The New Tri-State Defender - July 13-19, 2023 by The Tri-State Defender

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July 13 - 19, 2023

VOL. 72, No. 28

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Council’s move to curb gun violence sets up encounter with state government

Ja Morant’s lawyers cite ‘stand your ground’ law, selfdefense in pickup basketball lawsuit The Associated Press The future of a lawsuit accusing Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant of assaulting a teenager during a pickup basketball game hinges on whether Morant will be allowed to say that he was acting in self-defense and can receive immunity under Tennessee law. A judge on Wednesday ruled that Morant’s lawyers can proceed for now with their argument that Morant was acting in self-defense when he punched Joshua Holloway during a game at the All-Star player’s Memphis-area home in July 2022. Morant’s lawyers have acknowledged he punched Holloway one time after Holloway threw a basketball at Morant and the ball hit Morant in the chin. In a July 26 motion, the player’s lawyers said he should be immune from liability under the state’s “stand your ground” law, which allows people who feel threatened at their homes to act with force in certain situations. Circuit Court Judge Carol Chumney said the next step would be to hear from lawyers in the case, including those representing the Tennessee Attorney General, about whether the law can be applied to the case under the state Constitution. Morant’s accuser was 17 when the lawsuit was filed. It accuses Morant and friend Davonte Pack of assault, reckless endangerment, abuse or neglect, and infliction of emotional distress. An amended complaint identified the plaintiff as Holloway, who is now 18. Morant filed a countersuit accusing

$1.00

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Ja Morant of the Grizzlies will have to wait at least 25 games before he joins Memphis for the 2023-24 season. A second-gun incident led to the NBA suspension. Meanwhile a third gun-related instance is now making its way through the local judicial system. (Photo: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender) Holloway of slander, battery and assault. No criminal charges have been ﬁled against Morant. The lawsuit has led to complicated legal arguments, including disagreement about whether the state’s “stand your ground” law can be used to support Morant. In a hearing Monday, Holloway’s lawyer Rebecca Adelman argued Morant has waived his claim to immunity and that the self-defense claim under the state law can’t be a reason to dismiss the civil case, partly because there is no ongoing criminal investigation against Morant. Adelman said the self-defense and immunity arguments came too late in the process. She called it a “Hail Mary of Hail Marys.” Will Perry, Morant’s lawyer, argued there

are ways for the “stand your ground” law to apply in civil cases and that Morant is entitled to immunity. He said the motion was timely because the trial is not scheduled until 2024. Outside court on Wednesday, Adelman told reporters that she was disappointed in the judge’s decision to allow the immunity claim to continue, but she was pleased that the court is allowing arguments on the constitutional challenge to the law’s application in the case. “These are ... very important issues to everyone,” Adelman said. Chumney, the judge, has issued a stay in the case, which means depositions, subpoenas, exchanging of evidence and other steps in the

SEE LAWSUIT ON PAGE 2

Memphis City Council members sent a shot across the bow of the gun-friendly Tennessee General Assembly Tuesday (July 11) with the unanimous passage of referendum questions that seek to tighten ﬁrearm regulations within the city. “I think this is an enabling legislation that allows our citizens to vote on sensible regulation of deadly weapons,” said sponsor Councilmember Jeff Warren. On Aug. 24, 2024, Memphians will vote yes or no on whether to ban assault weapons within the city. They will have a say on whether to require permits for guns that are currently allowed to be openly carried. The state legislature did away with permit reMemphis City quirements for most handCouncilman guns two years ago. Jeff Warren The referendum will also ask whether guns in vehicles should be stored in a lockbox to prevent thefts. Memphis also be asked if the City Charter will allow extreme risk protection orders, sometimes called red ﬂag laws. The move is expected to provoke a lawsuit

SEE GUNS ON PAGE 2

MLGW chief links tree-trimming woes to power outages by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

From Memphis, running with the Pistons... Big man James Wiseman (left), who starred at East High School and played brieﬂy for the Tigers amid an NCAA eligibility review, is looking for new life in Detroit with the Pistons, alongside another former Memphis big man, Jalen Duren. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender) (See story, more photos on Page 10)

An annual shortfall in tree trimming is one of the key causes of widespread power outages that typically occur during weather events in Memphis, according to an update provided by Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division President and CEO Doug McGowen. That was the message McGowen delivered to the Memphis City Council Tuesday (July 11). After much discussion among council members and McGowen pointing out that the city has not met its tree trimming goal since the 1990s, the council approved a ﬁve-year, $227 million appropriation to cover costs for tree-trimDoug ming. McGowen Three trimming companies within the utilities’ service area will be given contracts. They do not affect current or planned funding to MLGW. Some of the money will also go to hardening infrastructure. “There is some urgency for us to get some

SEE MLGW ON PAGE 2

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The New Tri-State Defender

GUNS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT from the state. Tennessee law currently allows permitless open carry for some ﬁrearms, including in vehicles. Local governments, however, are prohibited from enacting gun regulations. As a result, council members will likely gauge its effectiveness by the impact it has on the General Assembly. “I think it’s an opportunity for the General Assembly, whether they choose to listen or not, to understand where we are as a municipality to give the voice to the people and I’m fully supportive of it,” said council member Chase Carlisle. Carlisle continued, “I’m pretty sure we know how the voters are going to respond…We’ll roll the dice. If the General Assembly wants to punish us and pun-

MLGW

CONTINUED FROM FRONT tree-trimming done, as the number one cause of outages. We need to move forward with getting us back on the threeyear cycle,” McGowen said. The utility’s on-paper goal is to trim back trees and vegetation every three years. However, it was a late June storm that once again brought the problem to the forefront. Over 120,000 customers suffered outages during the storm. A day after, 71,000 remained without power. According to MLGW, it was the sixth-worse storm in the city’s history. And downed trees and limbs were the root cause of the disruptions. “Forty percent of our outages are attributed to trees. This is just normal vegetation management. Recently, in the last few years, it’s been 60 percent ...This (the steppedup tree trimming) will be the ﬁrst tangible thing you feel with improvements,” said McGowen. The perpetual overgrowth began in the late 1990’s. Over the decades, the problem has grown exponentially. Had the utility maintained the scheduled pace, for example, the 120 circuit outages that occurred in 2020 could have been whittled down to 25, McGowen explained. “We have not met the goal in tree-trimming in quite some time, in fact, since 1997,” said McGowen. Even when maintained, Memphis’ abundance of trees, including towering oaks, provide plenty of ammunition for Mother Nature to take aim at vulnerable power lines. During a typical rainstorm, it isn’t unusual to ﬁnd large, fractured limbs splayed across yards or roadways. And the problem is on track to grow worse. MLGW sets a mark of 1,400 miles of trees to trim near “right of way” clearances annually. This includes lines near roadways and on rear lots. “We have to trim that much to stay on the three-year cutting cycle,” said McGowen. Only 5 percent of that goal has been met past this year’s midpoint. Prior to the vote, a handful of citizens criticized the work of contractors previously awarded contracts and asked for a pause on the vote. According to McGowen, 15 vendors responded when MLGW put out bids. Eight of those met the requirements. Three are being considered, including one holdover.

July 13 - 19, 2023

NEWS

“I think it’s an opportunity for the General Assembly, whether they choose to listen or not, to understand where we are as a municipality to give the voice to the people and I’m fully supportive of it.” — Chase Carlisle. ish our citizens for asking for their help, then we’ll deal with that accordingly. That would be absolutely heartbreaking.” The upcoming questions highlight the chasm between some urban needs and those of rural voters. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has requested state lawmakers to return to Nashville for a special session, scheduled for Aug. 21, to discuss possible gun-reform legislation. While large cities such as Memphis and Nashville see a generous share of gun violence – Memphis is considered one of the most violent cities

in the nation – the responsibilities of rural gun owners often go beyond self-protection. Typically, ﬁrearms are also regarded as tools to protect their land from predators or nuisance animals. There are also strong hunting interests in the state. Although the referendum could meet its doom in court, the hope is the legislature will meet the city halfway and provide carve-outs for urban population centers. Recently, state Sen. Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) said the option could be a “tall-order,” but “worth exploring” on WK-

“Forty percent of our outages are attributed to trees. This is just normal vegetation management. Recently, in the last few years, it’s been 60 percent ...This (the stepped-up tree trimming) will be the ﬁrst tangible thing you feel with improvements.” — Doug McGowen

will not get paid,” said McGowen. The annual cost will remain stable if the utility eventually meets its goals. One council member cut the utility and its hired hands a little slack. He referenced a paid study conducted in 2019 that produced the cost estimates for tree trimming and infrastructure improvements. “This was not done off the cuff…That’s where the derived number on cost estimates came, when we did the rate increase,” said Chase Carlisle. “We fell behind for two reasons, in my opinion. One was COVID-19 caused an issue getting crews out.” He also blamed the “distraction and the time consumption” that came with looking at alternative power supplies during debate over whether to renew a contract with longtime power supplier TVA last year. MLGW is currently on a ﬁve-year rolling contract.

“This is not handing anybody any money until they actually perform the work. This is an authorization for us to spend money up to this limit. It is a little over $40 million a year. Once they execute the work, they get paid. And until they execute the work, they

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NO-TV’s “Behind the Headlines.” Nevertheless, the chances of success are slim. Rural legislators, typically Republican, dominate the legislature. “I want to be very clear about … what we are doing here in terms of outcome. When we, ourselves, will not be regulating or changing state law but we will put the question to the people of how they want to be governed,” cautioned council member Worth Morgan. Morgan also warned against potential confusion if the law passes, since state law preempts local ordinances. However, he offered that a balance had been struck while crafting the referendum. “There are some things that will never have a chance of passing and there are others on both sides, whether it be left or right, conservative, or liberal. “These are very reasonable and worth debating. This will

be something that adds to that debate, because now we will be able to say with confidence what the people feel about it,” said Morgan. In addition to the ongoing plague of gun violence and gang activity, the effort to curb loosened gun laws in Memphis was given further impetus after recent high-profile gun-related crimes or incidents. Warren originally pitched gun controls after a May 2 meeting was interrupted by news of a man shooting at AR15 at the lobby of the FOX News studio at Highland Ave. The shooter then headed south to Ubee’s restaurant, where he barricaded himself for 30 minutes before surrendering. He also live-streamed the incident. No one was injured. Guns thefts in Memphis are also common during car break-ins and thefts. Many stolen firearms are later used in crimes, police said.

LAWSUIT

CONTINUED FROM FRONT lawsuit are on hold. She set an Oct. 12 hearing on the matter. The NBA suspended Morant for 25 games when the upcoming season starts after a second video of him flashing a handgun was posted online. The video of Morant showing a gun while sitting in the passenger seat of a car was posted after he finished serving an eight-game suspension in March for a video in which he flashed a handgun in a Denverarea strip club. Morant apologized for both videos. On Monday — a year after the pickup game at Morant’s house in Eads — authorities issued an arrest warrant on a misdemeanor assault charge for Pack in connection with the fight.

The New Tri-State Defender

July 13 - 19, 2023

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, July 13 - 19, 2023, Page 4

Tracking the minimum wage

his summer, Connecticut, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington D.C. will raise their minimum wages, boosting pay for 765,000 workers who will collectively gain more than $615 million in wages. Meanwhile, 15 cities and counties will implement minimum wage increases, providing timely relief for low-wage workers facing rising prices. As of July 1, Oregon increased its hourly minimum wage by $0.70 to $14.20, while Nevada’s will increase by $0.75 to $11.25. Washington D.C. will increase its regular minimum wage by $0.90 to $17.00 while increasing its tipped minimum by $2.00 to $8.00. Connecticut increased its minimum wage on June 1 by $1.00 to $15.00 an hour. These increases will produce a welcome wage boost for low-wage workers in these states. If you take into account all affected workers – including workers directly receiving an increased minimum wage and those indirectly affected as employers adjust their wage ladders to the new minimum wages – we estimate the average change in hourly wages will be $0.40 in Nevada, $0.42 in Oregon, $0.57 in Connecticut, and $0.74 in Washington D.C. The average full-time minimum wage worker in Oregon will increase their wages by $675, while in D.C. that figure is $1,354. Increasing the minimum wage continues to be a key policy for reducing inequality and creating a more equitable economy. For the workers impacted by the state increases, 19.6 percent are in poverty and 46.2 percent are below twice the poverty line. A disproportionate number of affected workers are women (57.6 percent), who make up less than half (48.4 percenty) of the wage-earning workforce in the states with increases. Meanwhile, 13.7 percent of the affected workers are Black and 31.1 percenty are Latino, despite making up 9.9 percent and 17.6 percent of the state workforces, respectively. Most jurisdictions with minimum wage increases this summer are making automatic inflation-linked adjustments to their minimum wage, including all 15 localities and Oregon and Washington D.C. Connecticut’s and Nevada’s scheduled increases result from legislation each state passed in 2019. Adjusting the minimum wage for inflation helps protect the value of workers’ wages as prices increase. Since inflation has been high, the size of inflation adjustments is larger than has historically been the case, but still in line with regular scheduled increases to the minimum wage. State minimum wage action means more workers will earn at least $15 an hour. Connecticut becomes the fourth state (joining CA, WA, and MA) with a minimum wage reaching or exceeding $15 an hour, in addition to Washington D.C. Oregon has three separate wage rates for different regions of the state, one of which (Portland Urban Growth Boundary) also exceeds $15 for the first time, increasing from $14.75 to $15.45 an hour. As the federal minimum wage continues to stagnate, the disparity between states continues to grow. Minimum wage increases to $15 an hour or greater have been endorsed by voters nationwide from Florida, Nebraska, and Hawaii, yet 21 states still rely on the federal minimum wage as their wage floor. Even with recent wage growth for lowwage workers, workers in states operating at the federal minimum are 46 percent more likely to earn less than $15 an hour. Creating equitable minimum wage policy also requires eliminating loopholes that allow employers to pay certain groups of employees less than everyone else. Notably, the lower “tipped minimum wage” is a long-standing weakness of the federal minimum wage and many state minimum wages that is fundamentally inequitable. Sixteen states maintain a tipped minimum wage at the federal minimum of $2.13 an hour, while another 13 have a tipped minimum below $5.00 an hour. The establishment of a tipped minimum wage not only

has direct ties to slavery and its legacy, but the practice continues to often be discriminatory. The current makeup of the tipped workforce is predominantly women and people of color, meaning the harm of this “subminimum wage” continues to disproportionately fall along sexist and racist lines. States can and have taken action to eliminate their tipped minimum wages. Nevada and Oregon are two of the seven states that have eliminated their tipped minimum wage, while District of Columbia residents overwhelmingly passed a ballot measure in 2022 to phase out D.C.’s tipped minimum wage by 2027. As a result of the ballot measure, D.C.’s tipped minimum is scheduled to increase from $6 to $8 an hour in July. However, restaurant industry groups are attempting to seek tax relief and other loopholes to undermine the higher tipped minimum, arguing that rising costs and outstanding debt from the pandemic make it too difficult for restaurants to implement the tipped increase. But most tipped workers are low-wage earners, meaning they are some of the most vulnerable workers to inflation and cost of living increases. The harm of maintaining a low tipped minimum is severe. In states with the federal tipped minimum, the poverty rate for bartenders and other tipped occupations is 66 percent higher than in the seven states where tipped workers get the regular minimum wage. Despite the impacts of inflation, the post-pandemic economy is also characterized by a tight labor market that has produced historically fast wage growth for low-wage workers. Strong market-driven wage growth means fewer workers are being paid the minimum wage, a welcome (but temporary) development for low-wage workers. However, these favorable labor market conditions are also being used as justification to create more subminimum wage loopholes, particularly for workers younger than 18. Since 2022, Maine, Nebraska, and Virginia lawmakers have introduced legislation to create or further decrease subminimum youth minimum wages. Business groups argue that setting lower youth minimums is necessary for businesses to justify hiring young people, who they argue may not have the skills of an adult worker. However, if the minimum wage was too high for businesses to hire youth workers, we would expect to see a corresponding increase in unemployment among youth workers. Instead, the unemployment rate for workers ages 16 to 24 is almost identical to the pre-pandemic period. Moreover, youth minimum wages are simply bad policy. Youth workers perform the same jobs as their older peers and deserve equal compensation. Despite business rhetoric that jobs intrinsically leave youth better off, there is empirical evidence that youth minimum wages exacerbate child and family poverty. The minimum wage increases implemented by states and localities this summer are essential for improving the lives of low-wage workers, addressing income inequality, and fostering a more equitable economy. These wage hikes will provide financial relief and protect workers from the impacts of inflation in a labor market that is inherently unequal. Furthermore, eliminating unequal subminimum wages is crucial for creating a fairer economy. Eliminating subminimum loopholes and pursuing higher minimum wages are a way of locking in the wage gains low-wage workers are experiencing and promoting economic justice. (Source: Economic Policy Institute)

According to the Economic Policy Institute, minimum wage increases implemented by states and localities this summer are essential for improving the lives of low-wage workers, addressing income inequality, and fostering a more equitable economy. These wage hikes are projected to provide ﬁnancial relief and protect workers from the impacts of inﬂation in a labor market that is inherently unequal.

AT A GLANCE The federal minimum wage has not been raised since 2009. In the absence of action at the national level, many states and localities have raised their own minimum wages. Twenty-eight here 28 states and the District of Columbia that have changed their minimum-wage law since January 2014. They are Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C., and West Virginia The effective minimum wage has increased in these 30 states and D.C. since January 2014: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C., and West Virginia Forty-eighty localities have adopted minimum wages above their state minimum wage. They are: Alameda, California; Belmont, California; Berkeley, California; Birmingham, Alabama; Chicago, Illinois; Cook County, Illinois; Cupertino, California; Denver, Colorado; East Palo Alto, California; El Cerrito, California; Emeryville, California; Flagstaff, Arizona; Fremont, California; Hayward, California; Los Altos, California; Los Angeles County, California; Los Angeles, California; Malibu, California; Milpitas, California; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Montgomery County, Maryland; Mountain View, California; Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties, New York; New York City, New York; Novato, California; Oakland, California; Palo Alto, California; Pasadena, California; Petaluma, California; Portland Urban Growth Boundary, Oregon; Portland, Maine; Redwood City, California; Richmond, California; San Diego, California; San Francisco, California; San Jose, California; San Mateo, California; Santa Clara, California; Santa Fe City, New Mexico; Santa Fe County, New Mexico; Santa Monica, California; Santa Rosa, California; SeaTac, Washington; Seattle, Washington; Sonoma, California; St. Paul, Minnesota; Sunnyvale, California; and West Hollywood,

California There are 30 states and D.C. that have a minimum wage higher than the federal minimum wage: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The minimum wage is indexed for inflation in 19 states and D.C., meaning it is automatically adjusted each year for increases in prices. Those are Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Washington D.C. There are 8 states that have no minimum-wage law or a minimum wage below the federal minimum wage. The federal minimum wage applies in all of these states. Those states are Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wyoming. Take note In states with no minimum-wage law (Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee) or minimum wages below the federal minimum wage (Georgia and Wyoming), the federal minimum wage of $7.25 applies. Many states exclude very small businesses, such as those with fewer than five employees or those with gross annual revenue below a specified threshold. Many also contain a variety of smaller occupational exclusions and in some cases, exclusions for seasonal and part-time youth workers. The exclusions listed here are not exhaustive; they only highlight the more significant or noteworthy exclusions to minimum-wage laws. “CPI” refers to the Consumer Price Index, as calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. “CPI-U” refers to the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers, as calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. “CPI-W” refers to the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, as calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Source: The Economic Policy Institute)

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The New Tri-State Defender

July 13 - 19, 2023

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RELIGION

Dr. Bartholomew Orr is set to release his second book on August 1. (Courtesy photo)

From ‘ORRDinary Lessons’ to teaching ministry leaders to think ‘Outside the Box’ TSD Newsroom In his second book, “Outside the Box,” mega-church pastor Dr. Bartholomew Orr offers his perspective on approaching ministry and harnessing the power of innovation to create a lasting impact on communities. As a community leader, Dr. Orr recognizes the inﬂuence of culture on families, communities and the nation. “Outside the Box” provides insight into how the church can become a powerful agent of change in society through the impact of the 5 M’s – Message, Maturity, Mentoring, Missions and Ministry created by the leaders of Brown Missionary Baptist Church. “The world is constantly changing. The church has an opportunity to take a bold new approach to transforming ministry and empowering our communities,” said Dr. Orr “‘Outside the Box’ equips community leaders, church leaders and individuals with the tools they need to lead, evolve and thrive with purpose.” All book proceeds will support the Missions and Benevolence ministry at Brown Missionary Baptist Church. (For more information or to purchase “Outside the Box,” visit https://brownbaptist.org/.)

Keep on trunkin’ … Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood, where the Rev. Melvin Watkins Jr. is pastor, recently presented its annual Graduate Scholar Trunk Festival. The recipients included Aaron Davis and Isaiah Newson-Wright.

Preachers’ Conference roll on … The 2023 Frank Ray Conference was held at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, 2237 S. Parkway East, on July 5-7. The Rev. Dr. Ray assists the Rev. Dr. Franklin Sampson Jr. (seated) the keynote speaker at the Friday (July 7) ﬁnale. Bishop Marvin Sapp, a renowned gospel music artist, preached and sang “Never Would Have Made It Without You” during Dr. Ray’s Preacher Expository Conference on Thursday. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

The New Tri-State Defender, July 13 - 19, 2023, Page 6

Putting a wrap on the 196th Anniversary of the Black Press NNPA Newswire President Joe Biden’s remarks in saluting the Black Press of America during the NNPA’s annual convention in Nashville, made it clear how important African American-owned newspapers remain and underscored the gathering’s theme. Afterall, the theme of the conference and for this 196th anniversary of the Black Press is: The Black Press of America: Amplifying Progress, Excellence, & Voices of Black America. “Congratulations to the Black Press of America for celebrating 196 years of serving communities across our nation,” Biden stated in the address which aired on July 1. “Ida B. Wells once said, the way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon the wrong. That’s the sacred charge of a free press. That’s the charge African American publishers have pursued for nearly two centuries,” Biden continued. “With every story you publish, you make our democracy stronger. Thank you for what you do to turn the light of truth wherever your work leads you. Thank you.” Dr. Chavis and outgoing NNPA Chair Karen Carter Richards praised the President for recognizing the importance of the Black Press of America. “The NNPA is especially honored to hear directly from President Joe Biden for his continued support and advocacy of the importance of the Black Press of America,” Chavis stated. “As we celebrate 196 years of the Black Press, it’s always gratifying and encouraging to have the support of the President of the United States. In the wake of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions on civil rights, the Black Press rededicates our journalism to be a clarion voice for freedom, justice, equality, and equity.” Richards, who completed four years as NNPA Chair, also thanked the President.

Forward Times Business Manager Chelsea Lenora White (far left) chats with the Reading With A Rapper team during workshop on engaging the next generation.

Judge Stephanie Williams swore in the NNPA’s new board and executive committee members, including Calvin Anderson (third from left) President of The New Tri-State Defender. “To have the President of the United States take the time out to be a part of our convention is, of course, special,” Richards related. “But it’s also a testament to just how vital the Black Press remains. Collectively, as Black publishers and Black business owners, we are stronger than ever, and the President’s message reinforces that.” The week began with a chairman’s reception at the National Museum of African American Music sponsored by Nissan, with greetings and acknowledgments from Richards; Chavis; and convention planning committee chair Terry Jones, the

publisher of Data News Weekly in New Orleans. Rosetta Miller-Perry, the publisher of the Tennessee Tribune, served as host for the week. A workshop on engaging the next generation through culture and building pathways between the Black Press and the next generation through education included conversations with Forward Times Business Manager Chelsea Lenora White, and Jarren Small, the CEO of Educational Entertainment and Reading with a Rapper. The workshop stressed the importance of solving the national literacy

issue to reach the next generation and provided publishers and attendees with solutions to reach an untapped market: schools. Small and Dr. Chavis then discussed the “Black Press State of Emergency Response through Hip Hop, Education, and Literacy,” during a ﬁreside chat. The Google News Initiative presented “3 Trends to Grow Ad Revenues in 2023” with the global program manager Tina Xiao. Xiao briefed attendees on the top trends in ad revenue and Google products aimed at helping accelerate publishers’ digital transformation. Longtime NNPA partner General Motors hosted a lunch discussion on “Cultural Capital with Diverse Consumers Through Storytelling,” moderated by David Milledge, GM’s multicultural marketing manager. It included panelists Brandy Merriweather and Tiffany Greene, both HBCU alums. The Los Angeles Sentinel later presented “Digital Transformation, Staying Accessible and Relevant to Readers,” powered by Intuit, and featuring Niele Anderson, the Sentinel’s Daily Brief host. Tania Mercado, the senior manager of communications at Intuit, and Derrick Plummer, the company’s director of corporate communications, served as panelists. They discussed the challenges of transforming print to digital and how to accelerate that transformation and overcome some of those challenges. The NNPA Fund handed out its Messenger Awards, honoring the best of Black newspapers. The Sacramento Observer won 16 awards, including Publisher of the Year for Larry Lee. Chavis also interviewed Jessie Wolley-Wilson, the president, and CEO of DreamBox Learning, on emphasizing mathematics in education. Dr. Wilford T. Ussery then presented “Mathematics and Education for Black America.”

Bobby Henry Sr.

Diageo produced the video “Introducing Multicultural Consortium for Responsible Drinking,” presented by Sheila Thorne. Also, Zillow presented “Housing Trends in Black America,” with Tyrone Law, the senior public relations specialist delivering with a focus on the current state of housing, including homeownership rates, home values and other trends affecting the Black community. Keith Collins, the owner, and CEO of BlackOps LLC, presented “Empowering Minority-Owned Small Businesses to be Cyber Aware.” Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison proved a crowd pleaser with his topic, “Ending the Cycle of Police Violence in America.” Google Tech Transformation Lab presented a Q&A where publishers and attendees could learn more about how they could become a part of Transformation Tech, a new program helping news publishers achieve digital transformation through top-tier coaching and $20K in funding from the Google News Initiative. Reynolds hosted a lunch panel on “When Good People Write Bad Public Policy: Stop the FDA Menthol Ban,” a session that expounded on the lived experiences and expertise of the nation’s leading Black law enforcement professionals and community leaders on the unintended consequences of bans and prohibitions. Bobby Henry, Sr., the publisher of the Westside Gazette in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., won his election to become the new NNPA Chairman, succeeding Richards, the publisher of the Forward Times in Houston. During the NNPA’s Legacy Awards and Gala Dinner, the organization honored Attorney General Keith Ellison along with Tennessee State Representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson. Grammy winner Keith Washington closed the gala with a mini-concert.

Start ‘Life and Other Love Songs’ and wave goodbye to your weekend by Terri Schlichenmeyer

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

If only you could wave a magic wand. All your troubles would disappear, poof! One wave, and you’d have the money you need, the job you want, the family you’ve dreamed about, the life you deserve. Wave a magic wand and go on vacation or – as in the new book “Life and Other Love Songs” by Anissa Gray – you could wave it and just disappear. Between the time she met him, and 1989, Deborah held two funerals for her husband, Daniel Ozro Armstead Junior. He wasn’t at either one of them. The first was held not long after his thirty-seventh birthday, after Oz had lunch with his brother, then left the restaurant and vanished. The second funeral, some years later, was held after Oz was declared dead so that Deborah and her daughter, Trinity, could finally have closure. The first time Deborah saw him, Oz was standing all by himself at a rent party and she walked right up to him, just like that, right after she and her girl-group appeared on the little stage they’d set up in a corner of the living room. Deborah promised him that one day, she’d appear on a real stage and he believed her.

Oz loved her instantly, but he was intimidated. He’d never seen someone as beautiful as Deborah, or as sure of herself, but he, too, had plans. He kept them in a notebook that he carried everywhere with him and soon, his plans included finishing college, getting an office job, and taking care of Deborah and a family. He’d keep applying for jobs that he’d never get. He’d refuse to discuss the trauma he shared with his brother, or their Alabama growing-up. He’d threaten a gay friend with public revelation and arrest to get his way. And Oz would lie to Deborah, again and again, knowing that she could get over some things but she could never know the truth. Crack open “Life and Other Love Songs,” and you may wonder what you got yourself into. Like a dropped cup full of beads, the prologue scatters – but stick with it. The first full chapter, which comes quick enough, will pull you into the novel you want. Told with a fluid time-frame in three distinct voices, this story of secrets, trust, and the lack of it takes readers back sixty years before pulling them forward through the Civil Rights movement, the Women’s Movement, the Gay Rights movement, and its characters’ lives. Despite this huge decades-wide back-

Anissa Gray drop, author Anissa Gray holds the story tight by keeping readers guessing on Oz’s background, the lies he’s told, and the colossal betrayals of trust he committed. Whether or not you’ll be satisﬁed at how this unfolds and what happens to the characters in the end will depend on how you like novels of treachery. This is a good choice for your book club, for vacation, or any time you want a tale with a hint of history in the background. Start “Life and Other Love Songs” and wave goodbye to your weekend.

Karen Carter Richards

Anissa Gray (Photo: Bonnie J. Heath) Life and Other Love Songs” by Anissa Gray c.2023, Berkley $27.00 324 pages

The New Tri-State Defender

July 13 - 19, 2023

ENTERTAINMENT

Page 7

TSU, Amazon partnership to provide college education for employees in $1.2 billion Career Choice program TSU News Service NASHVILLE – Tennessee State University is looking for hundreds of Amazon employees to enroll this fall! TSU and Amazon have partnered to provide the company’s hourly employees an opportunity to take college courses as a part of the Career Choice tuition assistance program. Career Choice is Amazon’s $1.2 billion commitment to upskill more than 300,000 employees by 2025, by helping them earn a college degree or certificate for specialized training. TSU joins the growing list of historically black college and university (HBCUs) nationwide participating in the program and is the only one in Tennessee in the Career Choice network. “We are pleased that our existing relationship with Amazon has grown into this new partnership where Tennessee State University will train and educate hundreds of Amazon’s employees through the Career Choice initiative to help enhance job skills and advance their careers,” said TSU President Glenda Glover. “TSU has the resources for Amazon employees to flourish and complete any of our academic programs with dedicated faculty and staff who are committed to seeing them succeed and graduate.” Beginning this fall, Amazon will pay 100 percent of tuition for employees to pursue courses – online or in person – from bachelor’s degrees to certifications that lead to in-demand jobs, and foundational skills such as English language proficiency. The company accounts for nearly 30,000 employees in Tennessee, with several fulfillment centers. A new downtown office is expected to bring more than 5,000 tech and corporate jobs to Nashville. “We’re looking forward to Tennessee State University coming on board as an

Tennessee State University joins the growing list of historically black college and universities (HBCUs) nationwide participating in Amazon’s Career Choice tuition assistance program and the only one in Tennessee. education partner for Career Choice, adding to the hundreds of best-in-class offerings available to our employees,” said Tammy Thieman, Global Program Lead of Amazon’s Career Choice program. “We’re committed to empowering our employees by providing them access to the education and training they need to grow their careers, whether that’s with us or elsewhere. We have intentionally created a partner network of third-party educators and employers committed to providing excellent education,

Glenda Glover

Tammy Thieman

“We are pleased that our existing relationship with Amazon has grown into this new partnership where Tennessee State University will train and educate hundreds of Amazon’s employees through the Career Choice initiative.” — Glenda Glovera job placement resources, and continuous improvements to the experience. Today, over 90,000 Amazon employees around the world have participated in Career Choice and we’ve seen ﬁrst-hand how it can transform their lives.” Dr. Verontae L. Deams, with TSU’s Enrollment Management, said the new partnership is part of the University’s commitment to helping companies build their

workforce and provide opportunities for professional growth and development. “With this partnership, Amazon employees will have access to a range of educational programs designed to help them acquire new skills, enhance their existing skill set, and place them on the track of upward mobility through higher education,” said Deams, who serves as assistant vice president and university registrar. “Whether an Amazon employee is enrolling as a first-time freshman or transfer student, TSU is here to help that individual obtain an undergraduate degree or certification. We are committed to all of our students from application to graduation.” Since launching in 2012, Amazon Career Choice has connected with hundreds of schools across 14 countries to assist with its employees’ future career success. To date, more than 130,000 Amazon employees have participated in Career Choice. LoLita Toney, TSU’s executive director of Institutional Advancement, serves as the liaison for the partnership with Amazon. She said the Career Choice benefit addresses the barrier of cost that many students face in their pursuit of a college degree. “We’re honored Amazon selected TSU as a partner,” she said. “Together, TSU and Amazon are providing educational opportunities that will have a lasting positive impact on individuals and their families. We’re excited about the collaboration and look forward to welcoming Amazon associates to Big Blue.” (Amazon employees interested in Career Choice should visit the company’s designated portal and complete a TSU application as well. Visit the Amazon Career Choice portal here: https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/workplace/career-choice.)

The New Tri-State Defender

July 13 - 19, 2023

Page 8

NEWS

In this Dec. 4, 2008 photo, Aretha Franklin performs during the 85th annual Christmas tree lighting at the New York Stock Exchange in New York. Three handwritten wills were found in the suburban Detroit home of Franklin, months after the death of the “Queen of Soul,” including one that was discovered under cushions in the living room. (AP Photo: Mary Altaffer, File)

Expensive court ﬁght over Aretha Franklin’s will provides cautionary tale by Steve Jarnowski Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The long, expensive court fight over the will of soul singer Aretha Franklin provides a cautionary tale for people who want to make sure their wishes are carried out after their death — and for their families. A Michigan jury determined on Tuesday that a handwritten document by Franklin that was found in her couch after her 2018 death was a valid will. It was a critical turn in a dispute that has turned her sons against each other. And it ended in victory for Kecalf and Edward Franklin, whose lawyers had argued that papers dated 2014 should override a 2010 will discovered in a locked cabinet at the Queen of Soul’s home in suburban Detroit. Legal experts say the fight could have been avoided if Franklin had had a formal will drafted by an experienced attorney who could have ensured that it specified what should become of her money, property and other possessions — and that it would hold up in court. And they say that lesson applies to other families, too. Here’s a look at some of the issues involved: DO I NEED A WILL? Not necessarily, but estate lawyers strongly recommend them for most people to ensure that their wishes are carried out, and to avoid causing fights among their loved ones. “Kids fighting after mom and dad pass is the oldest thing in the world,” said Patrick Simasko, who teaches elder law at Michigan State University’s law school and has been following the Franklin case. “That’s the last thing that mom and dad want. That’s the takeaway. Prepare your estate plan so the kids won’t fight after you pass away.” Estate attorneys often recommend that their clients establish revocable trusts, which can keep the estate out of probate court. That can make the process much less expensive, but the laws vary from state to state. CAN I DO IT MYSELF? You can, but Franklin put her family through five years of expensive litigation that could have been avoided. Franklin was working with an attorney about a formal will

“People are sometimes pennywise and pound foolish, including people with decent amounts of money. But if you have enough money to leave to somebody, you have enough money to hire a lawyer and not do it yourself.” — Josh Rubenstein from 2016-18, but nothing was finalized at the time of her death. “There were a lot of open questions and we never resolved those open questions,” lawyer Henry Grix testified during the long-running litigation. “She was quite ill and perhaps unable, really, to reach final intentions.” Do-it-yourself software such as the popular Quicken WillMaker can cost as little as $99, but those programs can’t customize a will to a family’s unique circumstances and foresee all the potential pitfalls the way a good attor-

ney could. “People are sometimes pennywise and pound foolish, including people with decent amounts of money,” said Josh Rubenstein, a New York attorney who heads the private wealth department at the nationwide law firm Katten. “But if you have enough money to leave to somebody, you have enough money to hire a lawyer and not do it yourself.” And although Michigan accepts handwritten wills like Franklin’s, many states don’t. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SOMEONE DIES WITHOUT A WILL? Most states have laws covering how an estate should be divided when a person dies “intestate,” meaning without a will, as the vast majority of Americans do, Rubenstein said. But those laws just provide default formulas for who gets what, and they vary from state to state. Those formulas may not ensure that money, property and possessions get divided the way you want among your surviving relatives, nor do they guarantee who will be named the executor. A case is point is how rock superstar Prince died without a will in 2016. Under Minnesota law, his estate had to be divided equally among his six surviving siblings, who have had plenty of disagreements since then. The court had to appoint an executor. Lawyers and the trust firm appointed by the court to manage the estate collected millions of dollars that otherwise could have gone to the heirs. More than seven years after Prince’s death, the case is only now finally winding down. It took until last year for all parties, including the IRS, to agree that Prince’s estate was worth $156.4 million. All of the assets have been distributed except for around $1.4 million in tax refunds that are still coming, court filings show. (Associated Press reporter Ed White contributed to this story from Pontiac, Michigan.)

The New Tri-State Defender

Walter Gipson is seeking title and has possession of a1997 Ford Econoline van vin# 1FTEE1421VHA54473. If there is anyone that has current ownership of this vehicle contact Walter Gipson at 901 503 9861.

LEGAL NOTICE Request for Qualifications RFQ 23-1468-00 SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CONSULTING SERVICES Sealed statements of qualifications for SMS Consulting Services will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (Authority), Procurement Department, Memphis International Airport, 4150 Louis Carruthers Drive, Memphis, TN 38118, until 2:00 PM local time, on August 9, 2023. Responses will not be publicly opened. A complete Request for Qualifications Packet with submittal instructions, additional data, and response format may be found on the Authority’s website on or after July 6, 2023. All Respondents are responsible for checking the Authority’s website up to the submission deadline for any updates, addenda or additional information. In accordance with the Authority’s purchasing policies, the Authority will give a preference to businesses located in Shelby County, Tennessee when awarding contracts and making purchases, unless prohibited by law. The successful Respondent must sign a contract with the Authority that includes Federal Aviation Administration provisions, if applicable, regarding the Buy American Preference, Foreign Trade Restriction, Davis-Bacon, Affirmative Action, Debarment and Suspension, Prohibition on Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment, Domestic Preferences for Procurements, and Drug-Free Workplace, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this Request for Qualifications in whole or in part; to waive any informalities, technicalities, or omissions related to this Request for Qualifications; and to reject responses on any other basis authorized by the Authority’s purchasing policies.

The Authority is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, disability, marital status, military service, or sexual orientation in its hiring and employment practices and in the admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, and activities. By order of: Scott A. Brockman, A.A.E. President and CEO Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority

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: Lanora Owens Tax Parcel #: 03509900000130 Tax Sale #: 306 Price Offered: $300.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on August 10, 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 fol-

July 13 - 19, 2023

Page 9

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1509 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104 PH (901) 523-1818 HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. DEADLINES: Display ads Friday 5 p.m. Classiﬁeds ads Monday 5 p.m. STANDARD RATES: $6.00 per line for 1 column ad.

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lowing property: Alexander Smith Tax Parcel #: 02507100000470 Tax Sale #: 1703 Price Offered: $17,500.00 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 10:00 a.m. on August 10, 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; Invest-

New Tri-State Defender reserves the right to correctly classify and edit all copy or to reject or cancel any ad at any time. Only standard abbreviations accepted. Copy change during ordered schedule constitutes new ad & new changes. Deadlines for cancellation are identical to placement deadlines. Rates subject to change. ADJUSTMENTS: PLEASE check your ad the first day it appears. Call (901) 523-1818 if an error occurs. We can only offer in-house credit and NO REFUNDS are issued. THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER assumes no financial responsibility for errors nor for copy omission. Direct any classified billing inquires to (901) 523-1818.

ments LLC Tax Parcel #: 07613200000110 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $9,500.00 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 9:30 a.m. on August 10, 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: John Stepney Tax Parcel #: 07521600000080 Tax Sale #: 704

Price Offered: $1,350.00 Terms: Cash

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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 10, 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.

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: Arthur Akers &amp; Briana Williams-Akers Tax Parcel #: 07607300000340 Tax Sale #: 1802 Price Offered: $11,100.00 Terms: Cash

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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 9, 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.

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property:

Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

Brittny Harris Tax Parcel #: 04203700000200 Tax Sale #: 1501 Price Offered: $$750.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:30 a.m. on August 9, 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

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The New Tri-State Defender

July 13 - 19, 2023

Page 10

SPORTS

Putting in the work is the path forward for former Tigers and Memphis-connected players by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

LAS VEGAS – The number of players with Memphis connections that are not playing for the Grizzlies in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas is mind boggling. Ten former University of Memphis Tigers p l a y ers that played for head coach B i g Terry m a n Davis J a m e s Wi s e man, who starred at East High School and played brieﬂy for the Tigers amid an NCAA eligibility review, is looking for new life in Detroit alongside another former Memphis big man, Jalen Duren. Two years removed from the Tigers, Lester Quinones of the Golden State Warriors is showing the ropes to Kendric Davis, who starred at Memphis last season. Landers Nolley II suited up for the New Orleans Pelicans. And, Josh Minot continues to improve with the Minnesota

Cedric Henderson Jr. (Photos: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)

Lester Quinones

Kendric Davis

Emoni Bates

Kennedy Chandler

Timberwolves. Elijah McCadden has got some run with the Philadelphia 76’ers. Emoni Bates, a second-round draft pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers, transferred from Memphis after a year. Damian Baugh played for the Los Angeles Lakers and Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu, aka KAO, was a late addition to the Dallas Mavericks. Former Tigers were not the only players with Memphis ties trying to make an impression. Kennedy Chandler, the former Memphis Grizzly, Tennessee Volunteer and Briarcrest graduate, has played for the Brooklyn Nets. Chandler was released by Memphis in a tough decision heading into

the playoffs because of the lack of depth on the inside. Chandler has been impressive in his actions with the Nets. He was impressive in his playing time with the Memphis Hustle last season. Cedric Henderson Jr. is getting a look at from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Bates and Davis have been impressive. Davis has been running the point guard position for the Warriors. He has improved in every outing that has played. Bates has been trying to live to the hype that he had when he arrived at the University of Memphis as one of the players with the highest ceiling in his class. In a win over the Memphis Grizzlies in the summer

league, Bates scored 21 points and was impressive from long range. Davis has shown ﬂashes of getting better each game. In his ﬁnal season at Memphis, Davis was bothered by an ankle injury. He appears to have recovered and his speed and ability to run the court has gotten better. He also has been great at handling the basketball. Quinones earned a contract at the end of last season. He is the only returning veteran on this year’s Warriors summer league team. He has been the leader on the offensive end and has been giving leadership to the other players. Quinones was important in getting Davis to sign with Memphis. Their relationship

had an impact on Davis choosing the Warriors to team up with this summer. “Being my second time around, I feel more mature,” said Quinones. “I know my reads. I am the only person on the roster with NBA experience. I feel my conﬁdence is at an alltime high leading these guys.” On achieving the dream of making onto an NBA roster Quinones said, “It was amazing. Especially being around guys like Stef (Curry) and Draymond (Green) and others. They are wise minds to be around. I picked up a lot from them.” Wiseman is in a pivotal year in his professional career. He is one of the older veterans playing in the summer league.

He has been straddled with injuries during his three-year NBA career. Detroit is looking for a fresh start with new head coach Monty Williams at the helm. Wiseman is looking for a fresh start with Williams. On what the staff is wanting to see form him this summer Wiseman said, “My defense,” said Wiseman, responding to what the Detroit staff is wanting to see from him this summer. “I feel my offense will come in time. I am trying to get my shifting and timing better. It is the little stuff that I am trying to improve to develop my game.” The odds are long for most of these players to make it to an opening-day roster. Most are hoping for a two-way contract or, in the worst-case scenario, they put some good work on tape to earn a professional contract overseas.

Summer time is make-the-teambetter time for the Grizzlies by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The Memphis Grizzlies have been busy in the last week. They ofﬁcially parted ways with Dillon Brooks through a sign-and-trade manuever. As a part of that trade the Grizzlies received Josh Christopher. Also, according to an NBA report by Adrian Wojnarowski, the Grizzlies and Suns have agreed to some draft swaps and Memphis also picked up Isaiah Todd as part of that agreement. With those two transactions, the Grizzlies now have 17 players under contract. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, the team can carry 20 players on their preseason roster. The other three spots may be held for the three, twoway contracts they have available. Two of those spots may go

to second-year player Vincent Williams and rookie draft pick GG Anderson II. The other spot may go to second-round pick Tarik Biberovic. All three are on the team’s summer league roster playing in Las Vegas. The team can only carry 15 contracts on the active roster. Two players will either have to be waived or traded before the start of the season. More moves The Grizzlies have ofﬁcially announced the extension of guard Desmond Bane’s contract. The team signed him to a ﬁve-year $207 million deal. Bane was selected with the 30th picked in the 2019 draft class. He is one of several players in that class that have received max contract extensions. Bane now has the largest contract value on the team.

“I have not had the chance to think about it. I had family around when the news broke,” said Bain. “There is a lot going on out here (in Las Vegas). I am here trying to focus on the young guys and what we have going on in the summer league. Once I get home, I will have the chance to reﬂect on it.” Bane, who had a nagging toe injury last season, had surgery after the season and is slowly recovering from it. He is regaining better movement and expects to be ready when the season starts. The team has also introduced Marcus Smart as a member of the Grizzlies. Smart was acquired in a three-team trade that included the Washington Wizards and the Boston Celtics. The addition of Smart, the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) in 2021-22 season,

means Memphis will have the last two DPOY winners on their roster. It’s also the ﬁrst time in NBA history that one team has had back-to-back DPOY on the same team. “It is a fresh start,” said Smart. “A lot of things have happened to me. My house ﬂooded. I am ready to get back to the grind.” Smart has some basketball-career similarities to another Celtic that came to Memphis from Boston – Tony Allen. Allen and Smart attended Oklahoma State and were great defensive players. Smart said he had not yet talked to Allen since being traded to Memphis. “I was looking it up and it is crazy,” Smart said of the similarities to Allen’s basketball journey. “To see how our careers have been so similar is kinda of crazy.”

Desmond Bane (center) with Grizzlies head Coach Taylor Jenkins and Memphis General Zach Manager Kleiman. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender) Memphis General Manager Zack Kleinman framed the Smart acquisition this way, “This is someone who we have been excited to bring into our organization. We were looking forward to getting someone who can be a lockdown defender and someone who is battle tested. Marcus passed the gut tested.” What’s this in-season tournament? The NBA this season will launch its inaugural in-season

tournament. The league’s 30 teams will be divided into six groups. Only eight teams will advance to the quarterfinals. The games will start on November 9 and conclude with the semifinals and finals being played in Las Vegas December 7-9. The official dates for the games will be released by the NBA sometime in August. The Grizzlies will host Phoenix and Utah and will travel to play the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trailblazers.