The New Tri-State Defender - April 8-14, 2021

Young Dolph believes...

SCS shortens summer break; Aug. 9 start for 2021-22 year

by Laura Faith Kebede Chalkbeat

The 2021-22 school year will begin Aug. 9 and end before Memorial Day in a calendar that Shelby County Schools board members approved Tuesday.

The start date ensures that the first semester ends before winter break, but also shortens the upcoming summer break.

The Memphis district’s current school year is ending two weeks later than normal. Afterward, many students and up to half the district’s teachers will enter a four-week summer learning program to combat learning loss from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shelby County Schools officials expect the summer learning program, which state law requires districts to offer, to serve as many as a third of its students. Some board members worried about student and teacher burnout, but Superintendent Joris Ray said during a previous meeting that ending next school year by Memorial Day was more important to survey respondents than a longer summer break this year.

The Aug. 9 start date was the more popular option among parents and teachers in a district survey last month.

Grizzlies unveil career lab at BTW

by Terry Davis Special to The New Tri-State Defender

In the time of the current pandemic, it could have been easy for the Memphis Grizzlies and Pepsi to delay doing any community outreach. That is not the case the Memphis Grizzlies in partnership with the Close the Gap Foundation, HBCU Awareness Foundation, and the Memphis Grizzlies Foundation.

In a dedication ceremony at Booker. T. Washington High School, the details of the partnership were revealed. Initially there will be six college students that will serve as interns from the University of Memphis, Lemoyne Owen College and Rust college that will meet weekly at BTW.

They will mentor 15 students for 15 weeks for the program in the newly renovated career center at

BTW. Through the Pepsi Stronger Together initiative, the University of Memphis and Booker T. Washington High School have recently joined the PepsiCo roster of schools as pouring partners.

The interns will assist the students in navigating the choices of what careers that may peek their interests, what colleges may assist them better in pursuit of a successful career.

Derek Lewis, President, South Division of PepsiCo Beverages North America said, “It takes a village. When we conceived “Pepsi Stronger Together” we envisioned this as a vehicle to strengthen communities across the country. Working with grassroots efforts and our partners to strengthen them one at a time.”

On why this program Lewis said, “After COVID-19 we saw the world unfold and saw more

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The Memphis City Council approved (12-0) a resolution awarding a contract to energy consultant GDS Associates, Inc. during its Tuesday (April 6) meeting. The vote sets the table for an early 2022 decision by Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) commissioners on whether to continue MLGW’s long-standing relationship with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

With the $520,000 contract, the Georgia-based firm will take over the bidding process for the city’s energy supply and infrastructure projects, including local power generation. It includes provisions to give council members insight into the bidding process. They also will be briefed on bids before recommendations are given.

The measure was approved by the MLGW Board of Commissioners during a March 31 special meeting. A similar proposed contract with

GDS failed to gain council support in October. Doubts persisted among the body about whether the firm could be neutral in the RFP (request for proposal) process. A “request for proposal” is a set of recommendations concerning rates, prices and dependability.

Voting in favor were Chairman Frank Colvett Jr., Rhonda Logan, Patrice J. Robinson, Jamita Swearengen, Worth Morgan, Edmund Ford Sr., Michalyn Easter-Thomas, JB Smiley Jr., Martavius Jones, Chase Carlisle, J. Ford Canale and Jeff Warren.

Councilmember Cheyenne Johnson abstained from the executive session vote. During the MLGW committee meeting she asked that the item be pulled, pointing out that she had requested that it be pulled the previous day. The resolution replaced one Johnson had introduced earlier. Johnson advocates local power generation to leverage against mar-

of vaccinating 650,000 residents in Shelby County,” said Dr. Bruce Randolph, medical officer at Shelby County Health Department. “Nearly 249,000 have had at least one shot. Now, more persons have been fully vaccinated with both shots than with only one. Yes, I would say Shelby County is doing very well.”

Randolph was part of a team that went before a Shelby County Commission committee Wednesday morning to update commissioners on how the county is doing. Randolph said new cases on Monday totaled 53, Tuesday’s number was 55 and Wednesday’s number was 59. One death on Tuesday brought the total number of COVID-19 deaths to 1,575.

“We’re hoping this trend in lower new case numbers will continue,” said Randolph. “We appreciate everyone doing their part to fight new infections and take the vaccine.”

It’s important for everyone to continue to wear masks in public, practice social distancing and frequently wash hands, according to Randolph.

“Getting the vaccine guards against serious illness in the event of a COVID-19 infection,” said Randolph. “You want to wear a mask because you don’t know everyone’s status around you. They may not be vaccinated yet, and you could actually contract the virus and not get sick. Anyone not vaccinated doesn’t have that same protection.”

All adults are eligible for the vaccine, as well as teenagers 16 and older. Persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in order to be vaccinated.

The parent or guardian will be required to show ID and complete a consent form on-site for their child to be vaccinated.

If there is one group of individuals officials particularly are concerned about, it is young adults between the ages of 18-34.

“We need young people to step up to the plate and be vaccinated,” said Randolph. “The benefits of being vaccinated far outweigh the risks of experiencing any side effects. I’ve

Memphis rapper Young Dolph (left) added his star presence to an Easter weekend celebration for neighborhood children in Castalia Heights at St. James Baptist Church, 1930 Hearst Ave., last Saturday (April 3). He lined up with Pastor Rodney Herron and rapper Yo with PRE. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

SCS Supt. Dr. Joris M. Ray (left) and Jason Wexler, president of the Memphis Grizzlies, pitch a partnership strengthened by the common belief that the participants are stronger together. (Photo: Terry Davis)

Dr. Bruce Randolph

MLGW CONTINUED FROM FRONT

ket rates from a consortium or deregulated outfit.

“I object. I can’t see how my resolution included Memphis Light, Gas and Water in any shape, form or fashion,” said Johnson. “I object to that item being added without proper notification being given to the general public.”

The item had been posted on the agenda since March 31, beating the April 1 deadline for posting items. Johnson maintained she couldn’t find it on the document. Council staff presented a PowerPoint document with arrows pointed to the item on the agenda.

“I am sure the public is confused. Again, I ask that the item be removed due to that fact that it was not properly given notification,” said Johnson.

She then said the two items – hers and the utility’s – were blended.

“They are not blended,” Robinson responded, ?according to what we are looking at ...”

Councilman Carlisle objected, referencing a March 31 meeting where the utility approved a contract to GDS.

“That special meeting was called at the direct request of this body at our last council meeting as we were having a conversation about whether council should take the lead or we hold our legislative request and allow the board of commissioners to meet and send back what they would like to do,” said Carlisle.

He was joined by Morgan, who recalled the meeting as well as proper public notification of it.

“A number of councillors were in attendance. All the notification was given,” Morgan said. “If Councilwoman Johnson doesn’t want to be affiliated with the resolution anymore, I feel like just have her removed as a sponsor.”

The objection fell short on a 2-7 vote. Only Johnson and Swearengen were on board. Colvett, Robinson, Jones, Warren, Canale, Morgan and Carlisle voted against pulling the item; Ford, Logan, Smiley and Easter-Thomas abstained.

COVID-19

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

been telling everyone how wonderful it was to embrace my mother after a year. I was able to do that because I have been vaccinated, and she has been vaccinated. The risk of any side effects with the vaccine was worth it for me.”

Randolph said the chance of having any severe or lasting side effects from a vaccine are slim. There may be some soreness

GRIZZ

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

occur across society. We felt we had to lean in more. Take on more challenging things other than covid. Pepsi Stronger Together became a more powerful platform. It is a program you can tailor community by community.”

Jason Wexler, President of Memphis Grizzlies said, “It is an honor to be here at BTW to open the career lab. Stronger Together is so in tuned with our commitment to the Memphis community and our focus in the areas of youth education, practicing mentorships and develop.”

On working with Pepsi Wexler said, “One great thing about this is finding partners that really want to do the work with you and Pepsi really wanted to do that. Students from the University of Memphis, Rust and Lemoyne Owen are going to come here and mentor the students from BTW. Those students will have internships with Pepsi. You get people from high school to college and on to their careers. That is what we are really trying to create that continual for this community.”

Tara Harris, Principal of Booker T. Washington High

where the shot was given and a mild headache. Slight body aches that only last for 24-48 hours are possible, said Randolph.

The City of Memphis is now operating public COVID-19 vaccination sites Mondays through Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. In Shelby County, more than 100 locations have been authorized to administer vaccines. Appointments must be made for the vaccine. Individuals should not arrive more than an hour before the scheduled appointment time. Those who do not have

School on what this means to BTW said, “it gives my students a level playing field. So often so many students have access and exposure to things like this and opportunities associated with this space. The students can see that this is possible. If it starts with a small number of students. I can see this snowballing to all our students.”

Dr. Joris M. Ray - Superintendent, Shelby County Schools said, “In order to overcome the obstacles that Covid-19 created for our family. I knew early on that it would take the entire community to become change champions. It has been amazing seeing businesses joining together to uplift the children of Shelby County.”

Internet access may call: (901) 222-SHOT (7468).

The Memphis Fire Department Healthcare Navigator Program is administering homebound vaccinations for qualified individuals in Shelby County. This includes qualifying caregivers for homebound individuals as well.

Also, the new federally-run vaccination site at the Pipkin Building is now open, which officials said will increase the efficiency and number of people receiving vaccines.

One of the reasons that BTW was selected the first site. It was chosen because of its proximity to the Memphis Grizzlies. The program was conceived before the pandemic and had to adapt because of the pandemic. Next year there will be more mentees, mentors and internships.

River City Capital to aid small businesses with $1.6 million in COVID-19 Care grants

by Brianna Smith-Herman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

River City Capital Investment Corp., in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis and Cummins Inc., has begun taking applications for $1.6 million in COVID-19 Care grants targeted for Blackowned small businesses and those in low-income neighborhoods.

Companies with annual revenue of less than $1 million are eligible for $20,000 grants.

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, causing illness, death and widespread economic devastation.

Social-distancing restrictions and health- and economic-driven demands shifts from COVID-19 affected many small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures.

“Nationally, more than 40 percent of all Black businesses have closed due to the economic impact of the pandemic,” said Babacar Thiaw, River City Capital Investment’s Lending Executive in Residence.

River City Capital also will offer assistance to potential recipients, making sure they fill out the applications completely and have

“Nationally, more than 40 percent of all Black businesses have closed due to the economic impact of the pandemic.”

—Babacar Thiaw,

the necessary paperwork.

“After an extraordinarily tough year, this effort targets Black-owned businesses in neighborhoods that have been hit hardest. River City Capital is committed to providing financial services to those who have been underserved,” said Thiaw.

“This effort is great, not only for us as an organization, but also for the city of Memphis. We go beyond traditional granting and this is an opportunity for us to help Black-owned small businesses that have suffered from the Coronavirus.”

River City Capital’s mission “is to increase economic development in underserved neighborhoods by attracting and leveraging investment capital for community revitalization.”

The grants will be distributed on a rolling basis as applications come in. For more information, visit rivercitycapital.org

Tara Harris, principal of Booker T. Washington High School, said the new career lab gives her students a “level playing field” and could have a snowball effect.

(Photos: Terry Davis)

Derek Lewis, president of the South Division of PepsiCo Beverages North America, said the Pepsi Stronger Together campaign is vehicle that can be tailored to help communities one at time.

Target to spend more than $2B at Blackowned businesses

of George Floyd last summer that led to protests nationwide against policy brutality and racial inequity.

The trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin, charged in Floyd’s death, continued Wednesday in Minneapolis.

That’s

The

The

Target and other corporations have been expanding ties with Black-owned suppliers, rethinking marketing and embracing other initiatives in the aftermath of the death

More than 20 companies, including Sephora, Gap and Macy’s, have signed on to a nationwide campaign called 15 Percent Pledge, which aims to have companies commit to at least 15 percent of their products on their shelves to Black-owned businesses – in line with the U.S. Black population. Target’s commitment is unaffi liated with that campaign.

Aurora James, founder and creative director of Brother Vellies, started 15 Percent Pledge as a nonprofit advocacy group last year. She said in an interview with The Associated Press this week that the biggest problem for Blackopened businesses is lack of access. James says her group is building a data base of Black-owned businesses that helps retailers and brands connect with Black entrepreneurs.

Kendra Bracken-Ferguson

is a Black digital marketing and brand development specialist in beauty and wellness. She has experience fi rst-hand pitching Blackowned brands to Target and other stores. She believes the spending commitment at Target will make a difference.

“Ultimately, Target is creating the pipeline that will fundamentally change how retailers must handle new brands coming into their stores, “ Bracken-Ferguson said.

Target said it has actively pursued more connections with minority-owned businesses, but is always seeking to improve operations.

“We have a rich history of working with diverse businesses, but there’s more we can do to spark change across the retail industry, support the Black community and ensure Black guests feel welcomed and represented when they shop at Target,” said Christina Hennington, executive vice president and chief growth officer in a prepared statement.

(Follow Anne D’Innocenzio: http://twitter.com/ADInnocenzio.)

In This

Place, There Is Cooperation

Part II

by Anasa Troutman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

This spring at Historic Clayborn Temple our In This Place initiative is blooming.

In the spirit of cooperation, Historic Clayborn Temple engages in collective visioning of the future we are working towards.

Anasa Troutman

Simply put, the future we want is bountiful, safe, free, joyful and abundant. We want this for everyone. Not some of us — all of us.

Our culture is entrenched in the ideologies of individualism and exceptionalism.

Individualism upholds the goals and rights of the individual without concern for others.

Exceptionalism upholds that some individuals, and even our country, are superior to others. If we continue to uphold that some individuals are superior and that their goals and rights are superior to those of others, too many of us are excluded from the bounty of this life. Human nature is not to exclude, it is to work together for the good of each and every one of us.

Our culture does not align with the truth of who we are as human beings.

What is our true nature? It is cooperation. The first humans knew that cooperation led to safety and allowed us to survive and flourish, individually and together. Their cooperation allowed us to survive and build communities large and small.

This moment in history has illuminated both the destructive power of individualism and the healing power of cooperation.

Millions around the world have died from COVID-19 as it spread like wildfire. Millions more lost loved ones, livelihoods and connection with each other.

And now, millions are being protected from COVID-19 by vaccines that were developed by cooperation among the greatest minds in the world working tirelessly for our collective wellbeing.

We have seen the pain and suffering caused by divisions among us as we separate ourselves into groups based on race, gender, class, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and the man-made borders we were born inside of.

We have seen the collective outcry and cooperation to end the pain and suffering of these divisions.

We have seen human cooperation at a scale never before seen. We’ve taken to the streets around the world, calling for our wounds to be tended.

We’ve taken up new ways to tend our own and each other’s wounds, to

AT A GLANCE:

In This Place There Is... –A three-part series intended to educate and frame our interconnectedness as Memphians and humans and inform the public on the work being done at Historic Clayborn Temple.

Part I: In This Place, There Is Wellness – Why cultural wellness is the cornerstone of the vision and foundation from which Historic Clayborn Temple works to restore the city.

Part II: In This Place, There Is Cooperation – Cooperatives as a business model. Past examples, the resiliency of present-day co-ops and the future.

Part III: In This Place, There is Restoration – Restorative Economics as a model to build a society that works for all of us.

seek healing together for our collective good.

This is a slingshot moment. Will we allow the power of this moment to propel us towards destruction or healing?

We have a choice to make. Cooperate to survive and thrive or continue our selfish trajectory towards destruction.

At Historic Clayborn Temple we have chosen cooperation; as both our legacy, our present and our future.

We look to the past to discover how those, who have been excluded, found ways to thrive and survive and found examples of cooperation. One that aligns with the cooperative effort to organize for worker’s rights that happened in this place was the Freedom Quilting Bee in Alabama that a group of Black women sharecroppers formed in 1966. Their cooperative sold quilts and together they purchased 23 acres of land and built a sewing factory, as well as providing refuge for evicted sharecroppers.

We look to the present to discover how those lessons inform and uplift communities now, especially Black communities that have little access to societal resources.

We found that there are more than 600 worker co-ops in the U.S. and that they have fared better during the pandemic than many traditional business models.

We look to transform the future of the Historic Clayborn Temple and other disinvested Memphis neighborhoods by launching the Community Leadership Council.

This community led council will learn about and engage in creating worker co-ops based on the principles of restorative economics, an economic model that turns from one of extracting labor and resources from communities without including them in the bounty of the economic gains, to one that is led by and for the community itself.

We learn, share, laugh, play and build together. Yes, In This Place There Is Cooperation. If you would like to learn more about In This Place, nominate someone, or apply to participate in the Community Leadership Council please visit https://clayborn.org/inthisplace

(Anasa Troutman is executive director of Historic Clayborn Temple.)

Nation of Islam: Capitol attacker not a member; Condemns violence

by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

The Nation of Islam has clarified and contradicted mainstream media reports that erroneously identified the individual who recently attacked the U.S. Capitol as one of its members.

In a statement to the National Newspaper Publishers Association, the trade association of the 230-member Black Press of America, officials at the Nation of Islam said Noah Green, who killed a police officer in the attack and died from injuries sustained during his action, was not a member of the Nation of Islam.

The organization also denounced the violent attack, noting that its members and leaders are appalled by violence that occurred at the U.S. Capitol last week.

Here is the full statement from the Nation of Islam:

Brothers and Sisters of the Black Community, members of the press, and the American People: We have prepared this statement to answer some of the many inquiries that we have had over the last few days about Mr. Noah Green. Naturally, we, like most of you, were disturbed watching the news of an assault on the U.S. Capitol where one police officer was killed, one was injured, and Mr. Green was killed.

We speak on behalf of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, the members of his family, all of the registered Muslim members of the Nation of Islam, and all people of good will everywhere, in that, we are in sympathy with the victims of this tragedy. And we are in sympathy with the families of these victims. And we, like you, can only offer them condolences and our deepest sympathy for their loss.

Our prayers are for the full recovery of the officer who was injured.

The Nation of Islam has no history of violence against the government. Federal, state, and local law enforcement are all well aware of our history.

We have held four national marches, including the Historic 1995 Million Man March, which we know to be one of the largest gatherings in the history of the United States of America and the most peaceful on the U.S. Capitol grounds.

We had a good working relationship with the U.S. Capitol police during each of these historic events.

It is being reported that Noah Green was a “follower” of the Nation of Islam. This young man, Noah Green, we believe may have attended our Saviours’ Day convention in Detroit, MI in February 2020.

In March of 2020, due to the COVID 19 pandemic, we closed our Mosques, and began conducting meetings and classes remotely. A search of our records indicates Noah Green was not a registered member of the Nation of Islam.

It appears that in late summer (August-September) of 2020, he started the process to begin his study to become a member, but he did not complete the process.

He did make a donation to the

Saviours’ Day Gift. Every year, the followers and supporters make a charitable donation to the Nation of Islam’s Saviours’ Day Gift charity. Every donor who makes a donation of $1000 or more is issued a Certificate of Completion. This certificate does not establish that the donor is a member in good standing in the Nation of Islam.

Mr. Noah Green’s alleged use of an automobile as a weapon and the alleged possession of a knife as reported, violates our teachings. We absolutely disavow this act that resulted in the senseless loss of life. It is shocking for us to learn that someone who was attempting to be a part of our ranks may have been involved in something as tragic as this.

But we respectfully say to the members of the media and to the American people, Timothy McVeigh confessed that he was a Christian, but nobody blames the church for his misconduct.

No one would blame Jesus or their pastor for unlawful and immoral behavior that is contrary to the teachings of Jesus. You have criminals, people that do horrific things, but we never know their religion. It’s not important because religion does not teach criminal behavior. Criminal behavior is an aberration.

Criminal behavior is a violation.

Criminal behavior is absolute rebellion toward what God teaches through the mouth of His prophets.

When thousands of American citizens engaged in an attempted insurrection, attacking the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, resulting in the deaths of five persons and injuring many, the news media did not question what their religion was.

Nowhere in the teachings of Islam, nowhere in the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, could we countenance any man taking the life of an innocent human being. For us, human life is sacred.

And the violation of human life is a violation of God, Himself, because He’s the giver of life and He’s the ultimate cause of death. But He doesn’t give us the right to kill innocent people. That is against our law.

“Mr. Noah Green’s alleged use of an automobile as a weapon and the alleged possession of a knife as reported, violates our teachings. We absolutely disavow this act that resulted in the senseless loss of life. It is shocking for us to learn that someone who was attempting to be a part of our ranks may have been involved in something as tragic as this.” – Nation of Islam

We are taught “to never be the aggressor in word or in deed,” for Allah (God) hates aggression and is not with the aggressor.

This is our teaching. In fact, all of us who are members of the Nation of Islam have been instructed not to carry any weapons—not so much as a penknife— not on our persons and not in our homes. We do not rely on weapons of war to defend us. We rely on our belief and our faith in Allah (God).

We condemn the wicked mischaracterization of some media reports trying to tie this tragic incident to the teachings of the Nation of Islam and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, and all people of good will should do the same as well.

So, most of us, like you, are questioning why would this young man allegedly do such an act? If he did, what happened to him? What caused this? The family released a statement published in the Washington Post saying of Noah Green, he “was not a terrorist by any means.” He had been studying for his master’s degree in business administration but had also suffered from “depression and potential mental illness.”

It has also been reported in an article from CNN, that he shared on social media, “I have suffered multiple home break-ins, food poisoning, assaults, unauthorized operations in the hospital, mind control.”

This young man had struggled in his early life but overcame much as a student to graduate with a degree in finance. He had a wonderful, noble idea to help the black and brown people through his knowledge of finance. “I am sure,” Minister Farrakhan states, “had he been blessed to come through the crisis that he was going through, he would have been a star in the mission of the resurrection of our people. We need to know what happened to our brother.”

So, our research is continuing into what happened to this young man and we cannot rest until we find out what caused him to take a turn like this. We are saddened by the loss of this brother with such great potential.

With heavy hearts we offer sympathy and condolences to his mother, father, family and friends.

(Follow Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent, @StacyBrownMedia.)

RELIGION

Pastor, wife and mother – a balancing act

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Pastor ELaura James Reid is a living breathing contradiction in terms. She may possibly be the most unlikely candidate to pastor a church, if, you consider her background.

Reid was not only the valedictorian of Manassas High School in 1994, she reigned her senior year as Miss Manassas. Then, the popular beauty went on to Atlanta’s Spelman College where she earned a bachelors degree in Psychology.

“My grandmother was my best friend,” said Reid. “She promised she would live to see me graduate, and she came to Atlanta, keeping that promise. My grandmother was in her eighties and on dialysis. She took a turn for the worst, and I took care of her until she passed.”

Reid had aspirations of getting into graduate school, but the term had already begun. She became a case worker for the Department of Children’s Services, investigating reported abuse and taking children out of dangerous situations.

“I really liked the work, and I was pretty good with it,” said Reid. “But the pay wasn’t even enough to pay one year’s tuition at Spelman. So I decided that if I was going to work with children, I should put myself in less dangerous situations because sometimes, going into some tramatic homes could become dangerous.”

After a year with Child Protective Services, Reid decided to apply for a teaching position at Memphis City Schools.

“During her two decades in the classroom teaching middle school math, Reid earned a masters degree from the University of Memphis in Instruction Curriculum and Leadership in 2001.

God interrupted, you might say a promising career in education administration.

“In a word, you might say that I was ‘outed,’ said Reid. As a preacher’s kid, with a mother as pastor, I was keenly aware of the sacrifice and service required. I knew it was a 24hr. job, seven days a week.

When Reid’s mother, Pastor Emeritus Deloris Downey accepted her call to ministry and became a pastor, she almost lost custody of Reid. Downey was deemed “unstable,” and her sexual orientation was being questioned, according to Reid. It was the late seventies and a very different time for female pastors.

“That was not the life I wanted,” Reid said. “But in my senior year in college, I went to Shy Temple CME in Atlanta, and there was an altar call. The pastor asked that all those who “knew God had something special for you to do with your life” to come to the altar, He then asked us to remain at the altar if we felt God had given us a ministry. To my surprise, only two of us were still

standing.”

Reid said she was not meaning to “accept” a call to ministry, she was simply acknowledging that God had a special work for her to do, just as “God has a specific purpose for everyone. Years later, she would remember that moment with greater understanding in 2009 when she became the youngest female pastor in Memphis. She took the helm of Coleman Chapel CME Church. At times, Reid wondered whether she would also marry and have a family. Once she learned to make ministering to her small congregation her utmost

Easter essence...

The Easter Sunday observance at Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ, where Bishop Charles H. Mason Patterson Sr. presides, included this scene-setting presentation. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

priority, God “sent a husband.”

In 2016, Reid married Memphis native, Carlos Lavelle Reid. The very next year, the couple welcomed a baby girl, Caura Elise Reid. “I’m a wife, mother, and pastor,” said Reid. “They are all 24-hr. jobs. I’m on call for all three, every day, all the time. One day never looks like the day before, and I have come to love my life and all the responsibilities that come with being me. I trust the Lord to help me do all that is required, and He is faithful.”

Reid has affiliations with: Kappa Delta Pi Educational Honor Society, Memphis

“I’m a wife, mother, and pastor. They are all 24-hr. jobs. I’m on call for all three, every day, all the time. One day never looks like the day before, and I have come to love my life and all the responsibilities that come with being me.”

— Pastor ELaura James Reid

Child Advocacy, One Church One School Mentoring Program, Churches United in Christ, CME Ministerial Alliance- Greater Memphis Area, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the graduate advising council for University of TennesseeMartin, Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD)-Tipton County Chapter, Memphis Educational Association, Tennessee Educational Association, National Educational Association, West Tennessee Psychological Association, and the Board of Christian Education.

On the road to Easter...

An Easter-themed event at Mt. Olive Cathedral C.M.E. Church, where the Rev. Peris J. Lester I (left) is pastor, was held on Good Friday (April 2) and focused on the “7 Last Words of Christ.” Pictured (l-r): Lester, the Rev. Calverta McMorris, First Episcopal District Bishop Henry M. Williamson Sr., the Rev. Ermano Willis, Memphis City Councilwoman Cheyenne Johnson, the Rev. Omar Dykes and the Rev. Eddie Jumper, president of the C.M.E. Ministers Alliance. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Outreach ministry at Coleman Chapel CME during the pandemic included this food giveaway. (Courtesy photos)

ELaura James Reid

Expert: Chauvin never took knee off Floyd’s neck

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Officer Derek Chauvin had his knee on George Floyd’s neck — and was bearing down with most of his weight — the entire 9 1/2 minutes the Black man lay facedown with his hands cuffed behind his back, a use-of-force expert testified Wednesday at Chauvin’s murder trial.

Jody Stiger, a Los Angeles Police Department sergeant serving as a prosecution witness, said that based on his review of video evidence, Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck or neck area from the time officers put Floyd on the ground until paramedics arrived. “That particular force did not change during the entire restraint period?” prosecutor Steve Schleicher asked as he showed the jury a composite image of five photos taken from the various videos of the arrest.

“Correct,” Stiger replied.

As he did on Tuesday, Chauvin attorney Eric Nelson sought to point out moments in the video footage when, he said, Chauvin’s knee did not appear to be on Floyd’s neck but on his shoulder blade area or the base of his neck. Stiger did not give much ground, saying the officer’s knee in some of the contested photos still seemed to be near Floyd’s neck. The defense attorney also asked Stiger whether video showed Floyd picked up his head and moved it at times.

“Slightly, yes. He attempted to,” Stiger replied.

Chauvin, 45, is charged with murder and manslaughter in Floyd’s death May 25. Floyd, 46, was arrested outside a neighborhood market after being accused of trying to pass a counterfeit $20 bill. A panicky-sounding Floyd struggled and claimed to be claustrophobic as police tried to put him in a squad car, and they

pinned him down on the pavement.

Bystander video of Floyd crying that he couldn’t breathe as onlookers yelled at Chauvin to get off him sparked protests and scattered violence around the U.S. and triggered a reckoning over racism and police brutality.

Nelson has argued that the now-fired white officer “did exactly what he had been trained to do over his 19-year career,” and he has suggested that the illegal drugs in Floyd’s system and his underlying health conditions are what killed him, not Chauvin’s knee.

Nelson seized on the drug angle in cross-examining Stiger, playing a snippet of then-Officer J. Kueng’s body-camera video and asking whether Stiger could hear Floyd say, “I ate too many drugs.”

Stiger replied that he could not make out those words in the footage. Prosecutors did not bring up the issue when they questioned Stiger again.

Nelson has also contended that the officers on the scene perceived the onlookers as an increasingly hostile crowd and were distracted

by them. On Tuesday, the defense attorney got some police witnesses to acknowledge that jeering bystanders can make it more difficult for officers to do their duty.

On Wednesday, Stiger told the jury, “I did not perceive them as being a threat,” even though some onlookers were name-calling and using foul language. He added that most of the yelling was due to “their concern for Mr. Floyd.”

Nelson’s voice rose as he asked Stiger how a reasonable officer would be trained to view a crowd while dealing with a suspect, “and somebody else is now pacing around and watching you and watching you and calling you names and saying (expletives).” Nelson said “this could be viewed by a reasonable officer as a threat.”

“As a potential threat, correct,” Stiger said.

Chauvin’s lawyer also noted that dispatchers had described Floyd as between 6 feet and 6-foot-6 and possibly under the influence. Stiger agreed it was reasonable for Chauvin to come to the scene with a heightened sense of awareness.

Stiger further agreed with Nel-

Tishaura Jones wins St. Louis mayoral race

First African-American female elected to serve

by Dana Rieck NNPA Newswire

St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura Jones made history Tuesday night by becoming the first Black woman to be elected mayor of St. Louis.

In the city’s unofficial election results, Jones received 51.68% (30,099) of the vote, while her opponent Alderwoman Cara Spencer finished the night with 47.77% (27,819 votes).

Jones held a drive-in rally to await the election results at The Omega Center, 3900 Goodfellow Blvd. There, her son Aden Jones Jeffries, introduced the mayor-elect around 9:50 p.m. after the unofficial results were released.

“Guess what? Don’t tell anybody, but, we won,” he said, then thanking people in his life who have supported him throughout the campaign.

“I’m proud of my mom, she’s been in politics ever since I was born,” he said. “I know that I’m a pain in the butt sometimes but honestly I don’t think she would be here without me today.”

As the crowd laughed, he introduced Jones, who took the stage in her signature color — red. She thanked her family, friends, campaign team, supporters and voters.

“St. Louis, this is an opportunity for us to rise, but I told you when I was running that we are done ignor-

ing tough conversations, we are done ignoring the racism that has held our city and region back,” she said. “I made the same case four years ago and came up short, but I made peace with the fact that I would rather lose another election again than stop having the tough conversations in every corner of our city.”

She addressed the negative messages about herself that came from Spencer’s campaign, saying that while some people said the negativity was “just politics,” she was not going to ignore racism for the sake of unity and civility.

“My professional mantra has always been I ain’t got to like you to work with you,” she said.

“I will not stay silent about the need to eradicate dog whistle racism and the underlying bigotry in our politics,” she said. “I will not stay silent when I spot racism. I will not stay silent when I spot homophobia or transphobia. I will not stay silent when I spot xenophobia. I will not stay silent when I spot religious intolerance. I will not stay silent when I spot any injustice. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Of course, Jones was quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in that last bit. She said that the concept will be central to her style of governance. She then went on to reiterate her campaign’s mantra, that residents

son that an officer’s actions must be viewed from the point of view of a reasonable officer on the scene, not in hindsight.

The defense attorney suggested that when Chauvin told Floyd to “relax,” he was trying to calm him down and reassure him. And Nelson said that given typical EMS response times, it was reasonable for Chauvin to believe that paramedics would be there soon.

Stiger also testified that Chauvin squeezed Floyd’s fingers and pulled one of his wrists toward his handcuffs, a technique that uses pain to get someone to comply, but he did not appear to let up while Floyd was restrained.

“Then at that point it’s just pain,” Stiger said. Asked by prosecutors whether Chauvin had an obligation to take Floyd’s distress into account as he was considering how much force to use, Stiger replied: “Absolutely. As as the time went on, clearly in the video, you could see that Mr. Floyd’s ... health was deteriorating. His breath was getting lower. His tone of voice was getting lower. His movements were starting to cease.”

“So at that point, as a officer on scene, you have a responsibility to realize that, ‘OK, something is not right,’” Stiger continued. ”‘Something has changed drastically from what was occurring

earlier.’ So therefore you have a responsibility to take some type of action.”

It was Stiger’s second day on the stand. On Tuesday, he testifi ed that the force used against Floyd was excessive. He said police were justifi ed in using force while Floyd was resisting their efforts to put him in the squad car. But once Floyd was on the ground and stopped resisting, offi cers “should have slowed down or stopped their force as well.”

Instead of closing ranks to protect a fellow officer behind what has been dubbed the “blue wall of silence,” some of the most experienced members of the Minneapolis force, including the police chief, have taken the stand to openly condemn Chauvin’s actions as excessive and contrary to his training and departmental policy.

According to testimony and records submitted in court, Chauvin underwent training in 2016 and 2018 in de-escalation techniques to calm down people in crisis and instruction in how officers must use the least amount of force required to get a suspect to comply.

(By Amy Forliti, Steve Karnowski and Tammy Webber, who reported from Fenton, Michigan.)

should be able to succeed in St. Louis regardless of any aspect of their identity — including race, sexuality, documentation status, language, worship and ZIP code.

“I want to build a city where each and every one of you feels welcome,” she said. “And tonight, we achieved that in an historic moment for our city. Not only will I be the first Black woman to be mayor of the city of St. Louis, but this campaign has unequivocally … begun breaking down the historic racial barriers and the racial divides that exist — and have existed for generations in our city.”

Jones also took a moment to acknowledge the women who came before her who made her win possible — including former Missouri Rep. Betty L. Thompson; Ollie Stewart, who is executive director of Southside Wellness Center; and Pearlie Evans, who was an activist and powerful aide to former U.S. Rep. William L. Clay. The mayor-elect then teared up and paused for a moment before acknowledging her mother, who died of cancer in 2000.

“Here is where I will pause and mention the most important woman in my life — my mama,” she said. “My mother died of cancer at a pivotal time in my own development. When I was knocked down, but refused to be knocked out, inspired by

St. Louis

her grit, her tenacity and the strength that she demonstrated even in her poor health, I stepped back and pinpointed and rooted my system of support — rebuilt my life step by step. Thank you, mama.”

Jones said she looks forward to doing the same thing with the $500 million stimulus that the city will begin receiving in May, noting there will soon be a website for people to make their voices heard about how to allocate the funds.

“I will be the next mayor of the city of St. Louis because of you — because of your trust in me and your trust in a brighter tomorrow,” Jones said in closing.

Spencer released a concession statement around 10 p.m.

“Thank you to the people of St. Louis. Thank you to everyone who made our campaign possible—I’m deeply grateful,” she wrote. “And to Mayor-Elect Tishaura Jones, congratulations and you have my support in making St. Louis the great city we know it can be.” Jones will be inaugurated on April

20. She replaces Mayor Lyda Krewson, the city’s first female mayor, who was elected in 2017.

She will have just two weeks to put together her new administration, thanks to the new voting method the city passed in November.

In past elections the Democratic mayoral candidate who won the primary was essentially guaranteed to win in the general election against their Republican opponent — giving them just shy of two months to put together the beginnings of their administration.

However, because both mayoral candidates on Tuesday’s ballot were well-funded Democrats with similar platforms, Jones and Spencer found themselves in a tight race.

St. Louis is home to 201,409 registered voters. On Tuesday, 29.09 percent of them (or 58,593) cast their ballot in the municipal general election.

(This story first appeared in the St. Louis American. https://bit.ly/3fS7gwC.)

City Treasurer Tishaura Jones greets supporters after her win in the mayoral race Tuesday, defeating Alderwoman Cara Spence. (Photo: Wiley Price / St. Louis American)

Witness Jody Stiger, a Los Angeles Police Department sergeant, testifies on Wednesday (April 7) in the trial of former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin, who charged in the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd. (Court TV via AP, Pool)

Defense attorney Eric Nelson (left) and defendant, former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin, listen during Chauvin’s trial on the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd, who died while Chauvin applied a knee restraint during Floyd’s arrest. (Court TV via AP, Pool)

‘The Big Political Reveal’ unveils lofty aspirations

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Dr. Carnita Atwater, self-styled community leader of the New Chicago Community Development Corporation, hopes to be the next governor of Tennessee.

“The Big Political Reveal” was staged on April 3 on the eve of Dr. King’s death anniversary.

Despite past clashes with the city of Memphis administration and some legal issues, Atwater remains a revered figure in North Memphis’ New Chicago community.

Long-time residents and loyal supporters of Atwater gathered at her business, the Kukutana AfricanAmerican History and Culture Museum of Memphis in the heart of New Chicago.

“Most people thought I was going to run for mayor,” said Atwater. “But I am smarter than that. I am more strategic than that. My research shows there will be 13 people running for mayor, but I am the first one out of the gate to run for governor.”

Speakers, who endorsed Atwater’s candidacy for governor, drew bursts of applause as they told the crowd, “Let’s make history,” and “It is time for a change.” Atwater was touted for her “proven leadership” and concern for all communities.

“Never before in the history of this state has there been an AfricanAmerican woman who ran for governor,” Atwater told her audience. “I want to be the next governor of Tennessee.”

Further details of Atwater’s

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

A resolution declaring Juneteenth, or June 19, a paid holiday for city employees was delayed by the Mem-

“Never before in the history of this state has there been an AfricanAmerican woman who ran for governor. I want to be the next governor of Tennessee.”

— Dr. Carnita Atwater

upcoming campaign were not available. But her surprise “reveal” generated excitement among the crowd.

Atwater, a native of Clarksdale, Mississippi, opened up about her humble beginnings.

“I grew up using a number three tub,” said Atwater. “Y’all know what a number three washtub is. Everybody in the house took a bath in it. And we didn’t have a bathroom in the house. We used a slop jar and had to empty it in the outhouse.”

Atwater said she has had her own business since the age of 12.

“When I was 12, I didn’t ask my father for a doll or an Easy-Bake Oven,” said Atwater. “No, I asked for a John Deer lawnmower. That was my first business.”

Atwater has been New Chicago’s most vocal advocate of community investment into the blight-riddled area. The Firestone tire factory was located there until it closed in 1983.

Businesses, which thrived from the thousands of employees at the factory, died along with the plant.

Atwater said New Chicago is a “forgotten part of the city.”

When the city planners announced meetings all over Memphis for input into “Memphis 3.0,” a blueprint for the city’s growth over the next three decades, Atwater came up with her own vision for revitalizing New Chicago.

She proposed that the city sell her 22 acres in New Chicago and provide her the funding of her plan. Although she attended all of the Memphis 3.0 meetings, the Atwater proposal was not included.

Although some aspects of her plan were considered ill-advised and impractical, Atwater championed a bold and audacious community reinvestment that included a five-star resort, an African village with mud huts, llama and alpaca rides, and New Chicago Adventure Park, complete with thrill rides and live shows.

This new bid for governor comes at a time when Atwater is suing the city on behalf of the New Chicago CDC for $10 billion because “the Memphis 3.0 plan was created for and to the benefit of a handful of wealthy Memphians seated on city boards,” according to Atwater.

The lawsuit was later amended to a class action for $20 billion.

Revelations about Atwater’s background in 2019 had some city

officials acknowledging the validity of New Chicago’s blight and poverty, but questioning if Atwater should be the voice of those concerns.

It was first discovered that although Atwater’s family home was in New Chicago, she actually lives in a $400,000 house in Germantown. Also, a judgment for $2 million was awarded to the family of a woman Atwater worked for as a caregiver. Checks from the client’s

account were written out to Atwater when she was entrusted with the woman’s personal affairs.

Also, members of the Memphis City Council essentially dismissed Atwater’s opposition against Memphis 3.0 as stemming from resentment that the plan she had devised for New Chicago had not been included. The city’s plan was approved shortly after.

phis City Council during its Tuesday April 6 meeting.

A measure passed last year declaring the date “Juneteenth Independence Day.”

The emerging holiday recognizes the emancipation of slaves. It

gains its name from African American slaves in Texas, who didn’t learn of the emancipation proclamation until two years after it was signed on June 19, 1865. They were among the last to learn of their freedom.

Several states have recognized the holiday’s importance, including Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania - and Texas. There have also been calls to make it a federal holiday.

If approved, it would replace President’s Day as a paid holiday for all

city employees. The change would apply to firefighters and police officers. Employees currently have 13 paid holidays. The vote has been tabled until they are polled on their preference.

With a standing-room only crowd on hand at her museum last Saturday (April 3), Dr. Carnita Atwater (right) made an animated entrance and revealed that she would be running for governor of Tennessee. (Photo: Warren Roseborough)

Dr. Carnita Atwater’s brochure promoting her run for governor reflects what a barrier-breaking achievement a victory by her would be in the state, particularly for African Americans. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

DUE

THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER CLASSIFIEDS

is to enter into a contract for the operation of a Food Service Management Company (FSMC). This is to seek bids for breakfast, lunch, snack, fresh fruits and vegetables that meet the

RFP#: 15201-2021 04/05/2021

THE

A virtual meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. To obtain copies of this RFP or to receive information for virtual meeting, please contact David Middleton. Bids will be accepted by Friday, May 7, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Contact: David Middleton, david@staracademycharter. org (contact via email only anytime). https://www.staracademycharter. org

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:

Eliete

Request for Proposal-

School Food Service Management Company, Star Academy

The purpose of this solicitation

The New Tri-State Defender, April 8 - 14, 2021, Page 9

Grizzlies take the Heat in Miami Push toward playoffs mounts

by Najee El-Amin

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Looking back over the last 10 games before Wednesday night’s scheduled matchup against the Hawks in Atlanta, the Grizzlies had won nine of those contests, including a string of three in a row.

The surge lifted Memphis (25-23) into the Western Conference’s eighth seed and featured a win at FedExForum (April 2) against the Minnesota Timberwolves and road victories over Eastern Conference playoff-likely teams Philadelphia and Miami.

On Tuesday (April 6), the Grizzlies –playing shorthanded without Brandon Clarke, Jaren Jackson Jr. and former Heat player Justise Winslow – smacked the defending Eastern Conference Champions Heat, the winners of four straight, saddling Miami with a 124-112 setback.

Jonas Valančiūnas remained dominant with another double-double, grabbing 10 rebounds and totaling 10 points. Kyle Anderson contributed heavily with 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

Brooks was the star of the night. He nearly set a franchise record in a single quarter scoring with 23 in the third. (Jackson Jr. holds the record with 28 points). Brooks finished with 28 points.

“I feel like this is a good stretch for us. We gotta keep it rolling and see how far we can take it,” said Brooks. “We know what’s on the line, we know what’s at stake and we want to put ourselves in the best position come May time.”

Jimmy Butler was the scoring leader for the Heat (28 points), with Bam Adebayo

posting a triple-double (18-10-10).

Grizzlies fans got a scare with a little over 90 seconds left in regulation as their star guard and floor general Ja Morant (who scored 10 points) was on the ground wincing in pain. Grabbing his back, Morant was helped off the court and did not return.

Hours later he would respond to the incident in his post-game interview.

“I’m good, I’m a warrior… Grizz fans don’t panic,” Morant posted. “Tonight we had a goal, we had a goal we all bought into it and was able to accomplish that goal. Came off with a win.”

Against the Heat, the Grizzlies hoisted shots from beyond the arc with green-light confidence, attempting 41 three pointers and connecting on 17, a 41.5 percent clip. They also racked 30 assists.

“This is a great challenge, going on the road is always hard,” Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins. “What I love about our group is that they embrace the focus of us. … “Our guys just relish the opportunity to compete; it’s as simple as that.”

NEXT: Entering Wednesday night’s game against the seriously hot Atlanta Hawks, winners of five straight, the Grizzlies trailed the seventh-seed Dallas Mavericks by 2.5 games. For the results, visit www.TSDMemphis.com.

MLB moves All-Star Game to Denver’s Coors Field

Pat Graham Associated Press

DENVER – Atlanta, you’re out. Denver, you’re up.

Major League Baseball swiftly moved the All-Star Game to hitter-friendly Coors Field on Tuesday after pulling the Midsummer Classic from Atlanta over objections to extensive changes to Georgia’s voting laws.

Coors Field last hosted the All-Star Game in 1998. The game will be held July 13.

“We appreciate their flexibility and enthusiasm to deliver a first-class event for our game and the region,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “We look forward to celebrating our sport’s best players and entertaining fans around the world.”

MLB decided to move the game from Truist Park in Atlanta in response to Georgia voting changes signed into law by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp on March 25. Critics, including the CEOs of Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines and Coca-Cola, have condemned the changes as being too restrictive.

The Georgia laws includes new limits on voting by mail and greater legislative control over how elections are run, amid a push in Republican-led states to reduce voting options after former president Donald Trump made baseless claims of widespread fraud in last year’s election.

Democratic state officials in Colorado have touted their state’s mail-in voting system, which began in 2013, for its ease and accessibility. In the November election, there were more than 350 ballot drop boxes around the state along with a ballot tracking system that allowed vot-

ers to trace their votes as they were accepted and counted.

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold praised the MLB decision, crediting it to the state’s “national gold standard for elections.”

“We’ve got the most accessible and secure elections in the country, and are grateful that MLB is giving us the opportunity to showcase how elections can be!” Griswold said in a statement.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said at a news conference that the state had expressed interest in hosting a game down the road, but when given the last-minute opportunity, Denver was able to make plans quickly. They already had a blueprint for handling hotels, event space and security.

“This is fundamentally about baseball and it’s about the fans. And I couldn’t be more excited that we’re gonna be able to highlight Denver as the venue,” Polis said.

It’s uncertain what kind of seating capacity

there might be due to COVID-19 restrictions. For the season-opening series against the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers last week, the Rockies had a seating capacity of 21,363 fans, which was 42.6% of the usual capacity.

By July, Polis expects things to be different. He referenced President Joe Biden’s plan to allow all Americans who want to be vaccinated to be able to do so by May.

“We’re talking about a mid-July game so there are really no concerns from that front,” Polis said. “I think everybody expects a fully packed, sell-out stadium in July and that’s going to be good for MLB, good for Colorado and an exciting experience for fans.”

But it’s a blow to fans in Atlanta.

“Everything that is so great about getting that game is what’s so bad about it leaving Atlanta,” said Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon, who grew up near Atlanta. “It’s going to really hurt those people and they’re going to miss out on an incredible opportunity. What’s great about

Atlanta is an unbelievable new ballpark that I like to play in.

“I don’t think it should be lost at how controversial it is to move the game. It’s a big deal. Moving the game is a big deal. Absolutely a big deal. Moving out of Atlanta, I’m glad it’s in Denver, but that’s besides the point. It’s very controversial, the game moving. There’s a lot of mixed feelings about it.”

Manfred made the decision to move the AllStar events and the amateur draft from Atlanta after discussions with individual players and the Players Alliance, an organization of Black players formed after the death of George Floyd last year.

Kemp has vowed to defend Georgia’s measures, and other Republicans have criticized MLB’s move. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott backed out of throwing the first pitch at the Texas Rangers’ home opener Monday and said the state would not seek to host the All-Star Game or any other special MLB events.

The Los Angeles Dodgers will host the 2022 All-Star Game. With its spacious outfield and thin air, Coors Field has become a hitter’s paradise. Recently asked about Coors Field becoming the All-Star Game replacement site, Rockies pitcher Jon Gray chuckled and said: “The Home Run Derby would be legendary.”

(AP Sports Writer Arnie Stapleton, AP Freelance Writer Michael Kelly and Patty Nieberg, a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative, contributed to this story. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues.)

Dylan Brooks, who has been a force during the Grizzlies’ recent surge, rolls to the basket in Memphis’ home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Ja Morant draws way more attention than the rules allow on this drive against the Timberwolves at FedExForum.

(Photos: Warren Roseborough)

Atlanta’s loss is Denver’s game, with the MLB All-Star Game now set for July 13 at Coors Field, where it was held in 1998. (Photo: MLB.com)