The New Tri-State Defender - June 29-July5, 2023 by The Tri-State Defender

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June 29 - July 5, 2023

VOL. 72, No. 26

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County Commission to make ends meet with scaled back wheel tax

MSCS Interim Supt. Williams to stay on; but won’t seek a permanent role by Laura Testino Chalkbeat Tennessee

Interim Superintendent Toni Williams won’t become the permanent leader of Memphis-Shelby County Schools after all. The school board voted to approve a contract extension for Williams that could keep her in charge of MSCS through the new school year. But Williams – who was one of three finalists named in April – has to give up her quest to be superintendent on a permanent basis. The condition is spelled out in Williams’ extended contract, which she negotiated with Memphis attorney Herman Morris, he told the board Tuesday. Her name was not expected to appear on an updated list of finalists that the board expected to receive Wednesday. Williams’ exit from the superintendent candidate pool signals a quieter end to the district’s tortuous national superintendent search, which derailed after Williams became a finalist and the board began to fracture over the prospect of elevating another interim

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by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Interim Supt. Toni Williams leader to fill the vacancy created by the departure of Joris Ray. Ray, who was elevated from the interim position in 2019, resigned under a cloud of scandal in August 2022. His predecessor, Dorsey Hopson, had also been elevated from interim chief. Williams accepted the interim role in August with assurances that she wouldn’t seek the job on a perma-

nent basis, but she changed her mind. Since then, the board has largely sidestepped discussions about that decision, never rejecting her application. A coalition of community advocates – including some of the five people who were banned from dis-

SEE SCHOOL ON PAGE 2

Following several setbacks and obstacles, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris’ proposal for a $25 increase in the wheel tax rolled through the Shelby County Commission on a 11-0 vote during an unusual regular meeting Wednesday (June 28). In statement released after the commission vote, county Mayor Lee Harris said, “Just now, the commission took the final vote on the first phase of our plan to rebuild Regional One Health (the county’s hospital), break ground on the new Frayser High School, and keep on track for another new high school in the Cordova area. “Total spending for Regional One’s Phase 1 is $350 million, making this project alone one of the largest public infrastructure investments in our community’s history. The campaign for a new Regional One campus, “One Campus,” will mean expanded access to health-

care, particularly for the most vulnerable. “It means that one of the oldest hospitals in the region will be around for the next generation, and the one after that. “Thank you, Chairman (Mickell) Lowery, Budget Chair (Michael) Whaley, and Commissioners.” Wednesday’s action was the final vote on the wheel tax. The tax met initial approval during a Monday (June 26) tally. It applies to all four categories of vehicles. After Monday’s marathon meeting, that began at 3 p.m. and ended about 1 a.m. Tuesday (June 27), commissioners shoehorned Wednesday’s meeting into their schedules. Heeding Deputy County Attorney Marcy Ingram’s assurances, they opted to skirt the commission’s 48-hour meeting notice requirement in favor of the state’s “reasonable” threshold, which was 24 hours. For a wheel tax to pass, Tennessee law requires nine vote major-

SEE COUNTY ON PAGE 2

City Council steps around tax increase with budget slices by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

‘Written In Their Soul’... A booksigning was held recently at Stax for “Written In Their Soul: The Stax Songwriter Demo,” which brings together 146 demos from the legendary Stax Records. Including 140 recordings that are previously unreleased, this collection combines both songwriter demos of some of music’s biggest songs with full blown arrangements of never released tracks. Compiled by multi-GRAMMY award winning producer Cheryl Pawelski. Notables on hand included Deanie Parker, William Bell, Eddie Floyd, Henderson Thigpen and Bobby Manuel. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

With deadlines looming, Memphis City Council members Tuesday (June 27) shot down a proposed property-tax increase and approved a fix of district lines before the upcoming city elections to close out this year’s budget season. Council Chairman Martavius Jones’ proposed 29-cent property tax (the current rate is $2.71) increase per $100 assessed value, would have would have funded a variety of priorities, including more money for Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA). The relatively cooperative decision on not raising the property tax was not mirrored in the contentious discussion, especially between Jones and council attorney Allan Wade, about approving new council district lines in time for the Oct. 5 city elections. The council approved a plan that basically left the current boundaries intact. Making a final pitch for his property-tax-hike proposal, Jones said,

“This would generate an additional revenue of approximately $40.6 million. The largest beneficiary of this would be the Memphis Transit Authority… “As proposed and as presented, there’s a second large allocation that would be dedicated to…we can call it, public works. we can call it, solid waste…I think the public would agree, the city is as dirty and as nasty as it’s ever been.” The tax hike was voted down 102. Its demise means Memphis and Shelby County residents will not see an increase in their property taxes this fiscal year. The Shelby County Commission Monday (June 26) voted to keep the county’s rate at $3.39 per $100 of assessed value. The commission Wednesday (June 8), however, approved a $25 hike in the wheel tax. The money will be for rebuilding the county’s Regional One Health hospital and new high schools in Frayser and Cordova. County Mayor Lee Harris

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The New Tri-State Defender

SCHOOL

CONTINUED FROM FRONT trict property after challenging the board’s stewardship of the search – had been pushing the board in recent weeks to clarify whether Williams would remain a candidate, and continued to do so in a series of coordinated public comments Tuesday evening. Board members Tuesday made clear their support of Williams’ interim leadership, and she received a standing ovation after board Chair Althea Greene described her accomplishments. The board’s long delay in setting the parameters of its search could keep Williams in the interim role for as much as another year. “I have inherited more challenges than you could ever imagine. A district in distress … . But I have not quit,” Williams said. Greene, who has led the search for the past year, will now be assisted by newly elected Vice Chair Joyce Dorse-Coleman. Dorse-Coleman is replacing former board member Sheleah Harris, who resigned her board seat two weeks ago. The Shelby County Commission will select Harris’ replacement in mid-July. The board will reelect leadership in the fall. New slate of ﬁnalists due Wednesday Meanwhile, outside search firm Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates was poised to present the board an updated

CITY

CONTINUED FROM FRONT had sought a $50 increase in the wheel tax. The new tax will partially fund the construction of a new Region One Hospital campus, as well as high schools in Frayser and Cordova. During Tuesday’s council meeting, the fate of Jones’ taxhike proposal was sealed after Budget Committee Chairman Chase Carlisle, along with fellow members, hashed out a set of changes to Mayor Jim Strickland’s proposed $792 million fiscal 2023-2024 budget, which begins July 1. The restructuring freed up $12 million to fund priorities that include $5 million to the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, $3 million to fund the Memphis Transit Authority and $2.3 million towards youth programming for Memphis Public libraries. Bellevue Tennis Center will also receive $1.5 million for new tennis courts. The remaining $1.5 million will partially fund construction of Hospitality Hub North. During the weeks-long wrangling over Jones’ ill-fated tax increase, he criticized Strickland’s budget for its lack of ambition. In addition to youth programs to curb crime, he sought heftier funding for MATA. The current funding, which he has called “bareboned,” will fund existing operations. Four cents of Jones’ increase would have gone to the city’s affordable housing trust fund. During the runup to the vote, he remarked on Shelby County Commissioner Erika Sugarmon’s efforts to raise county taxes. “She talked about the fact that we’ve had a lot of out-oftown investors come in. We have a lot of people who’ve raised rents precipitously. In this inﬂationary environment,

“I have inherited more challenges than you could ever imagine. A district in distress … . But I have not quit.” — Toni Williams list of superintendent finalists Wednesday after reevaluating interested applicants against a revised set of qualifications approved by the board in midJune. The new list includes five to seven top candidates, compared with just three on the initial slate released in April, according to communication from the firm obtained by Chalkbeat. The board could choose to interview those candidates or reopen the pool to new applicants – “in essence beginning a new search,” two top Hazard Young officials wrote. That option could cost the district an additional $19,000. (The initial contract with the firm allowed for total costs between $38,000 and $70,000.) Reopening the search would significantly extend the hiring timeline as well. The “optimal” window to accept new applications is in the fall, the firm wrote, suggesting a timeline that culminates with the board selecting a new superintendent by the end of January. The proposed start date for the new superintendent, in that case, would be July 1, 2024. The firm did not propose a new timeline should the board interview and select a new superintendent from its current

“She (Erika Sugarmon) talked about the fact that we’ve had a lot of out-of-town investors come in. We have a lot of people who’ve raised rents precipitously. In this inﬂationary environment, we, as a city, see no benefit from that…Rental rates have gone up and we’ve not done anything to address the affordable housing crisis we have here in the city.” — Martavius Jones we, as a city, see no benefit from that…Rental rates have gone up and we’ve not done anything to address the affordable housing crisis we have here in the city,” said Jones. In his last six months in office, Strickland’s budget is a $42 million increase over this year’s. It did not include a tax increase. As in past years, most additional funding is devoted to the Memphis Police and Fire Departments. Both departments will receive an additional 14 percent for base salaries and nine percent toward retention bonuses. Voting against the tax increase were councilmembers Worth Morgan, Rhonda Logan, Frank Colvett, Patrice J. Robinson, Jana Swearengen-Washington, Edmund Ford Sr., Michalyn Easter-Thomas, Ford Canale, Jeff Warren, and Carlisle. Vice Chair JB Smiley Jr. and Jones voted in favor. Chey-

June 29 - July 5, 2023

Page 2

NEWS

candidate pool. Hazard Young updated a proposed job description for the role, this time including minimum qualifications required by board policy that the firm did not use for evaluating candidates in the spring, as Chalkbeat reported. When she became a finalist in April, Williams did not meet the board requirements, which focused on experience as an educator, but the board later relaxed the policy. Williams could return to district role Williams said that under her extended contract, she has the option to return to a district role after her interim tenure. Because the contract is still being finalized, Morris said, there was no copy to review Tuesday evening. Morris, who also worked for the board to negotiate the terms of Ray’s departure, thanked Williams “for her openness and willingness to agree” during the negotiations. Williams will continue earning a $310,000 annualized salary and will have more vacation days under the extended contract. Williams told reporters she had no regrets about applying for the permanent position. “Regrets on serving 110,000 students?” Williams said. “Absolutely not.” (Laura Testino covers Memphis-Shelby County Schools for Chalkbeat Tennessee. Reach Laura at LTestino@ chalkbeat.org.)

enne Johnson abstained. The move to redraw district lines, meanwhile, is an effort to correct an error made during last year’s District 4 special election. Those boundaries included areas that had been de-annexed by the city. Council members voted 8-4 to move a precinct located in the northeast section of District 5 to nearby District 2. The change provides Memphis’ seven single-member districts close to parity in population. Only precinct 13-01, with its 7,700 residents, is affected. Its polling place is Berclair Elementary School. The district lines are now set for the upcoming city elections in October. Candidates are currently pulling petitions for all 13 council seats. Voting in favor were Morgan, Ford, Johnson, Canale, Smiley, Warren, Swearengen-Washington, and Carlisle. Members Easter-Thomas, Logan, Robinson, and Jones voted no. Jones called the process for determining the new boundaries “undemocratic.” He was among council members who wanted to see more substantial change, which they said would better reﬂect the community and population shifts over the decades. Cordova residents also lobbied for Cordova-only district. Wade, the council’s attorney, said the massive changes Jones and others wanted had issues, such as racial imbalances, that would have required federal court approval. “It has to be race neutral — only counting human beings, not what color they are,” he said. “Anything else has to go to federal court.” Wade also cited the closeness of the city elections with candidates already pulling petitions to get on the ballot against a July 20 deadline to file with the Election Commission.

COUNTY

CONTINUED FROM FRONT ities at successive regularly scheduled meetings. The $25 annual tax is a scaled down version of Harris’ original $50 proposal presented earlier in the month. The new revenue, $19 million, is expected to cover the debt service on bonds to pay for the initial $350-million cost to rebuild the Regional One campus and new high schools in Frayser and Cordova. The total cost of the new hospital campus is about $750 million. However, long-term funding for other school projects on Harris’ wish list were axed.

Critics have argued that a wheel tax is regressive, as it affects people across the economic spectrum alike, providing they own a vehicle. An alternate proposal by Commissioner Erika Sugarmon to add 30 cents to the property rate died on the vine after a vote to keep the rate at $3.39 per $100 dollar assessed value. It would have sunset in two years. It wasn’t taken up for a vote. “What I presented…would have been $70 million for the first year…$140 (million) total for two years. That would have been more viable,” said Sugarmon before Wednesday’s vote. Commissioner Britney

Thornton, meanwhile, said a property could be a source of additional revenue. “For me, personally, $25 is not a strong enough commitment to our students…In my personal opinion, the commission has not thoroughly vetted the progressive tax option. Thus, I do not feel that all the viable options have been considered,” said Thornton. Going into the budget season, Harris had promised to raise the capital funding without lifting property tax rates. An earlier proposed version of the wheel tax would have doubled the commercial vehicle tax to $160. Other vehicle categories would have risen to $50.

The New Tri-State Defender

June 29 - July 5, 2023

PERSPECTIVE

Page 3

“The situation is extremely volatile. But what we have learnt from investigating and analyzing Wagner in Africa in the past 5 years is that the group is resilient, creative, fearless and predatory, so it is less likely that the Wagner empire will instantly fall like a house of cards.” — Nathalia Dukhan

Malians demonstrate against France and in support of Russia on the 60th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Mali, in Bamako, Mali, Sept. 22, 2020. The Russian mercenary group that brieﬂy rebelled against President Vladimir Putin’s authority has for years been a ruthless force-for-hire across Africa, protecting rulers at the expense of the masses. That dynamic is not expected to change now that the group’s founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has been exiled to Belarus as punishment for the failed rebellion. Neither Russia nor the African leaders dependent on Wagner’s ﬁghters have any interest in ending their relationships. (AP Photo/File)

Failed Wagner revolt leaves a question in Africa: Will the ruthless mercenaries remain? BIRAO, Central African Republic (AP) – The Russian mercenary group that brieﬂy threatened President Vladimir Putin’s authority has for years been a ruthless force-for-hire across Africa, protecting rulers at the expense of the masses. That dynamic is not expected to change now that the group’s founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has been exiled to Belarus as punishment for the failed rebellion. The Wagner Group brutalizes civilians in the Central African Republic, Mali and elsewhere to crush dissent and fend off threats to their leaders’ power. In exchange, Russia gains access to natural resources and ports through which weapons can be shipped, and receives payments that enrich the Kremlin and help it fund operations elsewhere, including the war in Ukraine. Neither Russia nor the African leaders dependent on Wagner’s fighters have any interest in ending those relationships. But many questions linger in the aftermath of Wagner’s stunning revolt, such as who will lead its thousands of fighters stationed across many African nations and whether Moscow will absorb these fighters into the Russian army. “The situation is extremely volatile,” said Nathalia Dukhan, senior investigator at The Sentry, a U.S.-based policy organization that published an investigative report Tuesday accusing Wagner of carrying out various human-rights abuses in African countries. “But what we have learnt from investigating and analyzing Wagner in Africa in the past 5 years is that the group is resilient, creative, fearless and predatory, so it is less likely that the Wagner empire will instantly fall like a house of cards.”

Beyond the financial rewards, Putin has also sought to use Wagner fighters to help expand Russia’s presence in the Middle East and Africa. He seeks out security alliances with autocrats, coup leaders, and others who have been spurned or neglected by the U.S. and Europe, either because of their bloody abuses or because of competing Western strategic interests. Asked whether Wagner’s weekend mutiny could erode Russia’s positions in Africa, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a state-run TV network that security assistance to African countries would continue. He specifically mentioned the Central African Republic and Mali, and noted that Russian government officials have maintained contact with leaders there. Lavrov told RT he has not seen “any sign of panic or any sign of change” in African nations over the revolt against Moscow. But amid the uncertainty, there is at the very least some confusion about what exactly comes next. In Mali, where at least 1,000 Wagner fighters replaced French troops brought in to fight Islamic extremists, the U.S. alleges that the Kremlin uses the country as a way-station for arms shipments to Russian forces in Ukraine. But the Malian govern-

ment has denied using Wagner for any purpose other than training. An officer in the Malian Air Force who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was unauthorized to comment publicly said Russian fighters play an important combat role. “At the moment we don’t have enough pilots, and most of our military aircraft and combat helicopters are ﬂown by Wagner’s men. If Russia asks the Malian government to stop cooperating with Wagner, we’ll be obliged to do so, because we have a greater interest in the Russian government than in Wagner,” the officer said. As part of a deal to end the rebellion, Putin has presented Wagner fighters with three options: either join the Russian military, go to Belarus like Prigozhin, or return home. It was not clear if those options also applied to Wagner fighters in Africa. In the Central African Republic, a statue in the capital, Bangui, pays tribute to Russian mercenaries who have helped keep President Faustin-Archange Touadera in power. Lavrov told RT that hundreds of Russian fighters would remain there. Regardless of who ultimately oversees the Wagner fighters in the Central African Republic, the source of their authority remains clear, said Jordy Christopher, a special adviser to Touadera. “Prigozhin is nothing more than a pawn in the handling of the art of war, moreover he is only the tip of the iceberg,” he said. Wagner operates in roughly 30 countries, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and it faces numerous

human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings. Its fighters are most inﬂuential in African countries where armed conﬂicts have forced leaders to turn to Moscow for help, such as Libya and Sudan. “The African leadership of these countries need them,” said Federica Saini Fasanotti, a senior Fellow at Brookings Institution’s Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology. Still, some experts said the revolt against the Kremlin will force African countries reliant on Wagner to pay closer attention to how they engage with Russia, where Putin faces the gravest threat to his authority since coming to power more than two decades ago. “Developments in Russia will likely render many African countries more cautious in their engagement with Russia moving forward,,” said Ryan Cummings, director of Africa-focused security consulting company Signal Risk. Any unexpected turn of events domestically in Russia poses potential threats to African leaders who have become dependent on its foreign fighters to stay in power, such as those in Mali and the Central African Republic. “Any withdrawal could readily be exploited by non-state groups challenging the authority of the government in these countries,” said Cummings. (This Associated Press story by Jean Fernand Koena, Chinedu Asadu and Zane Irwin. Asadu reported from Abuja, Nigeria. Irwin reported from Dakar, Senegal.)

PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, June 29 - July 5, 2023, Page 4

NEW REPORT: More than 100 U.S. politicians have ancestral ties to slavery by Candace McDufﬁe theroot.com

A Reuters investigation published Tuesday revealed that numerous U.S. leaders – those who are inﬂuential in policies related to race – have ancestral ties to slavery. More specifically, it named the politicians who directly descend from slaveholders. The piece discovered that a fifth of United States congressmen, Supreme Court justices, governors and living presidents are direct descendants of ancestors who kept Black people as slaves. In addition, 28 members of the last Senate can trace their families to at least one slaveholder. This includes Republicans Mitch McConnell, Tom Cotton and Lindsey Graham. The same is true of Democrats Elizabeth Warren, Maggie Hassan and Tammy Duckworth. Also, President Joe Biden and every living former U.S. president (with the exception of Donald Trump) are also direct descendants of slaveholders. The ancestors of Trump came

Amy Coney Barrett is one of the two current U.S. Supreme Court justices with ancestors who enslaved people. The other is Neil Gorsuch. (US Supreme Court ofﬁcial portrait) to America after slavery was abolished. George W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama (through his mother’s white side) are also descendants of slaveholders. Two of the nine current U.S. Supreme Court justices – Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett – also have direct ancestors who enslaved people. Reuters also found that in 2022, 11 of the 50 United States governors were descendants of

Henry Louis Gates Jr.: “We do not inherit guilt for our ancestors’ actions.” slaveholders. This total includes eight chief executives of the 11 states that were known as the Confederate States of America. Two of whom are going after the Republican nomination for president: Asa Hutchinson (former Arkansas governor) and Doug Burgum (North Dakota governor). Founder of The Root, Henry Louis Gates Jr., explained the significance of this information. The host of PBS’ “Finding Your

Roots” stated that the report is “not another chapter in the blame game. We do not inherit guilt for our ancestors’ actions.” He added: “It’s just to say: Look at how closely linked we are to the institution of slavery, and how it informed the lives of the ancestors of people who represent us in the United States Congress today. This is a learning opportunity for each individual. It is also a learning opportunity for

President Joe Biden and every living former U.S. president (with the exception of Donald Trump) are also direct descendants of slaveholders. (Photo: whitehouse.gov) their constituency … and for the American people as a whole.” Journalists for Reuters reviewed U.S. Census records, tax documents, newspaper accounts, estate records and birth and death certificates. The research was then examined by board-certified genealogists. The Reuters research was then vetted by board-certified genealogists to trace the politicians and their ancestors’ ties to slavery.

States are underfunding land-grant HBCUs, but what can we do about it? by David A. Love Thegriot.com

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are severely underfunded and lacking in resources compared to their white counterparts. HBCUs find themselves in a paradox as they experience historic increases in enrollment, yet as their predominantly white counterparts enjoy multibillion-dollar endowments and vast resources – billions of dollars in some cases – HBCUs are financially depleted and under-resourced with only millions. A prime example of HBCU underfunding is among the nation’s land-grant institutions, which Congress established with the Morrill Acts of 1862 and David 1890. The fedA. Love eral government allocated federal land to the states to fund and endow land-grant colleges. Looking at the reason for the resource disparity between predominantly white institutions (PWIs) and the 19 HBCUs that are land-grant institutions, it all comes down to a racial funding gap. Some would call it theft, as in the theft of billions of dollars in federal and state government money to Black institutions. This is systemic racism 150 years in the making – complete with receipts.

Land-grant HBCUs have been shorted billions in funding compared to their white counterparts. But the renewal of the farm bill this year could address those shortages — and advocacy from the Black community can help make sure it happens. And this is why so many land-grant HBCUs are struggling. But the federal farm bill could change all that. In 1862, the Morrill Land Grant College Act, named after Senator Justin Morrill of Vermont – provided each state with 30,000 acres of public land and funded a system of public colleges and universities – both brand new and existing colleges – to “benefit the agricultural and mechanical arts.” These institutions received land and money for their “endowment, support and maintenance.” Some examples of these land-grant institutions are Clemson, Cornell, Iowa State, MIT, the University of Missouri, Nebraska, Rutgers, Washington State and the University of Wisconsin. This was the federal government’s first foray into funding higher education. However, in 1890 a Morrill Act 2.0 was necessary to incorporate Black people. “What was not anticipated by … Morrill was that some states would establish these land grants and deny admission to African Americans,” Tennessee State Rep. Harold Love, Jr. told theGrio. Rep. Love noted that as the country sought to deal

with a defeated South after the Civil War, a second Morrill Act would look exactly like the first, with the exception that states would be prohibited from denying admission to a university based on race. The 1890 Morrill Act gave birth to 19 HBCUs: Alabama A&M, Alcorn State, Central State, Delaware State, FAMU, Fort Valley State, Kentucky State, Langston, North Carolina A&T, Prairie View A&M, South Carolina State, Southern, Tennessee State, Tuskegee (the only private land-grant HBCU), University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Virginia State and West Virginia State. And while states are required to match every dollar the federal government paid to these Black land-grant universities, some states refused to follow the one-to-one match formula and have underfunded these HBCUs for years. In some years, these schools received no state funding. And without matching state funding, these colleges could lose their federal funding unless they receive a waiver from the federal government. Meanwhile, states consistently meet the one-to-one funding requirements for predominantly white 1862 land-grant colleges and often exceed them, even as they defund 1890 HBCUs in the same state. State Rep. Love – taking the mantle from the work of his father decades earlier in addressing the unequal funding of Tennessee State University – got the data and learned that over the years, the HBCU had been underfunded by $544 million since

1957, forcing Tennessee State to forgo building maintenance for 20 years, creating more problems. “That was $544 million that could have gone to the Rep. Harold endowment, Love Jr. t e a c h e r s ’ s a l a r i e s , scholarships. It could have gone to a lot of things,” Love said. “It’s a situation where you know something’s there, but you just can’t put your finger on it,” the Nashville lawmaker added. “Folks wouldn’t know because it’s like being sick. You don’t feel well but you can’t pinpoint what it is. What we’re doing now is diagnosing and pinpointing so they can find a cure.” According to a 2022 Forbes investigation, the land-grant HBCUs are owed a minimum of $12.8 billion over the past three decades, with a minimum of $1.9 billion for TSU, which includes opportunity costs. These institutions suffer from a lack of investment from private industry as well. This funding gap has real implications for HBCUs as they seek to rise in the ranks among research universities, top-tier institutions that require large endowments and Ph.D. faculties, notes Dr. Mortimer H. Neufville, CEO and president of the 1890 Universities Foundation. According to State Rep. Love, the disparities are “baked into the sys-

tem” and put in place from the start. “This is where we have to educate our colleagues and those who may think we are screaming racism all the time. When you start legislating that there is going to be inequity, you have to have a critical moment to occur for it to be changed.” Love believes the public will have opportunities to talk to legislators about next steps. “It has to start with a conversation. I was blessed that I had a blueprint from my father and took it a step further,” he said, offering a toolkit for other HBCUs to use as they attempt to reclaim the resources they were denied. There is hope, as the state of Maryland settled with its four HBCUs for $577 million following a 15-year lawsuit alleging the institutions were inequitably resourced. And TSU is receiving $250 million to revitalize its campus infrastructure. Meanwhile, the 2018 farm bill – the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, which secured resources for the land-grant Black colleges and universities with $40 million for scholarships – is set to expire this year. The legislation is the primary federal tool for funding land grant institutions, including the land-grant HBCUs. Neufville believes a renewed farm bill later this year is key to addressing the underfunding of the 1890 institutions. (David A. Love is a journalist and commentator and an instructor at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information. For more information, davidalove.com.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

June 29 - July 5, 2023

Page 5

RELIGION

‘Reclaiming the Narrative:’

Reﬂections from the 2023 Black Religion, Spirituality, and Culture Conference what we wanted to bring: All of these different stories matter, and they’re valid, so we just wanted to uplift.

by Cecily Powell Tolleson (hds.Harvard.edu/news)

This past February marked the seventh annual Harvard Divinity School Black Religion, Spirituality, and Culture Conference. Spanning two days, the conference was led by HDS Harambee: Students of African descent. HDS students and faculty joined with people from across the University and broader Boston community to interrogate the question of what it means “to be faithful, hopeful, prophetic, and undaunted in sustaining, and drawing from, our ancestral legacies and deep wells of transnational Black liberation struggles.” BRSCC co-chair Kenashia Thompson, Harambee president Byron Jones II, and Harambee treasurer Tracey Robertson Carter sat down with HDS student Cecily Powell Tolleson to discuss this year’s conference. Responses have been edited and condensed for length and clarity.

Powell Tolleson: Outside of funding for conferences, what other roles can institutions like HDS play in addressing challenges facing the Black church and Black spirituality?

From “The Black Gaze: Arts, Environment and Technology,” Arsimmer McCoy, a Mother, a griot, creative, and writer for the award-winning ﬁlm, “You Can Always Come Home.” (Photo: Danielle Daphne Ang)

Thompson: I would also say, as Byron alluded to, making sure there are courses in Africana studies, not just Black church studies, and then making sure there are Black professors who are teaching these courses. HDS needs to have more Black professors who are experts in these fields to help continue developing the students who come through.

Cecily Powell Tolleson: What motivated you in selecting this year’s theme, and what did you want to accomplish through it? Kenashia Thompson: We wanted to tackle the question: What does spirituality and religious life look like in various professions? That’s why we had an economist as the keynote speaker, as opposed to a traditional religious scholar. We also explored spirituality through public leadership and through the lens of Black creatives, so we had various art professionals and leaders in that realm. Finally, we explored spirituality through the Black church, because we know the Black church has been a driving vehicle for storytelling in the Black community since its inception, especially during the Civil Rights movement. …

Aliyah Collins, MDiv ‘23, Social Engagement Chair, Harambee; Kenashia Thompson, MDiv ‘23, Co-chair, BRSCC; Byron Jones II, MDiv ‘23, President, Harambee; John P. Brown, 2023 SANKOFA Award Recipient and Practitioner in Residence in Religion, Business Ethics, and the Economic Order at HDS; Tracey Robertson Carter, special student, Treasurer, Harambee; and Ahmaad Edmund, MDiv ‘24, Vice President, Harambee. (Photo: Kristie Welsh) still very much a culture of white, eurocen-

Tracey Robertson: … We’re in different times, and people come to the work of reparative justice in many ways – whether it be activism or sharing knowledge or engaging in deep conversation. We thought that sitting in a circle – our panelists engaged in the circle – harkens back to African rituals around meeting and connecting. … Powell Tolleson: …(What) do you hope will be the impact of this conference to the field of religious studies specifically? Byron Jones II: For so long, our narrative has been told by other people, and we wanted to reclaim that narrative. We want to make sure that HDS and the broader Harvard ecosystem hear and validate our stories. Everybody comes from a different background, different cultures, different ethnic groups. We need to have a space that tells the story of how we got here through some struggle, the adversity we had to face, as well as how we’ve overcome them. It’s important that HDS provides a space to let each person tell their narrative before we assume and give stereotypes to people.

Jones: It’s complicated for HDS because we are a pluralistic, non-sectarian community, but it’s hard to find courses that we can take around Black churches in the history and social movements as it relates to institutions for the Black community (“institution” referring to the organizational makeup of the church). I would love to see maybe a program or course guide of Black church studies and seeing how they operate across AfricanAmerican religious experiences. The Black church can be incumbent of many different faiths.

Powell Tolleson: And now that the conference is over, how is the mission of the conference going to find new life going forward, or how do you all hope? And what key points do you hope that attendees took away? Jones: We hope to have it continue to be a recurring event that happens in the life of HDS. … We hope the participants left with a new zeal to tell their story, even if it might go against the traditional narrative we grew up hearing in the media. In this day in age, you have misinformation. How can our stories speak to those things and center ourselves in this culture that tries to write about the Black voice while silencing the Black voice? Whether it be through art, the church, activism, public leadership, or whatever it may be, you have a story to tell, and you should tell your story in that area to connect with people. Thompson: Another thing we were trying to be intentional about is that inward call, inward challenge, to action. Dean Melissa Bartholomew’s presentation was at the beginning on Friday, and she called for participants to do an emotional excavation.

From “The Spiritual Lives of Public Leaders: Going Back to Our Roots,” featuring the Rev. Erica Williams, MRPL ‘22, and Phillip Agnew, Co-Director, Black Men Build. (Photo: Kristie Welsh) Thompson: … even though HDS professes to be a pluralistic community, there’s

tric, heteronormative, Protestant Christianity prevalent at the Divinity School. That’s

Robertson: It was about releasing any of those fears that would hinder us from moving forward, and doing what she calls the “heart” work that undergirds the Harvard Legacy of Slavery report and healing work. It was an emotional excavation – putting it on paper and letting it go away.

The New Tri-State Defender, June 29 - July 5, 2023, Page 6

BLACK MUSIC MONTH – Part 4:

Sensational Barnes Brothers - Chris Barnes (left ) and Courtney Barnes. (Courtesy photos)

Two bands, four brothers

by Candace A. Gray

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

As our Black Music Month series ends, a few themes have emerged: • Memphis music is heaven sent and defies genres. • All who sing and/or perform it are a rare breed. • The connection it begets keeps everyone coming back for more. These themes ran true throughout the sit-down with two amazing Memphis bands – the Sensational Barnes Brothers (Chris and Courtney Barnes) and Black Cream (Chris Barnes, Derek Brassel Jr., and Thomas “T.O.” Crivens), who are separate, but also one in the same. (Keep reading…) In a true “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” conundrum, neither band could pinpoint exactly when they started. But they all were clear on what comes next – the quest for success. “We’ve always sang,” said Courtney Barnes, the youngest Barnes brother. “But Bruce thought it would be a good idea to do a record.” The brothers Barnes hail from a musical family, led by their late father, Calvin “Duke” Barnes and their mother, Deborah Gleese Barnes, who sang background for Ray Charles. No strangers to recording, the brothers recorded an album with their family in 2015, “Family Tree,” and lent their vocals in studio sessions for other artists at Delta-Sonic Sound Studio, owned by producer Bruce Watson. In 2018, Watson decided to record an album, “Nobody’s Fault but My Own,” featuring the duo on his newest label, Bible and Tire/Fat Possum Records. Watson wanted to revive and put a fresh take on traditional Gospel music. Chris Barnes added, “It was really an experiment. We were just trying something!” And boy did it work out.” The Sensational Barnes Brothers are embarking on a national summer tour to promote their debut album, playing festivals like High Sierra. And who are they taking along for part of the ride? Black Cream, of course. Is it normal for Memphis bands to comingle? Absolutely. Black Cream (BC) eased onto the scene in 2017 – maybe. “It just kind of happened organically, and it was perfect timing,” said T.O., BC’s lead guitar player. “We started by just getting together to play and vibe together.” At that time, Courtney Barnes was a member and after months of “vibing out” at Chris’ house, the group decided to augment with more vocals and Chris joined, making it a four-piece. “A lot has happened in six years,” said Derek Brassel, Jr., bass player for Black Cream. “We’ve been blessed to have a buzz that has propelled us, even without an album.”

Black Cream (l-r): Thomas “T.O.” Crivens, Chris Barnes and Derek Brassel Jr. The group, now an offi“The ultimate cial LLC, put out a single, goal is to not have “All I Need is You,” in 2019 and plans to release a full reto teeter-totter this year. between music cord “We have some short and a day job. I’ve and long-term goals we’re worked many jobs working on,” said T.O. “We have a vision and we’re and worn many going to accomplish those hats as necessary, goals. And with the constant I think we’re on the but I want music support, right track.” to be the thing Chris Barnes, now the drummer and lead singer that sustains and for Black Cream, attributes provides” some of their success to the — Chris Barnes band’s unique sound.

“The power trio – as some call us – we put out a lot of power, but we finesse and smooth it over, and navigate musical lanes seamlessly,” said Barnes. “There’s an authenticity to the sound we produce…” Brassel, Jr., added, “Our different inﬂuences collectively come together and morph into something beautiful. We’ve got a big sound but it’s just three of us.”

The group agrees that success also looks like longevity in the music business. “The ultimate goal is to not have to teeter-totter between music and a day job. I’ve worked many jobs and worn many hats as necessary, but I want music to be the thing that sustains and provides,” said Barnes. Bassel, Jr., who also teaches at STAX Academy, added, “The pandemic hit musicians hard – everyone felt it. We all worked day jobs, for sure. But you do it. We do it out of necessity.” T.O. chimed in, “When we started this group, we were already grown with families, responsibilities. Our fathers instilled in us characteristics of manhood that have helped us, even as band members. I’m grateful to have a day job as the executive director of Beale Street Foundation that also fuels my passion for music.” The unity and love for music among the men is inspiring. “The way our music touches people, it’s a different experience – you can’t help but feel that deep connection. That inspires us to keep going, even when we’re running low,” said Brassel, Jr. Black Cream will play with the Sensational Barnes Brothers on their summer tour, on June 30 at The Pocket, and as part of “901 Day” festivities Sept. 1.

The New Tri-State Defender

June 29 - July 5, 2023

ENTERTAINMENT

In ‘The Talk,’ a ‘threat’ starts at the beginning and never lets up by Terri Schlichenmeyer

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Someone who was older than you taught you to tie your shoes. An elder showed you around a kitchen, a car, a workplace, a classroom, and the inside of a library. A lot of what you know has thoughtfully come from someone with years – which might make you wonder, as in the new book, “The Talk” by Darrin Bell, why weren’t you taught the most important lessons of all? It was 1981 and little Darrin Bell wanted nothing more than a squirt gun. It seemed like everyone had a squirt gun, but the one Darrin’s mother bought him was lime green, not black like a real gun. She tried to tell him why his was green, but he didn’t understand. He only knew that his mother must never find out that a policeman took his squirt gun away. Once he was old enough, Darrin attended a school where he was one of a small handful of biracial students. White kids teased him because his dad was Black. Black kids teased him because his mom was white. He wanted to know what to do so he asked his father, who was good at knowing all the answers but this was one time when Dad had nothing. He could only say that “a White boy’s words never made me run for my life.” Soon afterward, Darrin’s dad left the family home and Darrin’s mom became super-protective. She made a scene many times over racism, in and out of school. Still, Darrin learned to get by, he found a tribe, found a girlfriend, and learned what

it felt like to stand up for himself. As an adult, his comic strip and political cartoons were picked up by national and local newspapers and news outlets. He won a Pulitzer Prize for his work, and he started a family. Darrin But on a sunny afBell ternoon, as his son helped him with some gardening tools, Bell saw the past, and he saw the future. He saw that it was time for people to stop lying... Looking for a good biography with a bit of edge? Here: hovering over every panel of artwork and action inside “The Talk,” there’s a threat. It starts at the beginning and never lets up. Author Darrin Bell doesn’t voice that threat until several pages into his story, but it’s there and readers won’t be able to ignore it. Racism is subtle in the opening pages of his book, and it taints the innocence of play. From there, the threat increases and readers are made to squirm as Bell grows up through his art; we see his charming awkwardness and his maturing – but still, that threat. By the end, we know how Bell perceives it, too, which is one of the more powerful ways of ending a book that you’ll ever see. This story is great for readers, especially male readers ages 16 to 30, but also for parents of any young Black child, not just boys. Give “The Talk” to an older kid. Give it to an elder.

“The Talk” by Darrin Bell c. 2023, Henry Holt and Company $29.99 352 pages

Page 7

The New Tri-State Defender

June 29 - July 5, 2023

Page 8

NEWS

Ralph Yarl breaks his silence months after being shot for knocking on the wrong door by Kalyn Womack theroot.com

Ralph Yarl, the 16-year-old boy who was shot and injured after knocking on the wrong front door, has spoken out for the first time since the incident. In an interview with ABC’s “Good Morning America,” he gave chilling details of the events the night of April 13. Yarl was going to pick up his 11-year-old twin brothers when he accidentally confused the address for that of 84-year-old Andrew Lester. Yarl told GMA he walked up the driveway, walked up the steps and rang the doorbell noticing three security cameras. Yarl said he wasn’t familiar with the friends his siblings were in the company of so he thought, “maybe this is their house.” The teen recalled waiting a while on the porch and then suddenly hearing the door open and seeing Lester appear in the doorway. He assumed Lester was the friends’ grandfather, still thinking his brothers were inside the house. However, before he could clarify, things took a drastic turn. “And then he pulls out his gun and

I’m like, ‘Whoa,’ so I back up. He points it at me. So I kind of like brace [myself] and I turn my head. Before that, I’m thinking, ‘There’s no way he’s actually going to shoot right? The door isn’t even open. He’s going to shoot through his glass door, glass is going to get everywhere,’” he said. “Then, it happened.” Read more from ABC News: Yarl told Roberts that after he was shot, he was bleeding from his head and was surprised that he was as “alert” as he was. He said that his “instincts took over” and he went looking for help, but according to Yarl, he had to approach multiple homes after the first house he approached declined to help him and locked the door. “So then I go to the next house across the street. No one answers. And the house to the right of that house, I go there and someone opens the door and tells me to wait for the police,” he said. Yarl’s mother, Cleo Nagbe, told Roberts that after her son didn’t return from picking up his siblings, she was worried and drove around looking for him. Shortly after, she

(Screenshot ABC News) said she received a phone call from police, telling her that Ralph was shot so she headed straight to the hospital. The last words Yarl heard before the trigger was pulled was, “Don’t come here ever again.” Since the incident, the report

says Yarl has been in therapy recovering from the mental trauma of the incident. Though he and his family relocated, they still receive letters of support from strangers all around the country. As for justice, Yarl said Lester

should be convicted for the crime he committed. The old man was charged with one count of felony assault in the first degree and one count of armed criminal action. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug 31.

Federal judges in Kentucky and Tennessee block portions of transgender youth care bans

“We are pleased with the judge’s decision, and it’s been a long time coming,” NNPA General Counsel Attorney A. Scott Bolden stated. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

NNPA wins in four-year internal voting rights civil cases

NNPA Newswire In a definitive and consequential ruling, the Honorable Ebony Scott in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Civil Division, issued on May 10, 2023, a factual “Summary Judgment” in favor of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). Today, in an official notice sent out to each member publisher of the NNPA, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr, President, and CEO of the NNPA, confirmed, “In the matters of Dorothy R. Leavell v. NNPA, Amelia Ashley-Ward v. NNPA, and Carol Geary v. NNPA, the courts in the District of Columbia have now ruled in favor of the NNPA.” The NNPA is the national trade association of the Black Press of America representing over 240 African American-owned newspapers and multimedia companies throughout the United States. Chavis resoundingly attested, “Finally, after four years of extended and financially costly, frivolous lawsuits against the NNPA, we have good news for the NNPA upon winning these significant legal victories.” Chavis concluded, “The NNPA will continue to work diligently to ensure that the voting rights of all our member publishers are protected from any future effort to subvert the overall interests of the membership of the NNPA.” Leavell, Ashley-Ward, and Geary who are members of the NNPA, disagreed with the outcome of the 2019 NNPA national elections

and sued the NNPA, in part, to contest the results of the 2019 NNPA Board Elections. In 2019, the membership of the NNPA duly elected Karen Carter Richards, publisher of the Houston Forward Times, as the new NNPA Chair. Leavell was defeated by Richards for Chair of the NNPA. “As much as I would like to say that I’m excited about this ruling I’m not [because] this should have never happened to our esteemed organization or the wonderful publishers who make up this important entity,” Richards stated. “This entire ordeal has been a stain on this organization, led by three individuals who refused to accept the will of the qualified vote of our publishers.” Richards continued: “Not only did we have to fight through the COVID-19 pandemic and other changes in the market, but we also had to fight against the frivolous actions of three of our member publishers. “Now, thankfully after four years, we can put this unjustified action behind us and move forward for the betterment of our organization and continue to do what’s right for the NNPA.” During the past four years, however, the NNPA continued to make substantial progress even in the face of the continued civil litigation. “We are pleased with the judge’s decision, and it’s been a long time coming,” NNPA General Counsel Attorney A. Scott Bolden stated. “There was never any substance to the plaintiffs’ allegations. Unfortunately, it took

four years and a lot of legal expenses to prove that there was nothing there.” Bolden said Judge Scott also issued a separate order of sanctions – the second during the case – “for some of the conduct of the plaintiffs and their counsel.” “This isn’t the first time the plaintiffs and their lawyers were sanctioned,” Bolden asserted. “It is fortunate that we were able to emerge victorious.” Bolden said many lessons were learned about how the lawsuit was brought and how the plaintiffs and prior judges handled it. “Going forward, we’re looking forward to working with NNPA members and the board members to prevent any future lawsuits against the organization by amending the NNPA Bylaws to ensure that any disputes will require mediation or arbitration,” Bolden said. He said the two avenues are far less expensive than civil litigation. Bolden also noted that Carole Geary, publisher of the Milwaukee Courier, lost her lawsuit against the NNPA in 2022, appealed the defeat, and lost again. “Thanks to our outstanding legal team, our leadership, and Dr. Benjamin Chavis, our president/CEO for pressing forward as we endured such an unfortunate and costly situation,” Richards added. The NNPA is now preparing to celebrate the 196th Year Anniversary of the Black Press of America at its 2023 Annual National Convention in Nashville, TN, June 28-July 1, 2023.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Federal judges in Kentucky and Tennessee temporarily blocked bans on gender-affirming care for transgender youth, handing down the rulings just days before the statutes were set to go into effect. The ruling is similar to roadblocks that federal courts have thrown up against Republican-dominant states in their pursuit to prevent young people from receiving transgender health care. In both Kentucky and Tennessee, the judges blocked portions of the law that would have banned transgender youth from accessing puberty blockers and hormone therapy. In the Tennessee case, the judge stopped short of also blocking the ban gender-affirming surgeries for youth. Meanwhile, the Kentucky case didn’t address surgeries, but U.S. District Judge David Hale did side with seven transgender minors and their parents, who sued the state officials responsible for enforcing the provisions banning the use of puberty blockers and hormones. The plaintiffs contend the ban would violate their constitutional rights and interfere with parental rights to seek established medical treatment for their children. The ruling blocked the “most egregious parts of Kentucky’s anti-trans law,” said Chris Hartman, executive director of the Fairness Campaign, a Kentucky-based LGBTQ+ advocacy group. In Tennessee, U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson stressed that his ruling lined up with federal decisions blocking similar bans across the country but added he must “tread carefully” preventing a law from being enforced. “If Tennessee wishes to regulate access to certain medical procedures, it must do so in a manner that does not infringe on the rights conferred by the United States Constitution, which is of course supreme to all other laws of the land,” Richardson wrote. (By Bruce schreiner, Dylan Lovan and Kimberlee Kruesi, who reported from Nashville.)

The New Tri-State Defender

LOSB Vendor Opportunity Summit Correctional Services, LLC is bidding to provide Food services for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at the Main Jail, Jail East, and Youth Justice Center. There will be a variety of opportunities for Summit to work with (LOSB) Locally Owned Small Business Vendors to provide the following if Summit is awarded the contract: Food products, Paper & cleaning supplies, and office supplies. This is in response to RFP #23-001-34A. If there is an interested vendor and is certified by Shelby County, TN, please email: Steve.morrow@ summitfoodservice.com with a subject line: Summit Shelby Vendor. Responses are due no later than June 29th by close of business. Please be advised that there is no guarantee that responding will receive business and all vendors will be evaluated equally. All potential suppliers must meet Summit’s purchasing standards for Quality and Competitiveness.

PUBLIC NOTICE THE MEMPHIS URBAN AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION In compliance with federal regulations 23 CFR 450, the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will hold public engagement events to provide the public the opportunity to comment on the draft MOVING TOGETHER: 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). The events will be held during the 30-day public review and comment period, from June 30-July 31, 2023, for the draft MOVING TOGETHER: 2050 RTP. These documents will be made available for review from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM Monday through Friday in the offices of the Memphis MPO located at 125 N. Main Street, Room 450, Memphis, TN 38103, and online at: memphismpo.org. The English language copies and the Spanish language summaries are also available for public review in the library systems of Shelby, Fayette, DeSoto, and Marshall counties. Comments may be submitted to Pragati Srivastava, Memphis MPO, 125 N. Main Street, Room 450, Memphis, TN 38103 or via email at Pragati. Srivastava@memphistn.gov. The following event dates, times, and locations have been confirmed: Thursday, July 13, 2023 Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM Germantown Farmer’s Market C.O. Franklin Park 7725 Poplar Pike Germantown, TN, 38138 Thursday, July 13, 2023 10:00 AM - Noon South Memphis Farmers Market 1400 Mississippi Boulevard Memphis, TN 38106 Saturday, July 15, 2023 10:00 AM - Noon Hernando Farmers Market 2535 Highway 51 South Hernando, MS 38632 Saturday, July 15, 2023 10:00 AM - Noon Memphis Farmers Market 566 South Front Street Memphis, TN 38103 The MPO is awaiting confirmation, but is tentatively planning to hold public engagement events during the following dates and times, and at the following locations: Friday, July 14, 2023 9:00-11:00 AM Memphis Agricenter 7777 Walnut Grove Road Memphis, TN 38120 Saturday, July 15, 2023 10:00 AM - Noon Bartlett Station Farmers Market 2969 Elmore Park Road Bartlett, TN 38134 Attendees will be afforded the opportunity to comment on the information presented at the events. Any comments provided at the events should be applicable to the information presented and should be provided in a respectful manner. Please note

that additional engagement opportunities may be considered. In the case of an emergency or other unforeseen circumstances, the public engagement opportunities listed above could change with limited or no notice and will be shared on the MPO’s website: memphismpo.org. It is the policy of the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) not to exclude, deny, or discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, immigration status, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, veteran status, familial or marital status, disability, medical or genetic condition, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law in its hiring or employment practices, or in its admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. For any and all inquiries regarding the application of this accessibility statement and related policies, please contact Nick Warren, at 901-636-7146 or Nick. Warren@memphistn.gov. If you need assistance participating in this meeting or reviewing these documents, please contact the MPO Ofﬁce at 901-636-7190 and provide at least ﬁve (5) days notice. This notice is funded (in part) under an agreement with the State of TN and MS, Departments of Transportation.

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT 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: Melanie Garcia Tax Parcel #: 08303500000240 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $45,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 11:30 a.m. on July 28, 2023, 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 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 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: Melanie Garcia Tax Parcel #: 06203900000270 Tax Sale #: 1801 Price Offered: $6,500.00 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 11:00 a.m. on July 28, 2023, 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 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

June 29 - July 5, 2023

Page 9

CLASSIFIEDS NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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:

Williams Realty &amp; Investments LLC Tax Parcel #: 08202300000270 Tax Sale #: 1901 Price Offered: $7,000.00 Terms: Cash

Williams Realty &amp; Investments LLC Tax Parcel #: 07614000000100 Tax Sale #: 1703 Price Offered: $11,000.00 Terms: Cash

Williams Realty &amp; Investments LLC Tax Parcel #: 07514600000220 Tax Sale #: 1901 Price Offered: $8,800.00 Terms: Cash

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:30 p.m. on July 27, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 11:30 a.m. on July 27, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on July 27, 2023, 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 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

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:

Williams Realty &amp; Investments LLC Tax Parcel #: 07614100000070 Tax Sale #: 1801 Price Offered: $11,000.00 Terms: Cash

Williams Realty &amp; Investments LLC Tax Parcel #: 07513300000110 Tax Sale #: 1901 Price Offered: $8,500.00 Terms: Cash

Williams Realty &amp; Investments LLC Tax Parcel #: 07510800000830 Tax Sale #: 1803 Price Offered: $7,700.00 Terms: Cash

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:00 p.m. on July 27, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 11:00 a.m. on July 27, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:30 a.m. on July 27, 2023, 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 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

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:

Melanie Garcia Tax Parcel #: 08302800000170 Tax Sale #: 1701 Price Offered: $5,400.00 Terms: Cash

Williams Realty &amp; Investments LLC Tax Parcel #: 07613400000100 Tax Sale #: 1901 Price Offered: $9,500.00 Terms: Cash

Williams Realty &amp; Investments LLC Tax Parcel #: 07514500000080 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $8,600.00 Terms: Cash

Ken Miller Tax Parcel #: 07601300001660 Tax Sale #: 1802 Price Offered: $3,100.00 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 9:00 a.m. on July 28, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 12:00 p.m. on July 27, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on July 27, 2023, 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 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

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: Melanie Garcia Tax Parcel #: 08302600000130 Tax Sale #: 1803 Price Offered: $8,600.00 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 July 28, 2023, 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 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 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: Melanie Garcia Tax Parcel #: 04306700000070 Tax Sale #: 1804 Price Offered: $6,160.00 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 28, 2023, 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 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 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:

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:00 a.m. on July 27, 2023, 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 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

SPORTS

The New Tri-State Defender, June 29 - July 5, 2023, Page 10

Marcus Smart, who is used to guarding Ja Morant, will switch uniforms (and hair color) and join Morant and the Grizzlies this upcoming season. (Photo: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender)

Catching up with the Grizzlies be as good or better.

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The Memphis Grizzlies have slowly developed their roster for the upcoming season. Reserve point guard Tyus Jones, who has filled in admirably during Ja Morant’s absences for injuries and suspension, has been traded along with the Grizzlies’ firstround pick in this year’s NBA draft. In return, Memphis gets Marcus Smart, the 29-year-old former Oklahoma State University guard, who has played his nineyear NBA career for the Boston Celtics. The move by the Grizzlies will fill two holes in the team’s roster. Smart can play point guard while Morant serves his league-imposed, 25-game suspension. He also accounts for the departure of Dillion Brooks on the defensive end. Smart was the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) for 2021-22. The Grizzlies now have the last two defensive players of the year on the roster. Strong Forward Jaren Jackson Jr., a firsttime All-Star, is the reigning DPOY. With the addition of Smart, the defense should

in Las Vegas. The team will play in Las Vegas from July 8-14. They will play longer if they make it to the championship round.

Summer hoops The Grizzlies will field teams in the Salt Lake Summer League and the Las Vegas Summer League. David Roddy, Jake LaTerry varia and Kenny LofDavis ton Jr. – familiar faces from last season – will be key members of this summer’s teams. Also on the roster will be GG Jackson II. Memphis drafted Jackson with the 45th pick in the NBA Draft’s second round. He is expected to be on a two-way contract this fall. Jackson, 19, was the youngest person drafted in the most recent draft. He played one year for the University of South Carolina, where he averaged 15.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, teams are allowed to sign three players to two-way contracts. That’s up

Odds and ends

GG Jackson II played on year at the University of South Carolina (Photo: Katy Dugan/Gamecock Central) from two from last year season. The Grizzlies will play in Salt Lake City from July 3-6. They open against the Philadelphia 76ers on July 3 at 6 p.m. (CDT). Memphis will play the Chicago Bulls on July 8 at 6 p.m. (CDT) in the Cox Pavilion

The Grizzlies have exercised the team option for forward Xavier Tillman Sr. for this season. Memphis now has one open roster spot to fill. A big question is the status of Ziaire Williams, the second-year player from Stanford. NBA free agency starts on June 30. It is possible the Grizzlies will do a sign and trade with Brooks and or Williams to fill the open roster spot. The team currently only has the mid-level exception available, around $12 million, to offer a free agent. The open roster spot may be used to address Memphis’ need to improve the team’s three-point percentage. With Luke Kennard playing a full season (after arriving mid-season via a trade) and the addition of Smart, the percentage may rise naturally. The team is looking for Lavaria to be a key player from behind the arch this season.

Tennessee State will become the first HBCU to add ice hockey

NASHVILLE — Tennessee State University announced Wednesday that it will become the first historically Black college and university to introduce ice hockey. The program has been created in partnership with the National Hockey League, the National Hockey League Players’ Association and the Nashville Predators. The announcement was made hours before the start of the NHL draft, which is being held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, the city where TSU is located.

Since 2017, the NHL and the players’ union have sponsored feasibility studies for U.S. colleges and universities interested in exploring the addition of Division I men’s and women’s programs. TSU and the NHL began their study in 2021. It is unclear whether the school will add men’s ice hockey, women’s ice hockey or both. Tennessee State’s addition follows a trend of HBCUs adding sports outside their more traditional offerings of football, men’s and women’s basketball and men’s and women’s track and field.

Earlier this year, The Associated Press contacted 46 Division I and D-II HBCUs and five conference offices about the trend. Twenty schools responded, saying they had added at least 42 NCAA championship or emerging sports since 2016, including at least 32 sports since 2020 alone. In 2022-23, Fisk University became the first HBCU to offer women’s gymnastics. Morgan State will become the only HBCU offering Division I men’s wrestling this coming school year.

Minnesota Wild Hockey Player Ryan Reaves talks with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman before a news conference to announce the formation of the Player Inclusion Coalition on Tuesday (June 27, 2023) in Nashville. The NHL and NHLPA are launching a new inclusion committee made up of current and former men’s and women’s players, with minority LGBTQ+ representation, aimed at diversifying hockey and making the sport more welcoming. (AP Photo: George Walker IV)