The New Tri-State Defender - February 20-26, 2020

AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH

Shelby County Archives evolve with eight historic honorees Proposal would

overhaul blocked Tennessee voter signup law

by Kimberlee Kruesi Associated Press

NASHVILLE – Tennessee lawmakers on Wednesday introduced a new proposal to amend the state’s legally contentious voter-registration restrictions that are currently blocked from being enforced during the 2020 elections.

Last year, Republican Gov. Bill Lee signed GOP-backed legislation that made Tennessee the first state in the country to fine registration groups for turning in too many incomplete signup forms. It also criminalized intentional infractions of other new rules with misdemeanor charges.

However, the law immediately prompted two lawsuits and sparked national criticism from those who argued that the law would suppress efforts to register minorities and other voters.

A federal judge later blocked the implementation of the law as it awaits trial in February 2021, saying the law would have a “chilling effect” on organizations and individuals seeking to register voters.

In the interim, Tennessee lawmakers on Wednesday decided to once again back new rules on how to sign up new voters.

The latest version would require the state to offer voluntary training on voter registration laws and require voter registration applications be submitted within 15 days of a voter registration drive. The measure would then prohibit the retention of voter information for non-political purposes, as well as require “cybersecurity to be considered” when certifying a voter registration system.

“In the face of the federal injunction, these protections are better than no protection at all,” wrote Secretary of State Tre Hargett in a recent letter to lawmakers.

Hargett, who had previously argued the original 2019 voter registration law would bolster election security, is submitting a separate bill this year that will criminalize “intentional dissemination of misinformation” surrounding the qualifications to vote, voter registration requirements, voter eligibility and polling dates, times and locations.

Under that proposal, it would also be a felony to tamper with voting systems, gain unauthorized access to voter registration databases, “willfully” substitute fake election results and

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Tuesday was one for the record books as the office of the Shelby County Register of Deeds staged its inaugural Black History Month luncheon and celebration, honoring eight “Shelby County Legends.”

The venue was the Shelby County Archives, which is located just north of State Rd., across the Greenline, near an entry to Shelby Farms and within eyesight of the Shelby County Correctional Facility.

The honorees lauded at what was dubbed “Luncheon With the Register of Deeds” were:

• Yvonne B. Acey and David Acey Sr., Africa in April,

• Calvin Anderson, The New Tri-State De-

fender,

• Dr. Beverly G. Bond, historian, University of Memphis,

• Floyd Bonner Jr., Shelby County Sheriff

• Shelandra Ford, Register of Deeds,

• Temiika Gipson, Circuit Court Clerk,

• Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray Jr., New Sardis Baptist Church, and

• Wanda Halbert, Shelby County Clerk.

Those on hand included Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris.

“It is our great privilege to honor all of you today,” Harris said. “None of us who got elected in 2018 could have done it without David Acey, (Dr. L) LaSimba Gray, Calvin Anderson and all these other persons being honored today. And so we take great pleasure in honoring you today for your contributions to the citizens of Shelby County.”

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

Defender

The impact of the black press was at the forefront, as the Memphis Association of Black Journalists hosted “Salute to Black Media,” a panel discussion held at the National Civil Rights Museum Saturday.

“We’ve been depending on black media since the beginning; and thank God for black media because we would have no idea what was going on in our community and what was happening

Dr. Gray, pastor emeritus of New Sardis Baptist Church and civil rights activist, used the occasion to issue a challenge to Shelby County’s current leadership.

“We’ve got enough power in this room to do what we need to do,” Gray said. “Mayor Harris and all of you who are elected officials –let’s make a commitment to fight poverty and crime. We can do it.

“Ben Hooks would always say, ‘You’re either part of the problem or part of the solution.’ He got it from Eldridge Cleaver, and so I, too, say, you’re either part of the problem or part of the solution.”

Gray was honored for his decades of service as a pastor and activist, who brought social issues to the center, using his signature brand of

against us,” said Faith Morris, chief marketing officer for the National Civil Rights Museum. Morris was on the panel with several local media trailblazers — former senior writer for Ebony Magazine Lynn Norment, long-time WDIA radio host Mark Stansbury and The New Tri-State Defender Associate Publisher/ Executive Editor Karanja A. Ajanaku. WDIA’s award-winning talk show host Bev Johnson moderated the event.

“We have a different way of telling stories

WDIA’s Bev Johnson, a Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame inductee, was the moderator for the Memphis Association of Black Journalists’ “Salute to Black Media” at the National Civil Rights Museum. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr., the first African American to hold the position, was among the Shelby County legends honored during the African-American History Month Luncheon hosted by Shelby County Register of Deeds Shelandra Y. Ford. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

about us — about our people,” Norment said. “We need to tell our stories from our perspectives.”

And that has been the purpose of the black press since the first black-owned publication launched in 1827. Known as the Freedom’s Journal, its founding editors Rev. Samuel Cornish and John B. Russworm noted that the publication’s purpose was to tell the stories of black people from a black people’s perspective.

“We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us. Too long has the public been deceived by representations, in things which concern us dearly,” Cornish and Russworm wrote in the first edition.

Almost 200 years later, journalists said the need for black press is still critical across the globe and in Memphis.

“The black population is the majority population in Memphis. We need to make sure that there is a qualified perspective of our stories,” Morris said.

The racial disparity is glaring in newsrooms across the country. Although non-whites make up about 40 percent of the U.S. population, journalists of color comprise only 16.55 percent of newsrooms’ staff in 2017, according to the American Society of Newspaper Editors (ASNE) Newsroom Employment Survey.

Larger newsrooms and digital news organizations fare a bit better with approximately 24 percent of people of color represented; however only 13 percent are newsroom leaders.

The prominent Chicago Defender and The New Tri-State Defender frequently were mentioned during the panel discussion. Both publications, over the years, have covered some of the most notable events in black history, making them critical and trustworthy resources for black people.

The Chicago Defender, founded in 1905 by Robert S. Abbott, reported on and campaigned against Jim Crow era violence, segregation in the military during World War II and critical moments in the Civil Rights era.

Years later, the Tri-State Defender was founded in 1951 by then-owner of the Chicago Defender John H. Sengstacke. The newspaper would go on to lead coverage of the 1955 murder of Emmett Till, the African-American teen

from Illinois killed in Mississippi after being accused of flirting with a white woman.

It’s this kind of coverage that journalists on the panel said is needed in America.

“History would not be served if we didn’t cover our history. The Tri-State Defender was the only publication back in the day in Memphis that actually referred to blacks being black,” Stansbury said, noting that other publications once referred to black adults as “girls and boys.”

“There are stories in the Tri-State about us that you would never see in other local publications.”

Ajanaku noted that the fi rst point in the 10-point program that debuted with the newspaper in 1951 was to “tell the achievements of all the citizens it serves.” He said that still is true today for The New Tri-State Defender.

“We aren’t trying to sell The New Tri-State Defender because it’s a black newspaper; it’s good content. It’s a good newspaper,” he said.

While content is king, journalists said over the years the black press has provided more than just information. It also inspired hope.

“As a child Ebony [magazine] gave me a whole different view of the world, way beyond Tennessee. It gave me dreams and aspirations, connecting me with black people from all over the world,” Norment recalled. “Of course, I had no idea then that I would go on to work for them, but I knew I wanted to be a journalist.

Ebony had a great influence on my life.”

The now defunct magazine once served as premier news and entertainment source for African Americans. Its demise shed light on some of the issues facing the black press.

“Advertisers know that we are great consumers, but they often times don’t want to spend money in the black press. So how can we survive? The black press has so many things going against it,” Norment said.

The former long-time editor offered this call to action to media consumers.

“Support the black press. Advertise with the black press. We must do that for the black press to survive,” Norment said.

Kelli Cook, a reporter for WMC-TV and the president of the MABJ, hopes the panel provided more awareness and ultimately increases the support of the black press.

“It’s important for black journalists to understand the black press is where it all began,” Cook said. “This was hopefully a wakeup call for us and a way to salute those who have done the work before us. We have to continue supporting our black press,” she said.

(The MABJ serves the mid-south community as a catalyst for the education, support, and advancement of black journalist and media professionals. For more information on the organization, visit their website at www.mabjtn.org.)

VOTE CONTINUED FROM FRONT

“intentional deface” an election website.

The proposals submitted Wednesday were both approved by the House Elections and Campaign Finance Subcommittee after almost no discussion or opposition. The bills must now pass the full House Local Committee before it can head to the House floor for consideration.

If approved, the proposals would go into effect immediately — likely after Tennessee’s March 3 presidential primary, but ahead of the August state primary election.

“Penalizing voter registration drives was a bad idea in the first place,” said Sen. Jeff Yarbro, a Democrat from Nashville. “It was predictably blocked in court because the legislature acted too rashly and thoughtlessly. We shouldn’t repeat the mistake by rushing through some fix without input from the civic groups affected.”

However, at least one group who sued the state over the voter registration law described Wednesday’s changes as “encouraging.”

“It appears our litigation had an impact,” said Kristen Clarke, executive director of the National Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “Preliminary review suggests the problem that led us to sue has been addressed.”

In 2019, Tennessee lawmakers backed a measure allowing the state to fine groups if they submit 100 or more voter registration forms within a calendar year that lack a complete name, address, date of birth, declaration of eligibility and signature. Penalties can reach $10,000 per county where violations occur if more than 500 incomplete forms are submitted. The measure went on to outlaw out-of-state poll watchers.

The misdemeanor penalties would kick in if groups intentionally turn in forms after new deadlines, pay people based on quotas, fail to fill out state registration, don’t undergo training, and more.

Only paid groups could be penalized under the law, though the groups’ legal filings contend the distinction is murky due to their use of grant money and stipends for workers in certain cases.

Pictured (l-r): Faith Morris, Mark Stansbury, Lynn Norment, Bev Johnson, Karanja A. Ajanaku and Kelli Cook. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

South Memphis church makes community safer for families

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

East Trigg Baptist Church is historically known as the church pastored by the iconic Dr. W. Herbert Brewster, who pinned hundreds of original songs in the mid19th century Baptist Church. The original building sat on East Trigg, where it remains a monument to the prolific composer.

Fast-forward several decades later, and the building is now defunct and replaced by a new structure around the corner facing Bellevue. But the blighted structure faces a small park where prostitutes and street criminals hang out daily. That is, until Rev. Julius Beasley and East Trigg Church installed a SkyCop camera high above the old church.

“We have a member who applied for a grant with Kroger and the NAACP for the SkyCop camera,” said Pastor Beasley.

“The park across the street was a place where prostitutes hung out, and lots of crime happened over there. We’re talking about prostitution, aggravated assaults, a homicide and all types of illegal activity. But the camera has made such a difference. We are working toward actually putting another one up in front of our new building on Bellevue.”

East Trigg was one of four recipients awarded the Uplift the Community Grant. Church member Cynthia Banks applied for the device to help south Memphis residents in the

“We were chosen to receive the grant which enabled us to install the camera in front of the old church and monitor activity

in three, different directions,” she said. The camera records down East Trigg, along Bellevue, and Neptune. We are located in the 38106 zip code, and that is considered a high crime area. The visibility of the cam high above the street has reduced criminal activity considerably. People act differently when they understand they are being watched.

“’Strong Tower, Staying Power’ was the name of our project. We viewed the camera as being a strong tower where a watchman sits, and with God, a staying power to make our community safe, not only for our church members, but also for our neighbors and families with children. We will always be grateful for Uplift the Community which made it possible for the camera to be installed.”

Pastor Beasley, who is a veteran

Memphis police officer, felt the addition of the camera would go a long way in improving the quality of life for south Memphis residents.

“Not only is it our duty to preach and teach for the salvation of others, but the church should be actively involved in protecting the safety of our neighborhood. As a police office in this city, I ride around, and I have observed the SkyCop cameras installed in East Memphis. A cam is such a huge deterrent of crime, probably because of the visibility it provides. I have noticed a drastic reduction of crime in our area. The prospect of being caught on camera doing wrong is a powerful deterrent of criminal activity.”

The East Trigg SkyCop also covers activities near a small church on the corner of Bellevue and East Trigg.

UNFILTERED

STEPPING UP!

The New Tri-State Defender has created this periodic column to highlight the work of deserving non-profits as it continues an ongoing partnership with Kroger’s Delta Division and the Memphis Branch NAACP to present Uplift the Community Grants.

“We originally set out to make our members feel safer because we have a lot of events, and we have a number of them at night. Offering a level of security to the near us is just another added bonus for East Trigg. Are we our brothers’ keeper? Absolutely we are. There is no question about it,” Pastor Beasley said.

Southwest competes with the streets to serve students

by Dr. Tracy D. Hall

the city, get a tactile feel for its gifts, challenges, opportunities and people.

After all, community colleges are not just institutions of higher learning, but also transformation hubs. They are where dreams are discovered, nurtured and realized.

I still ride through the city on occasion, and what I oftentimes see continues to fuel my resolve to make known the rich opportunity of tuition-free college. I see young men and women who seem to need a push or a glimpse of the opportunities that abound in college; the potential to transform the trajectory of their lives.

The allure of the streets, however, is powerful.

Fast cash to meet the most basic and persistent life needs breeds choices that continue to keep them from taking advantage of a tuition-free education. Our biggest competitors for students at Southwest Tennessee Community College are not other institutions of higher learning. It is the streets.

Dr. Tracy D. Hall

These at-promise young people are the key to a future in Memphis that is brighter than even I can imagine. They are my why. They are a rich, untapped resource that we must reach, teach, inspire and empower.

I hear all too often how thousands of jobs go unfilled in Memphis each day and how the current workforce cannot meet industry needs. I believe we have current and future employees walking the streets of Memphis every day.

One of my most depressing days since my arrival in Memphis was when I visited Shelby County Juvenile Court and saw classrooms full of African-American boys. I asked them what they wanted to be. Answers ranged from engineers to athletes. I couldn’t help but to think about what happened in their lives that caused them to end up in juvenile detention. I believe these young men and so many others are redeemable.

Community colleges were founded to serve the undereducated, undertrained and unsure. At Southwest, we are not only prepared to help those who need and want to upskill and pursue academic goals to do so, but also are keenly experienced at it and wholly dedicated to it.

Our students come from every background you can imagine and 96 percent of them live, work and raise families in Shelby County. Students come to us with a history of systemic and institutional barriers that have been placed in their paths from birth.

Educational, family, religious, and political institutions that were supposed to have their best interests at heart have failed them. They arrive at our doors at Southwest broken, under-resourced, underprepared and anxious.

But, they arrive.

We owe it to them to see them. We owe it to them to see their hopes and dreams, strengths and lived experiences. We owe it to them to teach, guide, and to set high, yet reasonable expectations.

We owe it to them to provide the best possible educational experience and environment that will enable them to get that ticket out of

poverty and into the middle class or higher.

At Southwest, we meet students where they are, how they are. And we are there to take a holistic approach to their education, with the sole purpose of empowering them to overcome their academic, socioeconomic and emotional challenges and transform their lives through credential attainment.

When a student persists to completion of a certificate or degree, their annual earning potential increases by $5,900 and $11,000, respectively. Such financial gains are transformative. They fuel upward social mobility for our students and empower them to transcend poverty through fulfilling careers and continued education. After all, this is our mission at Southwest.

Unfortunately, there are too many who do not arrive, do not strive and do not achieve these outcomes; perhaps because the streets are a tempting, but short-term remedy. However, an education is a long-term cure that can change the trajectory of their lives and that of their families.

At Southwest, we are committed to helping them achieve their dreams.

The SkyCop camera on the pole to the right has made a big difference in combating illegal activity, says the Rev. Julius Beasley, pastor of East Trigg Baptist Church. (Courtesy photo)

Rev. Julius Beasley

Cynthia Banks

Pastor’s run ‘from the call of God’ ends at New Sardis Baptist Church

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Pastor Darell L. Harrington describes himself as “just a boy from Jackson, Miss., that nobody knows here in Memphis.”

“I came up here to Memphis because I was running from a call to preach,” said Rev. Harrington, pastor of New Sardis Baptist Church in southeast Shelby County. “I left Jackson trying to escape God’s purpose for my life. But after a while, it got to be too much for me.

“ I believe that had I continued down that road, my life would have been cut short. I started seeing myself in a fatal car accident. I was tormented with the images. And then, one day I witnessed a crash where I saw a lady fly out of her car and land on her neck and back. She perished in that accident.

“The very next day, I ran to Pastor (L. LaSimba M.) Gray (Jr.) for comfort and assurance. I was tired of running,

and I finally acknowledged my call to preach. That was back in 2007, and my life has never been the same since that day.”

Harrington had relocated to Memphis to start training in the regional managers program with Wells Fargo.

“I moved into the community near the church. One day when I brought my children to a nearby park to play, I met Dr. Gray, and he invited us to church. We loved it, and we made it our church home.”

After acknowledging his “call” to preach, Harrington shadowed Gray, now pastor emeritus of New Sardis, who had a history of involving the church in social activism.

“Here was this towering figure of a pastor who had done all these things, and then you have me,” Harrington said. “I just walked in his shadow four or five years. Whatever he needed me to do, I would do. … It was my training in learning to serve and work with humility.”

Harrington was educated in the Jackson, Miss., public school system and graduated in 1999 from Stillman College with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He was first employed as a loan office and branch manager at Wells Fargo Financial.

Later, he joined Hope Credit Union, serving as a regional program officer assigned to strengthen the institution’s relationship and service to members of underserved communities.

“I was receiving a salary, and commission on my work,” he said. “So we were doing pretty good. The Lord was blessing me to make a wonderful living for my family.

“And then, it was 2012 when Dr. Gray appointed me as youth pastor. Because our pastor is a civil rights activist, it was important for our youth and young people to know our history and understand our heritage, the places where we came from.

“So, we took them to sites in Mississippi and Alabama – the Pettus Bridge, where Bloody Sunday occurred. We called these trips Freedom’s Journey. Our children must know their history so they can understand and appreciate how far God has brought us.”

Gray said, “I told the church back in 2007 that the Holy Spirit had shown me my successor, and that there would be no need to do a search. I didn’t give a name at that time, but over the years, I have received confirmations about God’s choice for pastor when the time came for me to step down.”

Harrington said he grows in his own personal journey as a Christian and as a minister. He finds that his connection with young people as a mentor and guide is effective and genuine. He sees the “fruit of his labor” as New Sardis’ youth grow physically and spiritually.

“And then, things got real funny,” Harrington said. “Dr.

Gray called me into his office one day and said, ‘Well, Pastor Harrington, the Lord has released me.’ And I said, ‘Released you from what?’ And that’s when I found out I was to be pastor in his place.

“ I went home and told my wife I was going into full-time ministry. And she was looking at me sideways. But I told her that if God is taking us in this direction, that’s what it’s

going to be. He will take care of us. And from that time, the Lord has been faithful in providing for our family. We are grateful.”

Pastor Harrington presently studies at Memphis Theological Seminary.

“I understand that my life’s mission is to help improve humankind through the love of Christ, and as God helps me, that is what I will do.”

LEGACY: John A. Simpson

John Arthur Simpson, one of the “Memphis

8”

who desegregated then-Memphis State Uni-

in 1959, passed away Feb. 8, with services held for him last week (Feb. 13-14) at Trinity

Congratulations to our Pastor Emeritus, Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray Jr., on his newly released historic novel, “Metamorphosis of Memphis the Blues and Beale Street 18192019.”

Rev. Darell L. Harrington and the New Sardis Church Family

State

students,

versity

CME Church. (left) Marian Larkin Simpson (right) at the wake for her late husband. (above) Luther McClellan and Bertha Rogers Looney (right), surviving members of the Memphis State 8, with Linda G. Hall, the UofM’s associated dean for Multicultural Affairs. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

Pastor Darell L. Harrington and his wife, Shayda Harrington, with their children (l-r) Essence, Jazmine and Justin. (Courtesy photo)

#ACCESS901

Delving into the greatest love of all –our babies

by Joy Doss Special to The New Tri-State Defender

When my daughter, Addison, was younger, she said to me, “I don’t ever want to get married.”

I thought, skrrrrt! I’m a single mama but I am not a “men ain’t sh—” sort. So I said to her, “Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on. You don’t want this, trust.”

I am not trying to send this message! I don’t know if it was some sorta show of solidarity or just the model she had. I told her, “Yes, we’re alright but this is NOT ideal. I would love to have a partner to share my life with and to share you with. It just so happened not to work out that way.”

Or not work out, actually.

I explained to her that love is beautiful. It’s a feeling like no other. At first, it feels like your feet don’t touch the ground. But most important, love should not hurt.

It was so important to me to break the cycle. My mom was divorced. My dad was…my dad. I was so disappointed when I was unable to avoid it. All you want for your kids is to do better and be better than you. That includes the way they give and receive love.

So this past Valentine’s Day, I wanted to delve into the greatest love of all – our babies. There is nothing that compares to the realness, authenticity and intensity of this love.

Speaking for myself, that’s asking hard questions and doing the work. This includes owning my mistakes. How do I shape and mold her so that the trauma is kept to a minimum and the true love experience is at a maximum? How would I have loved and been loved differently?

I also wanted a single dad’s perspective. So I spoke with a friend, Rodric Miller, a single dad of two. His son lives with him while his son’s mom lives in California. His daughter lives in New York State with her mom.

For Rodric, the two primary pillars of parental love are presence and protectiveness. As a divorced parent, he did not want to be perceived as “typical” or, most certainly, not absentee.

“The presence of the man in the lives of our children [makes a difference]. My model was of divorced parents. I’m 46 years old and my mother never said anything negative about my father. Therefore, I could keep a relationship with him. I would see my father, we would hang out.

“But, in high school, at basketball banquets, for instance, I felt his absence. … Fathers are there with their sons and you’re there with your mom or by yourself. That’s something you can’t run to get at Dillard’s. So when my kids were on the other side of the country, I was determined not to be just a paycheck, but to be in his life and leave an imprint. … the same for my daughter. I fought for that right and it cost me dearly. But it’s a price I would pay again.”

I felt and do feel the same need with my daughter’s father being in Brooklyn. Being

present and available for her has always been important.

Protection has been ingrained into our collective psyche as black parents since we landed on American soil in shackles. All parents are protective, but for black parents we seem to carry that historical trauma from generation to generation.

Being a parent to a coming-of-age black girl means keeping a watchful eye. I truthfully worry more about grown men than boys. And at whatever age, it means being an advocate at the doctor, at the school, in the community. She knows I got her back, front and sides!

Rodric elaborated, “The imagery of seeing your children’s father whipped, or tarred and feathered finds its way into the parenting model that lingers to this day. It’s survival. I tell my son, don’t wear a hoodie, you better have on a belt, hold your head up and be very clear and visible.”

One area that always creates a Mars-Venus dissonance is the way in which we communicate. Men don’t have time for all of those words! I talk to Addison all the time. She can always talk to me, even if I won’t like it.

I talk to her as honestly and age appropriately as possible about her dad and me. … She has to know that she was conceived and born in love. I also stay out of their way. My way of loving is for her to have ALL the love available to her from us both

Another part of my approach is to make sure she stays close to her dad. I stay out of their way and let them have their time. … Dad is the first man to love you. He’s the blueprint.

If I am honest about my own dad, I was probably looking for love in all the wrong places, as the song goes. He loved me but not out loud if that makes sense. I didn’t know how much until after he died. … I don’t want that for her.

I WILL, however, be honest with her. This is her normal now, but I believe that she can flip the paradigm if we continue to carefully pour into her. What I won’t do is pass on the damage.

I posed this question to Rodric. How do are you demonstrative and how to you communicate the love to your children?

Is it different with boys and girls? His response: “My son was my first born. Every man wants a mini me. So yes I do understand love but [with a daughter] it was like bold and underlined. …

“My daughter’s love language…it was so pure. She simply wanted to be with me. How can you not fight to be in their lives and to have that [purity]? She wants to be

close to me, wanting nothing but my presence. …”

So the million-dollar question for us is how to you model love and healthy relationships if you’re not dating seriously or remarried? We want them to love and be loved better. Shaping that outlook starts early. Modeled behavior extends to your choice of partner too! What we ain’t gone model is THIRST, which leads to a string

of “uncles” milling about. Nope. Moreover, having a good relationship with the other parent is important as is working together and presenting as a team. Addison’s dad and I butt heads occasionally, but not in front of her. We want the same things for Addison but approach it from opposite poles! However, if you keep the kids as the bigger picture, then you can do it.

TSD’s #Access901 columnist Joy Doss frames a happy moment with her daughter, Addison. (Courtesy photo)

Rodric Miller, who is pictured with his son, Roju, says presence and protectiveness are primary pillars of his parental love. (Photo: Demarcus Bowser)

The big transition: ‘It’s all about my baby’

by Brittany Holst Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Becoming a mother has been an amazing experience, one that has brought about major changes in my life.

According to “Losing Yourself, Finding You: Motherhood and Identity,” published on the Holistic Mom Network, “crossing into the world of motherhood can be filled with joy and excitement, but it may also be a time of transformation and loss of identity for women.”

As women, we experience emotional and physical changes during the stages of carrying a child and even after giving birth.

The biggest change for me was making the adjustment from “it’s all about me” to “it’s all about my baby.”

I was use to focusing on me. I would hang out with my friends at a drop of a dime and, if I wanted, sleep all day. Now, I am responsible for a little one who depends on me to love, care for and protect for years to come.

Motherhood has afforded the opportuni-

ty to quickly learn that it’s not all about me anymore and that my needs have become second to the demands of my child.

I plan everything, and all of my thoughts are about what is best for my child. It has brought about a new sense of compassion, love and understanding that I never knew existed, but welcome with open arms.

There are days when I wonder if I’m doing the right things as a parent. And, when I look at the smile on my daughter’s face, I think, “I’m doing an amazing job!” Remember there is no blueprint for motherhood and every parenting experience is different.

I have heard of people having identity crises after childbirth, but it wasn’t until after the birth of my child, that I understood what that meant and how it can affect a

new mother.

When I go places with my child, for example, people immediately acknowledge my baby; then speak to me. It can make one feel as though they no longer matter as much. It is nothing personal; people just get excited about babies.

Talk about identity crisis: Another big change was me not feeling like myself and dealing with the weight I gained during pregnancy. Social media can have one thinking you can have a baby and your body along with everything else immediately bounces back to normal.

I ask myself what is normal? Well, for me, it is now defined as embracing the new me while constantly working out and being conscious of the food I eat to get back into my cute pre-pregnancy clothes. I understand that everything is a process and takes time.

My daughter, Niah, is a year old now, and I love the experience I am having. I cherish her growth and development and watching her personality blossom. The moments are precious and treasured beyond measure.

With all of that noted, I have learned to take time for myself – the “me time.”

After I put Niah to bed, I enjoy taking a relaxing bubble bath with candles and having my iPad nearby for watching movies. I also enjoy mediating and reading. It’s moments like that, that help me create serenity within. Occasionally, I even get to hang out with friends.

How do you find of the balance of taking care of yourself, your household, maintaining relationships with friends and spouses at the same level as before?

My answer, or rather what has helped me, was to embrace the changes, pray about it, prioritize and talk to someone you trust. When things become overwhelming, reach out to a friend or family member to watch your baby while you get some “me time.”

Being a mom is a transition, but you do not have go through the changes alone.

(Brittany Jackson was part of the first corps of iTeen reporters for The New TriState Defender. Now as Brittany Holst, her iMom column is a periodic look at motherhood through millennial eyes.)

Speaking of “Metamorphosis”…

The Rev. Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray Jr. new book – “Metamorphosis of Memphis the Blues and Beale Street 1819-2019” –debuts Friday (Feb. 21). He will sign copies on Sunday (Feb. 23) at 9:30 a.m. at New Sardis Baptist Church, 7739 E. Holmes Rd. (left) Dr. Gray shared the making of the book during an African-American History Month celebration for the Shelby County Archives on Tuesday. Catch him on “Where Do We Go From Here?” on TSDRadio on WLOK (1340 AM, 105 FM) on Sunday at ( 5 p.m.)

Brittany Holst

(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

COMMUNITY

Pop art on sneakers showcase skills of up-and-coming artist

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Christian Christopher is much like his 20-something peers, who have grown up in an age of microwaves, iPhones, computers and hundreds of satellite television channels.

This high-tech world can take a person on a quite a journey toward carving out an identity and purpose in future goals. Christopher’s creative journey is just beginning to blossom as he creates art on sneakers, clothing, jackets and walls

Everything is his canvas -jeans, t-shirts, jackets, dresses, and various other items of clothing. Customizing sneakers is a growing demand, and Christopher is gaining lots of recognition for his work.

Once a price is negotiated, he goes right to work.

“I just started playing around with painting and sneakers right there at my kitchen bar,” he said. “Someone brought me a white pair of Nike’s and told me to customize them any way I liked. They loved what I did, other people saw them, and it kind of took off from there.”

His childhood experiences were among the circumstances that shaped his artistic talent.

“I didn’t really grow up with any kind of close relationship with my father, but my mother was just the absolute best. She was always there” Christopher said.

“And I was always surrounded by loving family members who not only recognized my talent at an early age, but they encouraged me to use my artistic ability. But that didn’t always go over too well, and it got me in trouble a couple of times at school.

“I remember once when I was sitting in class, I drew my teacher in a comic strip I just thought up like on the spot. I got sent to the office for that. Another time, I drew pictures on my arms to make them look like real tattoos.

Live! Memphis Breast Cancer Summit set for Feb. 29

On Feb. 29, the Memphis Breast Cancer Consortium (MBCC) will present its sixth annual Live! Memphis Breast Cancer Summit from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis.

It is designed to unite, support, and empower women through education and awareness of breast health. Each year, Live! Memphis draws over 700 women and provides valuable information about prevention, early detection, healthy living, health care access points, innovations in treatment, and distributes prizes ranging from warm blankets to 50” flat screen televisions.

Women can also get their annual mammogram inside one of two mobile mammography units.

The 2020 theme is “Leaping Barriers to Beat Breast Cancer”. Live! Memphis is FREE but those who wish to attend need to register

“Someone

brought me a white pair of Nike’s and told me to customize them any way I liked. They loved what I did, other people saw them, and it kind of took off from there.”

— Christian Christopher

I tried to explain that it was just ink, and my mother had not let me get tattoos. I got suspended, and my mom had to come to the school and explain that I just drew them on my arms.”

When he finally got to ninthgrade art class, he was actually too advanced for the lessons.

“I was building 3-D figures out of Lego building blocks when I was about seven or eight,” Christopher said. “Some of my favorite characters to create out of Legos were the Mario Brothers. That was my favorite computer game growing up. By the time I began taking art classes to actually learn technique, I just found the instruction too boring.

“It felt like something I had already been taught, although that was not the case. Freestyle, creative expression is my preference.”

Part of that creative expression is looking at all kinds of material from a purely artistic perspective. When everything is a canvas, or has the potential to be, the possibilities become endless.

One burgeoning trend in shoe art is shoe art for children. Christopher stumbled upon it quite by accident.

His 6-year-old son, Taylor, loves “Toy Story” and all things related to the movie, especially the character Woody.

So, Christopher started playing around with scenes from the movie, using his sketchpad, reproducing the exact color and dimensions of prominent elements

in the original movie.

The result was Taylor’s dad gifting him the “dopest shoes” he has ever had. “I really love my “Toy Story” sneakers because that’s one of my favorite movies,” Taylor said. “I can’t wear them every day because my dad says I can’t. But when he lets me wear them, I know people are going to like them. You can’t buy shoes with Woody on them. Those shoes mean a lot because my daddy painted them just for me. They are special.”

The artist’s special brand of

BRIEFS & THINGS

at www.mbcc.live. The Holiday Inn University of Memphis is located at 3700 Central Ave. Memphis, TN 38111.

Nationally, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women after lung cancer. Locally, every ZIP code in Shelby County has a higher breast cancer mortality rate than the national average. Only 60 percent of women ages 40-64 in Shelby County are getting recommended mammograms. While the disparity and mortality rates have slightly improved recently, these rates remain at alarming levels compared to national rates.

Live! Memphis began in 2015 as a way to educate women about breast cancer and encourage preventive measures to promote early detection. Each year, participants are treated to breakfast and lunch, a knowledge gift bag, wellness services such as manicures and blood pressure checks and the opportunity to win great prizes. It’s a fun and engaging way to touch the lives of breast cancer survivors, those currently fighting the disease and wom-

en who would like to increase their knowledge about breast care and breast cancer.

“Each year, we work hard to make LIVE! bigger and better,” said Common Table Health Alliance COO Carla Baker, RN. “Information is an important component, and we’ll be sharing the latest information in treatment, research, and resources on the local and national level while continuing to reinforce our message about the importance of receiving yearly mammograms. Early detection greatly increases the chance of survival.

“We encourage those currently going through treatment, survivors, caregivers and everyone else to come and bring a friend.”

Common Table Health Alliance launched MBCC in 2016 with partner organizations and individuals committed to the fight against breast cancer disparities in Memphis and Shelby County. There are currently 37 participating organizations.

The 2020 Live! Memphis sponsors include Amgen and Genentech with local hosts Baptist Cancer Cen-

Fairley High’s “Wall of Wisdom” showcases alumni achievers

TSD Newsroom

During African-American History Month, it’s not uncommon for schools to post photos of famous history makers and their achievements – to set an example, to show what’s possible.

But how much more impactful is it when those achievers come from your own neighborhood, were taught in the same classrooms and have overcome some of the same challenges?

That’s what the Fairley High School Alumni Association hopes to answer with its “Wall of Wisdom.” With displays showcasing the photos, stories and accomplishments of Fairley High Alumni who have gone on to great success, school leaders hope to inspire oncoming generations to do the same.

“I want students and everyone who comes into our building to see that FHS has produced a lot of successful people doing great things,” said Dr. Lajuan Sylvester, principal at Fairley.

“It’s important they see that.”

The Wall of Wisdom will be unveiled on Tuesday, Feb. 25, during a 50-year anniversary celebration of Fairley High School and it’s alums.

The program will be at the Fairley High auditorium, 4950 Fairley Rd., at 6 p.m.

children’s art on shoes also sets off a pair of jeans and a white tee. The colorful scenes are fun and entertaining to wear. Christopher also is a talented rapper. His music will be featured in a Netflix original movie “Uncorked,” which will be screened during the music and film festival, South by Southwest, set in Austin, Texas, in March.

He’s being flown next month to the premiere of the movie, along with his family – fiancé Evan Fields, Taylor and son, Ayden, 2.

The project started when Sylvester allocated library space to the alumni association for community use. At first, the alumni association’s idea was to hang photos of successful Fairley alumni on the library walls, but Sylvester also offered a trophy case near the school’s main entrance.

That was the easy part. The greater challenge would be deciding how alumni would be nominated and selected to be featured on the Wall of Wisdom.

“The ultimate takeaway is that these (alumni) and an army of alums will come back and give back, sharing our wisdom,” said FHS alumni president Anniece Robinson. “The initial phrase was ‘prominent alums,’ but I thought it important to be more encompassing in defining a ‘successful alum.’

ter, Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare, Patient Advocate Foundation, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and West Cancer Center.

(To learn more about Live! Memphis and RSVP, visit www.mbcc. live or call 901.800.5108.)

BRIEFLY: In honor of Black History Month, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art will highlight the work of Bryan Stevenson with a discussion around his No. 1 New York’s bestseller “Just Mercy,” which now is a film starring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx. Literary Salon: Just Mercy is set for Feb. 26 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Café Brooks. There also will be a short tour of “A Journey Towards Self-Definition: African American Artists in the Permanent Collection,” curated by Heather Nickels, Joyce Blackmon Curatorial Fellow in African American Art and Art of the African Diaspora. The exhibition showcases the contributions of African American visual artists.

“This is more about valued contributors, who have intrinsically added value to their communities and excelled in different arenas,” Robinson continued. “There are CEOs, presidents of Fortune 500 companies, national recording artists, clergy, community activists, board members, NBA players, movie directors and on and on.”

Tuesday’s celebration is a kickoff event that feeds into two other events in the Fairley 50th celebration. A musical celebration is set for June 20 to coincide with Black Music Month; and Oct. 2-4 will provide a weekend’s worth of activities to encompass all that is Fairley – a formal gala, school time, a tailgate and concert are in the works.

Robinson hopes the events help spur alumni and community members to help support the school.

“Like many anchor traditional neighborhood schools, Fairley is struggling to stay open,” she said. “I believe that when the village circles the wagon and harness our time, talent and treasure, everyone benefits in all the right ways.

“We can individually and collectively make a difference,” she continued.

“The Wall of Wisdom is the beginning of a beautiful team-building exercise and a bold statement that Fairley High School is good ground and has produced good people doing great things.”

(For more information visit: https:// www.fairleyhighalumni.com/)

For Christian Christopher, sneakers form canvasses for his art. (Courtesy photo)

The New Tri-State Defender, February 20 - 26, 2020, Page 8

Dr. Lajuan Sylvester

Anniece Robinson

“A Phenomenal Woman”…

A local activist with deep roots in the civil rights movement, Georgia Anna King (seated center) –“Mother King” and “Queen Akua” – was surrounded by multiple generations as she celebrated her 80th birthday at the Kukutana African American Museum, 1036 Firestone, last Monday (Feb. 17). (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

ARCHIVES

liberation theology.

Little history makers…

The Youth Department at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood presented its annual African-American History Month program last Sunday (Feb. 16). (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

History in the making…

George Grant, author and publisher, was the guest speaker and presenter for the Black History Month celebration hosted by the Beta Eta Chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. at Bethel Towers last Saturday (Feb. 15). He encouraged attendees to write their stories, pledging to help get them published.

(Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

“Back in 1990, we were saying that the city’s run-off provision in local elections was unconstitutional because it violated the ‘one man, one vote’ right,” he said. “And nobody would take the case. I had been saying it for years.

“Well, in 1990, Otis Higgs said, ‘I’ll file the lawsuit.’ The provision was ruled by a judge to be in violation of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.”

After the court’s decision, the citizens of Memphis made history in 1991when Dr. Willie W. Herenton became the first African-American elected mayor.

Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. was honored as the first African-American to serve as Shelby County sheriff. He delivered poignant comments about “saving our children” from going down the road of crime and long-term incarceration.

Bonner noted that near where the celebration was being staged was a lockup facility where 43 children were being held.

“They will all be tried as adults. These are young people accused of being guilty

CONTINUED FROM FRONT TSD Newsroom

of murder, aggravated assault and aggravated robbery,” he said. “It’s wonderful to hear people talk about reaching out to them when they get locked up, but these are our children, and we need to reach out before they get down there. …”

Anderson was represented at the event by The New TriState Defender’s Associate Publisher/Executive Editor Karanja A. Ajanaku. Reached later, Anderson commended Register of Deeds Ford for broadening the presence of county history by recognizing the newspaper.

“The history archives of Shelby County ought to reflect all of its history,” Anderson said. “It was a humbling experience to receive award recognition for the legacy, work and contribution of The New TriState Defender Newspaper. …

“But rather than returning to our former glory, we are striving to create modern-day glory with our online service and digital subscription space made available to Memphis and the entire Tri-State Defender community.”

Shelby County Commissioner Van Turner Jr. enlisted the aid of Harris in presenting Shelby County Clerk Halbert, Circuit Court Clerk Gipson and Register of Deeds Ford

with resolutions noting their barrier-breaking elections as part of a wave of “black-girl magic.”

All three are the first African-American women to serve in their posts. They were a part of the historic election sweep of Democrats, who captured the 10 highest county positions, including mayor and county sheriff.

Yvonne B. Acey and David Acey Sr. were recognized for their development of the Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival into an international event.

Dr. Bond, a historian and full professor at the University of Memphis, emphasized that she came along at time when activists already had desegregated the university. The pressure was such that many of the activists did not graduate, she said, adding that for her and others who followed, the goal was to get their college degrees.

And while she did, Bond said doing so meant pushing past the fact that many still did not want African Americans on campus.

Shelby County Register of Deeds Ford, who was among the honorees, said for her the event had a twofold meaning.

“Not only did I want to hon-

Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital to showcase “Reunion Day” Feb. 22

Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital, located at 409 Ayers Street, will showcase “Reunion Day” in observance of Black History Month on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The event is expected to attract persons who were born there, including patients and medical professionals who were trained at the African-American landmark. Re-

freshments will be served. Established in 1910 by the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, the hospital was the only place where blacks could be born and treated medically during the height of segregation. CME Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., chairman for Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital, is spearheading the $5 million renovation project. “We are working with state, county and city officials to restore this African-American

historical landmark,” Bishop Williamson said. “The CME Church has already invested $2 million in its rebirth. Mayor Jim Strickland and Paul Young with the City of Memphis Housing & Community Development funded a $100,000 new roof on the clinic.”

Call the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Monday through Friday after 9 a.m. at 901-345-4114 to donate to the renovation project.

or Shelby County legends, I wanted to introduce you all to the Shelby County Archives.

“The Archives has so much

to officer. I visualize college students doing research papers with information stored here, school children taking field trips and getting a history les-

son, and Shelby County Citizens just coming in to enjoy the history of Shelby County Tennessee.”

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will host a public meeting on February 27, 2020 to gather public input on the I-40/81 Multimodal Corridor Study. The meeting will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at the following location: City of Memphis, Southwest TN Community College, Whitehead Building –Room #1, 5983 Macon Cove, Memphis, TN 38134. The meeting is being held to provide the public an opportunity to provide comments regarding I-40/81 corridors. Representatives of TDOT will be available to provide information on various aspects and ndings of the study and discuss your concerns. Anyone with questions regarding the meeting should contact: Joan Barneld, Long Range Planning, 9th Floor, James K. Polk Building, Nashville, TN 37243-0334, (615) 253-2418, Joan. Barneld@tn.gov Persons with a disability, who require aids or services to participate at the meeting, may contact Ms. Margaret Mahler no less than ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting: Ms. Margaret Mahler, ADA Compliance, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Suite 400, James K. Polk Building, 505 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37243; or by e-mail: Margaret.Z.Mahler@tn.gov, 615/7414984 (phone), 615/532-5995 (fax), 615/253-8311 TTY Relay. A court reporter will be available to receive oral statements to be included in the project transcript. In addition, comment sheets will be available for those who prefer to make written statements. Written statements and other exhibits to be included in the project transcript may be submitted within twenty-one (21) days after the meeting date to the following address: Project Comments, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Suite 700, James K. Polk Building, 505 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 372430332. TDOT is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, color, disability or national origin.

Honorees: (Front row, r-l) Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray Jr., Wanda Halbert, Shelandra Y. Ford, Dr. Beverly G. Bond; (back row, r-l) Yvonne B. Acey, David Acey Sr., Floyd Bonner Jr., Temiika Gipson, Karanja A. Ajanaku (representing Calvin Anderson) (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW ENterprises)

Memphis Public Library to host Roblox Game Coding Tournament

The Memphis Public Library will join forces with local teens and pre-teens this Spring to put on its second annual Roblox Game Coding Tournament at the Benajmin L Hooks Library on Saturday, February 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The competition will expose local youth to S.T.E.A.M activities and coding opportunities that can help them develop a skillset for future careers.

The Memphis Public Library’s Roblox program started at the Whitehaven Branch. The tournament was the brain child of one of Memphis Public Library’s Teen Program Coordinators, Larshay Watson, who oversees teen programming for the Gaston Park Library Branch.

The coding tournament is open to children of all ages with an interest in E-Gaming and will also consist of an educational coding seminar led by the Memphis Public Library’s Code Crew.

“We are proud to give this opportunity again to our young people,” said Watson. “In addition, children from all around Memphis will be able to converse with others from different neighborhoods and backgrounds. If we want a better Memphis, it starts with events that bring us together to learn and appreciate those around us. This Roblox Tournament has done just that.”

(For more information, contact Larshay Watson at larshay.watson@memphistn.gov for more details and a FAQ.)

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000606, Charles Bartlett Road Culvert Replacement Project. 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.

SEALED BID I000606 DUE DATE TUESDAY, MARCH 17th, 2020 AT 9:30 AM CST (SB-I000606) Charles Bartlett Road Culvert Replacement Project

A Voluntary pre-bid conference will be held Tuesday, March 3rd 2020 at 9:30 a.m. at the Shelby County Roads and Bridges Office, 6449 Haley Road, Memphis, TN 38134.

Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service.

By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

LEGAL NOTICE Request for Bids MSCAA Project Number 121356-09 General DeWitt Spain Airport –Runway Rehabilitation –Construction - Rebid

Sealed bids for General DeWitt Spain Airport – Runway Rehabilitation – Construction – Rebid will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (Authority), Procurement Department, 4121 Runway Road, Suite B, Memphis, TN 38118, until 2:00 PM Local Time on 3/12/2020

Bids will not be received at any other location. Within 30 minutes thereafter, the bids will be opened and publicly read at the Authority’s Project Center located at 4225 Airways Boulevard, Memphis, TN. The Bid Documents, including a description of the scope of work, the required response format, and additional instructions may be obtained on or after February 11, 2020 online at www.flymemphis. com.

A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2020, at 2:30 PM at the General Dewitt Spain Terminal, located at 2787 N. 2nd Street, Memphis, TN 38127. The project site will be available for inspection immediately following the meeting. Attendance at the Pre-Bid is strongly recommended.

All Bidders are responsible for checking the Authority’s website up to the submission deadline for any updates, addenda

the Authority’s website on or after February 13, 2020.

All Bidders are responsible for checking the Authority’s website up to the submission deadline for any updates, addenda or additional information. In accordance with the Authority’s purchasing policies, the Authority will give a preference to businesses located in Shelby County, Tennessee when awarding contracts and making purchases, unless prohibited by law. The successful Bidder must sign a contract with the Authority that includes Feder-

al Aviation Administration provisions, if applicable, regarding the Buy American Preference, Foreign Trade Restriction, Davis-Bacon, Affirmative Action, Debarment and Suspension, and Drug-Free Workplace, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

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

chasing policies. The Authority is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination

trip

The Zone 1 additional fare for travel outside of the City of Memphis will be discontinued.

PUBLIC COMMENT SCHEDULE

Note: These proposals may be approved in whole or in part at a date following the public hearings. Approved changes may also include other alternatives derived from public comments. Interested members of the public are encouraged to attend the upcoming public meetings and provide comment on any service proposal under consideration. All public comments received will be considered prior to action on the service proposals. Individuals who are unable to attend a public meeting may submit written comments postmarked through midnight on Friday, March 13, 2020 which is when the public comment period ends. Comments sent via U.S. Mail should be addressed to Memphis Area Transit Authority, Attention: May 2020 Service Changes Public Comment, 1370 Levee Road, Memphis, TN 38108. Comments via e-mail should be addressed to “May 2020 Service Changes” in the subject line: publiccomments@matatransit.com. A formal public hearing will be held at Hollywood Community Center, 1560 N Hollywood St, 5 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2020. Additional public meetings will be held at the following times and locations: Bickford Community Center, 233 Henry Ave, 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 North Frayser Community Center, 2555 St Elmo Ave, 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2020 All meetings will present the same information, and public comments will be received and recorded at all meeting times and locations. The MATA Board of Commissioners will review and consider all comments received and address the service changes and effective date at the Board meeting which takes place on Tuesday, March 24,

From the desk of

MIKE BLOOMBERG

Dear Reader,

Thank you for taking the time to learn about The Greenwood Initiative. As someone who has been very lucky in life, I often say my story would only have been possible in America — and that’s true. But I also know that because of the artificial barriers of discrimination, my story likely would have turned out very differently if I had been Black, and that more Black Americans of my generation would have ended up with far more wealth, had they been white.

Building Generational Wealth for Black Families is Critical. That’s why I launched The Greenwood Initiative in Tulsa last month. I visited the site of the Black Wall Street Massacre, where a white mob decimated the prosperous community of Greenwood. It is to the memory of the lost lives and promise of Greenwood that we’ve dedicated The Greenwood Initiative: a plan to address the systematic bias that has kept Black Americans from building wealth.

THE GREENWOOD PLAN WILL:

• Create 1 million new Black homeowners

• Double the number of new Black-owned businesses

• Invest $70 billion in the country’s 100 most disadvantaged neighborhoods

Fixing the System for Black Families. When I was mayor of New York, I was proud to take on the systematic inequality that held back too many New Yorkers. We increased education funding, built 650 new schools and raised Black graduation rates to record highs. We led an ambitious effort to reduce poverty and managed the largest amount of affordable housing in the nation. And as President, I will work even more aggressively to combat inequality nationwide.

I understand that undoing generations of systematic discrimination won’t happen overnight, but we can make progress with a clear vision and a comprehensive plan. I’ve included a pamphlet along with this letter that lays out my plan. When I’m President, implementing The Greenwood Initiative will be a top priority.

Join me in ending the systemic inequality that has held Black Americans back for too long!

Sincerely,

Mike Bloomberg

PREP HOOPS

BTW boys, Memphis Business Academy girls net SCIAA titles

by Terry Davis Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Booker T. Washington 86, Power Center Academy 64

Ranked No. 1 in Class A, the Booker T. Washington High School boys basketball team clearly wants no part of the feeling that came with last season’s 80-79 overtime loss to Manassas High School in the regional semifinals. Evidence of that was in full effect as the Warriors (21-4) ended the regular sea-

son with an 86-64 win over Power Center Academy and will host the District 16-A tournament this week.

“It feels good to be back in the county championship,” said head coach Antonio Harris. “These kids have worked hard in the summer and the offseason, and it just paid off for them.”

The Warriors run a high-tempo offense driven by guards with very unselfish play.

“On any given night we could have anybody that can score the majority of the points,” Harris said. “I am glad they are being unselfish, because that is what I have been teaching them.”

Harris has been showing his players tapes from last season’s losses to keep them grounded and as a reminder of what can happen, if they don’t take care of business.

Memphis Business Academy 54, Westwood 35

The Memphis Business Academy Lady Executives did not let the bright lights of playing in their first SCIAA Championship game knock them off stride.

In their 54-35 win over the Westwood Longhorns, they took control of the game

early, controlling the tempo throughout.

“It is an amazing feeling winning the championship,” said MBA head coach Reshun Spears. “Hopefully we can put the brand MBA on the map in Memphis.”

MBA is located on Overton Crossing in Frayser. The school’s coaches and players are locked in on a run to Murfreesboro and a chance to win a state title.

“We started with our eyes set on the state championship,” Spears said. “The city championship is a big accolade, but it is just something to accomplish along the way. We know this is not the end, just an award. And we just keep on moving.”

Booker T. Washington’s boys are the SCIAA champions.

Whitehaven’s girls claimed the SCIAA Class AAA title.

Southwind was crowned the SCIAA Class AAA champion.

Memphis Business Academy’s Lady Executives won the SCIAA Championship. (Photos: Terry Davis)

The SCIAA’s Class AA title went to Melrose.

Wooddale secured the Class AA championship.