The New Tri-State Defender - May 26-June 1, 2022 by The Tri-State Defender

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VOL. 71, No. 21

May 26 - June 1, 2022

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Again with term limits, City Council tells voters Ballot question gets OK for August election by Jerome Wright jwright@tsdmemphiscom

Dr. William Barber carves out the path forward during his address to “movement” supporters on the plaza of the National Civil Rights Museum. (Photos by Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)

The way forward for the Poor People’s ‘Movement’ by Karanja A. Ajanaku kajanaku@tsdmemphis.com

While movements rise in response to acute needs, planning and strategy drive them forward. The Poor People’s Campaign stop in Memphis provided a glimpse into that reality this week. Dr. William Barber, who chairs the campaign with Dr. Liz Theoharis, made that clear from beginning to end at the mass rally on the plaza of the National Civil Rights Museum on Wednesday evening. He was there waiting as marchers com- More photos pleted their trek from Page 6 Robert R. Church Park on Beale Street. First, Barber orchestrated the look from the podium, inviting up participants from varied states and backgrounds. “We don’t ever stand at the podium alone because this is not about one person,” he said. He then started to paint a picture, with the initial strokes reflecting that “this movement” was called into being in 2019 after two national tours visiting over 40 states, where they were invited “by the people. “This was not a movement that some folks in D.C. decided they wanted to have and then start telling the people what they had to do. (It was) the people from the bottom up.” And for the record, said Barber, “We don’t have any interest in doing no more commemorations. That’s part of the prob-

Marchers head out of Robert R. Church Park and head for the National Civil Rights Museum for a mass rally. lem. We don’t need any more commemorations, we need re-engagement. We don’t need to keep talking about crucifixions, we need to start having some resurrection.” Bringing the crowd forward, Barber noted that the Mass Poor People’s Assembly, or Poor People’s Low-Wage Workers Assembly on Washington, was initially set for June 2020. Then COVID hit and some urged a delay. “But poor and low-wealth people from all over this country of every race, creed, color said, ‘No. Even if we’ve got to go online, somebody’s been hurting us, and we’ve been silent too long.’” That led to an online assembly where 2.7 million people showed up, he said. Reiterating his point that the focus was

not commemoration, Barber brought forward Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a man with a commitment – even against opposition within his ranks – “to organize the wretched of the earth.” Noting the work put in and the ground covered, Barber said, “We must give ourselves to this movement. And nothing would be more tragic than for us to turn back now.” There is work to be done, he said. “I heard there were a lot of politicians that wanted to march for us today, but what I’m interested in is what you do when you vote. Because for 50 years, we’ve been talking about what he (King) did, but no-

SEE POOR ON PAGE 2

Memphis voters in August will get a second chance to extend the number of terms the mayor and City Council members can remain in office. The council, on third and final reading Tuesday (May 24), approved an ordinance that, if approved by voters on Aug. 4, would extend the current limit of two consecutive four-year terms to three consecutive fouryear terms for City Council members, and three consecutive four-year terms for the mayor. Current term-limited council members, along with Mayor Jim Strickland, who also is term limited, could seek a third term if they choose to do so. Memphis voters rejected a similar ordinance in 2018 and Martavius Councilmember CheyJones enne Johnson predicted voters will reject it again. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland recently dismissed the idea of a third term as a remote possibility and that he did not spend much time thinking about. However, Tuesday evening, the mayor said “over the next several days, my family and I will seriously consider the opportunity.” Memphis municipal elections are Oct. 5, 2023. The referendum ordinance’s original sponsor council member Martavius Jones cast the only no vote Tuesday. His version called for extending the limit to three terms for just the council and not the mayor. He explained it was a move to strengthen the role of the council in city government. Council attorney Allan Wade said for the ordinance to pass, it must receive 50 percent, plus one, of the total votes cast by Memphis voters. Much of the discussion for the council focused on whether there should be separate ballots for extending the terms of council members and extending the term of the mayor. Wade and Johnson cautioned that having separate ballot questions could result in the approval of extending the number of terms the mayor could serve and not extend the terms of council members. A motion by Councilmember Rhonda Logan to have separate referendum questions for council members and the mayor failed. There also was general agreement among council members that current term-limited members should be included in the referendum.

SEE LIMITS ON PAGE 2

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The New Tri-State Defender

May 26 - June 1, 2022

Page 2

NEWS

POOR

CONTINUED FROM FRONT body picked it up. It’s been 54 years since the sanitation workers march, and right here in Memphis, they still don’t have union rights.” Pushing past the sensitivity of some, Barber said, “…you don’t get a pass because you’re Black (in this movement). … you pass if you fight and stand up for poor and low-wealth people. Right in this city, you raised the wages of policemen and firemen, and didn’t raise the wages of poor folk, and sanitation workers. …” Everything the modern-day movement is calling for “is possible, it’s not even radical,” said Barber, articulating a “living wage, guaranteed healthcare, guaranteed water, guaranteed housing, just basic fundamental human rights.” The day’s assembly, he said, was not to lift him up, but rather to put a face on the real people in need – 140 million poor and low-wealth people. Like the devotees to the first Poor People’s movement, Barber said, “We’re going to have a meeting, but it’s a twofold meeting.” On June 18 in Washington, said Barber, “…we’’re going to have this meeting, this time, to make sure the nation sees the faces and hears the voices, and they know exactly what we’re demanding.” The path to non-violent civil disobedience, said Barber, requires that “you’ve got to make sure that your adversary knows exactly what you want, and you give them a chance to change, and you point them in the direction of change. If they don’t change, then you can engage in

LIMITS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT Logan said it was “obvious” that council members needed longer terms. “Initially, this was concerning the ability of council members to serve terms that they will be effective in — that you have a long enough time to serve and that you can serve your constituents well. There’s a huge learning curve,” Logan said.

Marchers that assembled at Robert R. Church Park meshed with those already at the National Civil Rights Museum. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender) mass non-violent civil disobedience.” Bottom line: “We’re going

on June 18th, 2022, to make sure people know. In 2024, if they don’t move, we’re com-

“Initially, this was concerning the ability of council members to serve terms that they will be effective in — that you have a long enough time to serve and that you can serve your constituents well. There’s a huge learning curve.” — Rhonda Logan Voting yes were Chase Carlisle, Frank Colvett, Michalyn Easter-Thomas, Edmund Ford Sr., Johnson, Logan, Chairwoman Jamita Swearengen.

Council member Patrice Robinson was absent and Council members Ford Canale, Worth Morgan and JB Smiley Jr. did not vote.

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ing back, and then we’re going to engage all across the country in mass non-violent civil

disobedience until there is a fundamental change in this country….

“This is just the beginning…”

The New Tri-State Defender

May 26 - June 1, 2022

NEWS

It’s Herschel Walker against Raphael Warnock in the race for Georgia’s coveted senate seat (AP) – Democratic U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock will face Republican football legend Herschel Walker for a coveted Senate seat in Georgia after both handily defeated primary challengers on Tuesday to set up a historic, high-stakes showdown. Walker, who is backed by former President Donald Trump, defeated five GOP challengers in his race, clearing the 50 percent mark needed to avoid a runoff. Warnock easily defeated beauty industry professional Tamara Johnson-Shealey. The general election matchup between Warnock and Walker marks the first time that two major-party candidates for U.S. Senate in Georgia are Black. Senate candidate Herschel Walker failed to disclose millions in earnings The contest – expected to be heated – will test whether Democratic gains in Georgia in 2020 were a blip or the start of a political realignment in a rapidly changing state. Joe Biden was the first Democratic presidential candidate to carry the state in 28 years and just two months later, Warnock and fellow Democrat Jon Ossoff flipped two longtime Republican Senate seats, handing their party a narrow majority in the Senate. Republicans looking to regain control of the Senate have targeted the Georgia seat. Warnock’s campaign Tuesday quickly put out a news release attacking the Republican nominee. “In a short time, Reverend Raphael Warnock has built a clear, extensive record of fighting for all Georgians in the U.S. Senate,” Campaign Manager Quentin Fulks said in a statement. “He presents a clear choice for voters this fall and a distinct contrast with Republican nominee Herschel Walker, whose pattern of lies, exaggerations and outright bizarre claims reveal he is not up for the job of serving Georgians in

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the U.S. Senate.” Walker has dramatically inflated his record as a businessman and falsely said he graduated at the top of his class from the University of Georgia. He didn’t graduate, as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution first reported. He has also made multiple gaffes on the campaign trail. A representative for Walker’s campaign, Mallory Blount, did not immediately respond to an email and text seeking comment. Walker is a former college football celebrity. Warnock is the pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once preached. He became the first Black senator elected from Georgia when he defeated appointed Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler in 2021. As a senator, Warnock has derided Republicans’ push for tighter voting rules, calling them “Jim Crow in new clothes;” stressed his work in bringing home funding for health care, national security research and other projects; and highlighted his efforts to try to cap the cost of insulin and temporarily suspend the federal gasoline tax. Walker – a political newcomer – has nearly unmatched name recognition in Georgia from his days as a college football running back. He led the University of Georgia football team to a national title during the 1980 season and won the Heisman Trophy in 1982. He counts Trump as a close friend. The Trump endorsement was the chief reason

Arkansas governor’s race pits Democrat Chris Jones and Trump’s press secretary

The general election matchup between Warnock and Walker marks the ﬁrst time that two major-party candidates for U.S. Senate in Georgia are Black.

Associated Press

Herschel Walker (Campaign photo)

Raphael Warnock (Campaign photo) Pam Leonard said she voted for Walker. But the 71-year-old said Tuesday outside of a polling place in Woodstock that she remembers those football days, too. “I know his story,” Leonard said. “Especially when he was a child, he was bullied and he built himself up by running against trains. That takes a lot of gumption.” But some of his Republican opponents had questioned Walker’s electability. Walker has a history of violence against women and also skipped the primary debates. He has been open about his long struggle with mental illness and acknowledged violent urges.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Nuclear engineer and ordained minister Chris Jones has won the Democratic nomination for governor in Arkansas as he mounts an uphill bid for the extremely red state’s top office. Jones defeated four rivals in Tuesday’s primary, winning the majority needed to claim the nomination without a runoff. He’ll face Republican Sarah Sanders and Libertarian nominee Ricky Dale Harrington in the November election. Jones is among dozens of Black Democrats running for office in areas that former PresChris ident Donald Trump Jones won. Arkansas has never elected an African American to statewide or federal office before. He launched his campaign last year with an online video last year that quickly went viral. In the video, Jones talked about his faith, love of science and his famiSarah ly’s history in the state. Huckabee Jones is running to Sanders succeed Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who is barred by term limits from seeking reelection and is considering running for president in 2024.

PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, May 26 - June 1, 2022, Page 4

TCAP Tension: Anxiously awaiting those results! by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Tennessee’s TCAP Test results are being processed as we speak, and I, along with thousands of students, teachers, and administrators, are anxiously awaiting the results. This is a very stressful time of the year for educators as they await the results of their year-long efforts to improve educational outcomes for children. As a principal, I was always a nervous wreck waiting on the test results to drop. As that time drew near, I became more agitated by the day. Somehow my team would always find a way to get to see the results before I did, and they seemed always to have a plan for how they would share the news with me, especially if it were bad news. Thankfully, there weren’t too many bad news moments. This week, I thought I would take some time to fuss just a little about our attitude and approach to state testing and what the results really say about our children, and our seemingly lackadaisical attitude about the results. The Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) is the state’s testing program and has been since 1988; it includes TNReady assessments in math, English lan-

guage arts, social studies, and science, as well as alternative assessments, like MSAA and TCAP-Alt, for students with special needs. Each year we Curtis watch with great Weathers anticipation the results roll in, and each year we see very little substantive change in outcomes. Our district’s performance on these tests has been unimpressive, to say the least. We seem to have gotten much too comfortable with the low levels of success our children are experiencing on these exams. I don’t see or feel any sense of urgency to improve our children’s results. Instead, we seem to have an “oh well” kind of mentality and response to what is clearly unacceptable and, in many cases, atrocious results. For example, thousands of our children are promoted to the next grade level, having scored below proficient on state exams every year. They continue to move from grade level to grade level without demonstrating they have the knowledge and

skills necessary to perform adequately in higher-level classrooms. Most children will never make up that loss of learning. I seriously doubt if schools have plans in place designed to address the learning loss exposed by our state testing processes. But the numbers are staggering. For example, in 2019 (pre-pandemic), the percentage of MSCS students who mastered English Language Arts was 21.2%. Based on a district enrollment that year of 106,377, that equates to only 22,552 students. That means that 78.8%, or a whopping 83,825 students, performed below grade level. In mathematics, 23.8% or 25,318 students met expectations, while 76.2% or 81,059 students did not. In Social Studies, 22% or 23,403 students met grade-level expectations while 78% or 82,974 students did not; and finally, only 22.7% or 24,148 students taking science classes in 2019 performed at grade level while 77.3% or 82,229 students did not. The point I’m trying to make here is that these numbers represent thousands of elementary, middle, and high school children who performed below grade level and will still move on without remedial support to make up for the learning loss they have experienced.

TSD education columnist Curtis Weathers takes some time to “fuss just a little about our attitude and approach to state testing and what the results really say about our children, and our seemingly lackadaisical attitude about the results.” In all likelihood, they will never catch up and will become part of this never-ending pattern of low performance, low expectations mindset we continue to perpetuate in our school system. These results came before the Covid pandemic appeared on the scene. The numbers now, of course, are much worse. So the question is this: how do we dig ourselves out of this hole? It is clear we as a school system are not performing up to our capability, and it is not the fault solely of the teachers, administrators, and support personnel in our schools. Parents bear a considerable chunk of responsibility as well. We, as parents, have a tremendous role to play in our children’s educational success and/or failure. But, unfortunately, we are clearly not doing

everything we can do to improve the learning success of our children. As a community, we should never be happy with the results we see year after year. Instead, we should demand both publicly and privately that our parents get involved more intensely in their children’s education. And give them the means and support they need to do just that! There is obviously a lot of room for improvement by all of us. And I firmly believe that our students and teachers are capable of performing at a much higher level. We will do a deep dive in the weeks to come on the results once they are available to the public. (Follow TSD education columnist Curtis Weathers on Twitter (@curtisweathers); email: curtislweathers@gmail.com.)

The nuts and bolts of the Girls N’ Pearls Candid Conversation Summit TSD Newsroom

Leshundra Robinson and the UCAN team are putting in the work to break down barriers and improve communication skills between mothers and daughters during the Girls N’ Pearls Candid Conversation Summit. (Courtesy photo)

Cindricka Arrington – project/ program strategist, professor, entrepreneur, and author – will be the keynote speaker at the Girls N’ Pearls Candid Conversation Summit. (Courtesy photo)

Three concepts – healing, strengthening, and transformation – have been woven into a theme for the upcoming Girls N’ Pearls Candid Conversation Summit shaped by UCAN of Memphis and its executive director, Leshundra Robinson. Robinson and the UCAN team are putting in the work to break down barriers and improve communication skills between mothers and daughters. It’s a need that Robinson knows is real from personal experience, an anchoring fact she shared in an exchange with The New Tri-State Defender. The summit is an open summons for mothers and their daughters, between the ages of 8 and 19, who want to build stronger relationships during the developmental and young adult years. It’s set for Saturday (May 28) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The gathering place is Young Life, which is located at 1177 Poplar Ave. Yes, there is a cost: $20 per mother/daughter duo and $10 for each additional child. However, UCAN – a nonprofit Robinson founded in 2006 as a mentoring and anti-bullying organization – doesn’t want to turn away anyone who feels the information could be beneficial. Tickets are available at www.ucanofmemphis. org. Or, call 901-262-8642. With more than 20 years of experience in youth development, Robinson essentially is a social responsibility coach for teens. She coaches

concepts and principles in six Shelby County Schools. The purpose? Empower teens with “tools to build, become empowered and implement self-worth.” That all adds up to the Girls N’ Pearls Candid Conversation Summit being the next step in a journey. Robinson is the mother of three adult children. “I learned first-hand the importance of having healthy communication with my daughter,” she said in a media release pitching the summit. “You need to have the right tools such as understanding, patience, and mutual respect.” To that end, the summit will present experts to show mothers and daughters how to express themselves in ways that yield positive outcomes and improved relationships. “We’re also going to mix in a little fun,” said Robinson. There will be break-out sessions, engaging activities, and lunch. Each mother or female guardian will receive a special gift. The New Tri-State Defender wanted to know, with Associate Publisher/ Executive Editor Karanja A. Ajanaku reaching out to Robinson. TSD: Please share an example of a communication scenario in which you learned “the importance of having healthy communication with my daughter.” Leshundra Robinson: After my divorce, I had to rebuild trust with my kids, especially my daughter. She

is a daddy’s girl and didn’t understand why the divorce had to happen. At first, I was very private about the situation but realized that for me to gain her trust, for her to communicate with me and not be standoffish, I had to open up. It took a year to rebuild that line of trust and for her to communicate with me about what had been bothering her. During that time, her father, her, and I decided to go to counseling because she was depressed and shut down. When we went to counseling (we) found out she had been bullied for three years. She said she didn’t want to say anything because of the divorce and she was afraid. At that moment I reminded myself that we had to put our egos aside and be there for her so she could have a healthy line of communication with both of us, but especially me because she lived with me. Now we are very close and she is able to open up to me with only a small reservation of privacy. TSD: What common missteps do mothers generally make regarding communication with their daughters? L. Robinson: Common mistakes I hear many daughters say about communication with their mom are: “They don’t understand me.” “They always say ‘Back in my day we didn’t do that.’” And the most important one is, “They judge me before I can even tell them what happened and why.”

Mothers often listen to respond rather than to listen to understand. We don’t want them to make the same mistakes we made when we were younger, but we have to understand they have to experience the hurt to understand the pain to not do it again. TSD: Please share a glimpse of the communication scenario with your mother and any lessons learned directly and/or indirectly. L. Robinson: My mother was very protective, even when I became an adult. If I was to go out of town or stay out late at night, she would say, “Be sure to call me and let me know when you arrive and leave.” I felt I was grown and I didn’t have to but little did I know she was showing concern for me and my surroundings. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust me, she didn’t want anything to happen to me and find out on the news or by word of mouth. I didn’t understand that until I became a parent and my kids were old enough to go out on their own. I became my mother and had them communicate with me often just to make sure they were safe. The world is different now and, just like my mom, I didn’t want the risk of having something happen to my kids and I hear about it on the news or by word of mouth. They understand that now and respect my wishes. And, in return, I keep them aware of my travels so they won’t have to worry. (To register, visit https://girlsnpearls2022.eventbrite.com.)

Information • Inspiration • Elevation Published by Best Media Properties, Inc.

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The New Tri-State Defender

May 26 - June 1, 2022

RELIGION

How to pray through it!

Faith leads to victory …

Special to The New Tri-State Defender For Joyette King-Wright, the “first lady” of Greater Lakeview Missionary Baptist Church at 191 E Holmes Rd., where her husband, the Rev. Isaac Wright Jr., is senior pastor, speaking engagements are part of her ministry. When doing so, Wright shapes her message to meet the occasion. Such was the case when she was asked to participate in the “Coming Out Strong 2022” program hosted by Vision Temple Ecumenical Church and Outreach Ministries, where Dr. Pearl L. Lurry is the pastor. Relative to the program’s theme, Wright’s focus was on how to supply push force. Her topic was “How to pray through it!” Here are excerpts from her text: What is the definition of prayer? Prayer is a sincere request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God. Prayer is an earnest hope. Prayer is an act of faith. Prayer is made possible by God. Pray is a privilege and a duty of the righteous. … Prayer is our direct communication to God! It does not have to be perfect, proficient, professional, long or qualified by any man. …. “It simply” just has to be real. … Sometimes, the way God answers our prayers takes us by surprise. His goodness can overtake us. … You have no idea where God will place you if you are willing to identify yourself as a praying believer who expects God to do anything. … How do we pray through it? We pray through it by simply telling God about our situation. We pray without ceasing. The soul delights in prayer. It is how it breathes. The spirit is energized through prayer. It is how it gets recharged. Our prayers must be P.R.A.Y. – P-persistent, R-radical, A-authentic, Y-yielding. … Persistent means continuing firmly/enduring. Colossians 4:2 (Good News Translation) – “Be persistent in prayer, and keep alert as you pray, giving thanks to God.” …Persistent prayer helps us develop a relationship with God. The more we pray the more we trust God! Persistent prayer helps us gain an understanding of who HE really is. … Persistent prayers provide strength to overcome tests and trials. … How we’re going to pray through it? We must pray “R”adical prayers: “Radical” means major, serious, bold. Radical prayers give us a glimpse of the transformative and explosive power of praying in God’s will, a power that takes place internally and manifests externally. … Matthew 7:7 (MSG) – “Don’t

Greater Light Christian Community Church of Praise observed its 18th Annual Women’s Day last Sunday (May 22), with Bernice Robinson, the wife of Founding Pastor George W. Robinson III, as the morning speaker. Her message: “Living victorious grounded in faith.” (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New TriState Defender)

Joyette King-Wright: “You have no idea where God will place you if you are willing to identify yourself as a praying believer who expects God to do anything. …” (Courtesy photo) bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need.” He specializes in the impossible! … Radical prayer enables God to change the world – the community – your circle – your work atmosphere – through you. … Radical prayer calls us to speak out against spiritual disobedience of the world as it is now. We must pray out against a world of injustice, oppression and violence. Radical prayer refuses to accept the status quo. Radical prayer refuses to believe that things have to be the way they appear. … We must pray “A”uthentic prayers: “Authentic” means genuine/real. Authentic prayers reach the heart of God. God listens to prayers uttered in honesty, humility, sincerity, and truth. … God is not moved by the words of our prayers or how powerful we pray against all forces of darkness. God is more interested in the attitude, mindset, and motives of the heart when we pray. … Matthew 6:5-6 (NLT) “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. …” Authentic prayers are mountain-moving prayers. … Lastly, we must totally “Y”ield in our prayers. Yield means to surrender/give away, relinquish, offer up, hand it over We must release it all to God in prayer! I Peter 5:7 (NKJV) “Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for us.” Matthew 6:33 (NLT) “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Yielding is giving God all the power to direct things in our lives. … I challenge you to surrender to his will for direction, wisdom, peace, forgiveness, confidence, and strength. Make time for God! Take this information and apply it! Then watch God change every aspect of your life for His glory! …

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In his hands… Olivet Fellowship Baptist Church, The Place of the Outpouring, 4450 Knight Arnold Rd., welcomed the Rev. Dr. Zedrick K. Clayton as its new pastor during an installation service last Sunday (May 22). Mr. Clayton succeeds longtime pastor Dr. Eugene Gibson, who now pastors Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

Saluting a trailblazer… The life and legacy of William R. “Bill” Hughes, one of Shelby County’s ﬁrst Black sheriff’s deputies, was celebrated at Anointed Temple of Praise, 3939 Riverdale Rd., last Saturday (May 21). Married 73 years to his wife, Elizabeth Hughes, Mr. Hughes died May 15 after a brief illness. He was 90. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

The New Tri-State Defender

May 26 - June 1, 2022

NEWS

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Rising up! The Poor People’s Campaign Moral March on Memphis – May 23, 2022 – was the last stop before the Mass Poor People’s & LowWage Workers Assembly in Washington, D.C. on June 18, 2022. Supporters from myriad states gathered at historic Robert R. Church Park in Downtown Memphis and made their way to the plaza of the

National Civil Rights Museum for a rally on the site that encompasses the hotel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. In Memphis to support striking sanitation workers, Dr. King also had his sight set on a Poor People’s Campaign. (Photos: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)

The New Tri-State Defender

May 26 - June 1, 2022

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ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION

Brittney Griner’s wife wants to talk to President Biden about the WNBA star’s Russian detainment By Stephanie Holland theroot.com

It’s been 97 days since Brittney Griner was detained by Russian police. On Feb. 17, the WNBA champion was stopped in a Moscow airport as police claimed they found vape cartridges containing hash oil in her luggage. Fear of reprisals and consequences against Brittney led friends and family to stay quiet at first, but now that the U.S. government has officially classified her as wrongfully detained, they can speak out. Her wife, Cherelle Griner, spoke to ABC News’ Robin Roberts on “Good Morning America” about the ordeal and how Brittney is doing. As Cherelle explained, she hasn’t spoken to Brittney since her wife was originally held at the airport and texted her saying she was being detained in a room. Cherelle, who recently got her law degree, immediately wanted details. “I instantly texted back, ‘Who are they and what room?’” she told Roberts. “And she’s like, ‘The customs people. They just grabbed me when I was going through, and they have me in this room.’” Since then, Cherelle has only received sporadic letters from Brittney, though the basketball star did manage to send roses to her wife through her lawyers and agent because she knew the “Good Morning America” interview would be “a lot” for her. While the government’s reclassification of the two-time Olympic gold medalist opens up doors in terms of negotiating for her release, the current political climate between Russia and the United States makes everything difficult. To that end, Cherelle would like to speak with President Biden about her wife’s imprisonment. “I just keep hearing that, you know, he has the power. She’s a political pawn,” she said. “So if they’re holding her because they want you to do something, then I want you to do it.” Despite warnings for citizens to leave

Cherelle Griner (left) is interviewed by Robin Roberts. (Photo: ABC News) Russia ahead of its invasion of Ukraine, the seven-time WNBA All-Star was rejoining her Russian basketball team, UMMC Ekaterinburg. WNBA players don’t make that much money, so a lot of them play overseas in the offseason. Russia has always been a popular destination because their teams tend to pay more for big stars like Brittney. During her interview, Cherelle explained that while “they treat them like superstars,” her wife would prefer to stay home. “BG would wholeheartedly love to not go overseas,” Griner said. “She has only had one Thanksgiving in the States in nine years since she’s been pro. She misses all that stuff. Just because, you know, she can’t make enough money in the WNBA to

sustain her life.” Many of the Phoenix Mercury center’s teammates and opponents have taken over her charitable organizations and duties to make sure she knows they still have her back. The league itself is displaying its support with the sidelines of every court featuring “BG 42.” Cherelle explained how these gestures keep Brittney positive. “I think more specifically, it comforts BG,” she said. “It lets her know she’s not forgotten and obviously, when you’re sitting over there, your country – they haven’t come to your rescue yet. I know that it makes her feel good because she doesn’t want to be forgotten.” Brittney has let her wife know how important it is that Cherelle doesn’t give up,

because that’s how the couple will get through this. “I’m okay, because you have to be technically, you know? She wrote me one letter and was like, ‘Babe, I know you wanna go down right now but like, don’t just yet,’” Cherelle said. “Because every day you wake up, and the fact that you’re still in that reality, it is a reason for you to lose faith and to not have hope. It gives you so much reason to go down. And I won’t go down until she’s back. I just won’t. Every single day matters for me to be sound, for me to be alert, for me to be attentive, to make sure that she comes back. But it’s hard. It’s hard.” The full interview was set to air May 25 on “Nightline.”

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, May 26 - June 1, 2022, Page 8

After Texas school massacre, familiar ‘prayers vs. policy’ gun control debate follows in Tennessee by Marta W. Aldrich Chalkbeat Tennessee

The latest U.S. school massacre has advocates of stronger gun restrictions criticizing Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee anew for signing a bill last year that allows most adults to carry a handgun without a permit. Hours after a gunman wearing body armor and carrying an assault rifle murdered 19 children and two adults at an elementary school in Texas, Lee tweeted that he and his wife, Maria, were “mourning the loss of innocent lives” and praying for their families. Hundreds of people “liked” the Republican governor’s tweet, while dozens of others noted in their replies that Lee has advanced policies to expand gun access in Tennessee. “You signed a law last year allowing people 21 and older to carry handguns openly or concealed without a permit, a law that was opposed by law enforcement groups here,” wrote Indira Dammu, an education policy analyst who advised former Nashville Mayor David Briley on education matters. “You should be praying that a TN elementary school isn’t the next tragedy,” added Jenn Foley, who chairs the Democratic Party in Williamson County. “Prayers do nothing but policy & laws can prevent a tragedy.” Asked Wednesday about the pushback, Lee press secretary Casey Black said the governor is “committed to ensuring schools are secured for the safety of students and teachers.” She noted that, in 2019, he doubled the state’s annual investment in school safety funding and established a grant program to increase the number of schools with law enforcement officers on site. But the social media messages reflect a familiar impasse over gun violence in America, with GOP leaders offering prayers for victims after mass shootings and emphasizing invest-

In July 2019, Sherra Wright (seated) entered a guilty plea to charges associated with the murder of former NBA player Lorenzen Wright, her ex-husband. Deborah Marion (left), Lorenzen Wright’s mother, listened as Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Lee Coffee set the context for Marion to address the court that day. On Monday (May 23) in Nashville, Marion spoke against Wright’s early release from prison. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender Archives) Gov. Bill Lee signs a permit-less carry bill into law at a Beretta USA gun manufacturing factory in Gallatin, Tennessee, on June 2, 2021. (Photo: Randall Spradlin/ State of Tennessee) ments in building security, while critics plead for stricter firearms policies such as required background checks and assault weapon bans. Meanwhile, more Americans are buying weapons and gun violence is on the rise across the nation. Homicides were up 30 percent in 2020, the largest annual recorded increase in a century, with more than three-quarters of them involving firearms, mostly handguns. Tennessee has one of the nation’s highest rates of gun deaths, including murders, suicides and accidental shootings. But the state has loosened restrictions on gun ownership since 2019 under Lee’s leadership. Last year, it joined more than a dozen other states that allow most adults 21 and older to carry handguns without first clearing a background check, obtaining a permit, or getting trained on firearms safety. The gunman in Tuesday’s mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, had just turned 18 and legally purchased several weapons and scores of rounds of ammunition. According to early

news reports, he carried an assault-style rifle into Robb Elementary School and wore a tactical vest that holds extra ammunition. Tennessee does not prohibit the purchase of assault-style weapons, which are designed for military use – an issue raised by Democratic Rep. John Ray Clemmons at a news conference Wednesday in Nashville “Enough is enough,” said Clemmons. “There are evidence-based, proven measures we can enact to save lives and prevent tragedies.” He urged the governor to convene a special legislative session to address gun violence, which he called a “public health crisis,” and for Tennessee officials not to attend the National Rifle Association’s annual meeting this weekend in Houston. Tennessee has not experienced deadly mass school shootings, but has had numerous school-related shootings and deaths.

SEE GUNS ON PAGE 9

Parole board says no parole for Sherra Wright by Adrian Sainz Associated Press

Sherra Wright – Lorenzen Wright’s ex-wife – will not be granted early release from a 30year prison sentence she received after pleading guilty to plotting the retired NBA player’s 2010 slaying, the Tennessee Board of Parole said Monday. The board voted to deny parole for Wright, who entered a guilty plea in July 2019 to facilitation of first-degree murder in her ex-husband’s killing. The decision was reached after three of seven board members agreed to deny her release based on the seriousness of her offense, board spokesman Dustin Krugel said in an email to The Associated Press. Sherra Wright appeared at a parole hearing May 11 at the prison in Nashville where she is being held. Wright said she has done well in classes she is taking from prison and has a support system to help her when she is released. Two of her children gave statements on her behalf. Among those speaking against her early release was Lorenzen Wright’s mother, Deborah Marion. She said Sherra Wright should serve the full 30 years of her sentence. Sherra Wright received the hearing based on her so-called “safety valve” date, which is the earliest possible release date for some inmates under an executive order regarding prison overcrowding. Tennessee’s Department of Correction said she has received more than three years of credit related to her time served.

COGIC bishop... COGIC Presiding Bishop John Drew Sheard was in Memphis over the weekend, where he delivered a message at Pentecostal Temple COGIC-Guatemala Division, which is presided over by Bishop Charles H. Mason Patterson Sr., the host pastor. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

Southwest carves out timeframe for virtual operations TSD Newsroom Southwest Tennessee Community College will move to virtual learning and services on Fridays only, from May 27 through August 12. During the designated period, all classes will be held online and employees will work remotely. Southwest locations will be closed with the exception of its child care centers at the Union Avenue and Macon Cove campuses. Southwest president Dr. Tracy D. Hall and

senior leadership made the decision to go virtual during the summer months as a cost-savings measure for students and employees. “Our students and employees, like the rest of the nation, are facing historic inflation numbers and increasing gas prices,” Hall said. “We are concerned about their welfare and how they may be impacted by this increased cost of living. Some of our students and staff are already stretched thin due to previous pandemic challenges. “We hope that going virtual on Fridays

during summer will provide them with temporary relief from travel-related expenses and help alleviate their pocketbook stress.” Student-support services such as advising and admissions will continue to be available through online appointments, telephone and email. The College will return to normal, on-campus operations on August 15. (For more information, visit Southwest. tn.edu or call 901-333-5000.)

A budding gardener... Zaniah Holst, 3, learned gardening from her grandmother. (Photo: Shirley Jackson/The New Tri-State Defender)

The New Tri-State Defender

May 26 - June 1, 2022

NEWS

GUNS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 Last week in Murfreesboro, south of Nashville, an 18-year-old alumnus of Riverdale High School was shot and killed during an altercation after graduation ceremonies. In Memphis last October, three teens and an adult were hurt in a shooting near Kingsbury Middle School. A month earlier in the city, a 13-yearold boy was accused of shooting a fellow student inside Cummings Elementary School and later pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder. And last spring in Knoxville, police shot and killed a 17-year-old student in a restroom at Austin East Magnet High School after responding to a report of a possible gunman. It was the fourth shooting death in a year involving students at the school. Despite the surge in violence, Republican House Speaker Cameron Sexton said Wednesday he does not think gun access is the problem. “All these things are tragedies. It still takes an individual to take a gun and pull the trigger to make it go off,” said Sexton, citing the presence of campus law enforcement officers and better school building safety equipment and protocols as bigger needs. Tennessee poured millions of dollars into fortifying its campuses after a shooter killed 17 people at a high school in Parkland, Florida, in 2018. Then-Gov. Bill Haslam, another Republican, ordered a comprehensive security review of more than 1,800 public schools and also provided

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districts with $35 million in safety grants, mostly to improve their aging school buildings with upgrades like installing security cameras, beefing up front entrances, and fixing or replacing broken locks or outdated doors. Lee, who was endorsed by the National Rifle Association in the 2018 gubernatorial race, said during his campaign that he supported legislation to allow Tennesseans to carry a firearm without having to obtain a permit and to arm teachers with weapons. Several legislative proposals to let teachers go armed at school failed to gain traction in recent years, but the state is still considered among the nation’s most gun-friendly. Last fall, gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson announced plans to relocate its headquarters to Tennessee from Massachusetts, where company officials feared legislative proposals could prohibit them from manufacturing certain weapons. This year, Tennessee’s GOP-controlled legislature overwhelmingly confirmed Lee’s appointment of Knoxville businessman Jordan Mollenhour, who owns online ammo retailer Lucky Gunner, to the state Board of Education, which creates policies for the state’s K-12 public schools. Mollenhour’s company has been sued for selling ammunition to the 17-year-old shooter who killed 10 at a high school in Santa Fe, Texas, in 2018. (Marta W. Aldrich is a senior correspondent who covers the statehouse for Chalkbeat Tennessee. Contact her at maldrich@chalkbeat.org.)

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: Taura McGhee Tax Parcel #: 03402700000020 Tax Sale #: 1304 Price Offered: $1200.00 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 10:00 a.m. on June 13, 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: Ricco Chamber Tax Parcel #: 03508900000230 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $13,800.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:30 p.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. Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue

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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: Woodrow Biggs Tax Parcel #: 03403800000060 Tax Sale #: 1604 Price Offered: $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 during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:00 p.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. Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY

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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: Jorge Escalon Tax Parcel #: 05800500000100 Tax Sale #: 1503 Price Offered: $4000.00 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 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. 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:

Page 9

Muaadh Alawadhi Tax Parcel #: 01303300000110 Tax Sale #: 1602 Price Offered: $1200.00 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 10:00 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. 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: Betty Jones Tax Parcel #: 07706500000310 Tax Sale #: 1604 Price Offered: $600.00 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 9:30 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. Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400

The New Tri-State Defender

May 26 - June 1, 2022

Page 10

SPORTS

Tough season aside, LOC baseball anchor earns HBCU All-Star honor by Liaudwin Seaberry Jr.

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

When former LeMoyne-Owen College baseball coach Rodney Newman abruptly resigned three-fourths of the way into the season, senior catcher De’Anthony Baker realized that he would have to step up and become not just a better player, but an improved leader on and off the baseball field. Newman’s exit forced Baker to take on a player-coach role, which he willingly embraced. His talents on the baseball field during the 2021-2022 season earned him a trip to the 2022 Minority Baseball Prospects HBCU All-Star Game, presented by the Henry Louis Aaron Fund. The game will take place at Truist Park, the home stadium of the Atlanta Braves. This represents a homecoming of sorts for Baker, who lives in the Atlanta area. Baker refuses to take responsibility for his success, crediting God for his rise to stardom in the baseball ranks. Despite the team finishing with a 4-30 record (2-17 record in conference), Baker never let the circumstances affect his play on the field. He understood his demeanor and body language could rub off on his teammates, positively or negatively. After winning a state championship with Baker Redan High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia, Baker moved on to nearby Savannah State University. He decided to transfer to LeMoyne-Owen after a trip to Memphis in 2017. When COVID-19 forced a cancellation of the 2020-2021 season, Baker was unsure whether to continue playing his senior season. However, his family and relationship with God factored in his decision to return to LOC. “I prayed a lot to make sure that this was the right decision for me, and my family supported me throughout this difficult time,” Baker said. “Their encouragement for me to continue playing inspired me to set forward on the path that has gotten me to this point.” For the season, Baker scored 10 runs, produced 10 runs batted in, stole nine bases, and hit a solid .276 at the plate. Freshmen Johnathon Williams and Avery Willis were players that Baker took under his wing when they arrived on-campus. Williams was impressed with Baker’s mentality, in which Baker seemed to never let the circumstances of a game or practice affect his mindset.

De’Anthony Baker (Courtesy photo, LOC website)

“(De’Anthony Baker) D-Bo’s main focus was about making sure that everyone else got better, and it never was about him. He made sure that the team didn’t let anything faze us, and he was for sure the leader of our team.” — Avery Willis “D-BO (a nickname given to Baker by his team) always played hard regardless of the circumstances, and he made sure we were always focused on the task at hand,” Williams said. “Some people started to get discouraged throughout the season because it was not going the way that we planned, but D-Bo’s confidence never wavered.” Willis, a Memphis product and a pitcher on the team, respected Baker’s approach to the game and the humility that he possessed, despite being a talented player. “D-Bo’s main focus was about making sure that everyone else got better, and it never was about him,” Willis said. “He made sure that the team didn’t let anything faze us, and he was for sure the leader of our team.” Baker’s passion for LeMoyne-Owen baseball will extend past this recent season. He will become a full-time assistant baseball coach next season at LOC. The college has not hired a new baseball coach. For him, the opportunity provides him a chance to give back to a school that has taught him so much. “I am ecstatic to come back and see how the team grows throughout the offseason, and I think the squad will take steps forward to improve.”

De’Anthony Baker’s baseball prowess during the 2021-22 season earned him a trip to the 2022 Minority Baseball Prospects HBCU All-Star Game, presented by the Henry Louis Aaron Fund. Scheduled for Truist Park, the home stadium of the Atlanta Braves, the game is a homecoming of sorts for Baker, who lives in the Atlanta area. (Courtesy photo)

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