The New Tri-State Defender - March 4-10, 2021

‘Guiding light’ Vernon Jordan dies at 85.

Obits, Page 8

On a path to check gun violence, unity walkers take next steps.

Lifestyle & Culture, Page 5

‘Return Stronger’ or wait? How parents weighed the choices

“We have been enjoying virtual learning at home. I just love being there with my children. They love it as well. They are more focused, they aren’t being bullied, and I believe they are learning more.”

— Ernestine Wilkins

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The “Return Stronger” rollout of in-person learning at Shelby County Schools has not convinced thousands of parents to send their children back into the classroom.

Monday (March 1) was the designated first day of Shelby County Schools’ return to physical class learning following a yearlong absence due to the global coronavirus pandemic.

SCS officials said nearly 19,000 students at elementary and K-8 schools returned to inschool learning. Their data showed 29,000 of the 88,000 students will be in person.

“Children need to be sociable. He (Jermier) talked about his friends every day. He’s an only child, so classmates are important to him. ... The isolation was getting to him. I could tell. He was so happy returning to school on Monday.”

A full-scale virtual format was implemented at the onset of the 2020-21 school year. SCS, one of the largest public-school systems in the state, resisted calls for in-person learning weeks after other systems began making the transition.

A gradual return brought students in grades K-5 back after this week. Students in grades 6-12 will return on Monday (March 8).

Many, however, opted out of the in-person format.

“We have been enjoying virtual learning at home,” said Ernestine Wilkins, a grandmother raising two school-age children.

“I just love being there with my children. They love it as well. They are more focused, they aren’t being bullied, and I believe they

— Tiphne Hurd

are learning more.”

Wilkins has been raising Sasha Anderson, 12, and Alexander Austin, 9, “since they came home from the hospital.”

Both attend Cromwell Elementary School. Sasha is in sixth grade and Alexander is a fourth grader.

“In school, they were distracted by their school mates,” said Wilkins. “Alexander, especially, was losing focus. There are fewer distractions. I just set them up at the kitchen table, or the dining room table, and they get online for school.

“They miss their friends, but I remind them that playing in the classroom with them

Gov. Lee talks virus, vaccines, health disparities and more

by Dena Owens

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Shelby County’s stumbles with vaccine distribution, Tennessee’s pandemic recovery and the state’s plan for improving African-American health disparities exposed during the ongoing public health emergency punctuated Gov. Bill Lee’s exchange with the Tennessee Press Association this week.

Lee has committed $200 million to counties and municipalities for pandemic relief expenditures and is pushing for another $200 million for broadband expansion in every Tennessee community. The investments – intended to offset impacts of COVID-19 – are part of the state’s $41.8 billion Fiscal Year 2022 budget.

As of March 2, 1.4 million Tennesseans have been vaccinated, reducing the numbers of infections and hospi-

talization across the state. More than 70 percent of vaccines distributed have been administered.

Major metropolitan areas have lifted some restrictions and nursing homes have reopened with no visitation restrictions. All Tennessee nursing home residents have been vaccinated and shots for all long-term care residents are near completion.

Shelby County Health Department Medical Director Dr. Bruce Randolph assured county residents that city and county officials are continuing to work together for the best outcomes.

(Screen capture)

Where we stand 12-months later

COVID-19 numbers low; next level vaccinations on Mar. 8

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

The reality of the Memphis area’s now yearlong survival bout with the pandemic-causing COVID-19 virus pierced a joint task force briefing on Tuesday. Soberingly, the coronavirus has killed 1500 Shelby Countians as of the Shelby County Health Department’s Wednesday report.

The noting of the milestone was woven into a COVID-19 Joint Task Force update, where the elephant in the room was last week’s resignation of Alisa Haushalter as Health Department director.

Tuesday’s briefing detailed robust vaccination numbers and a strong push toward broadening the numbers and sites for future immunization efforts.

“We are coming up on the oneyear mark when that very first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in Shelby County,” said David Sweat, deputy director of the Shelby County Health Department. “To date, the total number of coronavirus cases in Shelby County total 88,153. There have been 1,498 deaths.”

Sweat said both new daily cases and the number of vaccines being administered are moving in the right direction.

SEE SCHOOL ON PAGE 2 SEE

lot of loss of income and savings, a lot of struggle and a lot of difficulty – we will not and cannot forget that. … “What we can do is take that and use it to inspire us to move forward in powerful ways.”

“It’s been a very tragic and difficult year for many,” said Lee. “A lot of loss of life, a lot of loss of jobs – a

Last week, Shelby County’s vaccine distribution was taken over by the Tennessee Health Department (THD) in partnership with the City of Memphis. Distribution was previous-

“There were 42 new cases today,” said Sweat. “There have been 140,432 vaccine doses administered: 97,881 first-shots and 42,551 fully vaccinated individuals who have received both their shots. The city of Memphis took over vaccine management on Tuesday, Mar. 23, but there was no interruption of service.”

Fallout from state and federal investigations into misplaced, stolen, or expired vaccines led to Haushal-

SCHOOL CONTINUED FROM FRONT

friends always got them in trouble.”

Tiphne Hurd was happy to see students return to the classroom.

“I work every day, Monday through Friday,” said Hurd. “My son, Jermier Harris, is a fourth grader at Cromwell. I sent him to the Boys and Girls Club while I worked.

“But, with virtual learning, I was not able to help him, and neither was there anyone at the club who could help.”

Hurd said Jermier has talked about missing his friends.

“Children need to be sociable,” she said. “He talked about his friends every day. He’s an only child, so classmates are important to him.

“His aunt would do arts and crafts with him, and we all tried to come up with activities to keep him stimulated. But the isolation was getting to him. I could tell. He was so

LEE

ly

Alisa Haushalter, former SCHD director, resigned after reports surfaced of 2,400 wasted vaccines. Another SCHD expert retired and one was released of duty.

FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) and THD probes are underway.

A Center for Disease Control & Prevention team arrived in Memphis Tuesday to assist THD with examining record keeping issues and misinformation.

“There were “too many mistakes, too many failures in pro-

COVID

CONTINUED FROM FRONT ter’s resignation. Management of Shelby County’s vaccination drive was taken from the county and reassigned to city officials.

Shelby County Health Department Medical Director Dr. Bruce Randolph assured county residents that city and county officials are continuing to work together for the best outcomes for all Memphis and Shelby County residents.

“It’s been almost a year that this joint task force was formed between city and county officials,” said Randolph. “Since that time, there have been some challenges and some difficult times, but we’re here.

“There is a downward trend of critical indicators. So we’re moving in the right direction.

happy returning to school on Monday.”

Hurd said Monday was a big disappointment for Jermier.

“Jermier came home and said there were only five students who returned in his

tocol and process,” Lee said.

According to THD, Shelby County’s vaccine distribution is now running more smoothly.

Minority health disparities uncovered

The New Tri-State Defender asked Lee about the state’s strategy for improving African American health disparities exposed during the pandemic.

Lee pointed to Tennessee’s Office of Minority Health and Disparities Elimination – the department developed exclusively to address minority health inequities.

Dr. Kimberly Lamar has headed the office since April 2020 and reports to Lee week-

We must continue the course.”

Randolph said masking and social distancing are going to be important precautions as efforts continue to get everyone vaccinated who wants to be vaccinated.

Information released after the task force update indicates that on Monday, Mar. 8, Shelby County will move into Phase 1C of the vaccination schedule devised by the Tennessee Department of Health.

This phase includes teens 16 years of age and older who suffer with chronic health conditions that put them at risk of serious illness from COVID-19. Age eligibility, otherwise, will remain at 65 years and older.

Chronic diseases specified for these teens include chronic renal disease, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis or moderate to severe asthma; obesity; heart conditions, including heart fail-

class, and he was the only boy. I told him not to worry, that his classmates would come back.

I hope it is soon.” For Jennifer Wilburn, safety was utmost in her mind. Her two sons, Myles Wilburn, 9,

ly on minority vaccination approaches used across the state.

Hamilton and Shelby counties, both with large Black populations, have been among areas reporting the lowest minority vaccination data.

In mid-February, Blacks in Hamilton County received only 11 percent of available vaccinations from providers. However, its black population is about 25 percent, a disparity county leaders recognized and pledged to improve.

In Shelby County, the goal is to vaccinate 650,000 citizens by August or 70 percent of the population.

Memphis, which is 60 to 65 percent Black, makes up most of the county.

ure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy and hypertension; sickle cell disease; cerebrovascular disease or stroke; dementia, and liver disease.

The vaccine will also be made available to those caring for people with high-risk medical conditions and women who are pregnant.

Individuals in the prior phases, including first responders, health care workers, teachers and child care workers who have not yet been vaccinated remain eligible for vaccination during phase 1C as well.

Appointment availabilities at City of Memphis and Shelby County vaccination locations will be posted at https:// covid19.memphistn.gov/ each Friday for the following week.

Residents without Internet access or who need assistance in setting an appointment may call 901-222-7468 (SHOT) for assistance.

and Nicholas Wilburn, 1, attend a Kinder Care facility when Wilburn has to work.

“My normal work schedule is over the weekend,” said Wilburn. “Any week-day work I do is overtime. I decided to keep Myles in virtual learning at Kinder Care because his surroundings are more controlled. Everyone’s temperature is taken at the door. Parents are not allowed inside. They sign their

As of March 2, Shelby County records indicate – of 152,507 vaccines administered – 28.4 percent were black citizens and 44.9 percent were white – a sizeable difference. Vaccine recipients voluntarily report race data – 11.6 percent reported no race or ethnicity.

“We recognize and understand that access to healthcare is more challenging for that (African American) population – vaccine hesitancy is greater and justifiably so because of history with that population,” said Lee.

For many African Americans, vaccine hesitancy emerged following the Tuskegee Experiment between 1932 and 1972. The study involved

children in at the door. Right now, those precautions are important to me.”

Wilburn said she has taken every precaution with her children since the pandemic hit Shelby County.

“I have given them two chewable vitamins every day,” said Wilburn. “Two for them, and one for me, because that’s what it says on the bottle.”

Wilburn does expect to send

600 Black men – 399 with syphilis, 201 without – who were misled about its purpose and never given proper treatment.

The Office of Minority Health mainly uses federally qualified health centers and the black church, “an important part of that community,” to distribute vaccines “mostly because it’s a trusted voice,” said Lee.

“People want to hear – not from the government – but from somebody they trust if they don’t trust the government.”

“They want to hear about information on the vaccine or testing, or how to access the services we have.”

A dashboard of Tennessee’s

her son back to his classroom at Cromwell, but she needs to be assured that the classroom is safe and healthy.

“The fact that teachers were vaccinated gives me some peace of mind,” Wilburn said. “I will probably just pop up at school one day, and see if students are social distancing and wearing masks. I want to just see what happens with students already returning to school. We just have to wait and see.”

On Monday afternoon, Shelby County Schools Supt. Joris Ray posted this statement on the SCS Facebook page:

“We are so excited to see our children learning in the classroom SAFELY once again! Thank you to all the parents, teachers, staff, and students for the resilience and preparation that made today possible. We can’t wait to see our 6th12th graders next Monday!”

Ray has released no other statement about the percentage of students returning to the classroom for in-person learning.

COVID-19 cases through February 5 shows 1,777 Blacks died of the virus (17.1 percent of virus deaths) and 4,274 blacks were hospitalized (24.3 percent of virus hospitalizations). Healthcare providers report data; patients self-identify race.

Lee said Tennessee exceeds the national average percentage of vaccines distributed to African American and Latino citizens, “but we’re not as good as we want to be.”

“We will continue to focus and – actually this week – we have multiple events across the state targeting ethic and minority populations with regard to vaccination.”

With students, teachers and staff back, is ‘normalcy’ near?

by Curtis Weathers Special to The New Tri-State Defender

School buildings are open, teachers are back in their classrooms and students are returning to some form of in-person learning with their teachers. Normalcy is just around the corner – or is it?

The truth is, we still have a long way to go.

Even though teachers and some students started returning to their schools this week, normalcy is still far, far away. This week, students in grades K-6 are back in their classrooms. Students in grades 8-12 will return Monday (March 8).

About 38 percent of elementary school students in Shelby County Schools are expected to be back in classrooms this week. Next week, about 29 percent of middle schoolers and 24 percent of high schoolers are expected to return.

Some teachers are still reluctant to return to their schools because the spread of the virus, although in significant decline, is still a genuine concern.

The COVID-19 case count in Shelby County continues a weekly decline. The latest weekly positivity rate fell for the fifth week in a row to 7.4 percent. That’s down from the 9.4 percent rate recorded the previous week and down from a record-high 17.5 percent in late December.

SCS Supt. Joris Ray seems to have his school buildings as well prepared as possible to make reopening schools as safe and productive as possible. The one worrisome element of the district’s reopening plan is that students, although they will be in the classroom with their teachers, will still be receiving instruction virtually on their laptops and tablets.

This may not be as troubling as it sounds. Students will still have direct access to their teachers in the classroom and will be able to interact, even though somewhat awkwardly.

Despite the planning and preparation, some parents still do not believe it is worth the time to send their children back to school if they are still going to be taught virtually through a computer. Others are skeptical, based on past experiences, that district personnel will keep buildings clean and sanitized.

According to the district’s reopening plan:

* Schools will revert to their normal start and end times for the school day.

* Students and staff will be required to wear masks and undergo temperature checks every day.

* Students who return to buildings will learn through live videoconferencing.

* Staff and parents should expect to know if

Curtis Weathers

a person who tests positive for COVID-19 was in close contact with them or their child within 12 hours of when the school was notified.

* A typical classroom will hold no more than 12 students to allow for social distancing.

* Soap and paper towel dispensers will be restocked every day instead of waiting to refill when they run out.

* Some ventilation improvements have been made, with more on the way.

Notably, the district has not specified a threshold number of COVID-19 cases for temporarily closing a school.

One of the most essential elements of SCS’s preparation and planning will be completed, hopefully, by the end of this week. All district teachers and staff are expected to have received an initial dose of the vaccine.

SCS is the second-largest employer in Shelby County, with over 14,000 employees, including 6,500 teachers. The district plans to vaccinate 2,000 employees per day.

Still, with all of the steps being taken to ensure teachers, staff and students’ safety, some teachers remain skeptical about returning to their classrooms. These teachers understandably feel betrayed, concluding that Supt. Ray and the district broke a promise that teachers would be able to choose whether to return to classrooms or remain virtual.

Some of these individuals, regrettably, have decided to resign. I do hope they reconsider; they will surely be missed.

Given the circumstances, however, Dr. Ray and his team have managed the pandemic response quite well, putting our school system in the best possible position to reopen safely. They are deliberately and methodically executing a well-thought-out plan.

Surely there will be bumps in the road, but I advocate giving them our full cooperation and community support as we continue praying that everyone stays safe and out of harm’s way.

No, we’re not out of the woods, yet. Yes, there really is light at the end of the tunnel. Welcome back students, teachers and staff. We missed you!

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

Me, J&J and a village call for vaccination

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

On Friday, Feb. 26, I went in for my latest visit for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine trial study. On Saturday, the FDA approved the one-shot vaccine for emergency use.

The visit marked day 71 since I signed on to the vaccine trial study program at St. Jude Children’s Hospital. I took the shot and I have been checked at designated intervals for changes in my blood, vital signs and for possible symptoms of COVID-19.

I don’t yet know if I was in the placebo group or got the real deal. I have the option to “unblind” myself and get one of the three vaccines not available. That’s the route I plan to take. Stay tuned for the next installment of the experience that I am journaling as part of the trial.

I give several vials of blood for study each visit, and I take twice-weekly surveys about my condition, changes in health – any marked variation in overall health. I wanted to help, to do something. We have lost so many on the journey to learning more about this disease.

Initially, I thought it would be a full two years before the vaccine was ready. That’s the length of the study. Continuing to study test subjects is important.

The emergency-use approval is a tremendous development, adding to the arsenal of weapons to fight COVID-19.

Two exciting characteristics of this particular vaccine create a thrilling potential for more equitable distribution of immunization than the other two vaccines. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two shots for full protection against the coronavirus. Also, they must be specially refrigerated in super-cold storage.

With the J&J vaccine, only a single dose is required for full immunization, and no extraordinary refrigeration is necessary. One dose, and you’re done. The J&J is good with normal refrigerator.

Disparities in vaccinations across the country are documented. Communities of color have borne the brunt of COVID-19’s ravages, suffering the majority of daily new cases, severe illness with hospitalizations and deaths.

Memphis, which is 60 to 65 percent Black, makes up most of Shelby County. As of March 2, Shelby County records indicate – of 152,507 vaccines administered – 28.4 percent were to Black citizens and 44.9 percent were to White residents – a sizeable difference. Vaccine recipients voluntarily report race data; 11.6 percent reported no race or ethnicity.

Many African Americans, particularly seniors, do not have viable transportation. Neither do they have readily available access in the home. And, if they manage to get that first shot, they must figure out a way to come back for the second.

Now you can see the value of the J&J, single-shot option. A single dose will do it and the need only for regular refrigeration makes the vaccine more mobile and accessible to those who

Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

are homebound, and otherwise hampered in getting to a vaccine site by health or disability.

Even without a viable vaccine for children, the J&J vax opens the possibility of more expedient achievement of herd immunity, which occurs when 70-75 percent of a total given population has received the vaccine.

The trial study will continue and I will go in monthly as directed. Maintaining the experimental trial study at St. Jude opens up a greater possibility for making the vaccine even better.

So, OK, let’s talk about efficacy. Percentage numbers for effectiveness have varied – from 50 percent to 72 percent – depending on where in the world you look. In the U.S., only 50 percent efficacy is required to obtain “emergency use” status.

Sure, we all wish the J&J vax hovered in the 90s percentage-wise. And while the whole percentage/numbers aspect can get complicated, there are two numbers to lock in on.

The J&J vaccine is 100 percent effective against severe illness resulting in hospitalization, and 100 percent effective against death from COVID-19 after 28 days.

As I think about that, J&J might have saved the lives of two brothers. They were Jency’s brothers. She is my friend and their family watched the two brothers die 10 days apart, the youngest went first.

Many of our friends and loved ones, who were infected before any of the vaccines were ready, might have been saved. Doctors did all they could, then watched helplessly as patients’ lives slipped away with respiratory failure and damaged organs.

Family members, who could not be near their sick for the danger of infection, wept as a medical staffer Facetimed their final goodbyes to dying loved ones.

The death is staggering, with 500,000-plus across this country. Empty chairs around the table; Empty spaces left in the hearts of those who have had to bury our dead.

No more of this rationalizing about not getting vaccinated. There has been enough death, enough loss, too many tears, too much grief. When the vaccine becomes available, let us all get vaccinated. Our children need us to protect them by protecting ourselves.

Getting vaccinated is a village call. Check on others who may need help getting to a vaccination site. Encourage others who are wary of getting the vaccine. The African-American community is at greater risk for illness and death from COVID-19. We do not have the luxury of toying with anti-vax sentiment.

Don’t let our dear ones have died in vain. Let the spirit of the village and strength from the beloved community rise up and embrace the help that God has sent.

SCS Supt. Dr. Joris M. Ray and school board members visited district schools on Monday, greeting k-5 students whose parents/guardians chose the option of returning for in-person learning. (Photo: Courtesy of SCS)

‘Do I believe in Jesus Christ?’

Reckoning with the simplicity of salvation

by James A. Washington Jr. NNPA Newswire

Do any of you remember that certain Sunday when moved to accept the truth of your own salvation? I did recently. I was asked a very simple question by the new member deacon: “Do I believe in Jesus Christ?”

For all of the angst I was feeling about a very public declaration of faith, hindsight reminds me that such a simple question should have been quickly answered with exhilarating affirmation. But my recollection is that it was not. That story I’ll share with you later.

My point here is that then as now, it was all about Jesus. I mean the simplicity of salvation is so easy to comprehend. We tend to complicate things because we live in a world which, in many ways, is influenced by Satan.

As my former bible study classmates used to say, Satan is as slick as they come. He has a 24/7/365 job, which he relishes, and why not. We keep him highly motivated.

One of my favorite parts of the bible, and one that I would ask you to read and reread is the confrontation between Jesus and the devil. It’s all right there. What Lucifer tempts Jesus with is what he traps us with.

The Son of Man is the only human being strong enough to win the battle of good and evil so decisively. We need all the help we can get, and that help is identified in Matthew 4:1-11. Each time the devil tried to get Jesus to prove Himself, or entice Him to worship Satan, Christ’s’ reply was: “…It is written.”

Christ’s fallback position at this critical moment for all of us was to rely on the scripture. We have it affirmed for us that we win the battle of life and death and life (eternal) with the ammunition provided to us as it is contained in the Word.

If you take nothing else from what I’m saying, take this: Never go to a gunfight with an unloaded gun.

James A. Washington Jr. is publisher of the Dallas Weekly.

If Christ used the Word to win His battle, I think we’re compelled to try and do the same thing with ours.

For God’s sake, (or should I say your own), take some ammunition. If Christ used the Word to win His battle, I think we’re compelled to try and do the same thing with ours. I’m moved by this part of the bible because it shows that by following Jesus’ example, salvation is there for us to share in.

I have also found it ironic that once the devil was defeated in the desert, the bible says “… angels came and attended Him (Jesus).”

Everything — and I do mean everything and more — that the devil offered, God granted.

Now on my salvation Sunday, I kept thinking that there had to be more to being saved than three simple affirmations of faith: Yes, I believe in Jesus, yes, I believe He is the Son of God and yes, I believe He died for my sins and rose again, lives and He will return. That’s it.

Now, go back and read about the greatest battle in history. Remember who won and why. Now for His sake and your own, arm yourself with the Word and go fight your battles of this day.

Remember, that’s all they are, battles. You’ll win some and you will definitely lose some, but read and recognize, the war is over. We win.

May God bless and keep you always.

Service of Installation

Bishop David Allen Hall Sr., pastor of Temple Church of God in Christ and jurisdictional prelate of Tennessee Headquarters Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, presided over the installation service of Elder Bennie Crutchfield III and his wife, Latasha Crutchfield, at Tennessee Headquarters Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ, 2711 Ketchum Rd. last Sunday (Feb. 28). (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

The New Tri-State Defender, March 4 - 10, 2021, Page 5

“Last year was a record-setting year for homicides: 332. And this year, we’re barely through February and, already, there are more than 30. Many of these victims were children, caught in a street war zone of gang violence and the exchange of fire. This has to stop. We must take a stand.”

— Stevie Moore

On a path to check gun violence, unity walkers take next steps

Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Goodwill is akin to a natural stream in that both will find a way to maneuver beyond impediments, with the key being an inner resolve.

Marchers in the city’s second Community Walk Against Gun Violence demonstrated that on Saturday morning by completing what they set out to do amid intermittent sprinkling of rain.

The first such event brought Memphis residents together in a downtown walk. This latest walk started in the parking lot of Hillcrest High School in Whitehaven.

Stevie Moore of Freedom From Unnecessary Negatives (FFUN), along with the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission, promised at the last march that the walks would be set in various communities throughout the city to raise awareness against a devastating problem.

“This unity walk, I see it growing more powerful with each event,” said Moore. “Our voices are loud and strong when we come together in the numbers that we’re seeing. The involvement of our young people is so beautiful to see. We’re building a collaborative of organizations and law enforcement we believe will make a great impact.”

Law enforcement and survivors, teens and parents, activists and advocates – about 500 of them according to several estimates – all walked together in a flow of unity that Moore said reflects the “sense of community we must build again.”

Moore, who lost his son to gun violence, offered remarks following the event.

“Last year was a record-setting year for homicides: 332. And this year, we’re barely through February and, already, there are more than 30. Many of these victims were children, caught in a street war zone of gang violence and the exchange of fire. This has to stop. We must take a stand.”

Officer Riquel Jefferson, head of the Memphis Police Department’s Neighborhood Watch and other community outreach programs, said the walks are important and meaningful.

“There has been a tremendous breakdown of trust between the community and law enforcement,” said Jefferson.

“We realize that trust between us must be rebuilt. There were many of us out here to stand with the community in this effort. Many were not in uniform. I was not in uniform, but I stand with Memphians against gun violence. After all, we are parents and grandparents as well.”

Jefferson commended Col. Mickey Williams, who heads the MPD Raines Road precinct.

“We had chiefs and commanders out walking today,” Jefferson said later Saturday evening. “Our teens being mentored, ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’ we call them, came out to also stand with the community. We are proud that they are making their voices heard. Just a call from a parent or grandparent got us involved in working with these young people.”

Erika Kelley, a leading spokesperson for Memphis Moms Demand Action, was also there to walk participants. Kelley lost her son to gun violence.

“As a resident of Frayser, I have seen Memphis experience many changes,” said Kelley. “This rise in gun violence is something we must get a handle on. Mounting gun violence has shaken our city to its core.

“Many families have been touched by these many tragedies. Our family lost Dontae Bernard Johnson, my son. I am an advocate. I am Dontae’s voice. Gun violence must stop.” Gun violence, she said, is as much a public health crisis as COVID-19. More marches are expected over the course of the year.

Moore’s phone started ringing Saturday morning. Would-be participants wanted to know if the walk was being cancelled because of the rain.

“When I’m asked about the rain, I always tell them, ‘They don’t stop shooting because it’s raining. We’re going to walk.’

“And that’s exactly what we did.”

With the safety of children in mind, marchers walk in unity against gun violence. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

Erika Kelley: “Our family lost Dontae Bernard Johnson, my son. … I am Dontae’s voice. Gun violence must stop.”

Stevie Moore knows the pain of gun violence on a personal level.

Meet your need to get flashy at Selfie Utopia

by Brianna Smith-Herman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

It’s been a while since many of us have had a selfie-worthy moment to spice up our Instagram and Facebook feeds that didn’t include wearing a mask.

For those looking to add some color and whimsy to their pandemic pics, Selfie Utopia in Wolfchase Mall opened on Saturday (February 27) as Memphis’ first interactive photo experience.

Selfie Utopia offers an array of colorful backdrops, oversize props, optical illusions and interactive set-ups at its selfie museum and interactive event space. Founders Evan Lam and Marina Le envisioned “a safe and fun outlet for members of the community” amid the pandemic.

“It’s a space for a fun time with family and friends and it can also be used to help individuals and area businesses with their content and to expand their social media reach,” said Lam.

“It’s ideal for photo shoots, boutiques, models and for small local businesses. We also can serve as a content creation studio, for music videos and such.”

Selfie Utopia has selfie guides that assist in taking your pictures and posing, if need be, and selfie sticks. Dressing rooms and lockers are offered if one would like to have an outfit change.

There are 15-plus designed photo-op spaces that include – but are not limited to:

• The Keep Grindin’ Memphis Wall illustrated by Memphis’ Toonky Berry,

• A vintage blue wall of pay phones,

• A red and pink flower wall,

• A white balloon room,

• A drop dem PEACHES pooh wall,

• An adult size ball pit with over 10,000 balls,

• A lovers room,

• A greenery ‘Memphis Made’ wall and

• The all pink airplane set (my favorite).

“This is a community opportunity for us to connect and give people an opportunity to be as creative as they can,” said Le.

Selfie Utopia has installed sanitizing stations and is following COVID-19 safety protocols. Spots are limited per hour and parties must remain six feet apart. Masks must be worn at all times, except when taking photos.

(For more information, including tickets, visit SelfieUtopia.com.)

Selfie Utopia founders Evan Lam and Marina Le.

Selfie Utopia’s selection of backdrops include the vintage blue wall of pay phones. (Courtesy photos)

COMMUNITY

Year 6 of Black Restaurant Week geared for pandemic-level need

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

It didn’t take a pandemic for Cynthia Daniels and organizers of Memphis Black Restaurant Week to embrace the need for a sixth year of the highly-anticipated event. The ongoing public health emergency simply served to enhance an already-rooted commitment to build upon success.

Memphis Black Restaurant Week (MBRW) kicks off on Sunday, Mar. 7 and extends through Saturday, Mar. 13.

“For black restaurant owners, this year is one of the most important events we have hosted,” said Daniels, the event creator. “As we get through the last of this pandemic, we’ve seen some old friends have to close their doors for good. We must support our own.”

Support and patronage of African-American restaurants is a “lifeand-death” prospect for many eateries barely holding on in the midst of the year-long pandemic, Daniels said.

“It has been hard for so many operating at 25 percent or 50 percent,” said Daniels. “Rent and utilities still have to be paid. Employees must be paid. It has taken everything they have to stay afloat for many Black restaurants. MBRW generates hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for these businesses. Our support is more important than ever.”

Daniels said restaurants will offer delivery, pick-up and curbside options to “keep everyone safe during the pandemic.

“Only about five or six of restaurants being featured will offer inhouse dining . … So, online orders are going to be essential to the success of another Memphis Black Restaurant Week.”

SugaShack, a new spot on Beale Street, opened during the pandemic.

“We’ll be open for dining and dancing,” said Larry Springfield, a well-known entertainer and owner of SugaShack. “People ask me how we opened during the pandemic. It was just a matter of making a decision and going out to look for a venue. So, here we are.”

Springfield said there will be live entertainment at designated times.

Merritt Bailey, proprietor of Orange Mound’s award-winning Ball Hoggerz BBQ, located near the corner of Park Avenue and Airways

Blvd., will be participating for the third year.

The New Tri-State Defender, March 4 - 10, 2021, Page 7

“We’ve been competing in the barbeque competition each year. That’s how we got started. Our pick-up window will be open, and if the weather is nice, there are a couple of tables outside where people can sit and eat. We’re looking forward to another great year.”

Roger Brown of Meals For You said, “We are looking forward to next week with great anticipation. … We were on a roll last year, and the pandemic hit. It was like we just hit a brick wall; everything just stopped.

“But it will be all hands on deck (for MBRW). I told everybody to just be prepared to stay until the fat lady sings. We are looking forward to next week with great anticipation.”

Participating restaurants are:

• Sage

• SugaShack

• Curry N Jerk

• 901 Wings

• Evelyn & Olive

• Mahogany Memphis

• Arnold’s Bar-B-Q & Grill

• Chef Tam’s Underground Café

• The Four Way

• Ball Hoggerz BBQ

• Bala’s Bistro

• Trap Fusion

• Eggxactly Breakfast & Deli

• Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken

• Electrolyfe Juice Bar

• Smooth Living Health Food Restaurant

• A&R Barbeque

• Meals For You

• Mr. P’s Buffalo Wings Hacks

Cross • Big Momma’s and Granny’s

• Bones & Yams

“We have the power within our own community to put our collective dollars together and build wealth,” Daniels said. “When Barack Obama was running for president, he asked for a $5 donation, just $5. And look what our collective dollars did.

“We can be the answer to our own prayer and the solution to our own dilemma.”

(To participate in Black Restaurant Week, go to: www.blackrestaurantweek.com.)

Byhalia Pipeline opposition picks up Shelby County mayor’s support

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Opponents of the proposed construction of the Byhalia Pipeline through the Boxtown community in Southwest Memphis got another elected voice of support this week.

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris announced Tuesday (March 2) his opposition against the Byhalia Connection Pipeline.

On Friday (Feb. 26), state Sen. Raumesh Akbari announced two pieces of legislation aimed at reforming eminent domain laws and enabling local officials to require more stringent environmental studies before infrastructure construction permits can be fast-tracked by private companies.

The pipeline is a Plains All-American Pipeline project, in partnership with Valero Energy Corp. A statement on the Plains All-American website touts a willingness to talk with community residents, adding the company continues to offer an open door to advocates with concerns about the safety of the pipeline.

In a statement released to the media, Harris noted that the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration showed “there have been 5,740 significant pipeline incidents over the last 20 years.”

The statement cites the need to protect the Aquifer as well as the health of residents living in the effected communities.

“Water from the Memphis Sands Aquifer is one of Shelby County’s

most precious natural resources,”

Harris said. “Amid a recent water crisis, it’s even more clear that we have to do everything we can to protect our water supply. ... The proposed route of the Byhalia pipeline would cross over the Memphis Sand Aquifer.”

Harris also expressed concern that 95 percent of affected residents are African Americans, noting that the pipeline would run through Boxtown.

African-American neighborhoods, he said “have historically borne the brunt of environmental degradation.”

Akbari said, “People are frustrated because they don’t feel like the law has worked to protect their interests, their family or their community. That means we have to change the laws.”

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland has not announced a definitive stand on the pipeline. A team from city government is “studying the matter closely to determine how the City will proceed.”

The Memphis City Council delayed another vote this week on a resolution opposing the pipeline.

Council members Dr. Jeff Warren and Edmund Ford Sr. have forcefully opposed construction of the pipeline.

Memphis Community Against the Pipeline (MCAP) organizer Justine Pearson said the delay is “not a bad thing.

“We are continuing to work on building up more and more momentum against the pipeline,” said Pearson. “Memphis has an incredible activist community, and we won’t stop until this project is dead.”

MCAP reports having amassed

2,700-plus members in a little more than two months and well over 11,000 signatures on a petition opposing the pipeline.

Pearson has been encouraging Memphians living in other areas of the city to contact their council representative to vote “no” on the pipeline.

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen of Memphis said he recently sent a letter to President Joe Biden annul a permit granted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers allowing the connecting pipeline to move forward.

Cohen said the project threatens the property rights of African-American residents and Memphis’ water source.

Also, the Ida B. Wells Memorial Plaza Committee, recently returned a $5,000 gift from Byhalia Pipeline principals, emphasizing that its focus is “to honor the legacy of Ida B. Wells and her inspiring voice…”

The organization released a statement citing “respect for the protests against the Byhalia Pipeline that are rising within the community.”

Stretching 45 miles, the Byhalia Pipeline would run beneath the ground from the Valero refinery in Southwest Memphis to a site on Wingo Rd., just south of the state border in Marshall County, Mississippi.

Despite a robust schedule of information meetings with residents throughout 2020, the project’s spokespeople have not quelled fears expressed by Boxtown residents about oil spills, contaminating the water supply and the further devaluation of their property.

Lifting their voices …

The 2021 observation of African American History Month included this celebration at Greater Light Christian Community Church of Praise.

Council makes $1 million-move to aid vaccine distribution

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The Memphis City Council’s 12-0 approval of $1 million in emergency relief funds to pay for vaccine distribution efforts reflected hopes of boosting COVID-19 vaccination numbers as well as reaching an Aug. 1 goal of 700,000 shots in the arm.

Only seven of Tennesseans have been fully vaccinated, lagging behind the 7.97 percent rate nationwide.

“I would ask you all and the public to be patient and allow us to get our arms around the situation that we currently have,” Mayor Jim Strickland implored. “Overall, this is really hard work, really hard work. Employees throughout the city government are working on this.”

The money will be funneled from the council’s emergency relief program. The lump sum originally came from a budget season savings that went back into the reserve balance. It will be used at the administration’s discretion.

“It is a very necessary step in order to protect Memphians,” said Frank Colvett Jr., council chairman. “Any-

thing we can do, I think all hands on deck on this issue.”

The move comes a week after the administration inherited much of the responsibility for distribution of the vaccine. The change came at the request of Tennessee Health Department Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey.

Former Shelby County Health Department Director Dr. Alisa Haushalter resigned on Friday (Feb. 26) in association with the failure to distribute 2,500 vaccine doses to area teachers. As a result, the doses expired. In February, the Shelby County Board of Commissioners voted to move teachers to the front of the county’s vaccination line. The fiasco left Gov. Bill Lee calling for a “severe intervention.”

“The state is investigating the issue of expired vaccines,” Strickland said. “Commissioner Piercey told me

“I would ask you all and the public to be patient and allow us to get our arms around the situation that we currently have,. Overall, this is really hard work, really hard work. Employees throughout the city government are working on this.”

— Mayor Jim Strickland

that expired vaccines are not harmful, only less effective.”

Individuals who have received an expired dose will be contacted by the state health department.

To smooth the transition, the county will continue to staff the 2-2-2 shots, or multi-dose vaccines, for the next two weeks.

“We are looking at other options after that time. Either the University of Memphis, or the state has a call center. We don’t know which direction we are going yet,” said Strickland.

The administration now assumes authority over the storage and distribution to public vaccination sites while also making the schedule for the locations. The city now has the lead role in a joint decision-making group on the allocation of vaccines to

public sites, hospitals and neighborhood clinics.

“It’s basically a centralized command with the city of Memphis … with decentralized execution,” said Doug McGowen, COO of Memphis. “We want to make sure we maintain equity, accessibility and don’t waste doses.”

Distribution is now going through public points of delivery. These include “pods” such as Christ Community and Church Health systems, other healthcare systems and “targeted” community pods, including sites at Appling Rd., Raleigh, the Pipkin Building, Germantown and Whitehaven. “It is the desire of the council to address some of the areas where we haven’t had vaccine sites and just do a better job of coming up with differ-

ent ideas and strategies to get more people vaccinated. That’s the purpose of this resolution,” Councilman Martavius Jones.

Councilwoman Rhonda Logan was absent for the vote on the allocation.

Early data on 11,161 people vaccinated in Shelby Co. reflected a disparity in who received doses. Fifty percent of doses went to Whites, while African Americans received only 11.9 percent.

With 45,000 doses on hand, 34,000 appointments have been scheduled this week. It is estimated there will be around 3,000 no-shows. That will leave 15,000 doses left for next week.

“We did not get authority to make public health decisions, such as the phase that we are in or any limitations on businesses because of COVID,” Strickland said. “It is also not about any vaccines for other diseases.”

Pharmacies get their doses from the state or federal government. Walgreens announced Tuesday that eleven locations in Shelby Co, including seven in Memphis, will begin offering vaccinations for the general public.

(Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Cynthia Daniels

Jim Strickland

‘Guiding light’ Vernon Jordan dies at 85

by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

Vernon Jordan, the former National Urban League president and iconic civil rights figure, died Monday evening. He was 85.

“My father passed away last night at around 10 p.m. surrounded by loved ones, his wife and daughter, by his side,” his daughter, Vickee Jordan Adams, noted in a statement on Tuesday.

NAACP President Derrick Johnson said the world lost an influential figure in the fight for civil rights and American politics.

“An icon to the world and a lifelong friend to the NAACP, his contribution to moving our society toward justice is unparalleled,” Johnson declared.

“In 2001, Jordan received the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal for a lifetime of social justice activism. His exemplary life will shine as a guiding light for all that seek truth and justice for all people.”

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass (D-Ca-

lif.) noted that Mr. Jordan’s “contributions – first challenging segregation and discrimination as an activist in the 1960s and later continuing the fight in the leadership of the NAACP, the United Negro College Fund and then as president of the National Urban League – benefited us all.”

Bass said she had the “absolute humbled honor” as CBC chairman of meeting with Mr. Jordan multiple times to discuss “the challenges of our time, but also our hope and optimism for the future.

“While Mr. Jordan is no longer with us, we continue this fight surrounded by thousands inspired by his work and his leadership.”

A lawyer and Washington power broker, Jordan was born in Atlanta on August 15, 1935. He attended the DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where he was the only African American student in his class.

According to his biography, posted by The HistoryMakers, Jordan participated in the student senate at DePauw and won statewide honors in

NAACP President Derrick Johnson recalled Vernon Jordan, former head of the National Urban League and an advisor to several presidents, as “... a guiding light for all that seek truth and justice for all people.”

speaking competitions.

He played basketball and graduated in 1957. In 1960, he earned a J.D. from the Howard University School of Law

Upon his return to Atlanta, he started his legal career working with the civil rights movement.

“In 1961, he helped organize the integration of the University of Georgia and personally escorted student Charlayne Hunter through a hostile White crowd,” The HistoryMakers noted.

They continued:

“Over the next ten years, Jordan held various positions as a civil rights advocate. He served as the Georgia field secretary for the NAACP, director of the Voter Education Project for the Southern Regional Council, head of the United Negro College Fund, and as a delegate to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s White House Conference on Civil Rights.”

In 1971, Jordan was appointed president and CEO of the National Urban League, spearheading the organization’s growth.

On May 29, 1980, a White supremacist attempted to kill Jordan. After a successful recovery, in 1981, Jordan resigned from the National Urban League to work as legal counsel with the Washington, D.C. office of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer, and Feld His active practice includes corporate, legislative and international clients, researchers at the HistoryMakers detailed.

Jordan’s close friend was former President Bill Clinton. During Clinton’s presidency,

Jordan became one of Washington’s most influential power brokers.

He also was a partner in the investment firm of Lazard Frere & Company in New York.

In 2001, Jordan published his autobiography, “Vernon Can Read!” He authored a weekly newspaper column syndicated to 300-plus newspapers and served as a frequent television guest and commentator.

“Mourning the passage of my friend, the extraordinary Vernon Jordan,” Stacey Abrams posted on Twitter.

“He battled the demons of voter suppression and racial degradation, winning more than he lost. He brought others with him. And left a map so more could find their way. Love to his family. Travel on with God’s grace.”

(Follow Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior contributor, at @StacyBrownMedia.) #NNPA BLACKPRESSUSA

continued his education at the former LeMoyne College (now LeMoyneOwen College), graduating cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in education. During his matriculation there, he was initiated into Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, Beta Mu Chapter in 1955. He earned a master’s degree in History from the former Memphis State University (now University of Memphis).

A fixture of the Memphis City Schools for almost 40 years, Mr. Owens was considered by many as an important personal and professional influence. Known as “Pop” by many of his students, he began his career at Porter Junior High School. He taught at Vance Junior High School before retiring from Northside High School in 1997. He taught History, Geography, Civics, Political Science, Economics and Street Law. Mr. Owens was a longtime faithful and committed member of Parkway Village Church of Christ where he served as a master Sunday school teacher for the adult class and worked with the church finance staff. He was recognized for his service with the Youth Group’s Bible Bowl teams and for his dedication to the Girl Scouts Cadet and Senior troops at the church. He was named an honorary member of the Governor’s staff, an Aide-deCamp with the honorary rank and tile of Colonel by Governor Don Sundquist for his achievements and extraordinary contributions to the community. He is survived by his daughter, Denise O. Miller, of Wisconsin; brothers Mack Owens of California and Bobby Owens of Georgia; sister Edna “Lucy” Owens of Illinois; stepdaughter Anne B. Jackson of Georgia; granddaughters Lauren (Brian) Bunke of Washington state, Shannon (Justin) Gorder of Japan and Alexis Jackson of Georgia; grandson Guy Fisk of California; and great-grandsons Owen and Evan Bunke, special cousins Kwurly Floyd Tate and Ruby Davis, as well as a large extended family. He also leaves his caregiver Rev. Dr. Inetta F. Rogers and extended (adoptive) Memphis families Rogers, Stout, Long and Dorris. Mr. Owens was preceded in death by his wife Margaret Owens; parents Ezekiel and Edna Owens Sr.; siblings Laura Ann OwensLauderdale, Artessa Owens, Congressman Major Owens and Delores “Peaches” Dockery; son-in-law Hebert Miller; and stepchildren, Carolyn Jackson Fisk and Lyle Jackson. Visitation is Friday, March 5, 2021 from 12:00 noon to1:00 p.m. followed by the Homegoing Celebration at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Memphis Inter-Denominational Fellowship, Incorporated, P. O. Box 632 Memphis, TN 381010632 or LeMoyne-Owen College, 807 Walker Avenue. Memphis, TN 38126. Services entrusted to and will be held at R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home, 2944 Walnut Grove Rd., Memphis, TN 38111. Additionally, the services will be live-streamed. Please visit rslewisandsonsfuneralhome.com and click view live stream at the time of the service.

SPORTS

A hoops standout at every level, Ashley Shields welcomes a head-coaching call from the U of M

by Liaudwin Seaberry Jr.

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Arlington High School head girls’ basketball coach Ashley Shields wants to take her success as a player and prep coach to the college level, namely the University of Memphis.

The abrupt departure of Melissa McFerren, who abruptly retired as the U of M’s head basketball coach last month, has Shields eyeing that opportunity.

“I have helped this city out a lot, and I would love to take the U of M women’s head coaching job, if offered the position,” Shields said.

“I would definitely help change that program around. I know how to sell tickets, I know how to bring the crowd and I know how to win.”

It would have been hard to blame the Memphis hoops icon if she had decided to retire from basketball altogether.

One of the key leaders in rejuvenating excitement surrounding girls’ basketball in the Memphis area, Shields carries the mantle gracefully. Her impact on and off the court in Memphis began as a young child and grew as she

embarked upon her playing and coaching career.

Shields proved to be one of the best players in the city’s history, shining the light on a sport that many people felt was too male-dominated, especially on the Memphis scene.

A member of the Memphis Amateur Sports Hall of Fame for her exploits at Melrose High School and Southwest Tennessee Community College, Shields captured a WNBA championship in 2008 and five championships overseas from 2009-16.

Storms in Puerto Rico prevented Shields from continuing to play overseas in 2016. Shields used the opportunity while in Memphis for that offseason to embark upon a career that she had not envisioned – coaching.

“I wanted to give back to the city because I saw that the level of talent in the women’s game had decreased dramatically,” Shields said. “I wanted to show that I can still get out there and teach.”

Shields started as an assistant at Mitchell High School in 2017 and was promoted to head coach within a year.

After her time there, she took

her talents to Houston High as an assistant coach, soaking in knowledge and patiently waiting on another chance to become a head coach.

During summer 2020, Shields

received the call to become the women’s basketball head coach at Arlington High. From being the first woman drafted in the WNBA out of a community college to guiding the

Arlington Lady Tigers two games away from an appearance in the state tournament, Shields always wants to represent the city she’s from and put it on her back, especially when it comes to women’s basketball.

“I started from scratch at Mitchell High School and helped build that program up, and now at Arlington I have been blessed to coach superb talent,” Shields said. “I would say that this Arlington team is up there with the Mitchell squad I coached.”

Despite a hectic 2020 offseason that consisted of limited in-person contact with her squad because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shields’ team managed to mesh flawlessly with her coaching style once the season kicked off. Led by twins Charmen and Carmen Taylor, along with Taylor Dupree, Arlington sprinted through the regular season, falling only to Fayette-Ware High School and Briarcrest High School along the way.

Guiding Arlington to the state tournament would be a huge accomplishment for Shields, whose squad already captured the District 14AAA title with a victory over the Bartlett Lady Panthers on Feb. 27.

Surging Tigers dominate South Florida

by Terry Davis

The

“I am really proud of the guys for winning two tough games on the road,” head coach Penny Hardaway said.

Memphis found a way to grind out an 80-74 win in Cincinatti last Sunday.

“Boogie (Ellis) is playing at a high level. He is a weapon for us,” Hardaway said, reflecting on the team’s success.

“We have to get our bigs to get on the next level when it comes to rebounding. We have to get the rest of the guys on the same page.”

During an extended pandemic-forced break, Hardaway said there was a lot of talk about “to get some mental stuff fix. … “We have started to understand our defensive schemes better. It is happening at the right time.”

It was a complete game for the Tigers. Applying defensive pressure, they only allowed the Bulls to shoot 32 percent for the game and 17 percent from three-point range.

Ellis led the scoring with 18 points on five made three-pointers. The Tigers had a (46-28) rebounding advan-

tage and limited the Bulls to one shot attempt most of the game.

“I have been locking in mentally,” Ellis said of the noticed – and much-needed – improvements to his on-court performances of late.

“I have been talking to my brother and he has been giving me advice. He told me to play like he always has played. Coach has been telling me not to think so much.”

The second half was never in doubt. Memphis led by as many as 27

points and did not allow the lead to slip below 20 points in the last eight minutes.

Notes and next

• The was no update to whether starting guard Alex Lomax will be able to play before the final game of the season. Hardaway hopes to have him back for the American Athletic Conference tournament starting on March 12.

• DeAndre Williams had another double-double, 13 points and 10 rebounds. Lester Quinones, who played strong on defense, had a solid 12 points and four rebounds.

• If Memphis wins it final game of the season and the Wichita State Shockers lose one of their games, the Tigers would win the championship.

• Next up for Memphis (15-6, 11-3 AAC) is a trip to Houston to play the Cougars. The season-ending game was scheduled to be played in

Memphis but was moved because the Tigers’ scheduled game at Houston was canceled because of COVID-19 concerns.

• Although outside of the NCAA Tournament bubble of many basketball observers, a win in Houston would be a big chip to add to the Tigers’ tournament resume. The game is set to tipoff at 11 a.m. on Sunday (March 7) and can be seen on CBS.

Ashley Shields: “I have helped this city out a lot, and I would love to take the U of M women’s head coaching job, if offered the position.” (Photo: Twitter)

Boogie Ellis has his game rolling and the Tigers riding with him. (Courtesy of Memphis Athletics)

Terry Davis