The New Tri-State Defender - June 2-8, 2022

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June 2 - 8, 2022

VOL. 71, No. 22

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Meet Harold Collins as the county’s new CAO Shelby County Mayor Harris sees him as “dedicated to public service.”

by Karanja A. Ajanaku kajanaku@tsdmemphis.com

Harold Collins was chairman of the Memphis City Council and special assistant to the Shelby County District Attorney General when he was tapped as one of The New TriState Defender’s 2010 Men of Excellence inductees.

On Wednesday (June 1) he stepped into the role of chief administrative office for Shelby County government af-

ter a recent appointment by incumbent Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris.

Much as happened for Collins in the intervening years, with the common thread being his upfront commitment to service. In a conversation with The New Tri-State Defender, he shared how he weighed whether to accept the CAO offer, what his administrative approach would be, and noted a commitment to service as a thread throughout his life.

As for service, Collins said, “My faith has a lot to do with that. We were put here to serve people, to serve God. And so regardless of the profession you choose, He gives you

the gifts to do that profession. And my gifts are service and administration and organization. … And so what better way to gratify Him than to serve the people?”

In announcing the appointment, Harris said, “I am excited that Harold Collins has agreed to accept the position of chief administrative officer in this administration. Harold is dedicated to public service and has been an asset to Shelby County Government at the Office of Re-Entry and with the Division of Corrections. His long history of service, integrity, and commitment to this community are what make him a

great leader for this role.”

Still, deciding to take on the role was not an automatic, said Collins.

He asked Harris for “about four or five days to think about it.”

He prayed about it and talked with some of his advisors about it.

“I mean, it is no secret that my ultimate dream job was to be mayor of Memphis. And so making a commitment to him, to mayor Harris, meant that I would have to forego this mayoral election in ’23,” he said.

So, how did the scenario tilt to the decision he made.

SEE COLLINS ON PAGE 2

Dance excellence …

Harold Collins

On tour: TN Black Caucus TSD Newsroom

Carolyn Henry

Cecelia Barnes

The heart of BLP Film Studios = A heart for creatives in Memphis

by Candace A. Gray

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

BLP Film Studios executives Carolyn Henry and Cecelia Barnes want to out Memphis on the film “production” map.

It is how they want to express their love for Memphis and its creative community.

BLP Film Studios is promoted to have the potential to be the second largest African-American owned film studio in the United States, second only to Tyler Perry Studios.

But these women are more than just Jason Farmer’s, business partners. They are the heart of BLP (Black Lens Productions) Film Studios. Farmer is the former Marine and business executive who has been working to launch BLP. During a conversation about the project, both Henry and Barnes expressed their love for Memphis and the creative community.

They have a vision to the put Memphis on the film “production” map by providing sound stages, music recording and film studios: Simply put, a space to create.

“I have a love for young people, especially in the creative space,” said Henry.

Henry, chief financial officer for BLP Film Studios, cultivated a robust career in finance and accounting in Memphis after leaving her hometown of Clarksville, Mississippi.

Yet, she appreciates people who

SEE BLP ON PAGE 2

The Memphis Branch NAACP’s annual ACT-SO Awards presentation had this young ballerina in top performance form at the group’s monthly membership meeting at Mt. Olive Cathedral CME Church, 538 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Each year, high school students across the country start a journey to sharpen their skills through the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO). Local winners participate in the national competition. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

The Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators kicked off its statewide tour this week, with the last of four stops scheduled in Memphis on June 16 as part of the Juneteenth Weekend.

The tour began Thursday (June 2) in Knoxville.

It continues to Chattanooga (June 3) and then Nashville (June 6) before the Memphis visit.

There are plans to add more tour stops for July.

Each of the tour’s stops fea- Rep. Antonio Parkinson tures a town hall meeting.

The purpose of the tour is to hear from citizens across the state while discussing new laws and bills pushed

by Black Caucus members.

“We are very excited to get to the people, said State Rep. Antonio Parkinson, who chairs the caucus and represents District 98 in Memphis.

“Each stop gives us an opportunity to listen, discuss and be responsive to citizens of our state.”

In an exchange with The New TriState Defender, Parkinson fielded this question: TSD: Are there any examples that reflect the results/benefits of previous such tours, particularly regarding things heard/learned from citizens?

Rep. Parkinson: There are. The push for online voter registration came from citizen input at a previous town hall meeting some years back.

Legislation was introduced and we have online voter registration today.

Additionally, it is important for us to educate the public on our efforts and accomplishments over the past two years of the 112th general assembly. We’ve passed over 45 pieces of legislation as a Caucus many of which were within our agenda of health, education and putting money back into the households of the people we serve.

(For more information, https://bit.ly/3x4p4eT.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

June 2 - 8, 2022

NEWS

COLLINS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT “Well, one, talking to my wife, of course, and (thinking about) doing another campaign. A lot of people don’t know, I had to quit my job in the district attorney’s office to run for mayor the first time.

And so, unlike these other candidates out here, they still had jobs. And we had to sacrifice an awful lot the first time. …I put my family through a lot to do that.”

On the plus side: “I get to serve maybe not as mayor, but still influential and impactful in a major way. And not only just Memphis, but all of Shelby County.”

Lastly, said Collins, “It’s still a once in a lifetime kind of opportunity. Not very many people get asked to serve as the CAO of the largest county in the State of Tennessee.”

BLP

CONTINUED FROM FRONT operate via the creative (right) side of the brain, having managed artists and served as a producer on several series and even a movie.

“I manage a hip hop/pop artist, a classical jazz singer and I was part of the “City of Crosses,” a 13-episode drama released worldwide in 2021, and (I) have producer’s credit for the movie “Hidden Orchards.”

From Henry’s point of view, BLP Studios is giving Memphis creatives a space to hone their craft, one where they can learn and grow in music, film, acting and more.

“The problem is our people have to leave to find opportunities…going to L.A. (Los Angeles), New York, Atlanta,” said Henry.

She continued, “Between Memphis’ rich musical heritage and other creative outlets, BLP will allow creatives to stay here, providing them a space where they can follow their passion and have doors opened to them.”

And that mindset goes beyond local doors. BLP Studios plans to put Memphis on the map, nationally and internationally, with a tagline “Memphis-based, global reach.”

“The best way to facilitate growth in Memphis is to allow its art to reach worldwide,” said Cecelia Barnes, chief legal counsel for BLP. “That’s what we plan to do for Memphis creatives.”

Barnes, recently named a Super Woman in Business by the Memphis Business Journal, is a native of Gulfport,

Starting as CAO, Collins said his mindset and focus will be to listen.

“The mayor has assembled a wonderful team already.

And so my goal would be to come in and to listen to them because they are what I consider to be the experts in their particular field of profession.

My goal would be to listen to them, figure out where we could enhance, pull maybe a couple of things together, give some direction, but above all, I’m going to do more listening than anything.”

Then, after a while, Collins envisions sharing “some things that I think we could certainly work on and then enhance and improve, hopefully for the next four years.”

That would be done, he said, in alignment with the goals he said Harris already has: “accessible healthcare, focusing on serving those persons who come back into our commu-

nity from incarceration, and stressing education, like he has done in the past. Those are some of his pillars that he stressed going forward to the citizens of Shelby County to be re-elected.”

Harris, who won the Democratic Party nomination, faces Memphis City Councilman Worth Morgan, who is carrying the banner for the Republicans.

As for his administrative style, Collins said, “My style is, everybody in the room is competent. And so you speak to your particular area of expertise because that’s what you are competent in. And the room is balanced because of that.

“I don’t lead from the top of the table. I lead from the middle of the table so that the room can be balanced and everybody’s opinion can be considered and thought through.”

Mississippi, and 20-plus year friend of Henry.

When Farmer and Henry approached her, she was excited about the company’s business plan and saw the effort as an opportunity to create a new industry in Memphis.

“We will have a studio campus in this beautiful, unsung city, where multiple production companies can come to create, and where people of color can find a home,” said Barnes.

Barnes made Memphis her home after finishing law school at Vanderbilt. Memphis was the place that gave her a chance.

“This is one way I’m giving back to Memphis, a city that has given me so much,” Barnes said.

BLP originally hoped to break ground last fall on the $300-500 million project in Whitehaven, company executives still are working to secure public and private funding, while planning to soon start the daunting task of clearing 65 acres of trees on the 100acre property.

“There is still so much to be done, and a lot of moving parts, but the hope is to start construction by fall of this year,” said Henry.

“Studio spaces will be built to spec,” added Barnes.

“We are actively reaching out to production companies to gauge their needs and desires, and depending on what they want, the timeline hinges on who we bring in and how quickly we can get those deals going.”

The goal is to officially open 18-24 months after starting

construction, barring extenuating circumstances.

While the core team (Farmer, Henry and Barnes) is busy behind the scenes, laying the foundation for BLP Studios, they also have begun engaging the creative community.

“We are working with the legendary David Porter (from STAX) to create a catalogue, accessible to people on our campus and worldwide, with royalties. We will give people an opportunity to present their music to filmmakers, or even create something right on our campus for films,” said Henry.

Filmmaker and documentarian, LaKethen Mason, supports the work BLP Studios is doing.

“I am excited and encouraged when members of our community realize the need for physical infrastructure, intellectual property education and protection, and a space to create,” said Mason.

“Their work will elevate the work we’re doing at Memphis Film Works to train and develop emerging filmmakers and is the next critical step to ensuring Memphis can accommodate the motion picture industry. I just want to make sure we’re cultivating film crews of color to support the work in these spaces.”

Creatives interested in engaging with BLP can start the conversation by completing the contact form on BLP Film Studios website (https:// blpfilmstudios.com/). Tracee Roderick Comfort, a Memphis-native, filmmaker and creative/content director for BLP, will follow-up with prospects.

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, June 2 - 8, 2022, Page 3

Now what? A 2022 graduation story Business-minded teen working her way forward

by Karanja A. Ajanaku kajanaku@tsdmemphis.com

Skyla Barber is done with high school. She graduated from Memphis Virtual School last week (May 25) Wednesday n. As are thousands of other local high school graduates, she moves on to apply an answer to this question: Now what?

Myriad factors come into play as the area’s high school grads chart what they are going to do next and where.

Skyla has been working toward her answer for years. At 18, she has by self-description been an entrepreneur all her life. Many know her as the CEO of her online clothing and accessory company, ShopRichDoll. Now – post-graduation – she’s set to officially start real estate school.

“I’ve been studying and practicing, but I cannot take the exam until I get my high school diploma,” she said the night before walking across the graduation stage at the Cannon Center under the gaze of her business-minded/ entrepreneurial-supportive parents, Michael and Janice Barber.

“After I get my real estate license, I can pursue my career in real estate development. …

“I’m actually going to major in construction management. … The real estate license is just going to get me hip to the real estate lingo, that real estate background.”

“But now I work at Allworld (Project Management) and … I didn’t want to give that up. I’m already connecting and learning a lot,” she said. “I just made the decision to stay home, learn all I can while I have this good opportunity then maybe in a year transfer somewhere else.

“But right now, I’m trying to buckle down and focus.”

Drawn to real estate development, “basically building different buildings and stuff like that,” she praises Allworld’s Senior Project Manager Daryl Lewis, noting “that’s what he does. He’s been a really good mentor and advisor. … I don’t want to leave and give that up for another internship that might not have the same connection. … I’m actually really learning. I don’t want to give that up just to go somewhere else and maybe not have the same experience.”

By self-description, Allworld Project Management “provides a full range of project and program management services from conception to completion.” Michael Hooks Jr. serves as owner and CEO. “Skyla is a natural,” said Hooks.

“I’ve been knowing her, knowing Mike (Skyla’s father), friends of the family … grew up in the same neighborhood for years. Skyla and my daughter went to the same school for a short period of time.

“She was always academically superior and entrepreneurially gifted. She mastered e-commerce early. When folks were just getting a grasp of it, she was ahead

For recent high school graduate Skyla Barber, entrepreneurship is a way of life. (Courtesy photo) of her time. She has an eye and gift for product selection.”

Allworld has a training program, with Skla’s internship customized because of the family connection.

“We typically don’t provide training programs for students that young. Ours is more geared toward college students. It’s part of (Allworld’s) culture to provide that training. It’s a win-win.

We have projects where college students and some high school students can add value to our … work.”

Nurturing entrepreneurship, particularly among African Americans, is extremely important, said Hooks.

“And more so important these days because some of our generations think it just happens with a snap of the finger. So, they need to see the hard work and dedication that goes into entrepreneurship to be able to reap the fruits of the labor.

“I want them to understand that it takes Michael dedication.

Hooks Jr. I want them to hear our story that it just didn’t happen overnight. And that there are still challenges every day. That we are constantly – as the Bible would say – getting ready for the next storm,” said Hooks.

“But we are doing that with preparation. And we are doing that by learning from the last storm we went through, where we need to do to be able to get through the next one.”

To some degree, that means rolling with the punches and embracing change and opportunity.

That’s the way Skyla sees her decision to forgo her deeply-held desire to attend Georgia State in Atlanta.

During last year’s Southern Heritage Classic, Skyla Barber was one of the vendors, marketing her online clothing and accessory business. Her support included her mother, Janice (left). SHC Founder Fred Jones Jr. said, “I’m glad to learn that this young entrepreneur participated in the Southern Heritage Classic. It’s a great place for vendors of all ages with wonderful products to access thousands of people. I commend her efforts and all the other youth who have decided to start businesses. I wish her much success.

Thanks, Skyla for making the Classic a part of your journey.” (Photo: Shirley Jackson/The New Tri-State Defender)

Skyla Barber’s father, Michael Barber, was in full support mode at the 2021 Southern Heritage Classic.

(Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/ The New Tri-State Defender) “I was ready to experience something new. A new city outside of Memphis, but it came down to not what’s going to be the most fun, but what’s going to be the best option as far as my career and opportunities that I have.”

Though not as originally planned, Skyla soon will be learning in Atlanta as she alters the course of her clothing/accessory business.

“I’m doing a re-branding. I’m going to Atlanta for a week and in about two weeks to take a class, where I’m going to learn how to sew, design, and embroider; an all-in-one class. So, then I can start designing my clothes from scratch. …

“I’m maturing and I’m turning everything around and I’m going to rebrand it to my name – Skyla Jay – and come with a more mature, but still hip and edgy look.”

Skyla’s entrepreneurial inclination has family roots.

“I’ve been an entrepreneur the majority of my life,” said her father, Michael. “I’ve worked some jobs, but the majority of my living has come from being an entrepreneur, creating several businesses from trucking, to credit repair, to mortgage finance. Anything I could make a potential profit from, that is a legal entity, I would look into it.”

Barber’s great-grandfather was a businessman.

Skyla Barber’s specially-constructed vendor’s display at the Southern Heritage Classic resulted from her putting in the work at home. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New TriState Defender) “He owned a ranch (a 27-acre farm); he was an entrepreneur. …

You name it, he grew it. And he sold it.”

Working with his great-grandfather as a little boy, Barber became intrigued about owning his own business and working for himself.

“The thing about our Black culture which is a problem today is that we don’t have enough entrepreneurs. … And this is not just in Memphis. …We have to start owning something. Our culture works for too many other cultures.”

It wasn’t difficult to pass the entrepreneurial spirit to Skyla.

“Kids are intrigued, kids are curious. If you’ve got something that intrigues them or that (makes

them) curious, they’re going to fall right into it.”

From that point forward, it’s a matter of supporting them, including making sure they do the footwork, said Barber.

“Once she learns the footwork, then she learns the business. Once she puts that one foot in front of the other, she’s gonna keep walking. That also builds confidence. …And while you are young, go out and meet as many people as you can that own businesses, that do things. …

“Skyla is a very outgoing person. She’ll be fine. I still want her to go to school. Once you get your education, start back on your business. But keep working your business.”

Skyla is on course.

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The New Tri-State Defender

June 2 - 8, 2022

Page 4

PERSPECTIVE

EXPLAINER: A look at Bill Cosby’s sexual assault civil trial

by Andrew Dalton The Associated Press

L

OS ANGELES — Eleven months after he was freed from prison when a Pennsylvania appeals court threw out his criminal conviction, Bill Cosby, 85, is again the defendant in a trial over sexual assault allegations. This time, it’s a civil case in California relating to events in mid-1970s Los Angeles. A jury in the coastal city of Santa Monica, California, has been chosen and opening statements began Wednesday in the case that is expected to last two weeks.

Here’s a look at the key elements of the case:

The case against Cosby Judy Huth, now 64, says when she was 16 years old in 1975, she and a friend met Cosby at a Los Angeles-area park, where he was filming the movie “Let’s Do It Again” with Sidney Poitier. A few days later, Huth’s lawsuit says, Cosby had her drink alcohol “as part of a game,” then took her to the Playboy Mansion. There, according to the complaint, he took her into an isolated bedroom, kissed her on the mouth, slid his hand down her pants, and used her hand to perform a sex act on him. Huth filed a lawsuit against Cosby in 2014, seeking financial damages to be determined at trial.

Huth also filed a police report, but no criminal charges have been brought. The case has taken eight years to come to trial because of delays over Cosby’s two criminal trials and the pandemic. Key witnesses at the trial will include Huth and her friend from the time.

The case for Cosby Cosby’s attorneys have conceded that he met Huth and took her to the Playboy Mansion. An undated photo of the two of them there shows as much. But they thoroughly deny that any assault took place. And they say that Huth was actually 18 when the mansion visit occurred, which would make any violation significantly less serious under California law. Cosby’s attorneys have not said what evidence they will use to demonstrate this, and emphasize the burden is on the plaintiffs to prove when the visit happened.

Bill Cosby arrives for his sexual assault trial in Norristown, Pa. on April 20, 2018, left, and Judy Huth appears at a press conference outside the Los Angeles Police Department’s Wilshire Division station in Los Angeles on Dec. 5, 2014. Eleven months after he was freed from prison, Cosby, 85, will again be the defendant in a sexual assault proceeding, this time a civil case in California. Huth, who is now 64, alleges that in 1975 when she was 16, Cosby sexually assaulted her at the Playboy Mansion. (AP Photo) the client cares and takes the proceedings seriously.

He won’t appear on the witness stand either. Cosby did give one video deposition in the case, but the judge ruled that he did not have to give a second, more wide-ranging deposition, nor will he be compelled to testify in person. The judge found that Cosby can invoke his Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination because there’s a chance he could still be prosecuted in California and other jurisdictions for sexual assault.

The case’s coldness The biggest challenge, for both sides, will be in presenting evidence and testimony to a jury based on events from nearly 50 years ago. Many Playboy Mansion visitors and others who may have testified are dead, including Playboy Magazine founder and former mansion owner Hugh Hefner,

though he did give a deposition before his 2017 death. An attorney for Playboy Enterprises says they can’t find visitor logs from the mansion for the time in question. Distant memories will have to be tied to scraps of photographs, news articles and other archives to refresh recollections.

A key change The problems with the case’s age were illustrated by a major change Huth made to her story just weeks before trial, after evidence uncovered by her attorneys led them to believe she met Cosby on the movie set in 1975, when she was 16, not in late 1973 or early 1974, when she was 15. Among the things they used to reach the conclusion: a dated photo of Cosby with the beard Huth remembers him having. Cosby attorney Jennifer Bonjean called the late change an “ambush” that would make presenting a defense more difficult, but the judge declined

Why the trial matters This case has taken on renewed significance as one of the few remaining legal actions against Cosby after Pennsylvania’s highest court threw out his criminal sexual assault conviction last June and released him from prison, and after many other lawsuits were settled against his will by his insurer.

The lawyers Huth counts among her attorneys Gloria Allred, who has become nationally famous for representing women in high-profile cases like this one. But she is not expected to take an active role in the trial, ceding the presentation of evidence to two colleagues from her firm, Nathan Goldberg and David West. Cosby will be primarily represented

by Bonjean. The mother of four has made a national name for herself in recent years through her aggressive representation of Cosby and R. Kelly. She has defended both as vigorously on Twitter as she does in court, though her account was deleted recently.

The jury A jury of eight women and four men was selected last week. The group skews young for a jury — one member is just 19. This could break either way for Cosby. While many said during questioning that they did not grow up with his TV shows or stand-up comedy, and did not have special reverence for him, many of the same people said they also have paid little attention to the criminal trial or allegations against him.

Reaching a verdict The plaintiffs will have a lower bar to cross than Cosby’s criminal prosecutors did. Jurors will have to decide whether Cosby committed the actions not beyond a reasonable doubt, but through a preponderance of the evidence. And unlike criminal cases, which require a unanimous jury, agreement among nine out of 12 will be enough.

The Associated Press does not typically identify people who say they have been sexually abused, but may when the person comes forward publicly, as Huth has.

Will Cosby attend or testify?

Cosby, who sat through two long criminal trials, is not required to attend this one, and has no plans to show up. His representatives say it’s because his glaucoma has left him blind. Jurors said during the selection process that they would not let Cosby’s absence affect their judgment, which the court requires. Still, attorneys in general like to have their clients present, both to give their side a human face and to show

to dismiss the case or delay the trial. He did allow a final last-minute deposition of Huth.

Bill Cosby in 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

(Follow AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton on Twitter: https://twitter. com/andyjamesdalton.)

The New Tri-State Defender

June 2 - 8, 2022

Page 5

RELIGION

Faith unites …

The Poor People’s Campaign Moral March on Memphis on May 23 was undergirded by a spiritual element throughout. (left photo) The Rev. Keith Norman (left), pastor of First Baptist Street-Broad, and the Rev. Alvin O’Neal Jackson, national executive director of the campaign and march, bow during a moment of prayer in Robert R. Church Park. Adherents of multiple faiths meshed at the National Civil Rights Museum rally, with this trio called upon for a special presentation to help set the tone. Pictured (l-r): Nabil Bayakly, an Arabic, Islamic Studies, and biology professor; Rabbi Micah Greenstein and the Rev. Sonia Louden Walker. (Photos: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender)

On topic …

A service of installation …

The Rev. Jairus Prince Winfrey Sr. addresses the congregation of Greater New Zion Baptist Church, located at 2070 Chelsea, where he was installed as pastor on May 29.

The Rev. Dr. Randolph Meade Walker, the pastor of Castalia Baptist Church, 2180 Airways Blvd., delivered the installation message. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New TriState Defender)

“Trust is a must” was the topic as The Rev. Melvin Watkins, pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood, delivered the morning message last Sunday.

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

The New Tri-State Defender, June 2 - 8, 2022, Page 6

With a boost from the Orpheum, Vera Brown and Brima Gassama are Broadway-bound TSD Newsroom Brima Gassama of Germantown High School and Crosstown High School’s Vera Brown will represent the Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards at The National High School Musical Theatre Awards – The Jimmy Awards – at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway.

Gassama and Brown emerged as the Lead Actor and Lead Actress winners during the 13th Annual High School Musical Theatre Awards presented by the Orpheum Theatre Group at the Orpheum Theatre last Thursday (May 26).

Students and supporters from 38 participating schools across three states gathered in celebration of their peers performing on the Orpheum stage and in support roles behind the scenes. The evening was a culmination of a year-long program bringing students from all over the Mid-South together for an intensive week of team building, collaboration, and celebration of musical theatre.

The Orpheum High School Musical

Theatre Awards is part of The National High School Musical Theatre Awards (the Jimmy Awards), which includes 46 programs from across the country. Presented

by The Broadway League Foundation, the program sends a Lead Actress and Lead Actor award recipient from each of the competitions to New York City for a weeklong theatre intensive of coaching and rehearsals with industry professionals in preparation for a one-night-only showcase on Broadway. T The 13th annual Jimmy Awards will take place on June 27.

Brown and Gassama will join other nominees, who will spend June 20 through June 28 in New York City. The nominee’s combined efforts throughout the week will lead to a talent showcase performed live in front of an audience on a Broadway stage.

The 13th Annual Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards were sponsored in part by Ticketmaster, Dean HD, Production One, and Sedgwick.

For more information, visit www.Jimmy Awards.com; www.orpheum-memphis.com.

Brima Gassama

Vera Brown

for teenagers — especially Black teenagers.”

The author, who loves 80s teen romance flicks, said she found that stories of young Black love typically are not told.

“There are negative narratives of young Black boys and young Black girls, and I wanted to change that and give them something that I didn’t get to see as a child growing up, reading the books I read,” she said.

“Black teenage love is happening, and I wanted to provide a representation of that.”

Rowe always knew her hometown would be at the forefront when she wrote her first book.

“I’m always going to write about kids from Memphis. I am here for my city and want to show Black summer love in Memphis,” Rowe said.

Memphians will feel right at home read-

ing “Finding Jupiter” with mentions of several notable landmarks, including Beale Street, Riverside Drive and Central Gardens.

And while Rowe intentionally paid homage to the city where she was born and raised, she hopes young readers can gain more than just a familiar context.

“I want teens to know that they are just so cute,” she said with a slight chuckle before adjusting her tone for a more profound statement.

“What I really want them to see is that their love is revolutionary; their joy is revolutionary, and we see you.”

Rowe will return to Memphis with a Homecoming Release Party on Saturday (June 4) at Novel, followed by a skate party at East End Skating Center on Sunday (June 5).

Memphis-born Kelis Rowe debuts in young-adult genre with ‘Finding Jupiter’

by Erica R. Williams

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

New literary author Kelis Rowe fondly recalls the days as a young girl walking to Crystal Palace, the once-popular Whitehaven-area skating rink that closed in 2017.

That same roller rink would serve as the backdrop of her debut novel, “Finding Jupiter,” a young adult fiction that captures the love story of two Memphis teens.

“That skating rink played a major role in my life,” Rowe, a Memphis native, said of Crystal Palace. “I knew I wanted to include it.”

“Finding Jupiter,” published by Random House Books, offers the perfect blend of love and loss told through the lens of Jupiter Moon “Ray” and Orion, the two main characters, whose lives intertwine unexKelis pectantly after meetRowe ing at the skating rink as Ray celebrates her 17th birthday.

This contemporary literary fiction allows readers to witness the two teens’ courtship develop through Ray’s poetry, compiled on loose pages of her copy of the classic novel, “The Great Gatsby.”

Rowe knew she wanted to include the American literary piece in her book, as she credits it for sparking the premise for “Finding Jupiter.”

“The very first poem that shows up in “The Great Gatsby” is what found me,” Rowe said. “And that poem told me what that story would be.”

“Finding Jupiter” blends found poetry and eloquent literary wordplay to tell a beautifully complex story about young Black love, fueled with self-discovery, trust and forgiveness.

“I just wanted to give them a sweet love story that focuses on their humanity and all of the universal things teenagers go through. I have a big heart for teenagers— especially black teenagers.”

— Kelis Rowe For Rowe, the novel is nostalgic, drawing small glimpses from her young adult years growing up in Whitehaven.

“I grew up right down the street from Crystal Palace,” she recalled. “I have so many memories of the skating rink, memories like the first time I held a boy’s hand.”

Rowe, who now lives in Austin, Texas, said the narrative provides other similarities to her life. Just like the character Ray, who writes poems, Rowe too found comfort in poetry. She called it her “survival toolkit” as a “closed off” teenager.

Then there is the complex father-child relationship she admits to having with her father, which inspired the book’s examination of fatherhood and its effects on romantic relationships.

“Ray’s father died just before she was born, so she never met him. And Orion has a complicated relationship with his father,” Rowe explained. “I wanted to examine what it looks like to work through those issues as teenagers while falling in love.”

Rowe’s teenage years growing up in Memphis were riddled with typical adolescent problems, but overall, the memories are fond.

She refers to these recollections as moments of “big joy,” and it is what she hopes to give to Black teenagers who read the book.

“I just wanted to give them a sweet love story that focuses on their humanity and all of the universal things teenagers go through,” Rowe said. “I have a big heart

The New Tri-State Defender

June 2 - 8, 2022

ENTERTAINMENT

Welcome to ‘My Spot’…

Page 7

Premiere night for My Spot, a new entertainment venue on Winchester near Riverdale, was held over the Memorial Day Weekend. R&B artist Toni Green served as hostess for a robust lineup of performances. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, June 2 - 8, 2022, Page 8

Douglass Community set to extend Annual Juneteenth celebration

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Memphians will be able to celebrate the nation’s newest federal holiday, Juneteenth, with major events in the Douglass community and in the Medical District.

The Juneteenth Douglass Freedom and Heritage Festival is June 17-19 in Douglass Park at Mount Olive Road and Ash Street.

The 29th Annual Memphis Juneteenth Festiva June 18-19 in Health Sciences Park at Union Avenue and North Dunlap Street.

Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans. On that day in 1865, Union soldiers led by Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in the coastal city of Galveston, Texas, to deliver General Order No. 3, officially ending slavery in the state The final act of liberation came months after the Confederate army’s surrender ended the Civil War, and more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

President Joe Biden last year signed a bill establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

For many African Americans June 19 represents the Black Independence Day, but for the Douglass Park neighborhood, the Juneteenth holiday has matured into a multi-day celebration that has anchored a community.

“It’s everything we have,” said Kathy Yancey-Temple, organizer of the Juneteenth Douglass Freedom and Heritage Festival.

Forgotten Souls Memorial Day …

The 19th Annual Forgotten Souls Memorial Day Festival was held on the parking lot of the House of Mtenzi museum on Madison in Midtown. Stanley Campbell (aka Cam Mtenzi) of House of Mtenzi sponsored the annual event in association with Ma’& 9 Mustard Seeds. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

Now in its 29th year, the festival’s humble roots began when Yancey-Temple’s aunt, Glynn Johns Reed, a former model and New Orleans-based magazine publisher, was researching surprise party ideas for a fellow churchgoer.

“A big history buff, she wanted to find a historical fact that happened on that church member’s birthday. That’s when she found Juneteenth. From then on, that birthday party became the Juneteenth Freedom and Heritage Festival,” said Yancey-Temple.

By the next year, the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church officially marked Juneteenth on its events calendar.

Eventually, three days were set aside, along with a space in Douglass Park. Yancey-Temple has worked to continue her aunt’s legacy since her death in 2014.

In addition to celebrating Juneteenth’s official second year as a national holiday, the heroism of U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War will be recognized.

A Black History mobile museum provided by the Memphis Public Library’s Benjamin Hooks Branch will be supplement the theme.

“We have a lot of ancestors here in Douglass and in North Memphis. A lot of people are related to soldiers that fought at Fort Pillow (which overlooks the Mississippi River) about 45 minutes north of Memphis. Every year, we bring out a different part of our history to educate our people, the education we don’t get in our schools,” said Yancey-Temple.

Fought on April 12, 1864, hundreds of

Union soldiers, many of them former slaves, were massacred after they attempted to surrender following the siege of the Union-controlled fort.

Historians believe the slaughter was retribution for the Union’s use of Black soldiers.

Black culture will also Kathy YanceyTemple be prominent in the festivities.

In addition to music and spoken-word poetry, a fashion show, featuring fabrics printed in Africa, also will touch on how they influence today’s styles.

There also is an art contest. The winner will receive $500 from the nonprofit Center for Transforming Communities. The other entries will be auctioned off at the Douglass Park Community Center.

Food and vendors also will be on hand at the free event, which kicks off on a Friday. More information can be found at: www.facebook. com/juneteenthdouglass/.

The 29th Annual Memphis Juneteenth Festiva June 18-19, themed Culture, Freedom, Love, will feature a host of activities, including live music, a walk/run, car show, Greek step show, vendors and a Path of Knowledge Museum.

For a full schedule of events go to: https:// www.juneteenthfreedommemphis.com/

Summit to take family-centered focus about violent crime in North Memphis

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

With a goal of finding a family-centric approach to reducing violent crime in North Memphis, community stakeholders, including church groups and law enforcement, are taking part in the third Better Community Summit on Saturday (June 4).

“At this point in time, we’re a more violent society than we’ve been in the past. I think it’s the result of several things,” said Joseph C. Murphy Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, who is leading the summit.

From gang violence, robberies, domestic abuse and neighborhood disputes, the term “violent crime” casts a wide net rooted in multiple causes, including poverty, domestic violence, or just bad choices.

The summit seeks to give tools to residents so they can recognize or resolve issues before they escalate.

The Better Community Summit runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Neighborhood Christian Center at 785 Jackson Ave. Attendance is free. There will be two upcoming summits for the Whitehaven/Westwood and Hickory Hill/ East Memphis areas, to be announced later.

“The whole violent crime issue is very complex, in terms of how do you reduce it? Again, you can’t eliminate it, but if we’re going to reduce it, we need everybody involved in it,” said Murphy.

Often, behaviors are learned in the home.

“Domestic violence is a major factor. Young men see in household violence by one husband against wife, or vice versa. That’s how they learn to cope with that. We want to give people information about that, how to get out of a violent situation if you’re in one,” said Murphy.

Experts also will address how to resolve disputes between neighbors or teenagers, for example.

In addition to learning strategies and tools to resolve conflicts, attendees can ask about disputes they faced and how they can be or could have been best resolved.

“It’s more about how to de-escalate conflicts and get a more positive outcome,” said Murphy.

Many violent crimes are committed by youth offenders. These often range from disputes with other teens to carjackings. Frequently, it is the same offender over and over, until law enforcement finally catches up with them.

“If you look at the stats in terms of violent crime, about 20 percent of the offenders are responsible for about 80 percent of the violent crime.

“For example, in Memphis we see groups of people that commit multiple carjackings, they commit multiple robberies. Obviously, I’ve got to deal with that more violent 20 percent as a prosecutor. If you can take steps that impact the lives of that 80 percent, that’s where the community is essential,” Murphy said.

In addition to repeat offenders, many violent crimes are committed by gang members.

To help parents recognize the signs that their child may be involved in a gang, a discussion on Gangtalk also will be held. This will help pick up on possible language, clothing, or other signals that their child has joined a gang.

Programs to promote community and individual engagement also are essential. They can include youth organizations like the Boy Scouts to mentoring programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters.

“What’s kind of interesting about the problem is, not exclusively, it involves a high number of young males. I think mentoring can have an impact,” said Murphy, adding that once teens enter the criminal justice system the outcomes typically are negative.

“They get into the system. Once they’re in the system and they progress along, you get to a point where it’s much more difficult to reverse the trend.”

The negative trends also can continue outside of the legal system. Along with a criminal record, many lack education and basic job skills. Drug addiction and alcoholism also are common.

“I really appreciate the Christian Center and the others who sponsored this thing. I think it’s a good way to deal with things. I think it raises people’s awareness of what’s going on and it gives them tools to cope with it,” said Murphy.

The New Tri-State Defender

NEWS

June 2 - 8, 2022

CLASSIFIEDS

Page 9

THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER CLASSIFIEDS

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

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Tax Parcel #: 01304400000410 Tax Sale #: 1603 Price Offered: $700.00 Terms: Cash

2007 Volkswagon EOS133,000 miles. Auto Trans, $2700 2 -door convertible hardtop. VIN #WVWBA71F77V035780 901488-8210 NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Superintendent Joris Ray announced extensive personnel changes during a Tuesday school board meeting, including two new cabinet appointments, 15 central office hires, and 40 new principals. (Photo: Ariel Cobbert for Chalkbeat)

40 Memphis schools will get new principals in district shakeup

by Samantha West Chalkbeat Tennessee

Nearly two in 10 Memphis schools will get new principals next school year, as Tennessee’s largest school district accelerates a district-wide restructuring that began last summer.

Superintendent Joris Ray announced the extensive personnel changes during a three-hour school board meeting Tuesday. The changes include two new appointments to Ray’s cabinet, 15 central office hires, and 40 new principals.

Ray said he hopes the appointments will help improve and sustain academic performance across Memphis-Shelby County Schools in the next school year.

“The best is yet to come this school year,” he said.

This round of restructuring, coming a week after a gunman killed 21 people at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, also includes three new leaders in the district’s department of safety and security.

The district has been making personnel changes since Ray launched the restructuring initiative last summer. In the spring, MSCS announced that teachers at Kingsbury and Hamilton High Schools and Airways Achievement Academy must reapply for their jobs in order to return next school year, a move that has stirred controversy across Memphis.

Last summer, he announced the hiring of about 25 new principals, in addition to a host of internal administrative promotions.

The most recent wave of restructuring appears to be Ray’s most far-reaching step toward the goals he’s set since taking the helm of the district, like boosting early literacy and improving students’ overall academic performance.

Many of the new principal appointments are the result of reshuffling due to the consolidation of several schools and the addition of three schools the district gets back from the state’s Achievement School District next year.

Among the other appointments announced Tuesday were two additions to Ray’s cabinet: Cathryn Stout, Chalkbeat Tennessee’s bureau chief, has been named the district’s next chief of communications.

She will replace Jerica Phillips, who recently left the district for a position at ALSAC, the fundraising and aware-

ness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Stout’s last day at Chalkbeat is Monday; her first day at MSCS is June 13.

Carolyn Jackson will also officially join Ray’s cabinet as the district’s chief of safety and security. She has served as the interim chief since Gerald Darling retired from the role in January.

Other new central office hires include: *Greg Sanders, deputy chief of safety and security *Terrence Riley, director of security *Lakira Elliot, director of safety *Docia Generette-Walker, assistant superintendent of high schools *Daniel Jack, assistant superintendent of middle schools *Amie Marsh, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction *Tracie Scott, assistant superintendent of professional learning and support *Terrence Brittenum, instructional leadership director *Yvette Renfroe, instructional leadership director *Phyllis Jones, instructional leadership director *Ronald Schuyler, central office leadership support *Robert Davis II, educational technology director *Lashanda Fason, director of early literacy *Keenan Sloan, director of high school innovation *Rod Peterson, director of

human resources strategic placement And the 40 new principals announced Tuesday are: *Shenise Anderson, AB Hill Elementary *Eureka McAfee, Alcy Elementary *Erika Lowe, Balmoral-Ridgeway Elementary *Tonya Miller, Cordova Elementary *Tiffany Curry, Crump Elementary *Jacqueline Brown Lewis, Double Tree Elementary *DeAngela Graham, Frayser/Corning Elementary *Derrick McIntosh, Georgian Hills Elementary *Krystal Bledsoe, Hickory Ridge Elementary *Tia James, Keystone Elementary *Staci Hendrix, LaRose Elementary *Michael Gee, Lucie E. Campbell Elementary *Nicholas Dominquez, Macon Hall Elementary *Taurus Hines, Rozelle Elementary *Vonda Beaty, Whitney Elementary *James Patton, Winchester Elementary *Patrick Certion, Dexter K-8 *Quay Jackson-Porter, Hamilton K-8 *Leslie Banks, A. Maceo Walker Middle *Larissa Jackson, American Way Middle *Kamiah Turner, Colonial Middle

*Christopher Hardiman, Cordova Middle *LaKeisha Haywood, Craigmont Middle *James Gordon, Hickory Ridge Middle *Danielle Berry-Leach, Mt. Pisgah Middle *Dione Curry, Raleigh Egypt Middle *Kimberly Shaw, Ridgeway Middle *Markenston Jean-Louis, Sherwood Middle *Brandon Hill, Treadwell Middle *Willie Bolden, Woodstock Middle *Brandon Poyner, Bolton High *Pamela McKinley, East High *Jon Stencel, Germantown High *Derrick Hardaway, Melrose High *Phillip Nelson, Ridgeway High *John Bush, Southwind High *LaTonja Robinson, Wooddale High *Charisse Wooding, Kingsbury Career and Technical Center *Timothy Batts, Sheffield Career and Technical Center *William Taylor, Southwest Career and Technical Center (Samantha West is a reporter for Chalkbeat Tennessee, where she covers K-12 education in Memphis. Connect with Samantha at swest@chalkbeat.org.)

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

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

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

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

SEALED BID DUE TUESDAY, JUNE 28TH, 2022 AT 2:30 PM CST “CARBONLESS SNAP OUT, NCR AND CONTINOUS FORMS PRINTING SERVICES” (SB-I000732) (MC# 657) There is a mandatory 20% LOSB participation goal for this sealed bid.

Voluntary Pre-Bid Meeting- All interested respondents are invited to participate in this meeting via teleconference on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. (CDT) utilizing the following access codes: Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/940540477 You can also dial in using your phone.

United States: +1 (646) 749-3122 Access Code: 940-540-47 By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY 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: Squire, LLC

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 August 5, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

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

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Squire, LLC Tax Parcel #: 01304400000390 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 10:30 a.m. on August 5, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

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

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Caleb Chandler, LLC Tax Parcel #: D0124000002560 Tax Sale #: 405 Price Offered: $2250.00 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 August 5, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

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

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The New Tri-State Defender

June 2 - 8, 2022

Page 10

NEWS

“I chose finance in school because I had a very basic finance knowledge. The most (financial) education I had from parents was balancing a checkbook, but I wanted to know how to grow your money. I was fueled by that, especially being a young mother. How do I build this for my child?”

— Monique McClain

U of M Grad has full-circle moment as distinguished alumni

by Erica Horton

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Monique McClain is a woman of many titles. Consultant, boss, philanthropist, cultivator, wife, and mother are just a few. Most recently, she was named Outstanding Young Alumna by her alma mater, The University of Memphis.

McClain is vice president of Wealth Management for JPMorgan Chase & Co., Global Program manager within Asset Wealth Management Technology for JPMorgan Chase & Co., founder of Boss Up My Career and consultant and founder of Masterminds, LLC. She is one of eight alumnae being honored by the University of Memphis Alumni Association at the 40th Distinguished Alumni Awards. The event is Saturday, June 4, presented by Lowe’s. It is set to begin at 6 p.m. with a VIP welcome, followed by dinner and an awards presentation beginning at 7 p.m. at the Maxine A. Smith University Center on the UofM campus.

The university is recognizing McClain for her community impact and work, which is extensive. From the time she was a student to the present, she has worked to grow herself and others.

As a student, McClain founded the U of M Masterminds

to talk about financial literacy. She wanted to increase not only financial literacy but entrepreneurship on campus and was able to bring students of different disciplines together for knowledge sharing. Since then, she has hosted community programs helping people navigate and understand the legal system, volunteered and raised money for community initiatives, and worked as a consultant for other young professionals to help them network and advance in their careers.

“I keep in contact with several of the former members of U of M Masterminds, and we have partnered on consulting projects together, which was also another goal of bringing such a diverse group together,” she said.

Originally, McClain applied to five schools for her posthigh school education, including Duke and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She was accepted to all five schools and wanted to move away from home.

“They say we make plans, and God laughs,” she said.

As she was applying for colleges, McClain found out she was pregnant with her oldest daughter and decided to stay home, close to family.

“I know in my soul that it was meant for me to do so,” she said. “(The decision) helped drive every other critical advancement in my life, thereafter, creating opportunities early on in my career that were the foundational stepping stones that have led me where I am today. I’m not done

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Monique yet! There’s still so much to do.”

McClain McClain graduated cum laude with her bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Memphis in 2011. She earned her MBA from the University of Memphis in 2017 while working for FedEx Services as a project manager in sales technology.

“I chose finance in school because I had a very basic finance knowledge. The most (financial) education I had from parents was balancing a checkbook, but I wanted to know how to grow your money. I was fueled by that, especially being a young mother. How do I build this for my child?”

One of her biggest career goals is to leave a legacy her children can be proud of, and wealth that they can leverage and grow for future generations. She wants to teach as many children as how to hone their talent into promise and profit. And teach as many adults as she can how to think like children again and believe that anything is possible.

McClain said she is honored to receive the alumni award from the University of Memphis and that while its impact is significant, she is most proud of the impact and contributions within her circle of family and friends.

The alumni awards event is sold out, but those with questions can email contact daa@memphis.edu.