The New Tri-State Defender - May 12-18, 2022 by The Tri-State Defender

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VOL. 71, No. 19

May 12 - 18, 2022

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After reciting an original poem, “Pure Imagination,” while off stage, LeMoyne-Owen College President Dr. Vernell Bennett-Fairs emerged wearing this fashion statement. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

LeMoyne-Owen College hosts night of elegance, commencement

Through the king’s eyes … Beale Street was royal ground on Saturday as the Memphis in May International Festival’s monthlong salute to the Republic of Ghana crescendoed with a visit by King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the 16th Asantehene (King of Asante). The afternoon celebration featured a traditional Ghanian “Durbar Ceremony” to “honor ancestors cleanse society and pray for the fruitfulness of the land and the welfare of the people.” (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender) (Related photos, story on Lifestyle & Culture, Page 6)

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

cluding 18 in the fourth quarter) with 45.7 seconds left to play.

The LeMoyne-Owen College Magicians celebrated their newly installed president with an elaborately appointed ball on Friday, (May 6) as part of a multi-day celebration, themed “Pure Imagination.” Other major events included the COVID-delayed investiture on Thursday (May 5) of LOC President Dr. Vernell Bennett-Fairs and the 160-year-old college’s 152nd commencement ceremony Saturday (May 7). Both proved memorable. Friday evening’s 2022 Presidential Gala, “the Magic of Possibilities!,” was set in stylish surroundings at Downtown’s The Columns. About 500 formally attired alumni, friends and supporters gathered to officially welcome and celebrate Dr. Bennett-Fairs, who became president Jan. 5, 2021. The affair opened with a presentation of Dr. Bennett-Fairs, reciting her own creation, a poem titled, “Pure Imagination.” She remained concealed behind a curtain off-stage as her voice filled the expansive ballroom. When the recitation ended, Dr. Bennett-Fairs was met with thundering applause as she emerged in a sweeping, purple gown with a rufﬂed train. The head “Magician” stood in the ballroom’s center as a Memphis Symphony Orchestra string quartet began a classically arranged “Pure Imagination,” from the 1971 movie, “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.” Bennett-Fairs, a classically trained soprano, sang a classically inspired version of the movie soundtrack favorite. She was again rewarded with a standing ovation, and the revelry got underway with the live stage performances of R&B crooner Freddie Jackson, singing his old songs, along with Midnight Star, with such hits as “Midas Touch” and “No Parking on the

SEE GRIZZ ON PAGE 2

SEE LOC ON PAGE 2

Grizz fans have team’s ‘back’

Down 3-1, Memphis takes Game-5 shot with homecourt support by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The plus side of the Memphis Grizzlies’ backs-against-the-wall playoff position is that the wall frames their homecourt at FedExForum. On Wednesday night, Memphis – now down three games to the Golden State Warriors – face a must-win Game 5 to extend the best-of-seven series. That longshot scenario became the Grizzlies’ reality when they lost Game 4 (101-98) at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Monday night. “We have a game at home and our fans are going to give us a boost,” Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins said after the Grizzlies came close to defying the odds and winning Game 4 on the road without the injured Ja Morant whose status for Game 5 is uncertain but not likely. Ahead after three quarters and up 76-64 with

Memphis fans have shown they know how to “raise the roof” of the FedExForum in support of the Grizzlies. (Photo: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender) 10:35 left in the game, Memphis could not turn back Golden State’s closing charge. The Warrior’s first lead of the game (94-93) came on free throws by Stephen Curry (32 points, in-

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The New Tri-State Defender

May 12 - 18, 2022

NEWS

GRIZZ

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

LOC 2022 valedictorian Tierney Kuykendoll gives her address. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

LOC

CONTINUED FROM FRONT Dance Floor.” On Saturday morning, nearly 4,000 filled the Orpheum Theatre’s main ﬂoor to witness the college’s annual commencement exercise. Besides gathering to celebrate the parade of beaming graduates receiving college degrees, the ceremony offered a number of big moments. It was the first, fully open, graduation program since 2019, before the onset of COVID-19. Graduates were inspired by words of encouragement from the commencement speaker, three notables were presented with honorary doctorates and the announcement of a huge contribution to the city’s only HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) brought applause and cheers from a demonstratively enthusiastic crowd. Dr. Bennett-Fairs introduced the keynote speaker, Lowe’s Corporation Executive Vice President of Supply Chain Donald Frieson. Frieson offered advice, a few laughs and words of wisdom from a successful, corporate employee. “No matter how much money you make, and no matter what material things you acquire,” said Frieson, “you

“No matter how much money you make, and no matter what material things you acquire. You must commit to always share your resources. As you go out into the world, be a leader who serves others. Give back every chance you get. Always look for new opportunities to help others. That is the kind of leader our world needs.” — keynote speaker Donald Frieson must commit to always share your resources. “As you go out into the world, be a leader who serves others. Give back every chance you get. Always look for new opportunities to help others. That is the kind of leader our world needs,” he said. Honorary doctorates were conferred on three outstanding Memphians: Frieson, keynote speaker; Greater Memphis Chamber President and CEO Beverly Robertson and civil rights pioneer Rev. James M. Lawson Jr., who received the award in absentia. Frieson was praised for his commitment to creating an environment of diversity and inclusion among supply chain hiring and employee relations. Robertson was praised for raising $43 million as the National Civil Rights Museum’s president, and for taking the museum “from a small, local attraction to a world-class landmark and destination.” Lawson was touted for his

lifelong work in civil rights and recognized by Time for being listed as one of seven civil rights figures who paved the way for President Barack Obama’s historic election by Time Magazine. Frieson surprised commencement attendees by announcing “a special contribution made by Lowe’s. According to Frieson, Lowe’s would present the school with $1 million to “fund scholarships and lend assistance to struggling students who want to attend college.” An eruption of cheers and applause filled the theatre. Frieson closed with one, last piece of advice: “The world does not care how many times you fall down. Just keep getting back up,” Frieson. “Get back up, no matter what happens, and keep chasing your dreams. You owe it to your family, your friends, and everyone who has believed in and invested into your future.”

Dr. Vernell Bennett-Fairs confers honorary degrees to Beverly Robertson and Donald Frieson, who also delivered the commencement address.

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“It is a tough one to swallow,” said Tyus Jones, who started at point guard with Morant out with a right knee bone bruise. “We were leading the whole game. We put ourselves in a position to win.” Jones (19 points, 5 assists, 6 rebounds) added, “You can’t hold your head. We still have games to play. Our backs are up against the wall. We have got to be ready to go back home.” At home against the Warriors in the series, Memphis is 1-1 after capturing Game 2 largely on the strength of Morant’s 47-point eruption, including the team’s last 15 points. “You recognize the good things you do and focus on the season is not over with yet,” said Jenkins, putting the team’s emotions into context heading to Game 5. “I told them to forget what the record is and focus on just winning a game. … If you play with effort and juice, you are going to have a chance to win every night. Hopefully, we will get the result we like.” The post-game media debriefing had the Grizzlies fielding the question of what made the difference between winning and losing in the last few minutes of the game. Reserve forward Kyle Anderson (17 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and a key late block) said, “They made shots. They got to the line, we didn’t. That is the name of the game. You have to play for 48 minutes against this type of team. I think we played all 48 min-

“If you play with effort and juice, you are going to have a chance to win every night. Hopefully, we will get the result we like.” — Taylor Jenkins utes hard. We just didn’t make shots down the end.” Looking back after the victory slipped from the Grizzlies’ grasp, Anderson said, “It is tough. It is hard. I felt we should have walked away with the win. You can’t hang your head for too long. We will figure out where we need to be better and try to go win a game on Wednesday. “It is tough, especially against a team like that, where we played hard and didn’t come out with the win.” Kept on edge much of the game by Memphis’ resolve, the Warriors’ Chase-Arena fans were there for them down the stretch as Golden State surged toward the win. “We are excited to get back to our fans,” said Anderson. “It is a big game for us. We are going to go out there and fight. We are going to take it one game at a time. Our fans are going to have our backs.” Jaren Jackson Jr. had 21 points and 5 blocks for Memphis in the loss. With the Warrior’s defense, particularly Draymond Green, draped around in the closing seconds, Jackson misfired on a three that would have tied the game. “I missed. I took it and I thought it was going in,” said Jackson. “I could have done

more to attack. That is the shot I work on every day. I will take it again. … “We will carry over the good things to the next game. We will figure out how to win one game at a time. We are back home. We have our fans. It is going to be loud. We have another chance to play.” Center Steven Adams, who had been unavailable because of COVID-19 health and safety protocols, made his presence felt throughout the game, finishing with 10 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists. “You don’t pay attention to the series. You are up 3-1 or down 3-1, you have to take it game by game. Nothing changes as for the mindset for us,” said Adams. While the loss was tough all around for the Grizzlies, the shooting performance of Dillion Brooks (5 of 19 overall, 2 of 9 on three-pointers) positioned him for particular scrutiny regarding his shot selection. He returned to the starting lineup after being ejected for a Game 2 ﬂagrant foul that netted a Game 3 suspension. “I have a lot of trust in him,” said Jenkins. “I love what he was doing defensively. He had a big 2 and 3 late in the game. The ball just wasn’t bouncing for him late in the game.” Anderson’s message to brooks: “Keep shooting. We live and die with him … We have all the confidence in him. … You can’t get upset with him when the ball isn’t going in for him. We want him to stay confident and be aggressive.” Tipoff for Game 5 is set for 8:30 p.m. The game can be seen on TNT.

The New Tri-State Defender

May 12 - 18, 2022

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, May 12 - 18, 2022, Page 4

Memphis Shelby County Schools held its inaugural Excellence in Education Gala during National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2-6). Dr. Melissa Collins (second from left), who was named MSCS Teacher of the Year, asked all teachers to stand, declaring them all winners. (Screen capture)

A salute to teachers – one of the planet’s two most important people groups! by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Somehow the notion of Teacher Appreciation Week seems woefully inadequate for celebrating the work our teachers and educators perform daily. Maybe we should extend the celebration to an entire month! One could argue that teachers are one of the two most important groups of people on the planet; that other group would be parents. As a teacher, you are afforded the opportunity to inﬂuence the world’s greatest resource — our youth. The profound impact of a teacher on their students cannot be overstated. They are indeed jewels of our society. I have rich and lasting memories of my teachers from grade school through high school and beyond, who left lasting impressions on me that have positively impacted my entire life. In grade school, my first, second, third, and fifth-grade teachers were good teachers, but I can remember little about my experiences in their classrooms. But my fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Harris, was exceptional. She made learning fun and impacted my life in an incredibly positive way. I am one that believes that teachers and teaching is not just a career or a job but a spiritual calling, a unique privilege granted by God. Teachers not only teach and impart knowledge, but they also inspire and motivate students for life. Teaching is hard, and yes, just like other professions, it comes with a unique set of challenges. Yet, we sometimes take for granted the role teachers play in the growth and development of our children. Teachers are multitalented, they play the role of parent, disciplinarian, counselor, and motivator every single day they are with our children. It is amazing how much trust we place in the hands of people who are all but strangers to us at the beginning of a school year. And yet we faithfully believe they will treat our children with respect, teach them effectively and care for them as if they are their own. The teaching profession has taken some significant body blows in recent years. The pandemic has clearly made the job one of the most

Vice President Kamala Harris as she delivers her commencement speech at Hale Stadium on the campus of Tennessee State University. (Photo: TSU News Service)

challenging on the planet, especially in urban communities where resources are already scarce. As a result, teachers’ stress and anxCurtis iety levels have Weathers soared, their morale has plummeted, job satisfaction is at historic lows, and teachers are leaving the profession in record numbers. I get a chance to interact with teachers daily. Many of them still possess a genuine love for their profession and the children they work with each day. Unfortunately, many of them feel unappreciated and unsupported and must deal with too many behavioral problems, not to mention the stress of standardized testing. And now, with the intrusion of all the social justice issues, the politics of society seems to have taken a front-row seat in their classrooms, i.e., critical race theory, etc. Teachers who remain in the profession and those who aspire to join the ranks recognize and appreciate their opportunities to make a difference in children’s lives and society. They enjoy the professional collaboration with other like-minded teachers, the job benefits, the opportunities for growth, and the lasting relationships they form with colleagues, students, and parents. While the last two years have been years of survival and triage for teachers, many feel next year will be much better. Schools will be able to focus more fully on recovery, and our dedicated teachers can take the lead in our journey back to normalcy. So, to all the teachers out there, God Bless You! We recognize and appreciate your dedication and love for the profession. We appreciate the daily sacrifices you make to ensure our children learn and grow. Ignore all the negativity out there. You have done an excellent job, especially during these COVID years. We love and appreciate you. (Follow TSD education columnist Curtis Weathers on Twitter (@curtisweathers); email: curtislweathers@gmail.com.)

Vice President Kamala Harris:

“I’m now a Tiger!”

TSU News Service NASHVILLE – “I guess I’m now a Tiger!” Vice President Kamala Harris cheered as she received an honorary doctorate degree in humane letters from Tennessee State University after addressing nearly 600 undergraduates at the Spring 2022 commencement ceremony. Harris was hooded by TSU President Dr. Glenda Glover as the crowd looked on, including University trustees, cabinet members and mayors John Cooper of Nashville and Randall Woodfin of Birmingham, AL. The historic moment took place Saturday (May 7) at TSU’s Hale Stadium shortly after Harris addressed the graduates with a heartfelt commencement speech, marking this as her first address at a university and HBCU as Vice President of the United States. Graduate Matthew Benton, who now has a degree in business administration, said the historic event was as inspirational as he imagined. “I’m thankful to have had a university President like Dr. Glover with the right connections and friendships to bring Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, to our campus to give the keynote address.” In March, Glover was announced as vice-chair of President Biden’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs. The Biden-Harris Administration has invested $5.8 billion in resources and the re-issuance of the White House Initiative on HBCUs. As a fellow HBCU graduate (Howard University), Harris gave the students a chance to mirror the person they can one day become. The Vice President celebrated the 2022 graduates’ through their trials, mentioning the challenges of obtaining a degree through the COVID-19 pandemic, fundamental principles, and racial inequalities. Harris stated that the graduates are more than just a class of 2022 but graduates that the United States need in the near future. “I look at this unsettled world, and yes I see the challenges, but I am here to tell you, I also see the opportuni-

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris (left) with TSU President Dr. Glenda Glover during Saturday’s (May 7, 2022) historic TSU commencement, where Harris received an honorary degree. (TSU News Service) ties. The opportunities for your leadership. The future of our country and our world will be shaped by you.” The dark skies looming over Hale stadium didn’t stop Harris’ words of encouragement to shine through as she spoke value to more than one thousand attendees. “You are fueled by self-determination,” she said. “Students from all over the world come here because they have big dreams.” About 15-minutes into her speech, Harris’ shared a story regarding the first time she ﬂew on the vice-presidential helicopter. She looked out the window as the helicopter circled over her alma mater and saw her 17-year-old self again toting books around campus. “At a place just like this,” she smiled. “That reinforced that I can be anything. Do anything. Even if it had never been done before,” she said as the crowd cheered. “Like you, and full of hope and full of dreams with a future full of possibility. I stand before you today as the Vice President of America and as a proud graduate of an HBCU to say, there is no limit to your capacity of greatness.” Harris reassured the graduates, who will embark on a new journey, that their time at TSU has unlocked unimaginable opportunities. “There is no barrier you cannot break,” she said, noting that the grad-

uate’s perspective and experience will make the United States a stronger country. She mentioned that there will be a time that the graduates will walk into a room where no one else may look like them. “And at that moment you must remember, you are not in that room alone. Always know that you carried the voices of everyone here and those upon the shoulders you stand.” A little piece of advice to the graduates from Harris: “Be true to yourself.” Graduate Derrick Sanders Jr., who now has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in English, said that Harris telling the students to live in the moment is what resonated with him most. “To know now that she will forever be a part of my TSU history, and to be inducted as an official member of the Tiger Family was a tremendous honor to witness.” The first woman and first person of color to serve as Vice President of the United States, Harris closed out her commencement speech with a phrase her late mother often told her: “Kamala, you may be the first to do many things … make sure you are not the last.” “I have been many firsts in my lifetime and as I look out at all of you today, I know I will not be the last,” Harris told the TSU graduates. “Your country is so proud of you. … May God bless you and may God bless America.”

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The New Tri-State Defender

May 12 - 18, 2022

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RELIGION LEGACY

Continuing the legacy …

Booker T. Washington High School alumni, former students, family and long-time friends gathered at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Westwood to celebrate the life of legendary Coach Herman Adams, who died on April 27. He was 85. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

The Rev. Brian Bartlett Jr. was the guest speaker Tuesday during the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association meeting at the J.L. Payne Building on McLemore Ave. He succeeded the late Rev. Melvin Rodgers as pastor of New Bethel Full Gospel Baptist Church, at 2225 Ball Rd. His father, the Rev. Brian Bartlett Sr., is pastor of Lake Grove Baptist Church on Weaver Rd. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

‘Coach’ Adams made being physical a way of life by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

“Coach” Herman Adams was one of the most competitive athletes in the history of Booker T. Washington High School. A little-known fact of his proficiency in sports is that Adams was on the 1977 Master’s Olympic Competition relay team that won first place for the United States in Gothenburg, Sweden. Adams was an amazing 40 years old at the time. Saturday (May 7), BTW alumni, former students, family and long-time friends gathered at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Westwood, where he was a member, to celebrate the life of Adams, who died on April 27. He was 85. Adams was born the eldest of four children to T.C. and Mable Louise Bowen Adams on Feb. 1, 1937, in Memphis. Coach showed extraordinary athletic prowess, even as a youngster. By the time he entered high school, his moves on the football field garnered notice. In his sophomore year, Adams was selected as one of WDIA “Gridiron Greats For 1954.” After graduating high school in 1956, Adams attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, where he majored in both health and Physical Education, and Biology. He joined the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. While at Lincoln, Adams met a “great beauty,” Emma, whom he would later marry and call his “bride” for 56 years. “My friend and I were at the gym to practice our gymnastics,” said Emma Adams. “It was obvious we didn’t really know what we were doing. So, this guy comes walking through the gym, and he stops and watches us for a bit. He was a PE major, so I’m sure he could see we didn’t have a clue. “So, he comes over and starts showing us some things. And I was just wondering, ‘Why is this guy over here to help us?’”

Emma Adams admitted thinking, “He’s pretty cute.” That was the beginning of their life-long romance, she said. After graduating from Lincoln, Adams returned to Memphis and began his coaching career at Lester Junior High as athletic director “Coach” and head football coach. Herman His teams won four city Adams championships and several district championships. His girls’ track teams also excelled, taking them to compete in Atlanta and Raleigh, North Carolina. His continuous nurturing of both students and former students earned him the endearing “Coach” moniker throughout his life. Adams sponsored many trips to colleges for his students as he encouraged them to pursue higher education. Adams participated in the National Summer Youth Sports Program (NYSP) at University of Memphis for 35 years. He took young people to see the Engineering Program at Tennessee State University (TSU) to inspire them. Adams was honored by Chickasaw Junior High School with the naming of the gymnasium “Herman Adams Health & Athletic Complex.” In 2012, he was presented with the President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement at Lincoln University. Adams was sports manager of the Ridgeway Country Club of Memphis for more than 55 years. Tuesday (May 10), the club held a memorial service for Adams, where both staff and golfers came to pay their respects, Emma Adams said. Adams had many “children.” But, to his union with Emma Adams, there were two, a son Herman Jerome Adams and a daughter Angela Nicole Adams.

Mother’s Day at St. Marks… The Rev. Marvin Mims Sr., pastor of St. Mark Baptist Church, 940 Rev. J. C. Bachus Blvd., presided during the church’s Mother’s Day celebration, which included Dana Berry of Journey East Academy Elementary School recognizing Frederick Patterson Jr. for 150 percent academic improvement. The mothers in attendance included Rev. Mims’ mother-in-law, John Ella Bachus, and his wife, Anita Bachus Mims. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

The New Tri-State Defender, May 12 - 18, 2022, Page 6

Republic of Ghana Gala Jim Holt, president/CEO of Memphis in May, and Charles Ewing, MIM board chairman, present King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the 16th Asantehene (King of Asante), with Beale Street-themed artwork during the Black Star Black Tie Gala at the Renasant Center on Friday night (May 6). (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

Henry Reaves, founder of the Reaves Law Firm, LLC, and Dalisia Ballinger. (Photos courtesy of Dalisia Ballinger)

The Kente and Kitenge fashion show was a fashion-plus event held last Saturday (May 7) at Hilton Memphis East. Sponsored by the Reaves Law Firm, LLC, it was presented by Memphis in May International Festival and produced by Nana Tamakloe, the CEO and creator of Accra Fashion Week and FashionGhana.com.

Fashion show sprouts from local lawyer’s maiden visit to Ghana by Dalisia Ballinger

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The Kente and Kitenge fashion show, featuring a collective of premier high-fashion designers from the Republic of Ghana, was more than a fashion show for the event’s sponsor, Henry Reaves, founder of the Reaves Law Firm, LLC. The fashion-plus event on Saturday (May 7) at Hilton Memphis East was presented by Memphis in May International Festival and produced by Nana Tamakloe, the CEO and creator of Accra Fashion Week and FashionGhana.com. It showcased an array of authentic fabrics, fashion and fun while celebrating the culture and history of Ghana, the west Africa country honored this year Memphis in May celebration. Biobele Derick Bobmanuel of Broots Fashion, Abigail Ewuradjoa Boison of Style by Madbrien, and Naa Kwarley Sikanartey from Red Cotton Boutique modeled contemporary Ghanaian fashions with a modern ﬂair that left everyone on the edge of their seats wondering what is next behind the curtain. For Reaves, the Kente and Kitenge fashion show reﬂected a deep connection he made during an enlightening two-week experience in Ghana this past November. “I’m a part of an organization called ADDI or African Diaspora Development Institute, where their mission is to build a city of return named “Wakanda One” outside of Cape Coast, Africa,’’ he says. “Not only that, the organization’s goal also is to reconnect all Africans from the diaspora whether they’re from America or Brazil. Every place where they were taken to be slaves is where trying to reconnect. … It

was my first time in Ghana, and it meant so much to me.” Before Reaves returned to the states, he collected a series of paintings and art from Africa to be framed. Later, while visiting a local shop in Midtown, he noticed a ﬂyer from Memphis in May honoring the country he had instantly fallen in love with. Reaves, at that moment, envisioned an opportunity for his team to be part of, and an opportunity, for Memphians to see Ghana in a familiar sector, fashion and art. “The Bluff City is connected to Ghana in so many ways such as W.E.B DuBois,” Reaves said. “The welcoming love from the people truly made me feel that I was home. So, I wanted to bring the love and culture that I received back to Memphis.

The jaw-dropping pieces displayed throughout the event catered to the everyday fashionista. From day to night looks, the evening gowns blew the crowd away. Broots Fashion stepped it up a notch, displaying evening wear that consisted of different pieces from traditional African fabrics meshed to make one piece. “I never thought Ghanaian fashion would go this far,” said Tamakloe of Accra Fashion Week and FashionGhana.com. “In just three short years we gained over three million followers. That is how I know what we’re doing is important to the culture.” The two-hour experience concluded with live entertainment from Courtney Little and a word from Shelby County Mayor

Lee Harris. “We are really blessed with tremendous diversity, including an African-American community and African Diaspora,” said Harris. “I’m truly happy that we’re celebrating countries such as Ghana so that we can see the connections between the history and culture of creativity.” (To learn more about “Kente and Kentinge,” visit www.memphisinmay.org.)

The New Tri-State Defender

May 12 - 18, 2022

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ENTERTAINMENT

Aayush Jain, who ﬁnished ﬁrst in the Tom Lee Poetry and Spoken Word Contest, with Greg Duckett. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/ The New Tri-State Defender)

Second place was earned by Tammario Anderson.

The third-place ﬁnisher was Logan Parson.

The winners were: • 1st place – Aayush Jain, $300. • 2nd place – Tammario Anderson, $200. • 3rd place – Logan Parson, $100. Teachers of the winning students also received a gift card in the same amount as the winners! The contest was a collaboration involving the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation (project funder), Memphis River Parks Partnership (contest host), Memphis Shelby County Schools (English teachers and students), Orpheum Theatre Group’s Community Education and Community Engagement Department (advisors and workshop hosts), University of Memphis Associate Professor and author Marcus Wicker (competition judge), and descendants of Tom Lee.

Tom Lee (Photo courtesy of Memphis River Parks Partnership.)

Tom Lee Poetry and Spoken Word Contest Winners

TSD Newsroom The Annual Tom Lee Day celebration, featuring the winners of the Tom Lee Poetry and Spoken Word Contest, unfolded at Beale Street Landing last Friday (May 6). The contest was designed as an avenue “through which we connect the selfless spirit of Tom Lee to Memphis’ promising future,” organizers said. “Through this contest, high school students learned more about Tom Lee’s legacy and will carry the banner of his selflessness forward into the future.” High school students in Shelby County were encouraged to enter original poetry and spoken word pieces inspired by Tom Lee’s heroism, courage, kindness, selfless-

ness, and generosity. Lee was an African-American river worker who, on May 8, 1925, courageously rescued 32 people from drowning in the Mississippi River. He pulled each passenger into his small skiff boat, called the Zev, and took them back to shore as the much larger vessel, the M.E. Norman, began to capsize. A non-swimmer, Lee said of his heroic and selﬂess acts, “I guess I didn’t do any more than anyone else would have in my place.” Tom Lee Park along the Memphis riverfront is named in Lee’s honor. Students competed for cash prizes, the opportunity to perform their works and an opportunity to professionally record their work.

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, May 12 - 18, 2022, Page 8

WDIA honors Bobby O’Jay with best-of salute Celebration of life service on May 14 by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

WDIA radio listeners used to jumpstarting their days with Bobby O’Jay and “The Fun Morning Show” are being treated to taped recordings of the show this week in tribute to O’Jay.

The station’s program director and iconic radio personality, O’Jay suffered a massive heart attack last Tuesday (May 3) while hosting the show. Mark Stansbury, a WDIA staple as a gospel music personality, said the station thought of a way to honor O’Jay over the course of this week, May 9-13. “I think it is absolutely wonderful,” said Stansbury. “Fans of ‘The Fun Morning Show’ have heard Bobby once more on the air during

the program’s regularly scheduled time. One of Bobby’s taped morning shows is played. Then, Stormy Taylor comes on with the weather report as she is accustomed to do. The weather report is current, giving listeners the feeling that the actual on-air show is being aired that day, said Stansbury. “Also, the commercial breaks play current advertising from commercials which would play as scheduled this week. It is a wonderful tribute to a

Bobby O’Jay legendary radio host and program director as we get closer to Saturday when we say our last goodbyes.” The public is invited to a Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m. Saturday (May 14) at World Overcomers Church, 6655 Winchester Rd. Flowers may be sent to the church only on Saturday. Other arrangements and memorials, along with interment, are private and reserved for the family.

A “Take My Hand” conversation … New York Times bestselling author Dolen Perkins-Valdez, a Memphis native, was interviewed by Shelby County Medical Director Dr. Michelle Taylor as part of a spring tour book-signing held at Novel Book Store, 387 Perkins Ext. in the Laurelwood Shopping Center, last Saturday (May 7). Her latest book is “Take My Hand,” which is described on the inside jacket cover as, “A searing and compassionate new novel about a young Black nurse’s shocking discovery and burning quest for justice in post-segregation Alabama….” Taylor and the author are both graduates from White Station High School. Perkins-Valdez’ mother is Barbara Jones Perkins, widow of FedEx executive James Perkins. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

LOC, TSU embrace $1 million partnerships with Lowe’s TSD Newsroom

LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis and Tennessee State University in Nashville both reaped $1 million donations from home improvement retail giant Lowe’s on Wednesday. The donations are part of a series of Lowe’s gifts and partnerships with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) aimed to create educational opportunities and build pathways to Lowe’s employment. “Building a workforce that can support all of our customers and create more prosperous communities is an important component of delivering outstanding results,” said Marvin Ellison, Lowe’s chairman and chief executive officer, during the TSU announcement. “I’m thrilled that our partnership with TSU will provide access to scholarships for hard-working students, as well as strengthen the talent pipeline by bolstering critical academic focus areas.” TSU President Dr. Glenda Glover

said, “At TSU, we strive for excellence, and this initiative will allow us to instill that mindset in students for generations to come, as we continue their professional development to be future leaders.” The Lowe’s gift to LeMoyne-0wen was presented on campus on the lawn of Brownlee Hall. The Lowe’s executives on hand included Janice Dupree, executive vice president, Human resources, and Donald E. Frierson, executive vice president, supply chain. Frierson delivered TSU’s commencement address this past Saturday (May 7). LOC President Dr. Vernell Bennett-Fairs said Lowe’s partnership will help with what she has been pitching as “the 4 Rs: recruitment, retention, revenue and relationships.” And, she said, the latest “R” is “resurgence … the next resurgence.” Bennett-Fairs gave a special thanks to Olympic gold medalist Dr. Rochelle Stevens, LOC’s Men’s and Women’s Track and Field head coach.

This LeMoyne-Owen College contingent reflects their collective value for Lowe’s $1 million investment. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/ The New Tri-State Defender) Stevens, said Bennett-Fairs, introduced her to Lowe’s CEO Ellison. That introduction opened the door for the president to share her vision for LOC. During a subsequent meeting,

Ellison shared his plans to donate $1 million to Memphis’ only HBCU. (This story includes a report by TSU News Service.)

Southwest Tennessee’s Dr. Hall snares national board of directors’ honor TSD Newsroom Southwest Tennessee Community College President Dr. Tracy D. Hall has been elected to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) board of directors to represent the National Council on Black American Affairs (NCBAA). Hall will serve a three-year term beginning July 1. “I am honored to be selected to represent the National Council on Black American Affairs as a member of the AACC board of directors and look forward to serving the board as a champion for college access and success for African Americans and other underserved populations,” said Hall in a distributed statement. AACC serves as the primary advocacy organization for community colleges across the nation. The board has 32-members, six of whom are representatives of affiliated councils. Two affiliated council representatives are elected annually. As an affiliated council of the AACC, the NCBAA assists African-American staff and students at community colleges to Dr. Tracy achieve sucHall cess in attaining educational and employment goals. AACC is a founding partner of Achieving the Dream, a leader in championing evidence-based institutional improvement that supports improved outcomes for all students. The announcement of Hall’s election emphasizes that since taking the helm as president of Southwest in 2015, she has “transformed the student experience and laid the foundation for its equity-first culture that focuses on closing achievement gaps and increasing graduation rates, especially among low-income students, first-generation students and students of color.” In 2016, Southwest, a predominantly Black Institution, joined the ATD network to redesign student-centered processes from recruitment to graduation. The College’s transformational work led to the college earning ATD’s Leader College designation in 2020 and winning the national Bellwether Award for Planning, Governance and Finance in 2021. Southwest also has won AACC awards for teaching and campus best practices to include the 2019 Community College Safety, Planning and Leadership Award and the 2018, 2020 and 2022 Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Awards. Hall also is a member of AACC’s Commission on Economic and Workforce Development, where she “shares insights on how community colleges can close the skills gap and align their programs to support future jobs growth.” Hall’s numerous other service connections include: * The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Board of Trustees as part of the College Delegate Assembly, * Board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis Memphis Branch, * Greater Memphis Chamber and * Memphis Medical District Collaborative.

The New Tri-State Defender

May 12 - 18, 2022

NEWS

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NASHVILLE — Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery, the first Republican to hold the office since Reconstruction, says he will not seek another eight-year term as the state’s top legal counsel. Slatery, 70, announced his decision Tuesday in a letter to the Tennessee Supreme Court, which was provided to The Associated Press by request. “Words are inadequate to express the honor I have had to be the attorney general and reporter for Herbert our great Slatery state,” he wrote in his brief two-paragraph note to the high court. “Similarly, I am unable to express the extent of my gratitude for the trust the Court showed in appointing me.” The Tennessee Journal first reported Slatery’s decision. Tennessee is the only state in the U.S. where the state’s Supreme Court appoints the attorney general. The court’s justices selected Slatery in 2014 after he previously served as former Republican Gov. Bill Haslam’s chief legal counsel. As attorney general, Slatery has defended the state in court as it resumed executions, since becoming among the top states to carry out death sentences. He’s also been involved in the national investigation into opioid manufacturers, including cases again Purdue Pharma. In 2016, Slatery launched an investigation into former Republican Rep. Jeremy Durham amid sexual harassment allegations. Slatery’s investigation detailed allegations of improper sexual contact with at least 22 women during his four years in office. After releasing the preliminary findings, Durham was later ousted by state House members.

“He wasn’t just a Republican who was appointed Attorney General, but rather a Republican Attorney General. In some ways, it’s hard to compare his performance to past attorneys general, because he clearly conceived of the job so differently than his predecessors.” — Democratic Sen. Jeff Yarbro

Late last year, Slatery blasted a proposed ballot initiative that would have required the attorney general be confirmed by state lawmakers after the current process of selection by the state Supreme Court. According to Slatery, it “would be a shame” to make the position a “political office.” The proposal later died a few months later in the House. Gov. Bill Lee praised Slatery as being “recognized as the best (attorney general) in the country.” “Tennesseans know him as a tireless fighter for justice amidst the opioid crisis,” Lee tweeted Tuesday evening. “Thank you, General and job well done.” Democratic Sen. Jeff Yarbro, the chamber’s minority leader, on Wednesday accused Slatery of transforming the attorney general role in Tennessee as “overtly political and more overtly partisan” over the past eight years. “He wasn’t just a Republican who was appointed Attorney General, but rather a Republican Attorney General,” Yarbro said in a statement. “In some ways, it’s hard to compare his performance to past attorneys general, because he clearly conceived of the job so differently than his predecessors.” Tennessee’s last Republican attorney general, Thomas M. Coldwell, served from 1865 to 1870.

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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 9:00 a.m. on July 12, 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.

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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: Mylon J. Cash Tax Parcel #: 02506200000020 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $3,000.00 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 1:00 p.m. on July 11, 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.

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 10:00 a.m. on July 11, 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.

Watechia Lawless Mitchell Tax Parcel #: 07004000000070 Tax Sale #: 1604 Price Offered: $375.00 Terms: Cash

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

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 11, 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.

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:

Samantha Eason Tax Parcel #: 07509300000120 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $13,420.00 Terms: Cash

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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:

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

Ashley Guy Tax Parcel #: 05900500000550 Tax Sale #: 1701 Price Offered: $4000.00 Terms: Cash

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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 11, 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.

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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 9:30 a.m. on July 11, 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.

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Tennessee Attorney General Slatery won’t seek another term by Kimberlee Kruesi

Page 9

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The New Tri-State Defender

May 12 - 18, 2022

Page 10

We’re right here to do more. To help support both your physical and mental health while giving back to our communities is to go beyond what is expected from a health insurance company. And that’s exactly why we do it.

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