The New Tri-State Defender - February 24-March 2, 2022 by The Tri-State Defender

African-American History Month

VOL. 71, No. 8

February 24 - March 2, 2022

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Family Dollar rat infestation prompts call for multi-level investigations by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

“How in the world did this happen?” Add 1,000-plus dead rats to the need for an answer and you’ve locked in on the outrage directed toward Family Dollar by local leaders and officials about unsanitary conditions at the company’s West Memphis warehouse. More than 400 Family Dollar retail stores remain closed in six states across the Mid-South

after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a scathing report from an inspection concluded on Feb. 11. More than 1,000 dead rats were left rotting in the facility after a major fumigation last year. According to the company’s internal records, more than 2,300 rodents infested the facility between March and September of 2021, said the FDA. Decaying rodents and dead birds with copious droppings all over the facility prompted

immediate retail closings. At a Monday (Feb. 21) press conference across from the Family Dollar store at Airways Blvd. and Lamar Ave., Memphis Branch NAACP Executive Director Vickie Terry and Shelby County Commissioner Reginald Milton joined State Rep. G.A. Hardaway in calling for an investigation of the filth and contamination at the Family Dollar facility.

SEE RATS ON PAGE 2

State Rep. G.A. Hardaway said an investigation is needed to determine who dropped the ball regarding a rat infestation at a Family Dollar warehouse in West Memphis that has led to the closing of 61 of the retail stores in Memphis. (Photo: Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell)

Itali Oakley recently started preschool where she is an excellent student, according to her mom, Kerbi Oakley. (Courtesy photo)

‘Daddy, it really burns!’ Another child wounded by gunﬁre

I love reading ... Brian Clay and Greater Memphis Media, Inc. hosted their I Love Reading Initiative for African American History Month at Douglass Elementary School on Wednesday (Feb. 23). The book read and distributed to the students was “You Can Be ABCs.” Amid the students in this photo is Stephanie Nerissa White, whose son, Robert Samuel White III, and her husband, Robert Samuel White II, are the authors. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

If it seems like you’re reading about a child getting shot almost every week, there’s a reason for it – it’s because a child is getting shot. Almost every week. Last week, The New Tri-State Defender brought you the story of Legend Johnson, a 7-year-old who survived a spray of gunfire into his South Memphis home. This time, the victim is 4-year-old Itali Hope Oakley, who took a bullet just before 9 p.m. on Feb. 18 when a gunman opened fire on the family car. “BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM,” said Kerbi Oakley, Itali’s mother. “I didn’t know what it was until it was over. The car sped off, and I wasn’t sure what had just happened.” Kerbi screamed as she realized the toddler had been shot. Eric Moore, Itali’s father, quickly turned around and headed back home just a few blocks away. “Oh, Daddy, it really burns,” Itali said. “Where does it burn, baby?” Moore asked. Itali’s little hand went up to her neck, and her parents could see she was bleeding profusely. When they arrived, Kerbi screamed

SEE SHOT ON PAGE 2

Memphis Black Restaurant Week 2022 – a vehicle for ‘intentional’ support by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

A whopping 28 African-American-owned eateries are gearing up to share their culinary delights with customers during Memphis Black Restaurant Week (MBRW) 2022, which is set to from March 6 through March 12. Heightened anticipation looms in association with the return to unrestricted – or nearly – dining. Cynthia Daniels, the creator of the annual affair, is thrilled about 2022. “It’s like we’ve been shut up during a long, dark night,” Daniels said. “These past two years

seemed like they would never end. Wave after wave of the virus surged, limiting our movement. “This is year seven for Memphis Black Restaurant Week, and patrons can go out and enjoy eating with friends and families. Of course, the pick-up and Cynthia delivery app options are Daniels still available. I’m pretty stoked.” In 2019, there were 14 participating businesses. In 2020, in the throes of the virus and before vaccinations, nine

restaurants served patrons with mostly delivery and pick-up meals. This year, some old favorites will be joined by some eager newbies. “Some of our businesses had to close their doors permanently as the virus created a financial stranglehold,” said Daniels. “The fact that so many were unable to re-open after the extended shut-down really emphasizes the need for us to be intentional about patronizing Black businesses. We have the power to create wealth in our own community.” Participating owners are looking forward to the seven-day event. “Memphis Black Restaurant Week is what

SEE RESTAURANT ON PAGE 2

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The New Tri-State Defender

February 24 - March 2, 2022

NEWS

SHOT

RATS

and banged on the door for her grandmother, Charlene Dearing. “Mama, Itali has been shot!” Kerbi cried. Moments later, police showed up, then an ambulance. Paramedics quickly loaded Itali’s motionless body into the vehicle. After being questioned by police, the young parents scrambled to Methodist-LeBonheur “in record time,” Kerbi said. “He ran every light.”

“How in the world did this happen?” Hardaway asked. “Why was this allowed to go on? Hundreds and hundreds of dead and live rats, hundreds and hundreds of dead and live birds; that’s ridiculous. It’s not a condition that sets up overnight. It’s a corporate culture, which has taken place for years.” Family Dollar responded to FDA’s findings by issuing a voluntary recall of certain products purchased between Jan. 1, 2021 and the present. The company said it was not aware of any resulting illness reported by employees or consumers. The New Tri-State Defender made several calls to the corporate headquarters in Matthew, North Carolina to discuss the FDA findings. None had been returned by press deadline. Milton said the closing of 61 Memphis stores creates a hardship on those who live in food deserts, acknowledging that Family Dollar was the only option for many. “This is a desert,” said Milton. We know that people need more resources.… As elected officials, we should be held accountable for addressing these issues. And we are not asking this business for anything that we don’t ask of any other business. And that is to treat people with the level of dignity and respect they deserve.” Terry said Family Dollar needs to make sure they clean up. “I can pass by different lo-

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

A matter of life and death… By the time Itali arrived at the ER, the trauma team was already prepped. Methodist-LeBonheur’s Medical Director of Trauma, Dr. Regan Williams, explained that the trauma team assumes they have only seconds to save a child’s life, and act accordingly. “In 30 seconds, the team checks the airwaves to make sure the patient is breathing. The child is checked from head to assess injuries,” she said. “Circulation is checked. Blood is given if there is extensive blood loss.” As Itali underwent surgery, her family kept a frantic vigil. Surgeons removed bullet fragments from her brain. Once out of surgery, her condition was still critical. Joy came in the morning. “The doctor told me my little girl was going to make it,” said Oakley. “She was awake a few minutes on Monday, but fell right back to sleep. The doctor said sleep is good for her right now.” Williams said most children

In happier times Itali and Kerbi Oakley are almost inseparable. Mother Kerbi Oakley was distraught when she had to leave her daughter at Le bonheur. with gunshot wounds survive. “Generally, we can save most of these children, even if they are critical.” Suspect identified… Oakley received another call Tuesday morning, just when she thought things couldn’t get better. “Ms. Oakley, we have identified the shooter and his vehicle,” the officer said. “A warrant has been issued for his arrest, and we are searching for him now.” Police declined to release the suspect’s information. Among the best, prepared for the worst

who have been shot since Jan. 1, giving Memphis one of the highest juvenile gunshot rates among major cities across the country, Williams said. Methodist-LeBonheur ’s trauma team – 17 specialists, including pediatric surgeons and pediatric emergency medicine physicians – is considered among the best in the region. That’s why children from throughout the Mid-South and beyond are flown into Memphis for trauma care. “Other major cities are seeing the same thing, but the number of children being shot is way above many of them,” said Williams. “It’s crazy.”

Itali is one of 20 children

RESTAURANT

CONTINUED FROM FRONT we also call the ‘Best Week Ever,’” said Charles Nwanko, proprietor of Sage Restaurant. “It is because the community really comes out and supports black businesses in the restaurant industry. The community’s response is massive. It is the busiest and most profitable week of the year for us. And every year, we are introduced to new regulars.” Trap Fusion Restaurant’s Jason Gardner expressed appreciation for the week’s massive financial benefit. “We always enjoy when Memphis Black Restaurant Week comes around,” Gardner said. “It’s always a great revenue generator, and it certainly helps the small, Black businesses in the area, especially in these times. We enjoy seeing new faces, and we always

Participants in Memphis Black Restaurant week 2022, Downtown’s Sage Memphis is owned by Charles Nwankwo (left) and Rickey Johnson. (Courtesy photo) make returning customers out of first-time patrons.” Daniels said 2022 is a critical year for restaurants struggling to stay afloat over the past two years, unable much of the time to operate at full capacity.

“It’s important to support Black businesses all year round. But especially now that business owners are trying to regain some of what they lost.” — Cynthia Daniels “It’s important to support Black businesses all year round,” said Daniels. “But especially now that business owners are trying to regain some of what they lost. We should be partners together with them. Supporting our own community means building wealth for future generations.” For a complete list of participating restaurants, go to the Memphis Black Restaurant Week 2022 page on Facebook.

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Shelby County Commissioner Reginald Melton called on Family Dollar to “treat people with the level of dignity and respect they deserve.” (Photo: Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell) cations and see the trash piled up, garbage cans overflowing, and people are calling in,” said Terry. “We have grants to decrease blight, decrease crime and improve the community. Uplift Grants are available for these issues.” Hardaway vowed to ask the Tennessee Department of Health and Human Services for resources to assist families replacing recall products and to help employees needing unemployment benefits. “I want to see about getting some of that billion dollars in reserve being saved until a rainy day for the poor,” said Hardaway. “I say to you today, it’s raining, it’s storming. Our community is already underwater.” Hardaway said an investigation is needed to determine who dropped the ball. “We want to know what the Tennessee Department of Health has been doing. “We want to know what the Tennessee Department of Labor,

particularly the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has been doing, and why employee complaints were not pursued in a more aggressive way.” The six states affected are: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. Inspectors reported “evidence of gnawing, nesting, and rodent odors throughout the facility,” and improperly stored products. The FDA launched the investigation after receiving a customer complaint. Distribution halted shortly after the probe began. Local activist Patricia Rogers, who said she has complained about the filth at Family Dollar for three years, asserted that Family Dollar “does not treat us like family.” Recalled products are listed at: www.familydollar.com. Employees who have been afraid to voice complaints should reach out to a trusted official, Hardaway said.

The New Tri-State Defender

February 24 - March 2, 2022

Page 3

NEWS

African-American History Month: Black Men in Business – Part 4 by Candace A. Gray

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

AT A GLANCE Business Name: Berry & Son Landscaping

The path to making money, building generational wealth and cultivating a business can be non-linear, with different looks for different people. Is college right for everyone? Should students learn a trade, a skill they can fall back on in case of hard times? Napoleon Berry (retired Wonder Bread employee) and Rodney Berry (former Marine and firefighter) – the father-son duo behind long-standing Berry & Son Landscaping – believe that hard work trumps all. The Berrys believe that the American Dream is indeed possible, with or without college. However, hard work, education and a growth mindset are imperative.

my wife passed, one of my daughters assumed the office manager responsibilities. I also have three grandsons performing various roles for the business. I wanted to teach them the importance of business ownership and show them as a Black man, you have to work harder, prepare longer and create your own opportunities so that YOU control the outcome. Working for yourself is the only way to do that completely.

TSD: What type of business do you own? Berry & Son Landscaping: Commercial landscaping company.

TSD: Both of you have or had other careers outside of this business. What was your motivation for starting this business?

TSD: How many employees do you have? B&SL: 16

NB: I started the business when my son was in high school so he could have extra money. My motivation has always been to work hard to obtain whatever you want out of life.

TSD: How long have you been in business? B&SL: 40-plus years. TSD: Has the company always been Berry & Son Landscaping? B&SL: Yes, it has always been Berry & Son. TSD: We understand in addition to this being a father and son business, other family members are involved. Can you tell us about their roles? Napoleon Berry: My son and I started the business together and once

men from the neighborhood, who have gone on to lead productive lives; if you were a young Black man desiring to work, we put you to work! TSD: What advice do you have for someone who might be interested in entering your ﬁeld?

Owners’ Names: Napoleon Berry Rodney Berry

TSD: Rodney, knowing that some don’t want to join the “family business,” how did you respond to your dad starting the business? Rodney Berry: It’s actually funny – I was cutting grass before my dad and he saw that I was passionate about it and said, “Why don’t we start doing our own thing?” He would pick me up from school and I would be so embarrassed – we’d have a lawnmower in the back where seats were supposed to be. From the very beginning, if we

Napoleon Berry and his son, Rodney Berry, are business partners and best friends. They started Berry & Son Landscaping more than 40 years ago to build generational wealth. (Courtesy photo) made $300, he gave me $150. We always split everything down the middle and have always had a great personal and working relationship. My dad is my best friend. After we started rolling, those same friends who laughed at our car missing a backseat wanted to work with us! If guys from the neighborhood got out of jail and needed a job, we were always there to help them with employment. Whatever he did, my dad always took me with him and taught me a great work ethic. His legacy of hard work and helping the community will live on through me, my sons, their children and so on. TSD: What impact does your business have or do you hope your business will have in the future? On your family, community, etc. RB: Generational wealth is the goal. I hope to create something that will never die, that would add much more than income, like integrity and build character. Not just for my family, but others, too. Throughout the years we’ve hired countless young

RB: 1. Educate yourself. The field is highly competitive. We’ve built a large client base because we’ve been at it for so long. But now, we must operate in a way that sets us apart. 2. Do an excellent job and exceed expectations. So often now, people perform basic tasks just to get paid. If you want to continue to get paid, give them something they can’t live without. Do what they could not do. Strive for perfection. 3. Don’t take on more than you can handle – that often lends itself to low performance. You will make the money in time if you are consistent. 4. Be fare. Don’t overcharge trying to make ALL the money from one job. Don’t undercharge so you get the job and become upset when you have worked all day on that one job and have little profit. Educate yourself on the market and develop a strategy that works for you. TSD: What advice do you have for other Black business owner hopefuls? RB: Though it might be a different task, the principles are the same: Do your homework, work hard consistently and be the very best you can be in your craft. Also, I worked a fulltime job (as a fireman) for years before also doing this full-time. Some people jump out there too quick, unable to sustain themselves, which leads to frustration, underperforming and overcharging. Pace yourself.

TSD: If you weren’t doing this, what else would you be doing? NB: Prior to starting this business, I worked at Wonder Bread for 27 years and I tried my hand in various other business opportunities. I had a restaurant at one point and had a cleaning service for a while. Landscaping was the right fit for me and my son because it was something we were passionate about. This business has allowed me to help my family, my community and meet amazing people. I honestly can’t imagine anything else that would have provided the same opportunities. TSD: What do think is the most important aspect of the product/ service you provide? RB: Customer service. Please the customer and you will always have customers! TSD: What professional accomplishment or major milestone are you most proud of? NB: We are proud of the growth and expansion we’ve seen over the years and the contracts we have secured. We started out in one neighborhood, expanding to subdivisions and now the workload has escalated so, we are unable to service private homes. We now service businesses and corporations, not only in landscaping but have added the pesticide component with several contracts for that private business. TSD: Anything else you’d like to add? B&SL: If your business or commercial property needs landscaping services, feel free to contact us at: 901-921-6422 or berrylandscape@ bellsouth.net.

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, February 24 - March 2, 2022, Page 4

Two important questions regarding the teacher shortage deal with retention and retirement. According to a December 2021 survey by Professional Educators of Tennessee, a teacher advocacy group, 22 percent of teachers say they do not plan to remain in education. Coupling that with 29 percent being eligible to retire within five years, the group says there is cause to be concerned regarding the teacher shortage.

Substitute teachers: The new MVPs of public education?

by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

As a former school administrator, I remember quite well the stress and anxiety I experienced when teachers had to go out on extended leave. Sometimes we were fortunate to have a few quality substitute teachers waiting in the wings; other times, however, it was nightmarish the entire time of their absence. One of the most challenging jobs in our school system is that of a substitute teacher. When teachers are out and a sub has to be called in, the teaching and learning process can stop dead in its tracks. The substitute teacher often sees their job as just getting through the day without incident and nothing else. Right now, the teacher shortage is Curtis weighing heavily on school districts Weathers across the country. The ranks of certified classroom teachers are shrinking, and the need for substitute teachers is in high demand. In a recent statement by the Economic Policy Institute, they make clear that “the teacher shortage nationally is real, large and growing.” Parents are also concerned as they’ve noticed their kids’ classrooms are being combined with other classes because of the scarcity of both regular classroom and substitute teachers. In addition, teacher assistants and even counselors are being asked to cover classrooms that are being moved to larger holding areas such as cafeterias, the school library, or an auditorium. I see this happening every week in the schools I visit. The stress of teaching in today’s classroom has many teachers across the country seriously contemplating leaving the profession for good. The number one reason? Teacher morale. According to a survey from the Professional Educators of Tennessee (a teacher advocacy group), 22 percent of teachers say they do not plan to remain in education, and 83 percent of those who participated in the survey point to teacher morale as the culprit. Given all that schools are up against today, making a pretty strong case for substitute teachers being the new MVPs (Most Valuable People) of public education is not very difficult. I think the leadership in Memphis Shelby County Schools and many other districts across the country would concur. That being said, it is time school systems matched the worth of substitute teachers with their pay. According to the National Council on Teacher Quality, some districts across the country have increased their substitute teacher pay by as much as 50 percent while also decreasing the education requirements for the job. Towards the end of last year, Secretary of Education Mi-

U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, shown here with Memphis Shelby County Schools Supt. Dr. Joris M. Ray, was a featured speaker at last week’s School Superintendents Association’s National Conference on Education in Nashville. His remarks included his concerns about the nationwide teacher shortage. (Photo: Memphis Shelby County Schools Twitter) guel Cardona wrote a letter in which he encouraged district leaders to use their American Rescue Plan funds to “recruit and train high-quality substitute teachers.” Many school districts had already taken that initiative. I was so happy to see this past January that the Memphis Shelby County Schools announced a pay increase for substitute teachers, and they also changed their job qualifications. Initially, SCS subs were required to have a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 GPA; now, they are only required to have a high school diploma to qualify for the job. And instead of uncertified substitutes earning only $95 a day, they will now earn $112 per day. Certified substitute teachers will earn $172 per day. While I applaud the Memphis Shelby County Schools Board for making that decision, I also think they need to revisit the pay scale for certified classroom teachers as well. The job responsibilities of a substitute teacher are much the same as a regular teacher. They are to maintain classroom discipline and carry out classroom procedures as if they were regular teachers. However, unless the assignment is for a week or more, subs rarely get a chance to learn students’ names, let alone anything about them. Neither the student nor the teacher knows what to expect from

the other. It is not a very comfortable arrangement. As a school leader, I was fortunate to have some outstanding substitute teachers who quickly became an integral part of our family of teachers. They took their job seriously and were excellent at managing their classrooms. I still communicate with some of them today (10-15 years later). Of course, some did not take their jobs seriously or were simply incapable of managing a classroom full of middle or high school students. Right now, school systems across Tennessee are still facing an uphill battle as they try to keep teachers and students in the classroom. My advice to school principals – and I think they all know this – is if you happen to run across a really good substitute teacher, roll out the red carpet and do all you can to keep them in your school. Really good substitute teachers are rare and valuable assets to a school community. They for sure, right now, have my vote for the Most Valuable People (MVP) award in public education! (Follow TSD education columnist Curtis Weathers on Twitter (@curtisweathers); email: curtislweathers@ gmail.com.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

February 24 - March 2, 2022

RELIGION

Transparency about personal adversity anchors husband and wife’s ministry

Special service, street naming honors the Rev. Dr. James O. Pope Sr. Special to The New Tri-State Defender A dedication service honoring the late Rev. Dr. James O. Pope Sr., former pastor and founder of True Life Missionary Baptist Church, recently was held at the church in advance of a street-naming ceremony. The speaker for the occasion was the Rev. Dr. Ed Parker, who recently retired as pastor of the Berean Baptist Church. His topic – taken from John 13:31-35 – was “By This Sign ... Thou Shall Know.” After the service, members of the congregation drove to the corner of Raines Road and Neely Road, for the unveiling of a sign denoting Reverend Dr. James O. Pope, Sr. Boulevard. It was unveiled by the new pastor of True Life MBC, the Reverend Antonio M. Smith. Dr. Pope was a 1956 graduate of Hamilton High School and attended Lemoyne-Owen College, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science in 1973. He received a Master of Religious Arts in Theology in 2000 and his Doctor of Theology in 2001 from Jacksonville Theological Seminary. Dr. Pope was one of the first Blacks

The unveiling of Reverend Dr. James O. Pope, Sr. Boulevard was a joyous affair for the family and friends of its namesake. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender) to serve as a supervisor for the Memphis Area Transit Authority. He pastored in Whitehaven for 45-plus years. His first pastoral assignment was Mt. Joyner Rev. Dr. James Baptist Church, O. Pope Sr. where he served for 15 years. Later, Dr. Pope organized True Life Missionary Baptist Church on Raines Road, where he served for 32 years. He taught in the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education for 20 years on “The Miracles of Jesus.”

A Man of service and leadership, Dr. Pope served as a dean of the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association, chairman of Transportation and co-chairman of the Memphis CityWide Revivals, and executive treasurer and moderator of the Whitehaven District Association. He provided free after-school tutoring services for students requesting additional support and worked with the juvenile justice system to provide children with a second chance. The street naming was approved by the Memphis City Council, with primary sponsorship by Councilmembers Cheyenne Johnson and Jamita Swearengen. It affixes the honorary designation for Neely Road between Raines Road and Shelby Drive.

MDA moving forward… The Memphis District Association held its installation service at New Hope Baptist Church on Feb. 18. The officers are: Tabernacle of Praise MBC Pastor Derrick D. Davis, moderator; Christ Baptist Church Pastor Uliasea Little Jr., 1st vice moderator; and Lake Grove Baptist Church Pastor Sam H. Mickens, 2nd vice moderator. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

Next man up… The Rev. Dr. Rickey L. Dugger Sr. (left) was installed as president of the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association last Sunday (Feb. 20). The Rev. Carl E. Shields (right) is vice-president elect. The service was held at New Salem Baptist Church, with host pastor Rev. Dr. Frank E. Ray Sr. serving as guest speaker. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

Page 5

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

At Faith World Church, a Fayette County ministry couched in Gallaway, Tennessee, Bishop David Gillard and his wife, Elder Toya Gillard, are at the helm of a growing Church of God in Christ ministry. With Bishop Gillard having planted four churches in Ghana and another in Sikeston, Missouri, the Gillards believe they have many more churches to plant and many more lives to touch. The key, they say, is transparency. “I believe the Lord has blessed our efforts because we have been transparent,” said Bishop Gillard. “We are truly one in marriage and one in ministry, but we nearly divorced in 2009.” The Gillards were sitting in divorce court, resigned to a failed marriage. “Our attorneys were fighting and lying in court,” said Gillard. “But one day, I sent my wife a text, saying, ‘What are we doing?’ She sent a one back, ‘I don’t know what we’re doing, but I know it ain’t right.’” During their last appearance in court, they walked out together. “We got up and walked out of that courtroom hand in hand,” said Gillard. “God has knitted our hearts together.” Toya Gillard said sharing their near-divorce experience helps couples get through their rough spots. “How will people know that God can fix our issues and solve our problems if we never share what the Lord did for us,” she said. “People respond to truth. In this day and time, they need authenticity and truth. God’s word is truth. My husband and I know what God can do. We share our truth to broken and hurting people.” Their near-divorce experience was not the only life-changing trial. “We lost our son in August of 2020 from a fentanyl overdose,” said Dillard. “Our son died on Thursday, and I preached our son’s funeral on Monday, which was my birthday. We have gotten through the grief with tears, prayer, and many conversations with our six children.” Toya Gillard said they “minister to addicts because of our son. Many have gotten clean in our Toya Wilson Gillard Foundation through medical attention, counseling and prayer.” Gillard, 41, became a bishop at 34. By age 3 he had become a Christian under the guidance of his pastor and father, Apostle Kenneth Gillard, who was based in Chicago at the time. He first planted a church in Memphis before ultimately transitioning

No strangers to adversity, Bishop David Gillard and his wife, Elder Toya Gillard, “share our truth to broken and hurting people.” (Courtesy photo)

“People respond to truth. In this day and time, they need authenticity and truth. God’s word is truth. My husband and I know what God can do. We share our truth to broken and hurting people.” — Toya Gillard to Galloway. “I had preached in Galloway on various occasions,” said Gillard. “Then, one day, a man called from Gallaway and said they needed help because the pastor just up and left. I was sending a pastor, but the Lord said, ‘No, you go.’” Gillard didn’t know how a small, impoverished city would support a church. In 2019, Galloway had a population of slightly over 700 with a poverty rate of 48.5 percent. African Americans accounted for 60.5 percent of the residents. “I said, ‘Lord, if this is You, give me a sign,’ Gillard said. “When I got to Gallaway, the man said, ‘Pastor, I am deeding the church and property over to you.’ That was my sign. And God has blessed us to grow and prosper since. We will keep showing others our wounds to help them find healing. Along the way, the Gillards have developed a church filled with entrepreneurs, many of whom weren’t even employed when they came. “My wife and I believe in entrepreneurship,” said Gillard. “About 40 percent of our members are business owners. That’s what the gospel does, lifts and gives hope.”

The New Tri-State Defender

February 24 - March 2, 2022

LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

City Tasting Box is back with a new all-Black lineup! by Brianna SmithHerman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Two years into their City Tasting Box venture, friends and business partners Cristina McCarter and Lisa Brown are rolling out a new lineup of all-Black food artisans for 2022. As the COVID-19 pandemic forced travel and restaurant industries to redefine hospitality and innovate new experiences, McCarter, a longtime Memphis culture and foodie enthusiast, and Brown came together in 2020 to launch City Tasting Box. The boutique e-commerce shop curates a blend of packaged goods from famed Memphis restaurants and chefs, up-andcoming local food artisans and other Memphis-inspired crafts – all packaged in a well-designed mailer box. Their latest creation is a limited-edition box that features a variety of Black food makers. “Many of our local food makers are bottling and packaging food as a pivot strategy due to the pandemic’s impact on restaurant sales and in-person marketplaces,” said McCarter. “We are here to help them reach broader audiences while showcasing Memphis as a culinary mecca.” And, said Brown, “You can continue to count on us to amplify the micro-business owner, female chefs, up-and-coming food mak-

ers, and locally-famous restaurant staples.” McCarter and Brown bring years of experience and passion to the food industry. The City Tasting Boxes celebrate the heritage, tenacity and resilience of Memphis’ local food scene. They invite everyone to eat locally, support Black-owned businesses and experience Memphis – all in one box. “Our first goal with all of our boxes is to create the optimal palatable experience for each consumer by blending the perfect flavor balance of sweet, savory, salty and spicy in each box while keeping our north star in mind – highlight Memphis and tell the artisan’s story,” said McCarter. Among the Black food makers in the limited-edition Majority box are Enjoy Pop’s Kernel 3-D popcorn, Makeda’s World-famous butter cookies, Chef Tam’s lemon pepper hot sauce, The Wing Guru Memphis dry heat pork skins, Goodness Gracious chocolate chip cookie mix, B’Chill strawberry lemonade, Spicy Z’s cajun seasoning, Hackberry Tea Co. tranquilitea tea bags, plus a Bring Your Soul Memphis t-shirt by We Are Memphis. You can get your 2022 City Tasting Box by visiting citytastingbox.com. City Tasting Box partners Cristina McCarter (left) and Lisa Brown are rolling out a new lineup of all-Black food artisans for 2022. (Courtesy photo)

Page 6

The latest City Tasting Box creation is a limited-edition Majority box that features a variety of Black food makers. (Photo: Justin Fox Burks)

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, February 24 - March 2, 2022, Page 7

COMMENTARY

The state of our school system is NOT strong

by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

First, I am not one to be overly critical of our school system. I try to reflect on most things from a positive perspective. I have watched all of the last three of Supt. Dr. Joris M. Ray’s State of the Schools presentations. I always come away from these addresses very frustrated. We all know that the academic achievement news in our school system is not the greatest right now, but we as a community need to know what we can do to help our children improve their performance. During the entire presentation, I kept thinking to myself; I must not understand what these State of the District addresses are all about. This is an opportunity for the superintendent to share the state of academic achievement in our school system. Yet, unless I missed a significant portion of Dr. Ray’s presentation, I do not recall seeing a lot of information or data regarding student achievement. Why is that? I will come back to that question. Let me give you a list of the things I applauded in Dr. Ray’s presentation and a list of things I would love to see

in future State of the District presentations. First, I applaud hiring all of the new SEAs and the bonus money for teacher assistants, teacher types, Curtis and educational Weathers assistants. We need to do all we can to attract and keep potential full-time classroom teachers in our pipeline. Second, the Strategic Partners for Literacy partnership is an excellent idea. I like this because it directly addresses a specific group of children (3rd graders) and their academic performance in literacy. However, I wish his presentation included more national, state and district data about first through third-grade literacy. Still, I am anxious to hear more about this initiative. Lastly, I love the new logo! All of the other initiatives are fine, but please tie them to the academic achievement goals set for your administrators, teachers and students. Like most people, I think a $5 million investment for water bottle fill-

ing stations, expanding the Bolton AgriSTEM program, the expansion of the district’s Pre-K program, exploring the idea of year-round schooling (good luck with that idea), and investing $171 million in facility upgrades, is important. Somehow, however, you have to connect all of this directly to improvements in academic achievement. And throughout the entirety of the superintendent’s presentation, he barely mentioned how these improvements would impact student achievement and the performance levels of our students on state exams. Well, in my opinion, at this point, the state of our school system is NOT strong, and it is not necessarily the fault of our school leaders. We are struggling like every other school system in our nation. The pandemic has weakened us significantly. And I think it is OK to admit that. I would give Dr. Ray and his team a B+ for their efforts during this pandemic. I think they have done a fairly good job keeping our students and employees safe and the education process ongoing despite the enormous challenges they have had to navigate over the last two years. Here is an idea: the superinten-

Memphis Shelby County Schools Supt. Dr. Joris M. Ray makes the case that education is everybody’s business. (Screen capture) dent and his team should create a list of strategies (a pamphlet maybe) that outlines what parents and the community can do to help improve the achievement levels of our children. Then, we can all work together to recover from this pandemic and get ourselves back on the right track. Hmmm…not a bad idea! Student achievement is the primary indicator of the health and vitality of

a school system. Supt. Ray, take us through the data and tell us what we can do as parents and a community to improve our children’s academic performance. Remember, we are stronger together, we are 901! (Follow TSD education columnist Curtis Weathers on Twitter (@curtisweathers); email: curtislweathers@gmail.com.)

Serving up leadership... The Memphis Urban League welcomed Marc H. Morial, president/CEO of the National Urban League on Monday (Feb. 21). Mahogany Memphis presented a book signing and reception for Morial, who has written “The Gumbo Coalition: 10 Leadership Lessons That Helps You Inspire, Unite, and Achieve.” (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

Mia Jaye, Black Men & Boys Deserve To Grow Old Gifting Ceremony by Brianna Smith-Herman Special to The New Tri-State Defender

It’s been more than three months since Memphis rap icon Young Dolph was gunned down. Jermia “Mia Jaye” Jerdine, his life partner, is still saddened that no one will ever learn what “Old Dolph” might have become. In 2020, Mia Jaye had already launched the “Black Men & Boys Deserve to Grow Old” campaign to honor her brother, whom she also lost to gun violence. And on Feb. 20, she hosted the first-ever Black Men Deserve To Grow Old virtual gifting ceremony. “Above all, God called me to do this,” Mia Jaye said during the online event. “I knew what my brother meant to his family. Just seeing him yanked from his wife and children’s lives… “I saw my sister-in-law have to take on that burden,” she continued, “I just realized she needed help, she needed to be supported, I knew it was hard for her.” The Black Men & Boys Deserve to Grow Old campaign aims to raise awareness about the rising homicide numbers in the Black community. The campaign also seeks to support three families tragically impacted by the loss of their husband, father,

brother or son. The Black Men & Boys Deserve to Grow Old Virtual Ceremony was hosted by Mia Jaye, Kimberly Jones and Cassandra Richardson. “I would’ve never thought in a thousand years that I would be creating a support system that would eventually lift me up,” Mia said. “It was like I internalized not only my sisterin-law, niece and nephews’ pain, but the families I had also helped. “My heart was so heavy for them. I was empathizing so much,” she continued. “It was almost like, I felt it before I felt it.” Then came last Nov. 17, when Young Dolph was ambushed in a hail of gunfire outside Makeda’s Cookies on Airways. “God, knew what my journey was going to look like,” Mia said. “He needed me to create something for myself, something to sustain me when it was my time to walk that threshold. It gave me some type of preparation. “Helping these families and seeing these other women … I recognized very early this is something I was called to do.” During the ceremony, three families affected by gun violence were given the proceeds from the campaign. “Being part of the BMABDTGO Campaign has been a great experi-

After launching the Black Men & Boys Deserve to Grow Old campaign in 2020, Mia Jaye, Young Dolph’s life partner, hosted the initiative’s first virtual gifting ceremony on Feb. 20. (Screen capture) ence,” said Lynn Williams, who lost her son to senseless violence. “It’s hard losing a child. I appreciate the counseling and financial services this organization has provided.” Demetria Boyd, still reeling from the loss of her husband, echoed that sentiment. “It has helped me tremendously because financially I’m stretched so thin, and this has helped me to close some gaps.” Brittney Watson, the third recipient, lost her brother to violence. “Mia gave me a sense of direction, connection and comfort,” Watson said. “She helped me feel seen and understood. She gave me an idea on how to start to move forward after my brother’s passing.” The gifting ceremony was conclud-

ed with an appearance from Kay Jerdine, the sister-in-law who inspired Mia to create Black Men Deserve to Grow Old. “BMABDTGO made me feel supported and helped me to not feel so alone,” said Jerdine. The campaign, which incorporates the selling of Black Men & Boys Deserve To Grow Old merchandise, collaborates with influencers to discuss methods of change and shares heart-wrenching statistics on the reality of gun violence. The second half of the ceremony was a panel discussion that included: Elizabeth Hart (director, Office of Faith-Based and Community Engagement at Tennessee Department of Health), Jermaine Clark & Keith Lewis Jr. (I’m A Father F1rst

non-profit), Shelby County Commissioner Van Turner Jr. (also Memphis Branch NAACP president), Victoria Terry & Vickie Terry (Memphis Branch NAACP executive director), Tonja Sesley-Baymon (Memphis Urban League president/CEO), Kermit Moore (director, A. Philip Randolph Institute), and Gail Tyree (executive director, AFSCME Local 1733). The panel discussed a range of topics, including coping mechanisms, unifying our communities and how to incorporate more youth programs and villages within our communities. (To support, share or learn more about the Black Men Deserve to Grow Old Campaign, follow @shopmomeo, @blackmendeservetogrowold or visit www.shopmomeo.com.)

The New Tri-State Defender

ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE OPPORTUNITIES The Memphis Electrical JATC is accepting applications for their electrical apprenticeship program on Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at, 6211 Shelby Oaks Drive, Call 901.386.2301 or 1.877.263.5282 outside Shelby County for more information. EOO I Jessica Jefferson is asking for a uncontestant divorce form Craton Pruitt jr due to abandonment since 2012. LEGAL NOTICE The Memphis Housing Authority Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Architectural & Engineering & Environmental Testing & Consulting / Environmental Engineering Services Solicitation # CI 22‐R‐00626 The Memphis Housing Authority (MHA) is soliciting qualifications from highly qualified consulting firms to provide services in the architectural/engineering arena, as well as environmental testing & consulting / environmental engineering services for Capital Improvement projects on an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity [IDIQ] basis. These services may include Architecture, Site Planning, Land Surveying, Civil Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Cost Estimating, Environmental Testing & Consulting, and Construction Contract Administration. The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Package will be available, at no cost, beginning on Monday, February 21, 2022. It can be obtained from the MHA website ( https://www.memphisha.org/). The RFQ Package may also be secured by email submitting a request to the attention of Benjamin Loving, Project Manager, at bloving@memphisha.org. A Pre‐Submission Conference will be held on Monday, February 28, 2022, at 2:00 P.M. CDT in the MHA Board Room, 2nd Floor, Room 216 at 700 Adams Avenue, Memphis TN 38105‐5029. Although the conference is not mandatory, all proposers are encouraged to attend. Qualification submissions must be submitted to the MHA Capital Improvements Department, 700 Adams Avenue, Room 107, Memphis, TN 38105‐5029, Attn: Benjamin Loving, by no later than 4:00 P.M. Central Time on Mon-

February 24 - March 2, 2022

CLASSIFIEDS

day, March 21, 2022. MEMPHIS HOUSING AUTHORITY Dexter D. Lewis Chief Executive Ofﬁce

and best offer without warranties of any sort.

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:

Calvin Nichols Tax Parcel #: 03401100000160 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $9500.00 Terms: Cash

Pedro Villazana Tax Parcel #: 06903300000040 Tax Sale #: 1701 Price Offered: $10,050.00 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 22, 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 22, 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:

Michael Nesby Tax Parcel #: 07210100000480 Tax Sale #: 1303 Price Offered: $2250.00 Terms: Cash

Vanessa D. Luellen Tax Parcel #: 04202300000860 Tax Sale #: 1701 Price Offered: $3500.00 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 10:00 a.m. on March 22, 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

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 9:00 a.m. on March 22, 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

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tive Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

chaser 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:

Jennifer Castor Tax Parcel #: 06903100000310 Tax Sale #: 1604 Price Offered: $17,250.00 Terms: Cash

Mohamad Elabiad Tax Parcel #: 05203400000290 Tax Sale #: 1701 Price Offered: $4000.00 Terms: Cash

GEM Properties, LLC Tax Parcel #: 04803500000060 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $10,100.00 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 23, 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 10:00 a.m. on March 23, 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 9:00 a.m. on March 23, 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:

Mohamad Elabiad Tax Parcel #: 05203400000280 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $4000.00 Terms: Cash

Brandon Gray Tax Parcel #: 04300400000100 Tax Sale #: 704 Price Offered: $1012.50 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 23, 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 prospec-

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 23, 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 Pur-

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SPORTS

The New Tri-State Defender, February 24 - March 2, 2022, Page 9

Ja Morant, who has ruled scoring in the paint this season, gives Milwaukee center Giannis Antetokounmpo a close up view of his soaring ability. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)

Ja Morant leaves the All-Star Game court with his signature smile. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New TriState Defender)

Ja-dropping dunks put Morant’s stamp on NBA All-Star game by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Terry Davis

As the Grizzlies beat writer for The New Tri-State Defender, I took in the All-Star Game festivities with a trained eye on first-time starter Ja Morant, whose he-has-arrived status as an NBA star was evident throughout the weekend. The NBA All-Star game again proved it is one of the best of all the major sports, with the class-act observance of the association’s 75th anniversary a case in point. LeBron James and Kevin Durant selected players as team captains this year, with Morant drafted by Team Durant. For the record, Team LeBron edged Team Durant 163-160, with Morant

teaming up with Durant’s selections. The rules ensured that the ultimate winners would be the charities represented by the teams, with the winning team’s charity of choice reaping an additional $100,000. Team LeBron won $450,000 for the Kent State Promise Program and Team Durant secured $300,000 for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. With 163 the designated number of points to secure the All-Star Game championship title, “King” James hit the game-winner. Morant scored six points and twice developed what fans (that includes players and NBA legends) most wanted to see from him – spectacular dunks. This gallery reflects some of the myriad images I took in as I watched Morant assume his spot among the stars of the NBA past and present.\

Memphis’ Ja Morant scored six points and twice developed what All-Star Game fans (that includes players and NBA legends) most wanted to see from him – spectacular dunks. (Screen capture)

Shooting among stars, Desmond Bane’s winning dream was not to be by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

CLEVELAND – As Memphis sharpshooter Desmond Bane reached for balls from a rack set up for the NBA All-Star 3-point shooting contest, stars from various professional domains looked on and/or chatted with each other. For many – if not most – the three-point shooting competition has become the signature event of NBA All-Star Saturday, even displacing the once fan-favorite

slam dunk contest. The NBA has become a shooter’s association and winning the title of the league’s best shooter is a coveted treasure. Spike Lee, Forrest Whitaker, Fat Joe, Lil Wayne and numerous other luminaries turned Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage Arena into a gallery for some of the most prominent sports people and sports lovers in the country. Even former University of Memphis head coach Tubby Smith was in the house. Bane’s dream of bringing the winner’s trophy to Memphis became a deferred am-

bition. The first of eight contestants, he set the bar at 18 and finished the first round in sixth place. The top three players advanced to the second round. Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns eventually took the crown with 29 points, with the L.A. Clippers’ Luke Kennard and Atlanta’s electrifying guard Trae Young finishing with 26 points. Towns is the first big man to win the contest since 2012. Cleveland forward Kevin Love was a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves when he won the contest.

Desmond Bane exchanges congratulations after the Rising Stars game in Cleveland on Friday night (Feb. 18). (Photo: Terry Davis/The New TriState Defender)

The New Tri-State Defender

February 24 - March 2, 2022

How we’re boosting the fight against hunger Bank of America is proudly supporting our employees’ health and safety and addressing one of our local community’s most critical needs. Each day, millions of Americans suffer from food insecurity, which typically spikes during the winter months. For every employee who lets us know they’ve received a booster shot, Bank of America is donating $100 to local hunger-relief organizations. This is a direct investment in the health of our teammates, and in the well-being of the communities where we work and live. Through this effort, our team in Memphis recently presented Mid-South Food Bank with a check for $25,000. This contribution is in addition to our long-standing philanthropic support to help fight hunger and food insecurity across the country. We are proud to be able to help our community as we work together to move forward.

Trevia Chatman President, Bank of America Memphis

Learn more at bankofamerica.com/memphis

Donations in each market reflect $100 per employee who has recorded their booster and an additional company contribution. Vaccination boosters and vaccination reporting are voluntary. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Credit Opportunity Lender. © 2022 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

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