The New Tri-State Defender - June 30-July 6, 2022

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June 30 - July 6, 2022

VOL. 71, No. 26

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Supreme Court’s landmark abortion ruling stirs local opposition and support

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Robertson took the helm in 2018 after the chamber’s then-president and CEO Phil Trena-

The U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of the court’s 49-year-old landmark Roe vs. Wade decision, which protected a woman’s right to an abortion, ignited a fire of outraged protests across the country by abortion supporters.

The high court’s reversal was announced June 24.

In Memphis, for example, pink “Hands Off My Body” t-shirts of Memphis protesters lined intersections along Poplar Avenue.

The court’s 6-3 opinion also set in motion “trigger laws” in several states, including Tennessee. Trigger laws are abortion restriction laws passed by state legislatures, which would become effective if Roe were reversed.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed the state’s trigger law in 2019. The measure criminalizes “performing or attempting to perform an abortion,” as early as six weeks, except when pregnancy jeopardizes the mother’s life.

The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals removed the injunction on the trigger law on Tuesday (June 28).

After criminalization of abortion providers became law, Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi (PPTNM) announced that abortion services would halt immediately.

“The six-week abortion ban is enacted when an embryo’s cardiac activity is detected on ultrasound,” PPTNM CEO Ashley Coffield explained. “Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi has made the very difficult decision to suspend all abortion services.”

Coffield said PPRNM, instead, is “navigating care for patients outside of Tennessee and providing logistical for patients who need abortion services.”

Social justice leaders and community activists blasted the high court’s action as “disproportionately hurting the least among us.”

For example, Memphis Branch NAACP Executive Director Vickie Terry, said, “We already knew what was coming in early May when that Supreme Court (abortion-ban draft opinion) was leaked.”

A statement from the National NAACP said: “We feel the fear. We’ve been here before, and there’s no way we’re ever going back. The fight is on.”

Terry also struck a defiant note Tuesday.

“This is not the time for silence. The NAACP has always been at the forefront in the fight against social injustice. Black and poor women are going to be disproportionately affected.

“The state can force women to carry a pregnancy to term, despite any physical, mental, or financial hardship. They want a fight. Well, they’ve got one.”

Although Democrats lay the reversal at the feet of Republicans, not all Republicans feel overturning the law was good.

“I don’t think reversing Roe v. Wade was right, because I don’t think the government should make decisions about a woman’s body,” said community activist and long-

SEE CHAMBER ON PAGE 2

SEE ABORTION ON PAGE 2

Regarding the ramifications of the recent Supreme Court decision re: Roe v. Wade, incumbent D.A. Amy Weirich said, “We follow the law in the district attorney’s office. ... And when the dust settles and we see where we are, we will handle this issue as we do everything else: with the facts, with the evidence, with the law, and always, always, always coupled with justice and coupled with mercy.” (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

DA candidates take stands with their dueling positions in ‘spirited’ debate

by Karanja A. Ajanaku kajanaku@tsdmemphis.com

With Election Day on Aug. 4 and early voting set to begin on July 15, the candidates for Shelby County District Attorney General each think the other is a seriously bad choice for the job.

Incumbent Amy Weirich, the GOP standard-bearer, and attorney Steve Mulroy, who emerged as the Democratic Primary winner, squared off on Monday night during the candidate forum that the Black Clergy Collaborative of Memphis hosted at Saint Andrew A.M.E. Church at 867 S.

Parkway East.

What ensued was a high-stakes, giveand-take exchange that reflected stark differences in positions and disagreement about facts and truth.

“It was spirited. It definitely was spirited,” said Mulroy. “It probably was one of the most spirited debates we’ve had in Shelby County in a while. But I think it’s because there are very, very stark differences between the two candidates and voters are being given a real choice.”

Weirich said it’s important for voters “to understand that our two philosophies about our office and the criminal justice system

are diametrically opposed. He thinks the system is too tough in some regards and I know it is not tough enough.”

Mulroy used his opening statement to say he was tired of Shelby County’s district attorney’s office “being the worst” in multiple ways, naming prosecutorial misconduct, not sharing required evidence, making prejudicial statements to a jury and racially disproportionate outcomes.

“But most of all, we’re worst when it comes to crime,” said Mulroy. “We can do better. We must do better. … vote for

SEE DA ON PAGE 3

Beverly Robertson chooses ‘now’ to move on from Greater Memphis Chamber

by Erica R. Williams

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Beverly Robertson, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Memphis Chamber, knows “when it’s time to say when.”

And for the first Black female president of the 184-year-old organization, that time is now.

Robertson recently announced she would be stepping down from her role as head of the chamber in December to focus on TRUST Marketing, the communications firm she founded with her husband, Howard Robertson.

“I knew that this wouldn’t be a National Civil Rights Museum tenure,” said Robertson, who previously served as the president of the National Civil Rights Museum for 17 years.

Beverly Robertson is moving on from the Greater Memphis Chamber, where she has served as president and chief executive officer since 2018. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender) “But I wanted to get in and get some dynamic and transformative things done at the chamber and put a lot of things in place. I believe that those things are now in place.”

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The New Tri-State Defender

June 30 - July 6, 2022

Page 2

NEWS

CHAMBER

CONTINUED FROM FRONT ry was shot and killed Downtown.

“I’d never thought that this would be an opportunity for me because historically, no Black woman had ever held the position,” she said.

In four years, Robertson has proven she is the woman for the job — her leadership withstanding uncertain times amid the COVID-19 pandemic, national social unrest, and political division.

“This was both a mission and a job for me because I wanted to make sure different voices were heard and different people were brought to the table,” she said. “Now because I have done those things and seeded that foundation. I have done what I came to do. I know when to say when.”

Her list of chamber accomplishments includes stabilizing the chamber’s finances despite the pandemic, weaving ‘prosperity for all’ into its DNA, and leading the creation of the Small Business Resiliency Playbook to help local businesses navigate crises like COVID-19.

In 2021, the Greater Memphis Chamber celebrated the best year in its history for economic development and the best fiscal year ever due to Robertson’s extensive fundraising efforts.

While these are significant accomplishments, Robertson said her proudest moments include the launch of ‘From Protest to Progress’ to bring together businesses, activists, and clergy to solve issues impacting Memphis.

ABORTION

CONTINUED FROM FRONT time Republican Pat Rogers.

Tennessee state Sen. Raumesh Akbari, a Memphis Democrat, said the ruling “set the clock back on women’s constitutional rights five decades.

“Providing an abortion in Tennessee is now a felony,” said Akbari. “And unless women and girls can afford traveling to a state that provides abortions, they will be forced to carry pregnancies to term, even when they are victims of rape or incest. Younger teens are at greater risk…it is

Beverly Robertson (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender) It’s a city that is dear to Robertson, who was born and bred in Orange Mound. She considers her upbringing one that was ‘spiritually rooted,’ crediting her family for laying a solid foundation.

She also acknowledged the educators in her life who were instrumental in her success — their impact extending beyond academics.

“Education was our way up and out,” Robertson said.

“I had parents who anchored me before I got to school, but I had loving educators who instilled those values in me as well.”

Robertson graduated from Melrose High School and then

attended the Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis).

After graduating, she began a career in education before moving to Holiday Inn Worldwide, where she worked for 19 years, eventually becoming acting vice president of marketing communications.

“You know, my father used to always tell me that there is nothing that I couldn’t do,” Robertson recalled. “As a result, I’ve always had high expectations for myself and what I could do.”

The evidence of this belief has been shown in her list of achievements, and the respect garnered along the way.

Ted Townsend, the chamber’s chief economic development officer, who will succeed Robertson after steps down, acknowledged her impact.

“Greater Memphis, the Chamber, and I all owe Beverly a debt of gratitude for the work she has done to put inclusion and diversity at the heart of the chamber’s work,” Townsend said. “Memphis has momentum and it’s about to get even better.”

Robertson, who expressed her confidence in Townsend to lead the organization, agreed that excitement surrounding Memphis is growing, bringing in more people and businesses to propel economic growth.

“You can see the energy in Memphis if you just look at who’s coming and where they are coming from,” Robertson said. “This shows you the capacity, excitement, and enthusiasm of people looking at Memphis and seeing it as an option. The growth of Memphis is here.”

Robertson, who considers it her duty to pour in younger generations of professionals, said it’s time to let them thrive.

“All too often we don’t know when to say when and allow the next generation to get on board and get engaged,” she said.

“We have to prepare them.”

The Greater Memphis Chamber launched a data-cen-

disgraceful.”

Men also weighed in on the decision to reverse Roe v.

Wade.

“Reproductive rights don’t just concern women,” said state Rep. G. A. Hardaway (D-Memphis). “Women have husbands and partners…

Black and poor women will be disproportionately affected.

Their lives will be put at risk when they seek unsafe procedures or are forced to carry a baby to term. Democrats must make this a referendum on Republicans in November.”

Cardell Orrin, executive director of Tennessee Stand for Children, saw the ruling as particularly detrimental to

families.

“This is most definitely a social justice issue. Supreme Court Justices were wrong in not respecting precedent, and they all promised to do so.

Abortion affects fathers, other children in the family, as well as mothers. Legislation should not regulate what a woman does with her body,” Orrin said.

Dr. Rosalyn Nichols, pastor of Freedom’s Chapel Christian Church, vowed to wage a personal war against the blatant arrogance of the Roe vs. Wade reversal. “…As a young woman, I took for granted that the autonomy and agency for my

reproductive health was, and would always be, mine to decide,” said Nichols. “It was for me not a matter of choice, but a matter of liberty…

“As a woman of faith, my fight for the freedom and liberty this country promises, I believe to be the God-given right of every citizen. As strongly as gun advocates fight for the autonomy of their personal right to bear arms, so will I continue to fight for autonomy, as the personal right of women to govern their own bodies…”

Although the reversal stoked widespread anger, not everyone was enraged.

“My reaction when I heard the announcement was ecstat-

ic,” said Anne Frase, a nurse.

“The federal government had no right to make that decision in the first place. I’m a Christian, and I have always attended pro-life churches. The decision on abortion reverts to the states, where it should have been all along...”

Local Republican politician Charlotte Bergmann said her Christian values dictate that reversal was right.

“I am a Christian, and God said in his word that He will not hold a nation guiltless that sheds innocent blood,” said Bergmann. “We must turn from those things which are antithetical to God’s word...”

Pastor Brenda Futch of Life

tric center to aid in career preparation. The center also will seek to make the region more competitive for transformational projects, like Ford’s Blue Oval City, which anticipates bringing more than 6,000 jobs to the West Tennessee area.

The electrical vehicle manufacturing plant will be in Haywood County, about 45 miles east of Downtown.

To fund economic development work that includes career prep, Robertson plans to spend her remaining time at the chamber raising $10 million to $15 million to dedicate to the efforts.

As she leaves behind a legacy of impactful work, the next chapter for the wife and mother of three still will include contributing to the city’s growth, but this time with more flexibility to her schedule and through Trust Marketing, alongside her husband.

Robertson said seeing the city thrive will always be a priority, even if she’s working in a different capacity.

Asked about her love for the city she calls home, Robertson credits its residents.

“The beauty of Memphis is its people. Memphis has the best people in the world, who expect you to do great things.

And when that expectation is there, you can’t help but to live up to it.”

With decades of work through the National Civil Rights Museum and most recently at the Chamber, many who have worked with Robertson or noted her list of contributions would agree that she has done more than live up to the expectations. She has exceeded them.

Changing World OutReach Ministries also believes that the high court will save the lives of children with the ruling.

“God said in his word do not kill,” said Futch. “The Lord told Jeremiah, ‘I knew you in your mother’s womb, which means that God has a plan for a child’s life, even in the womb. Abortion destroys that life. And God said, ‘Do not kill...’”

Now that abortions are severely restricted in Tennessee, the closest state offering abortion services is Illinois.

The New Tri-State Defender

June 30 - July 6, 2022

NEWS

“Did you know that in the modern era, Shelby County has never had a democratic district attorney? That’s what makes this election so special. … It’s about history and it’s about change.” – Steve Mulroy

Page 3

“We fight hard every day for the victims of crime.

And I’m very proud of the innovative approaches and methods that we have created … to keep people from coming back to the system…. “But we have to hold offenders accountable when we’re talking about violent crime.” – Amy Weirich

Tonyaa Weathersbee, columnist for The Commercial Appeal, was the moderator.

(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

DA

CONTINUED FROM FRONT change so that I can help make Shelby County’s streets safer and its justice system fairer.”

Weirich quickly aligned with “the victims of the crime that every day, our office fights for.”

“The statistics that my opponent likes to share about the crime wave are just factually wrong. Crime was going down very well before the pandemic, and we’ve just seen a decline in the last quarter and at the end of last year. So, don’t be fooled by the smoke and mirrors. Look to the truth and look to the facts.”

Tonyaa Weathersbee, a columnist for The Commercial Appeal, served as moderator.

“Wow. That’s some kind of start there, and there’s some gloves off,” she said.

The first topic stemmed from the Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe vs Wade and effectively making the issue of abortion a state matter.

The candidates were asked if they would aggressively prosecute violators of Tennessee law.

“The law in the state of Tennessee says that a district attorney is not allowed to make reckless and careless statements about cases they will and will not prosecute…. So I can’t and I won’t stand here tonight and rattle off a list of offenses that this district attorney will not prosecute,” Weirich said.

“We follow the law in the district attorney’s office. The police department investigates and this issue quite frankly is still very much turbulent and a moving target. And when the dust settles and we see where we are, we will handle this issue as we do everything else: with the facts, with the evidence, with the law, and always, always, always coupled with justice and coupled with mercy.”

As a policy matter, Mulroy said he would “treat things very, very differently from Ms. Weirich. I don’t think the criminal justice system should be used on issues of reproductive choice.

And as a result, I think those kinds of prosecutions would be extremely low priorities….”

The candidates agreed that prosecuting the homeless under the state’s new Equal Access to Public Property Act would be a low priority, but took different routes in making their points.

They then were asked to respond to this question: “In light of the high cost per incarcerated person and the high recidivism rate, is prison the best option for lower-level crimes? If not, what else have we to implement?”

“The prison beds are occupied by repeat offenders, by violent offenders,” said Weirich. “Our office works hard every day to make sure that, in the interest of judicial economy, we are doing our job as it relates to public safety. The individuals who are in prison have killed, raped, robbed, committed violent crime, or have continued to victimize citizens in this community over and over and over

Steve Mulroy hammered away at what he perceived as incumbent Amy Weirich’s shortcomings as district attorney. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/The New Tri-State Defender) again. …”

Mulroy responded with a rhetorical question: “The DAs office never seeks prison sentences for non-violent offenders or for low-level offenders?” He then brought forward the case of local activist Pam Moses, who was prosecuted, convicted and sentenced to six years in jail for voter fraud. Moses subsequently was released after it surfaced that she had been given incorrect information about her voting eligibility.

Weirich said Mulroy was “playing fast and loose with the truth,” emphasizing that her office had not been made aware at trial time of the information regarding what Moses had been incorrectly told.

“Once they shared with us that they had forgotten to give us a piece of that information, I made the decision to be done with the Pamela Moses prosecution. But to stand here and say that we went after her is just absurd.”

From that point to the end, Mulroy and Weirich sparred over multiple questions, points and statements asserted as truth.

“We fight hard every day for the victims of crime. And I’m very proud of the innovative approaches and methods that we have created … to keep people from coming back to the system,” Weirich said in her closing statement.

“But we have to hold offenders accountable when we’re talking about violent crime.”

Mulroy said he heard one thing in Weirich’s closing remarks that he agreed with: “Those who break the laws in Shelby County should be held accountable. That’s true for criminals and it’s also true for prosecutors…”

Ultimately, he said, voters must weigh whether they feel safer now than they did when Weirich became district attorney.

“So, if you don’t, I think you should vote for change,” he said.

Expanding on the need for change he asked, “Did you know that in the modern era, Shelby County has never had a democratic district attorney?

That’s what makes this election so special. Because it’s not just about Amy Weirich or Steve Mulroy. It’s about history and it’s about change. … We can do better if we work together for change.”

The crowd at the forum at times was as spirited, if not more, than the candidates. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

The forum timekeeper was kept busy. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, June 30 - July 6, 2022, Page 4

Forty principals, really?

Over the last two years, Memphis Shelby County Schools has replaced 65 principals

by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

A few weeks ago, the Memphis Shelby County Schools announced it was replacing 40 of the school system’s elementary, middle, and high school principals.

I was shocked when I first heard the news.

This is unprecedented, and being a former principal, I know how contentious and disruptive such a process can become.

This past year, MSCS Supt. Dr. Joris Ray launched a comprehensive restructuring initiative that included fresh-starting three schools (Kingsbury, Hamilton, and Airways), restructuring his executive staff, and now replacing 40 school principals.

Oh, and remember, the district already had replaced 25 principals the previous school year.

So, over the last two years, 65 principals have been replaced in the Memphis Shelby County Schools.

That is about one-fourth of your entire principal leadership that Dr. Ray and his team deemed unfit to lead their schools.

It is indeed rare that a school sys-

tem would replace that many principals over a two-year span.

There hasn’t been a lot of pomp and circumstance around this announcement but Curtis make no mistake Weathers about it, this was a significant move by Supt. Ray and his executive team.

The movement of school leadership of this magnitude, to my knowledge, is extraordinary.

I could not help but wonder why such a large number of principals were being replaced at this particular time.

And when I saw the list of schools that were losing their leaders, my curiosity grew more.

But the district is saying little about the principals being replaced. We have learned that some of the new appointments are the result of reshuffling due to the consolidation of several district schools.

Other than that, we really do not know if some of these principals are

retiring, being demoted, or even fired.

I would like to believe that these individuals being replaced were informed at the start of the school year that their jobs were in jeopardy.

While I have not seen (TCAP) data pertaining to the schools these principals oversaw, one must assume that their results this year were not particularly good.

The job of a principal is difficult and challenging during normal times, much less during the unprecedented era of a COVID-19 pandemic.

When new principals come on board, building culture, systems and processes suited to the new leadership takes time.

We certainly hope these new appointees are up to the task and can improve their schools’ performance.

There is, of course, the issue of what to do with the replaced principals. Do they go back to the classroom? Do you place them in other schools in lower-level positions? Are they disgruntling?

Sometimes principals harbor ill feelings after they are relieved of their duties, which makes their subsequent placement in the system potentially troublesome. They can

Curtis Weathers: The job of a principal is difficult and challenging during normal times, much less during the unprecedented era of a COVID-19 pandemic. When new principals come on board, building culture, systems and processes suited to the new leadership takes time. We certainly hope these new appointees are up to the task and can improve their schools’ performance. sometimes be a disruptive element in another principal’s building.

Ray is under fire from parent organizations who have asked for his resignation. They cite, among other things, low test scores and an administration that is too top-heavy.

The district is fully aware of how important this year’s TCAP scores are. “I do not want my legacy to be a failing legacy,” Ray said in May 2021.

However, he has shared with board members that this year’s scores make him “cautiously optimistic.”

District scores will be released to the public in July, and this year will carry the weight of state accountability.

With all the hiring and firing taking place inside the district, it is clear we are witnessing a significant “shakeup” within the Memphis Shelby County Schools.

While Dr. Ray has only been on the job for a brief period, he certainly has the right to his own hand-picked principals and executive team members.

With this move – another 40 new principals – along with his Fresh Start initiative, and all the changes being made to his administrative team, he is clearly building an organization loyal to and in tune with his style of leadership.

I actually am intrigued by how he is going about this process. He has been very methodical, although sometimes things feel somewhat chaotic (like now).

The district hopes the appointments and all the reshuffling will help improve and sustain academic performance across Memphis-Shelby County Schools in the next school year and beyond.

According to Ray, “The best is yet to come….”

Let us pray for his success. He is going to need it.

(Follow me on Twitter @curtisweathers. Email me at curtislweathers@gmail.com.)

10 million more Black voters targeted by NNPA and Transformative Justice Coalition

National GOTV campaign announced

by Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire

Ahead of the all-important 2022 midterm elections, reports show that more than 55 million Americans remain unregistered to vote – and about 10 million are African Americans who are eligible to vote but who are unregistered.

Whether the reason is apathy, suppression, or something else, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and the Transformative Justice Coalition seek to get to the bottom of why, with so much at stake, voter registration and GOTV mobilization remain lacking notably among Black Americans across the nation.

During the national convention marking the 195th-anniversary celebration of the Black Press of America in New Orleans, leaders of both organizations announced a get-out-tovote campaign aimed at registering and mobilizing GOTV for 10 million more African Americans to vote in time for the 2022 midterms.

“The NNPA has talked about the vote, and there is no better time for us to show our power,” NNPA Chair Karen Carter Richards stated during the announcement at the national convention in the Big Easy.

“Let us take the lead and not be on the tail-end so we can show the present-day power of the Black Press,” continued Richards, who publishes the Houston Forward Times.

“This is a great opportunity for us;

NNPA President Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. (speaking): “This last primary election showed that some of us were keeping ourselves from voting. There are 55 million unregistered Americans eligible to vote, and 10 million are African Americans. … “What if those 10 million were registered? We wouldn’t have worried about Donald Trump or the craziness of what the U.S. Supreme Court is doing now. Elections have consequences. The overturned Roe v. Wade, the overturned gun laws – are consequences of elections.” we’ve got to make this happen.” Attorney Barbara Arnwine, the founder, and president of the Transformative Justice Coalition, and her board chair and fellow lawyer Daryl Jones, told a captivated panel that their organization had recorded 72 voter suppression tactics to prevent a large population from casting ballots.

Among them are strict voter laws in many Republican-led states, deceptive practices like robocalls; early voting cuts; and voter intimidation.

“Black voters did our share in 2020,” Arnwine remarked.

“Ninety-three percent of all eligible Black voters registered in Georgia. Yet, in the 2021 Georgia Senate run-off, 93 percent of all registered Black voters turned out. That’s why people don’t understand where the real power is.”

Along with NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., Richards, NNPA Executive Board members Janis Ware, Fran Farrer, Cheryl Smith, and Jackie Hampton, Arnwine and Jones announced that the groups would utilize a multivehicle “votercade” to get out the vote.

They said individuals riding in new and COVID-safe tour buses would hit swing states ahead of the November elections to register and mobilize GOTV for 10 million new Black voters.

Chavis said artists from Roc Nation, the company run by hip-hop magnate and business mogul Jay-Z, would accompany the votercade in some cities.

Music superstar Stephanie Mills also pledged to “get on the bus with the Black Press and the Transformative Justice Coalition.”

Chavis said he’s convinced other celebrities will also join the national GOTV campaign.

“The first form of voter suppression is self-suppression,” Dr. Chavis asserted.

“This last primary election showed that some of us were keeping ourselves from voting. There are 55 million unregistered Americans eligible to vote, and 10 million are African Americans,” Chavis continued.

“What if those 10 million were registered? We wouldn’t have worried about Donald Trump or the craziness of what the U.S. Supreme Court is doing now. Elections have consequences. The overturned Roe v.

Wade, the overturned gun laws – are consequences of elections.”

With more than 235 African American-owned newspapers and media companies serving as members, the NNPA represents the Black Press of America.

The Transformative Justice Coalition’s mission includes the systematic change that achieves racial justice, gender, economic and social justice, and human rights through public education and engagement initiatives that attend equally to hearts and minds as well as the social systems and structure in which they exist.

Further, the coalition dedicates itself to informed civic engagement and equal voting rights for everyone.

They use a voting rights map of shame to inform the public of threats to America’s democracy, how to protect their voting rights, and steps to take to ensure the ability to cast a ballot and make sure it’s counted.

The organization also seeks the restoration of voting rights for ex-felons. “[Anti-voting rights organizations and individuals] have trained 10,000 people to be poll disruptors to go to only Black polling sites,” Arnwine declared.

“They’re not sending them to white polling sites, and if you watched the [Jan. 6] hearings, this is a concentrated effort to disempower Black voters,” she stated.

According to Davis, more than 18 million people are eligible to vote but don’t know it.

“They are the felony disenfranchised,” Davis insisted.

“They are confused. It’s intentionally done in various states. For example, in some states, you never lose your right to vote, and in some states, you can run for office if you’re incarcerated,” he explained.

The votercade would help educate voters and explain what’s legal, among other things. “We’re calling on all 235 NNPA members,” Dr. Chavis encouraged.

“That call and response from our brothers and sisters are vital. It’s movement time, it is time Get-OutThe-Vote” he declared further.

“With the Transformative Justice Coalition, the NNPA will help move our people forward to get out this vote. In 2022, we will make the critical difference in the midterm elections in terms of increasing Black voter participation throughout the country.”

(Follow Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent, @StacyBrownMedia.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

June 30 - July 6, 2022

Page 5

RELIGION

‘Black marriage’ on downward slide: ‘K.T. and Sheila’ never got the memo

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

More African Americans are less likely to get married, and more than half who do will eventually get divorced, according to articles published in the National Library of Medicine.

Factors such as the breakdown of traditional-family patterns, the acceptance of cohabitation and the high percentage of children born out of wedlock all contribute to the decline of marriage in the African-American community.

A billboard at Poplar and Union Extended featuring a well-known married African-American couple seen by thousands of motorists displays a more positive message.

The message reads: “Dr. Kenneth and Sheila Whalum celebrate 40 Years of Marriage, June 19, 2022.”

The signage is flanked on either side by intimate images of the couple.

Aside from defying the odds and making marriage look easy, the “Whalums” are clearly over the top.

Right?

Who announces their 40th anniversary on a billboard?

“We do,” said Dr. Whalum, pastor of The New Olivet Worship Center in Cordova. “The first time ever I saw Sheila’s face, I thought the sun rose

“Continue the Legacy” …

Fellowship United Baptist Church, 3050 East Holmes Rd., was the setting for the Rose of Sharon Grand Chapter – Order of Eastern Star luncheon. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

This billboard at Poplar and Union Extended features Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr. and Sheila Whalum and conveys a positive message about marriage. The Whalums are celebrating 40 years of marriage. (Courtesy photos)

Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr. and Sheila Whalum are out and about – together. in her eyes.” (And yes, that is straight out of Roberta Flack’s 1972 hit.)

Actually, their first meeting was a little less romantic and ethereal than that. A 20-something, Kenneth spotted Sheila in the choir stand of Shady Grove Baptist Church, where Olivet Baptist Church was visiting. He was the son of prominent pastor, Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Sr. After the choir came down and sat with the congregation, Whalum just had to see who she was. So, he took it upon himself in the too-packed, blaz-

ing-hot church, to grab one of those Dr. King funeral fans and conspicuously strut down the aisle and hand the fan to Sheila.

Sheila smiled and said, “Why don’t you sit down somewhere?”

“She was the most beautiful, caramel-colored Black woman I had ever seen,” said Whalum. “And that was the first time any woman had ever been so brash with me. That was it. I was in love.”

Forty years and three successful sons later, Whalum says maintain-

ing a loving marriage is “more than a feeling.”

Sheila, has been the first lady of three churches, raising three young boys in a fishbowl, where everyone is ready to criticize.

From a stay-at-home mom, Sheila Whalum evolved into a prolific author and senior finance executive for the City of Memphis.

Over the years, Whalum has come to appreciate, not only Sheila’s “great beauty,” but also her strength.

“In a very public, traumatizing ordeal, a few disaffected deacons, preachers and members tried to evict me from the pulpit,” said Whalum.

“Some call it a church split, but on that day, June 4, 2000, Sheila stood and spoke up for me in a way that motivated other wives to stand with their husbands, as we resisted what the enemy was doing.

“She was more beautiful that day than I had ever seen her, because of her courage and strength. She was and is the personification of royalty. Sheila is my queen, regal in every way.”

People ask the couple how they keep their marriage so fresh and vibrant.

Whalum’s answer is simple: “I just love her. You don’t want to hurt what you love. You want to be around what you love. You can’t get enough of what you love.

Sheila’s answer is like-minded: “We stay together because I am very good to my husband, and he is very good to me.”

Why a billboard, though?

“I’ve always lived out loud,” said Whalum. “That’s the only way I know to live. Sheila has come along for the ride all these years. She’s my ride-or-die chick.”

About “Solitude and Suffering” …

“Solitude and Suffering” was the sermon title as the Rev. Clemmie Bachus spoke at Tuesday’s meeting of the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association. Mr. Bacchus is the brother of the late Rev. Dr. J. C. Bachus, pastor emeritus of St. Mark Baptist Church. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, June 30 - July 6, 2022, Page 6

Pace of car-tag deliveries expected to pick up after bottleneck

Telisa Franklin, organizer of the Juneteenth Urban Music Festival, talks to the crowd as she introduces attorney Van Turner Jr., director/president of Memphis Greenspace and a Shelby County Commissioner, during the 2021 event in Health Sciences Park.

(Photo: Shirley Jackson)

by James Coleman

Special to The Commercial Appeal

Memphis Greenspace embraces partnership to create ‘community’ in Health Sciences Park

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Memphis Greenspace President Van Turner Jr. was checking out the Memphis Juneteenth Festival June 18 in Health Sciences Park. It was the eve of Juneteenth.

“I got over to the park on Saturday afternoon,” said Turner. “Juneteenth is always a great celebration. When I got there, I was excited to see all the people sitting on blankets and fold-up chairs, enjoying the food and live music with their families, kids were running around. I loved it. So, I thought, ‘What if events were going on in the park all the time?’”

The scene is what Memphis Greeenspace is all about, said Turner, a lawyer and Shelby County commissioner, who was instrumental in helping Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland find a novel way to remove the statue of Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest, a founder of the Ku Klux Klan, from the park at Union and Dunlap in the Medical District.

Memphis Greenspace endeavors to make parks neighborhood gathering places to promote fellowship and revitalize the city’s parks.

“The space was vibrant and inviting because of all the activity,” said Turner. “Memphis Greenspace sees parks as places to create a sense of community.

“People will always come together for special events set in a park, either recreational or enrichment. I thought it would be a great idea if the Juneteenth organization could partner with us and host events each month.”

Turner went with his instincts and began looking for Memphis Juneteenth Festival President Telisa Franklin. She was cooling off in her RV. “I was happy to see Attorney Van Turner,” said Franklin. “I had no idea what he was about to say, but I could tell there was something on his mind.”

Turner complimented Franklin on the engaging schedule of festival events. Then he asked, “Would you

be interested in partnering with Memphis Greenspace and plan events each month? I believe you could bring the park to life.”

Franklin couldn’t believe such a great prospect had just fallen into her lap.

“He could tell from the look on my face what my answer was,” said Franklin. “I got so excited that I immediately imagined the possibilities.

I smiled as I pictured children’s carnivals and petting zoos, pony rides and concerts in the park. More walk/ run events would promote health and fitness. The possibilities were endless.”

Although Turner was pleased with Franklin’s enthusiastic response, he was not finished.

When he got up on stage to greet the crowd, Turner asked, ‘How would you like to see activities in the park all year round?’”

The suggestion drew cheers and applause. Turner had his answer.

When the festival closed Sunday evening on June 19, Franklin already was working on a list of potential activities for the park.

“I was thinking we could bring in some swings and slides and monkey bars for the kiddos,” said Franklin.

“Children could come over and play in the park like we used to do. This was the 29th Annual Juneteenth Festival, and we are about to create a new legacy at Health Sciences Park.”

Franklin envisions making the former Forrest Park into a “community gathering place,” that will belong to everyone.

“I want people who work Downtown to enjoy lunch in the park. I want children to play on the swings and just be children,” said Franklin.

“We will make it a welcoming place for all people. Health Sciences Park will be ‘The People’s Park.’”

Turner said there will be a written contract between Memphis Greenspace and Memphis Juneteenth Festival for an extended period, but more specific details must be fleshed out in coming days.

Shelby County’s bottleneck in license plate deliveries is set to end after Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert assured county commissioners the 8,666 backlogged tags are set to be mailed.

To cover costs, commissioners agreed to $540,000 in postage-cost funding during Monday’s (June 27) Shelby County Commission meeting.

“I’m not exactly sure what the holdup is at this point, Mr. Chairman. Both you and I met with our administration and the mayor’s administration. I was hoping all of this would be ratified by that time,” Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert, addressing commission Chairman Willie Brooks.

The drop-off in deliveries began in May, exacerbated by the state issuing new license plates this year.

However, who’s to blame belongs in the eye of the beholder.

Halbert defended her office’s performance, despite the shortcomings.

She put part of the blame on a lack of direct funding.

“Every customer, when they choose to go online, they’re making a $5 payment in advance. Nightly, they’re payments are hitting our systems. It is our duty to make sure those citizens receive their license plates. Somehow, this has gotten kind of stretched,” said Halbert.

To clean up the morass, the clerk’s office had to meet a set of conditions put forth by Shelby County CAO Harold Collins.

Ready-to-mail items must be moved by county clerk’s staff to provider services within 24 hours of packaging, preparation and labeling.

Weekly visual inspections of selected county clerk offices and

workspaces to make sure no items are being held back, and quarterly reviews would also begin.

The administration of county Mayor Lee Wanda Harris also reHalbert quested a written acknowledgement of these conditions for the continuation of services after July 1.

Halbert also said she had been dealing with “illegal operations” in her office, since being elected in 2018.

Deputy County Administrative Officer LaSonia Hall, however, said she and Collins found no evidence of wrongdoing. Hall said an audit also was performed.

Commissioner Mark Billingsley described the clerk’s office as a transactional, fee and return-type office. However, the consequences of failing that simple mission — such as police stopping motorists for expired tags because motorists have not received the new plates they ordered — could be disastrous.

“I don’t know one thing we’ve been asked for that we didn’t provide. We were asked for $500,000 in postage. That request was withdrawn. I don’t want us to become the scapegoats for another excuse.

“I asked this to move forward and give the $500,000 for postage because, quite frankly, we didn’t need another excuse. I see this, respectfully, as a gross lack of management and leadership,” said Billingsley.

(Halbert, at the commission’s June 6 meeting, urged the commission to rebuff the funding, explaining that

she did not know why it was necessary since vehicle owners pay $5 per renewal request to handle the cost of mailing plates and tags. The commission still approved the funding.)

The commissioner also suggested the state should take over the operation of the clerk’s office if she wasn’t up to the task.

Halbert was incensed.

“In the more than 20 years that I have been elected, I have never felt more disrespected, as a woman and I happen to be the first African American in this position. I told you all up front, our facilities are not legal.

“Whitehaven has 900 square footage. It has to be divided by 100 to determine how many customers can even stand in the building, which is nine. There are no restrooms.

COVID took us outside and we don’t have security.”

She again addressed worries about commission funding being used for something covered by a fee.

“I am concerned about $540,000 to move from the county clerk’s funds, not from the county commission’s, because the customers are paying that fee off the top.

“Sir, I cannot be in the middle of the mayor’s mailroom, who decides to tell us they’re not going to deliver any more mail until they get more money. I don’t pay the mayor’s mailroom,” said Halbert.

Hall, the county’s deputy administrative officer, swatted away Halbert’s concerns. She suggested the complexities of the county’s postal meter goes far beyond the simple transactions of the clerk’s office, but the bill still reaches the intended office.

“You have to understand, the mail shop handles the mail for everyone in the county, all the elected officials, the commission, all of our directors of our divisions…”

Passing the gavel…

The Memphis Chapter of the National Council of New Women recently held its installation of new officers at Middle Baptist Church in Whitehaven. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/ The New Tri-State Defender)

Chamber moves to ‘lead out front’ with STEM Teacher Externship program

by Erica R. Williams

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Black workers are underrepresented in careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); but the Greater Memphis Chamber is working to change this by preparing local teachers with the tools needed to get more students involved in STEM. By diversifying the workforce with more skilled workers, Greater Memphis Chamber leaders hope to bring more jobs to Memphis.

In an attempt to “lead out front,” the Chamber launched its STEM Teacher Externship on June 20. After a highly competitive application process, four local teacher externs were selected to complete the twoweek program. The externs— Raven Lomax (Power Center Academy), Bethony Cousins (East High School), Gene Robinson II (Bolton High School), and Jodi Woody (Medical District High School)— will receive hands-on training to equip them to prepare students for STEM careers.

“We expect the STEM Teacher

Raven Lomax

Bethony Cousins

Externship Program to become one of the Chamber’s flagship programs as we work to create new and better pathways to careers,” said Amity Schuyler, senior vice president of Workforce Development for the Chamber. “Without business input, classroom curriculum can’t possibly keep pace with advancements in the workplace. We’re giving teachers the first-hand knowledge they need to help their students learn about careers they may have never even dreamed of pursuing before.”

The program embeds the four teachers at three local businesses– Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Juice Plus+, and Buckman Inter-

Gene Robinson II

Jodi Woody

national—to promote better understanding, teaching, and student counseling around STEM careers. Once completed, the teacher externs will receive vouchers to help incorporate STEM learning in classrooms.

“One of the first questions businesses ask as they look to move to Memphis is about the availability of our skilled workforce,” said Ted Townsend, chief economic development officer of the Greater Memphis Chamber. “The STEM Teacher Externship Program is another example we can point to that shows our region is dedicated to building one of the most robust and inclusive talent pipelines in the nation.”

This program is aligned with the Chamber’s ambitious strategic growth plan, Prosper Memphis 2030, to create a more “inclusive and prosperous” Ted Memphis.

Townsend The plan has three primary goals: to create inclusive high-quality jobs with half going to minorities, add diverse industries, and prepare talent with a goal of graduating 20,000 Stem graduates per year, with 45 percent of the degrees going to black students.

Nationally, black students earn only 7 percent of STEM-related degrees-making, them the most underrepresented demographic in the field, according to research by the Pew Research Center. This decline in prospective Black scientists, engineers, and mathematicians is occurring even as demand increases. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, em-

ployment in STEM fields is projected to grow twice as fast in the next decade. STEM jobs also offer comparatively higher salaries and benefits than many other occupations.

Researchers credit the low number of black students graduating with STEM-related degrees to a lack of representation in the STEM education system. And with Black or African Americans making up the largest demographic in Memphis, a focus on investing in a diverse workforce is at the forefront of the Chamber’s STEM Teacher Externship Program.

“Equity is at the very center of this plan to create a more prosperous, more inclusive Memphis,” said Townsend, “As last year showed, we’re already in the economic development playoffs, but we want the championships. By the end of 2030, we want to be able to point at our regional scoreboard and do the Ja Morant victory dance.”

(For more information about applying as an extern or hosting an extern, visit the Greater Memphis Chamber’s website.)

SPORTS

The New Tri-State Defender, June 30 - July 6, 2022, Page 7

Grizzlies flavor 2022 NBA Draft with a flurry of moves

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

With their recent success largely built via the NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies made moves to keep on building during the 2022 version of the draft held Thursday evening.

Armed with picks No. 22 and No. 29 in the first round, the Grizzlies traded up to the No. 19 slot, snaring Wake Forest’s Jake LaRavia, a versatile 6-8 forward. Not many professional observers saw the move coming. LaRavia will get a chance to secure playing minutes with the likely departure of veteran Kyle Anderson.

Memphis wasn’t done dealing in the first round. Fan-favorite De’Anthony Melton was traded to the Philadelphia 76’ers for the No. 23 selection, which the Grizzlies promptly used to draft Colorado State’s David Roddy, a 6-foot, 6-inch forward weighing 255 pounds.

That deal also brought Memphis the rights to veteran guard Danny Green, whose contract is not guaranteed until July 1. The Grizzlies could let the contract expire, allowing Green to become a free agent. NBA rules prohibit the team from speaking about the trades until July.

Still another draft-night move resulted in Memphis securing former Briarcrest High School standout Kennedy Chandler, who starred at guard for the University of Tennessee. Chandler slipped out of the first round and was selected No. 38 by the San Antonio Spurs before a trade to the Griz-

zlies.

Memphis used its final pick, No. 47, to select Vince Williams Jr., a 6’6” forward from Virginia Commonwealth University.

The Grizzlies announced that several Terry players will be playing Davis in this year’s summer league with the new draftees. Xavier Tillman volunteered to play. Santi Aldama and Ziaire Williams also will play with the new additions.

Memphis likely ended the night with the same number of players on the roster as the team did before the wheeling and dealing.

Veterans Anderson, Tyus Jones, Ives Pons and Jarrett Culver are not expected to be on the roster for the upcoming season Although the draft is done, history and habit suggest Grizz Nation should stay alert because Memphis has tended to hold its cards close to the. Neither more moves nor no moves would be a shock.

The Grizzlies will play in both the Salt Lake and the Las Vegas summer leagues, with the Salt Lake run set for July 5-8 and the Las Vegas competition running from July 7 through July 18.

Notes: • The Grizzlies should have no problem signing the three players they drafted.

The Memphis Grizzlies 2022 NBA Draft Class: Pictured (l-r) are David Roddy, Kennedy Chandler, Jake LaRavia and Vince Williams Jr. (Photo: Memphis Grizzlies on Twitter) • LaRavia emerged as one of the more productive, all-around forwards in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The 20-year-old averaged 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals and 1 block over 34.2 minutes per game. He earned All-ACC second-team honors.

• Chandler, an explosive player who can

score, will not be the typical second-rounder. He will have the opportunity to make the roster or be on the G-League team as a possible two-way contract.

• Williams averaged 14 points and 6 rebounds with VCU last season. He will complete for either a G-league roster spot or a two-way contract.

Jalen Duren becomes the latest first-round pick from the Tigers

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Jalen Duren, who anchored the paint for the University of Memphis Tigers basketball team last season, now has an NBA Draft, first-round shot at helping the Detroit Pistons secure its frontcourt.

During last Thursday evening’s draft, Duren was selected No. 13 by the Charlotte Hornets before a trade to the Pistons.

“I am just definitely excited,” said Duren, who made an immediate impact as a freshman with the Tigers. “I don’t know if everybody knows, but I heard the pick was going to Detroit. So just happy to be in the NBA. Ready to get started.”

The U Of M has been a gateway to players pursuing a professional career in the NBA. While the Tigers did not have a firstround draft pick last year, they did have two first-round picks in 2020 with James Wiseman and Precious Achiuwa.

Duren led the Tigers team in scoring (12 points per game), rebounding (8.1) and blocked shots (2.1). He started 29 games, helping Memphis reach the second round of the NCAA tournament. He was named the American Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year and was named to the AAC first team.

“I’m looking forward to playing against everybody, playing at the highest level, all great players, all the greatest players in the world,” he said. “I’m definitely just excited to see everybody.”

Duren’s Memphis teammate, Josh Minott, was selected with the 45th pick and will play for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

He is a project pick and will be looked upon as a long-term development player.

Josh Minott takes it to the hoop for the Tigers (Photo: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender Archives) NBA scouts fell in love with him because of his upside during their visit to the campus last fall.

Minott improved during the season, stepping up to help keep the team afloat when it was beset with injuries. He was named to the AAC All-Freshman team. He was the only freshman in the nation to have 30 assists, 25 steals and 20 blocks while playing fewer than 15 minutes a game.

The Tigers’ Lester Quinones, who declared for the NBA Draft, was not selected. He signed a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors. He will be playing in the NBA summer leagues and has a spot on their G-League team.

Quinones was one of the best defensive players in the nation. He routinely was assigned to guard the other team’s most dangerous player. Consistent from three-point range, he caught the attention of NBA scouts.

The Tigers will be without several play-

Jalen Duren made it difficult for opposing teams to maneuver in the paint against the Tigers during a season that yielded a birth in the NCAA tournament. Memphis’ Jalen Duren made it a challenge for Boise State in the paint. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender Archives)

Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway talks to Lester Quinones during a timeout. (Photo: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender Archives) ers from last year’s roster. In addition to Duren, Minott and Quinones going the draft route, Tyler Harris, Earl Timberlake, Sam Onu, John Camden and Emoni Bates

all entered the transfer portal. Bate’s name has been active on Twitter and the possibility of his return to the school has been increasing. He will announce his decision by the end of the month.

Memphis currently has six scholarships available. Pending results from The Independent Accountability Resolution Process (IARP) may be coming down in the next few weeks. A slap on the wrist is expected, with no post-season ban. Sanctions could include scholarship reductions, a suspension of head coach Penny Hardaway and a monetary fine of the University.

The New Tri-State Defender

June 30 - July 6, 2022

SPORTS

Boxing returns to Pipkin with pop

The Mid-South Golden Gloves Regional Boxing Tournament returned to the Pipkin Building at the Fairgrounds on June 24-25. It was presented by Mayor Jim Strickland and the Memphis Office of Youth Services, which is directed by Ike Griffith. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender.)

Page 8

The New Tri-State Defender

NEWS

June 30 - July 6, 2022

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LEGAL NOTICE The Memphis Housing Authority Invitation for Bid [IFB] for the Removal of Hazardous Materials in MHA Dwelling Units At Montgomery Plaza Memphis, TN Solicitation # CI 22 B 00646

Mateo Lannaman, an incoming freshman from Dallas, Texa, has accepted a full scholarship to study aviation management at Tennessee State University. (Photo: Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

TSU’s aviation program rising to increase the number of Black commercial, Air Force pilots

NASHVILLE – Growing up in Dallas, Mateo Lannaman’s dream was to be a pilot and fly high across the sky. With lack of funding and without a clear path, he didn’t know where to turn, until he met a mentor in flight training at Rising Aviation who gave him advice that would change the young man’s life forever.

“He told me about Tennessee State University and the outstanding aviation program there,” Lannaman said. “He said there were scholarships for qualified students who were interested.”

Lannaman took his mentor’s advice and applied. He was accepted with a full scholarship to study aviation management as a concentration in the Department of Applied and Industrial Technologies in the College of Engineering. The program is certified to train commercial pilots.

“I am really impressed so far from what I have seen and the family atmosphere,” said the Rock Hill High School graduate, after meeting the dean and few staff of the College of Engineering during a recent campus tour with his family.

With the low number of Black commercial and Air Force pilots in the nation, Lannaman comes into an aviation program that is seeing tremendous growth thanks to a vigorous recruitment effort, outstanding faculty, and a long partnership with the Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) detachment at the university.

“We have a long relationship with the AFROTC through many programs that are benefiting the College of Engineering and our aviation and aeronautics programs,” said Dr. Li Lin, dean of the college. He said the goal of the aviation program is to help increase the number of pilots in the country, especially African Americans. Currently, only about 2.6 percent commercial pilots are African Americans, while only about 6 percent African Americans are in aviation management positions.

The number is even more dismal for the U.S. Air Force, where less than 2 percent of pilots are African Americans.

“The purpose of our aviation management program is really to create a pipeline to grow the number of minori-

ties in the industry,” Li said.

Through their collaboration, Li said the college and AFROTC have stepped up their effort in recruitment by talking to area high school juniors and seniors. Some initiatives include dual enrollment programs that offer college credit. There is also a 2+2 program with Motlow State Community College, where students majoring in applied and industrial technology taught by TSU professors, can transfer to the university at the end of their two years and complete their four-year degree at TSU. An aviation summer camp for 20 high school students is also planned for 2023, Li said. Participants will receive 45 hours, including flying hours, using simulators and lecture hours.

“We hope this will get students interested in gaining firsthand experience in becoming a pilot,” Li added.

Lt. Col. Michael Wilson is an assistant professor of aerospace studies with the AFROTC Detachment 790 at TSU. He said the partnership with the College of Engineering is reaping mutual benefits by attracting the best engineering students to the Air Force as well as working with the college to enhance its aviation program.

“We are working with the College of Engineering, and they are doing a phenomenal job at developing the aviation program,” Wilson said. “The Air Force is inherently in the air. And we develop aviators, and we develop pilots, and we develop training. They have the skill set necessary in the engineering world. So, we help each other in that regard.” Wilson said in addition to recruitment initiatives, the college is receptive to the creation of a living learning community on campus, where engineering students that are in the AFROTC will have a block of rooms to live and learn together.

“This way they hold each other accountable for their studies, make sure they get up in the morning to come do PT, and be where they need to be for all of their classes or all of their studies,” he said.

Currently, eight TSU students are part of a cohort of 65 recruits from institutions across Middle Tennessee who are part of the AFROTC detachment at TSU. Cadet Jaiden Walker, a sophomore political science major, is one of them.

The Selma, Alabama, native said his goal is to become an officer in the Air Force. He credits a substitute teacher in

SALES PERSON The New Tri-State Defender is looking for a few sales consultants to sell print ads, digital ads and event sponsorships for the organization.

The candidate should have some sales experience. The position will offer both commission and base pay. For serious inquiries email your resume to administration@ tsdmemphis.com.

the 8th grade with getting him interested in the Air Force.

“He always talked about his experience (in the Air Force) and things he did,” Walker said. “So, when I went to high school, I joined the JROTC, which gave me the opportunity to receive a scholarship.”

He said he had the choice of going to any HBCU, but he chose TSU, where he once visited during a college tour.

“That was a very memorable tour for me. Everything just seemed to align well, the fit was right, I enjoyed the people,” he added.

Li said he is working with AFROTC for more scholarships to help interested students defray the cost of the aviation program, as well as developing marketing tools such as billboards, to increase awareness of the program.

“One of our biggest challenges in the College of Engineering is that we have limited pilot instructors. So, that’s an area where AFROTC can also help because they have the facilities and the resources,” Li said.

(For more information on the TSU Aviation Management program, visit https://www. tnstate.edu/ait/aviationflight. aspx.)

The Memphis Housing Authority (MHA) is soliciting Firm Fixed Price bids from highly qualified contractors to provide construction services for the Removal of Hazardous Materials in MHA Dwelling Units at Montgomery Plaza, Memphis, TN. Bid documents for this solicitation will be available electronically per request by contacting Kelitia Dickson, Senior Project Manager at the Memphis Housing Authority at 700 Adams Avenue, Room 107, Memphis, TN, phone: 901-5441134, email: kdickson@memphisha.org beginning at 10 a.m. CST, Thursday, June 30, 2022.

One Pre-Bid Conference will be held Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. CST at the Memphis Housing Authority, 700 Adams Avenue, Boardroom, Room 216.

Site visits to Montgomery Plaza shall be scheduled with Kelitia Dickson. Although, neither the Pre-Bid Conference nor the site visit is a bidding requirement, all offerors are strongly encouraged to attend.

The Memphis Housing Authority solicits and encourages the participation of minorities and small businesses in procurement. For additional information regarding this solicitation, please call Kelitia Dickson, Senior Project Manager at (901) 544-1134.

Bids must be submitted to the MHA Capital Improvements Department, 700 Adams Avenue, Room 107, Memphis, TN 38105-5029, ATTN: Kelitia Dickson, by no later than 2:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on Tuesday, August 2, 2022.

CONTRACTING OFFICER MEMPHIS HOUSING AUTHORITY David Walker Marcia E. Lewis Contracting Officer Chief Executive Officer

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Tax Parcel #: 03800500000140 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $22,900.00 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 30, 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: Sultan LLC Tax Parcel #: 0380070000012C Tax Sale #: 1703 Price Offered: $30,500.00 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 9:00 a.m. on August 30, 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 TO THE PUBLIC APPLICANT: Malco Cordova Towne Cinema LOCATION: 1080 North Germantown Pkwy, Cordova TN 38018 Anyone desiring to circulate a petition FOR or AGAINST said establishment selling beer at this location must secure the petition blanks from the City of Memphis Alcohol Commission. Must be filed no later than July 6, 2022

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: Sultan LLC

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The New Tri-State Defender

June 30 - July 6, 2022

¬22 in 2022 We’ve increased our U.S. minimum hourly wage to ¬22 on the way to ¬25 by 2025.

Since 2017, Bank of America has raised the minimum rate of pay for all U.S. employees by more than 46%, bringing it to an annual rate of more than $45,000 for full-time employees.

It’s part of our commitment to being a great place to work and one way we help employees build a career with us. We’re also encouraging job growth and providing economic security for thousands of individuals who are supporting fellow teammates, our clients and the local communities where we live and work.

Offering competitive pay and benefits to support our employees and their families is critical to attracting and retaining the best talent. We’ll keep leading the way and doing more.

When you have a strong team, you want to take care of them the best way you can. Raising the minimum rate of pay is just one way for us to show that we care and value everyone’s commitment.

Trevia Chatman President, Bank of America Memphis

What would you like the power to do?® Learn more at bankofamerica.com/memphis

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