’s pipeline for diverse talent.

Participants were selected from the following HBCUs: • Jackson State University (Jackson, Miss.)

• Tennessee State University (Nashville) • LeMoyne-Owen College

(Memphis • Mississippi Valley State University (Itta Bena, Miss.)

• Lane College (Jackson, Tenn.)

• Paul Quinn College (Dallas, TX.) • Miles College (Fairfield, Ala.) • Fayetteville State University (Fayetteville, N.C.) The program will officially kick off in March with the first cohort of students, who will participate in virtual and hybrid meetings. The intent is to introduce a new cohort each year to align with the five-year commitment to HBCUs that FedEx announced last year.

Students were selected based on their career interests in various areas, including e-commerce, sustainability, IT/tech, logistics, marketing communications, sales, data/analytics, operations, and more.

“The FedEx-HBCU Student Ambassador program

will continue to strengthen our important relationships with HBCUs across the country,” said Judy Edge, corporate vice president of human resources at FedEx. “We’re preparing tomorrow’s leaders, and the students we reach through this program will gain valuable practical experience that will help prepare them to enter the workforce. It will also help us to continue to bring diverse talent into our pipeline at FedEx.” FedEx leaders, school presidents, and student program participants participated in a special ceremonial presentation during the ringing of The Closing Bell® at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on February 1 commemorating the launch of the program and a nationwide celebration of Black History.

To learn more about FedEx support of HBCUs, visit www. fedexcares.com.

American Heart Association names UTHSC’s Dr. Artangela Woman of Impact Special to The New Tri-State Defender Longtime nurse practitioner and health advocate, Artangela Henry, has been named a Woman of Impact in the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign.

She will use her influence to help women understand the peril of cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 cause of death among women in the United States.

“Women wear many different hats and, in the process, we tend to focus on the needs of others and put ourselves on the back burner,” said Henry, assistant professor in the UTHSC College of Nursing and an expert in disease processes, particularly sickle cell disease.

A two-time alumna of the College of Nursing, she joined the faculty in 2021.

“What a lot of people don’t understand is that sickle cell is a complex disease process.

It literally affects every single organ in the body, including the heart.”

One of the subtleties women often miss is the level of stress in their lives, she said.

“Having a life of increased stressors can actually increase blood pressure, which causes hypertension. That stress and elevated blood pressure puts strain on the heart, and it has to work harder to pump blood to the rest of our bodies,” Hen-

ry said.

Cardiovascular disease is responsible for one of every three deaths among w o m e n . Dr. Artangela Henry More than half are preventable. To get the message out, AHA started the Go Red for Women campaign in 2004.

In 2021, it named Women of Impact in every region of the country to promote the message.

The names of the 20 Women of Impact in the Midsouth will be announced Friday, Feb. 4, National Wear Red Day. “We are trying to reach women at a younger age to make lifestyle changes,” said Kate Staggs, director of Go Red for Women for the American Heart Association of the Mid-South/West Tennessee.

“Dr. Henry is fabulous. I think she will be hugely impactful.”

Henry plans to promote social media campaigns to help people do simple things to increase physical activity, including a jump rope challenge.

“If you don’t have a jump rope, you can do jumping jacks,” Henry said.

She also will promote walk-

ing, journaling, and drinking more water to improve quality of life.

“Sometimes, we emphasize the big things, but it’s really the simple things that bring the most positive impact.”

Friday also kicks off personal fundraising each Woman of Impact will be conducting for the AHA. It will run through April 7, World Health Day. Last year, the Women of Impact raised more than $65,000 to fight for heart health in the Mid-South. Nationally, the group raised more than $1 million.

Henry is designing her messages to target healthcare professionals, women and the audiences in her sickle cell talks.

“I’m passionate about sickle-cell education because it is a complex disease that causes many complications and affects predominantly those of African descent, an underserved population in health care. I want to be a beacon of light that brings impact, support, empowerment and elevates this disease.”

In June 2021, Dr. Henry was part of a team in the UTHSC College of Nursing that received $50,000 from Global Blood Therapeutics to create a five-day boot camp course to help nurses improve quality of care for sickle cell patients.

The course will be offered through the College of Nursing.

Dr. Charles Champion (bottom right) had plenty of support as he received the Authur S. Holmon Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the University of Memphis Black Student Association during the 2022 Black History Month Opening Reception on campus Tuesday (Feb. 1). (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/ The New Tri-State Defender) As is annually the case, African American History Month is celebrated in myriad ways in Greater Memphis.

Here is an evolving calendar of events. *Hattiloo Theatre, 37 Cooper St. New York playwright and native Memphis Katori Hall’s “The Mountaintop” film presents a fictional account of Dr. King’s last night through Feb. 13. Visit the website (https://hattiloo.org/season-15/) for scheduled times and ticket prices *The Stax Museum of American Soul Music “Soul of America: An Evolution of Black American Music” an online presentation on Feb. 15.

“Magnetic South: All Signs Point to Soulsville USA.” Register here: www.Eventbrite.com/Staxacademy *LeMoyne-Owen College Memphis’ only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) will kick-off a yearlong anniversary celebration on Feb. 4 at noon on the steps of Brownlee Hall. *National Civil Rights Museum Jerry Mitchell, author of “Race Against Time,” will be featured in a virtual conversation on Feb. 3, 6-7:30 p.m. He will be joined by the daughter of civil rights activist Medger Evers. For more information and registration, call Ryan Jones at 901-521-9699. *Benjamin L. Hooks Library Black Children’s Books and Authors (BCBA), a nonprofit organization promoting the works of African-American children and young adult authors, will hold its fifth annual “Our Stories Matter,” African American read-in on Feb. 19, 2-4 p.m. Free and open to all ages. Call 901-310-4294; email bc. books.authors@gmail.com . Seating is limited and masking is required. *Tone Memphis Tone, a local arts and culture nonprofit entity, will host the solo exhibitions of artists, Rahn Marion and Kevin Brisco Jr. on Feb. 5, 4-7 p.m. Tone Gallery is located at 2234 Lamar Ave. Free.

Dr. Charles Champion, a licensed pharmacist and renowned master compounder of herbal medicines for 60-plus years, is the namesake of Champion’s Pharmacy and Herb Store. He has been married to the former Carolyn Bailey (left) since 1958. *Evergreen Theatre Memphis for Puerto Rico, a Facebook community group, and Cazateatro, a bilingual theater group, have collaborated to present an in-person concert to celebrate Afro-Latino culture and music, Feb.18, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The event will feature a live performance by Las Bompleneras, a Chicago-based, all-women group. Evergreen Theatre is located at 1705 Poplar Ave. Tickets and more information: 901-274-7139. *Bookmark 901 Jeremee DeMoir, owner of DeMoir Books and Things, 739 N. White Station Road, has collaborated with Give901 and Choose901 to bring “Bookmark 901.” DeMoir will post book recommendations on social media every week, starting Feb. 1. *Rhodes College, 2000 N. Parkway Feb. 3, 6-7:30 p.m.

“Black People Meet: Get to know your Black Student Association Family” Barrett Hall Feb. 4, 5-7 p.m.

“Global Ghana Information Session” Briggs Hall – Spence Wilson Room Feb. 10, 6-8 p.m.

“Black Food Matters” Online Virtual Room A (www.rhodes.edu) *University of Memphis For a monthlong calendar of events, visit https://bit.ly/3J1RV86

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The New Tri-State Defender

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Open positions for Director of Development, Communications Manager, IT Administrator, Accounts Payable Clerk, and Visitor Services Coordinator.

Learn more and apply at Learn more and apply at crosstownarts. org/opportunities/careers/ NOTICE TO BIDDERS Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000709, CJC Freight Elevator Modernization. Information regarding this Bid is located on the County’s website at www. shelbycountytn.gov . At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, Click on “Purchasing” and “Bids” to locate the name of the above described Sealed Bid.

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LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Flintco, LLC. has been selected as Construction Manager/ General Contractor (CM/GC) for the following project: Gaisman Park Soccer Field Improvements Construction Documents Prequalified subcontractors are invited to submit complete bids for this project. Examine documents at Construction Manager’s office. Obtain documents via distribution on Construction Manager’s FTP site. Plans will be available to bidders January 17, 2022.

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Project Description: This project consists of constructing two (2) new soccer fields with associated lightings, new concrete sidewalks, landscaping, and storm drainage.

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THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER assumes no financial responsibility for errors nor for copy omission.

Direct any classified billing inquires to (901) 523-1818.

crete Bid Package No. 32B – Athletic and Recreational Surfacing Bid Package No. 32C – Landscaping Bid Package No. 33A – Storm Drainage Bids Received At: Flintco, LLC 2179 Hillshire Circle Memphis, TN 38133 Ph. 901-372-9600 Until: 2:00PM Local Time On: Thursday, February 3, 2022 Plan Deposit: None Required Construction Manager: Flintco, Inc. 2179 Hillshire Circle Memphis, TN 38133 Contact: Logan Rogers, Senior Estimator logan.rogers@flintco.com Ph. 901.612.2885 Bonding Requirements: A performance and payment bond is not required for this project.

Licensing Requirements: Bidders shall be familiar with the Contractors Licensing Act of 1994, as currently amended, codified in Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 62-6-101, et seq. A contract will not be awarded that conflicts with state licensing laws.

Pre-Bid Conference: 2:00 PM Local Time Wedensday, January 26, 2022 Gaisman Community Center 4221 Macon Road Memphis, TN 38122 Pre-Bid Conference is not mandatory.

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

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BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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:

Cipriano Francisco Tax Parcel #: 03801200000110 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $25700.00 Terms: Cash

Michael Webb Tax Parcel #: 05205800000710 Tax Sale #: 1302 Price Offered: $1125.00 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 March 4, 2022, 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 2:30 p.m. on March 3, 2022, 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

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:

Estela Roche & Luis Flores Tax Parcel #: 04203800000250 Tax Sale #: 1303 Price Offered: $6000.00 Terms: Cash

Michael Webb Tax Parcel #: 05205800000680 Tax Sale #: 1302 Price Offered: $1125.00 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 March 4, 2022, 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 9:30 a.m. on March 4, 2022, 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 2:00 p.m. on March 3, 2022, 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

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE

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: Nebeyou Zewdie Tax Parcel #: 09007600000840 Tax Sale #: 803 Price Offered: $4400.00 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 March 4, 2022, 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: Flor Dania Garcia Herrera and Juan Gonzalez Tax Parcel #: 04305500000220 Tax Sale #: 1703 Price Offered: $7000.00 Terms: Cash

SPORTS The New Tri-State Defender, February 3 - 9, 2022, Page 10

Ja Morant drives and scores for two of his 30 points against the Utah Jazz in his first game after being named an All-Star Game starter. (Photos: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender)

For Ja, Grizzlies, the day and game after his All-Star selection were winners

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

An in-game standing ovation by Grizzlies fans at FedExForum signaled the recognition of Ja Morant’s selection as an All-Star Game starter.

“Sorry for not acting on it (the ovation), I was locked in,” said Terry Morant. “I felt like I Davis was playing kind of bad at the start of the game, not finishing layups, etc. I was focused on the game, locked in. I appreciate everybody cheering for me, but in that moment, I felt like I needed to win; I had to get that.”

Memphis got the win (119-110) over Utah as the Grizzlies tightened their grip on third place in the Western Conference and ahead of the fourth-place Jazz.

In the first game following his All-Star selection, Morant recorded a triple-double: 30 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists.

While getting the win was paramount, Morant’s All-Star selection generated buzz before, during and after the game. The team and staff saluted him with a pregame surprise that unfolded as Morant parked in the garage.

“I was backing in and Jaren (Jackson Jr.) pulled up. Normally he will sit in his car and play his last song, then come in the arena. Instead, he hopped out of the car and started running. I hopped out and (was) just walking; he was screaming something.

I could not tell you what he was screaming, I do not know. I had seen everybody, and I was shook.”

Morant called the previous 24-hours “big time” and much needed in that he got to see his family.

“Getting the All-Star starting nod and being with them when my name was called, obviously was something I wanted to do, to be able to do and I was able to do that.

Thankful for the organization letting me be able to go spend time with my grandma.

Utah’s Mike Conley Jr. got a warm welcome for all he did as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Coming back, I was the same Ja as before the announcement was made; go out and prove myself try to win the game.”

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins was at home with his family when the All-Star starter selections were announced.

“As soon as they announced the guards, it was Steph Curry (and) everyone was on pins and needles. I yelled out ‘yes, yes, yes’ multiple times. I’m so proud of Ja and so proud of this team,” said Jenkins.

“Ja’s work has gotten him to this point and gotten him this accomplishment and recognition, but to put one of your own into the All-Star Game is very special. For me, as a head coach, to have one of our players in the All-Star Game for the first time is a testament to him and this team.”

The game against the Jazz featured the return of two former Grizzlies and fan favorites – Rudy Gay and Mike Conley Jr. Conley, fondly remembered as one of the Grizzlies’ “Core Four,” along with Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph and Tony Allen, noted the strides the Grizzlies have made since last season.

“Maturity is a factor,” said Conley.

“Them getting a taste of the playoffs last season carried over into the summer. Ja playing at the same level he did in the

As has generally been the case this season, Ja Morant had plenty of help in securing a win for the Grizzlies. Here Jaren Jackson Jr., who has been on a blocking streak, blocks the shot of Hassan Whiteside of Utah. playoffs. Jaren is playing better down the line. Everyone on the team has fed off one another. Steven Adams has been a big reason too.

“They are well-rounded and wellcoached. They are going to be a tough team.”

Next and notes • The Grizzlies’ Desmond Bane is headed to the All-Star game in Cleveland after his selection to play in the Rising Stars game.

• After downing the Washington Wizards (115-95) at FedExForum (Jan. 29) and losing (122-119) in overtime to the 76ers in Philadelphia (Jan. 31), the Grizzlies were set to take on the Knicks in New York City on Wednesday (Feb. 2). They travel to Orlando to play the Magic on Saturday (Feb. 5).

Desmond Bane, who will join Morant at the All-Star Game as a selected participant in the Rising Stars game, scores over former Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay.