The New Tri-State Defender - April 29-May 5, 2021

Walking down gun violence – the journey continues

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

At the time of Saturday’s latest “Community Walk Against Gun Violence,” 84 shootings had been documented in Shelby County in 2021. And, participants were told, Tennessee’s new no-permit, gun-carry law will create a “wild west” effect.

“There are too many guns on the streets of Memphis,” said a key organizer, Stevie Moore, president/founder of FFUN (Freedom From Unnecessary Negatives), whose mantra is “Stop the Killing.”

“This law is not helpful in alleviating shootings in our communities. That’s so crazy to me. Gov. Lee has already signed it, and this bill becomes law on July 1.”

Moore said the Black community has been too silent on the issue

Young and old joined many ages in between at the most recent Community Walk Against Gun Violence. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

“We should have spoken up and let our voice be heard when the governor was still considering the bill,” said Moore.

The Community Walk Against Gun Violence was a 1.9 mile trek that launched from MLK Prep Academy, 1530 Dellwood. It followed a February walk in Whitehaven. The weekend prior to the most recent walk there were 12 shootings; five died from their injuries. Seven cases remained under investigation.

On Wednesday, April 28, three shootings had occurred in two hours. Moore said gun violence continues in too many neighborhoods.

“I have already been to the sites of three shootings,” said Moore.

“It looks like Memphis and Shelby County are headed for another record-breaking year of killings and accidental shootings,” he said Moore. “We’ve got to pass more laws on the front end before someone fires, not at the back end when a murder is being investigated.”

Participation is great, but marchers must be

The

House speaker: Permitless carry law does not set up more gun violence

by Karanja A. Ajanaku kajanaku@tsdmemphis.com

During a Q&A session Tuesday with members of the Tennessee Press Association (TPA), House Speaker Cameron Sexton took issue with those who argue that the new “Constitutional Carry” law harms the effort in Shelby County to stem gun violence.

The push to heighten awareness about the need to stem gun violence returned advocates to Memphis streets last weekend, with some doubtful about the quality of support coming from the majority of state lawmakers. The New Tri-State Defender, a TPA member, questioned Sexton about those expressions of doubt during a conference call.

“This past weekend there was a Community Walk Against Gun Violence. During the event there were several references to the permitless carry measure and how it really wasn’t helping the effort in Shelby County to combat gun violence,” TSD Associate Publisher/Executive Editor Karanja A. Ajanaku said in setting up the question directed initially at Gov. Bill Lee, who had left the call before it was posed.

“If you had been there governor, what might you have said to help them see that bill/mea-

“What we did do … is in the bill … hold people who commit theft of guns, commit gun crimes or felons who are caught with guns, increase the punishment for (such offenses). I think it is a delicate balance of restricting law-abiding citizens’ constitutional rights when they are the ones not committing the criminal activities.”

— Cameron Sexton

sure (now law) in a different light?”

Sexton then volunteered to answer the question.

“What I would say is that the gun violence we are having, for the most part, for gun crimes are not due to people who are purchasing guns legally, right? You do have gun violence from criminals who have laws on the books and they disregard the laws on the book.”

Sexton said the legislature passed permitless carry for people who are law-abiding Tennessee citizens and who can legally purchase a gun.

“What we did do … is in the bill … hold people who commit theft of guns, commit gun crimes or felons who are caught with guns,

increase the punishment for (such offenses). I think it is a delicate balance of restricting law-abiding citizens’ constitutional rights when they are the ones not committing the criminal activities.”

Places with restrictive gun control have gun crimes higher than Tennessee, Sexton said, pointing out Chicago among them.

“The bill (signed into law by Lee) has not done anything to increase the gun crimes in our state,” Sexton said.

“I think with the permit system that we had in place, I think with the way people were purchasing guns legally, I think allowing law-abiding citizens the right to carry – as the Constitution allows – is the right direction to go.”

COVID-19 UPDATE

Gov. Lee declares end to pandemic restrictions

Local officials seeking to make sense of declaration

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Shelby County is not among the 89 counties where Gov. Bill Lee can remove the option to mandate wearing masks in public to combat COVID-19.

That has local officials hustling to define their position regarding’s Lee’s declaration on Tuesday that COVID-19 is no longer a statewide public health crisis.

Lee’s Executive Order 80, which he signed this week, ends a city or county’s local authority to mandate use of masks in public. The order is effective in 89 counties because the state health department directs policy for those counties.

Tennessee’s “Big 6” counties, which operate their own health departments, have been asked to join the unmasking policy by May 30. In addition to Shelby County, those six counties are: Davidson County (Nashville), Hamilton County (Chattanooga), Knox County (Knoxville), Madison County (Jackson) and Sullivan County (Blountville)

“COVID-19 is now a managed public health issue in Tennessee and no longer a statewide public health emergency,” said Lee. “As Tennesseans continue to get vaccinated, it’s time to lift remaining local restrictions, focus on economic recovery and get back to business in Tennessee.”

Memphis Chief Operating Officer Doug McGowen said Tuesday he didn’t think now is the time to be talking about lifting the mask mandate. He would like to have more people vaccinated before having that conversation.

A legal team is also looking at Lee’s request.

“Masking in public and social distancing will continue to be required,” said McGowen. “Especially, if they have not been fully vaccinated.”

Tennessee joins a number of states peeling away their remaining COVID-19 restrictions. Lee’s message comes as the state faces a public more hesitant of the COVID-19 vaccine than the rest of the country as a whole. Tennessee sits in the bottom three for its percentage of adults with at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, at 42.8 percent, compared to the national rate of 53.9 percent, according to the Centers for Dis-

“COVID-19

(Photo: Twitter)

House speaker Cameron Sexton

“We need to change the way we think pertaining to violence. … ‘Black Lives Matter’ have no issue raising an alarm when some police shooting occurs. But when stray bullets are taking the lives of others, we should get just as vocal, just as concerned.”

— Stevie Moore

WALK CONTINUED FROM FRONT

about something more than just hearing speeches and walking as a show of unity, Moore said.

“We need to change the way we think pertaining to violence. … ‘Black Lives Matter’ have no issue raising an alarm when some police shooting occurs. But when stray bullets are taking the lives of others, we should get just as vocal, just as concerned.”

Moore said in one shooting, African-American males were shooting at each other.

One of the stray bullets killed a four-year-old girl and there was no outcry in the community, said more, calling for “our collective voices” to be heard.

“This child has been killed in her own community, and there is nothing but silence,” said Moore. “It’s like we don’t care about the lives taken by guns, if someone who looks like us is involved.

“We’ve got to stop this pandemic of violence in our own community.”

A coalition of African-American ministers, spearheaded by Pastor Bill Adkins of Greater Imani Church, The Cathedral of Faith, had a similar message:

Black lives matter, even if some of our own people are doing the shooting.

Adkins said the African-American community “must bring in an indictment

on itself for this plague of violence.”

Lee signed the permitless carry measure, which was passed by the Tennessee General Assembly in March, on

April 8, with it set to become law on July 1.

Tennessee now is among 19 states with laws that waive carry-permit restrictions.

“Anyone who is at least 21 and has no felony on their record can get a gun,” said Moore. “More guns will only lead to more killing. People are already getting guns without knowing how to use them. They can’t shoot. That’s why so many innocent people are being killed.”

Community residents are not helpless, Moore said.

“There is something we can do,” said Moore. “If we see something, say something. Many people won’t call in to the police, but they will call me. I have had a tip line for nearly a year. Three murders have been solved, and two drug houses have been shut down. …

“We want to know where we can help, how we can help,” he said. “Much needed resources can be directed to people living in underserved communities. It’s OK to call my tip line if there is fear or mistrust of the police.”

Moore’s tip line number is: 901-417-7361.

PANDEMIC

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

ease Control and Prevention.

Lee said a marketing campaign to promote the new vaccines is coming soon, but he said it’s not underway yet because the vaccine has just become widely available in recent weeks.

His executive order focuses on economic recovery throughout the state and fully opening every entity.

“It’s time for celebrations and weddings and conventions and concerts and parades and proms and everything in between, to happen without limits on gathering sizes or other arbitrary restrictions on those events,” Lee said at Tuesday new conference.

Shelby County Health Department Medical Officer Dr. Bruce Randolph said now is the time for individuals to take personal responsibility in protecting themselves from COVID-19.

“I think we have come to a point where we should move away from mandated protocols and shift to personal responsibility,” said Randolph.

“Now is the time for an individual to protect himself by choosing to continue following the safety measures which have been put in place: wearing masks in public, social distancing, washing hands frequently, avoiding crowded, poorly ventilated places, and getting vaccinated.”

Lee’s executive order maintains Tennessee’s access to federal funding, including SNAP benefits and cost reimbursements for the Tennessee National Guard’s testing and vaccination efforts.

In Tennessee, all persons 16 years and older may now receive the vaccination.

On Tuesday, new cases totaled 118, with no additional deaths over a 24-hour period.

There have been 1,613 deaths in Shelby County.

On Wednesday, April 28, there were 113 new cases reported and four additional deaths. There have been 95,087 COVID-19 cases in Shelby County, with 1,617 deaths.

A total of 308,242 people have been vaccinated; 207,142 have been fully vaccinated, and 101,100 have received their first shot.

“We want everyone to be responsible for his or her own health by getting vaccinated,” said Randolph. “Continue to ask questions so you can make an informed decision.”

(This story includes a report by The Associated Press. For questions and vaccination information, call the health department at: 901-222-9000.)

The Community Walk Against Gun Violence event served to distribute awareness information, including about acute childhood experiences that result from gun violence.

The weekend prior to the most recent Community Walk Against Gun Violence there were 12 shootings; five died from their injuries. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

Biden to the nation: We’re ‘turning peril into possibility’

by Jonathan Lemire and Josh Boak

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden was set to use his first joint address to Congress to declare the nation is “turning peril into possibility, crisis into opportunity,” urging a $1.8 trillion investment in children, families and education that would fundamentally transform roles the government plays in American life.

(The Wednesday night (April 28) speech was delivered after The New Tri-State Defender’s print deadline. Visit www. TSDMemphis.com for postspeech coverage.)

Biden is marking his first 100 days in office as the nation emerges from a confluence of crises, making his case before a pared-down gathering of mask-wearing legislators because of coronavirus restrictions. The speech was to take place in a U.S. Capitol still surrounded by fencing after insurrectionists in January protesting his election stormed to the doors of the House chamber where he will speak.

Biden indicated that he would lay out a sweeping proposal for universal preschool, two years of free community college, $225 billion for child care and monthly payments of at least $250 to parents. His ideas target frailties that were uncovered by the pandemic, and he will make the case that economic growth would best come from taxing the rich to help the middle class and the poor.

“I can report to the nation: America is on the move again,” Biden was set to say, according to excerpts released by the White House ahead of the speech. “Turning peril into possibility. Crisis into opportunity. Setback into strength.”

Biden’s speech was expected to provide an update on progress in combating the COVID-19 crisis he was elected to tame, showcasing hundreds of millions of vaccinations and relief checks delivered to help offset the devastation wrought by a virus that has killed more than 573,000 people in the United States.

He also was to champion his $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan, a staggering figure to be financed by higher taxes on corporations.

Biden has embraced mo-

mentous action over incremental change. But he will be forced to thread the needle between Republicans who cry government overreach and some Democrats who fear he won’t go big enough.

The Democratic president’s strategy is to sidestep the polarization and make his appeal directly to voters. His primetime speech was to underscore a trio of central campaign promises: to manage the deadly pandemic, to turn down the tension in Washington in the aftermath of the insurrection and to restore faith in government as an effective force for good.

“We have to prove democracy still works. That our government still works and can deliver for the people,” Biden was to say, according to the excerpts. “In our first 100 days together, we have acted to restore the people’s faith in our democracy to deliver.”

This year’s scene at the front of the House chamber will have a historic look: For the first time, a female vice president, Kamala Harris, will be seated behind the chief executive. And she will be seated next to another woman, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The setting will be unlike for any of his predecessors, with members of Congress spread out and many Republicans citing “scheduling conflicts” to stay away.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday, “President Biden ran as a moderate, but I’m hard pressed to think of anything at all that he’s done so far that would indicate some degree of moderation.”

He was to speak against a backdrop of the weakening

but still lethal pandemic, staggering unemployment and a roiling debate about police violence against Blacks. Biden was expected to use his address to touch on the broader national reckoning over race in America, and to call on Congress to act on prescription drug pricing, gun control and modernizing the nation’s immigration system.

New in his Wednesday speech was expected to be a “families” plan that could cement his legacy with $1.8 trillion worth of spending over 10 years.

A significant amount would ensure that eligible families receive at least $250 monthly per child through 2025, extending the enhanced tax credit that was part of Biden’s COVID-19 aid. There would be $200 billion for free preschool for all 3- and 4-yearolds. Another $225 billion would pay for subsidized child care and invest in child care workers.

A national paid family and medical leave program would be started at a cost of $225 billion. Another $200 billion would go to permanently reduce health insurance premiums for people who receive coverage through the Affordable Care Act.

For $109 billion in federal money, people could attend community college tuition-free for two years. There would be $85 billion for Pell Grants to help more people afford higher education. Historically Black and tribal institutions would be eligible to receive $46 billion.

Funding all of this would be a series of tax increases on the wealthy that would raise about $1.5 trillion over a decade.

President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting with lawmakers to discuss the American Jobs Plan in the Oval Office of the White House. Biden will mark his 100th day in office on Thursday, April 29. (AP Photo/ Patrick Semansky, file)

African-American consumers are cautious optimists; Hispanic consumers are recovery optimists

by Nielsen.com

As more of the U.S. becomes eligible for vaccinations, consumers and companies are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. “Vaccine small talk” is infiltrating video conferences, and companies and consumers are beginning to talk and plan for a post-pandemic future.

And when we look at who’s most eager to move forward, minority groups are leading the charge.

Early on in the pandemic, we saw how COVID-19 impacted different communities and industries unequally. As more states reopen and people resume “normal” activities, it’s clear that these communities and industries will bounce back at different tempos.

Using data from the latest Nielsen Total Audience Report: Advertising Across Today’s Media, we’ve identified three primary consumer recovery groups: Recovery Optimists, Cautious Optimists and Recovery Pessimists.While consumers who identify with these categories may change as the vaccine rollout progresses, age, gender and ethnicity are a few of the factors advertisers can consider when looking at who’s most optimistic and eager to spend.

Despite research from the CDC showing that Black, African Americans and Hispanic or Latino persons are two to three times more at risk of COVID-related hospitalizations and death than their White, non-Hispanic counterparts, these consumers are among the most optimistic and eager to spend.

Based on the results from a recent Nielsen survey, Hispanic consumers are more likely to be Recovery Optimists. During COVID-19, these respondents reported that they were moderately impacted by COVID-related restrictions, with 44 percent saying they were able to save more compared with 39 percent of all adults 18+. Over half (53 percent) said they were able to make “major” purchases ($500+) during the pandemic compared with 43 percent of adults 18+.

In the next 12 months, Hispanic respondents say they are 2x more likely to buy a new house than the average adult and more likely to buy or lease a new or used vehicle. These consumers are most eager to plan or book a vacation (71 percent), dine out at restaurants (70 percent) and visit coffee shops / cafes (69 percent). Advertisers can reach this consumer group while on their smartphone, where they spent more than 18 hours a week watching video, streaming audio and social networking in second-quarter 2020.

Black consumers are more likely to be Cautious Optimists, because a larger percentage reported believing it’ll take longer to recover and have been more hesitant to make larger purchases during the past year. Black respondents indicated they were moderately impacted by COVID-related restrictions, with 52 percent saying they were able to save more income. Yet nearly six-in-10 indicated that they did not make a “major” ($500+) purchase in 2020, which is more than any other multicultural consumer group.

Once restrictions lift, African-American consumers have indicated that they are ready to spend. They were 1.3x and 1.7x more likely to

Black consumers are more likely to be Cautious Optimists, because a larger percentage reported believing it’ll take longer to recover and have been more hesitant to make larger purchases during the past year.

say that they plan to purchase or lease a car or purchase a house in the next year, respectively.

On a smaller spending scale, African-American consumers are eager to go to a hair/barber or nail salon (72 percent), dine out at restaurants (66 percent) and visit coffee shops and cafes (65 percent). Good news for the travel industry, two thirds (64 percent) of African Americans are interested in travel via airplanes, making them the most willing of all the multicultural consumers.

Advertisers looking to engage with Black consumers should keep in mind the social activism and diversity pledges made over the last year, as well as how that translates into the omnichannel experience, which is especially relevant to this consumer group that over-indexes on time spent across TV, the computer and smartphones. For Cautious Optimists, the messaging can be positive, but should not abandon health-safety considerations.

Many factors play into who falls into the Recovery Pessimists category, including confidence in vaccine information, protocol and ease of access. These individuals are more likely to have been significantly or severely impacted by the pandemic financially and could belong to more at-risk communities, are caretakers, or are managing additional burdens due to the pandemic. This includes women, who are more likely to be caretakers and take on household responsibilities as well as people who are 50+. Advertisers shouldn’t dismiss this group. Instead, they should understand that these consumers may need more reassurance and continued promotion of health-safety protocols. The good news is that while these individuals may not be ready to spend immediately, they are likely spending more time doing socially distanced activities such as watching television and streaming.

It’s important to note that these consumer groups are not static. The enhanced rollout of the vaccine program, successful re-opening of schools and sustained falling COVID-19 cases could improve the overall optimism of Recovery Pessimists and allow them to step into the Cautious Optimists category. While set-backs and re-closures may downgrade consumer optimism.

Advertisers looking to engage with African-Amerian consumers should keep in mind the social activism and diversity pledges made over the last year, as well as how that translates into the omnichannel experience, which is especially relevant to this consumer group that over-indexes on time spent across TV, the computer and smartphones.

Four years later, New Olivet to Cordova was the right move

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Moving “out east” for The New Olivet Baptist Church sparked an exciting metamorphosis into a worldclass, mega-ministry, The New Olivet Worship Center.

An ever-growing family of mature, worshipful and committed Christians is emerging from a year-long pandemic, ready to impact its suburban community and the world with the gospel of Jesus.

From Southern Avenue in Buntyn to Woodland Hills in Cordova, the change of address was not only good, “but it was God,” said Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr., the church’s pastor.

The 2016 move to the15-acre Woodland Hills Event Center was the result of some pressing circumstances that were “orchestrated by the Lord,” he said.

“God’s timing is awesome,” Whalum said. “We were land-locked on Southern Avenue on our single acre of land. The Memphis Country Club literally owned every square inch of real estate on all sides of us.”

But there was a need to expand church facilities and enlarge the church’s capacity to facilitate more outreach.

The year was 2016, and some decisions had to be made. It was either pour a fortune into renovating and refurbishing their 40-year-old structure or look for some new digs.

Not only was Memphis Country

Club not selling any of its property to New Olivet, but it had asked the congregation to sell their one-acre of land for years.

The church had launched a highly successful charter school in the nearby Orange Mound community. But Whalum knew actual expansion of the church grounds was unlikely.

“When our facilities began to degenerate with age, we decided it was time to sell,” Whalum said. “And yes, the offer was too good to pass up.”

That one-acre owned by the church sold at a price tag of $1.5 million. Talk about pricey real estate. But the real kicker is where New Olivet landed.

A 15-arce, multi-million-dollar spread in scenic Woodland Hills became the church’s new home. The move by any measure was a savvy acquisition coup. Plans to build for the next generation are without limits, Whalum said. Unlike many churches experiencing a dwindling number of young people, teens and the under-40 set are driving growth.

Whalum, to be sure, is not the traditional, conservative mega-church pastor type.

Controversial. Unconventional. Colorful. Socially conscious. Entrepreneurial. These are adjectives that drive Whalum’s ministry, and that also makes him a represented political and social justice pundit on local television news public service shows.

Four years after the historic church move, Whalum is surer than he ever has been that relocating to east Shel-

Farewell...

With the celebration of the life and times of former lawmaker Roscoe Dixon Jr. complete, his wife of many years, Gloria Dixon (right), exited the sanctuary at Serenity Funeral Home, 1638 Sycamore View Rd., last Saturday (April 24). He died April 15. (Photo: Tyrone

RELIGION

by County was the right move at the right time.

Traditional, African-American churches located in African-American communities are sometimes characterized as abandoning the neighborhoods that need them the most when they move to the suburbs.

But upwardly mobile parishioners and deterioration of some inner-city areas make moves eastward more conducive to growth and “expanding the church’s footprint.” Wha-

lum characterized the move as “the church following its parishioners.”

Then, in its fourth year, when plans and more plans had painted the church’s future even brighter, the 2020 pandemic happened.

In Whalum’s estimation, God had a deeper purpose for His church in shutting down the whole world. The church has evolved into a real “worship center,” not just in name only.

“The Olives have evolved more deeply into worship and praise,” said

Whalum. “We start every service on our faces at the altar. Then we praise the Lord with dance, disco ball and all. Yes, we have an actual disco ball and a dance floor.”

(For those who don’t know, a disco ball is a shimmery ball with glittery, light effects, which was popular in clubs and dance floors during the 1970s.)

So, The New Olivet Worship Center isn’t alone in evolving and growing spiritually as a collective body. But Whalum says he has evolved as well.

“I have evolved into more of a teacher, particularly with the pandemic, and the need to continue having church online,” Whalum said.

Whalum has never had a shortage of opinions. And, as far as he is concerned, God, through the pandemic, is calling for the Church, the Christian Church, to take an assessment of itself.

“I truly believe the Lord allowed the pandemic lockdown to force ‘The Church’ to self-assess,” Whalum said. “Were we really being ‘The Church’? There are some churches that won’t be back when this is over.”

“Our school has remained in Orange Mound,” Whalum said. “So, our footprint is still there, but we have a lot more room to expand our footprint in Cordova.”

LEGACY: The Rev. J.C. Bachus...

P. Easley)

During a pre-COVID-19 service, the Rev. Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr., pastor of The New Olivet Worship Center, leads congregants in prayer. (Courtesy photos)

Sheila Whalum and her husband, the Rev. Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr., count themselves among the collective body “evolving and growing spiritually” at The New Olivet Worship Center.

COMMUNITY

The New Tri-State Defender, April 29 - May 5, 2021, Page 6

A ‘Black Caucus’ evolves at the County Commission

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

A resolution establishing a Black Caucus drew unanimous support from the Shelby County Commission during its Monday (April 26) meeting.

The group will focus on the concerns of the county’s African-American communities.

“It’s not just about Black communities – even though those communities are the ones that have been affected, for the most part – but I want this to be something that Memphis and Shelby County can both win, and then we can be the example for other communities across the nation. That’s going to be my first challenge to this Black caucus,” said co-sponsor Edmund Ford Jr.

A Congressional Black Caucus has operated in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1971.

The caucus faces a host of challenges. They include addressing the needs of historically underserved communities, policing issues and a community that has been among the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nevertheless, its goals are ambitious.

“Next month marks the 100th anniversary of

the Black Wall Street massacre. Those who do not know what that consists of, it happened in Tulsa, Oklahoma 100 years ago. There was an area in Tulsa that was considered the wealthiest Black community in the U.S. at that time,” said Ford.

The upscale African-American community and economic center’s 35 blocks were burned to the ground during a race riot lasting May 31 to June 1, 1921. Many who survived the pogrom fled. Those who stayed remained silent. The community was never rebuilt. It is considered the worst spasm of racial violence in the history of the U.S.

“The reason why I bring that up is my first challenge to this Black Caucus is to support initiatives that exist now that are digitized and scalable versions of something that we can recreate as a Black Wall Street,” added Ford.

Among the first steps to achieving that vision will be to address the predatory lending. Many payday lenders charge exorbitantly high interest

on loans, mainly to low-income borrowers, leaving the businesses open to accusations of usury.

“We need to look at the big picture as far as what we can do holistically for communities so that those payday lenders and predatory companies don’t even exist in our communities,” said Ford.

With seven of the commission’s 13 members being African American, the caucus potentially comprises a majority-voting bloc. County Mayor Lee Harris also is African American.

“As someone who has represented the concerns of Black communities in the past and present, I would just say to members of the Black caucus not to forget about those individuals on the body, all 13 of us, that I believe are committed to the plight of our black communities, especially those that are underserved and under-represented,” said Commissioner Mark Billingsley.

It was made clear during the meeting that

Now hear this...

Bobby O’Jay, long-serving program director at WDIA, is set for induction into the 2021 Career Class of The Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in July. He joins WDIA icons Nat D. Williams, Rufus Thomas and Bev Johnson, who shared O’Jay’s selection on social media. WDIA Radio was inducted in 2013 as a legendary station. (Courtesy photo)

Move to change property assessment timing derailed

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

A bid to increase property assessments to bi-annually was yanked by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners during its Monday (April 26) meeting after a local realtors organization rallied against the change.

“They believe maintaining every four years is the best for all taxpayers of Shelby County,” said Commissioner Mark Billingsley in reference to the Memphis Area Association of Realtors (MAAR).

Among the group’s criticisms of the proposal are a potentially lengthy and burdensome appeals process that could involve state and other outside entities beyond the Shelby County Assessors purview. Concerns about fairness between different types of property owners were also addressed.

“We, as advocates for all property owners in Shelby County, need to make sure the assessment structure neither overly benefits or overly burdens residential property owners compared to the commercial property owners, and vice-versa. The proposal does not address potential inequities that could result,” Billingsley read from a written statement from the organization.

MAAR has been in contact with other members of the commission to lobby its position.

Tax rates are reset based on reappraisals and set by the commission. A vote on County Tax Assessor Melvin Burgess’ proposal had already been delayed twice. The item was deferred from the last meeting on April 12.

“I’ve never known MAAR to chime in on public policy when it comes to taxation. It didn’t happen when I was on the Commission for eight years,” recalled Burgess.

“We have done all we could. If you don’t like it, you don’t like it. So, that’s all we can do. It’s unfortunate everybody didn’t really take the time out to really understand what this really is. That’s why I think there is so much confusion.”

Homeowners are bracing for a bigger tax bill. But those that reappraised can benefit from lines of credit and other financial vehicles. Shelby County homes have shown a 20 percent increase in value since the last assessment in 2017, while rates are anticipated to drop. Certified tax rates will be released next month.

Rates are currently set at $4.05 in Shelby County, although evaluations show they could plunge below $3.50. Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris hasn’t offered a prediction, however.

The rate in Memphis is estimated to drop from $3.19 to between $2.70 and $2.80. Mayor Jim Strickland estimates new rates are expected to bring in the same revenue as the old, as required by state law.

The pandemic was also cited as a reason to forestall another appraisal in two years. Vaccinations have progressed significantly, and people are returning to work and school. Nevertheless, a return to normal is still a work in progress.

“We still don’t have people back to work, and they just got hit with a significant reappraisal,” forecasted Billingsley.

As was the case during the Memphis City Council meeting last week, there were concerns about longer durations between assessments. Revenue shortfalls were a concern then. Another worry is accuracy. The thinking being the more often the assessment, the more accurate a gauge of value it will be.

Commissioner Willie F. Brooks said he

other members of the commission have been invited to work with the caucus.

“I have hopes for what it can accomplish in the next year and a half as the seven of us are together, plus any other commissioners who choose to join.

“I am just glad to hear that you want it to be a space where we can collaborate on issues, discuss issues that are integral to our community, such as predatory lending, which we have addressed in the commission before, but definitely need more weight behind,” said co-sponsor Tami Sawyer.

Voting in favor of the resolution were Commissioners Van Turner Jr., Eddie S. Jones Jr., Mickell Lowery, Willie F. Brooks, Michael Whaley, Reginald Milton, Brandon Morrison, Amber Mills, David C. Bradford, Mick Wright, Ford, Sawyer and Billingsley.

In addition to Ford and Sawyer, the resolution was sponsored by Turner, Jones, Lowery, Brooks, Whaley and Milton.

Reaves Law Firm founder gifts Rust College grads a ‘Blueprint to Freedom’

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

“Although you select your occupation, God selects your calling. Your calling, as a Rust College graduate, is that you are freedom fighters.”

That was the message Henry E. Reaves III, owner and founder of the largest Black-owned law firm in the Mid-South, Reaves Law Firm, left with graduates as the keynote speaker for Rust College’s Spring 2021 commencement on April 24.

In his address, titled “The Blueprint to Our Freedom,” Reaves shared his personal history and family ties to the college having been born in Memphis, but raised in Holly Springs, Mississippi, where Rust is located. His father was a Rust alum and his great-grandfather and grandmother were both former professors there.

The blueprint to freedom, Reaves said, includes learning and investing in economic and political power.

“One key that you’re going to need is to have a radical unity amongst yourselves,” he said.

would like to appraisal this year and then possibly revisit the request next year. Still, the specter of the unknown was enough to diminish his support.

“Property owners who have received these appraisals, notwithstanding, knowing exactly what their tax rate is going to be for FY 2022, but more importantly knowing there is an increase in their property tax, are going to be somewhat stirred by the dollar amount,” said Brooks.

“I just think it would be best to give it time for property owners to understand what has been transacted in the appraisals they just received and what impact that is going to have on the tax rate at the time they are scheduled to pay their property taxes.”

Others were unsettled by the unknown impact of increased appraisals. Still, the proposal did draw consideration in the form of a test drive.

“My proposal would be – and I would propose this as an amendment to the resolution – that the two-year reappraisal plan be considered a PILOT program in 2023, a reevaluation year pending approval by the Shelby County Commission after that,” offered Commissioner Mark Whaley.

The Assessor’s office would perform the evaluation. The amendment provoked a prolonged discussion among the members but no firm support. It was seconded by Brooks. Commissioner Tami Sawyer was also on board. Billingsley objected to the amendment.

After Whaley agreed to scuttle the PILOT program idea, sponsor Commissioner Van Turner Jr. withdrew the resolution, lacking the seven votes to pass.

The discussion is expected to continue into the summer.

Reaves made a call to action for graduates to take up their own leg of the proverbial marathon to freedom, no longer relying on elders to chart their paths for them.

Each graduate was gifted a baton from him, which is symbolic of the fight for freedom and future being passed on to them.

While Reaves Law Firm specializes in personal injury cases, it also has a special focus on giving back to the community through both philanthropy and hands-on community service. The most recent contribution was paying for nearly 30 Whitehaven families’ delinquent utility bills through MLGW’s Gift of Comfort program.

More than 100 graduates received degrees during the in-person ceremony.

Henry E. Reaves III, owner and founder of the largest Black-owned law firm in the Mid-South, told Rust College graduates that the blueprint to freedom includes learning and investing in economic and political power. (Courtesy photo)

Edmund Ford Jr.

Tami Sawyer Mark Billingsley

“I would be honored if more donors joined us. ... Together, we are an army of helping hands giving hope.”

— Chris Hope

Not all superheroes wear capes

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Chris Hope – yep, that’s his real name –looks like a regular, ordinary person.

He has a regular job and has a pretty regular life. But to families with very sick children at Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare, Hope has Herculean superpowers.

What exactly are those superpowers?

Hope provides long-term housing for families that have to stay in Memphis while their children receive life-saving treatment and he grants final wishes to children who are living their final days.

In other words, Hope gives hope.

It all started a little over six years ago.

Hope was visiting a family at St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The young patient and her family had just been told that she only had two weeks to live. And on the worst day of this family’s life, their mortgage lender was on the phone with the patient’s mother, demanding payment “now.”

“When I arrived, the child’s mother was on the phone in the hallway,” said Hope. “She was in tears. The mortgage was just one more burden on top of the devastation right in front of her. I just said on instinct, ‘I’ve got to help her.’”

Hope contacted a few friends and told them, “We need to try and help this family.” They agreed, and money was pooled to address this family’s need.

“It was only $500, I remember,” said Hope, “but it meant every thing to them. We gave the money to this mother the very next day. It was more than just a helpful moment for her. It was magical for me. I knew I wanted to help families like that over and over again.”

Shortly after that, Hope founded the Chris Hope Foundation (CHF). It wasn’t long before other superheroes joined Hope in his mission to help families with seriously ill children.

Six years later, the foundation operates the Chris Hope Foundation Family House in Midtown. The residence opened in September 2020, right in the thick of the pandemic.

April is the foundation’s anniversary month, and Saturday (April 24) marked the biggest fundraiser to date.

The 2021 Giving Hope Bowling Tournament hosted 176 participants in a sold-out, three-hour bowl fest as happy pandemonium at Andy B’s Family Entertainment. A silent auction brought in much-needed, additional funds for outreach over the next year.

Not only has CHF housed families and provided toiletries and supplies, but memorable birthday celebrations and other happy moments have been created for kids in treatment.

Sixty more donors were added to the CHF roster this month, meeting Hope’s goal of “Sixty for Six” in April, and Hope is ready to step into year seven.

What’s next for CHF? A broader outreach to help more patients and their families, Hope says.

“Please help us with this goal,” Hope said. “I would be honored if more donors joined us. Give us a call and find out how to get involved in our foundation. Together, we are an army of helping hands giving hope.”

(For additional information, call CHF at: (800) 807-4673.)

The CHF Family House ribbon cutting began with a blessing of the home on September 5, 2020. (Photo: Jermone Robinson)

Chris Hope’s passion is getting to know patients and their families, and supporting them in some way on their journey. (Courtesy photo)

Former state Sen. Thelma Harper – a ‘transformative’ trailblazer – dies at 80

TSD Newsroom

Trailblazing former Tennessee state lawmaker Thelma Harper, who became the first African-American woman elected to the state Senate, died last Thursday (April 22). She was 80.

The longtime Nashville lawmaker’s daughter, Linda Harper, said in a statement that her mother died “peacefully and unexpectedly” while holding her hand.

Harper, who became a senator in 1989 and was first elected to her seat in 1991, became the longest-serving female senator in Tennessee before she decided not to seek reelection in 2018.

“Whether she was fighting landfills for her neighbors, serving a community organization or leading a hearing in the legislature, Thelma Harper was a strong voice for her community, for justice and our most vulnerable children,” the state Senate’s Democratic Caucus said in a statement.

Republican Lt. Gov. Randy McNally called Harper a “transformative public figure,” “a fierce advocate for her constituents and the city of Nashville,” and a role model.

“Today the legendary Thelma Harper traded in her signature hat for a halo,” McNally tweeted.

Harper served as the first chairperson of the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators (TBCSL). She introduced former Vice President Al Gore, then the presidential

Thelma Harper

nominee, at the Democratic National Convention in 2000. The Tennessee State University graduate was a former member of Nashville’s Metro Council.

“Affectionately known as ‘The Lady with the hats,’ Senator Harper was a fierce advocate for TSU and a committed and true representative for the communities she served,” noted TSU President Dr. Glenda Glover.

House Minority Leader Karen Camper, who worked with Sen. Harper for years, recalled her as “a titan and a trailblazer for women in politics.”

State Rep. G.A. Hardaway of Memphis said, “Senator Harper taught and I learned lessons of excellence in servant leadership. She epitomized Black excellence in leadership; and broke glass ceilings and the rules in service to her people.”

Memphis’ District 98 state Rep. Antonio Parkinson, current TBCSL chair, said he had his first Nashville dining experience at Harper’s Restaurant.”

“She was always deeply nurturing and encouraging to me as a new legislator.”

(This story includes a report from The Associated Press.)

SPORTS

The New Tri-State Defender, April 29 - May 5, 2021, Page 9

Triple ‘J’ is back is to help the Grizzlies’ attack

by Terry Davis Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The rust appeared minimal. Stamina was a work in progress.

But, Jaren Jackson Jr.’s resolve to help the Grizzlies win their way into the Western Conference playoffs was readily apparent as the Memphis forward returned from an extended injury absence.

Posted tidbits on star guard Ja Morant’s Twitter timeline pointed toward Jackson’s much-anticipated return.

Then Jackson’s playing status was upgraded from out, to questionable. And on April 21, Jackson made his 2020-21 season debut against the Los Angeles Clippers.

It was the first time Jackson had played for the Grizzlies in eight months. He was last seen in official action last August as Memphis competed for playoff seeding in the NBA bubble in Orlando.

Jackson’s first-game return was a bittersweet happening as the Grizzlies lost to a shorthanded Clipper team (117-105).

Still, Jackson had a positive first-game-back outing. He scored 15 points, grabbed eight rebounds and had four blocks.

Jackson was limited to playing in four to five minutes spurts, resulting in his only playing 18 min-

utes. He did not show and signs from the injured knee that had kept him sidelined.

“I am a competitor. I wanted to get a win, we have got to do better,” Jackson said during a post-game reflection. “I will look at the film to clean some things up. It was big for me. It has been a long stretch.

“I’m going to take it all in. I am going to go to my room. The competitor in me is going to think of ways that we could have won the game.”

Jackson, whose first shot was a three-pointer that hit the back of the rim, bounced up and fell into the basket, continued, “I am thankful for these guys for holding it down while I have been away. I am thankful to the organization. I thank God!”

Sizing up the Grizzlies current push toward this year’s play offs, compared to last season, Jackson said, “We know each other better. We know each other’s habits on and off the court. We know one another’s goals. We don’t have that feeling that teams should

Tracking the Tigers’ during this off season is a full-plate task

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The next version of the Memphis Tigers basketball team is an evolving picture emerging from an off season that already has produced rollercoaster-like twists, turns, dips and climbs.

Head coach Penny Hardaway managed to get 20 wins in a shortened season, win an NIT Championship and happened to silene a few critics along the way. The things that happened less than a week after winning the championship would send shock waves throughout Tiger Nation.

In less than 30 minutes apart Damion Baugh, Boogie Ellis and DJ Jeffries all entered the transfer portal.

Baugh signed with TCU, Ellis signed with USC and Jeffries signed with Mississippi State. A team that developed chemistry late and the season and would have been in most top 25 polls to start the season and would be a favorite to win the AAC Championship next season had to regroup.

Hardaway the master recruiter and organizer of talent quickly rebuilt the team in less than two weeks with even more talent. In addition to the incoming freshman class of Josh Minott, Sam Ayomide and John Camden that were committed before the NIT

Championship run.

Minott is a 4-star 6-8 small forward from St. Andrew’s School in Boca Raton, FL. Ayomide is a 4-star 6-11 center from The Phelps School in Malvern, PA. Camden is a 3-star 6-7 small forward from Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, NH.

In addition to the of those previously announced freshmen Hardaway hit the transfer portal for some additional talent. Hardaway added Hampton guard Davion Warren and Earl Timberlake. Timberlake is a transfer from the University of Miami. Timberlake was injured most of last season. He was expected to be a top-ten NBA prospect last season. Those expectations are still there and he hopes to climb higher in the draft under the direction of Hardaway. Warren via twitter announced that his had reopening his option on Tuesday and when contacted by some local Memphis media people he said he was still committed to Memphis. The feelings are he will not be attending Memphis this summer. Jordan Nesbit who was committed for the next season. He enrolled early and left the team after the season.

Two additional players committed late last week. Chandler and Johnathan Lawson agreed to play at Mem-

overlook us. We have that chip on our shoulder. We hold ourselves to a higher standard. We believe we can win any game.”

Fans were eagerly awaiting Jackson’s return. The team has exceeded the expectations of most fans of the NBA.

The addition of Jackson could boost the prospect for the Grizzlies making a return trip to the playoffs.

Memphis currently is sitting in the eighth position in the Western Conference standings. Teams that finish seven thru 10 will participate in a play-in tournament at the end of the regular season. Memphis was involved in the inaugural play-in game last season. They loss to the Portland Trailblazers. Morant, who has turned his game up as the Grizzlies push for

the best possible position for the playoffs, put Jackson’s return in this context:

“It is a good sign. We are all happy for him. We know how hard he has been working to get back. He was very excited. We were excited for him.”

NOTE: The Grizzlies lost to the Portland Trailblazers 130-109 at FedExForum on Wednesday night (April 28).

phis. Chandler played the last two years at the University of Oregon. He played mostly the small forward and center positions. Lawson a fourstar guard that has great court vision and is a bucket getter.

That all happened last week. Not to be outdone, this week had a couple of new additional hot news. Moussa Cisse who had entered his name in the NBA draft, has decided to enter the transfer portal. From some reported sources that Cisse wanted

more minutes and for the offense to be ran through him.

Tyler Harris was a member of the Memphis basketball program for two seasons. He transferred to Iowa State and played last season there. He will be returning to the Tigers this season. He understands what his role will be on the team. Hardaway still has a scholarship available. With what his has coming back and all of the new additions he may be happy with where his team

stand as of now. The faithful Tiger’s fans were happy with the raising of the banner of the NIT Championship, but they hunger to be included in the big dance the NCAA tournament. The experience gained in playing in the NIT this past season has made the returning players hungry. With the offseason being able to take place this season, should allow for the chemistry of the new arrivals to blend in well with the season returning veterans.

Head coach Penny Hardaway managed to get 20 wins in a shortened season, win an NIT Championship and silenced a few critics along the way. Now he has his. Hands full with a tumultuous off season. (Photo: Warren Roseborough/TSD Archives)

Terry Davis

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) is back in the on-the-court mix after an extended injury absence. He was back to rim protecting against Damian Lillard and the Trailblazers during last Friday’s game in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer)

COVID doesn’t have to keep us from connecting with the crew. Vaccines are here. But until enough of us are vaccinated, we need to keep playin’ it smart. Mask up, socially distance, and avoid indoor gatherings with people you don’t live with. We can still stay close – even when we’re miles apart.