The New Tri-State Defender - March 5-11, 2020

BOSS UP: Linda McNeil

A celebration of Memphis women who rock!. Perspective, Page 4

USPS Memphis reveals commemorative stamp honoring journalist Gwen Ifill. Lifestyle & Culture, Page 7

‘The Banker’ draws stars to Memphis for one of ‘our stories’

by Erica R. Williams

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Stories like this need to be told.

It’s the shared sentiment echoed by award-winning actors Samuel L. Jackson, Anthony Mackie, and Nia Long as they discussed the upcoming film, “The Banker.”

The trio premiered the movie at a special screening at the National Civil Rights Museum, Monday. They were joined by several other cast members and the film’s producers and director.

Based on a true story, “The Banker” chronicles the lives of revolutionary businessmen Bernard Garrett (Mackie) and Joe Morris (Jackson). In an effort to take on the racist banking establishment of the 1960’s, the two men devise a risky plan to help other African Americans achieve the “American Dream.”

Garrett and Morris enlist Garrett’s wife Eunice (Long), to help train a working class white man, Matt Steiner (Nicholas Hoult), to pose as the rich and privileged face of their burgeoning real estate and banking empire. Meanwhile the two men take on the roles of a janitor and a chauffeur. Their financial success ultimately draws the attention of the federal government, which threatens everything they have built.

“Every once in awhile you hear a story that’s unique, and that’s what immediately struck me about ‘The Banker,’” says the film’s director, producer, and co-screenwriter George Nolfi. “I wondered, did that that really happen – that two

Coronavirus update: concerns prompt information outreach

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

With concerns about the coronavirus punctuating conversations and prompting questions, Shelby County Health Department officials met Wednesday with the Shelby County Board of Commissioners Hospitals and Health committee as the awareness-preparation effort moves forward.

“We are very concerned about the coronavirus, and we will do everything possible to get Shelby County prepared,” said Shelby County Commissioner Van D. Turner Jr., the committee chairman.

Before the meeting, Turner had emphasized the need to understand what Health Department Director Dr. Alisa Haushalter has planned for addressing the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Health Department has compiled informational resources on a COVID-19 page on its website www. shelbytnhealth.com. The webpage features specific information and recommendations for health care providers, individuals and families, organizers of community events, business leaders, and schools.

There were no confirmed or suspect cases in Shelby County, Tennessee, Arkansas or Mississippi at TSD’s press deadline, and the risk to the general public here was thought to be low.

EXIT POLL:

Voters cast their ballots, weigh in on Super Tuesday by Lee Eric Smith lesmith@tsdmemphis.com

It would be a stretch to call what follows a true “exit poll” – if it were, it would have a much broader sample size and a much more scientific approach.

Still, The New Tri-State Defender wanted to hear what some voters were thinking as they arrived and left the polls.

So we posted up at strategic times near two polling locations in Frayser.

First, we went to Precinct 70-01 at Martin Luther King Prepatory, right around “quitting time” so we could catch the on-the-way-home voter.

From there, we checked in at Precinct 70-02 at the Ed Rice Commu-

Brown, Boyd vault into General Sessions Court Clerk showdown Page 8

Democrats prefer Biden in Tennessee, Shelby County Page 2

nity Center, arriving just 10 minutes before the polls closed, to try to talk to the very last people to cast a ballot. Sure, we asked who they voted for. But we also wanted to know what issues were most pressing and when they started paying attention to the Democratic primaries. Was there a candidate they liked who dropped out?

Soon after the Hospitals and Health committee session, Haushalter shared some additional steps being taken to share information associated with the community health issue. SEE

Lee Eric Smith)

Anthony Mackie and Nia Long, two of the stars in “The Banker,” stride along the red carpet for the special screening at the National Civil Rights Museum. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

Megastar Samuel L. Jackson fields questions about his role in “The Banker.”

Democrats prefer Biden in Tennessee, Shelby County

The Associated Press

NASHVILLE – Former Vice President Joe Biden won the Democratic presidential primary in Tennessee, a state that woke up on Super Tuesday to mass tornado damage across Nashville and other parts of the state.

The overnight tornadoes resulted in at least 24 dead and shredded more than 140 buildings, including polling places. As a result, some polling sites were moved while others stayed open late to accommodate the voters trying to cast a ballot amid the debris and destruction.

Biden beat out Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Pres-

VOTE CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Charlie Hardy, 61 (MLK Prep., 70-01) — 4:27 p.m.

Like several of the voters we talked to, Charlie Hardy’s mind had been made up for a long time.

“I’m gonna vote for Joe Biden,” Hardy said on his way into the polls.

“I’ve been with him pretty much most of the time, mainly because Barack Obama is backing him and he served under Barack Obama. So he pretty much would be the best man, from my opinion.”

Tennessee overwhelmingly agreed. Biden won nearly 42 percent of the Tennessee vote; more than 50,000 votes in Shelby County alone -- more than rivals Bernie Sanders, Michael Bloomberg and Elizabeth Warren combined.

Hardy admitted he doesn’t follow politics closely, but he takes his responsibility to vote seriously.

“I do understand it’s important to vote, mainly because of the struggle that we had to get this right,” he said. “So I feel like this is my best opportunity to get out and cast my vote. That way, I won’t have nothing to argue or gripe about.”

Unirikka and Arnetra Young, (MLK Prep., 70-01) — 4:37 p.m.

Arnetra Young had her mind on her money as she went into the polls – specifically her student loan debt.

As an educator, she has returned to school to pursue a master’s degree, which is great for her career but not her bank account.

“Like, I’m in debt, now. I’m even in more debt than I was before, when I was in undergrad,” she said, as Unirikka echoed his own student debt. And now I’m about to have a master’s and I’m like $60,000 in debt. So, that was important to me.”

Both declined to say who they voted for, but did say their choice had been made for a long time, and did

ident Donald Trump easily secured the Republican nomination. In Shelby County, which encompasses Memphis, Biden was dominant. The unofficial vote totals showed: Biden, 50,273; Sanders, 20482; Bloomberg, 18,183 and Warren, 8,461.

Some polling locations in Davidson County were still open after Biden was declared the winner. A judge had ordered five polling locations to remain open until 10 p.m. after the Tennessee Democratic Party successfully sued top election officials earlier in the day. Four Democratic presidential campaigns were also plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

At least two dozen people were killed by the twisters, which shredded dozens of buildings. One of the

not have to switch after a candidate dropped out. “I already knew from the jump,” Unirikka said.

“I was kind of indecisive between two Democrats,” Arnetra Young added. “But when it boiled down to it, I made up my mind.”

Rejoice Jones, 59 (MLK Prep., 70-01) — 4:41 p.m.

While Biden’s affiliation with American’s first African-American president helped him at hte polls, Rejoice Jones was unimpressed with him, or anyone who tried to namecheck Obama at every turn.

“Don’t mention Obama to me,” she said. “That’s not attractive to me. You got Elizabeth Warren saying, ‘Obama chose me for this!’ Well, I don’t care, that was back then. Then you got Joe Biden, and he was vice president and that’s good enough. But he’s got to pull his own weight.”

She said she voted for Bloomberg.

“He ain’t using nobody but what he’s done for other people,” she said. “He showing us what he did for New York, I want him to do it for the whole world.”

Yolanda Webster, (MLK Prep., 70-01) — 4:45 p.m.

Yolanda Webster knew going in she would vote for Biden. But coming out, she had concerns about whether her vote would be counted. She said that at first, her voting booth credited her vote to another candidate, despite her vote for Biden. She got it corrected.

“It made me kind of iffy about he situation,” said Webster, who said she’s in her 40s. “I usually vote early, and this was kind of discouraging, so I’ll probably go back to voting early.”

But with talk of voter suppression, machine hacking and foreign influence, did her experience sour her on voting?

“No, I’m gonna always vote because we got that privilege to vote. Our people fought a long time for us to vote, so of course I’m going to

tornadoes caused severe damage across downtown Nashville.

Nashville Mayor John Cooper said alternate sites were arranged for 15 polling places out of the 169 precincts in Nashville’s combined city-county area.

Despite the adversity, voters still made it to the polls in respectable numbers, Davidson County elections administrator Jeff Roberts said Wednesday.

Roberts estimated that voter turnout was about 25 percent, roughly what officials expected without the tornado.

“Last night, we still had 35,000 residents without power, roads blocked, the mayor asking people not to get out on the roads, an emergency dec-

Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden, addresses the crowd during a campaign rally Sunday, Mar. 1, 2020, in Norfolk, Va.

(AP Photo/Steve Helber)

laration,” Roberts said. “All of those things added up, yet Davidson County voters still turned out.”

In Tennessee, 73 delegates were at stake in what now essentially is a two-person race for the Democratic Party nomination between Biden and Sanders. Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar dropped out after South Carolina and Bloomberg suspended his campaign after Biden’s strong showing on Super Tuesday. Just seven other states have more delegates than Tennessee.

Torrie Flagg, the second-to-last-voter at Precinct 70-02 at the Ed Rice Community Center, was disappointed there was no line when she arrived just before polls closed. “I thought I was gonna pull up and I was going to be standing in a line and having a wait to cast my vote,” she said. “Just to be able to walk in and walk back out . . . It’s kinda sad, for it to be Super Tuesday.” (Photo:

vote,” she said. “But yeah I can see how something like that may discourage some folks because they’re thinking, ‘It doesn’t matter anyway because you’re gonna choose who you want to win.’ But your vote might count.

“My vote does count.”

Torrie Flagg, 43, (Ed Rice Center, 70-02) — 6:54 p.m.

Some voters prefer short lines at the polls – they’re convenient, quick.

But Torrie Flagg really was hoping she’d have to wait to cast her ballot.

“I’m just disappointed. I’m really disappointed,” said Flagg, 43, as she stood in a nearly empty parking lot.

“I thought I was gonna pull up and I was going to be standing in a line and having a wait to cast my vote.”

Instead, and much to her chagrin, Flagg was able to waltz in and cast her ballot. Given the stakes of the election, no line meant people weren’t turning out.

“Just to be able to walk in and walk

back out,” she said. “It’s kinda sad, for it to be Super Tuesday.”

Catherine Monplaisir, 22 (Ed Rice Center, 70-02) — 6:57 p.m.

Right after Catherine Monplaisir walked out of Ed Rice, poll workers started taking down voting signs. The poll had closed, and Monplaisir’s was the last ballot cast there.

The young mother wouldn’t share her choice, but her criteria was pretty straightforward, simple and common.

“Help out schools,” said Monplaisir, an Afro-Latina of Carribean and Honduran descent. “I have a little girl right now – she’s 2 – and if anyone can help out schools . . . healthcare is expensive. I have to work, everyone has to work to get through the day.

“I’m, like, thinking about who really could be a good president, you know?” she added. “I need to see a candidate that will help both (blacks and Latinos) and even whites, you know? It doesn’t really matter what race you are.”

COVID-19 CONTINUED FROM FRONT

“Every Wednesday from 2:303 p.m., we will have a press conference here at the health department,” she said. “In addition to the website, we want to be available for updates and to address any concerns which have been expressed.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported suspected person-to-person spread of the virus in certain U.S. communities among persons who have not recently traveled out of the country. And this week, California confirmed its first death from the virus while Washington D.C. recorded its tenth death among those who have been diagnosed with the disease.

The virus was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, with the first infections linked to a live animal market. According to the CDC, “someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.” Turner noted on Wednesday that commissioners had met recently with U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), who chairs the U.S. Senate’s Health Committee, during the annual “Day On The Hill” event in Washington, D.C. Alexander, he said, stressed the importance of the basics: “Listen to the professionals, don’t panic and wash your hands.”

It’s important to be diligent about that prevention path, said Turner, adding, “We want to do everything in our power to prevent an outbreak here.”

Meanwhile, the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a roughly $8 billion emergency funding bill to fight the coronavirus. In addition to $7.8 billion to combat the coronavirus, the measure includes a mandatory funding authorization for $500 million over 10 years. That would go toward a remote health care program.

“As Chairman of the Senate health committee, I will continue to work to make sure that the Administration is implementing the preparedness and response framework for emerging public health threats that Congress has already provided and continue supporting state and local public health departments,” Alexander said in a media statement.

NOTE: The Shelby County Health Department has also launched a hotline number: 901692-7523, for specific questions, requests for technical assistance and requests for speakers at community meetings and events. The number is staffed during regular business hours, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After-hours calls will be returned on the next business day.

Lee Eric Smith)

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BOSS UP: Linda McNeil

A celebration of Memphis women who rock!

by Joy Doss Special to The New Tri-State Defender

March is Women’s History Month, which basically is a double-double for us as black women, coming on the heels of Black History Month.

What better time to celebrate some of Memphis’ finest and fiercest over the course of the month? These are women who kick you know what and take names.

They are moving in spaces that are nontraditional or considered rare air. Or, just making bawse moves for the culture and the community. This is for the young girls who need to know that #becauseofthemwecan.

But it’s also for an inspiration for us “big girls” who are #rootingforeverybodyblack!

Linda McNeil, who I affectionately call Lovely Linda, is a dear friend. She has been a development professional for 25 years.

What does a development person do?

First, it’s good to understand that development initiatives primarily are for nonprofit organizations, centered on their fundraising health, strategy and goal setting.

Development can be internal (working within the company) or external (working with an agency or consultant). Linda works externally, shepherding her clients through endowment-building efforts, capital campaigns to increase their footprint or shoring up operations, which includes programming and staffing recommendations.

“A lot of times it’s helping clients figure out the process of asking. We do a lot of grant writing, a lot of strategy. How much can you raise? How can you get there? Who you should ask? And most importantly we help in setting a fundraising goal.

“ We really encourage people to get out into the community and get a true sense of the landscape,” McNeil said. She and her colleagues, help organizations build their leadership and messaging around the campaign and train them on how to make “the ask.”

Everything must be aligned – everyone doing and saying the same thing.

Joy Doss

McNeil’s path wasn’t a straight one, however. She did not have it all mapped out from go and there were some diversions along the way to finding her fit. She initially thought she wanted to be a nurse. She had started down the path of getting her CNA licensure until she had to intern at a nursing home. That was that on that!

She ended up getting married and moving to Michigan, landing a job in purchasing at Chrysler. She thought, “OK I’ll just move up in corporate America.”

But the fates would eventually show her otherwise. Upon returning to Memphis with her family, she landed at Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division (MLGW) for a year and half before becoming a secretary in the Alumni Affairs Office at LeMoyne-Owen College, her alma mater.

That was the real game changer. “I just loved it over there!”

Her natural inquisitiveness led her to want to understand how the giving mechanism worked. She moved up and around -working, learning and growing under five different people at LOC.

Linda is one of very few black development professionals in Memphis. Moreover, she most certainly is one of the most respected names in the development arena.

Currently, she is senior account manager at Gaskill Strategies, but has accumulated her fair share of bonafides with some of the city’s most cherished entities.

After some time at LeMoyne-Owen, she needed a change, which landed her at Bridges. “Started from the bottom now we here!” The “here” was vice president of development. From there she blazed trails at MIFA and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

She initially felt challenged asking people for money but quickly realized that all

she needed to know was that the organization was worthy and will follow through on their mission.

“I love it. It piques my interest. Every day is different. I’m not an extrovert or a people person but I like the research, the analysis…building a case for a worthy organization,” she said.

Let me leave you with a few of Linda’s words of wisdom, picked up from one of her Facebook Posts:

• I never refer to the work I do as begging.

• The answer is always no, if you don’t ask.

• The quality of your work and work ethic speak louder than words.

• There are really caring, genuine, generous people in this community.

• Every philanthropic gift doesn’t come from the heart. Sometimes it’s just good business for the philanthropist.

• If you can ask someone for $100 you can ask someone for $1 million.

• Building relationships is important. People give to people.

• Trust your gut.

• Never judge a book by its cover. You could miss out on a blessing.

• A plan is very important. You wouldn’t take a trip without knowing how you’re going to get there.

And remember #becauseofthemwecan!

‘Pandemic pantries’ pressure supply chain amid Covid-19 fears

(Nielson.com) – Consumers around the world are actively stockpiling emergency supplies as concerns grow that the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) could become a worldwide pandemic.

They’re also starting to think beyond emergency items, such as basic foodstuffs, including canned goods, flour, sugar and bottled water. Concerns are having a ripple effect into non-food essentials as well. In the U.S., sales of supplements, fruit snacks and first aid kits, for example, are all on the rise.

Nielsen’s initial investigation across major countries around the world has found significant spikes in the hoarding of emergency supplies is occurring in China, the U.S. and Italy, where consumers are rushing to build what are being labelled “pan-

demic pantries.”

We expect the rush to stock up to have an almost immediate impact on supply chains for manufacturers of the most sought-after goods. Stocks of hand sanitizers and medical face masks have already dried up in some markets, with no clear indication of when supplies will be replenished. …

Comments by the HHS and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during a press conference led by President Donald Trump on Feb. 26 noted that an escalation of the virus is a real possibility. The news came as the president considered tougher immigration measures to prevent non-U.S. travelers entering from affected countries. Then on Feb. 28, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the global coronavirus risk level to “very high.”

In Italy, where the WHO has reported more than 1,120 cases, a Nielsen consumer survey found that only 17 percent of Italian consumers are concerned about the virus and the possibility of a widespread epidemic. That’s not to say the Italian public isn’t monitoring the situation, as 94 percent of consumers say they check for news updates at least once a day.

Additionally, there is a high level of confidence that the outbreak will be contained at the national level, largely due to the proactive efforts of consumers to wash their hands and prevent the spread of germs when coughing and sneezing. In Italy, sales of hand soap are up 29 percent and sales of thermometers are up 24 percent.

Nielsen is also monitoring how the situation will affect e-commerce.

While it’s too soon to detect any meaningful shifts in online purchasing in the U.S., we do expect online shopping to rise as people become increasingly interested in reducing their exposure to others, as the virus appears to be spread via coughs and sneezes. …

“Because shopping behavior is so much different than during the SARS outbreak, and because the government started to control the issue sooner, we think the retail impact cycle will be shorter,” said Ryan Zhou, vice president, Consumer Packaged Goods, Nielsen China.

“Store sourcing is also much different today, and online suppliers have reacted very, very quickly by offering store owners, for example, mobile applications for sourcing orders. So online has really helped suppliers re-

act and adjust their supply systems in ways that didn’t exist during SARS.”

It’s a fluid time, and retailers are balancing between keeping enough of the most sought-after supplies on their shelves while making contingency plans for longer-term gaps in their product portfolios.

Fresh foods, for example, will face challenges as shoppers steer away from anything that may have travelled long distances, such as fruit and vegetables, or may have been exposed to the airborne virus.

We also expect products that come off factory lines or go through distribution systems in impacted countries to face challenges.

(To read the full story of Nielsen’s investigation, visit https://bit.ly/38pdzAi.)

A development professional for 25 years, Linda McNeil’s career path did not unfold in a straight line. (Photo: Demarcus Bowser)

RELIGION

Salvation Army ‘church’ grounded in Methodism

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

“Love Has An Army. We Fight

For Good,” the Salvation Army (SA) website touts. On any given day, 200 men, women, and children are finding shelter, counseling, spiritual guidance, and drug rehabilitation services in Memphis-area Salvation Army facilities.

But according to the organization’s commander, Salvation Army is more than just a place to address practical needs.

“We are actually a church,” said Major Marion Platt. “And our denomination is found in 130 countries around the world. Our system of faith has Methodism roots. So all of the Methodist variations – AME, CME, United Methodist – we are foundationally related to traditional Methodist denominations.

To impoverished and underserved populations, the Salvation Army offers residential services for the homeless and displaced, adult rehabilitation centers, youth development, disaster relief, and a host of other longterm programs to assist families with employment training and placement, as well as spiritual guidance.

“We’re not just an organization with an overt, religious message,” said Major Platt. “We are a church in every sense of the word.”

And according to this church’s “pastor,” there were some clear directives and goals set out for the next leader who would direct the Memphis installation of SA.

“One of the primary objectives

laid out by the Memphis Advisory Board was for the Salvation Army to firm up its connection with the faith community,” Platt said. “My job is not only to preach the gospel in our chapel, but to form partnerships with other movements as a preacher of the gospel, claiming to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. We want to fellowship and congregate with the African-American church community to broaden the range of inclusion and diversion on the advisory board.

“People come to the Salvation

Army, and they are tormented by substance abuse, situational or generational poverty, and other conditions which stem from those issues. We can offer temporary peace by meeting the immediate needs for food, shelter, and clothing. But ultimately, real, lasting hope comes from the peace— the shalom—of God through Jesus Christ. He is the only source of deep, lasting, eternal peace. Our call to ministry in sharing that gospel message unites every Christian church across denominational divides.”

Major Platt was born and reared

COMMENTARY

in Charleston, SC. As a child, he participated in the Salvation Army Adventure Corps Program and attended summer camp every year. After graduating from high school, he immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving two tours of duty as an infantryman in the 10th Mountain Division. Later, he earned a doctoral degree from Trevecca Nazarene University. Following an honorable discharge from the army, he met and married his wife, Everette, who is also a Salvation Army major and Ph.D like her

“We can offer temporary peace by meeting the immediate needs for food, shelter, and clothing. But ultimately, real, lasting hope comes from the peace—the shalom—of God through Jesus Christ. He is the only source of deep, lasting, eternal peace.”

– Major Marion Platt

husband.

Together, they accepted the call to ministry in 2002, and were commissioned as Salvation Army officers in 2004. After holding corps and headquarters appointments in Atlanta GA, Savannah GA, Tampa FL, and the School for Officer Training, they were appointed as Memphis Area Commanders in June of 2019.

The Platts consider their marriage, parenting their three children—Medina, Joshuah, and Zion—along with their calling as officers in The Salvation Army their most sacred and important commitments.

Pastors and other church leaders are invited to learn more about the Salvation Army in Memphis and opportunities to fellowship and partner with the Christian organization.

(For more information on locations and ministry outreach, go to the website: salvationarmymemphis.org., or call the office at 901-729-8007.)

Church in transition looks to focus with paint-party energy

by Isaac A. Wright II Special to The New Tri-State Defender

As we stand on the eve of the transition of leadership at Greater Lakeview M.B. Church that has been under the watch of Pastor Joe E. Hayes Sr for the last 45 years, I can’t help but to think about the last time the church went through a leadership change. It was 45 years ago and one result of the pastoral selection was a split of the church.

Part of the original Greater Lakeview Church became a whole new church because of a difference in choices. Not that the split was right or wrong, my desire for the transition

is for history to not repeat itself. So Pastor Hayes and I prayed and worked tirelessly to set a vision that would keep the church strong, unified and moving forward. I am associate minister and our vision for 2020 is Focusing on the Future God has for Greater Lakeview. It’s a vision that’s not about what some people desire, it’s a vision that all believers can rally behind. We hosted a 2020 Vision Leadership Paint Party this past weekend, which was a mixture of a team building, goal setting, food and painting. We used Amos 3:3 as our launching pad, focusing on our commonalities

verses our differences to preserve the unity. It’s my assessment that even when there is a change at the top, that the core leadership or the middle ministry leaders are the individuals that will keep things going.

What we learned yesterday is that although we are different, when it gets down to what really matters, we’re the same. We’re just different people, from different backgrounds, working in different ministries, through different methods trying to point people to the cross!

We have to humble ourselves and exalt Christ so we can focus on the future God has for this church.

Major Marion Platt with his sons, Joshuah and Zion, and his wife, Everette. (Courtesy photo)

Creativity was on full display at the paint party hosted by Greater Lakeview M.B.C. (Courtesy photo)

MEET YOUR LOCAL FARMER: Mike Minnis of Landmark Farms

Farmer mentors youth in growing food

by Lee Eric Smith lesmith@tsdmemphis.com

You know how, when you get a new car, all of a sudden you start noticing that make and model almost everywhere you look?

Urban farming is kind of like that – once you take an interest in it, you notice there are gardeners tending their gardens everywhere.

That’s how I met Mike Minnis. Minnis and his wife, Karen, run the Landmark Training Development Corporation, a nonprofit that runs a farmer’s market, food pantry and farm on Carnes Avenue, just off of Airways in Orange Mound.

But at the core of their work is teaching – anyone, really, but especially teens – on how to be self-sufficient through growing food.

“We have an urban outreach center that works with mentoring young people,” he told me. “We have a youth urban farming program where we teach urban farming to young people. Our advocacy and mission is to create sustainable agricultural environments in food deserts and communities around Memphis and across the United States.”

In other words, my kind of guy. I truly believe that re-normalizing home-grown food – especially in so-called “blighted” neighborhoods – is critical to defeating poverty once and for all.

Anyway, Minnis offers tours of Landmark Farms, which sits on two plots of land across the street from each other. If you go, take notes – he’s almost certainly going to drop pearls of wit and wisdom – some of it unconventional – when it comes to growing food:

Tip No. 1: “Is that a snake?”

Did you just recoil a little bit when you saw the word “snake?”

Imagine what it would be like if you saw one basking in the sun on one of Minnis’ rows. But never fear, it’s a rubber snake, like the ones you’d use to play a practical joke on someone.

Oh it’s still practical. And it’s

no joke, Minnis said. “You get rabbits wanting to eat up your crops. You get squirrels digging up your dirt,” Minnis said. “The snakes create a barrier. An artificial barrier, because the rabbits and squirrels are afraid of them.”

So unless rubber snakes give you the willies, they’re a nontoxic deterrent for protecting your crops. Get some!

Tip No. 2: Grow your own seeds “We don’t have a lot of walking space because we try to grow food just about everywhere,” Minnis said as he took me to Garden No. 1. That’s where he had collards and kale growing. Often, you’ll hear of farmers harvesting crops before they “go to seed.” Left unharvested, plants will begin to

flower and then eventually to produce seeds.

In this case, Minnis’ kale has beautiful yellow blossoms and next to them, seed pods are growing. Over time, he said, those pods will get bigger.

“In 2011, my oldest son bought organic seeds from all over the place,” Minnis said. “It was his idea to garden. So I did a feasibility study and it showed there were two variable costs he’d need to get a handle on in order to see a profit: labor and the cost of seeds. Organic seeds were costing $16.95 for 100 of these, $8.95 for 100 of those . . .

“So, to negate that cost, we started allowing a portion of our crops to go to seed,” he continued. “We harvest the seed and replant the crop. If the plant was good enough to eat, it’s good

enough to save the seeds so you can eat it again.”

Throughout the remainder of the tour, Minnis drops common sense hacks and tips like that, along with some serious wisdom. He seamlessly weaved together a story about a method he uses to grow high-volume fruit trees into a prelude to the French Revolution. I’ll save that story for another time, as well as his saga to get his fish pond working properly.

A few of his teen students were working the day Ester and I were there, and I couldn’t help but smile thinking about a future generation of farmers right in the heart of the city. Minnis also runs the farmer’s market and food pantry on the grounds, making sure that people have something to eat.

Landmark Farms is at 2411

Carnes Ave. You should go by, take the tour, buy something in the market or otherwise support Mike and Karen Minnis. But remember: Take notes!

(Are YOU a gardener or urban farmer in Memphis? Do you know one? Do you have a specific question or problem with your garden that you need help with? If you answered yes to any of those, email me at lesmith@tsdmemphis.com!)

(Lee Eric Smith is an NNPA award-winning columnist and co-founder of Abundant Earth Global CDC, a nonprofit aimed at blending eco-friendly home construction, urban farming and waste-to-energy production to regenerate neighborhoods. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram: @ l3esmith.)

Now hear this: ‘Stop Telling Women to Smile’

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Heeeeeey, look over here!

You look fine today, Mama, Sugar, Honey, Baby, fill-in-the-blank with names you’re called by men you don’t know. Just think, Sweetie, Pretty, you were minding your business before this monkey business started. And just know, by reading “Stop Telling Women to Smile” by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, that others deal with it, too.

Like many women, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh spent her teen years in public “not wanting to be seen.” Catcalls, creepy comments, unwanted compliments about her young body followed her from street to sidewalk, coming from men who made her feel afraid, ashamed, and definitely harassed. The “sheer quantity” of it struck her as she got older and in 2012, Fazlalaizadeh, a street artist,

started a movement she calls Stop Telling Women to Smile.

As part of her work, she invites women to her studio to tell their stories as she sketches their portraits. Some of her results are in this book – and they’re powerful.

The most common response to street harassment, she says, is anxiety, a lingering dread of what could happen – physical violence, stalking, emotional terror – whether one interacts with a harasser or not. For many women, harassment becomes a part of their daily lives.

Says Fazlalizadeh, men who engage androgynous women in unwanted ways “are particularly likely to harass masculine women” out of a false sense of their own masculinity; they’re also likely to harass trans women because they feel “tricked” by a trans body. Women of color receive “markedly different” harassment from white men than from men of their own races. Pregnant

women receive unwelcome touches, as though they’re good-luck charms; and Muslim women are verbally attacked for their clothing.

And who can women “go to for protection” if the harasser is a police officer?

What can be done?

Fazlalizadeh says that she sees hope for today’s children, who are raised learning not to harass – but beyond that, the solution “is a large question that can have many answers.”

Give yourself a minute to skim through “Stop Telling Women to Smile,” and it may seem like the book is little more than same-but-different which, after awhile, is too homogeneous and overgeneralizing.

Dig a little deeper, though, and this book opens like a flower with pages of emotion, outrageous tales, anger, unwarranted shame, and a chapter for feminist men that could spell welcome change.

Dig a little deeper, though, and you

Tatyana Fazlalizadeh

might shudder.

Author Tatyana Fazlalizadeh makes this book feel like a raw gallery performance, and it shouts with power but not a lot of caution. Some of the “What Women Want to Say to Street Harassers” sidebars come off as advice, and safety isn’t stressed nearly enough there. There’s strength in Fazlalizadeh’s words and they’re stand-up-andscream inspiring, but they just need a hair more prudence.

And yet: this is an invaluable book for any women’s group, it’s a great launching point for conversations with teens of any gender, and parents will absolutely want to read it. For that, for them, “Stop Telling Women to Smile” is worth a look-over.

The New Tri-State Defender, March 5 - 11, 2020, Page 6

Mike Minnis feeds the fish at Landmark Farms in Orange Mound. The man-made pond is part of an aquaponics system that sustainably farms both catfish and vegetation.

Minnis routinely offers tours of Landmark Farms, including its greenhouses. (Photos: Lee Eric Smith)

ALL OVER TOWN

USPS Memphis reveals commemorative stamp honoring journalist Gwen Ifill

by Brianna A. Smith

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Main Post Office customers recently were greeted with this image of the late Gwen Ifill, whose likeness now is part of the Black Heritage stamp series. (Courtesy photo)

A Black Heritage series stamp honoring the late Gwen Ifill, one of the nation’s most esteemed journalists, was unveiled during a ceremony Feb. 27 at the Main Post Office.

The United States Postal Service in Memphis held the event in partnership with The African-American Postal League United for Success Memphis Chapter (A-PLUS) in celebration of Black History Month. The Ifill stamp is the 43rd in the USPS’s Black Heritage series.

“Gwen Ifill was a remarkable trailblazer who broke through gender and racial barriers,” said Postmaster of Memphis Reginald Capers.

Ifill was among the first African Americans to hold prominent positions in both broadcast and print journalism. She was 61 when she died in 2016 after battling breast cancer.

After graduating from college in 1977, Ifill’s first job as a journalist was at The Boston Herald American. She later worked at The Baltimore Evening Sun, The Washington Post and The New York Times, where she was a White House correspondent and covered Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign in 1992.

Cheryl Watkins-Parrish, USPS customer relations coordinator, officiated the ceremony. “Gwen was truly a national treasure, and so deserving of today’s honor.”

In 1994, Ifill moved to NBC, where she covered politics in the Washington bureau. Five years later, she joined PBS as senior

political correspondent for “The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer” and moderator and managing editor of “Washington Week,” becoming the first woman and first African American to moderate a major television news-analysis show. During her career, Ifill covered seven presidential campaigns,

and in 2004 she became the first African American female journalist to moderate a vice-presidential debate. She also moderated the 2008 vice-presidential debate, notably stumping Vice President Dick Cheney and Senator John Edwards with questions about the state of healthcare for black women.

fellowship named for Ifill. Her alma mater, Simmons University, opened the Gwen Ifill College of Media, Arts, and Humanities in the fall of 2018.

Now, she’s on a stamp.

A-PLUS member Deener Newberry led the event in prayer and fortunately I, Brianna Alexis Smith, had the pleasure of introducing WHBQ 13 news anchor Mearl Purvis as the event’s keynote speaker.

In 2013, Ifill became part of the first all-female team to anchor a daily national broadcast news show, “PBS NewsHour.” She is regarded as one of the most respected reporters of all time, and someone who pushed the bar forward for women of color in journalism. Among Ifill’s honors were the Radio Television Digital News Foundation’s Leonard Zeidenberg First Amendment Award (2006), Harvard’s Shorenstein Center’s Goldsmith Career Award for Excellence in Journalism (2009) and induction into the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame (2012). In 2015, she was awarded the Fourth Estate Award by the National Press Club. The 2016 John Chancellor Award was awarded to Ifill by the Columbia Journalism School.

In 2017, the Washington Press Club Foundation and “PBS NewsHour” created a journalism

As a young black journalist, it was truly a remarkable experience. Purvis has been a standard setting journalist for me. Her storytelling and diction is vast and impressive, and to be able to have the honor to share my gratitude towards her was a career high for me, while also commemorating the life and legacy Gwen Ifill established, to make our careers possible.

Purvis said, “I believe, Gwen Ifill had been tapped by God to lead us women who wanted to be in this career into thinking, yes little brown girl you too can do this. She is worthy of our attention and our honor today as we unveil this stamp.

“Memphis, we are one of the last places to unveil this stamp and I think that makes it even more greater because Memphis has always been underrated, yet we always overachieve.”

Closing remarks were made by Memphis A-PLUS Chapter President Pamela Williams.

Ifill joins Martin Luther King Jr., Ella Fitzgerald and Jackie Robinson, among others, who have been honored in the Black Heritage series.

This Black History Month celebration served as a salute to the late Gwen Ifill. (Courtesy photos)

TSD All Over Town columnist Brianna A. Smith (right) introduces television anchor Mearl Purvis. (Courtesy photo)

COMMUNITY

The New Tri-State Defender, March 5 - 11, 2020, Page 8

Brown, Boyd vault into General Sessions Court Clerk showdown

by TSD Newsroom

In a race with 13 names on the ballot and several hundred votes cast for write-ins, former Memphis City Councilman Joe Brown emerged as the winner of the Democratic Party nomination for General Sessions Court Clerk.

Brown, who was term-limited and not eligible for reelection to the council, drew 20,602 votes, putting him 7,000-plus votes in front of his nearest competitor, Shelby County Board of Commissioners member Reginald Milton.

A North Memphis fixture, Brown

Help is on the way…

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) celebrated the opening of TVA’s Mobile Unit Weatherization Training Lab with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Shelby Farms on Feb. 26. The lab will be used to train more contractors to perform home weatherization upgrades and improvements for area residents.

now faces Republican Party nominee Paul C. Boyd, who easily outdistanced three other candidates, in the Aug. 6 County General Election. Boyd served eight years as Probate Court Clerk.

With 166 of 166 precincts reporting, the unofficial vote totals in the Democratic Party Primary showed these results:

Back in style…

Hamilton High School alum (2003)

Adolph Thornton Jr., now renowned as the rapper Young Dolph, returned to his alma mater this week with a $25,000 donation for academics and athletics. He spoke with a group of students, telling them that success starts with a plan. (Courtesy photo)

BRIEFS & THINGS

Second Black Millennial Political Convention set

Memphis, the site of the first Black Millennial Political Convention Tennessee Regional Convening, will also be the gathering point for the second annual event.

The convention will be held March 7 at LeMoyne-Owen College from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A welcome reception and awards ceremony will be held at Memphis Slim House on March from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This year’s convention will underscore the importance of black millennials’ engagement in the 2020 elections and the need for equity in the community.

The Black Millennial Convention (BMC) seeks to share and shed a light on policy issues impacting black communities, with the goal of connecting millennials of African descent from across the country to increase black political leadership, and inspire civic engagement.

‘So You Want To Be A Star’ performing arts workshop

The Memphis Chapter of The Society, Inc. is sponsoring a “So You Want To Be A Star’ event on March 28 for high school students and recent graduates to learn about the steps necessary to reach their professional goals in the performing arts.

The event will feature workshops and a panel discussion led by leading professionals in the business end of the entertainment industry.

On “Star Avenue,” participants will have the opportunity to meet, connect and interact with local and national artists in dance, theater/acting, vocal and instrumental music and with personnel involved in entertainment management law. Lunch will be provided. Tickets and registration are available through Eventbrite.

The Society, Incorporated is a national non-profit organization whose mission includes serving as a resource for young people in the arts.

The March 28 event is set for 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Mississippi Blvd. Christian Church at 70 North Bellevue.

Easter Eggstravaganza Family Fun Day headed to Frayser

The Frayser Community Parent, Teacher and Student Association (PTSA) in partnership with Old Allen Station will participate in the Easter Eggstravaganza Family Fun Day, which is set for April 4 at the Ed Rice Community Center located at 2907 N. Watkins.

The day will feature food and fellowship and is designed to bring the community and families together with an egg hunt and many activities and services.

The event is a celebration of the end of an era and the beginning of change. Upcoming plans are that the Ed Rice Community Center will be closed for the construction of a new center.

Also, at 1:30 p.m., there will be a Frayser Neighborhood Dedication Ceremony.

COGIC to host SAVE 901 Awareness March

The Church of God In Christ (COGIC) Tennessee 5th Jurisdiction, under the leadership of Bishop Jerry Taylor, is observing the April 4 commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in Memphis with a SAVE 901 Awareness March.

The march is to bring awareness to critical city issues while unifying those who want to help address them. It is set for 10 a.m. at Mason Temple, located at 930 Mason St., and will end at the National Civil Rights Museum.

SAVE is an acronym for Suicide, Addiction & Violence are Epidemics.

“April 4th is a fitting day to hold the SAVE 901 Awareness March because it was on this day in 1968 that one of the nation’s most peaceful leaders had his life ended by gun violence,” said Taylor. “He was a minister, a man of the church, and it’s time for the church to take a stand against the pain and the crime happening within Memphis.”

After the SAVE 901 Awareness March, there will be a peace rally, with guest speakers and local dignitaries. Participants will also be able to tour the National Civil Rights Museum.

For collaboration and sponsorship information, contact Supt. Jesse Briggs at 901-949-0311.

BRIEFLY: The Memphis Fire Department and the Girl Scouts Heart of the South and Memphis Firefighters Foundation will host the 6th Annual HERo Day for young women grades 6-12 at the Chester Anderson Training Campus on May 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to all girls regardless of Girl Scout membership, the purpose is to give young women an opportunity to learn about fire and emergency service careers and to interact with firefighters, paramedics and dispatchers. Register at: https://girlscoutshs.wufoo.com/forms/q1brtywa035nx2n/. The cost is $20 and includes lunch. Helperships are available.

Joe Brown

Paul C. Boyd

(Courtesy photo)

in the Old Colony) directs a multi-talented cast of performers in this production, including Playhouse on the Square Resident Company Members Michael Gravois (Tuck Everlasting, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder) as Henry Condell and Playhouse Associate Director, Dave Landis (Indecent, Kinky Boots) as John Heminges. Memphis

FREE JAZZ FRIDAY – THIRD MAN

DATE: 3/6/20

STARTS: 6:30:PM

WHERE: 3030 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111

DESCRIPTION:

The trio of Tony Thomas on Hammond organ, Tom Lonardo on Drums, and tenor saxophonist Jim Spake, calls itself “Third Man.” The repertoire is an eclectic mix of bop and other instrumental cuisines that promote, again, extemporaneous performance. It is this group that you’ll be hearing in tonight’s performance.

ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION

EVENT LISTINGS

The New Tri-State Defender Community Calendar features selected items published on TSDMemphis.com. To submit an event visit TSDMemphis.com and look for the EVENTS menu along the top of the page.

4412 South Third St., Memphis, TN 38109

Masjid Ar-Rahman 7906 Lowrance Road, Memphis, TN 38125

Memphis Islamic Center 10225 Humphrey Road, Cordova, TN 38018

Muslim Society of Memphis 1065 Stratford Road, Memphis, TN 38122

Masjid Al-Muslimeen 3141 Directors Row, Memphis, TN 38131

Midtown Mosque 1288 Jackson Ave, Memphis, TN 38107

Masjid Al-Noor 3529 Mynders Ave, Memphis, TN 38111

MARDI GROWL AT OVERTON PARK

DATE: 3/7/20

STARTS: 11:00:AM

WHERE: 1914 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104

DESCRIPTION:

Hollywood Feed and Overton Park

Conservancy invite you and your dogs to Mardi Growl on the Greensward!

Local Gastropub will be on hand with a crawfish boil, and the winner of the dog costume contest will receive a $100 gift certificate to The Second Line. Dress your dogs in their most festive gear and compete for prize packs from Hollywood Feed. Celebrity judges Lucy Furr, David Scott of Dave’s Bagels, and journalist Markova Reed Anderson will pick their favorites. Afterwards, stick around for a pup parade in the Old Forest.

SCDP CONVENTION

DATE: 3/7/20

STARTS: 10:00:AM

WHERE: 4080 Kirby Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38115

DESCRIPTION:

The Shelby County Democratic Party will host its Democratic County Presidential Convention at Kirby High School on Saturday, March 7, 2020. The purpose is to select representation from the county to attend the District Convention two weeks later, on March 21. The doors open for registration at 10:00 AM and the convention will begin at Noon. The event is open to all currently registered voters in Shelby County who are supporters of the Democratic Party, have voted in the March 2020 Presidential Primary, and who agree to support the nominee of the Democratic Party in the 2020 Presidential election. The convention will conduct caucuses for each of the top vote-getting presidential candidates in Congressional Districts 8 and 9. The party welcomes all Shelby County Democrats who wish to participate in selecting Tennessee’s delegates to the Democratic Presidential Convention in Milwaukee the week of July 13, 2020. More information on the event will be located on the SCDP website ShelbyDem. org. Information about becoming a DNC delegate and the rules governing the DNC Delegate Selection Process may be obtained from tndp.org.

DENNIS H. JONES LIVING WELL NET-

WORK MENTAL HEALTH BREAKFAST

DATE: 3/10/20

STARTS: 7:30:AM

WHERE: 939 Ridge Lake Blvd.

DESCRIPTION:

When Kevin Berthia attempted to take his own life at The Golden Gate Bridge, the only thing that stopped him was the listening ear of California Highway Patrolman Kevin Briggs. Join the sixth annual Dennis H. Jones Living Well Network Mental Health Breakfast as these men share their true story of hope, suicide survival and the impact one person can have on the life of another.

After the keynote speakers, join the breakout session “Why People Die By Suicide: Recent Developments” with speaker Thomas Joiner, Ph.D. Joiner, the Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Florida State University, is an academic psychologist and leading expert on suicide. He will discuss his studies on the nature, causes and management of suicidal behavior and related disorders.

TEEN JOB FAIR

DATE: 3/11/20

STARTS: 10:00:AM

WHERE: 3676 S 3rd St, Memphis, TN 38109

DESCRIPTION:

High school students will have a chance to come to the Levi library and learn about a variety of job opportunities available for them.

TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY

GOLDEN CHOIR

DATE: 3/12/20

STARTS: 7:00:PM

WHERE: 70 North Bellevue Boulevard, Memphis, TN 38104

DESCRIPTION: Tuskegee University Golden Choir Performing Live at Mississippi BLVD Christian Church March 12th @ 7 p.m.

Free Admission AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’

DATE: 3/13/20

STARTS: 8:00:PM

WHERE: 51 S. Cooper St. Memphis, TN

DESCRIPTION:

A tribute to the Harlem Renaissance and the black musicians, like Fats Waller, that defined a significant era in American music comes home to The Circuit Playhouse. Through the 1920s and 1930s hits like “T Ain’t Nobody’s Bizness,” “Your Feet’s Too Big,” and “Fat and Greasy” filled Manhattan nightclubs and caused a spark across the nation! Making her Playhouse on the Square directorial debut is Lar’Juanette Williams (Dreamgirls). Williams is also the Executive Director of The Memphis Black Arts Alliance is Soulsville, USA. Along with her, in

Silent treatment…

Chef Phillip Ashley Rix hosted the “first ever silent tasting,” pairing his designer chocolates with wines from African-American wineries selected by Rick Farwell of Pyramid Wines and musical vignettes by DJ Alpha Whiskey. The all-black affair was held at The CMPLX, 2234 Lamar Ave., on Feb. 29.

(Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

Resident Company Member Breyannah Tillman (Junie B. Jones the Musical, Dreamgirls), Zan Edwards (Kinky Boots, Dreamgirls), Juistin Allen Tate (Memphis, Kinky Boots), and Steven Prince Tate, making his Playhouse on the Square debut. Prince Tate also serves as the production’s choreographer.

FREE JAZZ FRIDAY – STAX MUSIC

ACADEMY JAZZ ENSEMBLE

DATE: 3/13/20 STARTS: 6:30:PM WHERE: 3030 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111

DESCRIPTION: The Stax Jazz Ensemble is a large instrumental ensemble focusing on early jazz, swing, bebop, fusion, contemporary and Latin styles. Students are developing an understanding of jazz improvisation, rhythm, harmony and form.

SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!

DATE: 3/14/20 STARTS: 2:00:PM

WHERE: 51 S. Cooper St. Memphis, TN

DESCRIPTION:

“Get your thing in action” and relive the glory days of Saturday Morning’s iconic cartoon series. Tom is ready to start his first day as a schoolteacher. The only problem is he is scared to death! Watch as characters from the classic series come to life, reminding Tom the best way to learn has always been with music and an imagination. With memorable songs “I’m Just a Bill,” “Inter-Planet Janet,” and “Conjunction Junction” you will want to scoot down front and grab a big bowl of cereal. Director-Choreographer, Whitney Branan (Cabaret, Madagascar: A Musical Adventure), leads the multi-talented cast of Karl Robinson (Junie B. Jones the Musical, Madagascar: A Musical Adventure) as Tom, Angie Thompson (Junie B. Jones the Musical, Head Over Heels) as Shulie, and Kylan Owen (Junie B. Jones the Musical, Kinky Boots) as Joe. Rounding out the cast are Playhouse on the Square Associate Company Members Isaiah Rosales (Indecent, Kinky Boots), Hope Schafer (Indecent, Peter Pan), and Haley Wilson (Memphis, Kinky Boots).

LIVING LEGACY BENEFIT BRUNCH

DATE: 3/14/20 STARTS: 10:30:AM

WHERE: 901 Cordova Station Ave. Cordova, TN 38018

DESCRIPTION:

1st Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Church will have a Living Legacy Benefit Brunch at the Esplanade Banquet Center. The event will provide financial support needed to complete the Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital.

Tickets are $100 and may be purchased by contacting JoAnn Jones at 901-3454114. WKNO PBS KIDS SPRING BREAK CAMP

DATE: 3/16/20 STARTS: 7:00:AM

WHERE: 7289 US-64, Memphis, TN 38133

DESCRIPTION: Discover Memphis Spring Break Camp From Peabody Ducks to the RiverBoat Cruise; From Jazz, Blues and Rock N Roll to W.C.Handy, B. B. King and Elvis Presley; From the Loraine Motel to the Stax Museum;Memphis has such a rich history to explore and we plan to do just that this week during our Discover Memphis Spring Break camp. Register your child today for this educational stay-cation as this journey through Memphis will be filled with fun, excitement, and interesting facts about this fascinating community in which we live. Your child will never look at Memphis the same.

Date: March 16-20

Hours: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

(All students must be picked up by 5:30

PM) Location: Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church (7289 HWY 64/Stage Road in Bartlett, TN)

Camp is for ages: 4 - 11 years old

Cost: $75 per child (Payment is accepted in Cash/Check/All Major Credit Cards) Register online: https://www.wkno.org/ wknokids/kids-camp/

More information: Email Felicia Peat at fpeat@wkno.org or call (901) 729-8725 FREE JAZZ FRIDAY –AFRICAN JAZZ ENSEMBLE

DATE: 3/20/20 STARTS: 06:30:PM

WHERE: 3030 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111

DESCRIPTION:

The African Jazz Ensemble is a 10-piece band made up of some of Memphis’ finest musicians. The core of the band began in the early 70s as the soul group the Exotic Movement, and later changed their name to Galaxy. They’ve played together for over 40 years, and members have toured the world with Michael Jackson, Al Green, BB King, Eric Clapton, the Dells, Luther Allison, and Rufus and Carla Thomas. They formed the African Jazz Ensemble as a way to incorporate African influences into more traditional jazz, soul and R&B.

THE SPACE IN BETWEEN

DATE: 3/21/20 STARTS: 7:00:PM

WHERE: 225 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103

DESCRIPTION:

In a grey town where the rain falls continuously stands a man at a bus stop, on the brink of heaven and hell. This dreamlike place is the setting for Ballet 5:8 Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager’s The Space in Between, called “exceptionally well done” by Lauren Warnecke of See Chicago Dance. The one-act ballet inspired by C. S. Lewis’ novel The Great Divorce explores the nature of eternity and the joy found on its shores. Also included: Slager’s popular work Meditations, on light and perspective, based on C.S. Lewis’ essay Meditations in a Toolshed, and Slager’s Of Splendors and Horrors, inspired by C.S. Lewis’ book The Weight of Glory.

CREATIVE AGING’S SENIOR ARTS SERIES

DATE: 3/25/20

STARTS: 1:30:PM

WHERE: 2400 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38112

DESCRIPTION:

Creative Aging kicks off the 5th Annual Senior Arts Series at Lindenwood Christian Church’s Stauffer Hall with an abridged rendition of Playhouse on the Square’s Ain’t Misbehavin’. The program is followed by a complimentary reception. More information and advance purchase general admission tickets are available at https://www.creativeagingmidsouth.org/ senior-art-series-link. Limited tickets will be available at the door for a minimum donation of $5 (cash or check).

FREE JAZZ FRIDAY – JOYCE COBB AND THE RHODES JAZZ BAND

DATE: 3/27/20

STARTS: 6:30:PM

WHERE: 3030 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111

DESCRIPTION:

Born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma and reared in Nashville, Joyce Cobb first sang in her grandmother’s church. Joyce’s career spans from live orchestrations for Nashville’s WSM radio and television stations, to live performances in Europe.

TALKING WITH CHILDREN ABOUT RACIAL INJUSTICE

DATE: 3/28/20

STARTS: 10:00:AM

WHERE: 1567 Overton Park Ave, Memphis, TN 38112

DESCRIPTION:

Dr. Marietta Collins and Dr. Marianne

Celano will present a workshop for parents and educators based on their award-winning book Something

Happened In Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice. Parents and teachers of elementary age children are invited to participate in a discussion on why it’s important to talk to children about racial injustice, how to use children’s literature to facilitate discussion, and how to overcome anxiety about tackling sensitive topics. Books will be available for signing & purchase, and childcare is available. Location: Evergreen Presbyterian Church, 1567 Overton Park Ave., 38104.

The closing ceremony (Feb. 28) of the monthlong Black History Month celebration at the University of Memphis featured a talk by Shelby County Commissioner Van Turner Jr. (right) and plenty of interaction with organizers and special guests.

(Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Some schools choose union leaders for new teacher advisory council

by Laura Faith Kebede Chalkbeat

Not every teacher who was voted to represent their school will keep their spot on Shelby County Schools’ new teacher advisory council formed to provide input to the district.

That’s because despite Superintendent Joris Ray wanting to exclude union leadership to “give other people an opportunity to lead too,” at least 10 schools voted for a union leader to represent them anyway.

“Even though the criteria was very clear that this was for new teachers to have an opportunity, there were a few people that slipped through the cracks,” said Yolanda Martin, the district’s chief of human resources.

Under the district’s criteria for council members “teachers who are not currently serving in an association leadership role are eligible” to “allow for an additional line of communication from teachers with the Superintendent.”

Though Ray insisted the council would not replace association membership or its voice, he told a crowd of teachers attending their first council meeting at the Hilton Memphis last Wednesday that some association leaders have a “personal agenda” in their advocacy.

“Often what people do under the auspices of advocating for teachers, I hear, ‘I’m a teacher advocate!’ But when I meet with them usually when they throw out a couple of things, then it comes back to their personal agendas and usually they’re asking for a job,” he said. “That’s the truth.”

Keith Williams, the executive director of Memphis-Shelby County Education Association, said that is not true. “We’re not looking for fame or fortune. All we’re asking is that you do right by teachers.”

Ray also took a jab at association members who showed up at a January board meeting with plastic

bats to express their opposition to how the district handles professional development courses with the hashtag #SCSstrikesout.

“You hollering and screaming and coming down with bats, that does not move me. That does not move the board,” he said at the council meeting. “Because we are a professional organization and we have to always maintain a level of professionalism even when we disagree.”

The episode is the latest in an increasingly strained relationship between Ray and the district’s two teacher associations.

Williams said some leaders from his organization were initially told to leave the council meeting, but eventually were allowed to stay with the acknowledgement that last week’s meeting would be their last. He noted that the association’s lawyer is discussing if the council is legal with the district’s legal team since state law outlines how teachers negotiate with their school systems.

“I don’t understand how you could exclude members of a professional organization,” Williams said. Any results from the advisory council “wouldn’t be for just them. It would be for everybody.”

Martin said the associations already have representatives at each school and shouldn’t serve in more than one leadership role to advocate on behalf of about 6,500 teachers in the district.

“They want to monopolize the voice in the building and you can’t have one person as the only person,” Martin told Chalkbeat. “There are many teachers in the building.”

Robert R. Church Elementary teachers voted for Danette Stokes, the secretary of the United Education Association of Shelby County, but she declined. Stokes, who is also running for president of the association, said she understands the district’s line of thinking.

“I don’t have a problem with it personally because I try to get teachers engaged who are not already engaged,” said Stokes, who stationed herself outside the inaugural advisory council meeting recently to pass out campaign literature. “The more the merrier.”

Ray announced the creation of a new teacher advisory council in January that includes a representative from each of the district’s nearly 150 schools plus some specialty programs, replacing a much smaller council under former superintendent Dorsey Hopson.

Teachers nominated themselves or a colleague before schools voted for their representatives last month. If a school did not have any nominations, principals chose a representative, a district spokeswoman said in a statement.

The groups have been meeting off and on for a year to come up with a new contract that clarifies issues such as salaries, health benefits, and working conditions. They are scheduled to meet Friday morning to continue negotiations.

The schools that voted for an association leader are:

A.B. Hill Elementary Hamilton High Northaven Elementary

Raleigh-Bartlett Meadows Elementary Ridgeway Middle

Robert R. Church Elementary Vollentine Elementary Westwood High Whitehaven High Winridge Elementary

Those schools must now either conduct a new election or the district will pick the nominee with the second highest number of votes. Association leaders pointed out a board member and a school-level leader on the district’s list that has not been flagged yet.

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

some things have changed, but it also shows that many things have stayed the same.”

black gentlemen bought 177 houses in Los Angeles, as well as one of the city’s most iconic buildings? Then they purchased two banks in the Jim Crow South and wore janitor and chauffeur uniforms to disguise the fact that they were the buildings’ owners...and then became largely erased from history?”

After being introduced to the script, Mackie said he was the one who took it to Jackson, hoping he would get involved.

“We know how hard it is to have our stories told, so when I read the script and then Sam got on board I was jumping for joy,” Mackie stated. “One thing about Sam is that when everyone wouldn’t take a role like this, Sam decided to do it. He humbled himself and said yes when others said no.” Jackson said he loves telling stories that ‘stick it to the Man,’ and hopes that the film inspires others to take action.

“A story like this needs to be told over and over again,” Jackson added. “It shows that theoretically

Long said despite the hardships the two businessmen endured throughout the film, it also highlights their determination to succeed.

“The story is about more than just a struggle,” the actress said. “Oftentimes black people are taught just to survive; but in this film you’ll actually see two men succeed and become a part of change.”

The star-studded event at the National Civil Rights Museum brought out media outlets from across the country.

“They could have had this screening anywhere- Los Angeles or New York- but they chose to have it here at the museum,” said Faith Morris, the National Civil Rights Museum’s chief marketing and external affairs officer.

Notable Memphis leaders were also present at the screening, including Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Joris Ray.

“The Banker” will premiere in select theaters on Friday, March 6, and on streaming Apple TV+ March 20.

language summaries are also available for public review in the library systems of Shelby, Fayette, DeSoto, and Marshall counties. Comments may be

submitted to Pragati Srivastava, Memphis MPO, 125 N. Main Street, Room 450, Memphis, TN 38103 or via email at Pragati. Srivastava@memphistn.gov.

It is the policy of the Memphis MPO not to exclude, deny, or discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, immigration status, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, veteran status, familial or marital status, disability, medical or genetic condition, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law in its hiring or employment practices, or in its admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. All inquiries for Title VI and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or for persons with disabilities that require aids or services to participate either in the review of these documents may contact Nick Warren at (901) 636-7146, fax (901) 636-7272; or email Nick. Warren@memphistn.gov to make accessibility arrangements.

This notice is funded (in part) under an agreement with the State of TN and MS, Departments of Transportation

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000568B Automatic External Defibrillators. Information regarding this Bid is located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn. gov . At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, Click on “Purchasing” and “Bids” to locate the name of the above described Sealed Bid.

SEALED BID I000568B DUE DATE MONDAY, MARCH 30TH, 2020 AT 2:00 PM CST (SB-I000568B) AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS

MANDATORY PRE-BID MEETING - A mandatory pre-proposal meeting to address questions will be held on Monday, March16, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. (CST) in the Shelby County Purchasing Department’s Conference Room located at 160 N. Main, 9th Floor, Suite 900, Memphis, TN, 38103. All interested respondents are required to participate in this meeting. Local vendors are required to attend in person. Non-local vendors can access the meeting via conference call by emailing the Purchasing Buyer to obtain the access codes Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service.

By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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:

Daedalos Inovations LLC

Tax Parcel #: 01401900000040

Tax Sale #: 1601

Price Offered: $700.00

Terms: Cash

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten

SPORTS

The New Tri-State Defender, March 5 - 11, 2020, Page 12

Game Recognize Game:

Lebron says “Memphis got a good one” in Ja Morant

by Lee Eric Smith lesmith@tsdmemphis.com

Call it my then-allegiance to Michael Jordan as the GOAT. Or, maybe I was just tired of sports media trying to anoint the next Jordan.

Whatever you want to call it, when I first heard of some Ohio hoops prodigy named Lebron James back in 2002, I thought there was no way he could live up to the hype –and even if he did, it would take some time.

That’s just how it works, right?

And then I watched James’

very first NBA game on Oct. 29, 2003 against the Sacramento Kings. The Cavs lost, but not before Bron went off for 25 points, six rebounds, nine assists and four steals.

The stat line reflected the eye test: This rookie played like a seasoned vet, pretty much from the opening tip.

Now in the twilight of his legendary career, Lebron is still performing at an MVP level 18 years in. His Lakers are favorites to compete for and perhaps win his fourth championship.

So it was a sign of high respect when Lebron was asked about an unexpected gift from Grizzlies rookie Ja Morant. Morant, who led Memphis to a 105-88 rout of the Lakers on Feb. 29, gave James a signed jersey after the game.

“I didn’t even know I was getting his jersey, actually,” James said. “I gave him mine for sure, but I didn’t know he was returning the favor. It’s just pretty cool.”

After receiving James’ jersey, Morant felt he owed a debt.

“I was like, ‘Man, now I’ve got to return the favor,’” Morant said. “He’s definitely a guy I look up to – not just only on the court, but off the court as well.”

When Lebron came into the league, his reputation for assists preceded him and carried into his rookie season, averaging 21 points, six assists and six rebounds.

It takes a high basketball IQ to post those kinds of numbers in any season, let alone as a rookie. Morant is averaging just under 18 points per game in his rookie season, to go with seven assists.

And then there’s this: Much like James did in Cleveland, Morant has instantly catapulted a small NBA market into wins, respect and an accelerated maturation process. Which is why it was fun to listen to James explain Morant’s gifts – from one phenom to another.

“I don’t think it matters how old you are if you have a basketball IQ,” James said. “I think he’s played like that probably his

Lee Eric Smith GritGrindGriz

whole life because the game is mental, and then the physical abilities came after that. The same with me. When I was eight, nine years old, before the physical talents took over, it was about thinking the game and the mental side.

“So, it doesn’t matter how old you are because either you have it or not when it comes to basketball IQ,” James said. “That’s something that you can’t teach that or learn it. You’re either born with it, or you’re not.”

Minutes later, Morant was just as effusive in his praise of Lebron.

“He’s just a great all-around person. He does a lot to help others,” Morant said. “He’s just a great role model, a great player. I feel like, in my eyes, he’s the best being to play the game right now. He’s just done so much on the floor.”

Common NBA wisdom says that Lebron is near the end, though we seem to say every single year that he’s having one of the best seasons of his career. But regardless of how much longer he plays, he knows the game is in good hands.

“I’ve always thought about that, what young guys are coming up in the ranks that will be able to continue to carry it on after I’m gone, or after or whoever that’s been around as much as I have,” he said. “You look at Ja, and you look at Zion. You look at Jayson Tatum. You look at Luka Doncic, and Trey Young, and the list goes on and on.

“Those guys are just not only great on the floor, but also, more importantly, off the floor, and that’s a great thing to have,” he said. “Our league is in a very, very good place no matter what year it is.”

Game recognizes game . . . GRIND ON!

Now in the twilight of his career, Lebron James is still racking up MVP-worthy performances.

Ja Morant has catapulted a small NBA market into wins, respect and an accelerated maturation process.

With Ja Morant coming up behind him, Lebron James pushes forward. (Photos: Warren Roseborough)