The New Tri-State Defender - May 5-11, 2022

Myriad faces of motherhood.

Perspective, Page 4

Beale Street Music Festival – a first for some, the big comeback for others.

Ja Morant celebrates Game 2 victory.

Sports, Page 10

Lifestyle, Page 6

May 5 - 11, 2022

VOL. 71, No. 18

Doing what he loved, WDIA’s Bobby O’Jay dies at 68

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Tuesday morning, just before 9 a.m. when the phone lines are open, WDIA Program Director Bobby O’Jay fell unconscious during his show. He suffered a fatal massive heart attack.

Only minutes after midnight, early Wednesday morning, O’Jay’s colleague, author, and award-winning photographer, Mark Stansbury, confirmed that the official cause of death had been ruled as a “massive heart attack.”

Listeners on Tuesday morning, May 3, were expecting to hear O’Jay return after announcing that the phone lines were open. Instead, mu-

sic continued to play during the time when O’Jay engages callers in discussions on current events or some relevant issue.

Listeners said the morning’s topic focused on the revocation of a college scholarship after a student set to graduate posted online a photo of her brandishing guns.

Shockwaves of sadness and disbelief flooded social media as the news of O’Jay’s death quickly spread.

Stansbury credited O’Jay with the insight to permit a live, gospel music program on Sunday.

“Had it not been for Bobby, I would not have been able to bless my WDIA listeners with good, old gospel music for over 30 years,” said Stansbury.

“When Bobby first came to WDIA, he pulled my music the first two Sun-

www.tsdmemphis.com

LEGACY

Bobby O’Jay checks out the advanced control board in the new WDIA studio. (Photo: Courtesy of Mark Stansbury) days. He came by the next Sunday and said, ‘I grew up listening to you.

You know your audience better than I do. Go ahead and do your thing.’”

O’Jay’s desire to be connected to WDIA links him to an experience picking cotton in Batesville, Mississippi. While taking a break, his cousin, WLOK’s popular, on-air host, Melvin “A-Cookin’ Jones, dropped

ELECTION

Incumbent County Mayor Harris rolls to primary election win

by for a visit. O’Jay, 12 at the time, decided he wanted to work in radio.

“Melvin planted the seed” of his desire to be a “disc jockey,” as radio, on-air, personalities were called decades ago.

O’Jay had one of the most recognizable radio voices in the MidSouth. He was celebrating his 50th year on the radio this year.

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

On an Election Day that drew sparse voter turnout, incumbent Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris handily defeated his Democratic primary opponent Ken Moody on Tuesday (May 3).

The win sets the table for the Aug. 4 county general election, when Harris squares off against Republican nominee Worth Morgan, who ran unopposed in his primary. The winner takes office or begins a new term on Sept. 1.

Complete but unofficial returns showed Harris receiving 33,753 votes (69.66 percent) to Moody’s 14,639 votes (30.2 percent) of the 44,448 tallies in the Democratic primary.

Morgan, a member of the Memphis City Council since 2016, garnered 14,259 votes in the GOP primary.

While Morgan is expected to run a similar campaign as Moody — one based on a Harris’ management of the COVID pandemic and a lack of accessibility — the playing field will be different in the general election as opposed to the primaries.

While Moody did not have much

Cloaking himself as a Democratic reform candidate, attorney Steve Mulroy’s pitch resonated with enough voters to secure the party’s nomination for Shelby County District Attorney General.

Mulroy distanced himself from two contenders – attorneys Janika White and Linda Harris – in Tuesday’s Shelby County Primary Election, earning a shot at unseating Republican incumbent Amy Weirich in August. Weirich ran opposed in the GOP Primary.

The final count showed Mulroy drawing 22,123 votes, with White tallying 15,876 votes and Harris 10,055.

A University of Memphis law professor and former Shelby County Board of Commissioners member, Mulroy offered brief remarks about his victory and expressed future hopes for the party.

“I am honored to be the Democratic nominee,” said Mulroy. “I look forward to partnering with …

County Mayor (Lee) Harris, at the

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Lee Harris (left) and Steve Mulroy confer on election night. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender) vote for the general election,” said Harris.

Turnout could be another issue for the incumbent. Often, off-year elections benefit Republicans, who typically turnout in higher numbers for the contests. This years’ primaries saw an anemic turnout of 10 percent of registered voters.

Morgan, a lifelong Memphian, is facing term limits serving on the City

SEE MAYOR ON PAGE 2

He came to historic WDIA, America’s first African-American radio station, in 1983, as the new program director. O’Jay said he envisioned “taking the radio station to where it is today,” during a 2021 interview on his induction into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame.

SEE O’JAY ON PAGE 2

Mulroy’s Democratic primary win sets up a battle with D.A. incumbent Weirich

by James Coleman

luck with the approach, Morgan will play to a different audience.

Harris, meanwhile, is expected to continue his strategy of focusing on working-class issues.

The Democratic Party’s advantage with voters in Memphis likely will be matched by Republican voters in the suburbs and rural areas of the county.

The fact was not lost on Harris as he spoke to supporters after the Tuesday win.

“We are going to need every single

$1.00

“I look forward to partnering with …

County Mayor (Lee) Harris, at the top of the ticket…. We will move forward with a slate of Democratic reform candidates to bring safer streets and fairer justice to Shelby County.”

— Steve Mulroy top of the ticket…. We will move forward with a slate of Democratic reform candidates to bring safer streets and fairer justice to Shelby County.”

Mulroy partnered with Harris to share an election night venue and joint celebration. He said the two also shared campaign strategies.

“Lee wanted us to run a coordinated campaign,” said Mulroy. “We had weekly meetings to that end.

SEE DA ON PAGE 2

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The New Tri-State Defender

May 5 - 11, 2022

Page 2

NEWS

MAYOR

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

WDIA radio personality Bev Johnson talks about how great a friend and boss Bobby O’Jay is during the celebration of his 35 years at WDIA in 2018. (Photo: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender)

O’JAY

CONTINUED FROM FRONT Social media tributes are plentiful.

O’Jay’s last post on Facebook is a scenic, peaceful shot of a placid, blue-green lake stretching into the distance under a sunless sky of blue and white clouds. Green trees line a concrete walkway, alongside the lake. O’Jay writes: “Saturday morning walking at beautiful Shelby Farms in Memphis.”

After O’Jay posted the photo, Ted Johnson commented: “Bobby, it looks so relaxing.

You good to go, many more years.”

O’Jay replied, “Thanks, my friend.”

That exchange was Saturday, April 30.

Tuesday, in the early afternoon, Mamie Wright broke the news to Johnson, posting: “Ted Johnson, he passed this morning.”

More than 100 people commented on the photo.

Patricia Parker posted:

“Out of everything bad comes some good. Bobby is gone, but we all know that he is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And for that, I tell the Lord, ‘Thank You.’” — Mark Stansbury “This picture spoke volumes to me. God is so real. It looks as if he’s walking right into heaven, and he died doing what he loved.”

There is one thing that should comfort everyone, according to Stansbury.

“Out of everything bad comes some good,” said Stansbury. “Bobby is gone, but we all know that he is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And for that, I tell the Lord, ‘Thank You.’” Cooley’s Mortuary in Batesville has charge of final arrangements.

Bobby O’Jay. (Photo courtesy of Mark Stansbury)

Council’s District 5, which includes wealthy and working-class communities in an area that sprawls from Midtown to parts of East Memphis.

Harris came into office following the Democratic victory wave in the county general election in 2018.

In his first term, a parental leave program for Shelby County employees was passed, as well as removing questions about criminal history from the county’s employment applications.

He also supported 20 percent raises for police and other public safety employees, which were approved unanimously be the Shelby County Commission. The raises were intended to lift the salaries to a competitive level with other communities in the state.

The mayor entered primary day with a sizable lead built up after two weeks of early voting. As polling places opened at 7 a.m., he had received over 21,000 of the 39,000 overall votes cast for the office.

“It’s a great day and very thrilling to be the Democratic nominee and carry the banner

Ken Moody with his family on election night. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender) of the next three months,” said Harris, while celebrating the victory.

The early vote count was a margin that Moody could not offset. With 41 out of 142 precincts accounted for, Harris had built an insurmountable 39,249 to 12,649 lead. The race was called before 10 p.m.

“We worked so hard and stayed committed to our plat-

form. Only 10 percent of voters voted. We have to increase voter participation by being more engaged and involved,” said Moody.

He also said crossover votes — or party switching during the primary — benefitted Harris.

Moody, meanwhile, returns to his job as special assistant to Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland. In that role, he acts as a

DA

CONTINUED FROM FRONT We envision having a unified and coordinated campaign among all the Democratic candidates this summer.”

The release of early voting numbers at 7:30 p.m. heralded victory for Mulroy who captured 46 percent of those ballots, a 13-point spread over White. Harris garnered 21 percent of the early vote.

There was a meager turnout on Election Day and while those results had the candidates grouped closer together, the outcome pretty much had been decided by the early-vote numbers.

Harris was the first to challenge Weirich as the Democratic hopeful. When White entered the race, observers projected that the two African-American, female attorneys, would split the vote in such a way that would pave the way for a Mulroy win.

That concern gained merit on election night.

Although White and Harris addressed supporters before final precincts had been reported, neither offered a concession.

“I want to thank Team Harris, who has been so faithful,” said Harris. “We ran a great campaign, and we will continue to have faith that God will

Linda Harris made stops at several precincts on election day. (Facebook) bring us through…”

Harris reflected on an energetic year of talking with people across Shelby County during her campaign, expressing her belief that God will “somehow address the needs” that many shared with her.

Harris also vowed to support the Democratic nominee.

White had made a previous pledge to support the Democratic nominee in the event of her loss. She prefaced remarks with expressions of thanks to family and supporters before possibly hinting at making future runs for political office.

“I am more dedicated and committed than ever to change the dynamic in which our children grow up…. I don’t know what the future holds, but…

God is amazing, and I trust Him.… He will give the discernment and wisdom I need to … bring about change in our community.”

Mulroy acknowledged he and County Mayor Har-

Janika White addresses supporters on election night. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises) ris hope to engineer another Democratic Party sweep in November reminiscent of the mid-term elections four years ago. Creating a united front of Democratic candidates is the strategy.

While other campaigns watched intently for precinct reporting, supporters of Mulroy and Harris came to celebrate. There was very little result-watching going on.

It was a party from the very first moment the doors opened.

There was karaoke and impromptu stage performances, lots of laughter. An open bar and food in abundance created a festive atmosphere. C After voting numbers dropped, supporters cheered their candidates, certain that

liaison to various neighborhood organizations and clergy members. He has stated in the past that he has no interest in running for Strickland’s job.

“I’m going to take some time to reflect and see where I want to go from here. I’m a public servant at heart and will definitely be involved in this community in some capacity,” Moody said. both candidates enjoyed insurmountable leads.

Mulroy was pleased with his double-digit lead, but exhibited some caution.

“With the early voting numbers, it seemed pretty obvious that it was a victory,” said Mulroy. “However, I waited as long as I could to speak, because I did not want to be too presumptuous. “But it was a great feeling.”

Weirich – in a distributed statement – commended Harris and White for “both running a strong campaign. While we don’t always agree on all issues, I admire their desire to improve our community,” she wrote.

“Professor Mulroy on the other hand has run one of the most dishonest campaigns we have witnessed in Shelby County. He has lied about my record, the office, but most important he has lied to the people of Shelby County about his radical intentions if elected which include advocating for defunding the police and freeing violent criminals. …

“My career has been spent fighting for the victims behind these crimes while also creating innovative programs to reduce crime. I plan to keep fighting for victims and working hard to make sure the public knows how dangerous Professor Mulroy’s ideas are.”

The New Tri-State Defender

May 5 - 11, 2022

Page 3

PERSPECTIVE

Dave Chappelle attacked on stage during Netflix Is a Joke Festival The comedian was tackled on stage while performing at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on Tuesday night

by Stephanie Holland The Root

Dave Chappelle is not everyone’s cup of tea and he knows it. In fact, he sort of revels in it. However, there’s a difference between not liking his comedy and physically attacking him.

According to Variety, that line was crossed Tuesday night during his show at the Hollywood Bowl. As Chappelle was on stage performing as part of the Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival, a man rushed the stage and tackled him. The stranger then tried to run away, but was caught by security and reportedly Jamie Foxx.

There isn’t much decent video of the incident, as Chappelle famously has a no phones policy at his shows (guests are required to put their phones in Yondr devices to make them hard to get to). Of course, that never stops the internet, so there are a few clips from the “cheap seats” of the attack.

(Note: there’s actually no such thing as cheap seats at the Hollywood Bowl.)

Afterward, Chappelle got up and went right back into his routine, joking, “It was a trans man.” Was that necessary Dave? Haven’t you done enough already? And because life won’t let us leave “the slap” behind, after Chris Rock performed earlier in the show, he came back on stage to ask, “Was that Will Smith?”

So my first question, which was probably also Dave’s first question, is where the hell was Hollywood Bowl security? By all accounts, this was a major show with a lot of big-name comedians on the bill. You’d think that would warrant a larger security presence from one of the most famous venues in the country? How is Jamie Foxx the first person running to take the guy down?

If you’ve never been to the Hollywood Bowl, allow me to explain the way the stage and front row box seating are situated because it’s not a place where you can easily rush the stage. There are only two staircases on each side of the stage, and security is usually posted at both. For this guy to jump

on stage and tackle Chappelle, he had to run down the aisle and hop on stage in seconds, without security noticing.

They really should’ve been able to spot someone trying to get to Dave.

A spokesperson for the venue told PA Media: “The incident that occurred at the Hollywood Bowl on May 3, 2022 is an active investigation and we are unable to comment further at this time.”

I suppose you wouldn’t want to comment since NBC Los Angeles reports that the alleged attacker was carrying a replica gun that can eject a knife blade. Unless your statement says, “We F’ed up,” there’s not much you can say.

Several audience accounts and some footage show the alleged attacker getting beat the hell up by Chappelle’s team.

That same person was later shown being taken away from the venue on a gurney with his “elbow bent at an odd angle.”

LAPD confirmed that the suspect was taken to the hospital with “superficial injuries.”

So what exactly did Holly-

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that was part of the show.”

He continued, “Listen, I just want to say this man is an absolute genius. We’ve got to make sure we protect him at all times … For every comedian who comes out here, this means everything. You’re a genius. You’re a legend, and

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During the curtain call, Dave gave Jamie a shout-out, saying, “Whenever you’re in trouble, Jamie Foxx will show up in a sheriff’s hat.” To which Foxx responded, “I thought

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, May 5 - 11, 2022, Page 4

F

Myriad faces of motherhood

irst, the obvious: mothers deserve so much more than the celebration of one day. This year, that “official” day of observance is Sunday, May 8.

Beginning on Thursday (coinciding with the distribution of its weekly print edition), The New

Tri-State Defender is sharing sketches of mothers in their myriad forms and with their varied and overlapping focuses. Those stories will be shared online via TSDMemphis.com through Mother’s Day.

Barbara Cooper: longevity has its place

Velma Lois Jones: ‘A mother, indeed’

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

At 92, Tennessee state Rep. Barbara Cooper has been on the receiving end of many Mother’s Day salutes.

She appreciates every embrace, drawing upon her parents as anchor points for her understanding of fundamental motherhood values – caring and sharing.

A state representative since 1996, those values are rooted at her core as a community influencer and fresh on her mind as she prepares to observe Mother’s Day 2022.

Cooper’s mother, a teacher and principal in the old Shelby County Schools system, grew up in Bartlett when it “was the country.”

Her father came from Kerrville, an unincorporated community in the northeast portion of Shelby County. She was born in Memphis at the old John Gaston Hospital.

“I grew up in New Chicago (in North Memphis). That’s how I came to graduate from Manassas High School,” said Cooper. “I played the trombone in the school band. The Tennessee State University band director came to Memphis looking for a trombone player.

That’s how I got to TSU.” After earning both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education, she began teaching elementary students in the legacy Memphis City Schools in 1950.

Later, she taught adult education, GED and literacy.

Barbara Ward married John Cooper the same year she began teaching. A Manassas graduate, also, he set his sights on LeMoyne-Owen College.

Unsuccessful in his bid to become one of Memphis’ first African-American police officers, Cooper then applied to the Memphis Fire Department and was hired.

“My husband was a private for 21 years,” said Cooper.

“Blacks did not get promotions. Policy said anyone passing the 20-year mark should be automatically promoted to captain. John sued, won, and was promoted to captain.”

In 2006, John Cooper died.

Later, their son died, leaving the couple’s two daughters.

Grieving prompted Cooper

Velma Lois Jones is among those uniquely gifted women, who – although they never have born children – nurture young people with an instinctive ability to sense unspoken needs.

They mend broken villages of children, whose circle of safety and protection has been breached.

Jones grew up in Hyde Park in North Memphis, where impoverished families suffered great need. She witnessed their struggles all around her.

Her mother was from Brownsville, Tennessee. Her father was from Woodstock, an unincorporated community in northwest Shelby County.

The family moved to North Memphis in 1928. Jones’ father died when she was 8.

By second grade, Jones knew she would be a teacher because she deeply admired her second-grade teacher. The segregated school system was an extension of the community – a bonding ground for Black teachers and Black students.

“We went to the same church, we lived in the same community,” said Jones. “I attended Manassas, grades 1-12.

It was like a great big family back then.”

Jones graduated from Manassas in 1948, completing her college undergraduate studies in 1952.

Returning to North Memphis, she wanted to teach in and serve her community.

“I have never lived south of Jackson Avenue,” Jones said. “I taught second grade at Hyde Park Elementary for 12 years, then moved to junior high school.

“I retired in 2002 after 42 years. I just loved it. I had so many adopted kids. Teachers were surrogate parents in those days. Those were the best and happiest years of my life.”

Jones would go into the community and ask for clothes that children had outgrown.

She had in mind the children who came to school with no shoes or socks in cold weather, no coats to brave the cold.

“We maintained the clothes closet at church,” said Jones.

“When children were in need and we didn’t have their size,

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Gail Jones Carson with Leaders of Color mentees from 2019-22. (Courtesy photo) Barbara Cooper still is driven by lessons she learned from her parents.

(Courtesy photo) to immerse herself in work, leaving the classroom for the Title 1 program.

“Title 1 federal funds are used for children who are reading on a lower level than their grade,” said Cooper. “I was the Title 1 parent coordinator. I instructed parents on what they needed to do to help their children.”

Learning that the state was using Title 1 in white schools that did not qualify, “We sued, and they had to give that money back,” she said.

Cooper was leaning toward politics by that time.

“My mother would vote and register other people,” said Cooper. “Once I registered to vote, I have never missed an opportunity to vote.”

She entered the state House race for Dist. 86 race, which encompassed Westwood, Coro Lake and adjacent areas where she lived.

“I had worked with parents in their homes on Title 1 and I knew what the needs were.”

Cooper ran and lost four times before meeting success on her fifth effort. She has never lost another re-election bid.

A few weeks ago, the entire Tennessee House surprised Cooper, honoring the legislator not only for her longevity in age, but also for her keen sense of governance as a savvy stateswoman.

Still driven to build upon the lessons she derived from her parents, particularly her mother, Cooper is seeking yet another term later this year.

“I’ll be 93 on Aug. 4 (the day of the county general election and party primaries for state House seats). Some people came to me and told me I should step down and let a younger person have my seat.

They said I was too old. Well, I’ll step down when I’m good and ready.”

Gale Jones Carson: ‘Strength through loss’

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

Gale Jones Carson knows painfully well that a mother’s son can be gone in an instant.

In 1999, her older son, Bryan, was driving on the interstate returning to college. His younger brother, Jason, was trailing him in his car.

And in one, devastating, unthinkable moment, Jason’s car swerved out of control. Bryan screamed in horror, staring, disbelieving, into the rearview mirror.

The crash was fatal. In a moment, Jason was taken from the Carson family.

“I grieved and grieved, and cried and grieved and grieved and cried,” said Carson.

“And then, I got up and went back to work. I got over my grief with work, work, and more work.”

A woman, who wanted to help Carson, shared her childhood experience with grief. The woman’s mother for a while had lost her will to live after the death of one of her two sons.

“Yes, you’ve lost your son, but you have one still here,” the woman told Carson. “He needs you, and you must be there for him.”

Since then, not only has Carson been there for Bryan, she has been then there for so many other youths over the years through her involvement in programs that offer young people training and mentorship.

Carson was a popular, campus beauty at Hamilton High School. Life was somewhat “charmed” for the 1973 graduate. Success for the overachiever would be a career in broadcast journalism.

“My mother wanted me to attend LeMoyne-Owen College, but they did not recruit me very hard,” said Carson.

“But Christian Brothers College pursued me persistently because they needed more Black students. I attend-

ed my first two years at Christian Brothers, but they had no communications department.

“So, I finished my bachelor’s (degree) in broadcast journalism at Memphis State (now the University of Memphis).”

After graduating, Carson discovered several rewarding careers were available in communications. Besides, politics had begun to attract her attention.

“In 1988, I was working at FedEx,” said Carson. “Veronica Coleman was running for Shelby County District Attorney, and my mother was helping with her campaign. I wrote for the campaign, and I enjoyed it.”

Four years later, Carson ran for president of the Shelby County Democratic Party and lost handily. No woman had ever served in the office.

Her second run was against Jim Strickland, in his pre-Memphis mayoral days, of course. He won but asked her to serve as vice-president. She accepted, gaining experience in the administration of the local Democratic Party.

While her political star was rising and her career path looked bright, she got married along the way. The relationship did not work out and she pressed on with the two boys she adored.

The boys grew up in a wholesome, nurturing home with every possible advantage their mother could provide.

Carson, who has held several impressive posts, now is MLGW’s director of communications.

“I am passionate about my work, my customers, and about my employees,” said Carson.

And Carson is passionate about the children who have benefited from her care and generosity over the years.

She has held on to the belief that looking to meet the needs of others is a pathway to healing one’s grief.

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Velma Lois Jones never married or had children, but she has nurtured and mothered many during her long and distinguished career in teaching. She is pictured with former Southeastern Regional Director Mary Conner. (Courtesy photo) there were always people in the community we could ask to help.

“I have always loved babies and children of all ages.

I loved all God’s kids. I never understood it when teachers said they didn’t like teaching this grade or that. I would think, ‘How can you not love a child? They are just babies.’”

Jones would bring children home for the weekend.

“We would play games and have such fun,” said Jones.

“I would take them to church with me. We’d come back home for Sunday dinner and then take them home later. I just enjoyed them so much.

Kids are so loveable.”

On Fridays, Jones would bring gifts and games for prizes students who won spelling bees and math contests.

“After I retired, I still wanted to be around children,” Jones said.

“So, when I left the classroom, I went to work as vice-president of the Tennessee Education Association.

The TEA is the teachers’ union. I served in that capacity for two years and then as president for six years. In all, I spent 50 years serving children.”

Jones finds great satisfaction in seeing “her children” grown up and doing well, raising families of their own “I see my babies everywhere,” Jones said. “They were my life for so many years. Those were good years, fulfilling years. I have traveled to many places, and my life is full. Children still make me happy.

“People always ask me why I never married,” said Jones.

“Well, it wasn’t because I wasn’t asked. I guess you could say that the ones who wanted me, I didn’t want, and the ones I wanted didn’t want me.”

The quip makes her laugh.

“My life was rich and full without marriage. I always had my children.”

The New Tri-State Defender

May 5 - 11, 2022

RELIGION

Page 5

Love Day...

Lake Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 265 Leath Street, held its 21st Pastor & Wife’s Love Day celebration for Rev. Dr. S.H. Mickens and his wife, Patricia Griffin Mickens, last Sunday (May 1). (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

LEGACY: Gladys Ann Hunter Sawyer...

Celebration of life services were held last Friday (April 29) for Gladys Ann Hunter Sawyer at First Baptist Church – Broad, 2835 Broad, where the Rev. Dr. Keith Norman is senior pastor. Mrs. Sawyer, 72, died on April 22. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

LEGACY: Renetta Sheree Vasser...

The homegoing service for Renetta Sheree Vasser was held last Saturday (April 30) at Christ Missionary Baptist Church, where the Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart, who officiated over the celebration of life observance, is the senior pastor.

(Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

The New Tri-State Defender, May 5 - 11, 2022, Page 6

A young girl at the Beale Street Music Festival marvels at the work of the late George Hunt, who served as the official artist for the Memphis in May International Festival. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New TriState Defender)

NLE Choppa’s BSMF performance. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)

Beale Street Music Festival – a first for some, the big comeback for others

by Brianna Smith-Herman Special to The New Tri-State Defender

As an avid concert and music festival-goer, I am ashamed to admit that this past weekend was my first time attending The Beale Street Music Festival (April 29May 1).

I’ve attended a few dope R&B/ Hip Hop festivals in the past, such as Smoking Grooves, Rolling Loud and Lights On Festival, so when I was given the opportunity to attend Memphis in May Brianna Beale Street Music Festival this year, of Smith-Herman

course I was thrilled and ready.

This year was the first festival since the pandemic (the 2020 and 2021 festivals were canceled) and, other than its temporary location change (Liberty Park), BSMF seemed to have come back with something to prove.

After one glance at the lineup, I was pleased to see more Black acts, plus more Memphis artists than usual.

The three-day affair was packed with epic performances from Da Baby, Waka Flocka Flame, and reggae artist Shaggy, along with performances from Memphis artists such as Three 6 Mafia, Duke Deuce, NLE Choppa, Project Pat, Jucee Froot and MoneyBagg Yo. Fans enjoyed undeniably good vibes under the photogenic sunsets of Memphis.

“My favorite part of the festival was the sunset behind the Ferris wheel and when the sun would go down the entire place would light up,” said Artemis “Peppa” Williams, one of the booking agencies for the hip-hop acts.

“It was beautiful to witness. We plan to continue diversifying the Beale Street Music Festival for years to come.”

This year’s headliner was rap star Megan Thee Stallion. The platinum-selling and Grammy Award-winning artist made her Beale Street Music Festival debut on Saturday (April 30) on the ZYN Stage, but it almost didn’t happen.

It began to sprinkle rain during Memphis rapper Duke Deuce’s performance. With inexhaustible energy and a booming voice, a little rain didn’t stop the party.

Duke Deuce brought intensity, dancing and a bunch of crunk to his set performing “Crunk Ain’t Dead,” “WTF,” “Yeh” and other hits. He along with his DJ,’ DJ Tootz, got the Saturday party started right.

Project Pat followed, performing popular hits, including “Slob on My Knob,” “Chickenhead,” “Ooh Nuthin” and “Gorilla Pimp.”

He introduced the festival to some

The BSMF was a crowd-pleasing affair. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender) younger local rappers under his MoneyTrain Empire label. Celebrity dancer Lydia Yates, along with her students from LYE Academy, showed off their jookin’ skills for several songs, including “If You Ain’t From My Hood,” “Make Dat Clap” and “Break Da Law.” Memphis Youngin’, NLE Choppa kept the night lit. He had a twerk contest and a rap concert all in one.

Displaying raw aggression and the visceral power behind his lyrics, he performed his biggest records and never missed a beat.

Nevertheless, the rain came back, concluding Choppa’s performance and because is it really Memphis in May with any rain?

Ghanian rapper Sarkodie then took the stage and it was raining by the time the set was over.

Alerted to thunder-and lightning forecast, Memphis In May security and volunteers asked everyone to leave.

This is where it got a tad weird. There was confusion among some festival-goers about whether they could seek shelter inside until the entertainment resumed.

Some thought the remainder of the show was canceled and everyone needed to clear the premises.

And you know what they say, “After every storm, there is a rainbow.”

Meg definitely brought out the rainbow.

After nearly two hours, she popped onto the Zyn stage in a blue, green, yellow, red, purple and pink leotard.

She finally got to do her songs, her way to many of her biggest fans. Specifically, twerking during “Simon Says,” rapping every word to “What’s New” without tripping up once and performing and dancing her tail off to “Body.”

She even performed her old Tina Snow tracks “Freak Nasty” and “Big Ole Freak.”

Megan Thee Stallion radiated confidence and passion on stage and kept checking in on her fans.

“If you love yourself, make some noise,” she yelled. “That’s what the hotties do: We spread positivity!”

At the end of her hour-long set, she took a victory lap with her smash hits “Savage” and “WAP.” Her set basically turned into karaoke singalongs, with a crowd that had memorized every word.

The ferris wheel at sunset. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)

Artemis “Peppa” Williams was a booking agent for the hip-hop acts.

(Courtesy photo) “I was shown tons of love out at the BSMF,” said Memphis producer HitKidd, who had three song placements on Megan Thee Stallion’s latest album.

“Not only did Duke Deuce bring me up on stage but also Megan Thee Stallion. My hard work is paying off! I love seeing artists perform the songs we made.”

Taking to Instagram, Megan Thee Stallion showcased a video of her experience at the Beale Street Music Festival. Check it

out at https://bit.ly/3OZMolU. Memphis’ hip-hop superstar MoneyBagg Yo gave fans an electrifying performance of his biggest hits on the Bud Light Stage, taking time to express his excitement and appreciation for the festival.

The city needed some cheer at that moment, as his set came right after Game 1 of Round 2 of the NBA Playoffs, where Memphis lost to Golden State by a point.

A huge Ja Morant and Memphis Grizzlies fan, he gave Ja a Bread Gang Entertainment chain after the first game of the opening-round playoff series against The Timberwolves; and he always name drops Ja. With a set designed to look like a South Memphis neighborhood, he said, “I’m feeling good. I’m at home” after his opening song, “Me vs. Me.” He invited Big Boogie, BlocBoy JB and Yo Gotti on stage. It felt like a Memphis celebration.

Moneybagg also performed “123,” “Pistol by da Bed,” “U Played,” “Hard for the Next” and fan favorites “Doin’ Too Much,” “Time Today,” “Said Sum” and “Wockesha.”

After my first BSMF, I’m hooked!

The New Tri-State Defender

May 5 - 11, 2022

ENTERTAINMENT

Page 7

Ashley Ave’s rise puts a shine on aspiring artists

by Liaudwin Seaberry Jr.

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

With a music career in full tilt and the recent release of her album on April 1, it would be easy for Memphis artist Ashley Foster, who goes by Ashley Ave, to focus on her talents.

Providing an avenue for other aspiring artists to shine in the spotlight, however, is among her goals.

Ashley Ave started the LockerRoom Production in late 2021, and her vision grew as she laid out the format for the production company.

As a former basketball player, she wanted to find a way to combine music and sports. Through her latest venture, she gets to connect two aspects of life that she enjoys the most: music and sports.

While possessing a lengthy resume of work in the music industry, Ashley Ave never wanted to make her work about her, and starting a production to help benefit other people would be in her best interest.

Gee Charles, videographer/filmmaker and the owner of Exit 221 Studios, marveled at the drive Ashley Ave put into her project. She was one of his first clients, and her work ethic and passion immediately caught his attention.

“The thing that caught my eye when it came to LRP and Ashley was her creative direction. She takes pride when it comes to looking and being original. From props to lighting she makes it hers.”

In the LockerRoom, artists utilize their talents to highlight and promote their future endeavors and aspirations.

Ashley Ave wants the artists to benefit

Gee Charles, videographer/filmmaker and the owner of Exit 221 Studios, marveled at the drive Ashley Ave put into her project. She was one of his first clients. (Courtesy photo) from her outlet, and she has begun ways for her vision to become reality.

“When I first came up with the idea … it took a lot of dedication for me” to achieve the vision.

The first artist Ashley Ave connected with through the LockerRoom was fellow Memphis artist MsLisaHoe, a music industry veteran.

“When I first heard about the LockerRoom Production, it was very interesting because I was unfamiliar with performing live on YouTube.… Her vision is phenomenal because she actually cares about what she believes in and that’s something I really noticed about her,” MsLisaHoe said.

The second artist that partnered with

As a former basketball player, Ashley Ave wanted to combine music and sports. Through her latest venture, she gets to connect those two aspects.

(Courtesy photo) Ashley Ave’s production was Jazzy of Memphis.

“Jazzy caught my attention from when she was posting in my comments a while back, and she reached out and showed genuine interest,” Ashley Ave said.

Looking ahead, Ashley Ave wants to ex-

pand the LockerRoom beyond Memphis limits, leaving a lasting imprint and legacy.

“As I continue to expand on the LockerRoom … I feel that capturing the attention of artists in my local city will be big for me. It’s about helping and elevating other people to reach their potential, she said.

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, May 5 - 11, 2022, Page 8

A voter takes advantage of the last day (April 28) to cast an early ballot.

(Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

Ian Randolph of the Shelby County Voter Alliance listens as Linda Phillips, Shelby County administrator of elections, gives an update on turnout for the May 3 election during an early afternoon briefing at the precinct at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)

Dismal turnout – again – in County Primary Election TSD Newsroom The May 3 Shelby County Primary has come and gone and the turnout reflects that most who were eligible to vote did not bother.

Less than 11 percent of the registered voters cast ballots.

Generally in primary elections the percentage of eligible voters in Shelby County actually participating is a dismal 10 percent, according to Shelby County Elections Administrator Linda Phillips.

The numbers reflected that most who cast ballots preferred to do so during early voting.

Shelby County Democratic Primary Results District Attorney General Steve Mulroy Janika White Linda Harris

22,123 15,876 10,055

46% 33% 21%

County Commissioner District 9 Edmund Ford Jr. 6,156 Sean Harris 600 Sam D. Echols 554

84% 8% 8%

Circuit Court Clerk Jamita E Swearengen Temiika D. Gipson

26,850 19,285

58% 42%

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris Kenneth Moody

33,753 14,369

70% 30%

County Commissioner District 10 Britney Thornton 2,198 Kathy Kirk 1,314 Teri Dockery 1,005

49% 29% 22%

Criminal Court Clerk Heidi Kuhn Carla Jean Stotts Maerne Briggs Bernard

20,091 13,347 11,293

45% 30% 25%

County Commissioner District 1 Donna McDonald-Martin 2,052

100%

County Commissioner District 11 Miska Clay Bibbs 1,285 Eric Winston 1,267 Candice Jones 836

38% 37% 25%

22,356 10,299 10,174 4,236

48% 22% 22% 9%

52% 29% 18%

County Commissioner District 6 Charlie A Caswell Jr. 2,135 Alex Boulton 967

County Commissioner District 12 Erika Sugarmon 2,268 Reginald Boyce 2,000 James Bacchus 920 David P. Walker 197

Juvenile Court Clerk Janeen Fullilove Gordon Reginald Milton Stephanie W. Gatewood Marcus Mitchell

County Commissioner District 4 Britney Chauncey 2,079

100%

County Commissioner District 5 Shante Avant 1,887 Reginald French 1,053 Quran Folsom 665

42% 37% 17% 4%

Probate Court Clerk Eddie Jones William Chism Jr. Bill Morrison

21,032 13,282 11,380

46% 29% 25%

69% 31%

County Commissioner District 13 Michael Whaley 2,717

100%

County Commissioner District 7 Henri E. Brooks 1,607 Althea E. Greene 1,531 Cartavious Black 639 Kathy Temple 517 Orrden Williams 51

37% 35% 15% 12% 1%

Assessor of Property Melvin Burgess Rod Blount

39,273 7,676

84% 16%

County Clerk Wanda Halbert William Stovall Arriell Q. Gipson Mondell Williams

33,818 5,434 5,370 2,168

72% 12% 11% 5%

County Trustee Regina Morrison Newman

43,48

100%

County Commissioner District 8 Mickell M. Lowery 3,294

20,468 13,119 12,929

44% 28% 28%

100%

Sheriff Shelby Floyd Bonner

Register of Deeds Willie Brooks Wanda Logan Faulkner Shelandra Yvette Ford

45,172

100%

Deal for Black-majority town in Tennessee takeover case

by Kimberlee Kruesi Associated Press

NASHVILLE – After alleging that Tennessee’s top leaders were placing unfair scrutiny over a predominantly Black town’s finances, the small town of Mason announced Wednesday it had reached a deal halting the threat of a state takeover of its finances.

The agreement, which the NAACP described as a settlement, marks a victory for town officials who had argued the state was treating Mason’s majority-Black leaders differently than they have white administrators who also struggled with finances.

“This settlement agreement is a good thing for the citizens of the town and it’s a good thing for African Americans across the country,” said NAACP President Derrick Johnson.

The issue began when Comptroller Jason Mumpower asked Mason’s town leaders to surrender their charter, pointing to ongoing years of financial mismanagement. After

Mason voters refused to do so, Mumpower later said the state would take over its financial supervision.

The news of the pending takeover quickly sparked national attention as many pointed out that Mason is located near the site of a future $5.6 billion Ford electric pickup truck factory, which is expected to employ about 5,600 workers at the plant, and construction of the factory will create thousands more jobs.

The 2020 Census shows Mason’s population at about 1,330. But that fell to less than 800 after a private prison closed recently.

“For far too long, we’ve seen highways going through our cities in our community, or hostile takeover by states,” Johnson said. ”Here’s an opportunity for the citizens to retain their charter, implement best practices and participate in the opportunities that the economic development we’re bringing for this community.”

Town leaders quickly filed a lawsuit — with the help of the NAACP — hoping to stop the takeover, al-

leging the pending Ford plant has sparked extra scrutiny. In particular, the suit sought to challenge the state’s edict that Mason get approval to spend more than $100 — a strict requirement that town leaders said would make it impossible to do business.

“They set up Mason to fail,” said attorney Van Turner Jr., president of the NAACP Memphis branch who represented Mason’s town leaders.

Last month, Davidson County Chancery Court Judge Anne Martin denied Mason’s initial request to temporarily halt the takeover while the lawsuit moved through court, which Turner called a “blow” but said being able to keep the case alive and come to an agreement is a “significant victory.”

Under the deal, Mason officials will notify the state of any non-payroll expenditures over $1,000. Mason officials will also have to file monthly reports to the state and not weekly reports, as initially required. Notably, the deal will slash the monthly

Emmit Gooden, right, mayor of Mason, Tenn., answers questions after a hearing in Davidson County Chancery Court on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. Listening at left is attorney Terry Clayton, one of the attorneys representing the town leaders of Mason, a small town facing a takeover of its finances by the state comptroller. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) payment Mason had been paying on what it owed to its water and sewer funds from $10,000 to approximately $5,100.

The agreement, which was submitted to the court Wednesday, must still be approved by Martin.

“Mason’s agreement to a new corrective action plan is a significant step in restoring the town’s financial health,” Mumpower said in a statement. “Most importantly, if Mason

follows this plan, taxpayers can know their leaders are being good stewards of their money.”

According to the comptroller’s office, Mason has not submitted its annual audit on time since the 2001 fiscal year and financial statements from 2004 to 2016 “were essentially un-auditable.” Budget deficits have mounted, from $126,659 in the 2016 fiscal year to $481,620 in 2020.

The New Tri-State Defender

Gestalt Community Schools is accepting bids for summer projects including redesign of a cafeteria, minor construction projects, LED lighting, Energy Mgmt system, security cameras, and an Outdoor Walk-In freezer. Please contact grucker@gestaltcs.org by May 23, 2022 for RFP information.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS In order to participate in the bid listed below for Shelby County Government, you must be registered with our electronic bidding system with Mercury Commerce.

County bids are not available by mail or downloaded directly from the County website, unless otherwise indicated in the solicitation invitation. All vendors who wish to bid are required to register with Mercury Commerce Solutions in order to be notified of on-line bids.

There is no charge for registration, and it is easy to use. To register: • Go to www.esmsolutions.com • Go to Log-In at top of page • Click “Supplier Login” • Under “Mercury Version”, click ‘Not Registered’ • Complete Vendor Registration process • Submit If you have any questions about the registration process, contact ESM Solutions at (877) 969-7246.

If you have any questions about information contained in the bid documents, contact the Purchasing Department at (901) 222-2250 and ask to speak to the Buyer listed for the bid.

SEALED BID DUE FRIDAY, JUNE 3RD, 2022 AT 2:00 PM CST “QUALYS VULNERABILITY MANAGEMENT - ENTERPRISEPUBLIC SECTOR” (SB-I000735) (MC# 655) By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY NOTICE TO BIDDERS In order to participate in the bid listed below for Shelby County Government, you must be registered with our electronic bidding system with Mercury Commerce.

County bids are not available by mail or downloaded directly from the County website, unless otherwise indicated in the solicitation invitation. All vendors who wish to bid are required to register with Mercury Commerce Solutions in order to be notified of on-line bids.

There is no charge for registration, and it is easy to use. To register: • Go to www.esmsolutions.com • Go to Log-In at top of page • Click “Supplier Login” • Under “Mercury Version”, click ‘Not Registered’ • Complete Vendor Registration process • Submit

CLASSIFIEDS

THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER CLASSIFIEDS

1509 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104 PH (901) 523-1818 HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

DEADLINES: Display ads Friday 5 p.m.

Classifieds ads Monday 5 p.m.

STANDARD RATES: $6.00 per line for 1 column ad.

Rates are non-commissionable and are quoted at the net rate. No refund for early cancellation. For additional information contact Sales Dept. at (901) 746-5201 or email: advertising@tsdmemphis.com.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Some categories require prepayment.

All ads subject to credit approval. The

discussion, to gather public input on the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Deployment plan.

The meetings will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. CT at the following locations: May 9, 2022 Sonny West Conference Center Howard Office Building 700 2nd Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37210 AND May 16, 2022 Benjamin Hooks Library 303 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38111 The Departments welcome feedback from the public and relevant stakeholders on the NEVI Formula Program planning process and have developed a website and on-line survey at www.tn.gov/ evplan. The meeting is being held to provide the public an opportunity to provide comments regarding the Tennessee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (TEVI) Deployment Plan. Representatives of TDOT and TDEC will be available to provide information on various aspects of this proposed project.

Anyone with questions regarding the meeting should contact: Mr. Matthew Meservy, Director Long Range Planning, TN Department of Transportation Nashville, TN 37243 (615) 741-3421 Phone Matthew.Meservy@tn.gov TDOT is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, color, disability, or national origin.

LEGAL NOTICE Request for Bids MSCAA Project Number 19-1423-22-01 Winchester TWY Y Bridge Electrical Damage Repair

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed Bids for Winchester TWY Y Bridge - Electrical Damage Repair will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (Authority), Procurement Department, 4150 Louis Carruthers Drive, Memphis, TN 38118, until 2:00 p.m. Local Time on 5/26/2022. Bids will not be received at any other location.

Within 30 minutes thereafter, the bids will be opened and publicly read via teleconference (https://us06web.zoom. us/j/89239237003?pwd=Z0p0WUM3eHZSME1oenc0bnlnTlBCdz09 (phone: (646) 876 9923 / meeting ID: 892 3923 7003; passcode: 929866). The Bid Documents, including a description of the scope of work, the required response format, and additional instructions may be obtained on or after 4/28/2022 online at www. flymemphis.com.

In order to participate in the bid listed below for Shelby County Government, you must be registered with our electronic bidding system with Mercury Commerce.

County bids are not available by mail or downloaded directly from the County website, unless otherwise indicated in the solicitation invitation. All vendors who wish to bid are required to register with Mercury Commerce Solutions in order to be notified of on-line bids.

There is no charge for registration, and it is easy to use. To register:

A Virtual Pre-Bid Meeting will be held Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. local time via phone/ video conferencing (link: https:// us06web.zoom.us/j/84890254 821?pwd=WjhEY1VSbWd5YkF MSytWRE0rWld4Zz09; phone: (301) 715 8592; meeting ID: 848 9025 4821; passcode: 524005).

Instructions on Pre-Bid Meeting and Site Visit request can be found at https://www.flymemphis. com/rfps-rfqs. Attendance at the Pre-Bid Meeting is strongly recommended.

• Go to www.esmsolutions.com • Go to Log-In at top of page • Click “Supplier Login” • Under “Mercury Version”, click ‘Not Registered’ • Complete Vendor Registration process • Submit

All Bidders are responsible for checking the Authority’s website up to the submission deadline for any updates, addenda or additional information. The successful Bidder must sign a contract with the Authority that includes Federal Aviation Administration provisions, if applicable, regarding the Buy American Preference, Foreign Trade Restriction, Davis-Bacon, Affirmative Action, Debarment and Suspension, and Drug-Free Workplace, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

If you have any questions about the registration process, contact ESM Solutions at (877) 969-7246.

If you have any questions about information contained in the bid documents, contact the Purchasing Department at (901) 222-2250 and ask to speak to the Buyer listed for the bid.

SEALED BID DUE WEDNESDAY, MAY 18TH, 2022 AT 2:00 PM CST “DISPOSABLE PAPER & PLASTIC” (SB-I000734) (MC# 654) By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY

If you have any questions about the registration process, contact ESM Solutions at (877) 969-7246.

If you have any questions about information contained in the bid documents, contact the Purchasing Department at (901) 222-2250 and ask to speak to the Buyer listed for the bid.

SEALED BID DUE WEDNESDAY, MAY 18TH, 2022 AT 2:00 PM CST “DISPOSABLE BAGS & LINERS” (SB-I000736) (MC# 656) By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) in conjunction with The Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) will host two in-person

May 5 - 11, 2022

Each Bid must be made by a contractor licensed in Tennessee and be accompanied by a 5% Bid Guarantee. The successful Bidder must execute a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond in the amount of 100% each of the Contract Price and meet the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal for this project, which is 26%.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this Request for Bids in whole or in part; to waive any informalities, technicalities, or omissions related to this Request for Bids; and to reject responses on any other basis authorized by the Authority’s purchasing policies.

New Tri-State Defender reserves the right to correctly classify and edit all copy or to reject or cancel any ad at any time. Only standard abbreviations accepted. Copy change during ordered schedule constitutes new ad & new changes. Deadlines for cancellation are identical to placement deadlines. Rates subject to change.

ADJUSTMENTS: PLEASE check your ad the first day it appears. Call (901) 523-1818 if an error occurs. We can only offer in-house credit and NO REFUNDS are issued.

THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER assumes no financial responsibility for errors nor for copy omission.

Direct any classified billing inquires to (901) 523-1818.

The Authority is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, disability, marital status, military service, or sexual orientation in its hiring and employment practices and in the admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, and activities.

By order of: Scott A. Brockman, A.A.E. President and CEO Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority PUBLIC NOTICE THE MEMPHIS URBAN AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION In compliance with federal regulations 23 CFR 450, the Memphis MPO is proposing to adopt the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Performance Measure Targets and to approve the FY 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Project List. The Memphis MPO will also present the 2021 State of the MPO Annual Report.

The public is hereby given notice that the documents above are available for review and download from the Internet at: www. memphismpo.org. Additionally, the English language copies and the Spanish language summaries are also available for public review in the library systems of Shelby, Fayette, DeSoto, and Marshall counties. Written public comments will be accepted through Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Comments may be submitted to Pragati Srivastava, Memphis MPO, 125 N. Main Street, Room 450, Memphis, TN 38103 or via email at Pragati.

Srivastava@memphistn.gov. The Memphis MPO Transportation Policy Board (TPB) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. The full meeting agenda including details on how to participate in the meeting will be made available 10 days prior to the meeting on the Memphis MPO’s website: (memphismpo.org).

It is the policy of the Memphis MPO not to exclude, deny, or discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, immigration status, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, veteran status, familial or marital status, disability, medical or genetic condition, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law in its hiring or employment practices, or in its admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. For any and all inquiries regarding the application of this accessibility statement and related policies, or for persons that require aids or services to participate either in the review of these documents or during the hearing, please contact Nick Warren, at 901-6367146 or Nick.Warren@memphistn. gov.

Page 9

NEWS

GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Patricia Solomon and JC Solomon Tax Parcel #: 07503700000100 Tax Sale #: 703 Price Offered: $2000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:00 p.m. on July 5, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Candido Torres Mendoza Tax Parcel #: 03406700000070 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $39,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:30 p.m. on July 5, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400

Tennessee to make homeless camps on public land a felony NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee declined to sign off on a bill criminalizing camping by homeless people and in parks and other local public property, but let it become law without his signature.

The measure the Republican governor declined to sign Tuesday will take effect July 1. Lee had told reporters earlier this week that he was worried about the “unintended consequences” of the bill but added that he was also worried about the “issues of people on public property.”

The new law will add local public property to the existing felony penalties that are possible for camping on state property, as long as the place is not designated for camping.

The felony is punishable by up to six years in prison. Felony convictions in Tennessee result in the revocation of an individual’s right to vote.

The penalties for camping on state property were increased from a misdemeanor to a Class E felony in 2020,

when Republican lawmakers were responding to overnight protests on Capitol grounds calling for racial justice reform.

The law will also create a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a $50 fine — which could be waived — and community service, for camping along highways, including under bridges or overpasses, or within an underpass. Violations in those locations would not be limited to overnight hours under the bill. Authorities would need to first offer a warning for people in violation.

When the bill moved through the legislature, Republican Sen. Paul Bailey acknowledged that “lots of churches” had testified against the bill.

“I don’t have the answer for homelessness,” Bailey said.

“Those that oppose this legislation, they don’t have all the answers for homelessness.

Those that support this legislation, they don’t have all of the answers for homelessness.”

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Angelica Jones Tax Parcel #: 07204100000050 Tax Sale #: 1004 Price Offered: $1407.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:00 p.m. on July 5, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

SALES PERSON The New Tri-State Defender is looking for a few sales consultants to sell print ads, digital ads and event sponsorships for the organization.

The candidate should have some sales experience. The position will offer both commission and base pay. For serious inquiries email your resume to administration@ tsdmemphis.com.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400

This notice is funded (in part) under an agreement with the State of TN and MS, Departments of Transportation.

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

We're Known By the Money You Keep!

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property:

Special purchases with unbeatable low prices.

Charia Jackson Tax Parcel #: 07200800000250 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $63,800.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:30 p.m. on July 5, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY

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SPORTS The New Tri-State Defender, May 5 - 11, 2022, Page 10

In the fourth quarter, Ja Morant took over for the Grizzlies. He was fouled on this play by Draymond Green of Golden State as Stephen Curry of the Warriors helplessly looked on. (Photos: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender)

Morant, Grizzlies even series with a thriller

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The goals were simple heading into Game 2 of the semi-final battle between the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors: Memphis wanted to be more physical; the Warriors wanted to rely on their championship pedigre.

Memphis Terry grabbed the Davis victory 106-

101 to even the series at (1-1).

The Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks was ejected three minutes into the game. He went for a block on Gary Payton II and tired to block it, but he Payton in the head.

After an official review, it was deemed a flagrant 2 and an automatic ejection.

Payton suffered an elbow injury and the NBA was weighing whether more punishment is warranted.

Ja Morant’s monster effort propelled Memphis to the win. He scored 47 points, including the last 15 for the Grizzlies.

Morant tied his own playoff franchise scoring record with his 47 points.

“Definitely big time. Definitely up there,” said Morant about where the performance ranks in

Jaren Jackson Jr. of Grizzlies blocks the shot of Draymond Green.

Dillon Brooks of the Grizzlies was ejected early after committing this flagrant foul on Gary Payton II of the Warriors. his career.

“I felt this was kind of a mustwin game for us. For me, I was frustrated with myself for missing that layup in Game 1. I had some friendly words with Steph (Curry). After Game 1, he came to me and Jaren (Jackson Jr.) and

said, ‘This is going to be a battle.

We’re going to have some fun.’

“I was able to return that message tonight saying the same thing. I always say this is my favorite matchup playing against a guy like him with great talent. It’s going to be a battle.”

Ja Morant celebrates Memphis’ win.