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VOL. 72, No. 15
April 13 - 19, 2023
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Memphis City Council Chairman Martavius Jones. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New TriState Defender)
Council curbs police trafficstop moves Rep. Justin Pearson celebrates after the County Commission vote. (Photo: William Weeks/The New Tri-State Defender)
‘Former’ Rep. Pearson gets OK to be Rep. Pearson again
by James Coleman
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
To no one’s surprise, members of the Shelby County Commission Wednesday (April 12) voted to reappoint recently ousted Tennessee State representative Justin Pearson back to his District 86 House seat. The 7-0 vote came during a specially called meeting. Voting to reappoint Pearson were Henri Brooks, Edmund Ford Jr., Erika Sugarmon, Charlie Caswell, Shante Avant, Miska Clay-Bibbs, and commission Chairman Mickell Lowery.
by James Coleman
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Kimberly Owens-Pearson and her husband, Rev. Jason Pearson, talked about the relationship with their son. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)
Justin Pearson (Photo: William Weeks/ The New Tri-State Defender)
to expel him, along with Nashville’s Rep. Justin Jones, for on-the-floor demonstrations in support of meaningful gun-reform legislation. The supermajority deemed the two, first-term legislators’ conduct reprehensible enough to boot them out. That move, however, lit a fuse that powered Jones and Pearson into a sphere where their voices are being heralded as the sound
of change. They are being heard on national news and talk shows. Pearson’s written words resounded from a New York Times op-ed this week ahead of the Shelby County Board of Commissioner’s vote to send him back to the state Capitol as an interim appointee; two days after Nashville’s Metro Council did the same
After several weeks of crafting, debate, protests and delays, the Memphis City Council Tuesday (April 11) passed a long-awaited ordinance to end pretextual traffic stops by the Memphis Police Department. Among the council’s other actions Tuesday, members once again postponed, until April 25, the first vote on new council district boundaries for the upcoming October City Council elections. Regarding the new pretextual stop ordinance, sponsor Michalyn Easter-Thomas said, “I wanted to make sure it was as enforceable as possible … as well as maintaining clarity in what this ordinance is asking, saying what it is and what it’s not saying.” Easter-Thomas continued, “What this ordinance is, is surrounding the idea of pretextual stops; how they aren’t helpful and how they divert resources away from our clearly intentioned needs in our community, such as dealing with crime and aiding our citizens. The ordinance’s goal is to limit the number of interactions motorists have with police. It is one of six ordinances passed following the beating of Tyre Nichols by Memphis police officers on Jan. 7 after officers said he had been driving recklessly. He died Jan. 10. Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis has said investigators found no evidence that Nichols was driving recklessly. Modeled on similar ordinances passed in five other cities, the latest being Philadelphia, the “Driver Equality Act,” which was amended to add Nichols’ name to the title, will end the practice of police pullovers for minor non-driving-related infractions, such as an expired tag, or a busted taillight. Police departments nationwide have used pretextual traffic stops as an enforcement tool to find contraband such as illegal weapons and narcotics. However, critics of such tactics accused the police, in some cases, of using the stops to harass people of color, which too often have resulted in violent interactions with officers. The ordinance passed Tuesday also halts MPD traffic stops for other “secondary” violations like, improperly displaying tem-
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None of the four Republican county commissioners were in attendance. Democrats Britney Thornton and Michael Whaley had announced earlier they would be absent. “I’m so humbled and grateful to once again represent District 86. Thank you to those who rallied, marched, wrote letters, posted on social media, and prayed for this moment. “I thank the members of the Shelby County Commission for their courage to do what is right, to protect the representation that voters in District 86 went to the polls twice to earn,” Pearson said in a statement.
The move matches Nashville’s Metropolitan Council, which sent Rep. Justin Jones back to his District 52 seat on Monday (April 10). Both are serving on an interim basis and face special elections. “Representative Justin Jones and I are back in the People’s House and the people have begun to turn the tide. With the eyes of the nation watching, Gov. Bill Lee signed an executive order to strengthen background checks for gun purchasing,” the statement read.
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The evolution of Justin J. Pearson’s voice by Karanja A. Ajanaku kajanaku@tsdmemphis.com
As the Mississippi River flowed within view, the parents of Justin J. Pearson, who has rocketed into the public’s consciousness, acknowledged that some openly have wondered how their sought-after, 28-year-old could have “come from where we come from.” “Two teenagers from the Westwood community, poor, single-family homes,” said Pearson’s mother, Kimberly Owens-Pearson, who teamed with his father, the Rev. Jason Pearson, to share the story of their relationship with their now-famous son. Pearson is a dynamic, often-rapid talking public speaker, who easily brings the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to mind for many. He was doing so before Tennessee’s GOP-dominated House of Representatives voted (April 6)
Session disrupted over barred activists
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The New Tri-State Defender
RETURN
CONTINUED FROM FRONT Several of Lowery’s fellow Democrats joined the chairman in sponsoring the resolution. The resolution was sent to the full commission without a recommendation from the body’s General Government Committee. Lowery also called for a suspension of the rules to speed the process. “You have done well by us in making sure our voices can be heard. I think you have seen by the votes of this body that we support you going back to represent us and the things that are important to us here in Shelby County,” Avant told Pearson. The vote followed a mass rally and march from the National Civil Rights Museum to the Vasco Smith County Administration Building. On Monday, April 10, the then-expelled lawmakers announced they hired legal representation to ensure they are treated as full members upon reappointment. Jones has retained the services of former U.S. attorney general Eric H. Holder, with Covington & Burling LLP. Pearson, meanwhile, named
VOICE
CONTINUED FROM FRONT for Jones. Building upon their background, Pearson’s father shared that he and his wife were teenage parents. Justin is the fourth of their five children. Both of their parents were divorced. “People used to say that I would end up being on welfare, doing this, doing that,” said his mother, who has been a teacher for several years. “And the thing, the truth of the matter, is you can’t ever limit God.” The Pearsons never have put any limits on their son’s aspirations. They learned early that he had leadership interests. His father remembers supporting his son’s run for president in “first grade or kindergarten … “I had to go to be there to hear the speech and be his support,” said Jason Pearson. “Justin gives this speech. I look around, teachers are crying. … And that was the day I knew, ‘we got something.’ There was something inside of him.” Justin Pearson was a “church kid” who grew up in Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church and around preaching and speaking; gifted orators. “He had church at home and his brothers had to sit down, his cousins, and listen to him preach. So he has been prepar-
April 13 - 19, 2023
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NEWS
Memphis lawyer Scott J. Crosby, Jef Feibelman and Sarah E. Stuart of Burch, Porter & Johnson PLLC as his counsel. Both Pearson and Jones were expelled from the House April 6 after they joined another member, Rep. Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville), in protesting inaction on gun control legislation on the House floor. The act of civil disobedience and citizen protests at the Capitol followed the mass shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville. The trio has become known nationally as the “Tennessee Three.” Addressing Pearson, Commissioner Caswell, said, “Thank you, man, for continuing to be the voice that you are. You have raised the level of respect I have for you in the fight you are fighting.” The super-majority GOP House members, outraged, by the protest passed HR 63 to remove Pearson, which passed by a 69-26 margin. Jones, also African American, was ousted on a 75-25 vote. Johnson, who is white, survived by a onevote margin. The ousters, and the glaring racial disparity of the three, drew immediate widespread
condemnation. The story made headlines across the media spectrum. Vice President Kamala Harris also visited the trio to voice support. Locally, his return was never in doubt. “As a constituent of District 86, thank you. We look forward to your voice being heard back in Nashville. Keep doing the good work. Keep representing all of us to the best of your ability and know you all have support from this body,” said Lowery. An activist, the 29-year-old Pearson was elected in a Jan. 24 special election. The Democrat was the only candidate in the race. The cost of the oneman race has been tagged at $1 million. No stranger to the process, it was the second time Pearson had been appointed. He first gained the seat after Rep. Barbara Cooper passed away in October at the age of 93. She was the oldest and longest-serving House member. Pearson came to local prominence during the protests over the now-dead Byhalia Pipeline project. He co-founded the environmental advocacy group, Memphis Community Against Pollution.
ing for this moment practically all of his life.” Pearson overwhelmingly won the House District 86 seat in January after the death last October of Rep. Barbara Cooper. He spoke at the funeral of Cooper, who represented the district for 26 years. A few days before the end of early voting, he was carrying a sign, waving at cars as they passed an early-voting site. Continuing to wave, he answered a few questions from a newsman. “We are ushering in the next generation of leadership with the guidance and wisdom of our elders to help us in this fight for justice,” he said. “The status quo has not served the Black community, the Memphis and Shelby County community; the status quo has not worked.” He was asked how to make use of his “voice” amid a Republican supermajority. Noting the difficulty, he said, “There are opportunities for solidarity to be created on legislation that is harmful across all 95 counties, and harmful to us in particular. “The other work of the state representative is beyond what is happening in Nashville. It is to serve as a voice and a conduit in connecting people’s voices in your community to people in power in departments and different administrations at the state level.
That’s the work that Rep. Barbara Cooper did so well….” Connecting people and nurturing and fostering movement is a theme that runs through Pearson’s public life and that is rooted in his upbringing. “Everyone can speak out,” his mother said. “Everyone can use their voice, talk against injustices, talk against the disparity. Everyone is powerful. And then, can you imagine it collectively? “So when he (her son) says this isn’t a campaign, it’s a movement … it’s because it’s progressive. With movement, you’re never stagnant. We’ve got so many battles to fight. You have to keep pressing on.” Pearson often sounds that message. He did so on the last day of Kwanzaa as the principle of “Imani” – unity – was celebrated at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Whitehaven. Then, as he often does, he stressed that it is possible to unite on similarities beyond differences, stressing that African people have tapped into their capacity to do that during their sojourn in America. He stresses resistance to the status quo in pursuit of a better future for the children. The message resonated from Nashville on April 6 as it did on that Kwanzaa day. “I’m just here to tell you that I am part of the resistance,” he said. “Are you part of the resistance?”
COUNCIL
CONTINUED FROM FRONT porary registration permits, registration plates not securely fastened, broken, or improperly working lighting, such as a headlight, and loosely secured, or missing bumpers. Expired tags will receive a 60-day grace period. It goes into effect immediately. “These are things that can be seen in the light of ‘poverty stops.’ Things that will require individuals to pay citations (because they cannot afford to pay for repairs),” said Easter-Thomas. Instead, the intent is to refocus police attention on the “primary” problems plaguing Memphis roadways, like aggressive driving. “That will be a primary violation and then, if that primary violation is done, and then you have these other things. That’s what this ordinance is saying, it’s OK to tack on to this citation,” clarified Easter-Thomas. MPD Chief Davis has voiced her support for the ordinance. Earlier, Council Vice Chair JB Smiley Jr. tabled his proposal to the six Nichols-related ordinances into one ordinance. Those ordinances include reforms concerning police oversight and training. However, the council’s Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee members feared repeating the ordinances, which already are in the City Charter, could sow confusion. Like in previous Nichols-related votes, the meeting was greeted by strong opinions, applause, and several disrup-
Amber Sherman of The Official Black Lives Matter Memphis Chapter was barred from entering the City Council chambers. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender) tions. Public debate was cut short after protesters drowned out speakers with shouts of “Let them in.” Council Chairman Martavius Jones had banned several activists from attending and speaking at the council session because they had used profanity in remarks at earlier council sessions. The ban drew comparisons from the audience to the plights of state Reps. Justin Pearson and Justin Jones. Both were expelled from the Republican-controlled Tennessee House for protesting the lack of action on gun reform, after a recent mass shooting at a Nashville private school. Activists have been a regular presence at council meetings since the death of Nichols. “I have to say it again, we listened…Seeing this number of people in the audience is encouraging, because we have too many issues where it can be radio silence. So, I’m just grateful for you all coming
out and letting your voices be heard,” said Jones. As proposed now, the new boundaries would create a council district for Cordova, as well as consolidating Downtown Memphis, North Memphis and Frayser into one district.\ The new lines were drawn by an ad hoc redistricting group, which featured input from residents in each district. If the new schedule remains in place, the third and final reading on the ordinance will be held on May 16. Chairman Jones halted a vote on the plan during a specially called meeting on April 5 after he was denied an extension of the April 14 deadline to approve maps by the Shelby County Election Commission. The Election Commission begins issuing qualifying petitions on May 22. All 13 council seats will be on the October ballot. The council is comprised of seven single-seat districts, along with two super districts, each with three council members.
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The New Tri-State Defender
April 13 - 19, 2023
Page 3
NEWS
As shootings hit close to home, governors wrestle with next steps by Kimberlee Kruesi and Bruce Schreiner Associated Press
NASHVILLE – Two weeks after one of his wife’s closest friends was killed in a Nashville school shooting, Gov. Bill Lee on Tuesday called on Tennessee’s GOP-dominant General Assembly to pass legislation that would keep firearms away from people who could harm themselves or others. Lee, a Republican, is the latest prominent public official to experience personal loss in a mass shooting while having to delicately balance how to use his authority to help prevent future tragedies through policy. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed that he, too, had lost one of his best friends when a gunman killed five people at a bank in downtown Louisville and injured eight others on Monday. Lee told reporters Tuesday that he talked with Beshear, a Democrat, after Monday’s shooting, which claimed the life of Tommy Elliott, a lifelong friend of Beshear’s. Four other people also were killed. On March 27, Cynthia Peak, 61, a substitute teacher and friend of Lee’s wife, Maria, was slain along with two other adults and three children at a Christian Elementary School in
Nashville. Lee’s call for a law designed to prevent people who may hurt themselves or others from acquiring firearms comes as Republicans maintain supermajority control in both the Kentucky and Tennessee statehouses, where GOP lawmakers have long resisted limiting gun access. Neither state has adopted such a law, commonly known as so-called “red flag” laws. To date, 19 states have red flag laws on the books — with many lawmakers enacting them after tragedies. Notably, Florida did so after the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland that killed 17 students. Law enforcement officials had received numerous complaints about the 19-year-old gunman’s threatening statements. In allowing courts to issue what are known as extreme risk protection orders, the laws are intended to temporarily remove guns — usually for up to a year — from people showing signs of potentially violent behavior. In many cases, family members or law enforcement must petition a court for an order. Experts in red-flag laws contend that the laws have undoubtedly saved lives, be it in cases involving planned mass shootings, suicides or potentially deadly domestic violence cases. Yet an Associated Press investigation
last year found that most U.S. states barely use red flag laws. It’s a trend blamed on a lack of awareness of the laws and resistance by some authorities to enforce them even as shootings and gun deaths soar. But as mass shootings continue across the U.S., resistance to make significant changes to gun restrictions remains high. In Tennessee, lawmakers have been more welcoming to strengthening school safety than addressing gun access as they prepare to finish their work in the coming weeks. A week ago, Lee was flanked by Republican lawmakers as he called on the General Assembly to pass legislation that would better protect students attending public and private schools. Some of the same lawmakers stood by Lee’s side three years ago, when he announced his support for eliminating a requirement for people 21 and older to get a permit to carry handguns publicly in Tennessee. The change became law in 2021. In a recent court settlement, the state agreed to drop the minimum age to 18. On Tuesday, Lee stood alone, and he acknowledged that no lawmaker had yet agreed to sponsor the latest legislation he was proposing. Lee also did not disclose many details on his plans or what the proposed
Covenant School students in the House balcony on April 6 as lawmakers voted on expelling three members. (Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender) bill would look like. Instead, he said that he wanted lawmakers to come up with a solution. “We will have to work together in order to get this done, but I believe we can. I believe we will,” Lee said. Kentucky passed a measure earlier this year declaring the state a “Second Amendment Sanctuary,” prohibiting local and state police from enforcing any federal firearm regulation banning guns, ammunition, or firearm accessories that took effect after Jan. 21, 2021. As he seeks reelection, Beshear allowed the bill to become law without his signature. Previous efforts to pass a red-flag law in Kentucky have made no headway in the Legislature. Lawmakers have adjourned for the year, and currently aren’t scheduled to meet until January. But after the school shoot-
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ing, local leaders urged lawmakers to take meaningful action as they warned that anyone may be impacted by gun violence. One of them is Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, who also counted Tommy Elliott as a friend. “This isn’t about partisan politics. This is about life and death. This is about preventing tragedies. You may think this will never happen to you. Never happen to any of your friends or loved ones. I used to think that,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, who had a man storm his campaign headquarters last year and fire a weapon point-blank at him. “The sad truth is that now, no one in our city, no one in our state, no one in our country has that luxury anymore.” (Schreiner reported from Frankfort, Kentucky.)
PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, April 13 - 19, 2023, Page 4
Memphis-area supporters of ‘Tennessee 3’ witness a ‘nightmare’ in prime time
Rep. Justin Pearson of Memphis (left) and Rep. Justin Jones of Knoxville did not survive votes to expel them from the state House. Rep. Gloria Johnson of Knoxville did. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)
by Karanja A. Ajanaku kajanaku@tsdmemphis.com
The ground-level, on-site resistance to the proposed ouster of three duly-elected Tennessee House Democrats was fortified by individuals and forces from Memphis and Shelby County as a rigid Republican supermajority chose to double down on decorum. Wedged among an array of people, who flowed into and around the Capitol building in Nashville from varied parts of the state, they voiced support for Reps. Justin Pearson (Memphis), Justin Jones (Nashville) and Gloria Johnson (Knoxville). The outcomes – the ouster of Pearson and Jones with Johnson surviving by one vote – do not signal the smothering or their fire, said some of the participants, who declared their readiness to continue as change agents. “I have to be honest, it was emotionally, spiritually, and just mentally tough. It felt like a crucifixion to me. It felt like lynching and to know that the world was watching, and this is a place that I have to call home, a state that I call home, made it even more difficult,” said Antoine Dandridge, the Black Organizer Program Manager for Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi. Along with the group’s Community Organizer Regina Clarke, Dandridge arranged to bus supporters of the “Tennessee 3” to Nashville. Part of what he witnessed left him hopeful. “I was very proud to see two amazing Black men stand up for what they believe was right. They had a chance to say so many things so many of us don’t and so many others can’t in some spaces,” said Dandridge. “I have to just know, based on what I experienced, that they have inspired so many people that were there before them. They will inspire so many people that will be there after them … they definitely inspire many of us who work, live and play in the communities. … “I think that this is just a great opportunity for us to get organized and get some new momentum and come even harder for our people.” Everybody needs to be very afraid As the Tennessee House, under the governance of Speaker Cameron Sexton, moved on to oust Johnson after voting to throw out Jones, Pearson stepped out onto the balcony a few feet from the House chamber. “We are losing our democracy. This is not normal,” said Pearson, who overwhelmingly won the House District 86 seat after the death last October of Rep. Barbara Cooper. He spoke at the funeral of Cooper, who represented the district for 26 years. “We broke a House rule because we are fighting for kids who are dying from gun violence and (for) people in our communities who want to see an end to the proliferation of weaponry in our communities and that leads to
In the balcony of the state House Chamber, Justin Pearson hugs Sarah Neumann, the mother of a Covenant School student, prior to the vote that expelled him from the legislature. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)
Antoine Dandridge: “We know what time it is now. We’ve always known it, but we really know what time it is now.” (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender) our expulsion. … “Everybody needs to be very afraid and very worried that there are people in positions of power who are using and wielding that power to expel people that are duly elected to their seats. “ Emphasizing that he, Jones and Johnson were elected to fight for their constituents and “lift up the issues of people that are suffering,” Pearson referenced the mass shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville and then added his view of why the trio of legislators faced expulsion. “We said we cannot do business as usual. No one should be wanting to operate as though this is not happening, as though we are not living in a gun violence epidemic in the state of Tennessee. “And the solutions that are being offered is actually to reduce the first-amendment right of people who speak up on behalf of their constituencies, speak up on behalf of people who are tired of the guns, tired of legislation being passed that lowers the age for you to carry, tired of legislation being passed that says you don’t need a permit, tired of legislation passed that says if we give teachers guns that somehow is going to fix the problem. “People are tired of these non-real solutions.” Pearson said in the last year he had lost a classmate and his mentor to gun violence. He detailed the need
for just legislation such as red-flag and good-storage laws and maintaining a fight for democracy. Instead, he said, those needs were being lost in the push to expel him, Jones and Johnson. “Every Tennessean needs to be very concerned that we are not in a democracy. Across the United States of America there have been no House members that have ever been expelled for exercising their first amendment rights in a peaceful protest…. “We are losing our democracy to white supremacy … patriarchy … to people who want to keep a status quo that is damning to the rest of us … our children and unborn people.” Moments later, Pearson headed back into the House chamber, where Johnson, a veteran legislator, was being grilled by GOP lawmakers about her role in the House-floor protest. “Color of our skins” Johnson was elected to represent District 13 in 2012. Two years later, she lost a reelection bid and another attempt in 2016 before returning to the House in 2018 and winning reelection in 2020. Redistricting put her residence in a district with a Democratic incumbent, which prompted her to run for the District 90 seat in 2022. She won. After surviving the ouster move by a single vote, Johnson stepped out into the foyer outside of the Chamber and a sea of supporters. “They didn’t stifle our voices at all today,” Johnson said. “I can’t feel too good because my colleague, Justin Jones, who is an amazing human being who carries so deeply about his community, (was ousted). I hope everyone one of you will do everything you can to help make sure he comes back here.” State law lays out that the county commissions in Jones and Pearson’s districts pick replacements to serve until a special election in several months. Both are eligible to run in those elections. Later, as she moved to return to the House floor for the vote on Pearson, Johnson was asked to assess why she survived ouster and Jones did not. “I’ll answer your question,” said
With the Tennessee Black Caucus having already objected to “any effort to expel members for making their voices heard to end gun violence,” Caucus members lined up in the well of the House during proceedings that resulted the removal of Rep. Justin Jones of Nashville. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/ The New Tri-State Defender) Johnson. “It might have to do with the color of our skins.” Morally bankrupt Back inside the chamber, Pearson stood in the well, made his case and withstood questioning by House Republicans. He was backed by the House Democrats, notably the Tennessee Black Caucus, which had declared its objection to the ouster move earlier in a statement that included this reference: “This political retribution is unconstitutional and, in this moment, morally bankrupt.” Of the four Memphis-area House Republicans (Tom Leatherwood, Kevin Vaughn, Mark White, John Gillespie), only one (Gillespie) voted against the expulsion of Pearson. Did I really just hear that? Back in Memphis after making the bus trip to Nashville, local activist Theryn C. Bond said the House spectacle was a Tennessee Nightmare. “I had to question if what was happening in front of me was really happening, if some of the language that was being used, some of the ways to describe, the Democratic legislators from the other side of the aisle. Like, did I really just hear that? Did I see that? Is this how we’re operating?” Appreciated that one of the three Democrats held her seat, Bond said the world has a fresh picture of “just how racist Tennessee is” with the removal of Pearson and Jones. “We have the two youngest legislators, who also happen to be black, that were now booted from their dually elected positions. What does that say to other young people who have an interest in running for office, who may think they have a steep hill to climb, who think that it is impossible and that there are too many hurdles and obstacles in the way so they don’t even want to try?” Bond said a good thing was “We saw a bit of this coming. So, we were able to at least prepare the foundation of what it’s gonna mean to go for-
ward. What we’ll need to do to get them back in place. … “I think we’ve got some good things working. I think people have had enough preliminary conversation. Now it’s just about hitting the (ground) and … to move forward and making sure that this doesn’t happen again.” That, she said, is “gonna require even more people organized, even more people to become engaged and even more people to become an intricate part of the electoral process so that we can shift out some of these bad leaders and get in some of our better leaders.” Elected officials can’t do it all by themselves Pearl Eva Walker, a local activist, talk show host and Memphis City Council candidate, traveled to Nashville via chartered bus hosted by Lexi Carter, the new chair-elect of the SCDP (Shelby County Democratic Party). “As a mother of a 24-year-old son (who is a registered and active voter), I’m particularly concerned about how all this has and will be resonating with our young people moving forward, knowing that both Justins (before being removed) have engaged and inspired a new generation to vote and be active in the political process many of them have not wanted to have anything to do with.” Moving forward, she said, “What do we tell them after convincing them that they should be a part of this process, that it should mean something to them, starting with a minimum of being a registered and active voter?” Echoing the sentiments of Pearson, Jones and Johnson, Walker said, “Democracy as we know it and understand it is under attack, and all citizens must be concerned and willing to prepare to get involved however they can. Our elected officials can’t do it all by themselves. “It was the largest gathering of public outcry that I have ever participated in and I’m so glad that I was a part of it.”
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The New Tri-State Defender
April 13 - 19, 2023
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NEWS
Trusting God through the challenges of autism by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Raven Brown is on a journey of faith, hope and love that began with heartache and now is flowing on a river of hope and success. Inspiring Brown’s courageous venture into endless possibilities is something she initially thought was the beginning of her end – autism. To celebrate Autism Awareness Month in April, Brown told a compelling story about the power of love and the joy of accepting and embracing a once-despised diagnosis. Smart, vivacious, and creative, Brown is a popular, charming young woman who is poised and socially astute. While visiting her grandmother in Clarksdale, Mississippi, she met a young man who was immediately smitten with her. And that’s how this journey began: Gerald Pegues met Raven Brown, and the two became inseparable. Their relationship flourished, Brown got pregnant, and the couple welcomed a baby girl. They named her “Genesis” for she was the beginning of their “happily ever after.” But new parenthood went offscript when Brown took Genesis’ for her 12-month, check-up. “The doctor asked me questions
like, ‘Is she trying to pull up?’ and ‘Is she saying ‘mama’ or ‘da-da’?’ I wanted to say ‘yes,’” said Brown. “But the truth was my baby was not pulling up or trying to say words. It was then that Genesis was diagnosed with autism.” Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or autism, is a complex neurological and developmental disorder that affects how a person acts, communicates, learns, and interacts with others. Because it affects a child’s development, ASD is called a developmental disorder. ASD can last throughout a person’s life. Social skills and personal interaction with others are most often delayed. Sometimes, there is a tendency to exhibit repetitive behaviors. “I started to feel like, ‘Why did God do this to me?’ ‘Why did it have to happen to my baby?’ I cried and I cried. I cried everyday for the next three years. “Genesis was non-verbal. I sheltered my baby. I kept her hidden away from everyone because I did not want her to be hurt by some insensitive person.” Brown continued, “Thank God for a Christian mother. I have a praying mother and auntie, whose faith strengthened me through those initial, dark days. When my own faith
faltered, they were there. “Praying mothers have always gotten future generations through hardship. I thank God for my two prayer warriors. They got our family through.” God heard prayer, Brown said. When Genesis turned 4, something amazing happened. Genesis experienced a burst of verbalization. She was no longer non-verbal. “It’s like she started talking, and she never stopped,” said Brown. “It’s hard to get her to stop talking sometimes now.” Genesis grew and developed but lagged a couple of years behind children her age. But Brown discovered that Genesis is extremely artistic. Genesis commands a mastery of sketching and coloring well beyond her years. On July 2, 2022, Frogs & Lillies, a boutique for children, opened at 6099 Mt. Moriah Road Ext., and Brown centers the business around Genesis. The 7-year-old has designed a line of vibrantly colored t-shirts that express her giftedness. The line is called, “I Am Me.” Genesis designs her t-shirts for children who have autism, down syndrome, and other disabilities that prevent youngsters from developing on the normal scale. “I have learned to step back and
Raven Brown and her daughter, Genesis. (Courtesy photo) let Genesis speak for herself,” said Brown. “She has her own voice, and she can express herself through her art. Genesis has a memory that is extraordinary. She will do well in her studies moving forward.” Brown has matured into a patient,
knowledgeable, and intuitive mother of two incredible daughters. She is giving the world fair warning: “Expect great things from her brilliant daughters,” Brown said, “especially the budding entrepreneur.
Seven Last Sayings of Christ The Good Friday Service hosted by the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association featured the Seven Last Sayings of Christ. Held at the Dr. J.L. Payne Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association Building, 591 East McLemore, the service’s presenters were the Rev. Basil Brooks and Dr. Charles Stanback.
First Word: “Father Forgive Them, For They Know Not What They Do” – Luke 23:34; The Rev. Archie Kelly. Second Word: “Today Shalt Thou Be With Me In Paradise” – Luke 23: 43; The Rev. Michael Brooks. Third Word: “Woman, Behold Thy Son” – John 19: 26; The Rev. Carlos Williams. Fourth Word: “My God, My God,
(Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)
City Wide Revival going on… The Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association’s 2023 City Wide Revival began on Easter Sunday and runs through Friday (April 14). Each Service is set for 7 p.m. at Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 1072 J.L. Payne Ave. Pictured: The Rev. Dr. Frank Ray (right), New Salem Missionary Baptist Church; The Rev. Dr. Bartholomew Orr (left), Brown Baptist Church. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)
Why Hast Though Forsaken Me” – Matthew 27: 46. Fifth Word: “I Thirst” – John 19: 28; The Rev. Charles Ewing Jr. Sixth Word: “It Is Finished” – John 19: 30. The Rev. Derrick Davis Seventh Word: “Father, Into Thy Hands I commend My Spirit” – Luke 23: 46; The Rev. James Morgan Jr.
The New Tri-State Defender
April 13 - 19, 2023
Page 6
ENTERTAINMENT
WLOK names Chip Washington as Director of Community Relations TSD Newsroom Chip Washington, WLOK’s host of the station’s “Let’s Talk About It” program, has assumed additional duties at WLOK as director of community relations. Washington, a veteran communications specialist, will help further WLOK’s commitment to serve the greater Memphis com-
munity. “We are pleased that Chip has joined our growing radio team,” said Art Gilliam, president of WLOK Radio. “Chip knows our community well and will use his skills to support WLOK’s mission to help make Memphis an even better place to live.” Washington has served as a television journalist and as pub-
lic information officer for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, senior communication specialist for Memphis Light Gas and Water, and public information officer for the Shelby County Health Department. Since its founding 46 years ago, WLOK has offered listeners a wide format of gospel music and talk shows that focus on
news and information. WLOK also presents several community events, including the annual WLOK Stone Soul Picnic, and the WLOK Black Film Festival. (WLOK broadcasts a gospel format on AM1340 and FM105. For more information, contact Art Gilliam, 901-527-9565, or wlokradio@aol.com.)
Chip Washington (Courtesy photo)
Omar Higgins to receive posthumous Brass Note on Beale Street on April 18 Celebration concert to follow at Handy Park TSD Newsroom Omar Higgins, the fierce, trailblazing bass player and frontman of Chinese Connection Dub Embassy and Negro Terror, will receive a posthumous Brass Note at Handy Park on Beale Street at 5 p.m. on April 18, with a celebra-
tion concert to follow. Higgins died of septic shock on April 18, 2019 at the age of 37. “We will celebrate Omar’s legacy and all the genres of music he loved performing, and we will cement that legacy with a Brass Note on the legendary Beale Street,” said his brother, David Higgins. “Omar’s friends and family all around the world can then look at April 18 as a day of celebration, and not just sorrow.” Organizers said the concert that will follow at Handy Park will be
a multi-genre bill that reflects the diversity of the Memphis music community and just how many fellow musicians and music fans from all over the music scene Omar’s life touched. Joining a Chinese Connection Dub Embassy house band to perform one song per act will be the following artists and producers: Mandy and Sturgis, Tonya Dyson, Tia Henderson, Harley Quinn, Ryan Peel, SvmDvde, Montee Carlo, Kween Jasira, Preaux, Danny Cosby, Idie and Teco.
Omar Higgins “Omar was a joyous, ebullient figure, whose devotion to music and those he loved was total,” said Joseph Higgins. “The day will serve as a celebration of his legacy and contribution to the Memphis arts community.” Organizers are raising money through an ioby crowdfunding
campaign to cover the costs of the event. Donations to the campaign will be matched by ioby, up to $2,000. The Beale Street Brass Note Walk of Fame program was created in 1986 to tie the rich musical tradition of Beale Street to the current entertainment district.
COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, April 13 - 19, 2023, Page 7
‘Tennessee 3’ allies join support rally for Justin Pearson by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Chants and cheers swelled over a crowd of more than 500 at the National Civil Rights Museum Wednesday (April 12) as supporters of Justin Pearson rallied to regain his District 86 seat in the Tennessee House. The expulsion of the two AfricanAmerican House members, Pearson of Memphis Rep Justin Jones of Nashville, riveted the nation. The super-majority House GOP members voted to expel the pair on April 6 after they led a March 30 protest, along with state Rep. Gloria Johnson, in the House chamber, demanding lawmakers pass tougher gun-control legislation. The protest, which also included citizens, came after three staffers and three 9-yearold students were fatally shot at their private elementary school in Nashville by a man wielding an assault-style rifle. Johnson, who is white, escaped expulsion by one vote. Jones was returned to the House after a unanimous vote by the Nashville Metropolitan Council. Pearson, Jones, and Johnson are now known nationally as The
Tennessee 3. “You are on the right side of history,” Pearson told supporters early Wednesday afternoon. “This is what democracy looks like.” The multi-racial, multigenerational gathering flanked a raised platform set up on the terrace of the historic site. A dynamic spectacle of community leaders representing a number of organizations and causes fired the crowd up before the Tennessee 3 offered words of encouragement. Rev. Regina Clark, representing Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi, was one of the first to address the crowd. “Whosoever will be great among you shall be your servant,” said Clark. “And whoever is chief among you shall be servant of all. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a drum major instinct, and Justin Pearson has that drum major instinct. He has not forgotten that people are human, and we must not forget the humanity of people, of all people… People matter, our lives matter, our children matter.” Speakers stepped to the podium in rapid succession, building the crowd up to hear remarks from the Tennessee 3.
The “Tennessee Three.” (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender) One speaker promised that “when they roll back our freedoms, we’re going to roll up…” Another marveled that “The Tennessee 3 reignited the flame in all of us, and today, I am confident we will send Justin Pearson back to Nashville…” Johnson said she was “so happy to be here in Memphis. “I am so happy to be here with my new friend Justin Pearson, who is doing an amazing job lifting up your voices in Nashville at such a critical time,” Johnson said. Johnson continued, “…We need to lift up the voices of these amazing young people…Reps. Jones and Justin Pearson…these young voices are critical…I am so honored. The teacher has become the student. I am learning so much from these young men…” Jones gave compelling words of
determination to continue the fight for tougher gun-control legislation. “They shut off our mics, so we had to use a megaphone,” said Jones. “We had a message last week. After crucifixtion comes resurrection. And I want you to know that when we walk back onto the House floor tomorrow, we are going to demand that (Tennessee House Speaker Cameron) Sexton resign.” Pearson closed the rally before the crowd organized to march to the Vasco A. Smith County Administration Building, where commissioners voted 7-0 to give Pearson an interim reappointment to the House district. The four Republican members of the commission did not attend the specially called meeting. “This is what democracy looks like,” Pearson said. “This is the democracy that they are afraid of. This is the
democracy that changes the status quo. I just wanted to let you know that the status quo needs changing… “Dr. King said the movement lives and dies in Memphis…and we want to let everybody know that the movement is alive and well today.” Shepardess Jannie Foster with the Church of God in Christ also came with her sign, displaying a frontpage news photo of Pearson speaking before expulsion votes were taken. Retired Shelby County Veterans Director Joseph Kyles is a resolute volunteer at the NCRM. But he thought participating in the rally was important. “This is just beautiful to see,” said Kyles. “Just looking around, there are so many young people, people of all races and ages. If Dr. King could see us today, I think he would be so proud.
Southwest to launch workforce solutions center at Open House and Career Fair TSD Newsroom Southwest Tennessee Community College will build on its goal to be the region’s go-to resource for quality training on Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs with the upcoming launch of The Southwest Workforce Solutions Center. The April 20 launch will come during an Open House and Career Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the College’s Macon Cove Campus, 5983 Macon Cove Road. The day’s showcase of workforce programs will include a panel discussion with industry leaders, a tour of state-of-the art technologies facilities, a tour of Southwest Express, the College’s new mobile career exploration labs with simulation learning stations, an expo featuring Southwest’s technologies programs across seven of its locations in Memphis, Shelby and Fayette counties, National Signing Day for Career-Tech Students and a Community Career Fair with area businesses and companies. SWSC will provide students new career pathways with short-term certificates and long-term workforce-ready credentials. Together with industry and community partners, the Center’s responsive, in-demand career-tech education will offer students training needed for today’s careers and those of the future, and help close the skills gap for MidSouth businesses. With more than 110 areas of study at the College, 150 credentials spanning its curriculum, and 96 percent of graduates who remain in the area after graduation, SWSC is positioned to help reduce area unemployment by adding additional skilled workers. “Southwest is a leading driver of workforce development,” Southwest Tennessee Community College President Tracy D. Hall said. “Providing accelerated career pathways aligned with local, state and regional workforce needs with the goal of fostering upward social and economic mobility for our students and area residents will help move our communities forward.
“Our goal is to become ‘The’ Southwest Workforce Solution Center of the Mid-South.” F u n d i n g for the College’s curriculum redesign Tracy comes through D. Hall an $800,000 grant from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. SWSC will offer programs in automotive, business, engineering, IT, logistics and transportation management, robotics, and health care. Southwest also will focus on high-demand careers and target opportunity youth, the unemployed and underemployed, and those living in high-crime, high-poverty areas. Partnerships with community and grassroots organizations, advisory councils and area chambers will allow the Center to implement wraparound services to ensure each student has the training they need for success. Southwest also plans to establish a workforce-focused certificate in a student’s first semester, thanks to a $550,000 Reimagining the Community College Experience grant from the Tennessee Board of Regents. Southwest is one of four Tennessee community colleges to receive the grant award for a self-designed pilot to improve student success through more extensive career exploration, career advising and credential attainment. Hall said that providing programs that remove barriers and support students where they are in life is in line with the College’s Focus 2025 Strategic Plan and TBR’s Workforce and Community focus. “SWSC builds on our workforce development wheelhouse to provide a place where students can reimagine their futures and where our college meets the community in serving industry marketplace needs,” said Hall. (For more information, visit www. southwest.tn.edu or call 901-3335000.)
Remembering Lance Watson – “Sweet Willie Wine” – Minister Suhkara A. Yahweh
People’s Convention... The second in a series of mayoral meet and greets hosted by UPTheVote901 and a collaborative of the People’s Convention was held in Orange Mound on Saturday. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)
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By order of: Scott A. Brockman, A.A.E. President and CEO Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority NOTICE TO BIDDERS Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000785A, Trend Micro Subscription and Support. Information regarding this Bid is located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn.gov . At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, Click on “Purchasing” and “Bids” to locate the name of the above-described Sealed Bid. SEALED BID I000785A DUE DATE THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023 @2:30 PM (CST) (SB-I000785A) Trend Micro Subscription and Support Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service. By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT NOTICE TO BIDDERS Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000810, Purchase of Vans/ Automobiles (Inmate Transport) for Shelby County Corrections. Information regarding this Bid is located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn.gov . At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, Click on “Purchasing” and “Bids” to locate the name of the above-described Sealed Bid. SEALED BID I000810 DUE DATE WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2023 @2:30 PM (CST) (SB-I000810) Purchase of Vans/ Automobiles (Inmate Transport) Vehicles for Shelby County Corrections Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service. By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH LAUDERDALE PASTOR POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT 682 South Lauderdale Street Memphis, Tennessee 38126 Apply online at www.first baptistlauderdale.org or https://www. facebook.com/profile. php?id=100089583129895. Application Deadline: April 15, 2023.
April 13 - 19, 2023
NEWS
Page 8
TSU professor’s home branded with swastikas, hate messages TSU News Service NASHVILLE – It wasn’t the first time Tennessee State University professor Dr. Andrew Patrick’s Black Lives Matter (BLM) signs had been stolen from the front yard of his Sylvan Park neighborhood home. However, it was the first time his home had been vandalized with swastikas and hate messages because of his support for the organization. “This happens a lot. But the actual vandalizing of our houses with the Neo-Nazi signs and statements is new,” said Patrick, who is a 10-year history professor at TSU. On March 19, Patrick and his family woke up to the new paint job. Their home, along with four others, were vandalized with racist and anti-Semitic graffiti in the Sylvan Park neighborhood. Patrick’s home was vandalized with three swastikas symbols and two “white power” signs spray painted on the sides. The act was caught on one of Patrick’s neighbors Ring doorbell cameras around 1:30 a.m. The footage shows two individuals vandalizing the home, with one attempting to cover the camera with spray paint. Patrick and his family have lived in their Sylvan area home for a decade. A community Patrick describes as, “a liberal inclusive enclave,” that has seen a pattern of their community signs being stolen over time. “It seems like they were just going after their political opponents like me, as a supporter of BLM,” said Patrick, who identifies as a non-religious white male who was raised Catholic. Within hours, dozens of neighbors came together to remove the messages and symbols of hate from the vandalized homes. Two of those supporters were TSU professors, who also live in the neighborhood, husband and wife, Dr. Elizabeth Dachowski and Dr. John Miglietta. Patrick noted that the outpouring of support and cleanup included his son and some of his friends. “They got down to it and did most of the cleanup on the house,” Patrick said. “They made many different signs of love and support for BLM and the Jewish community.” Now, there are more than 100 signs plastered on Patrick’s home: ‘Hate has no home in Sylvan Park.’ He is very appreciative
Andrew Patrick’s home after being vandalized. (Photo via TSU News Service) of the support from his TSU colleagues. “ D r . Miglietta and Dr. Dachowski, as Dr. Andrew soon as Patrick they heard they came over right away,” he said. “Other colleagues have been calling to make sure I am OK. Everyone has been extremely helpful and kind.” Dachowski, a TSU history professor, and Miglietta, political science, rushed over after they received a call from Patrick’s wife about being vandalized. “I found this very disturbing,” Dachowski said. “All of the homes targeted had signs indicating support for disadvantaged groups. Something
like this could be the beginning of an isolated incident or a nasty campaign against people.” Dachowski and Miglietta noted that they took pride in the neighborhood joining forces to support one another in solidarity. Although Patrick is proud of the outpouring of support, he voiced his biggest concern with the state of Tennessee. “I am a little more concerned about Tennessee’s white supremacy problem,” he said. “So, that is the next step. My neighborhood is going to band together, we are going to be unified, but I want to see some reaction here.” Patrick reiterated that he is not a vengeful individual but wants justice as the two suspects were still at large as of April 11. “I already forgive them for what they have done. But it would be nice to talk to them,” he said. “Chucking a few white supremacists in prison for a little while, I don’t think
Andrew Patrick’s son during cleanup to remove the messages and symbols of hate from Sylvan Park vandalized homes. (Photo via TSU News Service) that’s really going to help. The Tennessee government has to do a lot more to fight these hate groups.” On a federal level, hate crime laws are classified as crimes committed on the basis of the victim’s perceived or actual race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability, according to the U.S Department of Justice. Patrick told the University that the homes with signs and or flags representing disadvantaged groups being vandalized isn’t a coincidence. He noted that the first time his BLM signs were stolen out of his yard happened during the 2020 election cycle. “They are trying to intimidate us,” he said. “This is politically motivated vandalism. Not only is it not going away, but it is also getting worse.”
SPORTS The New Tri-State Defender, April 13 - 19, 2023, Page 9
Grizzlies ready to rumble with Lakers After capturing the second seed in the NBA’s Western Conference Playoffs, Ja Morant and Memphis Grizzlies will look to push past LeBron James and the rebuilt Los Angeles Lakers in the first round. The Lakers earned the right to take on the Grizzlies with an overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in LA on Tuesday night. That gave them the No. 7 seed and put them on track to play Memphis in game one at FedExForum on Sunday (April 16). (Photo: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender Archives)
New U of M coach Alex Simmons ready to roll with ‘these 901 Women’ by Terry Davis
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Alex Simmons knows the value of a “basketball city” in building a successful women’s basketball program at a university invested in the growth of that program Simmons, who coached five seasons at Gardner-Webb is the new coach of the University of Memphis women’s basketball team, which is coming off one of its most successful seasons in recent memory. “When I stepped foot on the University of Memphis campus, I felt the belief and saw the vision that the leadership sees for our women’s basketball program,” said Simmons, who coached Gardner-Webb to a 9059 record, including a 29-5 mark this past season. “I appreciate the belief and investment that the university leadership, Laird Veatch and Lauren Ashman, have put into this program. I am elated to be back home in the state where I grew up to represent the Memphis Tiger women’s basketball team.” The Tigers this past season advanced to the third round of NIT under former head coach Katrina Merriweather, who left after two seasons to coach the Cincinnati Bearcats, where she has deep roots. University of Memphis Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Laird Veatch said Simmons’ “historic success, both as a player and coach, as well as her strong ties to the state of Tennessee and within the basketball community made her the obvious choice for us in continuing to grow the Memphis women’s basketball program.” Simmons took over Gardner-Webb’s Runnin’ Bulldogs program in April 2018 after assistant coaching stints at Ole Miss (2013-18) and Middle Tennessee State University (2010-13). She also served as a graduate assistant coach at Kansas (2009-10).
Alex Simmons brings a winning pedigree with her as she takes the helm at the University of Memphis. Named to the WBCA Thirty Under 30 list in 2017 and, as director of recruiting, Simmons reeled in three-consecutive top-20 classes for Ole Miss. She also mentored a pair of All-SEC performers. The Runnin’ Bulldogs broke multiple program, school and Big South records with their 29 victories and a 21-game win streak that included a perfect 18-0 record in conference play. GWU captured the regular season and championship titles for the program’s first trip to the Big Dance since the 2010-11 season. “My time at Gardner-Webb has been everything I could have dreamed of – from winning at Florida in my first game as a head coach to building this program into a Championship program,” said Simmons. “We had plenty of firsts in my five seasons and I am forever grateful to every single player who laid the foundation. They have definitely made me a better coach and I cannot wait to continue to support them and see them reach their goals on and off the court.” With Gardner-Webb in her rearview, Simmons said, “I’m looking forward to getting to work with this administration and getting on the court with these 901 Women. Go Tigers!”
Hamilton High gridiron roast to honor beloved ‘Coach Botto’ by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Hamilton High School alumni football players will converge on the city during the first weekend in May for “The Roast and Toast of Coach Botto” to honor a beloved sports hero. “We had the idea years ago to get the guys back together from all the years Botto coached at Hamilton,” said Coach Roosevelt Hancock. “Two things our guys always knew – that Botto loved Hamilton High School, and he loved his football team. Hancock became head coach of Hamilton’s football program in 1976. “Coach Botto” is Melvin Earnest. Botto is a “nickname from the neighborhood, according to Hancock. “The Roast and Toast of Coach Botto” is May 6, from 2-5 p.m. Earnest, 75, has weathered some health challenges in recent years, and Hancock thought seeing many of “his guys” would be good for him. “We’re looking for a light-hearted afternoon with roasts, jokes, and a few toasts to a man who gave so much of himself to the success of Hamilton High varsity football,” said Hancock. “Botto will get a kick out of all the stories the fellas will tell about their experiences with him. He was quite a colorful character.” Wamon Buggs, who played under Coach Hancock when Coach Botto was an assistant coach, remembers Coach Botto’s “pep talks” with great amusement. “Before we played a game, Botto would always just be coming in from talking to the other team,” said Buggs, with a laugh. “He would say, ‘Yeah, I just finished talking to the other team. They said you wasn’t s**t, and you wasn’t never gonna be s**t. And this one guy said he was going to f**k you up, said he was going to break your leg, too.’ That was his version of a pep talk. He wanted to make sure you were fired up and ready to play when you hit the field.” Buggs said although Botto did not coach his position, he would hear this pep talk along with the other guys. Buggs was a receiver, defensive back, and kicker. He was one of 15 players who went pro after their time with Coach Botto at Hamilton. Buggs played for the Green Bay Packers. Earnest went to Hamilton from the grades 1-12. Earnest met Hancock years before they would be working together as coaches. “When Botto was in the fourth grade, I was a senior at Hamilton,” said Hancock. “He reminded me years later that I was one of the chaperones on their field trip. Back then, seniors would chaperone elementary students on field trips and other activities.” Hancock graduated from Hamilton in 1959. He began his coaching career at Hamilton in 1964, when Botto was a sophomore playing football. When Earnest graduated from Hamilton in 1966, he started working at General Electric (GE). But in the evenings, he would come over to the field and watch the guys practice. Hancock remembered one day in particular. “Botto came over to watch practice this one afternoon when our principal, Oliver Johnson,
Melvin Earnest “Coach Botto” was out there, too,”
“We’re looking said Hancock. “After Botto watched for for a lighta while, he said out hearted loud, ‘I can coach afternoon with better than that just up from roasts, jokes, waking a nightmare.’ Mr. and a few toasts Johnson heard him to a man who and hired him to be the coach of the pee gave so much wee team.” Not only was of himself to Botto a good the success of coach, according to Hamilton High Hancock, but he used varsity football.” his pay to buy the players equipment — Roosevelt and made sure they had all the things Hancock
they needed. “The pee wee team lost their first game under Botto, but they won every game after that until 1970, when Botto left that program to become an assistant coach to head coach Hosea Alexander at the high school. “When Hosea left, I took over as head coach, and I brought Botto right along with me as my assistant. Botto has always personified school spirit.” Besides Buggs, 14 other former Hamilton players went pro. They are: Keith Simpson, Seattle Sea Hawks; Eric Harris, Los Angeles Rams; James Cribbs, Detroit Lions; Charles Buchanan, Cleveland Browns and Bernard Williams, Philadelphia Eagles. Also, Darrell Brooks, Detroit Lions; Kenneth Woods, New York Giants; Elton Cummings, Los Angeles Rams; Bryant Winn, Denver Broncos; John Matthews, Atlanta Falcons; Eric Truitt, Baltimore Colts; Lonnie Johnson, Buffalo Bills, and Lorenzo King, Los Angeles Raiders. Hancock said Botto is excited about the upcoming roast. “It’s been a long time since Botto has been so hyped about an event,” said Hancock. “All the guys coming back to honor him is good medicine. And so is laughter, and we know there will be plenty of that. “And it will be a time of catching up with old friends – a football alumni reunion. It’s going to be a great time.” The afternoon affair will be in Midtown, 1455 Poplar Ave. Drinks and snacks will be served. There is no admission cost.
(For more information, call Coach Roosevelt Hancock at 901-661-1948.)
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