The New Tri-State Defender - July 21-27, 2022 by The Tri-State Defender

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July 21 - 27, 2022

VOL. 71, No. 29

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Murder in Memphis: This time it’s a pastor

Teens charged in slaying of United Methodist leader by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Capleville United Methodist Church in Hickory Hill honored the life of their late pastor Dr. Autura Eason-Williams Tuesday evening (July 19). Dr. Eason-Williams was fatally shot at her Whitehaven home about 4:15 p.m. Monday (July 18) during what police officials said was a carjacking. Two teenagers have been charged in the incident. Tuesday’s Service of Remembrance and Prayer service attracted a solemn gathering of heartbroken

family and friends, who celebrated the life of the beloved victim, who was “more than a pastor, but family.” Jackie Pride, in a Facebook post, said, “We became friends and shared many memories through Boy Scout Troop 355, Kirby Middle, and Kirby High PTA…Thank you for doing LIFE with us! May God comfort her family and friends.” Dr. Eason-Williams was not only a pastor, but an accomplished prelate who served as district superintendent of the United Methodist Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference’s Metro District.

News of her death swept swiftly through the local church community. Police Monday responded to a shooting at 1000 Whitehaven Lane and Rev. Autura found the mortalEasonly wounded Dr. Williams Eason-Williams. The news sent shockwaves through the Memphis religious community, prompting an

“Incidents like these should make everyone have sleepless nights,” said Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis as she announced arrests in the fatal shooting of the Rev. Autura Eason-Williams. (Screen capture) outpouring of sympathy on social media platforms. Dr. Rosalyn Nichols was a good friend of Eason-Williams. Her immediate response to news of the death was to post, “No words,” on her Facebook page. She had more to say Wednesday (July 20). “When the Rev. Dr. Herbert Lester served as pastor of Centenary Unit-

ed Methodist Church, I met the Rev. Dr. Autura Eason-Williams. She was warm and enthusiastic about serving God and God’s people. “More than words, it was how she made everyone feel because of what they saw and heard when she was around. Needless to say, our hearts

SEE MURDER ON PAGE 2

With the Aug. 4 election looming and the early voting period extending through July 30, signs that reﬂect the political season dot the landscape outside the voting precinct at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

Early Voting is underway for Aug. 4 Election

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

With nearly 8,000 votes cast in the first two days of early voting, Shelby County may witness one of the larger mid-term turnouts in recent history. “The turnout has really been encouraging,” said Sidney Adkins, who is handing out voting literature at Riverside Community Center. “What

we are seeing since Monday is that the number of early voters keeps growing. Each day, we see more people coming out to participate.” Early voting began last Friday, July 15. According to one site coordinator, a higher turnout may occur this year, if turn out so far is any indication. “As a coordinator, I travel around to four early voting sites,” said Paula Miller on Wednesday. “And voters at all these sites are talking about three

‘Women Vote Early’ rally set: Page 2

Rep. Torrey Harris charged with assault, theft: Page 2 major races they feel are important: Juvenile Court Judge, County Mayor, and the District Attorney. People

are coming out because they feel this mid-term is especially important.” The Shelby County Voter Alliance (SCVA) and Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) hope to boost early voting numbers even more with free voter transportation to the polls all day on Friday, July 29, two days before early voting ends. The two entities forged the partnership in March to accommodate voters during the County Primary Elections.

A promotional event to talk up “Free Bus Day for Shelby County Voters” is slated for Thursday, July 21, to make sure public transportation riders and all Shelby County voters are welcome to participate. “We are excited to partner with the Shelby County Election Commission and the Shelby County Voter Alliance

SEE VOTE ON PAGE 2

National Bar Association to take a ‘S.T.A.N.D.’ in Memphis during 97th Annual Convention TSD Newsroom The National Bar Association (NBA) – the world’s largest and oldest organization of predominantly African-American judges and attorneys – next week will be centered in Memphis for its 97th Annual Convention. Beginning Sunday (July 24)

through July 29, the five-day convention will unfold with the theme “S.T.A.N.D. UP: Strong Tenacious Advocacy for a New Deal”. Nearly 1,000 registrants are expected for the convention at the Sheraton Convention Center in Downtown Memphis. Reanetta Hunt, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based non-profit organization, emphasized

that the convention is open to anyone currently in the legal profession, law students, those aspiring to pursue the legal profession, and others who are passionate about the justice system. Judge Carlos E. Moore, the 79th president of the National Bar Association, points to Memphis’ rich civil rights history as a timely backdrop for a key focal point of the conven-

tion. “As a result of what happened in Memphis during the 60’s Civil Rights Movement, laws were put in place to support equality and ensure fairness,” said Moore, the managing partner of The Cochran Firm – Mississippi Delta, which is based in Grenada, Miss. “Unfortunately, and especially of late, we’ve seen a rise in the public

Reanetta Hunt

Judge Carlos E. Moore

outcry for justice as crimes against people of color have escalated bringing to the forefront an even greater

SEE NBA ON PAGE 2

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The New Tri-State Defender

NBA

CONTINUED FROM FRONT need for diverse lawyers and judges with a unique understanding of both the legal system and the people of color it is supposed to serve…. “During this year’s NBA convention, we are focused on equipping those on the frontlines with the tools they need to be impactful as legal professionals and business owners in the face of hate crimes, police brutality, sexism, racism, and the like.” The agenda will feature panels with industry experts addressing topics such as Diversity In Tech, Black Prosecutors Matter, The State of

Judge Mablean Ephraim during an interview with thegrio.com earlier this year. (Screen capture) the Black Woman Lawyer In America, and the importance of Diversity in the Workplace. In addition, there will be speakers, educational activities, and entertainment. Fred Gray, a recent recipient of the Presidential Medal of

July 21 - 27, 2022

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NEWS

Freedom, and Judge Mablean Ephraim, who starred in the popular television series “Divorce Court,” are among the conference honorees. Other events include the NBA’s 40 Under 40 gala recognizing “some of the best and brightest attorneys of color.” Award-winning 90’s R&B group, Dru Hill will headline the entertainment at the FedExForum. Founded in 1925, the NBA has 60,000-plus members and 84 affiliate chapters across the United States, Canada, the UK, Morocco, and the Caribbean, (For more information and to register, visit www.nationalbar.org.)

MURDER

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

President Joe Biden afﬁxes the Presidential Medal of Freedom around the neck of Fred D. Gray Sr, who the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once described as “the chief counsel for the protest movement.” (Screen capture)

VOTE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT again,” said MATA CEO Gary Rosenfeld. “We are delighted to help our citizens fulfill their civic duty, and we encourage everyone to take advantage.” The Shelby County Voter Alliance is a non-partisan, non-profit organization in Shelby County. Its mission involves ensuring equal access to the polls for all communities, getting voters registered, and promoting racial parity. “Transportation to the polls has been something our organization has always focused on, and this partnership helps us extend our reach all across the county,” said Ian Randolph, SCVA spokesperson. Weekend days seem to put up the biggest numbers in most elections, according to Miller. “I just heard about the free transportation voting day this morning,” said Miller. “This is such a great idea because we all want our fellow citizens to have the opportunity to vote, especially in this mid-term election. No one

This stretch of political signs hints that the ballot for the Aug. 4 election is a lengthy one. (Photo: Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell/The New Tri-State Defender) who desires to vote should be hindered from voting because of challenges with transportation.” Early voting will continue through Saturday, July 30, at 26 early-voting sites. Shelby County Election Commission Administrator Linda Phillips is hopeful that the narrative on mid-term elections will change from a consistent history of voter turnout.

“Most mid-term election turnouts are barely 10 percent of eligible voters, said Phillips. “This year, voters are looking at certain races they feel are very important. The free transportation day for Shelby County voters may help us exceed that number this time.” Thursday, August 4, is election day. During the first two early voting days, 7,763 voters let their voices be heard. Accord-

ing to the Shelby County Election Commission, that total included absentee votes and ballots cast by voters in skilled nursing facilities. By party, 4,239 were cast identified as Democrat, and 3,365 identified as Republican. This ballot is the longest one since the 2014 mid-terms, with a combination of elections, along with state and federal primaries. Thirty-seven judicial races

list a total of 95 candidates. Many of the judicial incumbents are on the ballot unopposed. Early voting is Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., except at the Shelby County Election Commission, which opens from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the following two weeks. Again, early voting will end Saturday, July 30.

Rep. Torrey Harris charged with assault, theft Associated Press Democratic State Rep. Torrey Harris of Memphis faces charges of misdemeanor assault and felony theft following his arrest on Sunday. He is accused of assaulting an ex-boyfriend. Harris was elected to Tennessee’s House of Representatives in 2020, where he was one of the first two openly LGBTQ lawmakers to be voted into the state’s GOP-controlled General Assembly.

His district was dissolved due to redistricting and he is now running for an open seat in House District 91 against Barbara Farmer-Tolbert. According to an affidavit, Harris allegedly assaulted his ex-boyfriend in Nashville last Thursday (July 14). The victim told police that the two began talking about their relationship when Harris dropped off his dog after taking care of it for a few days. The victim said that when he attempted to leave his

Rep. Torrey Harris apartment, Harris “stood in front of him and put his hands on Terrence’s upper arms to prevent him from leaving” and

‘Women Vote Early’ rally set TSD Newsroom A coalition of women’s groups will hold a news conference and a nonpartisan “Women Vote Early” rally Saturday (July 23) to encourage women to vote in the Aug. 4 elections. Women Vote Early is led by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. (NCBW), Memphis Chapter, League of Women Voters of Memphis and Shelby County, Memphis Area Women’s Council, Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church Women’s Ministry, SisterReach, The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis, Tennessee Nursing Association, Wundher and Women United of

the United Way of Greater Memphis. The event starts at 11 a.m. at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, 70 South Bellevue at Jefferson. Early voting already has begun in Shelby County and runs through July 30. The long ballot includes the county general election, political party primaries for state and federal offices, and a Memphis referendum that, if approved, would allow the mayor and City Council members to serve three consecutive four-year terms. Event speakers include NCBW-Memphis Chapter President Katrina Thompson; Women’s Council Executive Director Deborah Clubb; League of Women Voters Peg Watkins; Women’s Founda-

tion President Ruby Bright; Wundher founder Lori Spicer Robertson; Christie Taylor of SisterReach, and Women United leader TaJuan Stout Mitchell. Women are about 60 percent of Shelby County’s voters and have led steadfastly in voter turnout here and nationally, especially in the recent 2020 elections, according to a coalition news release. The release continued, “Research by the Rutgers University Center for American Women and Politics says four out of 10 women do not make their voices heard by casting a ballot. “This non-partisan ‘Women Vote Early’ campaign wants to change this thought process by encouraging all women regardless of race, culture …”

the victim “sustained a scratch to his arm,” according to the affidavit. The victim then left his apartment and came back when police were present. During that time, the victim said his dog, a Macbook Air, Playstation 5, a barstool, lamps, shoes, airpods, and Apple watch and a TV mount were missing. When officers contacted Harris, the lawmaker said that he had the dog and also that he had the items because he had bought them as

gifts. Harris, 31, said in a statement that he has retained legal counsel and is cooperating with the investigation. “I maintain my innocence and will plead not guilty to the charges,” he said. “I know that at the end of this I will be cleared of all allegations.” Davidson County Sheriff’s Office records show that Harris was arrested Sunday and released from jail early Monday morning. His first court date is set for Oct. 10.

are broken,” Nichols said. Police took three teens into custody, calling them “persons of interest.” According to MPD, the suspects were apprehended after carjacking another woman at gunpoint in Cordova. By Tuesday, police had charged a 15-year-old boy with first-degree murder, and a 16-year-old boy with theft of property relating to the carjacking. A 17-year-old, who also was detained, was released without charges Tuesday night. Dr. Eason-Williams’ slaying sparked anger, leading some to call for the teens to be tried as adults. Dr. Eason-Williams is the second female United Methodist pastor to be murdered this year. The Rev. Marita Harrell, pastor at Connections, Metropolitan United Methodist Church in Atlanta, was fatally stabbed in May allegedly by a 27-year-old man she was ministering to in his home. Rev. Harrell’s body was found in a car several miles from the suspect’s home. The vehicle had been set on fire. Dr. Eason-Williams entered the ministry full-time in 1997, and the United Methodist Church had appointed her in various capacities since 2002. She was commissioned Provisional Elder in 2003 and Ordained Elder in 2006. Dr. Eason-Williams was widely known as a popular youth and women’s leader who facilitated camps, retreats, and other events. She frequently was sought as a preacher for local churches, district gatherings, and conference events. Dr. Eason-Williams was instrumental in creating My Sister’s Keeper, an outreach that addresses health disparities of African-American women. She also took a key role in building the Congregational Health Network, a coalition of 600 churches that address health disparities and build relationships between hospitals, the faith community, and neighborhoods. Memphis City Council member Patrice Robinson, whose district includes Whitehaven, said she will meet with constituents to take steps to make the community a safer place. “We are saddened about this senseless act of violence,” said Robinson. “Not only will we be praying for the family, but we want to work together as a community to ensure that gun violence does not become a greater issue in Whitehaven. “We will do whatever we need to do to keep our families safe.”

The New Tri-State Defender

July 21 - 27, 2022

NEWS

Page 3

President Biden issues executive order on abortion by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

With intense pressure from Democrats and constituents nationwide, President Biden signed an executive order attempting to ensure access to contraception and protect abortion services. Biden said he’s ordering U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to take action to safeguard access to abortion care and emergency medical assistance. Biden said he’s asked Becerra to increase outreach and public education efforts, and to engage private attorneys to represent patients. He wants Becerra to report back to the White House within a month. Protests and outcry have dominated the political sphere since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last month, triggering immediate bans on abortion in some states. Biden has said he’s without authority to do anything about trying to reverse the high court’s decision. He previously noted that an executive order would fall short of any meaningful impact on the ruling. “No executive action from the president can do that,” Biden said last month when asking Congress to codify Roe v. Wade. However, the president’s order seeks to help by safeguarding the privacy of patients and their information. According to a fact sheet provided by the White House, Biden’s order “takes additional steps to protect patient privacy, including by addressing the transfer and sales of sensitive health-related data, combatting

According to a fact sheet provided by the White House, President Biden’s order addresses the transfer and sales of sensitive health-related data, combats digital surveillance related to reproductive health care services, and protects people seeking reproductive health care from inaccurate information, fraudulent schemes, or deceptive practices. (Photo: The White House on Instagram) digital surveillance related to reproductive health care services, and protecting people seeking reproductive health care from inaccurate information, fraudulent schemes, or deceptive practices.” The fact sheet noted that the order would: * Protect consumers from privacy violations and fraudulent and deceptive practices. * The President has asked the Chair of the Federal Trade Commission to consider taking steps to protect consumers’ privacy when seeking information about and provision of reproductive health care services. * The President also has directed the Secretary of HHS, in consultation with the Attorney General and Chair of the FTC, to consider options to address deceptive or fraudulent practices, including online, and protect access to accurate information.

* Protect sensitive health information. HHS will consider additional actions, including under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), to better protect sensitive information related to reproductive health care. The Secretary of HHS has already directed the HHS Office for Civil Rights to take initial steps to ensure patient privacy and nondiscrimination of patients, as well as providers who provide reproductive health care, including by: * Issuing new guidance to address how the HIPAA Privacy Rule protects the privacy of individuals’ protected health information, including information related to reproductive health care. * The guidance helps ensure doctors and other medical providers and health plans know that, with limited exceptions, they

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are not required – and in many cases, are not permitted – to disclose patients’ private information, including to law enforcement. Issuing a how-to guide for consumers on steps they can take to make sure they’re protecting their personal data on mobile apps, the White House said. The Executive Order addresses the heightened risk related to seeking and providing reproductive health care and would: * Protect patients, providers, and clinics. * The Administration will ensure the safety of patients, providers, and third parties, and to protect the security of other entities that are providing, dispensing, or delivering reproductive health care services. *This charge includes efforts to protect mobile clinics, which have been deployed to borders to offer care for out-of-state patients. To ensure the Federal government takes a swift and coordinated approach to addressing reproductive rights and protecting access to reproductive health care, the President’s Executive Order would: * Establish an Interagency Task Force. * The President has directed HHS and the White House Gender Policy Council to establish and lead an interagency Task Force on Reproductive Health Care Access, responsible for coordinating Federal interagency policymaking and program development. * This Task Force will also include the Attorney General. In addition, the Attorney General will provide technical assistance to states affording legal protection to out-of-state patients as well as providers who offer legal reproductive health care. (Follow Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent, @StacyBrownMedia.)

PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, July 21 - 27, 2022, Page 4

Nate Looney poses in front of a painting at the BAR Center at the Beach Thursday, June 16, 2022, in the Venice section of Los Angeles. A descendant of enslaved people from generations ago, Looney is also an observant, kippah-wearing Jew. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Black Jewish leader works to boost community, inclusiveness by Deepa Bharath Associated Press

LOS ANGELES – Nate Looney is a Black man who grew up in Los Angeles, a descendant of enslaved people from generations ago. He’s also an observant, kippah-wearing Jew. But he doesn’t always feel welcome in Jewish spaces – his skin color sometimes elicits questioning glances, suspicions and hurtful assumptions. Once, he walked into a synagogue dressed for Shabbat services in slacks and a buttoned-down shirt and was told to go to the kitchen. “The last thing you want to happen when you go to a synagogue to attend a service,” Looney said, “is to be treated like you don’t belong.” Now Looney is in a position to do something about that, after being named to the new role of director of community, safety and belonging for the Jewish Equity Diversity and Inclusion team at the Jewish Federations of North America, or JFNA, in April. He believes he can channel his painful personal experiences into healing divisions and changing perceptions, and help make a trip to the synagogue a spiritual rather than a scarring encounter for Jews of color. In this new role, Looney has been tackling the delicate task of producing guidelines on how to be more welcoming of Jews of color, even as synagogues and community centers strengthen security in the wake of recent attacks including mass shootings in Pittsburgh and Poway, California. The concern is that such boosted security increases the likelihood of racial profiling incidents affecting congregants of color. It’s a relatively small but growing demographic. A Pew Center survey in 2021 showed just 8 percent of U.S. Jews identify as Hispanic, Black or Asian, but that nearly doubled to 15 percent among respondents aged 18 to 29. The poll also found that 17 percent reported living in a nonwhite or multiracial household. Looney, 37, has led a life that has taken several turns. He served in the military police as part of the Louisiana National Guard and spent nine months overseas training Iraqi police forces. He has worked in real estate and has even done urban farming, selling microgreens in local markets. His spiritual journey began at 13 when a friend asked Looney, whose father was Baptist and mother was Episcopalian, about his own religion. Despite his family’s Christian faith, Looney said he never felt connected to it. “I was obstinate that (Christianity) wasn’t for me,” he said. “When I think about African enslavement in America and how religion was something that was forced, I believed that the religion I was practicing was not true to who my ancestors were.”

Looney embraced Judaism while still a teen because he viewed it as a faith that gives believers permission to ask difficult, uncomfortable questions, though he didn’t formally convert until age 26. It was after the police killing of George Floyd and the racial reckoning of summer 2020 that Looney began working with organizations to raise awareness about Jews of color. It was also during that time that JFNA launched its diversity, equity and inclusion initiative. Looney said Jews of color are often subjected to questions about their Jewish origins. Even when well intentioned, those queries can be painful because they cast doubt on their identity right away and imply they don’t belong, he said. Add to that the increased security at synagogues, and there’s even greater potential for people to feel othered or unwelcome.

Nate Looney “How do you strike a balance? You don’t want to exclude anyone, and yet you want to be discerning of who is coming in the door,” Looney said. “Cultural competency is important. Just the fact that someone who is Black is walking in shouldn’t raise alarms.” He knows from personal experience. The morning of the Tree of Life synagogue mass shooting in Pittsburgh on Oct. 27, 2018, Looney was unaware it had taken place because he was not using his phone in observance of Shabbat. When he entered a synagogue, he got more questions and “experienced deeper scrutiny” from security guards, and it was painful. “If that were my first time entering that community,” he said, “I would’ve never come back.” The guidelines he is working on will be shared with Jewish federations across North America and, Looney hopes, implemented at the local level by synagogues and community centers. Just two months into his job, he says

they are a work in progress but will continue to evolve over time. One goal is to inculcate in security guards a deeper understanding of the diversity of the Jewish community, he said: “We’re starting to have these types of conversations and that’s a great beginning.” Rabbi Isaiah Rothstein, who founded the diversity, equity and inclusion initiative and serves as JFNA’s public affairs advisor, said Looney’s professional experience as a military policeman and his lived experience as a Jewish person of color make him uniquely qualified to boost inclusivity while being cognizant of the sensitive relationship between law enforcement and people of color. “Security and belonging don’t have to be mutually exclusive,” said Rothstein, who is the son of a white father and a Black mother and has seen his darker-skinned relatives being treated differently in synagogues. “Nate is helping us bring an equity lens to make sure all our institutions are safe and secure while creating a culture of belonging for all Jews and our loved ones.” Sabrina Sojourner, an African American Jewish chaplain at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington who met Looney at a leadership seminar five years ago, said people of color are “profiled consciously and unconsciously by white people” and Looney’s role at the JFNA is crucial to help transform assumptions about “who is the threat and who is not.” “If you look at attacks against Jewish people and synagogues, they are not perpetrated by people of color,” Sojourner said. “Nate’s work is so important because it tells me JFNA gets that if the most vulnerable people in our communities are not safe, our communities are not safe.” Looney said another challenge is that antisemitism and racism tend to be compartmentalized. “It’s a tough job to make people understand that many of us have multiple identities and fit into both categories and that we are all fighting against white supremacy,” he said. Placing Jews of color in decision-making roles in Jewish spaces can help forge solidarity and bring the realization that “marginalized communities are stronger when they come together,” he added. Rothstein believes Looney will make a big difference because “he is also a healer.” As an example, he cited a virtual JFNA event commemorating Martin Luther King Day in 2021 when Looney recited a prayer and sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a hymn written by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson in 1900 and often referred to as the “Black national anthem.” “Those three minutes felt like three hours and they felt like three seconds,” Rothstein said. “It’s how Nate holds himself. He is so accessible to people because of his heart. That comes through the life he has lived.”

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The New Tri-State Defender

July 21 - 27, 2022

RELIGION

Page 5

Picturing God’s Glory… “We Need to See God’s Glory” was the theme for the Tabernacle Fellowship Ministries 34th Annual Convention last Friday (July 15.) Presiding Bishop Robert Covington Jr. of Solemn Assembly Tabernacle Holiness Church delivered “The Word.” (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

With the youth in mind… Higher Heights Christian Church, located at 1946 Whitney Rd., recently held its Youth Day celebration featuring Tavlon Boyd, associate minister at The Dwelling Place. The host pastor was the Rev. Stephen Saine. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

The New Tri-State Defender, July 21 - 27, 2022, Page 6

Yo Gotti, the rapper-turned-self-made business owner, is hanging up the microphone to focus on the recruitment of artists for his now popular CMG (Collective Music Group) label and mentorship efforts. That made his 2022 Birthday Bash even more historic. (Photos: Courtesy of Dalisia Ballinger)

Yo Gotti’s Birthday Bash sets stage for his narrative change by Dalisia Ballinger

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

What do you call a night filled with top charting artists, who are all headliners in their own right? You call it something that needs no explanation: The Yo Gotti and Friends Birthday bash. The energetic super-concert Friday (June 15) featured Yo Gotti and his entire CMG group Moneybagg Yo, Blocboy JB, Big Boogie, Mozzy, Blac Yungsta, and others. Lil Boosie kicked off the event shortly after 8 p.m. at the FedExForum, getting concertgoers excited about what would show up next. This is the eighth installment of the bash, which was canceled for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The energy was electric when Lil Boosie entered the stage. “I love my city!” the rapper exclaimed as the crowd stood on and yelled in excitement. The show rolled on as surprised guest Chicago rapper and OTR member Lil Durk came out with his chart-topping hit “Back in Blood,” a collaboration with Memphis artist Pooh Shiesty. Shiesty has been incarcerated since 2021 and recently was sentenced to five years in prison on a firearms-related charge. The crowd showed their support with the “Free Shiesty” chant and cheers. In between performing his most popular hits, Yo Gotti took the time to pay respect to former CMG Member Snootie Wild. The two collaborated on projects earlier in Snootie’s career and assisted with hits “No Kissing” and “Yayo” back in 2014. Snootie Wild was fatally shot in February in Houston, Texas. The rapper also presented the family of his longtime engineer Leo Goff, who died June 1, with a plaque dedicated to their time together in the music industry. While the show was amazing, it was clear that the logistics of such a monster production gave fans a hint of what it all meant. It was Yo Gotti’s “Finale.”

Yo Gotti is ﬁrmly in control of the narrative that reﬂects the next chapter of his career. The rapper turned self-made business owner is hanging up the microphone to focus on the recruitment of artists for his now popular CMG (Collective Music Group) label and mentorship efforts. In recent weeks, Yo Gotti has made big moves on his roster, adding his first female R&B singer, Lehla Samia, and female Memphis rap artist Glorilla, who currently is sweeping the nation with her chart-topping summer anthem “FNF.” The mogul recently released his 10th studio album “Free Game,” which peaked

As fans have come to expect, the Yo Gotti and Friends Birthday Bash was a monster production. at number three on the Billboard Top 200. The show concluded with CMG artist Moneybagg Yo. The Memphian recently earned his first studio album with “Gangsta’s Pain,” which he had the crowd reciting the lyrics word for word with his popular hits “Time Today” and “Doing too much.” He then took time to praise Yo Gotti for investing in him and his career.

What’s next for Yo Gotti beyond his CMG record label? Yo Gotti recently became co-owner of D.C. United soccer club and he also has secured other partnerships that will surely keep his art of hustle alive. “I came from a place where I had to hustle,” said Yo Gotti. “Now it’s time to change the narrative.”

The New Tri-State Defender

July 21 - 27, 2022

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ENTERTAINMENT BOOK REVIEW

Reading ‘Black Skin’ is something you’ll want to do, from the inside out by Terri Schlichenmeyer

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

In “Black Skin” by Dija Ayodele, you’ll see how you can best care for your skin. Short shorts, tank tops, bare shoulders, barely-there sleeves. You want to wear them all this summer, and you want to look good doing it. So how do you make sure your skin is in the best shape possible? Ayodele is a skincare expert and the first thing you should know, she says, is that “flawless skin is for babies.” You’re an adult and you’ll never achieve a “flawless” complexion again. But she has advice on how you can turn heads with a glow. For centuries, Black women have been “actively told that Black is not beautiful.” Ayodele offers history to prove it: more than a hundred years ago, slaves were treated like they “were beastly and put on show as spectacles...” For many Black people in the past, that led them to reach for chemicals to lighten their skin, which breaks Ayodele’s heart. She hopes today’s readers can learn to love their skin by becoming experts on it. There are many similarities between Black skin and white skin; the differences are cultural and “physiological.” Black skin has more melatonin that helps protect from the sun, but Ayodele says you should use sunscreen because Black skin is still prone to sunburn. Also, “Black will crack if you’re slack!” so use a really good moisturizer. Know the difference between skin type and skin condition. Stop smoking, quit your bad diet, cut down on alcohol, stop stressing, and get some sleep. Be prepared for the things that can go wrong with your skin, and learn about keloids and hyperpigmentation. Bust some myths, know which products to leave in the store and how to find a professional if you need one, and build a regiment. Your skin will thank you for it. Show your shoulders, flash your fingers, flaunt your feet. Summer fashions practically demand that you do, but what if your skin isn’t ready for all that? Reach for “Black

In “Black Skin,” author Dija Ayodele offers help to take you far beyond your surface. Skin” and get some help that will take you far beyond your surface. But this book isn’t just for those who are looking for beauty. Ayodele helps you understand why you sometimes believe your skin has a mind of its own. She tackles acne, skin tags and vitiligo, as well as ashiness and over-dry spots, and her advice is wide-ranging and easily understood. Best of all, she makes readers feel like their skin is a precious gift. Having that kind of information doesn’t at all replace a dermatologist, but it’s the next best thing. Not just for women, this book also includes a chapter for men and children, too. Reading “Black Skin” is something you’ll want to do, from the inside out.

“Black Skin: The Deﬁnitive Skincare Guide” by Dija Ayodele, foreword by Caroline Hirons c.2021, HQ, a division of Harper Collins $29.99 288 pages

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, July 21 - 27, 2022, Page 8

Violence intervention program to grow with American Rescue Plan Act funds by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Jim Strickland

To curb retaliation shootings, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland is poised to expand the city’s violence intervention program set in place more than a decade ago. Strickland recently spoke about the program’s success as part of a July 13 “workforce summit” hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris during a visit

to the White House, along with mayors from Houston and Milwaukee. The focused deterrence program began under Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich. That program works to identify people with criminal records and brings them before a group of people who live in the same communities, which confronts the offenders about their criminal past and then offers counseling and financial help

like a job or job training. The priority will be those at risk of being the next offender or victim in the cycle of violence. An attempt is made to schedule a meeting at a safe place. Often, this is a family member’s house. Police officers and service workers generally are in attendance. Funding for the expansion will come from American Rescue Plan Act. In addition to expanding in-

tervention programs, broadening the city’s workforce development plans are another ARPA priority for Strickland. Workforce opportunities already in place include the Opportunity Youth program. Aimed at 16 to 24 year olds, it covers the cost of technical training for those not in school or employed. Strickland has said several graduates have completed their technical training and are now employed in the healthcare in-

dustry. The mayor was chosen to be a part of the summit because of the way Memphis chose to spend its $161 million share of ARPA funding. Like other cities and locations across the country, it has until the end of 2024 to empty the wallet. Strickland, meanwhile, has said he will try to find ways to keep programs, if they are successful, going after funding runs dry.

Savoy magazine ranks Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare president/ CEO among 2022’s most influential Black executives TSD Newsroom Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare President and CEO Michael Ugwueke has been named one of the “2022 Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America” by Savoy magazine. Savoy’s ranking of their Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America is widely considered the definitive listing of African American executives, influencers, and achievers who are impacting corporate America. Ugwueke was honored this week at a Wa s h i n g t o n , D.C., reception, alongside fellow recipients. Honorees include Lowe’s Chairman and CEO Michael Marvin Ellison, Ugwueke Carnival President and CEO Arnold McDonald and Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO Rosalind Brewer. “It is a tremendous honor to be included among such distinguished leaders in this year’s Most Influential Black Executives list,” said Ugwueke. “I’m humbled by this recognition, and it goes without saying that the advancements Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare has achieved, including straight A safety and quality ratings, is possible only through the dedication of my fellow executives, our associates and medical staff to improving every life we touch.” Ugwueke began his tenure with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare in 2007 as CEO of Methodist South Hospital and assumed the dual role of CEO of Methodist North Hospital in 2009. In 2013, he was named COO of the entire Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare system, and four years later in 2017, he was named president and CEO. In 2021, he was honored by the Tennessee Hospital Association as a CEO of Distinction for his exceptional leadership of the Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic. “In this issue, we assembled an elite representation of African American men and women who have been recognized for their executive and business leadership in national and global-leading corporations,” said L.P. Green II, publisher of Savoy magazine. “These innovative trailblazers have led efforts to foster growth for some of the country’s highest-performing companies throughout and beyond the US market.”

This ground-breaking work by members of the Ida B. Wells Memorial Committee signals that Phase II of the Downtown tribute to Ida B. Wells is a work in progress. (Photos: Tyrone. P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

Building on Ida B. Well’s legacy

Tennessee House Minority Leader Karen Camper, D-Memphis, presents the Rev. Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray Jr. with a resolution that designates July 16 as Ida B. Wells Day in Tennessee.

Renderings offer a glimpse of what is ahead for Ida B. Wells Plaza.

The Rev. Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray Jr. sets the context for last Saturday’s celebration of Ida B. Wells’ 160th birthday.

The New Tri-State Defender

NEWS

July 21 - 27, 2022

CLASSIFIEDS

PUBLIC NOTICE THE MEMPHIS URBAN AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION

Across Memphis, Tennessee, and the nation, school ofﬁcials are scrambling to staff classrooms amid ongoing teacher shortages. (Photo: Laura Faith Kebede/ Chalkbeat)

MSCS reports over 200 teacher vacancies three weeks before school year starts by Samantha West Chalkbeat

With less than three weeks to go before students return to classrooms, Memphis-Shelby County Schools has 220 unfilled teaching positions. The number is down nearly 18 percent from a year earlier, according to a Tuesday news release. But it’s another sign of the persistent teacher shortages in Tennessee’s largest school district, a problem that is mirrored across the state and the country. MSCS officials attributed the decrease in teacher vacancies to a new state law allowing retired educators to return to the profession without losing their retirement benefits, as well as the district’s “extensive work” on teacher retention and recruitment. But it’s unclear whether MSCS will be able to fill the majority of the openings by the time the 2022-23 school year begins Aug. 8. At this time last year, the district had 268 openings, and filled only about 50 of them by the start of the school year. In the meantime, district officials say plans are in place to cover all classrooms by combining under-enrolled courses, sending certified central office staff and substitutes to fill gaps, and utilizing remote instruction for some higher-level courses. The state’s recently launched Access for All program also allows the district to offer virtual instruction for several Advanced Placement at high schools, the district said. Across Tennessee, and elsewhere in the country, the teacher pipeline continues to shrink, and burned-out educators are leaving the profession in large numbers in the wake of the pandemic. Nashville Public Radio last week reported over 2,000 teacher vacancies across Tennessee, including more than 200 in Metro Nashville Public Schools. A survey by the American Federation of Teachers, the second-largest teachers union in the U.S., earlier this month found that 80 percent of its members teaching pre-K through 12 are dissatisfied with their jobs – a 34-percentage-point jump from the start of the pandemic. The survey also found that 40 percent of AFT members

said they’re thinking about leaving education within the next two years. Even before COVID, U.S. schools were struggling to fill open educator positions for over a decade: Between the 2008-09 and 2015-16 school years, the number of people graduating with education degrees decreased more than 15 percent, according to a recent Economic Policy Institute report. In Tennessee, the latest report card on the state’s 43 teacher training programs found that the number of new educators graduating has dropped by nearly one-fifth over five years, leading the state Department of Education and the University of Tennessee system this spring to announce a $20 million Grow Your Own Center to create new paths to the teaching profession. The MSCS data comes at a tumultuous time for the district, with an impending school board election, lingering concerns about COVID-19, and questions swirling around Superintendent Joris Ray, who was placed on leave July 13, pending the outcome of an external investigation into whether he abused his power and violated district policies on relationships with coworkers. Since his state of the district address earlier this year, Ray has touted his efforts to recruit and retain teachers, including boosting salaries, offering bonuses, and expanding health care coverage for all staff. On Tuesday, the district also highlighted the launch of open interviews for teachers – a recurring hiring event to help teacher candidates get licensed and connect them with open district positions beyond the start of the school year. Over 475 teachers have been recommended through the events since mid-May, according to the district. The district will host its next open interview event from 9 a.m. to noon Friday at the New Teacher Academy, 3030 Jackson Ave. Attendees may register by calling 901-416-5304 or emailing SCSinduction@ scsk12.org. (Samantha West is a reporter for Chalkbeat Tennessee, where she covers K-12 education in Memphis. Connect with Samantha at swest@chalkbeat.org.)

Page 9

In compliance with federal regulations 23 CFR 450, the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will hold six (6) public meetings to provide the public the opportunity to comment on the development of the Moving Together: 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and the draft Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-26 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The public meetings will be held during the 30-day public review and comment period, from July 25-August 23, 2022, for the draft FY 2023-26 TIP, and associated Air Quality Conformity Demonstration Reports (CDR) for Shelby and DeSoto Counties. These documents will be made available for review from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM Monday through Friday in the offices of the Memphis MPO located at 125 N. Main Street, Room 450, Memphis, TN 38103, or for download from the Internet at: memphismpo.org. The English language copies and the Spanish language summaries are also available for public review in the library systems of Shelby, Fayette, DeSoto, and Marshall counties. Comments may be submitted to Pragati Srivastava, Memphis MPO, 125 N. Main Street, Room 450, Memphis, TN 38103 or via email at Pragati. Srivastava@memphistn.gov. The public meeting dates, times, locations and/or links to participate can be found below: Date: Monday, Monday, August 8, 2022 4:00 – 6:00 PM Olive Branch Municipal Court 6900 Highland Street Olive Branch, MS 38654 Tuesday, August 9, 2022 4:00 - 6:00 PM Oakland City Hall Courtroom 170 Doss Circle Oakland, TN 38060 Wednesday, August 10, 2022 4:00 – 6:00 PM Bartlett City Hall 6400 Stage Road Bartlett, TN 38134 Thursday, August 11, 2022 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM MATA Airways Transit Center 3033 Airways Boulevard Memphis, TN 38131 Thursday, August 11, 2022 4:00 – 6:00 PM The Dream Center Event Venue 3397 Summer Avenue Memphis, TN 38122 Friday, August 12, 2022 12:00 – 1:00 PM Location: Virtual Link: https://bit.ly/Moving TogetherRTP2050 Meeting attendees will be afforded the opportunity to comment on the information presented at the meeting(s). Any comments provided at the meeting(s) should be applicable to the information presented and should be provided in a respectful manner. In the case of an emergency or other unforeseen circumstances, the MPO may be required to cancel one or more meeting(s) with limited or no notice. It is the policy of the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) not to exclude, deny, or discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, immigration status, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, veteran status, familial or marital status, disability, medical or genetic condition, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law in its hiring or employment practices, or in its admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. For any and all inquiries regarding the application of this accessibility statement and related policies, please contact Nick Warren, at 901-636-7146 or Nick. Warren@memphistn.gov. If you need assistance participating in this meeting, please contact the MPO Office at 901636-7190 at least five (5) days prior to the meeting. This notice is funded (in part) under an agreement with the State of TN and MS, Departments of Transportation.

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Nesby Estate LLC Tax Parcel #: 04105000000170 Tax Sale #: 1002 Price Offered: $$282.00 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 September 22, 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

THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER CLASSIFIEDS

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

Rates are non-commissionable and are quoted at the net rate. No refund for early cancellation. For additional information contact Sales Dept. at (901) 746-5201 or email: advertising@tsdmemphis.com. GENERAL INFORMATION: Some categories require prepayment. All ads subject to credit approval. The

(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: Nesby Estate LLC Tax Parcel #: 04105000000120 Tax Sale #: 1004 Price Offered: $732.00 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 September 22, 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: Devaughn Lumpkin Tax Parcel #: 03502700000130 Tax Sale #: 1301 Price Offered: $$675.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10)

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.

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 September 22, 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

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 New Tri-State Defender

July 21 - 27, 2022

Page 10

SPORTS

Noting that Jackie Robinson said, “…life is not a spectator sport,” Denzel Washington remarked, “And he lived that model to the fullest.” (Screen capture)

Denzel Washington honors Jackie Robinson at MLB All-Star Game ‘No. 42 blazed a trail that would light the way for people of

every walk of life and every color,’ the iconic actor said

by Stephanie Holland theroot.com

With the 2022 Major League Baseball All-Star Game taking place in Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, there was no way the event could happen without a tribute to the most influential Dodger ever: Jackie Robinson. And there’s no one better to deliver that moment than Denzel Washington. According to Deadline, the Oscar-winning legend took the field during pre-game ceremonies to give a speech honoring Robinson’s impact on both baseball and the rest of the world: “Ebbets Field, Brooklyn 1947. When Jackie Robinson stepped onto a Major League Baseball field for the first With the aid of technology, Jackie Robison and his wife, Rachel Robinson, appeared on the field at Dodger Stadium before the All-Star Game. (Screen capture)

time, armed with supreme talent and unshakable character, and wearing a Dodgers uniform, he changed the game of baseball, and so much more. What he carried with him, what he represented, was towering.” “On the ﬁeld, he was the Rookie of the Year, a Most Valuable Player, a World Series champion, and a seven time All Star. Beyond the ﬁeld, Jackie Robinson challenged us to become better versions of ourselves. Business leader, family man, activist, Hall of Famer.” “He said that life is not a spectator sport. And he lived that model to the fullest. Whether it was charging down the baselines, or standing tall for opportunity and justice, No. 42 blazed a trail that would light the way for people of every walk of life and every color and to this very day,

every generation. That inspiration, that profound impact looms just as large today, as it did 75 years ago.” If you need someone to give an emotional, stirring speech about Jackie Robinson and keep an entire baseball stadium captivated, the only possible choice is Denzel. The game and tribute coincided with the 100th birthday of Jackie’s wife Rachel Robinson. As Dodgers All-Star Mookie Betts welcomed fans to the game, he took a moment to mark the occasion by having the crowd wish her “Happy Birthday, Rachel.” As for the actual All-Star game, in case you’re interested, the American League defeated the National League 3-2 and the New York Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton was the MVP. A 1954 Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers, posed and ready to swing. (Photo: Bob Sandberg/ Look Magazine photograph collection the Library of Congress)