The New Tri-State Defender - March 17-23, 2022 by The Tri-State Defender

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March 17 - 23, 2022

VOL. 71, No. 11

Harris, Moody staking out ground in Democratic Primary for Shelby County mayor Worth Morgan ready with his GOP bid

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Opening campaign headquarters, executing mapped-out strategy and reeling in endorsements are in high gear as the candidates for Shelby County mayor position themselves for the Shelby County Primary on May 3.

With only a month before early voting begins April 13, Ken Moody, who is seeking the Democratic Party nomination, opened his campaign headquarters on Saturday (March 12) with fanfare and revelry in the Whitehaven community. Spirits were high as supporters and volunteers enjoyed music and food in abundance. The event, which came the same week Moody received the endorsement of the Afro-American Police Association, was “truly a day for

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IN POLITICS 2022

Andre Turner, who played basketball with Ken Moody at Memphis State (now the University of Memphis) was among the former teammates, family, friends and other supporters as Moody opened his campaign headquarters.

Incumbent Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris: “Our Plan A is to talk to voters about the importance of centering the work of government on the lives of working families. If that doesn’t work, we go to our Plan B, which is do even more work on Plan A.” (Photo: Twitter)

celebrating,” he said. “After today, it will be time to get down to business.” Moody, who has worked decades in government and presently serves as special assistant to Mayor Jim

Strickland, officially announced his challenge of incumbent Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris during the first week of 2022. Those on hand for the headquarters opening were former

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Memphis Mayor Dr. Willie W. Herenton, whom Moody credits for giving him “a way to provide for my family

SEE MAYOR ON PAGE 2

‘Next resurgence to greatness’ has a 160-year-old foundation at LeMoyne-Owen College Memphis’ only HBCU kicks off giving campaign TSD Newsroom

Following a professor’s suggestion, Lila Smith majored in physics and evolved to a point where she was the only woman in her ﬁeld. (Courtesy photo)

‘You should major in physics’

It’s official: Memphis now is amid a yearlong celebration of “Purple Reign” –LeMoyne-Owen College’s observance of 160 years in existence. The celebration kickoff for Memphis’ only HBCU (historically Black college or university) came midday last Friday (March 11) on the steps of Brownlee Hall on the historic front lawn of the campus at 807 Walker Ave. The day’s agenda allotted for an address by LeMoyne-Owen College (LOC) President Dr. Vernell Bennett-Fairs, with observations from LOC’s Board of Trustees, student leaders, alumni, the city and county mayors, other dignitaries and community members. Clad in the college’s signature purple and gold colors, members of the “LOC Family” canvassed the 38126 ZIP Code community.

The College was founded in 1862 as Lincoln School, which later became LeMoyne Normal and Commercial School. LeMoyne College later merged with S. A. Owen Junior College (1968). A marker on the HBCU’s campus notes how the historic 1960 Memphis sit-in protests against segregation evolved through its students. The yearlong commemoration for LeMoyne-Owen College, home of the Magicians, is designed to engage LOC and its greatest supporters, including businesses, corporations and nearly 65,000 alumni, in a $3-million campaign. The funding is designated for student college preparation and retention efforts “to ensure students complete their college journey.” The New Tri-State Defender reached out to Dr. Bennett-Fairs for her reflections now that the “Purple

SEE LOC ON PAGE 2

Lila Smith’s journey from Orange Mound into history by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

hen Lila Smith graduated from Melrose High School in 1953, she had no idea her career would be history-making, or that her role as a nuclear physicist would take her around the world to countries eager to learn about her work. “I had no idea I would become the only woman in the field,” said Smith. “I just liked math a lot. All along the way, God was just opening doors and presenting opportunities. I just walked through those doors.” March is Women’s History Month and a trib-

ute to Smith is fitting, and not just because she was a pioneer in nuclear physics. Smith was a civil rights activist in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and fought for open housing and equal employment in the Oak Ridge area. “I did a one-year internship for management training in physics,” said Smith. “At work, I was over all those men. I enjoyed my work, but there were no Black people when I went home.” Smith grew up in Orange Mound, which was a self-sufficient African-American community of home and business owners. Oak Ridge, she said, was segregated. Smith

SEE SMITH ON PAGE 2

Uplift the Community Grant

Dr. Michael Moore, senior pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church and LOC chaplain, sets the spiritual tone. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

Learn more about the Uplift the Community Grant sponsored by Kroger, NAACP Memphis Branch and The New Tri-State Defender by calling 901-521-1343.

The New Tri-State Defender

SMITH

CONTINUED FROM FRONT lived in a place close to her work at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. But other “Blacks” were not allowed. “At work, I ate lunch with the cleaning staff. I would go sit outside with them. Then one day, I told them we were going to eat in the dining room. They were afraid, but I said I wanted them to join me for lunch. They did, and we integrated the cafeteria that day. “I made a sign, and I started picketing a nearby apartment building every day. after work,” said Smith. “There was one man who owned all the apartment buildings in town. I would go every day to picket and apply for an apartment.” Smith kept the same routine until the apartment owner talked to her. “He finally met with me,” said Smith. “I came into the office, and there he was. He asked, ‘What can I do for you?’ “I told him I wanted to rent

an apartment, and I wanted other Black applicants who qualified to do so as well. “We talked a while and I got up to leave. Before I got out the door, he called me back and said, ‘I’ve changed my mind. You may have one of these apartments.’ And that’s when housing in Oak Ridge was desegregated.” How did Smith become a nuclear physicist? It was simple, Smith said. After high school graduation, she received a full scholarship to LeMoyne College (now LeMoyne-Owen). She was in the lab one day when a professor offered a suggestion. “You should major in physics,” he said. “Smith simply replied, ‘OK.’” Smith finished LeMoyne and had begun teaching at the college when she was chosen for the internship. Smith sat on the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, serving as chief of Conservations and Solar and Chief of Nuclear Engineering and Physics. She participated in State Department negotiations with

March 17 - 23, 2022

NEWS

MAYOR

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Lila Smith representatives from other countries for the exchange of energy information in support of the National Energy Strategy. Smith has received numerous honors for her work and continues to be active in her community. She lives only blocks from her family’s “home house.” Smith is still active in her Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, at 2634 Carnes Ave., and continues to be an integral part of the Orange Mound community.

Dr. Vernell Bennett-Fairs (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New TriState Defender)

LOC

CONTINUED FROM FRONT Reign” celebration is in full effect. What is next for LOC? “The next resurgence to greatness,” said Bennett-Fairs. “Reintroducing LeMoyne-Owen College to our community, region, and country. Capitalizing off what differentiates us from other institutions and incorporating that into our brand.” The strategies to support the resurgence are multi-pronged: • Increasing enrollment by creating pipelines within high

schools, community colleges and youth-serving organizations; • Strengthening and expanding the academy through new degree programs and curriculum offerings. • Identifying Programs of Distinction. • Expanding the campus’ footprint on and off-campus. • Developing intentional strategies to improve retention and graduation rates. “It’s only going to take a little “MAGIC,” said Bennett-Fairs, revealing the words referenced by the acronym: “Motivation, Ambition,

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Growth, Innovation, Collaborations.” The challenges, she said, are, “Pandemic fallout and the good problem of having outgrown our current footprint.” Maneuvering beyond those challenges, from Bennett-Fairs’ viewpoint, involves relying upon, “The tremendous amount of momentum and goodwill the College is currently enjoying. “And the support we have on and off-campus that can impact future funding and resources in support of student success and advancing LeMoyne-Owen College.”

and a new beginning in public service that has lasted 20 years.” As a mayoral candidate, Moody repeatedly has questioned Harris’ ability to unite the municipalities of Shelby County. “This county government over the past three-plus years has failed to support city government and the other municipalities,” said Moody, a former standout in the University of Memphis basketball program. “And that is what you will get from me as county mayor – uniting Memphis and other municipalities to move the county forward.” Harris has countered Moody’s claim, touting coalition-building as one of his great strengths. In his re-election announcement, he credits his ability to bring people together as the impetus for his 2018 win. “Four years ago, we built from scratch a multi-racial, multi-generational coalition that spanned our entire county,” said Harris. “We showed that a kid from Whitehaven, the son of a high school guidance counselor and a repairman, could serve and lead in our community. Together, we changed the conversation. We showed that our greatest strength as a community is our people. Over the past four years, we have accomplished so much together. We can do it again.” Franklin Dakin, Harris’ campaign manager, pushed back on the assertion that Harris’ administration has not worked with Memphis and other municipalities. “Just think about the fact

Incumbent Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris outside of this rolling advertisement for President Biden, Democrats and the call to “Build Back Better” (Twitter)

Ken Moody greets supporter Harrel Moore, who came ready to help. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender) that Mayor Harris headed the Joint Task Force dealing with the pandemic response,” said Dakin. “He was able to work with mayors of different parties and different ideologies because that’s what he does. This administration has always brought people together.” Harris has garnered the endorsements of 20-plus elected state, county, and municipal officials, in addition to several of the city’s largest labor organizations. In a Wednesday morning post on his “leeharrisfor901” site, Harris said, “Our Plan A is to talk to voters about the importance of centering the work of government on the lives of working fami-

lies. If that doesn’t work, we go to our Plan B, which is do even more work on Plan A.” Memphis City Councilman Worth Morgan (Dist. 5) has no challenger in the GOP primary. He will face the winner of the Democratic primary in November. “I have talked to people across the county,” said Morgan. “And they all have similar stories. Lee Harris does not show up for people in the community. I decided to run because we deserve better. That’s not just campaign jargon. That is our slogan. We deserve better. The people of Shelby County deserve better.” In a news release announcing his campaign, Morgan said it is time to address high crime rates, reading levels, poverty and high taxes. He also has highlighted “honesty, transparency, and accountability.” “Elected leaders are the servants of the people. With both passion and measured judgment, I have endeavored to protect your family, friends, and neighbors.… (O)ther communities around the country have thrived, Shelby County has settled for less than the status quo. You and I both know that we deserve better.”

Uplift the Community Grant Are you interested in having a positive impact on your community and need an “Uplift” to get you started? The NAACP Memphis Branch, The New Tri-State Defender and Kroger Delta Division are partnering on the Uplift Your Community Grant Program. If you are a 501(C)3 and have a program or idea on how to:

Improve your community Decrease crime Decrease blight Please consider applying for the grant. The grant application process opens on March 4, 2022 and closes on March 31, 2022. The grants will be awarded on April 29, 2022. For more information about grant criteria, visit the NAACP Memphis Branch website at www.naacpmemphis.org. THE NEW

TRI-STATE DEFENDER

The kickoff of LeMoyne-Owen College’s yearlong celebration of its 160th anniversary moved some to jump for joy. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

The New Tri-State Defender

March 17 - 23, 2022

Page 3

NEWS

Women’s History Month: Women in Business – Part 3 by Candace A. Gray

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

African Americans have long been known for influencing fashion through our culture and creativity. Some of the first notable African-American female fashion designers left their indelible mark on the industry through iconic works. Zelda Wynn Valdes was the first to own a shop on Broadway (New York) in 1948 and was known for making dresses for Ella Fitzgerald and creating the iconic playboy costume, allegedly commissioned by Hugh Hefner himself. Not too far away, Ann Cole Lowe, who made the wedding dress for Jackie Bouvier (Kennedy), was the first to open a boutique on Madison Ave. (1968). And paving the way for them was Elizabeth Keckley, who used fashion to buy her freedom in 1855 and soon after moved to Washington, D.C. to make dresses for Mary Lincoln (wife of Abraham Lincoln). Today, Samilia Colar, owner of Texstyle is exercising her creative muscles and tapping into her inner cultural context to revive an age-old art form, while empowering others to lean in to their own creative stylings through sewing. TSD: What type of business do you own? Samilia Colar: I own a handbag and fashion apparel business. I make accessories, bags, apparel here and there. I’m looking to delve a little deeper into apparel to accompany my handbag designs. I also host sewing workshops for adults and give private lessons for any age interested in sewing. Finally, I host sewing camps (and sometimes birthday parties) for youth, ages 7-14. TSD: How long have you been in the fashion industry and in business for yourself? SC: 14 years! I started in Philadelphia, PA – I moved up there after graduating from Memphis College of Art. I was working in graphic design and then moved into handbag design and continued that when I moved back to Memphis. TSD: How many employees do you have? SC: I have one – Me. TSD: What was your inspiration for going into fashion and starting your busi-

AT A GLANCE

TSD: If you weren’t doing this, what else would you be doing? SC: I love to keep things creative! I just started learning French. I’m going to be in a ballet in a few months. I’ve always loved fitness, so maybe something fitness-related – roller skater? I love to bake but I don’t as much because I would eat it all. I feel like life goes in this cyclical way. Your passions ebb and flow depending on where you are in life. But I’m sure I’d make it back to sewing eventually.

Business Name: Texstyle Owner’s Name: Samilia Colar ness? SC: My Nigerian heritage has definitely inspired me. I grew up immersed in the culture. My mom had a lot of “wrappers.” I would go in her closet and see which designs I liked – I was always fascinated by them. My mom also sewed when I was growing up. When I went off to college, I remember taking her sewing machine and said, “You won’t be using this.” At Memphis College of Art, I remember taking a surface design class that was all about fiber arts and I made a handbag to mimic an African talking drum. It wasn’t until after I graduated that I was actually able to make this creation come to life and sold these drum bags in Philly – people loved them. So, my culture and fascination with colorful fabrics are my greatest inspirations. TSD: What challenges have you faced as a woman in the fashion industry and business owner, and how have you risen above them? SC: Sometimes I feel like I’m going in circles in terms of finding resources and progress has been very slow. It’s difficult to find information about resources available for small business owners. To rise above I’ve just tried to stay true to my passion and inspire others to create. I host workshops and AirBnB Experiences for visitors to Memphis. People have said these workshops have made their entire trip. Creating these memories for people and giving them skills that they will have forever has helped me keep going and creating. I love inspiring other people. It’s like your business could make all the money in the world but if you’re not affecting people, what are you doing? TSD: How has social media affected your business? SC: Social media has enabled me to increase my reach across Memphis and beyond. When I came back from Philly, I followed suit and started participating in local

Similia Colar, CEO of Texstyle (Courtesy photo) shows in Memphis. That takes alot of physical energy. But social media has made it easier to make an impact. People are finding my workshops, I can send them to the website, I can respond to their questions right away. It’s enabled me to build a community that’s bigger than Memphis to stay connected to my family in Nigeria. TSD: As a wife and a mother, and now a business owner, how do you balance it all? SC: I try to bring my kids into the business when I can and when it makes sense. So, they understand work is not just this oblivious place. They participate in the workshops. I call them my “young sewists.” My daughter has even helped host sewing birthday parties with me. Additionally, as a small business owner/entrepreneur, there is always something to do. But I try to limit my working time to while the kids are in school. I plan regular date nights with my kids and focused time with my husband. Weekends are really important for outdoor family activities together. Now with the blessing and curse of technology, we have to be intentional, mix it up and do something different. If I feel frustrated in one area, I try to do something else so that when I come back to it, I feel refreshed. TSD: What impact does your business have or do you hope your business will have in the future? On your family, community, etc. SC: My business is allowing me to pass on a skill that will hopefully be around forever. Sewing is an older skill. When the pandemic hit, I saw a lot of people wanting to get back to it and to just learn. What started as masks grew to small, intimate sewing groups. Sewing has been around for ages and it’s a part of my culture. Now I’m starting to see more young people taking private lessons. I see the next gen-

Texstyle CEO Similia Colar hosts workshops, parties and private lessons for all ages to inspire our community to start sewing again. (Courtesy photo) eration is right here and they want to create their vision of fashion. I had a brother-sister duo come in and they wanted to repurpose some old denim; so sustainability is a component of my work as well. In terms of my family, I hope to inspire my kids to think creatively. They can sew, my daughter loves working with clay. She’s been doing stop motion animation for four years now. My son is like a master builder, with an architectural mindset. I want them to always explore and grow. And with my husband – we’re opening a bar in the Edge District and I’ll be using my skills to create for that – people will see my work there and hopefully be inspired by it.

TSD: What advice do you have for someone who might be interested in entering your ﬁeld or other black business hopefuls? SC: 1. Stick with it! 2. Find something that invigorates you within your field or something you’re passionate about changing. There are points where it will get difficult and going back to your passion is what’s going to keep you moving forward. 3. Always look to grow and seek feedback. 4. Build a community of other designers or entrepreneurs who can motivate you. 5. Go to networking events and connect with people who are going to build you up and give you sound advice.

TSD: What professional accomplishment or major milestone are you most proud of? SC: My business was mentioned in the New York Times last year – that was really exciting! Also, during the pandemic, I made more than 1,000 masks – from March to the end of 2020. That was huge – making something to help people be safe in a really scary time. It was wonderful to be connected to the community, not just locally, but all across the country. TSD: Anything else you’d like to add? SC: Just that I would love to connect with TSD’s readers. Come take a class or visit my online shop at texstyleshop.com. Follow me on social media: Instagram: @ texstyleshop; Facebook: @ texstylebags; Twitter: @texstyleshop; Linkedin: @texstyleshop

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MARCH 22-27

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, March 17 - 23, 2022, Page 4

Time to come together in Memphis about the ‘insanity’ of crime by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

It is impossible these days to turn on your television and not see or hear about people being assaulted, robbed or, worse, murdered in our community. Crime is clearly on the rise in Memphis and other urban communities throughout our nation. We cannot ignore or turn a blind eye to the impact it has on the education, growth and development of our children. In 2010 there were 93 murders in Memphis, 258 in the pre-pandemic year of 2019, 332 homicides in 2020, and a mind-boggling 346 homicides in 2021. To put these numbers in perspective, the Curtis city of Los Angeles, Weathers which has six times the population of Memphis, reported 397 homicides in 2021. Last year, a life was taken in Memphis an average of once every 25 hours. Let that sink in a little. According to a 24/7 Wall St. study using FBI statistics, Memphis is considered the most dangerous city in the United States. We are, in fact, the murder capital of the nation. The folks at the Greater Memphis Chamber must be pulling their hair out. I realize there are multiple reasons for this crime wave sweeping our community. The pandemic has caused major economic disruptions and left millions of people out of work. In Tennessee, our state legislature, in its infinite wisdom, made guns more accessible and sparked record-breaking firearm sales across the entire state. But we forget all too often the impact all the violence is having on the growth and development of our children. They are the silent casualties of the violence that surrounds them daily. Studies show students’ and their parents’ aspirations and attitudes towards education are affected by the violence that engulfs our community. Exposure to violence in and around our schools leads to a significant deterioration in the educational performance of our children, particularly our boys. Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Joris Ray sounded the alarm last October in a letter to parents and the community about gun violence in our schools and community. And while MSCS is doing all it can to combat the onslaught of violence, our children continue to be at risk. But let’s stop kidding ourselves. The socioeconomic impact of this situation is enormous. Exposure to violence at this level negatively affects educational outcomes and increases disruptive or unfocused classroom behavior for children. That’s a proven fact. We must come to grips, however, with some of the uncomfortable realities of the situation here in Memphis at some point. I know there are people out there who will vehemently disagree with my view on this issue, but the face of crime in our community is a Black face.

A scene from an anti-gun violence advertisement sponsored by the Memphis Crime Commission. In 2010 there were 93 murders in the city of Memphis, 258 in the pre-pandemic year of 2019, 332 homicides in 2020, and a mind-boggling 346 homicides in 2021. (Screen capture) There seems to be no sense of pride in our communities anymore. We rob, assault and kill each other indiscriminately. I know there are those who will say that any conversations about violent crime in Memphis that focus on the issue of “Black-

on-Black crime” are a waste of time. I respectfully disagree, of course. Instead, I think we need to turn up the volume. Things are getting beyond ridiculous. We need to call it for what it is — insanity.

Graphics source: Memphis Shelby Crime Commission

And the mental and psychological state of our children should be counted among the casualties. While I understand all the sociological implications of this issue, we still must address the fact that we as Black people continue to rob, assault and kill each other at an alarming rate. We are both the perpetrators and the victims. Former Mayor Willie Herenton in 2016 shared these same concerns. He said the crime problem in Memphis “…is a Black problem…that uniquely impacts the fabric of the Black community.” But he went on to say, “What I see is a lack of a sense of urgency. I don’t see the Black community embracing this as being our challenge. What we need in Memphis is a massive community engagement initiative like we’ve never seen before.” He was 100 percent correct. We have lost our sense of community, and our children are paying the price. We need to rally as a community, make this issue our highest priority, and work together to change the trajectory of the situation. We are spiraling out of control, Memphis, and we have run out of other people to blame. I appreciate the efforts of some community leaders, who are trying to rally the community and craft solutions to this problem. But they need our help. Again, as Dr. Herenton pointed out, we need a MASSIVE community engagement effort to address these issues. The operative word here is “Massive.” We need all of Memphis involved — the Greater Memphis Chamber, the nonprofit community, corporate Memphis, our sports and faith communities, our school system and others. We no longer can tinker around the edges and rely on just a handful of leaders and organizations to carry this incredibly heavy load. Why can’t Memphis be an example for the rest of the world of how to solve these problems? I’m ready. Let’s do this, Memphis. But not without the collective resources of everyone affected by these issues. Please, let’s come together for the sake of our children and our community. (Follow TSD education columnist Curtis Weathers on Twitter (@curtisweathers); email: curtislweathers@gmail.com.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

March 17 - 23, 2022

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RELIGION

Marvis LaVerne Kneeland Jones of ‘Memphis State Eight’ fame dead at 81 by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Marvis LaVerne Kneeland Jones, one of the Memphis State Eight students who integrated the university in 1959, died at her home Sunday evening (March 13) surrounded by her children. She was 81. “Mom had been on hospice the past two years,” said daughter and primary caregiver, Dorothy D. Jones. “Her last two months were especially rough, but she is no longer suffering.” Called “LaVerne Jones” by those who knew her best, Jones, along with seven other African-American students, integrated university, now the University of Memphis. They became known as the Memphis State Eight. Although there was no violence, the high level of daily threats and intimidation prompted law enforcement to assign plainclothes officers to escort them to and from class. Jones, the widow of the late Tennessee state Rep. Rufus E. Jones, was born Feb. 1, 1941, to James Henry and Gladys Robinson Kneeland in Chicago. The family moved to Memphis shortly after her birth. At the age of 8, Mrs. Jones and her mother were victims in a hit-andrun accident, that fatally injured her mother. Mrs. Jones was sent to live with her grandmother, while her father provided for the family as an overthe-road truck driver. She was attending Douglass High School when her father brought her home to live with him. Mrs. Jones

Marvis LaVerne Kneeland Jones

Marvis LaVerne Kneeland Jones takes in the recognition of her decision to attend then-Memphis State University in September 1959. Dr. Mario E. Brown of the Black Student Alumni Council made the presentation during the 60-year salute to the Memphis State Eight. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley) transferred to Hamilton High School, where she graduated Salutatorian in 1958. While at Hamilton, Mrs. Jones was president and director of the Hamilton High Glee Club. She was classically trained as a pianist and soloist while still a teen. Tri-State Bank President Jesse H. Turner Sr., who was national treasurer for the NAACP, hired her as a bookkeeper, often calling on her to play and sing at civil rights rallies. Turner encouraged Mrs. Jones to

pursue higher education, first at his alma mater, LeMoyne College (before the Owen College merger). She eventually took the rigorous admission exam to Memphis State, which she passed. The courtship between Mrs. Jones and her future husband and Rufus E. Jones began when the two were introduced by fellow Memphis State Eight student Sammie Burnette Johnson. A few years later, Mr. Jones completed studies at Michigan State University and immediately proposed

For your service ... Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ noted the community contributions of Beverly Robert, president and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber, during its Black History Month Program (Feb. 27). (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

marriage. Mrs. Jones dropped out of Memphis State University and married Jones only days after turning 21. Four births rapidly expanded the family: Gladys, Rufus, Ida, and Dorothy. Mrs. Jones returned to Memphis State full-time, graduating in 1974 with a bachelor’s and master’s in elementary education. She taught most of her 25 years in the legacy Memphis City Schools at Lester Demonstration Elementary. Mrs. Jones career path also includ-

ed her working as a public relations manager and educational consultant of the REJ & Associates, a lobbying firm. The company was founded by her husband after he left the legislature. She has been honored with the Arthur S. Holman Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Memphis and named a Civil Rights Pioneer by the Memphis Branch NAACP. Mrs. Jones’ story is told in The History Makers of Chicago book series. With Jones’ death, there are four surviving members of the barrier-breaking pioneers: Luther McClellan, Ralph Prater, Bertha Rogers Looney and John Simpson. Sammie Burnett Johnson, Eleanor Gandy and Rose Blakney Love are deceased. Mrs. Jones’ funeral is scheduled for noon Monday (March 21) at Mt. Olive Cathedral CME Church, 538 Linden Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to: Washington Chapel C.M.E Church; P.O. Box 9095, Memphis, Tennessee 38190.

I dropped by to say ... ‘Unplugged ceremony’ … The wedding of Dominque Moore-Wiggins and Elder Xavier Wiggins was a high-proﬁle, pre-Valentine’s Day affair accented by smoke as the couple approached to recite their vows at the Halloran Centre on Feb. 12. The bride is the daughter of Supt. Charles Moore, pastor of Lambert Church of God in Christ, 1070 Keating St., and Gwendolyn Moore. The groom is the son of Elder Anthony Goines and Beverly Goines. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New TriState Defender)

“Everything is going to be all right” was the sermon topic as the Rev. Samuel D. White, pastor of Madison Light Baptist Church in Madison, Ark., preached at a meeting of the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association on Tuesday (March 14). (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

The New Tri-State Defender

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ENTERTAINMENT “Storyfest asks everyone (storytellers, teaching artists, and audiences alike) to listen with curiosity and share in what makes us human; both what makes us the same and what makes us beautifully different.” — Taylor St. John

Storyfest returns with Memphians sharing in their own words TSD Newsroom The Orpheum Theatre Group is pitching the return of Storyfest– a free two-day event featuring the stories of 40 Memphians from across the city ranging in ages from 9 to 93. Storyfest features live performances, engagement activities and community reflections at the Halloran Centre on April 29-30. “Storyfest asks everyone (storytellers, teaching artists, and audiences alike) to listen with curiosity and share in what makes us human; both what makes us the same and what makes us beautifully different,” said Taylor St. John, director of Education and Engagement. “When we listen that deeply to the real experiences of our community, we are taking a stand – we are demonstrating that the voices of our community are essential to who we are.” An intergenerational group of participants have collaborated with the Orpheum Theatre Group to create original theatrical performances sharing their stories in their own words. This year’s Storyfest was created in partnership with Refugee Empowerment Program, Center for Transforming Communities, Orange Mound Arts Council, Bickford Community Center (through Creative Aging), and Middle College High School. Storyfest is part of the Orpheum Theatre Group’s ACTS of Engagement (Access. Create. Transform) – free community programming.

AT A GLANCE What: Storyfest Where: Halloran Centre (225 S Main St.) When: April 29, 7 p.m; April 30, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Admission: Free. To secure a free ticket, visit orpheum-memphis.com/ storyfest. Note: All performances will be interpreted in sign language by BridgesWEST. Kelby, Mya, Phalon, Kellie, Contariyon, and Jordan – students from Middle College High. • April 30, 2:30 p.m.: My Family Is My Heart – Created in partnership with the Refugee Empowerment Program. What makes a family a family? Is it blood relation? Is it culture? Is it love? Meet Radia, Aline, Abyan, Dowlai, Lorraine, Ibrahim, D’Jadda, Carine, Nyawech, Dina, Mariam, Leah, Flora, and Wailes – an intergenerational group of refugees.

At Storyfest, the stories of 40 Memphians from 9 to 93 are featured in live performances, engagement activities and community reﬂections at the Halloran Centre on April 29-30. (Courtesy photos) “I thank the Lord for this group,” said Barbara, an adult participant from the Bickford Senior Center (through Creative Aging). “It’s given me a chance to express myself: what I’m feeling, what I’ve been through. By telling our stories, it gives us a chance to get closer to other people.” Abyan, a fourth grade participant with the Refugee Empowerment Program, said, “It makes me

feel like I have a voice. It makes me feel like I can hear myself and everyone else can see me using my voice.” Storyfest schedule: • April 29, 7 p.m.: The Gospel According to Bickford – Created in partnership with Creative Aging and the Bickford Community Center. What does it mean to put your trust and faith in

God? Meet Elaine, Mary, Daisy, Flora, Lottie, Barbara, and Jean – senior citizens from the Bickford Community Center. Crash. Crumble. Conquer. – Created in partnership with Middle College High School. What happens when your life seems to hit a wall or obstacle so big that you completely crash? Do you give yourself space to crumble or do you rise to conquer the challenge? Meet Matthew, Jermani, Showen,

• April 30, 7 p.m.: Figuring Life Out – Created in partnership with Middle College High School. What does it mean to come of age? Meet Edrionna, KJ, Kaleb, Felix, Lily, Jonathan, Nigel, Olivia, Judeah, and Jasmine, students from Middle College High School. My Hood/My Home/My Sacred Haven – Created in partnership with the Orange Mound Arts Council and the Center for Transforming Communities. What was it like to grow up in historic Black neighborhoods before integration? Meet Barbara, Hazell, Mary, Gail, Desi, Darlene, and L.H. – elders from Orange Mound and South Memphis.

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, March 17 - 23, 2022, Page 7

Jury hears gunshot-filled 911 call from Lorenzen Wright by Adrian Sainz The Associated Press

The gunshot-filled 911 call came into a Tennessee police department just after midnight on July 19, 2010, from the cell phone of retired NBA player Lorenzen Wright. Wright was lured to a road next to a field by his ex-wife and another man charged with killing him, prosecutor Paul Hagerman told a jury Tuesday. Wright’s call had reached the police department in Germantown, a suburb of Memphis, and the pop-pop-pop of gunshots rang out over the line. “Hello? Hello? … Nothing but gunshots,” the dispatcher said. Then the line went dead. The phone call was played Tuesday during the prosecutor’s opening statements in the trial of Billy Ray Turner, who is accused of conspiring with Wright’s ex-wife to kill him. Turner has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder and conspiracy in the death of Wright, a Memphis native and a 6-foot, 11-inch center who played for five teams over 13 seasons. Wright’s slaying is one of the most highly publicized murder cases in Memphis history. His decomposing body was found riddled with bullet wounds in a swampy field in east Memphis on July 28, 2010 — nine days after he placed the 911 call. Turner, a landscaper who lived in the Memphis suburb of Collierville, knew Wright’s exwife, Sherra Wright, from church. Turner was Sherra Wright’s “romantic secret interest,” and she recruited Turner and her cousin, Jimmie Martin, to help her kill her 34-year-old ex-husband, said Hagerman, the prosecutor. Sherra Wright entered a surprise guilty plea to

Sherra Wright appearing before Judge Lee Coffee during her plea agreement. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New TriState Defender Archives) facilitation of murder in July 2019 and Judge Lee Coffee sentenced her to 30 years in prison. Coffee also is presiding over Turner’s trial. Sherra Wright planned the killing, lured Lorenzen Wright to the field where the father of six was shot, Billy Ray and covered up the crime, Turner Hagerman said. “It took an evil heart to do this,” Hagerman said. In reference to the ominous 911 call, Hagerman noted that Germantown police failed to follow up on it. If they had, they would have found evidence at the scene of the shooting, including the handgun used in the slaying and

barbed wire fencing that had blood on it, the prosecutor said. Investigators took action after Wright was reported missing by his mother days after her son was killed, giving those responsible time to cover their tracks, Hagerman said. Investigators slowly pieced together evidence before Sherra Wright and Turner were indicted in December 2017 — more than seven years after the killing. Detectives spoke with Martin, who is serving a prison sentence for fatally shooting his girlfriend after Lorenzen Wright was killed. Martin has not been charged with Lorenzen Wright’s killing. According to an affidavit, Martin told investigators that Sherra Wright masterminded a plan to have her ex-husband killed at his home in Atlanta, but that attempt failed. Martin helped Turner and Sherra Wright

Court action looms if all early voting sites are not open on day one

Health-challenged entrepreneur expands her haircare reach online

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

by Brittany Jackson

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Ashley Tucker jumped started her virtual online hairstyle training class on Feb. 26 with these exhortative questions: “Is everybody ready? Excited?” The four-hour class educated her audience about locs, a type of dreadlock, and braiding techniques, and how to care for the hair. Tucker is the owner of Coty Beauty Ashley (CBA), which she opened in January 2021. The business is represented by a purple butterfly, the symbol of individuals battling the autoimmune disease Lupus. Tucker has been battling since 2012. She became certified as an instructor in May 2021 from the Institute of Beauty. About half of people who have been diagnosed with lupus at some point develop a malar rash that is raised and scaly, and extends from cheek to cheek over the bridge of the nose. It resembles the shape of a butterfly, which has become a popular symbol representing the disease. Butterflies are also significant because they are a symbol of hope, according to mylupus.com. Blessed and grateful for her own journey, Tucker aspires to help as many people as possible to follow their passion in the beauty industry, which always evolving. The participants of the online training class were from various states. They are trying to obtain their hair braiding certification/licensing. They were excited about the training and brushing up their skills to improve their business prospects. “I love locs and wigs and want to know more about the industry,” said Crystal Bridges of Dallas, Texas. Latisha Steward of Tupelo, Mississippi, owner of She Personal Hair Studio, said, “I joined Ashely’s class to further advance my knowledge of the hair industry. I have been braiding hair for 20 years and I make my own hair care products. I want to learn more about locs.” Steward already has her cosmetology license in Mississippi. Finding the best techniques and using the best products can make a difference in the overall outcome of the desired style and the health of the hair. One of the techniques Tucker demonstrated, using a mannequin’s head, was the latch and hook, which can be used to tighten locs and braids. Tucker used a mannequin head with a relaxed hair texture to show the application of locs and braids is not limited to kinky hair texture. “If someone is relaxed and want to begin their journey, they can and are not limited. One can start with loc extensions and over time as

Lorenzen Wright as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies.

clean the crime scene, saying that the gun was removed from the field and dumped in a north Mississippi lake, according to the prosecutor. Hagerman showed the jury the gun, which was found by FBI divers in 2017. Defense attorney John Keith Perry tried to poke holes in the state’s story by casting doubt about Turner involvement and whether he and Sherra Wright were in a secret romance. Perry said Turner, 51, had led an honest life — owning his own business and regularly attending church — after he served jail time when he was a young man for felony convictions. Perry also questioned the credibility of Martin, saying the information he gave to investigators after he was convicted was a farce and full of lies. During his opening statement, Perry said Martin was “the type of person who changes facts like a person changes drawers — underwear, excuse me.” A motive for the slaying was not immediately clear, though Hagerman said the killers were driven by jealousy and greed. Hagerman also briefly mentioned $2 million, though it was not immediately clear what that meant. Sherra Wright did receive $1 million from her ex-husband’s life insurance policy, and settled a court dispute in 2014 over how she spent the insurance money meant to benefit their six children, The Commercial Appeal has reported. Wright played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta, Memphis, Sacramento and Cleveland from 1996 through 2009. averaging eight points and 6.4 rebounds per game. He also starred at the University of Memphis. The trial is expected to take a week to 10 days. The jury is being sequestered.

Ashley Tucker uses Afro Kinky hair when applying loc extensions. (Photo: Shirley Jackson) their hair grows, you can trim the extensions in stages until only their natural hair remains,” said Tucker. Tucker also demonstrated how Afro Kinky hair is a staple product to use when doing loc extensions. She explained, “a little goes a long way and it gives the look of the natural hair texture.” In addition to learning new techniques and hair care, several attendees have expanded their business by traveling to meet the needs of their clients. Kevin Cordell of Memphis, better known as “LocswithKC,” said, “I lost my job in March 2020 and began doing locs out of my home in November 2020 full time. I met Ashley through a mutual friend and began training with her, and received my braiding license in February (of this year) “I have traveled to several clients in Nashville and Southaven. I also have clients who have traveled from Arkansas, Mississippi and as far as California to Memphis for me to do their hair.” Cordell, who currently services clients at the Kniiche Salon in Bartlett, wants to expand his business with his own hair care line of products. Tucker hosts locs and braiding classes the last Saturday of every month. On Mondays, she offers makeup classes. “I wanted to provide virtual classes so people that live outside of Tennessee would still benefit from my training. “Online classes allow me to connect and form relationships with people from around the country. Once they have successfully completed my course, I provide them with the necessary paperwork needed to help them get certified in their state,” Tucker said. Tucker has started “Butterfly on a Budget,” an affordable beauty supply store, where all products are available for $1. Products include shampoos, conditioners, headband wings, oils, and loc perfumes. Coty Beauty Ashley is inside Phoenix Salon at 4699 Poplar Ave, Suite 114. Butterfly on a Budget Beauty Supply and merchandise from her husband Rod Tucker’s business, RightEye T’s & Things, are available next door in Suite 115. Hair care products can also be purchased online at butterflyonabudget.com.

A voters’ rights coalition promised a legal showdown in court if all early voting sites are not open on day one for the May 3 election. That scenario surfaced after the Shelby County Election Commission’s decision to limit early voting to a single Downtown site for the first two days of the 13-day early-voting period that begins April 13. The commission’s reasoning is tied to past turnout patterns and the coinciding Easter weekend. “We don’t want to go to court every time there is an election year,” said the Rev. Dr. Earle J. Fisher of UpTheVote901. “But opening up the election commission building only for early voting is not fair. “This tactic is being used to suppress the vote. And what we’re saying to the Shelby County Election Commission is either all early voting sites are open from the first day, or we will take further action.” UpTheVote901, the Memphis Branch NAACP and the Black Clergy Collaborative (BCC) presented a united front during called a Wednesday afternoon press conference Downtown in front of the Shelby County Election Commission. “Churches are located right there in our communities,” Fisher said. People must have access to church sites that Saturday before Easter. In 2018, we were able to increase the vote five percent.” If the election commission does not open churches on April 13 for early voting, litigation is “on the table,” said Fisher. Shelby County Elections Administrator Linda Phillips said she also wants higher turnout of voters. “We do everything we can to increase voting,” said Phillips. “There are more than 580, 000 voters in Shelby County. We’re lucky if we get 10 percent to come out. I would be thrilled if we got to 10 percent.” Phillips said the decision was made not to open churches until after Easter because people are with their families and not really thinking about voting. “These pastors are saying, ‘We want our churches open from day one,’” said Fisher. “And the election commission is saying, ‘To hell with you.’ We say Linda Phillips cannot make a decision for the Black church community.” Dr. J. Lawrence Turner, pastor of Mississippi Blvd. Christian Church and president of the Black Clergy Collaborative, said, “Mississippi Boulevard has always been an early voting site. …

The Rev. Dr. Earle J. Fisher: “We don’t want to go to court every time there is an election year. ... But opening up the election commission building only for early voting is not fair.” (Courtesy photo) “We were never asked about opening on April 13. A decision was made for us. And we are saying, ‘Open our churches on April 13.’” Shelby County Commissioner Van Turner Jr., who also serves as Memphis Branch NAACP president, said, “I just don’t see why we wouldn’t open up Abundant Grace and ATOP (Anointed Temple of Praise).” Abundant Grace Fellowship in Whitehaven and Anointed Temple of Praise in Hickory Hill were among the top early voting sites in 2020. Of the 26 designated early voting sites, 20 are churches. Turner said the NAACP will consider the option of filing suit to open the churches for early voting. “This is a call to action,” said the Rev. Tameka Greer. “We’re asking everyone to call the Shelby County Election Commission at 901-222-1200 and tell them we want churches open from day one of early voting.” NAACP Executive Director Vickie Terry said the downtown location is not accessible to many. “We need to make voting convenient and accessible for all people,” said Terry. “I had to pay $5 to park downtown for half an hour. That’s a lot of money for some who just want to exercise their right to vote.” Fisher called the cost to park a “poll tax.” As the early voting site schedule stands, five additional locations will open Saturday before Easter Sunday. They are: • Glenview Community Center, • Dave Wells Community Center (North Memphis), • Agricenter International at Shelby Farms, • Arlington Safe Room, • and Baker Community Center in Millington.

The New Tri-State Defender

March 17 - 23, 2022

Page 8

NEWS

Is Tennessee turning a blind eye to paternity fraud?

by Rep. Antonio Parkinson

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

House Bill 2698/Senate Bill 1777, if it were to become law, would require unwed, prospective fathers to provide the results of a DNA test to Vital Records when voluntarily signing a birth certificate. I am the prime sponsor of the pending legislation, which is scheduled for a floor vote on the Senate side on Thursday (March 17). A vote by the full House depends upon the action of the Civil Justice Committee, which will consider the measure next Antonio week. Parkinson Here’s why I am championing this legislation: I was stopped in the barbershop by a man who told me his story of a long-term relationship in which a baby was born, prompting him to sign the birth certificate. Five-plus years later, he was told that the baby’s mother also had been with her ex-boyfriend before the baby’s birth. He sought a DNA test, with the results proving that he was not the father. Subsequently, the relationship ended and the baby’s mother opened a child support case against him. The paternity evidence was presented to a Juvenile Court magistrate, who basically told him, “Somebody’s got to feed him and it will be you.” He was ordered to pay child support and walked out of the court in arrears. Eventually, his driver’s license was suspended. Stopped by law enforcement, he was jailed for driving on a suspended license. While in jail, he lost his job; his life turned upside down. Tennessee law provides a period for a person signing a birth certificate to rescind. Since the window had closed, this man was legally considered the child’s father. In this story are multiple tragedies. Not only was this man not the father, but the biological father’s rights were also abridged, with a huge legal battle the only way to get those rights back. And, the child’s right to a life with the legal biological father was stolen.

It is reported that one-third of the signatures on birth certificates are not those of biological fathers. House Bill 2698/Senate Bill 1777 would ensure that the actual biological father is listed on the birth certificate of a child. The Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS), which oversees the child support program, is fighting vigorously to kill the bill. What’s the motivation? To receive $52 million in federal funding for the state’s child support enforcement programs, DHS is required to create and provide procedures for acknowledging paternity. The three means for acknowledging paternity – as spelled out by the federal government – are a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity program (VAP), a DNA test for contested cases, and marriage. Under state law, the husband in a marriage is presumed to be the father of a child. The feds created a baseline standard of what to include in the states’ programs but don’t restrict additions to it. Additionally, many more millions of dollars are received by states for reaching a quota of 90 percent acknowledged births, with a bonus for exceeding the quota. Notably, for every child support order, there is a 40 percent match in federal funds earmarked for enforcement. As you can see, there are huge financial motivations to turn a blind eye to individuals blindly signing a birth certificate. Tennessee’s VAP program shields paternity fraud by allowing unsuspecting putative fathers to blindly sign a birth certificate without DNA proof. Fraud also comes into play when those who know they are not the biological father sign a birth certificate without DNA evidence. The definition of fraud in Tennessee is when (1) a person intentionally misrepresents an existing, material fact or produces a false impression to mislead another or to obtain an undue advantage, and (2) another is injured because of reasonable reliance upon that representation. In fairness to DHS, there is a 60-day grace period to remove your name from a birth certificate. Also, a putative father can refuse to sign or choose to take a DNA test. There is a 5-year period during which one could go through an expensive legal process to rescind the voluntary acknowledgment of paternity. That period already had passed for the man who first told me his story. While these remedies are available, most

New attorneys for activist Pamela Moses call for dismissal of voter fraud charges Memphis activist Pamela Moses and her California legal team have called for the dismissal of her voter fraud charges. A late-morning press conference last Friday (March 11) at 201 Poplar was the formal rollout of Moses’ new legal team and the first time Moses had publicly spoken since she was released from a twomonth incarceration. Rodney S. Diggs, director of Ivie McNeil Wyatt Purcel and Diggs, and James Bryant of The Cochran Firm Los Angeles, comprise Moses’ new defense team. The social justice activist was sentenced to six years after being convicted of illegally attempting to vote. Moses was picked up in December after a judge revoked her bond in a discretionary move. Moses was held until Feb. 25 when a new trial was ordered. As family and supporters gathered for Friday’s press event, Moses maintained her innocence, reiterating that she had no idea she was ineligible to vote when she applied for her voting rights. Moses thanked family and supporters for their support as she recounted, extensively, the mental toll. “Being incarcerated for something I didn’t do is psychological torture,” Moses said. “I don’t know if y’all understand that, but it is going to take some time for me to heal. I’m not only physically not well, but emotionally and mentally. I’m sleep-deprived with uncontrollable anxiety from this unnecessary ordeal.”

Pamela Moses: “Being incarcerated for something I didn’t do is psychological torture. ... I don’t know if y’all understand that, but it is going to take some time for me to heal.” (Photo: Noah Stewart) Moses said she returned home to find that her dog, Victor, had been euthanized without her knowledge or consent. His death, Moses, said, was added trauma. Diggs said the Shelby County District Attorney’s charges were unfair and that sentencing was excessively harsh. “Let’s be clear on what occurred,” Diggs said. “In 2015, there were charges Ms. Pamela Moses plead to. But during that time, she was never told: ‘If I were to plea to certain charges to avoid jail time, that my voting rights would be taken away.’ Otherwise, she never would have done so.” Diggs said when Moses wanted to run for public office, she received a revocation letter prohibiting her from running for office.

“…When she goes to the Department of Corrections to find out how much longer she was on probation. She was told she ‘was not even in the system’ and was no longer on probation.” Diggs said Moses was given a document to verify as much, and “this document” is “the reason why we are here.” He contended that the document restored Moses’ right to vote. Diggs said some key evidence was omitted from Moses’ trial. He called on Shelby County District Attorney Gen. Amy Weirich to “take the lead” and dismiss all charges. Bryant, Moses other attorney, said Moses had good intentions when she tried to get her voting rights restored. Bryant said if the district attorney proceeds with a new trial, he and his colleagues will push for Weirich’s recusal and “a special counsel” to make a judgment. The New Tri-State Defender reached out to Weirich, who declined comment. She still holds to her Feb. 25 statement when a new trial was ordered: “The Tennessee Department of Corrections failed to turn over a necessary document in the case of Pamela Moses and therefore her conviction has been overturned by the judge. When reporters or political opportunists use the word ‘state’ they need to be crystal clear that the error was made by the TDOC and not any attorney or officer in the office of the Shelby County District Attorney.” Moses, 44, is still awaiting a new trial date.

who could benefit are unaware of them. And, who is going to tell the new mother lying in bed with her new bundle of joy, “Hey, by the way, I want a DNA test.” It becomes a situation of “dammed if you do or dammed if you don’t.” Under this scenario, if the DNA results show that the man is the father, the relationship with that woman is possibly forever altered, with ramifications when attempting to raise a child

together. If the results are that the man is not the father, the relationship likely is doomed. All of this can be remedied by simply requiring a DNA test on the front end to alleviate any challenges and emotional scarring for the child, the wrongfully accused father, the mother and the rightful biological father. Remember, we always hear the words, “Do what’s best for the child.” As a state, we should do just that; keep the child at the forefront and do what’s best on the front end to minimize the pain and hurt on the back end. (Rep. Antonio Parkinson – Democrat, District 98 – can be reached at rep.antonio.parkinson@capitol.tn.gov.)

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000723, Purchase of Workstation Computers and Monitors for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. 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 I000723 DUE DATE TUESDAY, APRIL 12TH, 2022 @2:30 P.M. (CST) (SB-I000723) “PURCHASE OF WORKSTATION COMPUTERS AND MONITORS FOR THE SHELBY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE” Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service. By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT LEGAL NOTICE Request for Bids MSCAA Project Number 21-1454-00 GA Fueling System Improvement Project – Construction Sealed bids for GA Fueling System Improvement Project – Construction will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (Authority), Procurement Department, 4150 Louis Carruthers Drive, Memphis, TN 38118, until 2:00 PM Local Time on 04/14/2022. Bids will not be received at any other location. Within 30 minutes thereafter, the bids will be opened and publicly read via phone/video conference at: (Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom. us/j/84486657012?pwd=dzhLby9rUE5ybkNiempUQ21MWlpSQT09 Meeting ID: 844 8665 7012 and Passcode: 247154). The Bid Documents, including a description of the scope of work, the required response format, and additional instructions may be obtained on or before March 17, 2022 online at https://flymemphis. com/rfps-rfqs/. A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at 9:00 AM local time at the DeWitt

March 17 - 23, 2022

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1509 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104 PH (901) 523-1818 HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. DEADLINES: Display ads Friday 5 p.m. Classiﬁeds ads Monday 5 p.m. STANDARD RATES: $6.00 per line for 1 column ad.

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Spain Airport conference room; 2787 N. Second St. Memphis, TN 38127. A site visit at both DeWitt Spain Airport and Charles Baker Airport will immediately follow the pre-bid meeting. Attendance during the Pre-Bid Meeting and site visit is strongly recommended, but not mandatory. All Bidders are responsible for checking the Authority’s website up to the submission deadline for any updates, addenda or additional information. The successful Bidder must sign a contract with the Authority that includes Federal Aviation Administration provisions, if applicable, regarding the Buy American Preference, Foreign Trade Restriction, Davis-Bacon, Afﬁrmative Action, Debarment and Suspension, and DrugFree Workplace, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Each bid must be made by a contractor licensed in Tennessee and be accompanied by a 5% Bid Guarantee. The successful bidder must execute a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond in the amount of 100% each of the Contract Price. There is a 0% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal for this project. The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this Request for Bids in whole or in part; to waive any informalities, technicalities, or omissions related to this Request for Bids; and to reject responses on any other basis authorized by the Authority’s purchasing policies. The Authority is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on the grounds of age, race, sex,

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color, national origin, disability, marital status, military service, or sexual orientation in its hiring and employment practices and in the admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, and activities. By order of: Scott A. Brockman, A.A.E. President and CEO Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority

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: Chris Sands Tax Parcel #: 03503700000440 Tax Sale #: 1002 Price Offered: $675.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:30 a.m. on April 18, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue

Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Ann J. Morris Tax Parcel #: 02703400000530 Tax Sale #: 1603 Price Offered: $4,500.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:00 a.m. on April 18, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400

SALES PERSON The New Tri-State Defender is looking for a few sales consultants to sell print ads, digital ads and event sponsorships for the organization. The candidate should have some sales experience. The position will offer both commission and base pay. For serious inquiries email your resume to administration@ tsdmemphis.com.

SPORTS The New Tri-State Defender, March 17 - 23, 2022, Page 10

Memphis rolls into NCAA tournament with resolve by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

FORT WORTH, Texas – Resolute. That pretty much describes the mindset of University of Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway as the Tigers turned the page to the basketball program’s long-awaited return to the coveted NCAA Tournament. “It was a pretty good run over this last couple (of) months that came to an end without our first goal and that’s to get an AAC (American Athletic Conference) championship, tournament championship,” said Hardaway after Terry the Tigers (21-10) lost Davis to Houston (71-53) in the finals of the 2022 Air Force Reserve American Athletic Conference Men’s Basketball Championship here at Dickies Arena. “But that’s over now. We have to move on to the NCAA Tournament. And we fought hard to get back there and we have to go back home, regroup and work and be ready to go out to Portland and compete.” The Tigers – assigned a No. 9 seed in the West Regional – drew an opening round matchup with eighth-seeded Boise State in Portland on Thursday (March 17) at 12:45 p.m. A victory likely would earn a shot at the region’s No. 1 team, Gonzaga, which starts the tournament against the No. 16 seed, Georgia State. Memphis’ return to the NCAA Tournament ends an absence that dates back to the 2013-14 season and a Round of 32 loss to Virginia’s Cavaliers “It feels great,” said Hardaway. “It feels bittersweet because we lost the championship game but we fought so hard to get back into the NCAA. I’m not going to let that go by without celebrating that. “And we’re still alive. Hats off to Houston for coming out and doing a phenome-

Freshman sensation Jalen Duren (center) and the Tigers earned their shot at a March Madness run with a February ﬂurry that landed them in the title game for the American Athletic Conference championship. (Photos: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender) nal job. That game is over with. Nothing we can do about it. Got to get ready to go to Portland.” Houston (29-5) captured the conference tournament for the second consecutive year, beating the Tigers after two earlier defeats this season. Ranked No. 18 by the Associated Press, the Cougars, who made it to the Final Four last season, earned a fifth-seed in the NCAA Tournament South Regional and will play UAB, the No. 12 seed, in Pittsburgh. Memphis trailed Houston throughout most of the conference title game. The Tigers committed 15 turnovers and the 53 points scored was the lowest game total this season. The top scorer was freshman center Jalen Duren with 14 points and 10 rebounds. DeAndre Williams had 10 points. Reflecting on the ups and downs of the season that saw the Tigers mired down (98, 3-4 AAC), Hardaway said, “Man, just perseverance, really. Just from never giving up. … (W)e fought hard to get back to this position. That’s what we wanted, man. We have a chance as good as anyone to go

Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway works the sideline during the AAC tournament game. into the tournament and make noise and I’m proud of that.” Senior guard Tyler Harris, a Memphis product, recalled growing up watching March Madness and his decision to come back to play for the Tigers after transferring. “I wanted to be a part of this team, make

it to the NCAA Tournament,” said Harris. “We didn’t get the seed we wanted, but it’s still a great feeling that we’re going to get the opportunity to go down and play in the NCAA Tournament.” Starting point guard Alex Lomax, another Memphis product, also talked about realizing a childhood dream of making the NCAA Tournament playing for the UofM. “We were able to make it happen,” he said, “and to be able to make it happen this year is a pretty special feeling.” Veterans Lomax and Harris heaped praise on Duren, the conference Freshman of the Year. “Jalen is a guy (who) came in with the right mentality. He wanted to win,” said Harris. “I learned a lot about him this year. “He wants to do anything it takes the win. Even if he’s having a great game and somebody else is playing good, he’ll let them rock out. Off the court, we’re very cool. And he’s a great ball player. I mean, you can’t really want to take the shine from him. You want him to get all the shine because he’s big.” Duren’s pro stock is high, which brings with it the possibility of a one-and-done leap to the NBA. On Sunday, he reveled in the Tigers’ successful run into the NCAA Tournament. “It’s amazing, it’s an exciting feeling….,” he said. “It’s bittersweet kind of coming after a loss but it’s going to be fun to go out there in the tournament. Coach’s first time in the tournament since he’s been here. I feel like they’re going to get us ready to make a huge run.” Duren, a Delaware native who played high school basketball in Philadelphia and in Florida, said the work ethic he brought with him fit into “the type of culture Memphis already had … that’s why I feel like I fit into this program perfectly because of the type of mentality I bring. “Coach Hardaway brings a non-losing mentality. He always wants to win. A-Lo (Alex Lomax), Tyler (Harris), we all just want to win and do anything to win. I feel like (that) being my mindset coming in, it was just a perfect fit.”

2016 DIVISION I MEN’S

16 Texas Southern (18-12) Mar 15

16 Texas A&M CC (23-11)

12 Wyoming (25-8)

MW 12 Indiana (20-13)

Wright St. (21-13) 16 Mar 15

Mar 16

Bryant (22-9) 16

Rutgers (18-13) 11

Mar 16

Notre Dame (22-10) 11

1 Gonzaga (26-3) 16 Georgia St. (18-10)

Arizona (31-3) 1 Mar 17

Mar 18

San Diego

Portland

8 Boise St. (27-7) 9 Memphis (21-10)

Seton Hall (21-10) 8 Mar 17

Mar 18

Mar 17 12 New Mexico St. (26-6)

Mar 18

Pittsburgh

Buffalo

Mar 17

Mar 18

WEST

6 Alabama (19-13)

SOUTH

11 Rutgers/Notre Dame

Mar 17

Indianapolis

San Diego

Mar 18

Mar 17

Mar 18

Pittsburgh

Greenville

Loyola Chicago (25-7) 10 Villanova (26-7) 2

2 Duke (28-6) Mar 18 15 CSU Fullerton (21-10)

Mar 18

Mar 17

Fort Worth

TX Southern/TX A&M CC 16 San Diego St. (23-8) 8

8 North Carolina (24-9) Mar 17 9 Marquette (19-12)

Mar 17

Buffalo

Portland

Richmond (23-12) 12 Providence (25-5) 4

4 UCLA (25-7) Mar 17

Mar 17

South Dakota St. (30-4) 13

EAST

6 Texas (21-11)

MIDWEST

LSU (22-11) 6

Mar 18

11 Virginia Tech (23-12)

Mar 18

Milwaukee

Iowa St. (20-12) 11 Wisconsin (24-7) 3

3 Purdue (27-7) Mar 18

Mar 18

Mar 17

Mar 18

Colgate (23-11) 14 USC (26-7) 7

7 Murray St. (30-2) 10 San Francisco (24-9)

Indianapolis

Greenville

Miami (23-10) 10 Auburn (27-5) 2

2 Kentucky (26-7) 15 St. Peter’s (19-11)

Creighton (22-11) 9 Iowa (26-9) 5

5 Saint Mary’s (25-7)

14 Yale (19-11)

Delaware (22-12) 15 Kansas (28-6) 1

1 Baylor (26-6)

13 Akron (24-9)

Longwood (26-6) 14 Ohio St. (19-11) 7

7 Michigan St. (22-12)

12 Wyoming/Indiana

Michigan (17-14) 11 Tennessee (26-7) 3

3 Texas Tech (25-9)

16 Norfolk St. (24-6)

Chattanooga (27-7) 13 Colorado St. (25-5) 6

Mar 18

10 Davidson (27-6)

UAB (27-7) 12 Illinois (22-9) 4

4 Arkansas (25-8)

14 Montana St. (27-7)

TCU (20-12) 9 Houston (29-5) 5

5 UConn (23-9)

13 Vermont (28-5)

Wright St./Bryant 16

Mar 17

Mar 18

Jacksonville St. (21-10) 15