The New Tri-State Defender - March 18-24, 2021

COVID-19 UPDATE

Loosening of COVID-19 mandates signal optimism

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

With the number of COVID-19 cases falling, the Shelby County Health Department, as anticipated, issued a new directive, relaxing safety guidelines lines for restaurants and easing mask wearing requirements.

Directive 19, announced Wednesday (March 17), does not totally end virus safety mandates for businesses and masking, as has happened in Texas and Mississippi.

The local directive is effective beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday (March 20.)

Shelby County Health Department Medical Officer Dr. Bruce Randolph, regarding bars and restaurants, said the new directive:

• Increases the number of people at tables from six to eight.

• Still requires people seated together be of the same family unit or close contact group.

• Encourages bartenders to wear a face shield or double mask while serving multiple groups at the bar, but are not required to do so.

• Lets operating hours for dine-in service end at 1 a.m. (Customers may stay until 1:30 to complete meal/payment arrangements).

• Removes two-hour limit for food service.

• Requires any location that serves beer or alcohol to also serve food as required by state law (and have a permit to do so).

Council says ‘No’ to Byhalia Pipeline

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

In what was hailed as an important first step toward an ordinance banning construction of the proposed Byhalia Connection Pipeline through areas of Southwest Memphis, the Memphis City Council has approved a resolution opposing the construction.

The 12-0 vote resulted from Tuesday’s regularly scheduled council session.

“My resolution merely speaks to the fact that there is a predilection for these companies for using African-American communities to put these toxic facilities through,” said Councilman Jeff Warren, who sponsored the resolution.

“There is no particular reason that they need to do that. It (the resolution) does call on us to investigate and attempt to pass whatever ordinances that are available.”

The 49-mile crude oil pipeline envisioned in the Plains All American Pipeline LP project would cut through southwest Memphis and pass over the Memphis Sands Aquifer, the main drinking water resource for Memphis and the larger area. Opponents fear leaks and other accidents could harm the vital resource.

Meanwhile, the developers have circulated an open letter to Memphis residents conveying, in

part, that partners in the venture have been listening to the residents’ concerns and working to meet expectations for 18 months.

“All the while, our commitment to treating Mem-

phians with care, respect and consideration remains firm,” the letter reads. “We take our responsibility

SEE PIPELINE ON PAGE 2

‘Intentionality’ drives Paul Young to Downtown Memphis Commission

Paul Young

Sybil

Paul Young Paul Young, City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development director, was named the next president and chief executive officer of the Downtown Memphis Commission DMC) Tuesday morning.

The commission’s board gave Young unanimous approval after a national search

for its new leader.

Young received an enthusiastic nod from Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, who called Young “an invaluable leader of our Division of Housing and Community Development.”

Wednesday was a seemingly never-ending series of news interviews, requests for comments and photos, and congratulatory phone calls.

Much has been made of Young’s new role, his impressive education and the ac-

complishments tallied in past positions in city government. But, what does Young feel he brings to the DMC that others have missed? That’s easy, Young says: “Intentionality.”

“Intentionality is the element in administration that will govern how we move forward,” said Young. “There should be an overall review of agency programs, and adjustments must be made in those programs

SEE YOUNG ON PAGE 2

SCS puts focus on 3rd grade reading skills, learning loss

by Dena Owens

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Shelby County Schools has a new plan to ensure more students enter third grade at third-grade reading level.

The plan comes as the state strengthens laws on student retention. Starting in 2022, the new law requires students to be held back in second grade if they can’t read at a third-grade level by the end of the school year.

(Third grade is a strong indicator of a child’s educational outcome. In 2018, SCS data showed 21.4 percent of third graders were reading on grade level.)

Third Grade Commitment – the SCS plan to measure reading ability in four areas – lines up with state efforts to improve student literacy and reduce retention.

SCS will assess a child’s reading level using four methods:

(1) report cards,

(2) universal screenings,

(3) diagnostic exams, and the (4) second grade end-of-year exam (TNReady for English Language Arts).

District leaders strongly uphold assessing students in four key areas, which is different from the state’s policy to only use TNReady results to evaluate students.

SCS will run universal screenings and diagnostic exams three times a year – fall, winter and spring – to help parents and students track reading progress.

With emphasis on K-2 instruction, teachers will receive training support and educational assistants will be added to classrooms to reduce student-to-teacher ratios – vital for academic success.

Antonio Burt, SCS chief academic officer

“We feel our policy allows us to have a holistic view around where kids are,” said Antonio Burt, SCS chief academic officer.

“More importantly, it makes sure parents are fully informed of where they are at a particular time of year and what they need to improve their performance. ...

“Reading preparation and instruction not only takes place at school, but has to continue to take place away from school as well.”

To keep parents engaged, SCS provides monthly virtual family forums and will schedule community meetings throughout the city starting in April or May.

SCS officials will coach parents on policies guiding student promotion and retention, and provide informa-

SEE SCS ON PAGE 2

Justin J. Pearson (left), co-founder of Memphis Community Against the Pipeline, listened intently as former Vice President Al Gore detailed his opposition to the project at Southwest Memphis rally on Sunday. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Wearing masks in keeping with local safety protocols, a crew of LeMoyne-Owen College supporters cleaned up a section of Walker Ave., which borders the campus, last Saturday. Story, more photos on Community, Page 7. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

PIPELINE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

to you very seriously and we remain dedicated to listening, gaining and maintaining your trust, and safely constructing and operating the Byhalia Connection Pipeline. Actions speak louder than words and trust is not given, it’s earned.”

The pipeline, according to the letter, “is a safe, responsible way to meet the energy needs of our country and provide a long-term benefit to Mid-South communities.”

Speaking to his resolution, Warren said there is “a lot of information out there that points to the fact that we do have an ability to be able to affect the route of this pipeline.”

Several legal sources have been consulting members of the council on options to halt the project, or even its feasibility. The list has included those representing organizations opposed to the pipeline.

“What we are proposing is an ordinance that is designed to protect that precious resource (the aquifer),” said George Nolan, attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center.

“It is designed to protect the drinking water resources of the community as well as the rights of the more unfairly treated, predominantly Black areas of town where there is already a lot of environmental burden.”

He noted aspects of the city’s charter that he said could be employed to block the pipeline. Those aspects included protecting the health of its citizens and management of flammable materials.

The state’s Safe Water Act could also be used, said Nolan, adding that the Corps of Engineers and the state had only studied the project’s impact on surface water, not groundwater.

The City of Memphis has yet to make a call on the matter. According to Mayor Jim Strickland, seven permits for the pipeline have been put on hold pending further research on the project’s impact.

“Just because you pass an

COVID-19

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

• Removes the requirement of maintaining contact tracing records.

Regarding masks, Randolph said, “People who are not able to medically tolerate a face mask are exempt from wearing one. They will not be required to show medical documentation.”

Everyone else still will be asked to take personal responsibility for wearing masks while out in public – in gyms, salons

ordinance doesn’t mean anything,” said Allen Wade, the council’s attorney. “The first time you try to stop Plains America from going forward with their project, if they don’t agree with our analysis, we are going to be in litigation.”

While no council member voted against Warren’s resolution, there was expression of the need for caution.

“I’m torn because I know we all want to do whatever is in our power to help our constituents, especially in a significant issue – environmental racism and social justice,” said Councilman Chase Carlisle.

“I really need time to reflect on this. I am happy to move this ordinance and begin the process, but I think we need to get a better understanding of this as the weeks go on ... to engage MLGW, to engage the city in what could be a multi-million dollar lawsuit.”

An amendment was added by Councilman JB Smiley Jr. introduced an amendment to the resolution calling for options to be explored in case the bid to stop the pipeline failed. It passed unanimously.

The amendment also calls for a savings plan to be created for the city of Memphis in case there is a pipeline leak and

and other establishments.

Additionally, the new masking directive recommends medical or procedure grade masks for the most effective protection. Coverings that are made of “suitable layered fabrics” are acceptable.

However, scarves, ski masks and balaclavas (extension of clothing that can be pulled up from the collar to cover the nose and mouth), according to the masking directive, are not suitable substitutes for masks. The new mandates reflect the decreasing number of new

can have around the importance of early literacy, the proper resources needed and the amount of time that needs to be devoted, I think our kids will get to the level they need to be.”

Learning loss addressed

Nationwide, COVID-19 triggered some learning loss among students who were forced to switch from in-class instruction to virtual learning in the last year.

monthly reports to the council.

“I want to be clear, this resolution states specifically (that) the Memphis City Council opposes the Byhalia pipeline,” Smiley said. “There is no reference in here that the city council has conceded that we cannot win.”

Rep. Steve Cohen has appealed to President Biden to pause the project.

“I guess we’ll find out how

virus infections and, perhaps, an increasing number of people receiving first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

As of Wednesday afternoon, officials reported the county had administered 226,456 doses of COVID-19 vaccines – 158,658 were first doses and 67,798 were second doses.

And, the county reported 97 new cases Wednesday and no new virus-related deaths. There have been 1,539 COVID-related deaths, for a local mortality rate of 1.7 percent, since the virus took hold

Summer learning camps will be held at school sites.

Students will take a pre-assessment exam and then a post-assessment test to measure performance upon entry and skill-level at camp’s end.

Teachers will differentiate individual student needs just as they do year-round.

“There won’t be a one-sizefits-all,” said Burt.

much juice our congressman has,” said Carlisle. Voting for the resolution and its amendments were Rhonda Logan, Patrice J. Robinson, Jamita Swearengen, Worth Morgan, Edmund Ford Sr., Michalyn Easter-Thomas, Martavius Jones, J. Ford Canale, Cheyenne Johnson, Carlisle, Warren and Smiley. Council Chairman Frank H. Colvett Jr. did not vote.

here in February of 2020.

The city closed vaccination sites Wednesday because of inclement weather. Officials said, however, everyone who had vaccine appointment Wednesday will be given the first priority in rescheduling.

To schedule, or to re-schedule an appointment, visit: covid19.memphistn.gov.

Local residents without Internet access, or those who may need additional assistance in scheduling online, can call 901-222-7468 (SHOT), between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

“I would like to see more black business owners occupying space in downtown Memphis.”

— Paul Young

YOUNG CONTINUED FROM FRONT

if DMC is to belong to all the residents of Memphis. I want people who look like me to come back downtown.”

Young acknowledged that the massive contracting dollars generated by new building projects have not been as accessible to contractors and individuals of color.

“We can’t ignore the fact that there are hurdles that stand in the way of small, minority contractors,” said Young. “Their bonding capability is limited. But there are more things we can do to make the process more equitable—not equal. Equal means everyone is starting out at the same baseline. Equitable means to make the process more equal for those who are starting behind everyone else.”

Young says contractors can “gain more traction through PILOTS.” PILOTS are “Payment In Lieu Of Taxes” Program, a financial incentive designed to encourage new construction and substantial rehabilitation of affordable multi-family housing through significant property tax relief.

So a “more strategic use” of the PILOT concept can be used to provide greater incentives for participation. Simply stated, established contractors could work with smaller ones so that minority contractors get a real share in the revenue being generated through DMC projects. These are not really new concepts. Young has been praised for his exceptional abilities in consensus-building and forging community partnerships for strategic planning. In his housing and community development role, Young created the Downtown Tourism Development Zone and is credited with driving the $30 million capital investment for the South City Choice Neighborhoods.

Young wants minority communities to feel that they are a part of city projects moving Memphis forward in the downtown area.

“There are certain communities that feel like downtown development is passing them by,” said Young. “But I want to see more African Americans and others who feel marginalized to work and play downtown.

Young said as the city comes back from the COVID-19 shut-down, the space in office buildings will look different, no doubt. That remains to be seen, Young says. But more job creation downtown will more than likely be the opening of more small businesses.

“I would like to see more black business owners occupying space in downtown Memphis,” Young said. “There are some, and we are so glad for that. Some office space holders are not coming back when everything opens back up. We want to see more entrepreneurs move downtown.”

Young pushed for the city to re-invest in historic treasures like Melrose High School and Collins Chapel. The affordable housing projects of South City and Tillman Cove were also directed by Young as housing and community development chief.

He was also honored for his effort to reduce homelessness and the establishment of Memphis’ Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Young is a native Memphian who earned a bachelors degree in electrical engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Two masters degrees from the University of Memphis followed: the first in City and Regional Planning, and the second in Business Administration in Real Estate and Finance.

Young takes the helm of DMC on April 1. He relinquishes leadership of housing and community development on May 1.

“For a month, I’ll be working with the administration at housing and community development to secure a replacement,” said Young. “We want to make sure that the transition is smooth and seamless as well.”

Jennifer Oswalt, the former director, left DMC at the end of December.

“There was a very impressive field of candidates,” said Penelope Houston, vice-president of Communications and Marketing for DMC. “That number was cut to five finalists, and Paul Young was the best candidate from our national search, our hometown guy. Isn’t it wonderful?”

The search was directed by Memphis-based Adams Keegan.

(Lexile is a framework used by schools to measure student reading ability. The tool calculates difficulty of text, or the student’s reading level.)

Burt stressed that – to improve reading skills – students should practice not just at school, but in everyday life.

“The more awareness we

School districts are moving to offset learning deficits in reading, math and other subjects through tools such as summer learning camps. SCS will offer four-week summer sessions for incoming first grade to eighth grade students.

From July 5 to July 30, students can attend class offerings five days per week, seven hours per day.

TNReady assessments, which will be administered in April, will be a strong indicator of student performance prior to summer camp.

The New Tri-State Defender questioned Burt about the challenge to improving learning loss.

Said Burt: “The challenge may be ‘urgency and awareness’ around extending the learning of reading in all phases of one’s life.”

(For more information, visit: http://www.scsk12.org/.)

Councilman Jeff Warren, who sponsored the resolution approved by the council, at Sunday’s rally against the pipeline. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Black woman becomes face of Missouri following NAACP warning

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Black woman has become the face of Missouri’s tourism campaign, nearly four years after the NAACP warned travelers that their civil rights may not be respected if they visit the state.

The Missouri Division of Tourism kicked off the campaign Monday, describing the woman the agency dubbed Mo as “a character and tour guide of sorts,” the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. She is featured in a promotional video hiking, watching a baseball game and riding a roller coaster. Pictures also show her posing as a Foodie Mo, Barbecue Mo, Lake Mo, History Mo and more.

“Mo embodies Missouri and everything we have to offer visitors in our state,” Stephen Foutes, director of the Division of Tourism, said in the release.

But Missouri NAACP President Nimrod Chapel said the group’s travel advisory will remain in effect until Missouri makes “meaningful progress in the systemic abuses affecting people of color.” The state group warned travelers to be careful while in the state in June 2017 because of what it described as a danger that civil rights won’t be respected. The national NAACP took up the warning a couple of months later.

“I don’t quite understand where they’re going with the campaign, and why put a Black face on it,” Chapel said.

“Missouri is a place that has been marked by violence and Jim Crow,” Chapel said. “It’s good that they’re trying to think inclusively for people they should invite to the state,” but it’s also unfortunate when the government “hasn’t done anything to address those risks in a meaningful way.”

Ashley Santana, a St. Louis-based actress, model and soprano, plays Mo. She declined to comment through the agency that represents her.

In a statement emailed to the Post-Dispatch, Foutes did not directly answer whether the casting decision was related to the NAACP advisory. He said Visit Missouri, the tourism website that features Mo, “auditioned over 200 actors and actresses with strong ties to Missouri. As Mo came to life, we wanted to reflect the downto-earth, easygoing and inviting personality of

This undated Missouri Division of Tourism ad shows Ashley Santana, a St. Louis-based actress, model and soprano playing a character named Mo for a campaign released Monday, March 15, 2021. Nearly four years after the NAACP warned travelers that their civil rights may not be respected if they visit the state, a Black woman has become the face of Missouri’s tourism campaign. (Missouri Division of Tourism via AP).

Missouri. … We’re proud to feature an African American and Missouri native in this campaign to welcome future visitors to Missouri.”

Brian Hall, chief marketing officer for Explore St. Louis, said efforts to position St. Louis and Missouri as warm and welcoming have become especially important since Michael Brown’s death in 2014 focused the nation’s attention on the region’s unresolved racial justice issues.

Though systemic change is still needed, Hall said, the casting of Santana “sends an important signal ... that our state is proud to feature an African American woman as a representative, an ambassadress, for our state.”

Nashville OKs $2.25M settlement in fatal shooting by officer

NASHVILLE (AP) – Officials in Tennessee have agreed to pay $2.25 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of a Black man who was fatally shot by a White police officer from behind during a 2018 foot chase.

The Nashville Metro Council approved the record civil settlement Tuesday without discussion in the fatal shooting of Daniel Hambrick, 25, by Officer Andrew Delke, news outlets re-

ported. In a statement on behalf of Hambrick’s family, attorneys Joy Kimbrough and Kyle Mothershead expressed disappointment with the amount, but said they appreciated the city has taken at least “modest accountability” in his death.

Delke’s defense attorney, David Raybin, said the civil settlement would have no effect on the criminal case against the officer, who remains charged with first-degree murder in the July 2018 shooting and is slated for a July trial.

The city says it and Delke, 27, aren’t admitting wrongdoing or liability with the settlement.

Delke’s attorney has said the officer acted in line with his training and Tennessee law in response to “an armed suspect who ignored repeated orders to drop his gun.” District Attorney Glenn Funk has argued Delke had other alternatives, adding that the officer could have stopped, sought cover and called for help.

Vice Mayor Jim Shulman said the settlement is a step toward closure after a painful time in the city’s history.

Battle over Floyd’s 2019 arrest

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A lawyer for the former Minneapolis police officer who pressed his knee against George Floyd’s neck wants to bring up Floyd’s history of drug use and a previous arrest in an effort to show jurors that Floyd was partly to blame for his own death.

A prosecutor says it’s irrelevant and that Derek Chauvin’s lawyer is trying to smear Floyd to excuse his client’s actions. Chauvin is charged with murder and manslaughter.

Now it’s up to Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill to decide the critical question of how much the high-profile trial will revolve around Floyd’s own actions on May 25, when the Black man was declared dead after Chauvin, who is White, pressed his knee against his neck for about nine minutes. Floyd’s death, captured on a widely seen bystander video, set off weeks of sometimes-violent protests across the country and led to a national reckoning on racial justice.

The judge previously rejected Chauvin’s attempt to tell the jury about Floyd’s May

2019 arrest – a year before his fatal encounter with Chauvin – but heard fresh arguments Tuesday from both sides. He said he would rule on the request Thursday.

Defense attorney Eric Nelson argued that new evidence makes the earlier arrest admissible: Drugs were found last December during a second search of the car Floyd was in, and were found in a January search of the squad car into which the four officers attempted to put Floyd.

He also argued the similarities between the encounters are relevant: Both times, as officers drew their guns and struggled to get Floyd out of the car, he called out for his mother, claimed he had been shot before and cried, and put what appeared to be pills in his mouth. Both searches turned up drugs in the cars. Officers noticed a white residue outside his mouth both times, although that has not been explained.

In the first arrest, several opioid pills and cocaine were found. An autopsy showed Floyd had fentanyl and methamphetamine in his system when he died.

“The similarities are incredible. The exact same behavior in two incidents, almost one year apart,” Nelson said.

Paramedics who examined Floyd in 2019 warned him that his blood pressure was dangerously high, putting him at risk for a heart attack or stroke, and took him to a hospital for examination. Nelson argued that shows Floyd knew that swallowing drugs might result in going to the hospital rather than jail.

But prosecutor Matthew Frank argued that evidence from the 2019 arrest was prejudicial. He said the defense wants it as a backdoor way of depicting Floyd as a bad person. He called it “the desperation of the defense to smear Mr. Floyd’s character, to show that what he struggled with an opiate addiction like so many Americans do, is really evidence of bad character.”

And he argued that the only relevant thing in Floyd’s death is how he was handled by Chauvin and the other officers.

“What these officers were dealing with is what they were responsible for,” Frank said. “What is relevant to this case is what they knew at the scene at this time.”

Whataboutourdaughters?

Encouraging the celebration of everyday icons through letters, unity and service

by BlackPressUSA

To celebrate Women’s History Month, Whataboutourdaughters?

– founded by a former presidential staffer Tiffiany Vaughn Jones – has launched a women’s empowerment campaign.

A campaign that honors her former boss, Vice-President Kamala Harris while also encouraging women and girls to honor a special woman in their lives through the ‘Iconic Women Changing the World for Women and Girls’ campaign.

A campaign that says being ‘Iconic’ is far less about being a superstar, actress, or model and focuses more on the importance of being a role model to other women and in your community.

The platform encourages women to pass down greatness and build a legacy for women and girls. The campaign features Mrs. Chantél D. Harris, a human rights activist and the great-great-granddaughter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Founder, Ethel Hedgeman Lyle. Mrs. Harris’s commitment to helping others started at a young age. Through her church, she served the homeless and worked with the Circle of L.O.V.E (Let’s Overcome Violence Everywhere) program that was started by her grandmother and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Muriel “Puff” Lyle- Smith.

In Mrs. Harris’ advocacy for women, she has lent her support to the national initiative Whataboutourdaughters? to help advance issues for daughters that are motherless, fatherless, homeless, forgotten, or hurting daughters. Harris lost her mother at a young age and says, “After experiencing the loss of my mother and knowing the emptiness that can come from such a loss, Whataboutourdaughters? mission to help motherless daughters is a cause that is very close to my heart.”

As a true heir to greatness, the AKA founder’s granddaughter posted a selfie wearing her Whataboutourdaughhters? ‘Heir to Greatness’ sweatshirt. The merchandise is offered through Teespring, an online fundraising platform to raise funds for the 100 percent volunteer-based organization.

Whataboutourdaughters? honors soror, Madam Vice-President Kamala Harris as an iconic woman and role model for women and girls and salutes Harris for her women’s activism and refusing to sit on the sidelines of history. Vice President Harris is featured as an Iconic Woman to celebrate in the Whataboutourdaughters? Women’s History Month collection.

The female empowerment ‘t-shirt and accessories line also celebrates unity, inclusion, and sisterhood.

Iconic ‘Woman’ is written in English, French, Spanish, Swahili, Chinese, Hebrew, and Hindu to represent women across the globe.

Throughout March, the campaign will bring visibility and awareness to unity, sisterhood, and service

In the spirit of sisterhood, Whataboutourdaughters? is encouraging women across the globe to write a love letter to the women in their lives who helped shape them into the women they are today.

while focusing on initiatives that help eradicate social and economic barriers that prevent a woman or girl from walking in greatness.

The organization will also be kicking off its annual shoe drive with shoes donated by the heir. The Alpha Kappa Alpha honorary member will be passing down new and gently worn shoes from her closet that will be donated to women and girls in need this summer.

In the spirit of sisterhood, Whataboutourdaughters? is encouraging women across the globe to write a love letter to the women in their lives who helped shape them into the women they are today. The platform hopes to inspire women to share their notes and stories online using the hashtags #letterstoanicon and #womenshistorymonth2021.

“During Women’s History Month, we salute the generations of extraordinary women, suffragists, and Black women that paved the way for women,” said Jones.

“Our mission is to continue to amplify the vital truth that when women succeed, the world succeeds. The election of Kamala Harris is indicative of how far we have come. However, our work is not done. We must rise to meet this moment and recommit ourselves to building a future of opportunity and prosperity for our daughters, our granddaughters, and all women in the community.”

AT A GLANCE

• Whataboutourdaughters? is a national community of women changemakers powered by SisterHood Inc., a 501c3 organization founded by Dr. Rev Hilda Covington in 1996.

• The initiative inspires women and girls to build a legacy of greatness while pouring back into the lives of vulnerable women in the community that are motherless, fatherless, homeless, forgotten, or hurting daughters.

• The community-driven program has provided groceries, shoes, business attire, dolls and enrichment programs to women and girls in need.

• Whataboutourdaughters? Online Shop: https://bit.ly/2P0UujK

• For more information: http:// www.whataboutyourdaughters.org; http://www.sisterhoodworldwide. org

Women’s History Month to the rescue!

by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Every year, I am always saddened to see the end of Black History Month.

In the past, I have tried to extend the celebration in my own creative ways but, because of other distractions, I eventually relent and return to normalcy like everyone else.

Well, I’m at it again. But this time something pretty special is happening.

We have it within ourselves to celebrate the history of Black America as often as we would like in our homes, schools and communities. We are not restricted by the calendar or any other false constraints.

We just need to use our creative minds and resources to make it a priority. It is not easy, but it is doable.

While we may not be able to convince the powers that be to extend the celebration of Black history well beyond February (the shortest month on the calendar), we have been blessed with an extension of sorts that is just as significant — Women’s History Month.

It is amazing how the stars can sometimes align so perfectly with our circumstances on earth.

We actually get a chance to celebrate for two consecutive months the accomplishments of African Americans during both Black History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March).

The beautiful thing about this particular alignment of the stars is that the annals of Black history are filled with the heroic accomplishments of so many outstanding Black women.

And in the interest of full disclosure, I never really paid that much attention to Women’s History Month until this year.

Shame on me!

Last month, I purchased a book from Amazon written by Dottie Chapman Reed (a dear friend and mentor) called “Outstanding Black Women of Yalobusha County.”

This book is a collection of what I call “micro biographies” of normal ordinary women doing extraordinary things to raise their children and make a difference in their community during some of our nation’s

most challenging times.

The book has 45 chapters. My plan was to read a chapter each week and extend the celebration of Black history as far into the year as the book would take me.

I realized by the end of Black History Month and the beginning of Women’s History Month what a remarkable gift I had in my possession.

Mrs. Reed’s book is an extraordinary collection of inspiring stories of Black women and how they persevered through one challenge after another.

Women whose names you might not find in traditional history books, but played significant roles in making life better for their families and their communities in extraordinary ways.

Don’t get me wrong, I am still bursting with pride over the likes of Kamala Harris, Stacey Abrams, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and so many other famous contemporary sheroes.

Add to those our historical Queens like Ruby Bridges, Marian Anderson, Mary McLeod Bethune, Shirley Chisholm and others, who made immense sacrifices, so we all could enjoy together the gifts of our democracy.

The “Outstanding Black Women of Yalobusha Count” reminds us of the courage, strength and sacrifice Black women from small towns like Water Valley, Mississippi (which is in Yalobusha County) were making as they endured life in the deep South and the systemic racism they encountered each day.

Women like Mrs. Elvira Hervey Jackson, born in Yalobusha County in 1915, the youngest of 11 children (six boys, five girls), described by those who knew her as “an educator extraordinaire.”

She inspired her students to further their education, encouraging some to become teachers themselves and leaders in the community.

She was a remarkable woman.

Mrs. Emma Spencer Gooch, was a political activist, who was considered by many to be way ahead of her time. Her life was devoted to her community and church.

She stood tall and fought hard for civil rights and equality for women. She lived to be 97 years old and left behind a legacy of well-educated and hard-working descendants.

My favorite story in the book is about Mrs. Ruby Buggs Hall, another educator, described as the “cool” teacher everyone liked.

Mrs. Hall was the sole provider for her family (her husband was disable) and taught fifth- and sixth-grade math for 37 years.

She was considered the “epitome of education” and described by her daughter as a “beast” in the classroom! Mrs. Hall taught her children and others how to be a professional woman, a dedicated wife and a mother with pride and integrity during a time when segregation was still the norm, and well before the women’s movement took hold.

These are just three of the many women recognized and celebrated in Dottie Chapman Reed’s book. They represent both the best of Black History and Women’s History combined. They were strong, determined, and focused Black women who loved family and community more than anything.

The iconic Black women we see today stand on the shoulders of the Black Women of Yalobusha County and others.

Schools have the autonomy and flexibility to integrate both Black History and Women’s History throughout their curricula and school environment in any manner, and for however long they so choose. It ultimately boils down to people’s desire and priorities.

Black America, and Black women in particular, we salute you and thank you for your sacrifices.

God bless, and stay safe everyone!

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

This group of women standing on the courthouse steps in Water Valley, Mississippi in the late 1800s include Jane Ophelia Williams Pritchard (Dec 20, 1871 – Sept 15, 1969) in the white bonnet. She’s the grandmother of Dottie Chapman Reed, who wrote “Outstanding Black Women of Yalobusha County.” Reed is on a mission that involves identifying more of the women pictured and telling their stories. (Courtesy photo)

Curtis Weathers

Dottie Chapman Reed

RELIGION

Zion Cemetery annual fundraiser goes virtual

TSD Newsroom

A historian, a pair of restoration advocates and two students already engaged in grassroots community service will be honored at the annual fundraiser for historic Zion Cemetery.

Adjusting to pandemic safety protocols, this year’s event will be a virtual affair set for 6:30 p.m. Located at 1426 South Parkway near Bellevue, Zion Cemetery dates back to 1876 and reportedly holds the remains of more than 30,000 African Americans. The cemetery was active through the 1960’s before it fell into a state of disrepair and essentially abandoned.

Each year the non-profit Zion Community Project salutes volunteers, historians and community leaders, who have helped facilitate the clean-up and restoration of the site.

This year’s honorees include Dr. Charles

Crawford, noted historian; Sylvester Lewis, long-time advocate of Zion Cemetery restoration, and Yuri Simmons & Kristen Harwell, Shelby County School students who have been committed to Zion Cemetery’s clean-up efforts.

“The progress which has been made has not only saved a historic site but has truly been a model of community synergy and cooperation,” said Dr. Tyrone Davis, chairman of the Zion Community Project Board of Directors.

“We are deeply grateful to the sponsors of our annual dinner who have continued with financial support even as we pivot to a virtual event due to the pandemic.”

View the Zion Cemetery annual celebration on Facebook and YouTube.

(For more information, including donations to Zion Cemetery restoration, call 901-3454100.)

Zion Christian Cemetery, 1426 S. Parkway E., was the setting on March 23, 2019 for the unveiling of an historic marker in memory of Memphis business partners Thomas Moss, Calvin McDowell and William Stewart, who were lynched in March 1892 several days after racist intruders descended upon their store, The People’s Grocery. The National Park Service marker was placed at the grave of Moss in keeping with the movement to document the history of lynching in the U.S. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/TSD archives)

CME Church crafts scholarship to extend music heritage

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

For years, the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church has suffered from a shortage of musicians in local churches, according to Bishop Henry Williamson, Prelate of the First Episcopal District.

“There is a great dearth of musicians who can play the hymns, anthems and spirituals, which have been such an integral part of the church’s tradition and heritage,” said Williamson.

The Solution?

The recently established Phillip Cheatham Memorial Scholarship Fund to have CME children trained in read music and to play the hymns that “have been so meaningful to the worship experience, Williamson said.

“Phillip Cheatham started playing the piano as a little boy growing up in the church,” said Williamson. “He went to Lane College, but he played for the church his whole life. Many times, Phillip played without pay because he loved the Lord, and he loved the music.”

The program’s pilot will start with 10 students, said Pastor Lutricia Gentry of Grady Chapel in Orange Mound, who Williamson assigned to facilitate the project.

“We want to see our children knowing about the hymns and how to play them,” said Gentry. “We are getting young candidates from the local CME churches to participate in the music instruction. Bishop Williamson announced that music lessons were to be given by Brenda Buford Shaw.”

Shaw has been teaching music in Memphis schools, as well as private instruction, for more than four decades.

“Over the years, I have had to play for churches that did not have a regular musician,” said Shaw. “Right now, I’m playing at Grady Chapel. I love doing the work, but it will be great to see young boys and girls being taught how to read music, not just play by ear. They will be able to play the hymns and other important music that has been a part of the church tradition.”

Williamson’s First Episcopal District is comprised of more than 80 churches in Memphis and Arkansas.

“Long after I’m gone, our boys and girls will be introduced to the hymns and anthems of our faith because thousands of dollars were giv-

en to this scholarship fund,” said Williamson. “The hymns were based on scripture, and it is important to the future of our church that our children can sing them and play them.”

The scholarship fund creates a model for Shaw’s instruction program for young CMEs that Williamson hopes other districts suffering the same musician deficits will copy.

Williamson hopes the program will inspire other “black denominations” to invest in the future of church music because, in many churches, the hymns are “all but forgotten.”

“It’s great that the church can be well-rounded in music and perform contemporary, non-traditional songs,” said Williamson. “But the hymns

Service ministry...

are the very foundation of the Christian church. The Bible requires us to sing: ‘Oh, sing praises unto the Lord.’ We must not forget. We dare not forget.”

The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, familiarly known as the CME Church, was organized Dec. 16, 1870 in Jackson, Tennessee by 41 former slave members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

Composed primarily of African Americans, the CME Church was established as a branch of Wesleyan Methodism, established in America as the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1784. However, African-American members were not treated equally. So, the CME Church was born. Initially, it was called “Colored Methodist Episcopal” Church.

Presently the church reports approximately 800,000 members in the continental United States and 14 African countries, including: Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Dominican Republic, and the Congo.

(For additional information on the music scholarship program, call (901) 292-3546.)

The need to make COVID-19 vaccines more readily accessible has the City of Memphis partnering with area influencers such as Greater Community Temple Church of God in Christ and its pastor, Bishop Brandon B. Porter. That collaboration was on display last Saturday at the church’s Winchester location, where a drive-through vaccination site was set up. Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

Jonathan and Summer Bowers from Wesley Chapel CME Church take their lessons virtually on ZOOM.

Daniel Brown, a music student from Grady Chapel CME Church in Orange Mound, gets in a session with Brenda Buford Shaw. (Courtesy photos)

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

“Rawer than Raw” – the 27th studio album by international bluesman Bobby Rush – netted Memphis’ own a second Grammy Award Sunday night.

“We are just so happy to receive this second Grammy,” said Rush. “It’s so rewarding to know that our work is still being appreciated. The entire team feels blessed.”

Rush’s award-winning 2020 release won “Best Traditional Blues Album.” On it, “great bluesmen from Mississippi” get their due. A promo for the album describes it this way: “This is Bobby Rush, stripped down –just his guitar, harmonica, singing and foot tapping.”

At 87, Rush has been in the Grammy orbit for two decades. In 2001, he was nominated for Best Contemporary Blues Album” for “Hoochie Man.” In 2014, “Down in Louisiana” earned him a “Best Blues Album” nomination.

The next year, Rush received another “Best Blues Album” nomination for “Decisions.” And in 2017, his first Grammy win came for “Best Traditional Blues Album” for “Porcupine Meat.”

Born Nov. 10, 1933 in Homer, Louisiana,

Rush was raised in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and then Chicago. Over the years he worked to produce a uniquely blended sound with elements of rap and funk wrapped up in the blues.

The first blues artist to perform in China

(2007), Rush earned the moniker, “International Dean of the Blues.” He was dubbed the Friendship Ambassador to the Great Wall of China after performing the largest concert ever staged at the historic site.

MOVIE REVIEW

‘Coming 2 America’: A sequel that forgot where it came from

by Najee El-Amin

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

“What do we have besides superhero *expletive*, remakes and sequels to old movies nobody asked for.”

“This is true about sequels. If something is good, why ruin it? Although there are exceptions.”

This is dialogue from two of the film’s most pertinent characters and in regards to exceptional sequels, has some truth to it. It’s too bad that this movie is not one of them.

Coming 2 America is a sequel to the cult classic Coming to America which was released in 1988.

Set thirty years after the events of the previous film, Coming 2 America takes its audience on another fish-out-of-water adventure. Eddie Murphy has been called back to play Prince Akeem Joffer as his character prepares to take the soon-to-bevacated throne. On his deathbed, King

Jaffe Joffer(played by a returning James Earl Jones) hastily reminds the Prince and his loyal servant Semmi (Arsenio Hall) that while Akeem has produced a trio of offspring, they’re all girls and therefore ineligible to become the next ruler.

Unbeknownst to him, Akeem has an illegitimate son in Queens that he conveniently is made aware of. Now in order to ensure he has an heir, Akeem and Semmi go back to New York to retrieve Lavelle Junson (Jermaine Fowler). Lavelle and his mom Mary (Leslie Jones) are brought back to Zamunda, much to the dismay of the royal family as well as Akeem’s wife Lisa(Shari Headley). This is where the plot begins to thicken.

For starters, it’s great to see how many of the original film’s characters are able to return to the big screen (I mean Amazon Prime). Paul Bates still serenades the kingdom and John Amos can’t stop talking

about his new meatless burger at Mcdowell’s. The band of barbers isn’t finished cracking jokes at their patrons just yet either.

Unfortunately, this is where the film takes its first hit. While some of the former cast is given more spotlight than others, for the most part, the new stars take over the action but in a less convincing fashion. Although she was one of the most prominent figures within the first film, Princess Lisa plays a very insignificant role here. Instead of being implemented in any meaningful way she is relegated to a few lines here and there.

Lisa brought a sense of relatability in Coming to America, something that this film seriously lacks.

As far as the new characters, they’re a mixed bag at best. Wesley Snipes is one of the standouts as the snarky and domineering General Izzi of the rival nation Nexdoria. Whenever he steps into the frame

he brings his bombastic energy to the film and has many humorous encounters with the Zamundans. Even his entrance is hilarious as his soldiers put on a choreographed dance show before he makes his grand appearance.

On the other hand, Jones and Fowler are solid at best with a lot of their humor falling flat. The latter especially fails to stand out from the crowd as many lines feel forced.

Tracy Morgan finds himself in the mix as Uncle Reem, delivering some much-needed comedic relief. Morgan just lets the jokes fly naturally with his not so friendly rivalry with Semmi being one of the movie’s funniest segments.

Akeem’s three daughters are given a fair amount of screen time, with the oldest, Meeka (KiKi Layne) receiving the most. From the jump, she is portrayed as one of Zamunda’s most disciplined and capable warriors. Layne is able to pull off a believable performance but her archetypal use

Rush has received 17 blues awards in his lifetime. In 2006, he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.

“We’ve still got some exciting projects coming up,” Rush said. “So we’re not finished by a long shot. I’m even working on a book.”

Tracy Sow, Rush’s publicist, said he has been on a virtual whirlwind tour of interviews since his latest Grammy prize.

“I asked him if his feet were back on the ground yet,” said Sow. “He told me, ‘No, not yet, I haven’t.’ It’s been such a thrill. He is just overwhelmed.

“This year, because of COVID-19, everything was done digitally: interviews in the green room, presentations, everything that’s usually done on the red carpet was done virtually this year. We were no less thrilled, though.”

Rush is back in the classroom teaching at the Rhodes College Mike Curd Music Institute this year. He’s teaching history, theory and the elements that comprise a successful music project.

“Full speed ahead” is Rush’s plan, Sow said.

“Mr. Rush looks great, feels great and continues to be hard at work on releasing future projects. … If he has any say about it, this year won’t be his last run at a Grammy.

“Believe me, there is more to come, lots more to come.”

simply makes her character a little bland.

And that really describes the movie in a sense. Bland.

Too often Coming 2 America doesn’t have faith that the viewer will understand the comedy on screen. Alternatively, it throws an explanation of many of the references and jokes in the faces of the audience.

For example, within 10 minutes of the film’s title sequence, it is all but revealed who the next ruler of Zamunda will be.

Fan service is around every corner which isn’t bad and provides us with some of the best moments. When the movie is able to subtly draw connections to the 1988 release are the times that are the most enjoyable.

After that, there’s not much substance.

Overall, Coming 2 America is worth a watch to see the first movie’s cast take one last bow. Although, by itself, it is not very memorable. For those who already have Amazon Prime, the film is free while everyone else will have to pay a premium to view it on their personal devices.

Currently, it is one of the most popular flicks on the platform but doesn’t be ashamed to wait for a sale. You’re not missing out on as much as you think.

Overall Score: 6/10

Arsenio Hall and Eddie Murphy in “Coming 2 America” (Photo: Amazon Studios)

The

New

COMMUNITY

The New Tri-State Defender, March 18 - 24, 2021, Page 7

Council vote anchors the spirit of Ida B. Wells

by James Coleman Special to The New Tri-State Defender

A monument to Memphis civil rights icon and anti-lynching advocate Ida B. Wells was approved by Memphis City Council members Tuesday.

The bronze statue will be located at the southeast corner of Fourth and Beale.

The $150,000 project is the result of a fundraising effort spearheaded by the Rev. Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray Jr., pastor emeritus of New Sardis

Conference: Spikes in mental health and substance abuse caseloads signal more trouble

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

An emerging crisis coming out of the global pandemic? And it will be particularly glaring in the African-American community?

That is what Thurston Smith, the convener of a recent virtual conference, emphasized about a projected mark increase in caseloads dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues.

“We are seeing spikes for individuals having both mental health and substance abuse issues,” said Smith, who serves as an administrative and program surveyor for CARF International, an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services programs.

“The effects will likely be more pronounced in the Black community since we have traditionally distrusted the healthcare system, especially with mental health.”

A recent retiree from the U.S. Veterans’ Health Administration, Smith has 25-plus years of experience in criminal and juvenile programming, mental health and children and youth services.

Smith, an adjunct professor at Union University, serves as an administrative and program surveyor for CARF International, an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services programs.

With Smith and other professionals asserting that the nation’s status regarding mental illness and addiction has worsened since the onset of COVID-19, the Biden Administration has committed to funneling nearly $2.5 billion in funding to states and territories. Smith said more funding is needed to address an existing racial disparity that likely will grow.

“There is already a huge difference in how communities of colors and the White community relates to mental health and addition,” he said. “We do not seek professional health so readily. Therefore, we remain underserved. Also, we can’t forget the fact

Thurston Smith

that many African-Americans have little or no health insurance. So, the economic disparity becomes important.

Wary of a rise in suicide and suicide attempts, Smith said, “Federal funding could make a huge difference.”

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will direct $1.65 billion in Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant funding and $825 million in Community Mental Health Services Block Grant funding to states and territories.

In a release earlier this month, Acting Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Tom Coderre said, “We know multiple stressors during the pandemic – isolation, sickness, grief, job loss, food instability and loss of routines – have devastated many Americans and presented unprecedented challenges for behavioral health providers across the nation. …

“During this time of increased urgency, we want to assure them that funding is in place to help states and territories provide pathways to prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery services, especially for underserved populations.”

Recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirm a rise in fatal overdoses during the pandemic. Help-line operators in various parts of the country have reported a dramatic rise of growing anxiety, depression and trauma.

The larger backdrop is that the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated economic crisis have been especially devastating for Black and Latino communities, who are experiencing a disproportionate number of COVID-19 infections and deaths, as well as higher-than-average unemployment rates.

Baptist Church, along with local history advocates working as the Memphis Memorial Committee.

Names of the donors will be engraved on the installation site. The site is also slated to hold a projection pool and bench seating.

The salute to Wells will stand close to First Baptist Church, where she once published a newspaper from the basement.

Wells was the co-owner of two Memphis-based publications: The Memphis Free Speech and Headlight

“Her history with Memphis has to be recognized. She was run out of

town and we want to bring her back,” said Gray. Born into slavery, Wells was three years old when the civil war ended. At 16, she lost both her parents during a yellow fever epidemic. To hold her family together, the student at Rust college took a job as a teacher. Standing 5-feet tall, she wore dresses down to her ankles to appear older.

Later, she moved to Memphis where teachers were better compensated. She taught at Shelby County and Woodstock schools. She continued her education at Fisk College in Nashville and LeMoyne-Owen.

Her efforts against lynching eventually led her to flee Memphis for Chicago, where she continued to lead anti-lynching efforts. She also promoted African Americans leaving the South – and its Jim Crow laws – for northern states.

Larry and Andrea Lugar of the Lugar Foundry in Eads were commissioned with the weighty task of generating Wells’ image for the statue. Gray previously had worked with the Lugars to erect a life-size statue of Bishop Isaac Lane on the Lane College campus (in Jackson, Tennessee).

Clean-up shows LeMoyne-Owen College’s love for its community

TSD Newsroom

Now guiding an HBCU with roots nearly 160 years deep, LeMoyne-Owen College new President Dr. Vernell Bennell-Fairs took her resolve into the streets of South Memphis on Friday.

The rallying point was “Reimagining Walker,” the focus of what was billed as the college’s first Loving Our Community (LOC) Day. Anchored at 807 Walker Ave., LeMoyne-Owen College (LOC) has long been a staple in ZIP code 38126 and the South Memphis community.

Supported by volunteers, Bennell-Fairs and a

LOC crew focused on cleaning up Walker Ave. between Mississippi Blvd. and Neptune Street.

“South Memphis is our home,” said Bennett-Fairs, as plans were being honed for the clean-up.

“We have committed to providing additional opportunities for our college community and supporters to give back to not only LOC, but to our immediate neighborhood that has given so much to us. This will be the first of many projects where we embrace and support our community.”

LeMoyne-Owen College has been located at its Walker Ave home for more than 100 years.

Ida B. Wells-Barnett in a photograph by Mary Garrity from c. 1893.

The clean-up along Walker Ave. is the “first of many projects where we embrace and support our community,” said Dr. Vernell Bennell-Fairs, LOC’s new president.

LeMoyne-Owen College new President Dr. Vernell Bennell-Fairs (right) had ample support for cleaning up a stretch of Walker Ave. near the 159-year-old college. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

by Najee El-Amin

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Holly Springs, Mississippi – Rust College will soon open its gates to prospective students and parents with their upcoming #RUSHTORUST Preview Days.

There will be four opportunities for high school and transfer students to see the 126-acre campus starting on March 26.

Visitors will be given tours of the residential halls, academic buildings and athletic facilities, as well as having the chance to interact with students to gain a better understanding of what the school has to offer.

Faculty, staff and coaches also will be present to answer any questions visitor’s questions.

Preview Days will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m. Guests not only will be treated to performances by the school’s Greek Lettered Organizations, but also the college’s world-renowned Acapella choir.

Rust College, founded in 1866, is the oldest HBCU in Mississippi. The liberal arts institution serves as the cornerstone

of Holly Springs and offers quality programs in business, education, humanities, science and math, and social science, preparing students for leadership and service in the global society.

The school also has a variety of extracurricular organizations and more than a half dozen athletic programs.

Other #RUSHTORUST Preview Days dates are from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 10 and April 28, and May 7, beginning at

10 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m.

Rust College takes the health and safety of its guests seriously and as a precaution, masks are required at all times. Space is limited for preview days and registration will be required. To register Days or for more information visit www.rustcollege.edu or call the contact the Admissions Office at (662) 252-8000, ext. 4058; or click here: https:// bit.ly/3v7B5hG

NOTICE TO BIDDER(S)

Shelby County Government has issued Seal Bid I000656 for Digital Straight Arm X-Ray System for the Shelby County Health Department. 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 Office” then “Formal Bid Listing” to locate the name of the above-described Sealed Bid.

DUE THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021 AT 2:30 PM (CDT)

SEALED BID SB-I000656 Digital Straight Arm

Dr. Ivy Taylor, who became Rust College president last June, is ready to welcome prospective students and parents to campus for #RUSHTORUST Preview Days. (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/TSD Archives)

SPORTS

Tigers turn focus to NIT, Dayton

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

For a NCAA Division I basketball program with the history and aspirations of the Memphis Tigers, the National Invitational Tournament often is associated with the word “bittersweet.”

“It is bittersweet,” said Memphis head coach Hardaway, ahead of the Tigers first-round NIT matchup against the Dayton Flyers in UNT Coliseum in Denton, Texas on Saturday (May 20).

“Everyone wants to make the NCAA tournament, but much appreciation to the NIT for not only choosing us and making us a number one seed. We are playing against a well-coached Dayton team coached by (Anthony) Grant. He is the previous national coach of the year.”

The Memphis regular season ended with a loss at the University of Houston March 13. The end of Memphis’ hopes and dreams of making the NCAA tournament came at the hands of the Cougars in the semi-finals round for the second consecutive tournament.

This is the second time in three years that the Tigers are going to the NIT under Hardaway. Memphis won it first-

round game against the University of San Diego and lost in the second round at Creighton.

This year, the NIT will consist of only 16 teams instead of the normal 32. All of the games will be played in the

Tigers must nail coaching hire if women’s team is to improve

by Liaudwin Seaberry Jr.

“I think that we have the talent to be really good next year,” said Davis, reflecting on the season after the Tigers (4-15), 2-11) lost by double digits (78-67) to the Cincinnati Bearcats (8-16, 6-12).

“But I think who will be coaching us will play a huge part in how far we go.”

For Davis and her teammates, a losing season weighted by the coronavirus pandemic also came with another rattling element – the in-season

retirement (Feb. 13) of longtime head coach Melissa McFerrin after a 7150 drubbing by Houston. Factor in a seven-game losing streak, including six by double digits, and one might wonder about the likelihood of the light Davis sees ahead. Her guarded confidence largely is rooted in the fact that the Tigers will return nearly all of their talent from the season that just ended.

Forward Dulcy Mendjiadeu (MEND-JEE-A-DEW) averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds, leading Memphis in both categories for the second consecutive season while earning second-team AAC honors.

Mendjiadeu and fellow senior teammates Davis and Keke Hunter gained the right to return for a final season after the NCAA granted student-athletes an extra year of eligibility because of the pandemic.

Add to the returning mix sharpshooter Madison Griggs and point guard Aerial Wilson, who ranked No. 2 in the AAC in assists per game. Both are returning for their junior seasons. Guard Jamirah Shutes, who produced an outstanding freshman season in 2018, succumbed to injuries her last two seasons and will be looking to get all she can out of her final season of collegiate basketball.

When the UofM gets around to naming the new coach, the inherited roster also will include underclassmen committed to applying their talents and skills toward helping the Tigers break a string of five straight losing seasons. Callie Wright and En’Dya Buford possess largely untapped potential headed into their sophomore seasons.

Freshman guard Coriah Beck, averaged eight points a game in her

Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The Flyers feature senior guard Jalen Crutcher from Memphis’ Ridgeway High School. Dayton leads the series with Memphis (12-7). The teams last played in 1995.

Hardaway had the opportunity to train Crutcher while he was in Memphis.

“He is very crafty and very smooth. As he has gotten older, he has gotten stronger,” Hardaway said. “He has been a problem for that conference since he has gotten to Dayton. He and I share the same birthday. He never lets me forget it. He’ll either DM (direct message) me or text to say happy birthday.”

The two teams were scheduled to play in the season-opening tournament in South Dakota. However, regulations about quarantining forced the Flyers to cancel a trip to the tournament.

Hardaway was asked to assess where the Memphis program is at the end of year three of his tenure.

“It has been really unlucky to what has happened. We really haven’t had any footing, but as far as where we are going as an identity, we understand who we are, and we are defending.

“I give us an A. Last year number one in the country and this year number one in the country.”

NOTES:

The Memphis-Dayton game can be seen on ESPN. If the Tigers advance, they will play the winner of the Boise State-Southern Methodist University on March 25.

last nine games. She looked back and then ahead after the regular season’s final home game, a defeat at the hands of Tulane.

“It’s been a tough season for us, but one of the things our new coach will have to understand next season is that we are a group of fighters, and we will play hard regardless,” Beck said.

Incoming freshman guard Makaiya Brooks will bring the promise

of a scorer. She averaged 24 points a game during her senior season at Central High School in Springfield, Missouri. Fellow rising freshmen Laurren Randolph, Aliyah Green and Hannah Riddick possess length and the ability to add depth to the roster. Still, the coach who leads the team next season – and beyond – ultimately will determine how it measures up relative to potential.

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Forward Alana Davis, the second leading scorer for the University of Memphis women’s basketball Tigers, kept it real after the team’s first round exit from the American Athletic Conference Tournament.

Former Ridgeway High School standout Jalen Crutcher of the Dayton Flyers in a game at the University of Richmond. (Courtesy photo)

The Tigers huddle up to make an end-of-the-game run against Houston in the AAC semi-finals. (Photo: Terry Davis)

University of Memphis forward Alana Davis goes strong to the hoop. The senior gained another year of eligibility because of a NCAA rule change that accounts for the effects of the pandemic. She will back for another season and the possibility of success under a new coach’s direction. (Photo: gotigersgo.com)

Terry Davis

Dear Memphis residents,

We’ve heard you. We can’t just tell you we’re different

— we need to show you we are.

Actions speak louder than words and trust is not given, it’s earned. Byhalia Pipeline LLC, a joint venture between Plains All American and Valero, believes in treating people with respect and fairness and doing the right thing. Our project — the Byhalia Connection Pipeline, a 49-mile crude oil pipeline that will connect two existing pipelines — is a safe, responsible way to meet the energy needs of our country and provide a long-term benefit to Mid-South communities.

Even though Memphis has more than 10 oil and gas pipelines, we understand that they aren’t built every day, and that this project might raise questions. So, for the past 18 months, we’ve listened. Through numerous open houses, community meetings, our Community Advisory Panel and discussions with hundreds of residents and local leaders in Memphis, we’ve worked to establish open, honest and ongoing dialogue. Thank you for laying out your questions and expectations, and for sharing your values, beliefs and experiences. We are committed to showing you that we stand behind our promise to operate our business safely for you, the greater Memphis community and the environment.

This is who we are.

As a company, we believe that everyone benefits from access to responsibly produced and affordable energy that allows us to fuel our cars, heat our homes and produce the goods and materials we use every day, such as medical supplies, pharmaceuticals and electronics. Access to affordable energy improves life expectancy, education and economic opportunity.

Protecting you & where you live.

We’ve spent more than 10,000 hours to understand the unique environmental conditions along our pipeline route so we could design, build and operate safely here.

• The pipeline runs through South Memphis to connect to the Valero Refinery. We chose a route across mostly vacant property to limit impacts to this community.

• The route in Shelby County accounts for seven miles of the total project route. Nearly 86 percent of the project route, or 42 miles of pipeline, crosses portions of DeSoto and Marshall Counties in Mississippi.

This route was chosen after carefully reviewing population density, environmental features, local gathering spots and historic cultural sites. It purposefully avoids Nonconnah Creek, T.O. Fuller State Park, area flood control structures and a coal ash remediation site.

The majority of the pipeline will be 3-4 feet below the surface but safely away from the aquifer, which is far deeper than our pipeline.

• Pipelines like this do not cause cancer or elevated health risks.

• We use high-quality, US-made steel pipe that meets or exceeds industry and regulatory standards

• Highly trained pipeline controllers use advanced technology to carefully monitor our pipelines — 24/7/365 — and complete regular aerial and ground safety inspections along the route.

• Many residents and businesses in the area believe in our dedication to safety and the long-term benefits of the project, as

we’ve acquired agreements to construct and operate our pipeline with 96 percent of landowners along the project footprint.

• We’ve secured the environmental permits from federal, state and local agencies needed to begin construction.

Plains All American has been safely operating a crude oil pipeline in Memphis for years and we expect Byhalia Connection to be no different. Most homes or businesses here are located within five miles of one of the more than 10 existing oil or natural gas pipelines. This is true regardless of which Memphis neighborhood you call home.

Bringing Benefits to the Community.

A pipeline is a major investment in the community and we want to share a few of the positive benefits you can expect:

You’ve told us that communities along our route need investment. We’ve responded by investing more than $1 million in 2020 to address community needs and support the people who live in proximity to our pipeline. So far, that equates to:

» 3,000+ Shelby County Schools students and 200+ teachers received supplies and financial support

» 170 laptops and 55 hotspots for remote learning

» Over 225,000 meals provided and another 4,200 families supported through area food pantries and food banks

» Over $275,000 invested in COVID-19 relief, including childcare for healthcare workers, masks and co-pay support

» A new roof for a non-profit that supports Memphis school children

• We plan to provide even more community investment in 2021. Our priority is to support organizations and causes with the highest need, regardless of whether our partners support our project. We give and get involved because we believe in being a good neighbor. We’re grateful to make a difference wherever we can.

• We’ll bring an economic infusion of more than $14 million to the Mid-South area during construction and will pay property taxes every year the line is in service — including an estimated $500,000 annually in Shelby County alone

• Projects like this can reduce train and truck traffic. According to the Department of Transportation, it would require a constant line of 750 tanker trucks per day, loading up and moving out every two minutes, 24-hours a day, seven days a week, to move the volume of even a modest pipeline like ours. The railroad equivalent of this single pipeline would be 225 28,000-gallon tank cars, or more than 2 trains per day, every day.

• This project strengthens the long-term viability of the Valero Memphis refinery and its more than 500 employees and contractors, making the refinery more competitive as it produces transportation fuels and other products essential to life.

• It’s also a $150+ million investment in American infrastructure — buying U.S.-made pumps, pipe material and valves, and employing local companies to support construction.

While we may sometimes disagree, we’ll continue to work with you to understand your concerns and strive to meet your expectations. All the while, our commitment to treating Memphians with care, respect and consideration remains firm. We take our responsibility to you very seriously and we remain dedicated to listening, gaining and maintaining your trust, and safely constructing and operating the Byhalia Connection Pipeline.

Regards,

Roy Lamoreaux Vice President

Plains All American