The New Tri-State Defender (August 27 - September 2, 2020) by The Tri-State Defender

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August 27 - September 2, 2020

VOL. 69, No. 35

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Local push on to make Memphis count in the Census by Jennifer L. Sharp Special to The New Tri-State Defender

With a Sept. 30 deadline looming, local oﬃcials are making an all-out push to get as many households as possible to complete 2020 Census forms. The City of Memphis has jumped into the eﬀort big time to make sure communities of color, which traditionally have been undercounted, are accounted for as accurately as

possible. The Census Bureau also is aiding in the eﬀort by having Census takers visit homes that have not yet responded to the 2020 Census. For a city, whose African-American population is 64.2 percent, according to 2019 U.S. Census estimates, an accurate count is crucial. That is important for a number of reasons, including the fact that an accurate population count translates into more federal and state resources

COVID-19 still hits AfricanAmericans hard by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell ﬂowing back into local communities. Historically, there has been reluctance within the African American and Hispanic communities regarding the Census. For example, many feel the Census funding will not beneﬁt their communities and will wind up being spent in other areas of the city. Also, many from the Hispanic community are afraid that completing the form will lead to being deported.

With that backdrop, the city created a campaign titled 901 Counts to encourage Shelby County residents to take the Census and to clear up any misconceptions about the 2020 Census. The initiative was planned and implemented by the Complete Count Committee, a cross-sector group that has made a commitment to “getting out the count” and focusing on traSEE CENSUS ON PAGE 2

Trailblazing optometrist savors the joy of living

By self-description, Dr. Betty Harville has always been a joyful person who looks for the best in others and usually ﬁnds it. On Tuesday at the Southern College of Optometry, others showed that they easily found joy in her. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

Dr. Betty Harville retires from Southern College of Optometry by Florence M. Howard Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The expression for joy of living in French is joie de vivre. It is the life philosophy and commitment of Dr. Betty Harville, a trailblazing eye doctor who grooved a trail across the country for others to follow in the ﬁeld of optometry. For the last 36 years, Dr. Harville taught courses such as

Clinical Communications and Patient Care at Southern College of Optometry (SCO) to the joy of her students and colleagues as she acted out patient scenarios that students would encounter during their careers. Dr. Harville is retiring and on Tuesday (Aug. 25th) she was recognized in a special program held in the school auditorium. Born in Fayette County (Tenn.), Harville was the only Black student in the 1983 grad-

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uating class at Indiana University School of Optometry, the ﬁrst Black woman optometrist in the State of Tennessee, and the ﬁrst Black woman in the United States to become a full-time optometry school professor. Magna cum laude graduate of UT Martin, she is the 1975 valedictorian of Fayette-Ware High School in Somerville. Speakers at Tuesday’s celebration included SCO President Dr. Lewis Reich, colleagues, special guests, and friends – both from the audience and via a video chat hosted by Dr. Janette Pepper. Her colleague, Dr. Bart Camp-

bell, told Dr. Harville, “The things that you have done will live on with your students.” Two of her former students, Drs. Mark Kapperman and Conner Kapperman, his son, appeared on live broadcast from Chattanooga to honor her with a $1000 annual SCO scholarship in her name. Conner recounted that the fun-loving Dr. Harville would “go into character” acting out various personality types that her students would meet during their career. Appreciative of the forewarning, he said with a SEE HARVILLE ON PAGE 2

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

From the onset of COVID-19, troubling racial inequities emerged as city and state health departments logged a deadlier impact on communities of color. While the rate of new case numbers are decreasing locally, the deaths are still mostly African Americans. “One of three things happen when a person contracts COVID-19,” said Dr. Bruce Randolph, medical director of Shelby County Health Department. “They are stricken with prolonged illness, they get better in two weeks, or they die. Unfortunately, those who die are majority African American – right at 60 percent.” For context, Randolph notes that Shelby County is 54 percent African American. “So the death of African Americans with coronavirus is six points over the AfricanA m e r i c a n population. We want to see the number of deaths decrease, Dr. Bruce period, but that Randolph percentage is only a few points oﬀ.” People are being fairly compliant with the mask mandate, and coronavirus spread numbers were expected to decrease, Randolph said. Still, Shelby County’s death toll among African Americans follows the national trend of cities and states with large concentrations of African Americans. According to The Commonwealth Fund, other cities and counties with a high African-American population also log a disproportionate number of deaths. Chicago, for instance, has an African-American population of 30 percent. The city’s COVID-19 deaths of African Americans peaked at 68 percent. The study also looked at 681 American counties with a high concentration of African Americans. Those communities – by the end of April – had 422,184 conﬁrmed COVID-19 cases and 27,354 deaths, compared to 378,667 cases and 16,203 deaths in counties with a low concentration of African Americans. The 681 “predominantly black” counties accounted for only about a third of the U.S. population, but 53 percent of COVID-19 cases, and 63 percent of the deaths nationally. “Disparity in terms of outcome are not so much genetic or biological,” said Randolph, “but social, economic and political disparities for years are the cause.” Poor people in every health crisis and epidemic have always had higher death rates, according to Randolph. SEE COVID-19 ON PAGE 2

The New Tri-State Defender

August 27 - September 2, 2020

Page 2

NEWS HARVILLE CONTINUED FROM FRONT smile, “There are crazy people out there.” Other program participants included the college’s Human Resources generalist Jan Frazier-Scott, who presented proclamations from the Memphis Branch NAACP and the Shelby County Board of Commissioners. Those appearing via live video included Dr. Sherrol Reynolds, president of the National Optometry Association

(NOA); Dr. Ed Marshall, a past NOA president and mentor of Dr. Harville; and Dr. Vera Burns, her friend and colleague. Dr. Reynolds presented a resolution in recognition of Harville’s outstanding career. The reception also included video salutes from coworkers, family members, neighbors and friends, including her best friend. Gennette Malone. When she spoke, Harville grinned, called names, and promised, “This is not the last you’ll see of me.”

By self-description, Harville has always been a joyful person who looks for the best in others and usually ﬁnds it. At one point, she had no choice but to enter the military to pursue her optometric career at SCO. Luckily, a scholarship from IU came through before she enlisted. Dr. Harville is married with children. Her two daughters, Veronica and Victoria Brown, attended the reception along with her husband, Irvin, and siblings.

Dr. Kimberly Brown, an ER physician at Baptist Hospital DeSoto in Southaven, said the coronavirus still is having a disparate impact on low-wealth communities, even as cases have been less dire and fewer have needed hospitalization. (Courtesy photo)

COVID-19 CONTINUED FROM FRONT “For example, a high percentage of African Americans and Hispanics are placed in high-risk jobs as essential workers in factories and similar work situations. ...Most do not have the luxury of working from home.” And in poor households, if someone contracts the virus, it is diﬃcult to isolate, said Randolph. “If you’ve got a threebedroom home and one bathroom, with six or seven people living in the home, it is more diﬃcult to social distance or isolate from the rest of the family.” Dr. Kimberly Brown, an ER physician at Baptist Hospital DeSoto in Southaven, concurs with Randolph about the

ongoing disparate impact of the coronavirus, even as cases have been less dire and fewer have needed hospitalization. “I am full-time at DeSoto, but I also am sent to other smaller hospitals in the Baptist system,” Brown said. “Those who are still dying from COVID-19 have chronic conditions, such as kidney disease, COPD, or other serious issues. They are Black, and it is because of reasons we all acknowledge: systemic racism in healthcare, limits on Medicaid, a general lack of access to care. … “Older people who look like me are dying,” said Brown. “But younger people have died in their 20s, 30s and 40s – asthma, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and some who have been smoking since age 11.” As does Randolph, Brown sees Hispanics also

disproportionately aﬀected as they live in households of several generations, with some reluctant to seek medical help because of fear about their legal status. There were 26,656 reported COVID-19 cases reported in Shelby County as of Wednesday (Aug 26). Data shows that some 2,365 cases have been among children younger than 18. Wednesday’s data showed 122 new cases reported over the previous 24 hours, with 366 total deaths. Total coronavirus cases recorded in Shelby County was listed at 247,503. The positivity rate continues to decline and is now 10.8 percent. Oﬃcials would like to see the positivity rate below 10 percent, but are optimistic as positivity rate soared over 14 percent at the beginning of August.

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CENSUS CONTINUED FROM FRONT ditionally undercounted communities. The committee is co-chaired by Nidia Logan-Robinson, deputy director of the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development, and Allison Fouché, deputy chief communications oﬃcer for the City of Memphis. “Predominately African-American communities are in the top 10 under-counted groups. The COVID-19 pandemic has of course limited in-person, direct outreach,” Logan-Robinson said. “However, committee members and many other groups are encouraging their employees, and the clients they work with daily, to complete the form online (that includes using your mobile phone), mailing in the form, or responding to a Census Worker at their door.” Since January, the city and the Complete Count Committee has used several communications strategies, including radio and TV ads, geo-targeted ads in hard-to-count areas, media rounds and public relations, digital and social media campaigns, email blasts, mentions to community and neighborhood associations, and other organizations. Also being used are texting campaigns and Hispanic outreach with Radio Ambiente and LaPrensa Latina to gain awareness of the 2020 Census. They have even issued the 2020 Census Community Challenge to encourage underrepresented neighborhoods to take the Census. “Census data inﬂuences the

distribution of billions of dollars and we want to ensure that we get our fair share of federal funding,” Fouche said. “For example, the transportation sector uses Census data to help determine when bus routes need to be changed or added to match up with where people live and work. “If our community is not fully counted, we can miss out on transportation funding for MATA.” Mandated by the U.S. Constitution and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. Census takes place every 10 years and counts the population in the United States and ﬁve U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam (both in the Paciﬁc Ocean), and the U.S. Virgin Islands). The data that is collected by the Census provide the basis for distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually to communities and determine: ■ How to plan for a variety of resident needs including new roads, schools and emergency services; ■ Population tabulations necessary for legislative redistricting; and ■ The number of seats each

state has in the U.S. House of Representatives. Both Logan-Robinson and Fouché offered valuable final thoughts about why taking the 2020 Census is important. “The information collected cannot be used against you in any way. It is only for statistical purposes and directly impacts the allocation of millions of dollars to our city,” Logan-Robinson said. Fouché added, “If we don’t have a complete count, children and families will miss out on many of the resources that they may need. “Funding for these programs is more critical now than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Census brings an average of $1,091 per resident per year. “Multiple that by 10, and that’s a little over $10,000 per resident. We can’t afford to have an undercount.” To view the self-response rate per Census tract for the 2020 Census, visit https://bit. ly/2EnphTc. (For more information about the Don’t Count Me Out initiative, visit 901counts.com. For more information about the 2020 Census and to take the Census, visit 2020census. gov.)

The New Tri-State Defender

August 27 - September 2, 2020

Page 3

NEWS

Suspect arrested after 2 are killed at Kenosha protest The Associated Press A white, 17-year-old police admirer was arrested Wednesday after two people were shot to death during a third straight night of protests in Kenosha over the police shooting of a Black man, Jacob Blake. Kyle Rittenhouse, of Antioch, Illinois, about 15 miles (24.14 kilometers) from Kenosha, was taken into custody in Illinois on suspicion of first-degree intentional homicide in the attack Tuesday that was largely captured on cellphone video. The shooting left a third person wounded. “I just killed somebody,” the gunman, carrying a semi-automatic rifle, could be heard saying at one point during the rampage that erupted just before midnight in the city of 100,000 people midway between Milwaukee and Chicago. In the wake of the killings, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers authorized the deployment of 500 members of the National Guard to Kenosha, doubling the number of troops. The governor’s office said he is working with other states to bring in additional National Guard members and law officers. Authorities also announced a 7 p.m. curfew, an hour earlier than the night before. Even so, protesters were out Wednesday night after the curfew. “A senseless tragedy like this cannot happen again,” the governor, a Democrat, said in a statement. “I again ask those who choose to exercise their First Amendment rights please do so peacefully and safely, as so many did last night. I

also ask the individuals who are not there to exercise those rights to please stay home and let local first responders, law enforcement and members of the Wisconsin National Guard do their jobs.” In Washington, the Justice Department said it is sending in more than 200 federal agents from the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in response to the unrest. The White House said up to 2,000 National Guard troops would be made available. And in Orlando, Florida, the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks didn’t take the floor for their playoff game against the Magic. It was later announced that all three NBA playoff games scheduled for Wednesday were postponed, with players around the league choosing to boycott in their strongest statement yet against racial injustice. The dead were identified only as a 26-year-old Silver Lake, Wisconsin, resident and a 36-year-old from Kenosha. The wounded person, a 36-year-old from West Allis, Wisconsin, was expected to survive, police said. “We were all chanting ‘Black lives matter’ at the gas station and then we heard, boom, boom, and I told my friend, `‘That’s not fireworks,’” 19-year-old protester Devin Scott told the Chicago Tribune. “And then this guy with this huge gun runs by us in the middle of the street and people are yelling, ‘He shot someone! He shot someone!’

And everyone is trying to fight the guy, chasing According to witness accounts and video footage, police apparently let the gunman walk past them and leave the scene with a rifle over his shoulder and his hands in the air as members of the crowd were yelling for him to be arrested because he had shot people. As for how the gunman managed to slip away, Sheriff David Beth described a chaotic, high-stress scene, with lots of radio traffic and people screaming, chanting and running — conditions he said can cause “tunnel vision” among law officers. Rittenhouse was assigned a public defender in Illinois for a hearing Friday on his transfer to Wisconsin. The public defender’s office had no comment. Under Wisconsin law, anyone 17 or older is treated as an adult in the criminal justice system. Much of Rittenhouse’s Facebook page is devoted to praising law enforcement, with references to Blue Lives Matter, a movement that supports police. He also can be seen holding an assault rifle. Other photographs include those of badges of various law enforcement agencies, including the Chicago Police Department. All of the badges have a black line across them — something police officers typically do with black tape when an officer is killed in the line of duty. In a photograph posted by his mother, he is wearing what appears to be a blue law enforcement uniform as well as

In this September 2019 selfie photo taken in Evanston, Ill., Adria-Joi Watkins poses with her second cousin Jacob Blake. He is recovering from being shot multiple times by Kenosha police on Aug. 23. (Courtesy Adria-Joi Watkins via AP) the kind of brimmed hat that state troopers wear. The sheriff told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that militia members or armed vigilantes had been patrolling Kenosha’s streets in recent nights, but he did not know if the gunman was among them. However, video taken before the shooting shows police tossing bottled water from an armored vehicle to what appear to be armed civilians walking the streets. And one of them appears to be the gunman. “We appreciate you being here,” an officer is heard saying to the group over a loudspeaker. Before the shooting, the conservative website The Daily Caller conducted a video interview with the suspected gunman in front of a boarded-up business. “So people are getting injured, and our job is to protect this business,” the young man said. “And part of my job is to also help people. If there is

somebody hurt, I’m running into harm’s way. That’s why I have my rifle -- because I can protect myself, obviously. But I also have my med kit.” Sam Dirks, 22, from Milwaukee, said he had seen the gunman earlier in the evening, and he was yelling at some of the protesters. “He was definitely very agitated. He was pacing around, just pointing his gun in general. Not necessarily at anyone specifically,” Dirks said. Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, who is Black, said in an interview with the news program “Democracy Now!” that the shootings were not surprising and that white militias have been ignored for too long. “How many times across this country do you see armed gunmen, protesting, walking into state Capitols, and everybody just thinks it’s OK?” Barnes said. “People treat that like it’s some kind of normal activity that people are walking around with assault rifles.” In Wisconsin, it is legal for people 18 and over to openly carry a gun, with no license required. Witness accounts and video indicate the shootings took place in two stages: The gunman first shot someone at a car lot, then jogged away, fell in the street, and opened fire again as members of the crowd closed in on him. A witness, Julio Rosas, 24, said that when the gunman stumbled, “two people jumped onto him and there was a struggle for control of his rifle. At that point during the struggle, he just began to fire multi-

ple rounds, and that dispersed people near him.” “The rifle was being jerked around in all directions while it was being fired,” Rosas said. Blake, 29, was shot in the back seven times on Sunday as he leaned into his SUV, three of his children seated inside. Kenosha police have said little about what happened other than that they were responding to a domestic dispute. On Wednesday, three days after the shooting, state authorities identified the officer who shot Blake as Rusten Sheskey, a seven-year veteran of the Kenosha Police Department. Sheskey shot Blake while holding onto his shirt after officers first unsuccessfully used a Taser, the Wisconsin Justice Department said. State agents later recovered a knife from the driver’s side floorboard of the vehicle, authorities said. No charges were announced, and state officials continue to investigate. On Tuesday, Ben Crump, the lawyer for Blake’s family, said it would “take a miracle” for Blake to walk again. He called for the officer who opened fire to be arrested and for the others involved to lose their jobs. (Bauer reported from Madison, Wisconsin. Associated Press reporters Todd Richmond in Madison, Wisconsin, Gretchen Ehlke in Milwaukee, Jeff Baenen and Amy Forliti in Minneapolis, Don Babwin in Chicago and Tammy Webber in Fenton, Michigan, contributed, as did news researcher Rhonda Shafner in New York.)

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, August 27 - September 2, 2020, Page 4

THE CULTURAL COACH

I prepare aspiring teachers to educate kids of color – here’s how I help them root out their own biases

The correct way to argue with a teacher about race by Linda S. Wallace Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Dear Cultural Coach: I have a white professor in graduate school who attempts to incorporate “diversity” instruction into his subjects. He starts each and every class emphasizing that all of the nonminority students view race alike, that we’re all inherently racist and that we all perceive `òthers’ (his word) as inferior. I asked him how it was that he had the authority to speak for all nonminorities. How can we work to be culturally competent when we have to wade through this kind of nonsense? – Culturally Frustrated Dear Frustrated: You are right to be very suspicious of those who speak for large numbers of people they don’t know and will never meet. Your frustration is understandable, but you probably have noticed that life is not fair. As this is the case, we must be careful how we act on our suspicions, modifying them ever so slightly for workplaces and universities where bosses and professors wield the power to punish dissenters. At work, disagreeing with the boss can cost you a promotion, a corner office with a window or, worst-case scenario, a career. In college, arguments with the professor can get you thrown out of class or downsize your grade point average. So, the better course is to ask thoughtful, insightful questions. It would be very difficult for any professor to explain why he threw a student out of class for raising his/ her/their hand too often or making sound arguments. Let’s say Professor Smith walks into history class and informs us that all whites are racist. We might raise our hands and ask: “Where did you get your information from? Who is your source? I would appreciate it if you could share the scientific data with us? This is fascinating stuff.” People who make broad and sweeping generalizations about race, ethnicity or gender often are giving us opinions that are drawn from personal experiences rather than scientific investigation. This question opens the door to dialog a bit wider. Now we can draw distinctions between bias and racism. In my experience, not all European Americans are racist though they are biased, as am I and other minorities as well. If the professor cites an academic expert as his source, we might propose that we broaden the discussion further by writing a paper for extra credit examining an opposing view. This is the

foundation of academic scholarship. There is one final step we should take. Visit https:// bit.ly/2Epq3io and select a test that measures implicit Linda racial biases or S. Wallace hidden beliefs. These tests are not infallible but they do offer a glimpse of the beliefs we hold on an unconscious level. I learned a lot about myself by taking this test; you may as well. Afterward, go back to the professor to share what it is like to examine personal biases. Change the conversation. Challenge everyone in the room to take the test and share his/her/their results. Now you have a basis for life-changing conversations. Now that we are aware of our biases, what can we do about them? If there is one takeaway from the recent Black Lives Matters protests, it is that talk and dialogues alone will not dismantle systemic racism. We also have to do the hard work. Each of us must look within and examine the beliefs that direct our daily decisions. In the end, real power comes to us as we lead by example, like Barack and Michelle Obama. Our objective is to become powerful. Dear Cultural Coach: I cannot understand people such as Angry and Upset who don’t like diversity. I am just thankful that I do not feel that way. One message every young person should learn no matter the color of their skin: Get an education, and you reduce your chances of being poor. – Thankful and Wise Dear Thankful: That is good advice, indeed. When we focus solely on people who do not appreciate America’s growing diversity, we miss opportunities to imagine the world we want to create. Even worse, we give ourselves permission not to do anything about the problem. You see, while those other people are the problem; we are the solution. So it’s time for all of us to get to work. (Linda S. Wallace develops cross-cultural messages for the workplace and the media. Readers can submit questions related to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or physical differences to theculturalcoach@aol.com.)

I’m a professor who has spent the last 10 years preparing new teachers to enter the workforce. I also study how race, culture and power influence education and childhood development at a time when more than half of the roughly 50 million children who attend U.S. public schools are nonwhite, unlike most of their teachers. About four in five public school teachers are white, according to the latest official data. This underrepresentation is especially acute for Black male teachers. While one in four teachers are men, merely 2% are Black men. Research indicates that students of color benefit from being taught by people who look like them. One of these benefits is that students of color experience a more positive sense of their own ethnic and racial identities. I think it’s essential today that all K-12 teachers develop the cultural awareness, empathy and anti-racist disposition to effectively teach students from diverse backgrounds.

nities for students to interact with other cultures through literature, film and music. For example, in addition to learning about the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling, students also learn about both its intended benefits and some of its negative outcomes – such as Lasana D. the more than 38,000 Black Kazembe teachers and administrators who lost their jobs. This focus on historical contexts, inequity and cultural diversity is quite common – especially in urban teacher education programs. My goal is to challenge students to think more deeply about themselves, about others and about the diversity of the children they may one day teach. These are, in my view, necessary steps to developing teachers who are more reflective, thoughtful and culturally informed.

A lack of familiarity

Consequences of bias

By and large, the aspiring teachers in my classes are white people who plan to teach in urban schools where children of color are in the majority. And based on what my colleagues and I routinely witness, they tend to possess little to no experience with or cultural knowledge of people who aren’t white. Many of my students describe themselves as colorblind. This is the idea and practice that ignoring or overlooking racial and ethnic differences somehow makes one not racist. Those who practice colorblindness tend to feel that racial harmony can occur if they pretend to not see or acknowledge what makes us different from one another. However, researchers have found that racial colorblindness can actually function as a form of racism. My own experience points to one reason why this occurs. I often perceive that these same students harbor racial biases and negative cultural assumptions about people of color – particularly Black people and Latinos. Likewise, I find that most of these white students possess little to no understanding of their own racial and ethnic identities. Also, I often observe that they aren’t familiar with even basic aspects of U.S. history such as the contributions and experiences of Native Americans and African Americans. But because these aspiring teachers live in a multicultural nation, I believe that it is more important than ever for them to acquire a serious understanding of racism and this nation’s rich multicultural history. I also think they will become better teachers if they leverage that understanding and work to become anti-racist. I define anti-racism as the active process of identifying and eliminating racism by transforming systems, structures, policies, practices and attitudes. The goal of anti-racism is a more equitable redistribution and sharing of power. Key findings in education research indicate that effective teachers are those who have experienced deep learning about racism, bias and cultural diversity. Among white students, their perspectives on race and culture may be enhanced through authentic experiences in ethnically diverse settings. Other studies have shown how white students benefit by intentionally confronting difficult subjects such as inequity and anti-racism. One of the ways that I help to broaden students’ understanding is by incorporating historical content into class assignments. I also introduce content that introduces students to the history and life experiences of diverse cultures. Also, I provide opportu-

Many studies have illustrated the dangers of racial bias among teachers, such as lower expectations for students of color and harsher discipline for them. There’s also evidence that racial bias can contribute to higher dropout rates, lower academic achievement and future incarceration. In their investigation of racial bias and school discipline in K-12 settings, a team of Princeton University researchers examined federal data that covered 32 million Black and white students across 96,000 K-12 schools. They found that Black students experienced higher rates of expulsion and suspension. They were, in addition, more likely to be arrested in school and subjected to law enforcement interventions than white students. The researchers found that 13.5% of Black students received out-of-school suspensions, as opposed to only 3.5% of their white classmates. Their ﬁndings indicated that racial bias fuels disparities in school discipline, as have similar studies.

by Lasana D. Kazembe AP Conversation

Centering equity in education In my classes, students learn about and discuss student differences besides race and ethnicity, such as gender, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, primary language, religious beliefs and residence. They also develop skills that allow them to reflect on their own backgrounds and to understand how their personal history shapes their perspectives. The students learn that actively embracing diversity and working toward equity are core qualities of professional educators. What teachers understand about bias must go beyond mere knowledge of subject matter and instructional strategies. They also need to learn ways to honor and respect the history and heritage of all their students, a discipline known as “teaching for equity.” Equity-focused teacher educators are versed in ethnic studies, as well as history, power and privilege. Research shows that students benefit academically when their teachers possess cultural awareness, have high expectations for all their students and believe that all their students have the potential to learn and succeed regardless of their personal backgrounds. However, to get there, teachers must first transform themselves. (Lasana D. Kazembe is an assistant professor at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

August 27 - September 2, 2020

Page 5

RELIGION COMMENTARY

Spiritually Speaking: I just gotta love you by James Washington Jr. NNPA News Service

OK, so what’s the point? I mean salvation and born again and new life and love thy neighbor, all of these principles, what do they actually mean? When all is said and done, particularly now when the world makes so little sense, what is life all about? One of the revelations about being delivered is recognizing the precious nature of existence. I believe I exist at the absolute whim of God. That whim, I know stems from God’s unconditional, absolute and explicit love for me. “God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son…” John 3:16. My job, I believe, is to reciprocate and love Him and you in kind. A so-called great philosopher once expounded, “I think therefore I am.” I believe I am, simply because God said so. I am because He is. You know, like when you were lit-

tle and someone disputed your word and your only response was “Uh Huh! It’s true because my mama or my daddy said so.” That was it. Regardless of James whatever other Washington Jr. nonsense was spoken at you, the truth rested comfortably in your parents’ word. That word we would defend unconditionally, because we knew its foundation to be anchored in love for us. So here we are, living and breathing creatures in the universe. I submit to you that God’s word about us is pure. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 says it simple enough. “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment including every

hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” OK, fear God and keep His commandments. Mom used to say, “Be home by eleven. Do what I tell you and we’ll get along just fine.” In many ways God tells us over and over again such simple truths. Yet, we continue to forget them, relying less on the concept of delayed (yet eternal) gratification and more in favor of instant ‘I-want-it-now-pleasure.’ The world offers finite fragile flesh, while the Lord delivers infinite and tangible spirituality. I don’t know if I’ve heard a minister preach this or if it’s my own notion that heaven is one big “now.” Existence in heaven knows no boundaries of time; no past, no future, just now. Time will be measured in eternity and not in minutes, hours or days. That revelation alone should shake many of us up. I know it does me to recognize that even if I don’t know or do not truly understand it all, it’s got to be true because my Daddy said so.

James Washington Jr.: “This love thing is contagious and may you and I never recover from its infectious splendor.” Therefore, time as I know it will not exist upon my death. Consciousness as I know it will also not exist upon death. Existence as I know it will not be what I think it is but, “my eternity”, “my nowness”, “my amness” will be in direct relation to the Alpha and the Omega’s love for me. At times it’s quite unimaginable to try to comprehend God, but Jesus on the other hand is Lord. He is Man. Jesus is me and I am Him. That’s my reality and following God’s commandments is my map. Can you spell

right relationship with God? Can you say I am because He said so? It’s so simple, it’s mind boggling. This love thing is contagious and may you and I never recover from its infectious splendor. In the moment of death will I know the essence of how much God loves me? I just want to be given the eternal opportunity to love Him back. At least here on earth, I know how. I just gotta love you. (James A. Washington Jr. is co-publisher of the Dallas Weekly News.)

In this image from video, Cedric Richmond Jr. recites the Pledge of Allegiance during the fourth night (Aug. 20) of the Democratic National. (Democratic National Convention via AP)

Trump says Dems took God out of ‘Pledge’ at convention. Really? AP Fact Check: Trump’s distortion by Colleen Long Associated Press

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump is accusing the Democrats of taking God out of the Pledge of Allegiance at their national convention. He’s distorting what happened. TRUMP: “The Democrats took the word GOD out of the Pledge of Allegiance at the Democrat National Convention. At ﬁrst I thought they made a mistake, but it wasn’t. It was done on purpose. Remember Evangelical Christians, and ALL, this is where they are coming from-it’s done. Vote Nov 3!” — tweet Saturday. THE FACTS: That’s a misleading accusation. The central programming of the convention featured the entire pledge, complete with “under God.” The ﬁrst night of the Democratic National Convention, Joe Biden’s grandchildren said the pledge, fol-

lowed by the convention’s chorus of “The Star Spangled Banner.” On the second night, it’s stated by a diverse group of Americans; same with the third night. On the fourth night, it’s recited by Cedric Richmond Jr., the son of Rep. Cedric Richmond of Louisiana. “Under God” was in each rendering. The convention also devoted a segment to showcasing Biden’s religious faith. During two caucuses before the evening conventions started, the Muslim Delegates and Allies Assembly and the LGBTQ Caucus meeting, both Tuesday, left out “under God,” from the pledge. The party’s series of caucus meetings was livestreamed but not part of the prime-time convention broadcast. The pledge was written in 1892 and altered in the 1920s. “Under God” was added in 1954, when President Dwight Eisenhower encouraged Congress to do so. Those two words have prompted a debate at times over whether people who do not practice religion should be expected to pledge allegiance to a country under God.

Union Valley celebrates… The Rev. H.O. Kneeland Jr., pastor of Union Valley Baptist Church, 1051 McLemore, celebrated his 89th birthday last Sunday with ample support. By his side was his wife, Angela.

BUSINESS The New Tri-State Defender, August 27 - September 2, 2020, Page 6

901.Black! – a move to support Black businesses “We’ve got to be deliberate in terms of growth. We’ve got to determine how to sustain business and how we can enhance the buying experience to make it worthwhile.” — Mark Yates

BBA virtual conference Sept. 9-10 by Dena Owens Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Plans are underway to help both thriving and struggling black businesses increase sustainability through a new, collective effort called 901. Black. 901.Black is the brainchild of Mark Yates, chief executive officer, Black Business Association of Memphis (BBA), and partners. The Rev. Dr. J. Lawrence Turner, senior pastor of Mississippi Blvd. Christian Church (MMBC), Shelby County Commissioners Van Turner Jr. and Mickell Lowery, and Douglass Scarboro, senior vice president and regional executive for the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis – Memphis Branch are collaborators in the effort. The goal is to plan and launch a

Mark Yates

Rev. J. Lawrence Turner

well-designed movement to support black businesses in Memphis in the aftermath of coronavirus (COVID-19) – the pandemic which has negatively impacted a swath of minority entrepreneurs locally and nationwide. “We’ve got to be deliberate in terms of growth. We’ve got to determine how to sustain business and how we can enhance the buying experience to make it worthwhile,” said Yates. On Wednesday, Yates discussed the

effort and ways to increase economic growth in the black community with Turner during Yate’s virtual show – “The Pivot Plan.” Turner said his 99-year-old, two-campus church is eager to engage with the larger business community in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the nation’s uproar about black economics following the murder of George Floyd. “God help me to leverage the influence of this church for the benefit of our community,” said Turner who is committed to the idea. The mega church leader says pushing out content through social media platforms such as Facebook,

Instagram and Twitter, and live streaming through digital tools such as Zoom and GoToMeeting have sustained MMBC operations during COVID-19. Turner mentioned challenges the church faced as a result of physical distancing and how it overcame them through technology, consultative advice and innovation. On Sept. 9-10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, BBA Memphis will host a virtual conference bringing minority business developers and black entrepreneurs together to plan 901.Black. Conference sessions will focus on: • defining black business opportunities and innovative solutions,

• taking advantage of digital tools, • understanding the power of black spending, • identifying benefits of a collective movement, • accessing capital resources and, • minimizing risks and threats in navigating the “new normal.” Conference invitees include: MMBC, NARAB (National Association of Real Estate Brokers), Memphis NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), Memphis Minority Business Continuum, City of Memphis Office of Diversity & Compliance, Memphis Urban League, local chapters of the National Black MBA Association and the National Society of Black Certified Public Accountants, 800 Initiative participants and a host of additional black business stakeholders. Registration is required. Email Mark Yates at mark@bbamemphis.com for a registration link.

“We were at a point where we had to make a decision of whether or not to remain open, or just close the doors,” said Brown. “Then, the $25,000 comes. It helps tremendously. Now, we want to say ‘thanks’ to our customers with a free food and free services giveaway.” — Roger Brown

Grant saves restaurant from ‘drowning,’ Sept. 5 event says ‘thanks’ to Memphis by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Roger Brown’s initial call from the Discover Credit Card Corporation to award his restaurant a $25,000 grant was met with a cool “maybe yes, maybe no.” “You just can’t tell these days,” Brown said. “I didn’t know if it was a scam, somebody playing a prank. It could be anything. I didn’t tell anybody. I said, ’I’m going to wait until they put a check in my hand. Then, I will believe it.” And soon, there was an actual check in hand ⸺ $25,000 from Discover’s Eat It Forward Grant program. “We were at a point where we had to make a decision of whether or not to remain open, or just close the doors,” said Brown. “Then, the $25,000 comes. It helps tremendously. Now, we want to say ‘thanks’ to our customers with a free food and free services giveaway — our restaurant (Meals for You), along with the other businesses in our strip mall. Everyone is welcome to come out.” Admission is free and businesses on the back of the strip mall, where the restaurant is located, will offer free services, including from the beauty shop and the barbershop. The location is 4205 Hacks Cross Road. The restaurant will offer free hotdog and smoke sausage sandwiches. The event is slated for 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., Sept. 5. Two other Memphis restaurants also received the $25,000 Eat It Forward Grant. They are the historic Four Way Grill and Smurfy’s Smokehouse.

Meals For You Catering Service and Restaurant was officially started the summer of 2018. That December, Brown’s wife died suddenly, leaving him a lone entrepreneur to continue the business. “My daughter, Racquel Brown, earned her masters in hotel and restaurant management from University of Tennessee in Knoxville,” said Brown. “She decided to return to Memphis and help me run the business. “But my wife’s sudden death left us all grieving. I got grief counseling for myself, my children and, even, my church because my wife was a big part of our church family.” Brown is pastor of the historic Greater White Stone Baptist Church in Memphis. For a while there, he was building the catering business, preaching and pastoring, and working at LeMoyne-Owen College. “So, I earned my degree after all my children got through school,” said Brown. “I entered LeMoyne’s accelerated business administration program. I wrote my capstone paper — that’s my final paper — on how to build a catering business.” Brown said there was a professor he had who saw him after he graduated. “His name was Dr. Anwar,” Brown said. “He would ask me every time he saw me, ‘Mr. Brown, have you made your first million yet?’ I would think about how he believed in what I wrote so much that he had faith that my catering business would succeed. So, I jumped in feet first and just did it.” The business just took off, and

Rev. Roger Brown takes a stand with his daughters (l-r) Raquel Brown and Jacqueline Brown-Lewis, who is co-owner of Meals for You. (Courtesy photos)

A ribbon cutting-ceremony seemed far-fetched before Discover Credit Card Corporation came through with a $25,000 grant. the bookings were filling up their calendar when COVID-19 hit. Everything changed in a matter of days, Brown remembers. “The pandemic hit, and all of our big events went away. No

weddings, no repasts, no baby showers, no wedding showers. Everything went to nothing in no time,” Brown said. Brown’s daughter, Raquel, who is co-owner of the business,

convinced her father sometime before the pandemic to open a restaurant, in addition to the catering service. “I felt like we needed to be operating a restaurant, along with the catering business,” said Raquel. “So, we had opened the restaurant and building a solid business. Things were moving nicely until the pandemic hit. Then, all of our big events were wiped off the books. And the restaurant had to close those weeks when all restaurants had to close.” But the Eat It Forward Grant money helped the restaurant and catering get a firmer footing. “It has helped us to keep going,” said Brown. “We want to reach out to the Memphis community now, and that’s how we came up with the Sept. 5 free giveaway event.” For additional information on the Sept. 5 food and services event call Meals For You at (901) 283-0872.

The New Tri-State Defender

August 27 - September 2, 2020

LENS & LINES

Celebrated like the ‘Champion’ he is The “Live Like A Champion” Drive-By Celebration in honor Dr. Charles A. Champion’s 90th birthday delivered a good time for the renowned Memphis pharmacist and master compounder and many of those he has served over the years. With Champion’s Pharmacy and Herb Store, 2369 Elvis Presley Blvd., as the destination, a stream of drive-by well-wishers — some renowned for their own talents and deeds — showed there appreciation for Dr. Champion’s 60-plus years of health-and-wealth service and respect for his character. Dr. Charles A. Champion was the ﬁrst African-American pharmacist to work in a Memphis hospital. A private label line of products, which is compounded by Champion’s, treat over 30 common. Hosted by his family, the commemoration was held during a twohour window late Saturday afternoon/early evening. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

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COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, August 27 - September 2, 2020, Page 8

Tennessee extends grant for free essential worker child care through the end of 2020 by Laura Faith Kebede Chalkbeat Tennessee

In an eleventh-hour approval, Tennessee is extending its grant to fund free childcare for essential workers until Dec. 31. The grant, established in the spring in response to COVID-19, will allow thousands of parents to secure adult supervision for their children while they’re at work and while many schools operate online for at least part of the academic year. Most schools in Tennessee have already started the new school year. Shelby County Schools, the state’s largest district with nearly 100,000 students, starts Monday. The state will pay day care centers to care for small children and supervise school-age children of essential workers who are employees at airports, medical facilities, schools, restaurants, grocery stores, government agencies, construction compa-

nies, and more. In Memphis, the YMCA and Shelby County Schools are partnering to provide full-day, in-person care and virtual learning support at more than 70 Virtual Learning Academies throughout Shelby County. The care includes adult supervision and support before, after, and during the virtual school day, as well as meals and enrichment activities. The YMCA is prepared to serve 5,000 children but is ready to add sites and staff to accommodate more children if needed, said Brian McLaughlin, chief operating officer for the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South. The virtual learning academies will operate from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Registration started Aug. 26 and children of essential workers can attend for free. The YMCA will offer reduced fees for families who qualify based on income and need. Just as affluent parents have orga-

nized learning pods or hired private tutors, virtual learning centers help low-income parents who cannot stay home to supervise remote learning when school buildings are closed because of the coronavirus. Child care assistance is especially important for single parents like Candice Yarbrough, who couldn’t be at home to support her 9-year-old son during his first days of remote learning last week at New Hope Christian Academy, a low-cost tuition school in Frayser. Her 11-year-old son, who starts his school year virtually Monday at Grizzlies Preparatory Charter School, was home with him but called her multiple times while she was at work for help finding passwords for various platforms, uploading assignments, or emailing the teacher. She rushed home on her lunch breaks to troubleshoot problems, but couldn’t stay long. “I feel bad as a parent because I’m not there,” she said. “Right now I’m

In Memphis, the YMCA and Shelby County Schools are partnering to provide full-day, in-person care and virtual learning support at more than 70 Virtual Learning Academies throughout Shelby County. (Photo: Karen Pulfer Focht/Chalkbeat) stuck between quitting and staying at home but I can’t do that because I have bills to pay.” The only daycare option she was familiar with for school-age children was YMCA, which was $120 per week but is now $75 a week for virtual learning during school hours and an additional $45 a week for before and after school care, according to its website. That isn’t affordable for Yarbrough, a preschool teacher who normally doesn’t need childcare since her schedule mirrors her sons’ schools. School board member Althea Greene said many parents have asked her about child care options as the state’s largest district begins online learning Monday.

“They’re blowing up my phone every day asking, ‘What am I going to do?’ ” she said. While coronavirus outbreaks are still possible in day cares, Greene said the student groups will be much smaller than at a school. Shelby County Schools has shared a list of facilities that have indicated they are willing to take students during online learning. (To register and find more information at the virtual centers at the Memphis YMCA, visit ymcamemphis.org/ virtuallearning. The state also has a directory of child care providers operating during the pandemic. Chalkbeat Tennessee bureau chief Jacinthia Jones contributed to this report.)

Ida B. Wells memorial project ‘goes public’ in September by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Open for business... Willistine Myrick opened Stein’s restaurant decades ago. And while patrons now wear masks because of the pandemic, they still make their way to the restaurant at 2248 South Lauderdale. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

Memphis will pay a long-standing debt to anti-lynching advocate and civil rights pioneer Ida B. Wells-Burnett before the year’s end, Dr. L. LaSimba Gray, pastor emeritus of New Sardis Baptist Church, said. Gray and a collective of Memphis history advocates have laid out plans to unveil a statue of Wells-Burnett on a Beale Street site, where the iconic journalist spent so much of her time. The $150,000 project will launch a public fundraising effort in September, the group decided in an evening virtual meeting last week (Aug. 20). “We have been talking about Ida B. Wells for 37 years at Heritage Tours,” said proprietor Elaine Turner. “The corner of Beale and Hernando Streets, where she ran her newspaper, First Baptist Church, where she first began to publish, and that corner where the Peoples Grocery was located and the three men lynched – those are all stops on the Ida B. Wells Tour.” Names of donors will be engraved at the installation site, which is also projected to hold a reflection pool and benches where visitors may just sit and take in the surroundings, said Gray. A full-color rendering of the Ida B. Wells Memorial Site will accompany the fundraising launch. “Ida B. Wells was driven out of Memphis because she continued to speak out about the brutality of lynching,” Gray said. “She fled Memphis and went to Chicago, never returning. But she continued her anti-lynching crusade in the North for the rest of her life. We owe her, and it’s well past time that we pay.” Saad&Shaw fundraising consultants, Mel and Pearl Shaw, have been tapped to direct the project’s fundraising effort. Artist Larry Luger will be commissioned to create the bronze, full-body statue of Wells-Burnett. The memorial committee decided the image would be the young, feisty lynching investigator of the Memphis years. Wells was born into slavery in Holly Springs, Miss., 57 miles south of

Memphis, and was only 3 years old when the Civil War ended in 1865. Wells, when she was 16, lost both her parents and a baby brother in the Ida B. yellow fever epWells idemic of 1878. To keep her siblings together, Wells took a job as a teacher. The five-foot teenager wore dresses down to her ankles to appear older than she was. She later moved to Memphis, where teachers made considerably more, with two sisters. She taught in Woodstock for Shelby County Schools. Before the yellow fever outbreak, Wells attended Rust College in Holly Springs. When she moved to Memphis, summer classes were taken at Fisk University in Nashville, and she also attended LeMoyne College (now LeMoyne-Owen College) for a time, according to her biography. Convinced that African Americans could not attain higher status than second-class citizens under the Jim Crow system, Wells encouraged and helped finance thousands to migrate to the North, away from the violent, segregated South. “Ida B. Wells spent such a short time here in Memphis, but her impact was felt in so many places here,” Gray said. “Her great-granddaughter said the family is elated that Memphis is finally going to honor her with a statue. We are planning for some of the family to be present at the unveiling.” It took the city of Chicago 12 years to raise the money to build a statue honoring Wells, according to Michelle Dustin, the icon’s great-granddaughter. “I told Michelle that it won’t take us 12 years,” Gray said. “It is a worthy project to a worthy woman. Ida B. Wells was only five feet, but she fought like she was nine feet tall. “This is the time. This is the moment to make it right. When we honor Ida B. Wells, we honor ourselves.”

The New Tri-State Defender

August 27 - September 2, 2020

COMMUNITY

CLASSIFIEDS

Six net $10,000 BlueCross Power of We Scholarships TSD Newsroom The BlueCross Foundation has doubled the number of BlueCross Power of We Scholarships it is awarding for 2020, bringing the total to six. This year’s recipients include two from the Memphis area residents a University of Memphis student from Franklin, Tenn. “The BlueCross Power of We Scholarship is one way we’ve been working toward health equity,” said Ron Harris, vice president of diversity and inclusion at BlueCross. “For many years, we’ve been supporting some of our state’s brightest students – who will lean on their unique insights as they deliver high-quality care for Tennesseans.” Since 2012, the foundation has awarded the scholarship to outstanding minority students to address health disparities Tennessee minority groups face by increasing representation in the state’s health care workforce. Each winner will receive $10,000 toward school tuition. This year’s additional scholarships are part of the company’s larger commitment to address systemic racism and injustice within Tennessee communities.

Marcus Barksdale

Alanis Burton

Brianna James

Sydni Lollar

This year’s recipients are: Marcus Barksdale – Memphis Senior, Nursing Major University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) Alanis Burton – Athens Senior, Health Science Major Lee University Brianna James – Franklin Junior, Exercise Science Major University of Memphis Sydni Lollar – Greeneville Junior, Honors Biomedical Engineering Major University of Tennessee Knoxville Akia Thompson – Nashville Senior, Public Health Major Belmont University Deja Walls – Collierville Senior, Biology Major Rhodes College In lieu of the BlueCross Foundation’s annual event celebrating the winners, which was canceled due to COVID-19, each recipient received a gift package for this school year, including a

Akia Thompson

Deja Walls

MacBook, AirPods and a Fitbit. The additional Power of We Scholarships build on several education programs supported by the BlueCross Foundation: •$1 million investment in the HCS EdConnect initiative in Hamilton County, which will provide no-cost internet access to underserved students on free and reduced lunch, ensuring they can participate in virtual learning opportunities this year •$500,000 to establish the BlueCross Technology Academies at Soddy Daisy and Red Bank High Schools •$500,000 grant over three years to STEPUP Chattanooga to provide internships and job readiness training for students (For more information, about this year’s BlueCross Power of We Scholars, visit BCBSTNews.com.)

“I hope to leverage local and national relationships to advocate for more funding for public transportation.” — Edward Stephens III

Ed Stephens III named a MATA commissioner TSD Newsroom Mayor Jim Strickland has sworn in Edward Stephens III, D.Min., as the newest Board Commissioner at the Memphis Area Transit Authority Board of Commissioners member. The Memphis City Council approved the appointment on Aug. 18. Stephens succeeds outgoing MATA Board Commissioner Roquita Coleman. “It’s a complete honor to serve the city that raised me,” said Stephens. “As this moment shows, black and brown communities are disproportionately affected by structural inequity. I hope that my role yields equitable outcomes for all commuters. In such a role, I hope to leverage local and national relationships to advocate for more funding for public transportation.” Stephens is the chief operating officer for the STAR Academy Charter School in Memphis, community pastor for Golden Gate Cathedral Church in Raleigh and serves as the principal and chief executive officer for Memphis-based Goshen Hospice and Palliative Care. Strickland said Stephens’ experience is a good fit for MATA:. “When I make Board appointments like most everything else we do with City government, I make them with an eye towards the future. Ed Stephens III is a part of that next generation of

Page 9

leaders that will help us implement the Memphis Transit Vision, and he will bring a new set of eyes to the MATA Board of Commissioners to help us do that.” MATA Chief Executive Oﬃcer Gary Rosenfeld said, “We look forward to Edward learning about his unique Stephens III perspectives based on his experience serving the community and how we may be able to build upon some of those relationships as we continue to improve access to public transportation.” Stephens is a member of the Memphis Police Department Clergy Academy and is participating in the 2020 Leadership Memphis Executive Program. He is also a member of the Chairman’s Circle of the Greater Memphis Chamber and has earned distinction as a “Top 40 Under 40 Urban Elite Professional” by the City of Memphis. Stephens received his Doctor of Ministry degree at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University and Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management/Economics from Fisk University

Bartlett City Schools Bartlett City Schools is seeking qualified vendors to quote pricing on all Bids and Request for Proposals. For information concerning Vendor Registration to become an approved vendor to conduct business with Bartlett City Schools, please visit http:// www.bartlettschools.org and click on the About US Tab. Vendor Registration is also available by contacting Purchasing, 901.202.0855, ext. #2255. Bids and Request for Proposals are available to download at the following website: http://www. bartlettschools.org. LEGAL NOTICE Request for Statement of Qualifications MSCAA Project Number 20-1440-00 DeWitt Spain Airport Apron Rehabilitation - Design Statements of Qualifications for DeWitt Spain Airport Apron Rehabilitation - Design will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (Authority), Procurement Department, 4121 Runway Road, Suite B, Memphis, TN 38118, until 2:00 PM central time on Thursday, September 24, 2020. The Information Package, including a description of the scope of services, the selection criteria, the required response format, and additional instructions may be obtained on the Authority’s website at www.flymemphis.com on or after Thursday, August 20, 2020. All Respondents are responsible for checking the Authority’s website up to the submission deadline for any updates, addenda or additional information. The successful Respondent must meet the DBE participation goal for this project, which is 30%, and sign a contract with the Authority that includes Federal Aviation Administration provisions, if applicable, regarding Buy American Preference, Foreign Trade Restriction, Davis-Bacon, Affirmative Action, Debarment and Suspension, 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 in whole or in part; to waive any informalities, technicalities, or omissions related to this request; and to reject responses on any other basis authorized by the Authority’s purchasing policies. This project is funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee. 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 TO BIDDERS In order to participate in the bid listed below for Shelby County Government, you must be registered with our electronic bidding system with Mercury Commerce. County bids are not available by mail or downloaded directly from the County website, unless otherwise indicated in the solicitation invitation. All vendors who wish to bid are required to register with Mercury Commerce Solutions in order to be notified of on-line bids. There is no charge for registration, and it is easy to use. To register: • Go to www.esmsolutions.com • Go to Log-In at top of page • Click “Supplier Login” • Under “Mercury Version”, click ‘Not Registered’ • Complete Vendor Registration process • Submit If you have any questions about

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who wish to bid are required to register with Mercury Commerce Solutions in order to be notiﬁed of on-line bids. There is no charge for registration, and it is easy to use. To register: • Go to www.esmsolutions.com • Go to Log-In at top of page • Click “Supplier Login” • Under “Mercury Version”, click ‘Not Registered’ • Complete Vendor Registration process • Submit If you have any questions about the registration process, contact ESM Solutions at (877) 9697246. If you have any questions about information contained in the bid documents, contact the Purchasing Department at (901) 222-2250 and ask to speak to the Buyer listed for the bid. SEALED BID DUE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 AT 2:30 PM “MINI PUMPERS” SHELBY COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT (SB-I000635) (MC617) This Sealed Bid does not have an LOSB/MWBE participation goal requirement. By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Sincerely, Christin L. Webb, Administrator of Purchasing

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: IBuyland, LLC Tax Parcel #: 0290500000001C Tax Sale #: 1603 Price Offered: $500.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:00 a.m. on October 5, 2020, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400

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The New Tri-State Defender, August 27 - September 2, 2020, Page 10

No madness in Memphis but basketball expects to roll on by Terry Davis Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The University of Memphis men’s basketball team is in a wait and see mode. They do not know when the season will oﬃcially begin. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic the NCAA has put restrictions on how programs can operate. “Expectations are the same. We want to win at a high level,” said coach Penny Hardaway. “For the freshmen to be one year older. Going from not knowing what was going on to having a full year of knowing what’s going on.” Memphis had one of the youngest teams in the nation last year. But, the addition of one of the best defenders in high school last year, Moussa Cisse, and Ahmad Rand, the junior college standout from Lincolnton, Georgia, the Tigers’ defense may even be better. Cisse is on campus and practicing with the team. He has been cleared to play this season by the NCAA.

As of Tuesday (Aug. 25), there has not been a response from the NCAA on the waiver requests for Landers Terry Nolley and Davis DeAndre Williams. The Committee on Infractions for the case of James Wiseman playing last season has not set a date for releasing their findings. Many are wondering if there will be a college basketball season. The NBA has proven it can be done by creating a bubble-like environment. Yet, to have a post season tournament, there must be a regular season. This year’s NCAA tournament was cancelled because of the virus. Hardaway floated the idea of having regional pods, where five or six teams would play one another for a couple of weeks at a time. Hardaway has not decided on a new assistant coach to replace

UofM head coach Penny Hardaway, who eventually had to guide the Tigers without the services of projected NBA lottery pick James Wiseman (second from right), has plenty to work with, when – and if – the upcoming season survives the coronavirus threat. (Photo: Warren Roseborough/TSD Archives) Mike Miller, who left the program to coach at Houston High School. Hardaway said it has been harder than normal to hire a coach during the pandemic. He has interviewed 16 people, so far, and expects to name a new assistant in a week or two. With the departure of Precious Achiuwa to the NBA, the Tigers are going to have to ﬁnd a closer. DJ Jeﬀries and Nolley, if eligible, will be looked upon to carry the team late in games. “DJ is going to have to carry the load. He came in with a lot of promise,

but he got hurt. He is looking great now,” said Hardaway. Memphis returns five freshmen who got significant minutes last season ⸺ Boogie Ellis, Damion Baugh, Jefferies, Lester Quinones and Malcolm Dandridge. All started at least four games. Ellis and Baugh are the only two who played in all games last season. “I see a chip on Boogie, Lester and Damion’s shoulders. They feel they did not produce in the hopes of coming into the season last year. Especially Boogie, you

can see how hungry he is and how hard he has been working,” Hardaway said. Normally teams would be getting ready for the season and having a big kickoﬀ event like Memphis Madness at the FedExForum. That will not be the case this season. If the Tigers hold any kind of event it will be virtual. Memphis has sold out their last two events and used those as a place to bring some prized recruits to the program.

U of M women’s basketball coach McFerrin determined to meet high expectations despite ‘challenging’ circumstances by Liaudwin Seaberry Jr. Special to The New Tri-State Defender

As University of Memphis women’s head coach Melissa McFerrin enters her 13th season of coaching the Lady Tigers, she acknowledges that she’s never experienced times such as the present. With a renovated arena and the loss of lone senior Gazmyne Herndon from last year’s team, however, McFerrin realizes the upcoming season gives her squad a chance to grow from last year’s injury-riddled season. As offseason workouts recently began, McFerrin noticed her players are at different stages in terms of their readiness for the season. A few of her players haven’t been able to fully participate in workouts due to COVID-19 restrictions. “Some players are ready for the beginning of the season, while others still need time to get their bodies right before we get into the full swing of things in September,” McFerrin said. “By the time September comes around, I’ll expect everyone to be here and ready to go.” Last year’s team dissolved due to injuries, as Lady Tigers Julan McDonald, guard Jamirah Shutes, forward Lanyce Williams and guard Madison Griggs suffered serious injuries. However, with all four players returning for the upcoming season, along with se-

With a talented squad and barring injuries, University of Memphis women’s basketball coach Melissa McFerrin is eyeing a postseason run. (Courtesy photo) niors Alana Davis, Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu (Mend-jee-a-dew) and Keke Hunter, McFerrin knows her team possesses the ability to make some noise during the season. Mendjiadeu, last year’s leading

scorer, is McFerrin’s best player. McFerren, however, said she must improve the weaknesses, including shooting and ability to pass out of double teams, in her game to become the player McFerrin knows she can be.

“Dulcy’s going to be really good for us this year, but the issue for her is if she wants to go from being good to being great,” McFerrin said. “She needs to work on a few aspects of her game, but for the most part she’s got it to-

gether.” McFerrin also brought in freshmen Callie Wright from Canada, En’Dya Buford, a former local star at Olive Branch; Tye Jones from Jones College in Mississippi, and Coriah Beck from Arkansas. With all the talent she’s accrued, McFerrin thinks her team can withstand the injuries that plagued last year’s squad, and with everyone back and healthy, the team can make a postseason run. “We expect to participate in the postseason this year, and nothing less will be accepted,” McFerrin said. Despite now being in the fullswing of workouts, McFerrin reminds her squad to constantly to be aware of protests over the deaths of Black men and women at the hands of police oﬃcers and other racial injustices suﬀered by African-Americans. She has provided the team with Black Lives Matter Zoom meetings, videos on the history of Memphis and consistently educates her squad on existing racial injustices. The coach wants her players to know the importance of movements such as Black Lives Matter and more. “All of the world’s started to take a step back and see what’s important,” McFerrin said. “I want my players to know we support Black Lives Matter and that we strongly condemn acts of racial injustice.”