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Weirich, Mulroy locked in a duel of narratives in DA’s race
by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
An already contentious race sizzled this week as Shelby County District Attorney Amy Weirich pushed back on scathing criticism for opening her campaign headquarters in Germantown on Monday (May 16). Detractors blasted Weirich as an “out of touch” incumbent at a Tuesday (May 17) news conference. Weirich struck back almost immediately. Her headquarters is in the Carrefour at Kirby Woods shopping center on the Germantown side of Poplar and Kirby. The Memphis city limit is on the other side of Poplar at the intersection. Democratic challenger Steve Mulroy’s headquarters is in Poplar Plaza at Poplar and Highland near East
Memphis. Mulroy called a news conference outside Downtown’s Criminal Justice Center to denounce Weirich for her “tone deaf” action. “The DA opens her HQ in one of the wealthiest, least crime-ridden parts of the county,” Mulroy said. “What’s wrong with that. …Ninety percent of the attorneys there are white, and …90 percent of criminal defendants are Black…” Weirich declined to publicly address Mulroy’s remarks, but quickly shot back in a phone interview with The New Tri-State Defender. “That space was donated to me,” said Weirich said. “Germantown is in Shelby County, and my headquarters is right in the middle of Shelby County. …Meanwhile, Steve Mulroy opens his headquarters, where some
Atty. Steve Mulroy was among a contingent of Democrats that this week discussed steps to take locally in the wake of the mass shooting in Buffalo, N.Y. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender) Incumbent Shelby County District Atty. Gen. Amy Weirich addresses supporters at her campaign headquarters. Also pictured Stevie Moore, founder of Freedom From Unnecessary Negatives (FFUN), a community-based group whose fight against gun violence includes supporting families. (Courtesy photo) of the largest homes in Shelby County are located.” Mulroy shares an expansive headquarters with Shelby County Mayor
Lee Harris. As Mulroy and incumbent Weirich face each other, incumbent Harris is being challenged by Memphis City
Councilman Worth Morgan in the Aug. 4 county general election. Mulroy questioned Weirich’s connection to the communities she serves. “The Germantown ZIP code, 38138, is the third wealthiest in Shelby County,” said Mulroy. “The me-
SEE DA ON PAGE 2
Thrift boutique to equip Frayser youth with entrepreneurial skills by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Special to The New Tri-State Defender
A highly anticipated store opening will expand on a Frayser pastor’s quest to provide youths with positive alternatives to become successful adults and reduce crime. “The ReGroup Upscale Thrift Boutique will keep our youth engaged,” said Rev. Ricky Floyd, senior lead pastor at Pursuit of God Transformation Center at 3759 North Watkins in Frayser. “Our programs are geared toward prevention — catching young people before they get involved in drugs, sex and gangs. “Running these businesses will not only teach personal responsibility and marketable job skills, but they will see wealth-building through entrepreneurship first-hand.” Floyd said the thrift store is the result of his seven P’s philosophy “coming together” and to help the community. Those P’s are pastors, principals, politicians, parents, police officers, proprietors, and partners (from outside the Frayser community). “Everything we do resolves around this: We are restoring the righteous, relevant reputation to the local congregation (which are the seven P’s),” Floyd said. The Husband Institute and I Am She Mentoring” at Pursuit of God also offer career coun-
Memphis Branch NAACP President Van Turner Jr. presses the case for developing a community-back plan to address gun violence. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)
Buffalo shooting prompts NAACP-led call for local action TSD Newsroom
The Rev. Ricky Floyd (right) of Pursuit of God Transformation Center in Frayser said The ReGroup Upscale Thrift Boutique soon will be open and will be another tool to “keep our youth engaged.” (Courtesy photo)
seling, mentoring and nurturing, along with affirming guidance for at-risk youth, ages 6-17. Businesses and community supporters across the city have donated thousands of items to be sold in the boutique. The
store is across the street from the church. Floyd is shooting for the weekend leading up to July 4 to open. Tuesday (May 17), he showed an editor for The New Tri-State Defender boxes upon boxes of
SEE THRIFT ON PAGE 2
The Memphis Branch NAACP plans to use its upcoming general membership meeting as a platform to move toward a community-backed plan to address gun violence in the wake of the mass shooting in Buffalo. Executive Director Vickie Terry said the meeting would be held at Mount Olive CME Church on May 26. “We need everybody in the Memphis community to come together,” said Terry. “We’re going to send letters to our legislators. We’re going to invite them to come and be with us because we all need to come together and make sure that this does not stop with this one meeting. We’re going to continue to work together so that we can come up with a plan to help our community.” Terry, Memphis Branch President Van Turner Jr., an array of lo-
America’s white supremacist murders of Black people: PAGE 4 cal democrats and activists, held a press conference to show their resolve to end gun violence and address the associated factors. Turner envisioned “a three-point plan” that would be submitted to Gov. Bill Lee and to the head of the two houses of the state legislature. “I mean, they have to do more. They should be here with us. They should be struggling with this problem like we’re struggling with this problem,” said Turner. “They should not be caving in to the rhetoric that their party holds. Because we all know that there are members of the Republican Party, which upholds the Second Amendment right like it’s the Holy Bible.”
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The New Tri-State Defender
May 19 - 25, 2022
NEWS
NAACP
CONTINUED FROM FRONT Turner said elected officials on every level must do more. Gabby Salinas, head of the Shelby County Democratic Party, said said Democrats have stood firm in opposition to recently passed legislation such as permitless carry, adding, “I would love for that to be reconsidered for the next session. That’s something that the Lee administration is going to have to address.” Democrats are ready to support solutions, but can’t do it alone, she said. “We need the majority to join us in this fight. Because even if every Democrat votes
DA
CONTINUED FROM FRONT dian income is $101,000, and only five percent of the county’s Blacks live there.” Weirich said her headquarters is not in a crime-free area, as Mulroy contended. “Just across the street, two high-profile homicides were committed,” Weirich said. “One was a murder, and the other was ruled justifiable homicide.” Weirich accused Mulroy of running his campaign on misinformation and half-truths. “This race is simple,” said Weirich. “Shelby County voters will vote for either holding criminals accountable or not doing so. It all comes down to that.” Weirich said victims look for justice, and her office has tried to make that happen. “We are committed to doing justice,” said Weirich. “If someone commits a crime, he must be held accountable. We stand in the interest of the victim’s bill of rights. The victims must always be considered in the prosecution process.” Mulroy said Weirich’s administration has failed to effectively address violent crime, which is “out of control.” He then made “a clear distinction” in Weirich’s administration and what his term in office would look like. “I would use a conviction review unit, DNA testing, and other measures to cut down on wrongful convictions,” said Mulroy. “This is the only way to restore trust in the justice system. This would re-establish community cooperation with law enforcement.” Mulroy said his other two priorities would be: (1) mounting an all-out offensive on violent crime and utilizing more rehabilitation initiatives for youth, rather than punitive, jail time. Weirich said she does have
An array of speakers gathered in the wake of the mass shooting in Buffalo, where the gunman targeted Black people. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises) for it, it would not pass. We need the Republicans to stand by the claims that they are prolife and pass common sense
laws here in Tennessee.” Turner said there is an acute need to “be serious about addressing mental health. … I’m
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the planned thrift boutique up and running has “We do everything Getting involved getting the building that will house it ready we can to make sure for business. In addition, eligible families that ex-offenders do THRIFT will receive shopping vouchnot come back.” CONTINUED FROM FRONT ers for the store. — Amy Weirich Several other new businessrehabilitative programs for various offenses and individuals, proving she does not “over-prosecute,” as some have charged. “Only a small segment of those convicted in Shelby County actually serve time in prison,” said Weirich. “We have a mental health court, a veteran’s court, and other rehabilitative efforts. Many offenders are out in the community working out personal accountability through these programs.” Weirich praised the “truth in sentencing” law, which the Tennessee legislature passed this year as an effective tool against violent offenders. “Truth in sentencing was a huge win for Shelby County,” said Weirich. “This bill cancels parole or the possibility of parole for certain felonies, mostly violent offenders,” said Weirich. “These individuals are now serving their full sentence.” Weirich said a number of efforts have been launched to combat recidivism. “We do everything we can to make sure that ex-offenders do not come back,” Weirich said.
donated clothing and jewelry stored inside the church. In another area of the facility, clothing and jewelry were on display in scene that resembled a department store thrift outlet. Floyd said stipends will be paid to working youngsters, and a portion of the profits will go to support the Husband Institute. “It’s important for our young people to understand that they are part of our community’s solutions,” said Floyd. “We can heal our own community. Earning a living through honest work is a satisfaction they will experience for themselves. We create loving, affirming scenarios for them. Building these businesses is an extension of that objective.” Floyd continued, “Our young people have been so encouraged by the overwhelming support. Many, many (of the donated) items are brand new and have never been used. Families will be able to purchase quality clothing and household goods at affordable prices. We expect a thriving, profitable business, thanks to our community.”
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on the County Commission. We need to call on the Commission. We need to call on City council. We need to call
on our mayors to make sure that we put addressing mental health in the budgets.” An audience member interjected that the 18-year-old charged in the Buffalo shooting, where 10 people were killed, “was following somebody’s direction. And we’re saying we need to direct our attention to the mentally ill youth? We need to find out who these people are that are putting this seed into the kids.” Turner responded. “When we say address mental illness, we mean that we need to address that but this is not something to let this person off. We’re not saying let him go. Because there is a difference between an illness and you saying that you were in-
sane and didn’t know what you were doing. He knew exactly what he was doing and he should stand trial … But something was wrong with him and that’s where we have to start addressing.” Adrian Ward, making reference to so-called white replacement theory that is being linked to spikes in violence against Black people, said, “we can’t just look at guns and then overshadow some of the primary things that need to be looked at. … “So we need to look at all aspects of what’s taking place that’s killing our people. …We got to look at the whole piece of the pie and not just pieces of the pie now. Because it’s critical.”
“I would use a conviction review unit, DNA testing, and other measures to cut down on wrongful convictions. This is the only way to restore trust in the justice system.” — Steve Mulroy
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es are also opening, including a food truck, lawn service, and a garden of fresh vegetables for sale, Floyd said. “Cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, and collard greens will be cultivated and sold,” said Floyd. “The community will have a fresh, accessible source of vegetables. That is exciting for our children.” Michael McGee, director of the Husband Institute, said working in the businesses will “offer valuable life lessons.” “Our children must interview for the jobs they want. The opportunity to work must involve commitment and dedication. These ventures will produce budding, future business owners. Their lessons will be transformative,” McGee said. Christian Wright, 16, has been in the Husband Institute for more than a year. His participation has been life changing. “The Husband Institute helped me become focused in my education,” Wright said. “That whole accountability part, with strong, male figures, has really helped me. We get a mentor, along with our own team, and they help us work
Christian Wright says he expects to get valuable life experiences working in one of the businesses being created with young people in mind. (Courtesy photos) toward our goals. We make a vision board when we first come in. They keep me on track.” Wright said with no father in his home, the program has been meaningful as he works toward college. He is now a “straight-A” student at Power Academy. “I want to major in psychology, to help kids who struggle,” said Wright. “My GPA shot up this year, and I am working to get an academic or track scholarship. Working in one of our businesses will give me valuable life experiences.” Charlie Caswell, who will sworn in as the new District 6 Shelby County commissioner on Sept. 1, is a favorite speaker of the institute, coming often to encourage the young men. “I let our guys know that I didn’t have a lot growing up,” said Caswell. “I came up just like them. But the Lord helped me achieve my goals. I had to be resilient. I started as a grassroots organizer. Now, I’m an elected official. My message is that God can do the
same for them.” Caswell’s sister, Vanessa Caswell, is director of “I Am She,” a non-profit started three years ago. “The Lord gave me a vision for the organization,” said Vanessa Caswell. “Girls need help that sometimes they can’t get at home. Things like putting on makeup, talking about boys and developing into respectable, Godly young ladies, are important issues for them. “Working to sustain these businesses will give them a sense of independence and self-reliance. It’s going to be a beautiful summer.” District 1 Memphis City Councilwoman Rhonda Logan, who represents a portion of Frayser, gave Floyd grant money to add the lawn service to the roster of businesses. “If we really want to see change in our community, we must start with young people,” said Logan. “Pastor Floyd has done effective outreach with our children for many years. I fully support all these businesses projects.”
The New Tri-State Defender
May 19 - 25, 2022
Page 3
NEWS
Court clears path for long-blocked Tennessee school vouchers by Kimberlee Kruesi and Jonathan Mattise Associated Press
NASHVILLE – Tennessee’s highest court ruled Wednesday that Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s school voucher program does not violate the state’s constitution, clearing the biggest hurdle for a program that would let families use taxpayer dollars on private schools. The Tennessee Supreme Court’s 3-2 decision overturns several lower court rulings that had previously determined the program violated the Tennessee Constitution’s “home rule,” which says the Legislature can’t pass measures singling out individual counties without local support. The program has been blocked in court amid those rulings. However, while Wednesday’s ruling marks a pivotal win for school vouchers to expand in Tennessee, it does not mean the case is over. The Supreme Court ordered the lawsuit to go back to a lower court to determine other lingering challenges. It remains unclear when or how the state would try to get the program up and running. Under the law, the voucher program would apply only to Nashville and Shelby County, which includes Memphis, the areas with the lowest performing schools and regions with Demo-
cratic political strongholds who opposed the measure. The law squeaked through the GOP-controlled General Assembly in 2019, with Republicans repeatedly tweaking the legislation to ensure it applied only to Democratic-controlled areas after acknowledging it was unpopular among their constituents. The bill’s passage was marked by dramatic efforts to get it passed, including House leaders refusing to acknowledge the measure failed to secure enough votes during a floor vote. They instead lobbied various members out on a Capitol patio — where the public and reporters were banned — until a fellow Republican agreed to change his vote when he was assured the bill would be amended once more to exclude his legislative district. “Every child deserves a high-quality education, and today’s Tennessee Supreme Court opinion on (the voucher law) puts parents in Memphis and Nashville one step closer to finding the best educational fit for their children,” Lee said. Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery called the ruling a “major step forward,” but acknowledged there are “further court proceedings that need to take place.” Known as education savings accounts, the program would allow eligible Tennessee fami-
Gov. Bill Lee (Photo: Lee Eric Smith/The New Tri-State Defender Archives) lies to use up to $7,000 in public tax dollars on private schooling tuition and other pre-approved expenses. The goal was to enroll up to 5,000 students the first year, potentially reaching as many as 15,000 students in its fifth year. Supporters have long argued that ESAs are beneficial to providing families with more options to improve their child’s education when they likely did not choose to live in a poorly performing district. “For the first time in Tennessee, students from low-income families will have state financial support to attend the school of their choice,” said Daniel Suhr, an attorney with the Liberty Justice Center who defended the law, in a statement. “We are proud to have represented parents and schools for over two years in this fight to provide the best educational opportunities for
Tennessee students.” Yet teacher unions, parents and other education advocates have raised concerns that the law does little to improve the state’s failing schools because the program doesn’t address the needs of the students left behind. Furthermore, local counties – which help fund public schools along with the state – are not allowed to reduce their school funding amounts if students enroll in the ESA program and leave the school district. “If the Home Rule Amendment doesn’t stop the legislature from singling out 2 of 95 counties for injury, I’m not sure why we have a Home Rule Amendment,” Senate Minority Leader Jeff Yarbro tweeted soon after the supreme court’s ruling dropped. “This decision is a real step backwards for Tennessee.” Nashville leaders were
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quick to criticize the ruling. Adrienne Battle, director of Metro Nashville Public Schools, argued the decision “undermines the principles of local control” while warning it will harm taxpayers “who will ultimately be on the hook to pay for the state’s voucher scheme.” Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Nashville Mayor John Cooper promised the city would continue to “vigorously fight this law through all possible avenues.” Another variable remains – how the school voucher program would mesh with an overhaul to the K-12 school funding formula that Lee’s team managed to get passed this year. The new funding formula won’t kick in until the 2023-2024 school year, but Lee did allocate $29 million in the upcoming budget to pay for the voucher program. Currently, five states allow some sort of ESA: Arizona, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee and North Carolina. The Nevada Supreme Court struck down its state’s law after ruling that the funding mechanism was unconstitutional. In Tennessee, there is an existing program that is fairly small and much more narrowly focused. Parents of students with certain disabilities can withdraw their children from public school and then receive up to $6,000 for private educational services.
Tennessee Democratic Party to host 3 gubernatorial debates NASHVILLE (AP) – Officials with the Tennessee Democratic Party say they will host three gubernatorial debates ahead of the upcoming August primary election. According to a news release, Democratic candidates Jason Martin, Carnita Atwater and JB Smiley Jr. will participate in all three of the debates. The debates will take place on May 26 in Knoxville, June 21 in Nashville and July 12 in Memphis. Whoever goes on to win the August primary will face off against Republican incumbent Gov. Bill Lee, who is running for a second term unopposed. The last time Tennessee voters chose a Democrat for governor was in 2006 when Phil Bredesen was elected to the top seat.
PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, May 19 - 25, 2022, Page 4
America’s white supremacist murders of Black people by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire
Buffalo, New York Mayor Byron Brown called the massacre at a Buffalo supermarket an unimaginable nightmare, while Erie County Sheriff John Garcia framed the onslaught as pure evil. Put plainly, the deadly shooting by a white 18-year-old whose manifesto revealed his desire to cleanse the country of Black people is another example of America’s lingering murderous racial hatred. It also shows how hateful rhetoric – spewed over conservative national news outlets and on social media and the dog whistles of right-wing politicians – has usurped some of the progress made in race relations since the Civil Rights Movement advances more than a half-century ago. “Law enforcement is proceeding with its investigation, but what is clear is that we are seeing an epidemic of hate across our country that has been evidenced by acts of violence and intolerance. We must call it out and condemn it,” Vice President Kamala Harris said. “Racially-motivated hate crimes or acts of violent extremism are harms against all of us, and we must do everything we can to ensure that our communities are safe from such acts,” she asserted. Details of the shooter, Payton Gendron’s 180-page manifesto, revealed troubling perceptions the self-avowed white supremacist possessed. He complained of the dwindling size of the white population and included his fears of ethnic and cultural replacement of white people. Gendron described himself as a fascist, a white supremacist, and an anti-Semite. His live-streamed shooting spree has left at least ten dead and several more wounded. But, unlike the multitude of unarmed Black people killed during encounters with law enforcement, the young white racist is alive to plead not guilty or “insanity” in court.
Details of the shooter, Payton Gendron’s 180-page manifesto, revealed troubling perceptions the self-avowed white supremacist possessed. (Photo via NNPA Newswire)
According to the U.S. Census, the ZIP code in which the Buffalo supermarket mass killing spree occurred, is 78 percent Black and among the top 2 percent of ZIP codes nationwide with the highest concentration of Blacks as a percentage of the population. (Photo via NNPA Newswire) “While past violent white supremacist attacks seem to have factored into this heinous act, we must acknowledge that extremist rhetoric espoused by some media and political leaders on the right promoting theories that vilify or dehumanize segments of our society like ‘the great replacement theory’ is a factor too,” wrote U.S. House Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson in a statement. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. speaking on behalf of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) emphasized, “We are outraged, angered, but we will not be silent again in the wake of more racist murders of Black people in America this time in Buffalo, New York. “The patterns and rising tide of these white supremacists’ attacks and murders of our people will not go without the unified and amplified voice of the Black Press of America to demand justice and an end to White supremacy in America.” Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell added that the organization condemns both the white supremacist
“Those who promote racism, white supremacy, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of bigotry must be held accountable for the violence they inspire.” — Ahmed Mitchell terrorist attack targeting Black men and women in Buffalo and the racist rhetoric that has sparked such violence. “The constant repetition of white supremacist conspiracy theories on social media and even mainstream media outlets has led to horrific violence in places as distant as Christchurch, El Paso, Oslo, and Charleston,” Mitchell asserted. “Those who promote racism, white supremacy, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of bigotry must be held accountable for the violence they inspire.” Mitchell added that CAIR has often spoken out against those who promote the “great replacement” and other racist conspiracy theories.
Mayor Brown told reporters that Gendron surveilled both the community and the grocery store as part of the attack’s planning. Brown said the teen surveilled the area for several days and targeted a busy place in an area predominantly populated by Black people. His manifesto noted that “ZIP code 14208 in Buffalo has the highest Black percentage that is close enough to where I live.” According to the U.S. Census, the ZIP code is 78 percent Black and among the top 2 percent of zip codes nationwide with the highest concentration of Blacks as a percentage of the population. It has the highest concentration of Blacks as a percentage of the population of any zip code in upstate New York. “Well, this manifesto tells everything to us. And that is what’s so bone-chilling about it is that there is the ability for people to write and subscribe to such philosophies filled with hate,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “The White supremacist acts of terrorism that are being fermented on social media and to know that what this one individual did has been shared with the rest of the world as well as the live-streaming of this military-style execution that occurred in the streets of my hometown.” (Follow Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent, @StacyBrownMedia.)
The Buffalo shooting massacre and the link to racist rhetoric by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire
The victims of the racist massacre at a Buffalo, New York supermarket range in age from 32 to 86. Among the victims was a former police officer, and 11 of the 13 killed or injured were Black. Those who died were: Celestine Chaney, 65; Roberta Drury, 32; Andre Mackneil, 53; Katherine Massey, 72; Margus Morrison, 52; Heyward Patterson, 67; Aaron Salter, 55; Geraldine Talley, 62; Ruth Whitfield, 86; Pearl Young, 77. Avowed white racist Payton Gendron allegedly put together a 180-page manifesto that revealed his hatred for Black and Jewish people and the “replacement theory” ideology that Fox News often speaks of, notably hosts Tucker Carlson and Laura Ingraham.
“The House GOP leadership has enabled white nationalism, white supremacy, and antisemitism.” — Liz Cheney Additionally, several Republican politicians have spouted the racist “theory,” saying that Democrats’ immigration policies would “replace” GOP voters with individuals of color. New York Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Ohio GOP hopeful JD Vance recently have been outspoken in supporting “replacement theory.” Stefanik used the concept in her 2021 campaign ads saying, “radical Democrats are planning their most aggressive move
Images of the victims killed in the mass shooting at a Buffalo, N.Y supermarket. (Images via NNPA Newswire) yet: a permanent election insurrection.” Vance, a Donald Trump-endorsed candidate, recently ratcheted up the rhetoric. “You’re talking about a shift in the democratic makeup of this country that would mean we never win, meaning Republicans would never win a national election in this country ever again,” he claimed at a campaign event last month. Vance’s defeated opponent, Josh Mandel, also ran on “replacement theory.” “This is about changing the face of America, figuratively and literally,” Mandel stated in a published interview.
“They are trying to change our culture, change our demographics and change our electorate. This is all about power,” he said. So far, the only Republican politician of note to call out the racist rhetoric is Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney. “The House GOP leadership has enabled white nationalism, white supremacy, and anti-semitism,” Cheney wrote on Twitter. “History has taught us that what begins with words ends in far worse. @ GOP leaders must renounce and reject these views and those who hold them.”
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The New Tri-State Defender
May 19 - 25, 2022
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RELIGION
100th Church Anniversary… Supt. Charles Moore (left) and Lambert Church of God in Christ, located at 1070 Keating St., celebrated the church’s 100th anniversary during an afternoon service last Sunday (May 15). Bishop Charles Rodgers (right) was the guest speaker. The program was spearheaded by Missionary Annie Stevenson, chairperson, and Missionary J. Ruth Willis, co-chairperson. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)
Thanks for 10 years… The congregation of Salem Gilfied Baptist Church honored the Rev. Stanford L. Hunt (left) last Sunday (May 15) for his 10 years as pastor of the church located at 3176 Kimball Avenue. The Rev. Vernon Horner (center), pastor of Greater New Bethel Baptist Church, was the guest speaker. The Rev. Ulicea Little, pastor of Christ Baptist Church, served as the pulpit guide. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)
Homecoming… Homecoming at St. Mark Baptist Church yielded myriad images, including Pastor Marvin Mims Sr. sharing the pulpit with this young churchgoer. The guest speaker was the Rev. David Rick (left). Also pictured: Rev. Mims and the Rev. Dan Greer, associate minister at St. Mark. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)
The New Tri-State Defender, May 19 - 25, 2022, Page 6
Now starring… Taj Mahal – music composer, vocalist and multi-Grammy winner – was the center of attention when his star recently was added to the historic Orpheum Theatre’s sidewalk. The Orpheum Theatre Group and the Blues Foundation partnered on the star installation. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)
Orpheum to begin ticket sales for first national tour of new ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ play TSD Newsroom Tickets for the history-making production of “To Kill a Mockingbird” go on sale Friday (May 20) for the premiere Memphis engagement at the Orpheum Theatre August 16-21. Academy Award winner Aaron Sorkin’s new play, directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher and based on Harper Lee’s classic novel, will come to Memphis as part of a multi-year national tour across North America. “To Kill a Mockingbird” holds the record as the highest-grossing Amer-
ican play in Broadway history. Set in Alabama in 1934, Lee’s enduring story of racial injustice and childhood innocence centers on small-town lawyer Atticus Finch. The cast of characters includes Atticus’s daughter Scout, her brother Jem, their housekeeper and caretaker, Calpurnia, their visiting friend Dill, and a mysterious neighbor, the reclusive Arthur “Boo” Radley. The other indelible residents of Maycomb, Alabama, are Bob Ewell, Tom Robinson, prosecutor Horace Gilmer, Judge Taylor and Mayella Ewell. Emmy Award-winning actor Rich-
ard Thomas, who recently celebrated a 60-year anniversary of performing on both stage and screen, will play the role of Atticus Finch. Yaegel T. Welch, who received his bachelor of fine arts degree from Morehouse College, portrays Tom Robinson. Welch earned master of fine arts degrees from Brandeis University and the George Washington University Academy for Classsical Acting. To Kill a Mockingbird is designed by Miriam Buether, with costumes by Ann Roth, lighting by Jennifer Tipton, sound by Scott Lehrer and an original score by Adam Guettel.
Courtroom scene with Atticus Finch (Richard Thomas) and Tom Robinson (Yaegel T. Welch). (Photo by Julieta Cervantes) Casting by Telsey and Co. The national tour is produced by Barry Diller. The 2022-23 Orpheum Broadway Season is sponsored by Memphis Area Honda Dealers and Truist. Tickets will be available for pur-
chase through the Orpheum box office (901-525-3000), orpheum-memphis.com, and Ticketmaster. (For more information, visit tokillamockingbirdbroadway.com.)
Making connections …. Mayor Jim Strickland and Shelby County Lee Harris make their way across the new pedestrian bridge over the Wolf River. A ribbon-cutting was held Tuesday for the newest section of the Wolf River Greenway. When completed, the Greenway will connect 22 neighborhoods and 853 acres of green space along a 26-mile trail. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)
The New Tri-State Defender
May 19 - 25, 2022
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ENTERTAINMENT BOOK REVIEW
‘Everyone who knew George Floyd knew that he loved them’ by Terri Schlichenmeyer
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
The pavement was hard. At that time of day, it still held the last of the sun’s warmth but that didn’t make it comfortable. Pebbles embedded in blacktop can bloody skin in a minute; bits of broken glass can scratch a cheek lying on the concrete. Street-side is never a good place to be, and in the new book, “His Name is George Floyd” by Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa, it gets worse. Everyone who knew George Floyd knew that he loved them. He said so, in texts and in person, every time he saw them. That’s the kind of man he was. Born in North Carolina in 1973, Floyd was a joyous child surrounded by female relatives who doted on him, and missed him badly when his mother took her children and followed a man to Houston. There, the family lived in a neighborhood that was mostly Black and all poor, and Floyd gained two younger half-brothers. The authors say that Floyd wasn’t the best student at Jack Yates Senior High School in Houston, but he wasn’t the worst. Teachers and students liked him; coaches liked him because he could really play basketball and football. He was gentle; they had to notch up his fierceness in both games but since he was more than six feet tall and a couple hundred pounds, there was promise. Which was just enough. Much to his heartbreak, Floyd couldn’t pass the TAAS test given to assess the proficiency of all high school seniors in Texas. No pass, no diploma, but though he wasn’t able to attend his graduation ceremony, he did land a basketball scholarship to South Florida Community College. Alas, bad
“His Name is George Floyd: One Man’s Life and the Struggle for Racial Justice” by Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa
c. 2022, Viking $30.00 432 pages
grades followed him there and he soon returned to Houston, frustrated and broke, and he began selling drugs. That didn’t go well, either: Floyd was arrested, convicted, and sent to prison. Robert More than four Samuels years later, with a felony on his record, Floyd decided to move to Minneapolis. It was a chance for a fresh start... While it may seem that “His Name is George Floyd” might be too painful to read, even now, two years after his death, that’s not so. Not entirely. There are huge pockets of sunny joy in this book, at a childhood enjoyed, dreams reached for, and people beloved. Those sides of Floyd, parts that were missed by many news outlets, are shared but authors Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa don’t let him become larger than life; Floyd had flaws, and we’re allowed to see them. Then again, there are times when George Floyd becomes almost a side-note here. That’s when Samuels and Olorunnipa turn away to focus on what else happened that boiling-hot summer of 2020, including the BLM protests, politics, and other incidences of police overreach; we also get a good overview of Derek Chauvin, his background, and his trial. Readers who want to somehow memorialize Floyd will appreciate this book for its candor, good research, and its storytelling. You’ll also want “His Name is George Floyd” for its concrete answers.
While it may seem that “His Name is George Floyd” might be too painful to read, even now, two years after his death, that’s not so. Not entirely.
COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, May 19 - 25, 2022, Page 8
Southwest turns to Cory Major to guide student affairs TSD Newsroom
Farewell to Bobby O’Jay... The family of legendary WDIA program director and on-air personality Bobby O’Jay take in the celebration of his life service last Saturday (May 14) at World Overcomers Outreach Ministries and Church, 6655 Winchester Rd. The eulogy was delivered by Apostle Alton R. Williams, the church’s senior pastor. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)
William Hughes – a local law enforcement trailblazer – dies at 90 by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
William R. “Bill” Hughes, one of Shelby County’s first Black sheriff deputies and who became the first Black division director for both the Shelby County Department of Corrections and the Shelby County Fire Department died Sunday (May 15) after a brief illness. He was 90. His granddaughter Elizabeth “Liz” Merriwether said Mr. Hughes suffered a stroke in February. “After the stroke, he kept having health problems. That’s when I brought my grandparents here to live with my husband and I. They were living in southeast Memphis at the time.” Mr. Hughes’ life was characterized by firsts and other notable accomplishments. Mr. Hughes joined the Sheriff’s Department in 1960. During his 20-plus years with the Sheriff’s Department, he rose through the ranks before becoming assistant chief of the department’s Internal Affairs Bureau. He was the first Black assistant chief in Tennessee law enforcement. Mr. Hughes was the second African American from Tennessee to graduate from the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, graduating with honors. He was only the second African-American graduate of the FBI National Academy from Tennessee. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Merriwether said Mr. Hughes was a loving grandfather and father figure for Merriwether.
Senior Day at Westwood... Tyla Alridge received the Phyllis Cleaves Scholarship and Torrie Tucker netted the Harold McRae Scholarship as Westwood High School observed Senior Day on May 13. Also pictured: Longhorn Scholarship board – Alvin Walker, Odell Sanders, Chris Howard, Elbert Brent; Principal Julia Callaway; Torrie Tucker; Senior Advisor Cynthia Johnson, and Assistant Principal April Miller. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)
A winning effort… “United front: The 1991 People’s Convention” was chosen as the “Best Cutting-Edge Documentary” earlier this month at the San Diego Black Film Festival. Teflon Don congratulates the United Front documentary team at the San Diego Film Festival. The team includes executive producers Tripp Morrow, Anniece Robinson and Arthur Robinson (Courtesy photo)
William R. “Bill” Hughes and his wife, Elizabeth Hughes, were married 73 years. (Courtesy photos) “My mother had me when she was very young,” said Merriwether. “She was still living in their house, and that’s where I lived growing up. He and my grandmother always looked after me. I was named ‘Elizabeth’ after my grandmother.” As a youth, Mr. Hughes was recognized as someone who would go far in life, Merriwether said. Hughes was born in Memphis and attended Booker T. Washington High School. He was senior class president in 1950. Mr. Hughes was married to wife, Elizabeth Hughes, for 73 years. They had three children – Alonzo, Belinda and William Reginald. All three preceded Hughes in death. Mr. Hughes was interested in pursuing studies in law enforcement investigation. Hughes started at Shelby State Community College (now Southwest Tennessee Community College). He enrolled at Memphis State University (now University of Memphis). Mr. Hughes later became a court security of-
ficer for the United States Marshal Service. He also graduated from the United States Secret Service Law Enforcement Assistance Administration. Hughes was a board member of Shelby County 911. Other affiliations include Boy Scout Troop Master, a 32nd Degree Mason, Noble Shriner, and Fraternal Order of Police.” Mr. Hughes honors included Lawman of the Year in 1974 and Most Outstanding Deputy Sheriff in 1977. “My grandfather had such a rich life,” said Merriwether. “I guess he wanted to see me have the same thing. I attended a performing arts school. And because of my grandfather, I was able to go to France, and many other places around the world because of him.” In addition to his wife, two grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 21) at Anointed Temple of Praise, 3939 Riverdale Road. A viewing will be held at the church Friday, May 20, 4-7 p.m. N.J. Ford and Sons Funeral Home has charge.
Deciding to promote from within, Southwest Tennessee Community College has named Cory Major vice president for student affairs. Major had been serving as interim vice president for student affairs since January. His new title became effective on May 16. Major assumed the interim role to provide strategic direction for the division, which includes admissions, financial aid, records, advising, and student retention and support programs. He did so after the departures of the division’s vice president for student affairs and associate vice president for enrollment. Southwest President Tracy D. Hall said Major stepped in when the division needed leadership and immediately began to move the needle on enrollment and set a sound strategic direction for continued growth. Cory “Cory has done a Major phenomenal job as interim vice president, making outstanding contributions to our strategic planning and helping our enrollment to trend in the right direction,” Hall said. “His experience with serving student populations like ours prior to his arrival at Southwest is exemplary and what he has accomplished in the short time he has been with us is remarkable.” Since his arrival at Southwest, Major has onboarded a new K-12 and community partnerships associate director and overseen new processes that help new students move through the admissions process faster and encourage current students to register for upcoming semesters earlier. “Our goal is to have the right people in the right places doing the right work to move our students forward,” Major said. He said he looks forward to continuing to help Southwest eaders increase student access and success. “Southwest is building a nurturing community where students can grow intellectually, thrive socially and live purposefully,” he said. “As a higher education professional, my mission is to help build a society where anyone can achieve his or her full potential, regardless of their background. My personal mission and the Southwest mission truly align. I am proud to be a part of the Saluqi family.” Major has more than 20 years of higher education experience, working at community colleges, small liberal arts colleges, land grants and large research-extensive universities. He has worked in career services, multicultural student services, student success and retention and educational opportunity programs. Much of his work has been geared toward increasing access and success among students from historically underserved populations. Prior to joining Southwest in 2021, Major served as the first-ever director of the Office of First-Generation Student Success at University of Memphis, where he led the university’s national partnership to create a model program aimed at increasing success among students who are the first in their family to go to college. In 2018, he served as the director of student support services at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where he focused on supporting first-generation college students. He also has served as dean of academic services and faculty development at Christian Brothers University and as associate director in the Office of Minority Student Affairs at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois. Major earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies from Excelsior College in Albany, NY, placing him among the first in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree. He also earned a Master of Science in Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Memphis.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000747, General Office Furniture. Information regarding this Bid is located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn.gov . At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, Click on “Purchasing” and “Bids” to locate the name of the above described Sealed Bid. SEALED BID I000747 DUE DATE THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2022 AT 2:00 PM CDT (SB-I000747) General Office Furniture Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service. By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT NOTICE TO BIDDERS Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000748, General Office Supplies. Information regarding this Bid is located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn.gov . At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, Click on “Purchasing” and “Bids” to locate the name of the above described Sealed Bid. SEALED BID I000748 DUE DATE MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022 AT 2:00 PM CDT (SB-I000748) General Office Supplies Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service. By order of
May 19 - 25, 2022
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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: L.C. Berry Tax Parcel #: 04703000000030 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $36,.700.00 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 18, 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
LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT
NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT
NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY
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:
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Peter J. Allen Tax Parcel #: 06008600000330 Tax Sale #: 83.1 Price Offered: $563.00 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 18, 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.
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 18, 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:
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 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:
Champs Construction Contractors LLC Tax Parcel #: 02910200000020 Tax Sale #: 1703 Price Offered: $8000.00 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 10:30 a.m. on July 18, 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
Heidi Knochenhauer Tax Parcel #: 04106100000110 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $16,500.00 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
Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT
during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:00 p.m. on July 18, 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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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.
Peter J. Allen Tax Parcel #: 06008600000310 Tax Sale #: 97.4 Price Offered: $562.50 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of
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Clock runs out on Grizzlies’ special season by Terry Davis
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
The end of the road turned out to be San Francisco for the Memphis Grizzlies, whose upstart quest for an NBA championship stalled with a 110-96 semi-final loss in Game 6 to Golden State on Saturday night. For 41 minutes the Grizzlies were in a back-and-forth dogfight with the Warriors, whose championship mettle propelled them to victory late in the fourth quarter. Leading 8987 with 6:55 left in the game, a sinkhole Terry opened on the GrizDavis zlies’ road to victory. Golden State reeled in the win with an 18-3 run down the stretch and derailed Memphis’ all-out effort to force a Game 7. Don’t count Dillon Brooks, Memphis’ starting small forward, among the many pointing to Golden State’s experience as the difference in the outcome. “Naw, it was the offensive rebounds and the extra shots for them,” said Brooks (30 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 1 turnover). “It was our turnovers and letting them get easy fastbreak points. “We won two games. The series could have gone either way. … It is the attention to the details that we had. We did it in Game 5, but wasn’t able to do it in Game 6.” Brooks was “100 percent” certain that the Grizzlies earned the respect of the Warriors, whose Western Conference Finals opponent will be determined in a Game 7 matchup between the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks. “They know we are going to come every single year. We are young and they are getting older,” said Brooks. “I play for the respect, for my peers to respect me. It is learning, playing against two of the best shooters (Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson) in history. It is great for us. We are going to take it this summer and do it again.” Asked about the Grizzlies, Curry (29 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 3 turnovers), said, “I have a lot of respect for every single guy in the group. How they are built as a group and individual talent. They have a lot of energy. They have a lot of potential. They were the higher seed for a reason.”
The Grizzlies historic run to the second-best record in the NBA ended with a semi-final series loss to Golden State, which yielded these images after the deciding Game 6 at the Chase Center in San Francisco. (Photo: Grizzlies Twitter) Golden State power forward Draymond Green (14 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 turnovers) said, “The only thing I can do is give my respect to the (Grizzlies). They earned that. There was a lot of talking this series, the fouls, this and that. … It was starting to take away from what was a great series with two amazing teams. “That is a group of young guys that are hungry, talented, and aggressive. It will be good to see their progression and where they can take it. They can be special.” Thompson, who had been held in check during the series, connected on 5 from deep in the first half and finished the game with a series-high 30 points (8 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks, 3 turnovers). Andrew Wiggins came alive in the second half. He finished with 18 points (mostly of the second-chance variety), 11 rebounds, 1 steal, 3 blocks, and 2 turnovers). Accounting for Golden State’s big-name stars, one of the biggest factors was Kevon Looney. Inserted at the center to counter Memphis’ size down low, Looney, who only had four points, grabbed a deflating 22 rebounds, 11 on the offensive glass. He was the key force in the Warrior’s 70 rebounds as the Warriors outrebounded the Grizzlies by 26 boards. They had 8 offensive rebounds in the last 7 minutes of the
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“Last year we felt we had a good year, went into the playoffs and (came) back this year to build off of that. I think we did a good job of that. It is the same mentality. We will celebrate for a week or so and (go) back to the drawing board and build off what we did. …” — Desmond Bane game. “We still had a chance,” said Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins. “That is the effort and competitiveness that our guys continue to play with. Looney stepped in and limited us on the offensive boards. His physicality was really good. … It is tough learning, but give credit. We will get better from this.” The post-game media interviews provided a glimpse of some early reflections from the Grizzlies about moving forward. “Tough to end it for sure,” said Memphis power forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 blocks). “It is the most fun I
have had playing basketball. It is the greatest group of guys I have played with.” Desmond Bane, who played more minutes (44) than any player on either team in Game 6, had 25 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block and 0 turnovers. He likened his takeaways after the series as similar to those at the end of last season. “Last year we felt we had a good year, went into the playoffs and (came) back this year to build off of that. I think we did a good job of that. It is the same mentality. We will celebrate for a week or so and (go) back to the drawing board and build off what we did. … Tyus Jones, who had a rough shooting night (going 2 of 14 for 7 points) as the starting point guard, managed 8 assists, along with 2 steals and 2 turnovers. “It has been a fun season. It is something you have to cherish. This is not normal,” said Jones. “This is easiest the closest team I have been a part of. It is a special group. It is something you can’t take for granted.” Noting the lessons learned during the playoff run, Jenkins said, “When your season ends early like this you wanna go deeper. It’s gonna reveal things that you gotta get better at. What are we gonna do individually? What am I gonna do as a coach?”