The New Tri-State Defender - September 8-14, 2022

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September 8 - 14, 2022

VOL. 71, No. 36

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STREET BUZZ

What JSU-TSU fans are saying heading into SHC No. 33

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

valry of Tigers.

While he has been asked repeatedly about what will happen after this year’s week-long cultural celebration, Jones, a promoter, is sticking to his script.

“No comment on that. … Absolutely, no comment. … Only thing I can say, and not to deflect, our concentration and our focus and our discipline is on making this – as we do every year – the best Classic we can be.”

That, in part, involves leveraging the star power of Eddie George and Deion Sanders, the two high-profile, former NFL heroes who will coach The Classic clash of Tigers for the second consecutive year.

Pamela Crutchfield Dotson can remember when the Southern Heritage Classic was in its infancy.

“I was a proud member of the Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands. That very first time, TSU played Grambling State (Louisiana) University. That was my introduction to what would become known as the Southern Heritage Classic. I have come to Memphis each year to experience everyone since time.”

Dotson remembers Pamela the thrill of boarding Dotson a bus with the band while she was a student. The legendary Edward Graves was the band director.

While attending graduate school at TSU, Dotson became the administrative assistant in the band office. She helped to coordinate details for the Vern O. band’s travel and hotel Gavin Sr. arrangements.

“We loved every year, sailing through the city with escorts,” said Dotson. “They were motorcycle cops, and we called them the Memphis CHIPS. You can understand how thrilling it was for college kids to come to Memphis and be met by police escorts whisking you through the city at high speed. It made us feel important.”

SEE CLASSIC ON PAGE 2

SEE BUZZ ON PAGE 2

Southern Heritage Classic founder Fred Jones Jr., with WLOK President/CEO Art Gilliam, alongside, addressed the Stone Soul Picnic crowd at the Levitt Shell in Overton Park this past weekend. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

‘The Classic’ comes through when Memphis needs a hug

by Karanja A. Ajanaku kajanaku@tsdmemphis.com

The 33rd Annual Southern Heritage Classic will once again embrace Memphis for several days this week with thousands expected to return to the hug.

And this year, with all the talk about it being the last pitting Tennessee State University and Jackson State University in The Classic, the need for a soothing hug feels literally true.

Short of a hug, a big positive huddle – or a whole lot of little ones – would seem in order. Such actually is part of The Classic’s tradition.

“You look around and you see families

47 years old, WLOK Stone Soul Picnic rolls on Page 6 and little babies and grandparents, and everybody all huddling together during this Southern Heritage Classic,” said Fred Jones Jr., founder of the Southern Heritage Classic.

As has been the case for decades, this time of the year is go-time for Jones and the team of staffers and volunteers that make the Southern Heritage Class happen. Complicating matters is Jackson State University’s announced intentions to stop playing in the annual game pitting the ri-

In North Memphis, Klondike community is getting ‘The Works’

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Under the shadow of the monolithic Crosstown Concourse, work is underway inside another historic Memphis building, the old Northside High School, to convert it into a similar mixed-use facility.

However, rather than a one-off anchor meant to gradually lift the entire Klondike neighborhood, the $72 million Northside Square project will be the centerpiece of a comprehensive revitalization plan for the long-neglected North Memphis community.

The blueprint is part of a goal to honor the

legacy of a historic Black community. It features ambitions to rehab, gut, upgrade, rebuild and invest an entire neighborhood, while keeping Klondike’s current residents in the community and attracting new ones.

“We’re not trying to do Northside and then leave the rest of Klondike abandoned around it…vacant and abandoned. We’re trying to do Klondike, with Northside as an anchor,” said Roshun Austin, president and CEO of The Works, Inc. The nonprofit’s mission is like the overall project’s aims, to increase the availability of

SEE KLONDIKE ON PAGE 2

Meetings such as this are part of putting in the work to assure that the Northside Square project meets expectations. (Photo: Facebook)

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The New Tri-State Defender

KLONDIKE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization and the delivery of services and support for marginalized communities in Memphis.

“It’s unique. A lot of times with public housing redevelopment, you knock everything down. You ideally want the people to come back, but that doesn’t happen often. They are dispersed across cities or counties. They don’t always come back, whether it’s by choice or something else. Here, we’re trying to build with the people in place,” said Austin.

Klondike is bordered roughly by Interstate 240-40 on the west, Jackson Avenue on the south, Brown Avenue on the north and North Watkins on the east. Vollintine Avenue, on which the old high school is located, also cuts an eastwest path through the neighborhood.

With houses going up as far back as the late 19th century, Klondike was created for African Americans. Like many Black communities, it has endured ongoing and residual effects of racist policies, disinterest, and a lack of investment.

As a result, many of its 1,100 homes ended up vacant or abandoned and in various states of neglect. The ones in use also often are in disrepair, with most needing gut-job renovations.

There are also numerous vacant lots. Poverty, crime and a lack of services are other issues.

While banks, investors and house flippers didn’t see an opportunity, Austin and a group of nonprofits and community volunteers did.

A few years back, after the

BUZZ

CONTINUED FROM FRONT After graduating from TSU with a bachelor’s degree and an MBA, Dotson’s family continued making the annual trek to Memphis for Classic festivities and the big game.

“My daughter grew up going to the Southern Heritage Classic every year,” said Dotson. “She is 22 now, and we are flying into Memphis on Thursday. I’m coming from Florida, and she is coming from Missouri. The Classic is not only a Memphis tradition, but our family tradition

CLASSIC

CONTINUED FROM FRONT They, too, however, were fielding questions about the future of The Classic during their weekly media briefings.

Said George: “I understand the business side. Each party feels like they are not being compensated properly. You want to explore a new business structure. I get it. Last year, it was not a great deal of transparency on how the gate was divided. There is not a winwin. Where is the win-win? I don’t see (it) as a slight toward Tennessee State, but how (are) all benefiting from it.”

Sanders, whose reputation and presence at JSU has drawn a huge spotlight to HBCUs in general, said, “We’re going there (to the Southern Heritage Classic) for one reason and that’s to dominate. … We’re not going for nothing else.

We aren’t going for the Classic. I’m not even going for my dear friend that I love, coach Eddie George.”

Sanders said he didn’t know if this would be the last Classic.

September 8 - 14, 2022

Page 2

NEWS

dust of the Crosstown development had settled, a land trust was formed. Using the financial instrument, they began snapping up vacant homes and lots at pennies-on-the-dollar prices.

“We own over 400 buildings and parcels in a neighborhood that has only made up of 1,100.

We’re the largest landowner in Klondike today,” said Austin.

Of course, the big project underway at 1212 Vollintine Ave. is what eventually drew public attention to the master plan. At 300,000 sq. ft, it is one-third the size of the Crosstown undertaking.

“The mixed-use is similar to the way schools have been used across the country and the same thing with old warehouse buildings,” said Austin.

The renovations will include affordable housing and senior housing, recreation facilities, regulation-size gymnasium, an amphitheater, office space and incubator space for small business startups.

The Moore Tech campus will take up the entire basement. Food vendors and other needed services also will be available.

“It’s going to be a hub, and very similar to Crosstown, with a federally qualified health clinic in a neighborhood that has very high incidents of health disparities.

“People’s annual incomes average about $15,000. So, that impacts everything downline,” said Austin.

Other businesses will be lured into business space along thoroughfares like Jackson Avenue and Vollintine Avenue. Neighborhood pop up shops by local entrepreneurs are also a part of the plan.

Like Northside Square will soon be, the erstwhile Northside High School was

once the centerp i e c e of the Klondike neighborhood.

Built in 1968, it served a comQuincy munity Morris that has long been short on services for decades.

It was closed in 2016, after students and teachers staged an exodus to other schools. It was slated for closure in 2017, after repairs were estimated to run upwards of $3 million.

Now, all the asbestos, mold and other hazards have been removed.

“It was the neighborhood school. It was the rock of the community because some of the teachers lived in the community and many generations attended the school. It was family oriented,” said Quincey Morris, executive director of the Klondike/ Smokey City CDC. In addition to years of volunteering through the CDC, the longtime resident has partnered with Austin throughout the Northside/Klondike redevelopment to realize a vision that reflects the needs of the community.

as well. I am a proud native Memphian. I graduated from Mitchell High School — some people call it Mitchell Road.”

The unity, the tradition, the heritage, the celebration, and yes, the trash talking has generated a spirit of pride on both sides, Dotson said.

She continued, “What is the Classic without the trash talk?

There must be trash talking, big time. Every year, a huge Jackson State bus has the same location at the tailgate party, I walk over there every year to mess with them. “‘Give me some barbeque.

Give me a hot dog.’ They say, ‘Oh, here she comes again.’

“I don’t call that shot. I make recommendations but I don’t call that shot. Business-wise, I just want us to profit. I want us to benefit as well as Tennessee State. Coach George, I think he feels the same way.

We have some of the same sentiments towards these classics. …

“I just hate giving up a home game when we could play that at home. We get at least 45,000 on a bad day. I would rather have that game at home.”

With that backdrop, is it going to be awkward in Memphis?

“How can it be awkward?

We are coming to play football,” said Sanders. “The business aspect is not beneficial nor suitable for us.”

Meanwhile, as lawsuits are pending regarding assertions of broken contracts, Jones reiterates that he has no stated intention of focusing on “what happens after the Classic because after the Classic takes care of itself.”

Taking care of the Classic means making the rounds, such as the stop he made over the weekend at WLOK’s 47th Annual Stone Soul Picnic. As

With her hard hat on, Roshun Austin is ready for another day or work on the Northside Square project. (Photo: Facebook)

veats, like investment in rehab and equity — with the land trust acts as a price control.

“When we resell it, we don’t sell it for the $350,000. We sell it again for $150,000, or whatever the going rate is for a family that is 80 percent below the median.

“That’s really how a land trust should work. If you want to ensure long-term affordability, well, that family can stay in that house in perpetuity. The restriction is the affordability,” said Austin.

With as many as 450 renters in Klondike, savings will be passed onto them, as well.

Caps will be placed on rent to prevent existing residents from being priced out of the community. Many of their homes already have been completely renovated. Some rents will be as low as $400.

“All of the appliances are there. There’s central heating and air, washers and dryers.

Every unit we do has a washer and dryer. Now, you don’t have to go use coins … People don’t think about those kinds of things, but what are the costs of going out. It’s high. They have very fixed incomes,” said Austin.

Other upgrades include walk in showers, handles, walkways and widened doorways for Klondike’s many senior citizens. Current residents are put up in temporary housing until the work is complete on their homes.

Many vacant lots will be open to development from African-American and minority firms and contractors, too.

“People are excited. They are excited about the houses they’re living in, or what they see going up. We have way more demand than we have supply,” said Austin.

As with many houses in Klondike, the school eventually was left vacant and abandoned.

Around this time, the CDC sought advice on how they could turn their neighborhood around. After receiving funding, Chicago-based Studio Gang was approached about an initial study. The architect and design firm had completed work on Tom Lee Park. A mixed-use facility was settled on.

“The Northside Development will help bring much needed services and revitalization to the community.

Once we start investing in and rebuilding our neighborhood more people will want to live in Klondike,” said Morris.

Weekly meetings, often attended by a hundred or more, kept the information flowing back to eager residents. The meetings also created opportunities for input from residents.

In addition to the rehab work to existing homes, there are plans to build new ones for newcomers. Unlike many homes, however, these properties will be price-controlled to make them affordable to prospective homeowners.

“When we are invested in it, we ask for the right of first refusal. We will buy it back from you at the market standard at that time but want it back affordable.

“So, if there is a homeowner that buys a house — one of our land trust houses, for instance — we will sell it at an affordable rate. We sell it at $150,000 (for example). We restrict the deed, though,” said Austin.

This means that owners can pass the property onto heirs, but they can’t resell it at a price that’s out of reach to most in the neighborhood.

Rather, a formula for a 50/50 split — along with ca-

Then, I have to let them know what kind of whipping they’re about to get.”

Dotson said the Classic is like a big family every year.

“I can’t imagine life without the TSU/JSU Classic,” Dotson said.

For JSU alum, Vern O. Gavin Sr., the Southern Heritage Classic is a family reunion.

Gavin is vice-president of the Hinds County Board of Supervisors, representing District 4.

“Each year, we gather with old friends, co-workers, and extended family, form a motorcade and join other families driving up to Memphis,” said

Gavin. “It’s something that we’ve always done. We get up to Memphis, and just enjoy everything—the tailgating, the trash talking, and of course, the big game.”

Gavin remembers the coaches in the early days of the Classic who shaped an impressive legacy of sportsmanship for Jackson State.

“There was Coach Bob Hill and Coach John Merritt, who left a legacy behind,” said Gavin. “The Southern Heritage Classic has always been a celebration of our culture, shared values as a community, and affirmation of worth for historically Black colleges.”

Gavin said the Classic is far more than a game, but couldn’t resist a little trashtalking, himself.

“Oh, somebody from TSU said we’re going to need some luck?” Gavin asked. “I would advise Tennessee State to look at our first game of the season. We won that game 59-3.

I project that the final score of this year’s Classic game will be 59-6, Jackson State winning. That’s all I got to say.”

Beyond the game, one side will get bragging rights about the game, the band, the ‘most lit’ tailgaters — there’s no end to this decades’ old rivalry.

For music lovers, the best

quarter is the fifth quarter.

Both bands, the JSU Sonic Boom and the TSU Aristocrat of Bands, battle it out in the stands. Fans on both sides enjoy the back-and-forth play, song for song. Each side “brings it,” challenging the other side to match their skill.

“I remember one year a Jackson State announcer said, ‘The Aristocrat of Bands, is that a fact? Whoever heard of some stuff like that?’” said Dotson. “And you know it was on. Such a wonderful rivalry.

Each side shows great respect to the other side, despite the rivalry. And that’s just how it should be.”

he does, he picks up on the vibes of the community, of the city. And from the Classic’s vantage point, he reports an “over-the-top feeling. … People really are into everything Southern Heritage Classic. …

“It has forced us to really concentrate on making sure that the little small things are taken care of because people are so excited. It is just a great feeling. But you get that feeling all the time with the Classic.

“If we could get this feeling every week, every day, every weekend, every whatever, month, everything would be fine. It is just that kind of vibe that you get that comes with the Southern Heritage Classic.”

It’s a feeling that makes one want to hug another and/or huddle.

For a sense of where to go to experience that sensation, Jones points to SouthernHeritageClassic.com.

Then, he adds, “I would encourage people to participate.

There’s something on this schedule that you can participate in (allowing for enthusiasm that has led to sellouts of

events such as the annual tailgating.”

For Jones on this day, the next move was getting back with “the team,” several members of which were in the of-

fice working on details.

Thinking of them and the blanket of local support, Jones said, “You know that saying about it takes a village to raise a kid. Well, it’s taken this com-

munity to raise the Classic.”

(TSD Sports columnist Terry Davis contributed to this story.)

The New Tri-State Defender

September 8 - 14, 2022

Page 3

NEWS

Obamas return to the White House, unveil official portraits

by Darlene Superville The Associated Press

WASHINGTON – Former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, returned to the White House Wednesday, unveiling official portraits with a modern vibe in an event that set humor and nostalgia over his presidency against the current harsh political talk about the survival of democracy.

While her husband cracked a few jokes about his gray hair, big ears and clothes in his portrait, Mrs. Obama, a descendant of slaves, said the occasion for her was more about the promise of America for people like herself.

“Barack and Michelle, welcome home,” declared President Joe Biden as the gathering cheered.

Biden, who was Obama’s vice president, praised his former boss’ leadership on health care, the economy and immigration and said nothing could have prepared him any better for being president than serving with Obama for those eight years.

“It was always about doing what was right,” he said.

The portrait of Obama, America’s 44th and first Black president, doesn’t look like any of his predecessors, nor does Michelle Obama’s look like any of the women who filled the role before her.

Obama stands expressionless against a white background, wearing a black suit and gray tie in the portrait

by Robert McCurdy that looks more like a large photograph than an oilon-canvas portrait. The former first lady, her lips pursed, is seated on a

sofa in the Red Room in a strapless, light blue dress. She chose artist Sharon Sprung for her portrait.

Scores of former members of Obama’s administration were on hand for the big reveal.

Obama noted that some of them in the East Room audience had started families in the intervening years and he feigned disappointment “that I haven’t heard of anyone naming a kid Barack or Michelle.”

He thanked McCurdy for his work, joking that the artist, who is known for his paintings of public figures from Nelson Mandela to the Dalai Lama, had ignored his pleas for fewer gray hairs and smaller ears. “He also talked me out of wearing a tan suit, by the way,” Obama quipped, referring to a widely panned appearance as president in an unflattering suit.

Obama went on to say his wife was the “best thing about living in the White House,” and he thanked Sprung for “capturing everything I love about Michelle, her grace, her intelligence -and the fact that she’s fine.”

Michelle Obama, when it was her turn, laughingly opened by saying she had to thank her husband for “such spicy remarks.” To which he retorted, by way of explanation, “I’m not running again.”

Then the former first lady turned serious, drawing a connection between unveiling the portraits and America’s promise for people with backgrounds like her own, a daughter of working-class parents from the South Side of Chicago.

“For me this day is not just about what has happened,” she said. “It’s also about what could happen, because a girl like me, she was never

Former President Barack Obama hugs President Joe Biden as he and former first lady Michelle Obama take their seats after speaking during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, in Washington.

The Obama’s unveiled their official White House portraits during the ceremony. (AP Photos/Andrew Harnik) supposed to be up there next to Jacqueline Kennedy and Dolley Madison. She wasn’t supposed to live in this house, and she wasn’t supposed to serve as first lady.”

Mrs. Obama said the unveiling of the portraits was a “reminder that there’s a place for everyone in this country.”

Tradition holds that the sitting president invites his immediate predecessor back to the White House to unveil his portrait, but Donald Trump broke with that custom and did not host Obama. So, Biden scheduled a ceremony for his former boss.

Mrs. Obama said the tradition matters “not just for those of us who hold these positions but for everyone participating in and watching our democracy.”

In remarks that never mentioned Trump but made a point as he continues to challenge his 2020 reelection

Former President Barack Obama kisses his wife former first lady Michelle Obama after they unveiled their official White House portraits during a ceremony for the unveiling in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, in Washington. loss, she added: “You see the people, they make their voices heard with their vote, we hold an inauguration to ensure a peaceful transition of power ... and once our time is up, we move on.”

McCurdy, meanwhile, said his “stripped down” style of portraiture helps create an “encounter” between the person in the painting and the person looking at it.

“They have plain white backgrounds, nobody gestures, nobody — there are no props because we’re not here to tell the story of the person that’s sitting for them,” McCurdy told the White House Historical Association during an interview for its “1600 Sessions” podcast.

“We’re here to create an encounter between the viewer and the sitter,” he said. “We’re telling as little about the sitter as possible so that the viewer can project onto them.”

He works from a photograph of his subject, selected from hundreds of images, and spends at least a year on each portrait He knows he’s done “when it stops irritating me,” he said.

Obama’s portrait is destined for display in the Grand Foyer of the White House, the traditional showcase for paintings of the two most recent presidents. Bill Clinton’s and

George W. Bush’s portraits currently hang there.

Mrs. Obama’s portrait likely will be placed with her predecessors along the hallway on the Ground Floor of the White House, joining Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush.

Two spokespeople for Trump did not respond to emailed requests for comment on whether artists have begun work on White House portraits for Trump and former first lady Melania Trump. Work, however, is underway on a separate pair of Trump portraits bound for the collection held by the National Portrait Gallery, a Smithsonian museum.

The White House Historical Association, a nonprofit organization founded in 1961 by first lady Jacqueline Kennedy and funded through private donations and sales of books and an annual Christmas ornament, helps manage the White House portrait process. Since the 1960s, the association has paid for most of the portraits in the collection.

Congress bought the first painting in the collection, of George Washington. Other portraits of early presidents and first ladies often came to the White House as gifts.

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, September 8 - 14, 2022, Page 4

TWO WHO WANT TO BE MAYOR

‘901 Day’ fever hits Memphis every year on 9/01. Of course, it’s a play on the city’s 901 ZIP code.

This year, amid all the $9.01 restaurant specials, the Memphis Grizzlies’ first ever 901 Day Griz Bash, stores running $9.01 sales, and various other 901 appeals, two high-profile and notably accomplished declared their bids for Memphis mayor in 2023.

One – Van Turner Jr. – staged a media event in a downtown park. The other posted a family video online that went viral almost as quickly as it was released.

The stakes are high and no matter who else gets into the race, the mayoral race is going to be a showdown.

Pictured: Jamila Smith-Young, Zoë Young, Paul Young and Paxton Young.

(Photo: Elizabeth Wiggs Photography)

Van Turner Jr. makes his case for mayor of Memphis. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

‘We can get this thing right,’ says Paul A. Young regarding Memphis’ future

Committed to the ‘hard work, Van Turner Jr. says ‘every challenge will be met and overcome’

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

It’s the way Paul Young’s demeanor shifts when he talks about Memphis. He strikes a tone of quiet reverence and admiration, with just a hint joy. For him, speaking about his city stirs deep emotion.

“Memphis is our home. My wife, Jamila, and I grew up in Memphis,” said Young. We graduated from different high schools and lived only a couple of miles apart. I didn’t meet her until we got to the University of Tennessee, at Knoxville.

Both Jamila and I desire to serve in the city that gave so much to us. There is a great debt of love we owe to Memphis.”

Young, 42, has been at the crux of massive, vibrant, re-energizing construction projects in downtown Memphis for more than a year as president and CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission (DMC).

One thing Young understands is that downtown is the heart of every growing, vital city.

“Downtown must be strong aesthetically,” said Young. “Along with a commercially viable downtown, resources must be invested to rebuild our neighborhoods into places where small businesses thrive and people can walk to work. I want to move Memphis forward. There is so much hope and promise for this city.”

Public safety can be a huge hindrance to the quality of life for residents of any city.

Fighting crime, particularly in the youth population, must involve more components than just enforcement, according to Young.

“Gun violence and crime among youth is not just a Memphis problem,” said Young. “Memphis can be known as the city that figures out how to solve this problem. There are too many limited resources. Young people who are busy with opportunities and activities don’t get into trouble. Arrests alone will not work. Another one will rise up and fill the void made by an arrest.”

Young and the DMC created major buzz when a minority contractor was tapped to refurbish a number of blighted structures in the downtown area. Young reflected on that and other decisions to offer a minority

company that level of opportunity.

“I didn’t just start dreaming this up,” said Young. “My vision for Memphis is inclusive and intentional when it comes to creating opportunities to build wealth.

I want to see everyone participate in wealth-building, for their family, and their community. Memphis is resilient. We’ve had some challenges to overcome racially, but we can get this thing right.”

Prior to his appointment by Mayor Jim Strickland to head the DMC last April, Young led Memphis Housing and Community Development (HCD), where he promoted city-wide community development initiatives with a $16 million annual budget.

Prior to working with the city’s HCD, Young served in the Shelby County Mayor’s Office as Director of Legislative Affairs. This role required advocacy to federal and state legislative delegations, as well as local entities, on the county’s behalf. Young was also He also served as the Administrator for the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Sustainability, which implements strategic framework to promote and support green initiatives in Memphis and Shelby County.

“Running for the job of Memphis mayor simply feels like a natural progression,” said Young. “If you look at the roles I have played in both the city and county governments, I don’t think anyone can match my range of experience in project management and governance.”

Young earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from UT-Knoxville, an M.A. of City and Regional Planning, and an M.S. in Business Administration from the University of Memphis.

“I have prepared for this moment my whole life,” said Paul. “City planning wasn’t just an academic pursuit, I wanted to prepare myself to lead Memphis forward with the vision I have harbored for as long as I can remember. It’s burning in my heart.”

Shelby County Director of Community Services Dorcas Young Griffin is Young’s sister.

He is married to Dr. Jamila SmithYoung, and they are the parents of two children, Zoë, 11, and Paxton, seven.

Young is the son of Dr. William and Pastor Dianne Young of The Healing Center Full Gospel Church.

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Showing up at Health Sciences Park with a band of enthusiastic supporters on “901 Day” in Memphis to declare a bid for the mayor’s race next year will grab headlines.

And that’s just what former Shelby County Commissioner Van Turner did on Thursday morning, Sept. 1.

No one would miss the historic significance of the Memphis Chapter NAACP president publicly declaring for the mayor’s race in a park that for decades honored Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest with a statue of his likeness on a horse and the remains of both Bedford and his wife resting beneath.

Turner’s chosen site would also remind Memphians that he is also president and CEO of Memphis Greenspace, the non-profit organization that purchased former Forrest Park and had the statue and remains removed.

Many had already heard that Turner was to announce his candidacy for mayor in the 2023 election. Wednesday was his last day as a county commissioner, and there was very little time to stage his big announcement on Thursday.

“Everything felt rushed because the details and logistics, had to be just right,” said Turner. “And there was very little time for planning, but that God, it turned out great. I was pleased with how everything turned out.”

Turner, a partner in the law firm of Bruce & Turner, PLLC, was prominent in the movement several years ago to remove all vestiges of the Confederacy, and expediently renaming the space, Health Sciences Park.

Turner reminded supporters who had gathered in the park that he was standing on the very spot that Forrest’s statue stood.

Turner drew applause and cheers when he noted that both his father and grandfather paid taxes to maintain Forrest Park, but were not allowed access to it.

Seeing Memphis reach its fullest potential is a concern for everyone, Turner said. Laying a strong foundation now will

ensure that future generations reap the rewards offered equally to all people. All Memphians “are family.”

“I love Memphis, and I want my city to have the best and be the best because we are family,” said Turner. We all want the same things for our children: to live in a prosperous, thriving city, safe from our neighborhoods being overrun by crime.”

Turner said making Memphis the city we know it can be is going to take “lots of hard work.” But, every challenge will be met and overcome, according to Turner.

“We want neighborhoods and communities that are safe for our children to grow and play,” Turner said. “We want good schools so that our children will receive an education that will propel them to future, successful adulthood.

Turner was first elected to the county commission in Aug. 2014, and re-elected in 2018; he was elected county commission chairman from 2018-2019.

Turner, who is a former Shelby County Democratic Party chairman, said like everyone else, he is concerned about public safety.

“We must attack the high crime issue at three levels,” said Turner. “We must first deal with the urgency of what’s going on now—youth gun violence and car breakins. Secondly, we must build the morale of our police officers—increase pay and benefits so they feel appreciated by the administration and the community. And third, deal with the overall issue of curbing crime altogether.”

As county commissioner, Turner had championed most notably voting access, the reinstatement of Juvenile Court oversight by the Department of Justice, and creating a minority and women’s business program.

Most recently, Turner represented Mason, TN, in a suit against the state comptroller who had threatened to take over the town’s finances unless the city charter was turned over to the state.

Turner has sought to distinguish himself as a civil rights attorney, offering services to a family grieving the loss of a loved one at the hands of an armed security guard.

He has worked with nationally acclaimed civil rights attorney, Ben Crump.

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The New Tri-State Defender

September 8 - 14, 2022

Page 5

RELIGION

OP-ED: ‘God Did’

by Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr NNPA Newswire

Hip-hop culture continues to transcend the divisions that prevent a universal acknowledgment of the sacred affirmation of the oneness of all humanity. As soon as DJ Khaled dropped his latest album with that transformational featured production entitled, “God Did,” I knew that as an elder OG supporter of the culture I needed to publicly respond.

DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z , John Legend and Fridayy were all masterful in their contributory segments.

At a time when world communities are experiencing increasing devastations from cli- Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr mate change, poverty, and human oppression, what are the enduring lessons that are being articulated and portrayed in our music, poetry, and art forms?

First, I was pleased and inspired by the lyrical summons from “God Did” that called all of us out of the graveyards of despair and hopelessness to stand erect and upright before the divine God of all creation and liberation.

When the player haters of the culture refused to hear and listen to the truth about how hip-hop continues to shed a radiant light on systemic oppression, racism, addictions, and economic inequities, God did not permit those profound spitters of truth to be silenced and unappreciated. Those of us who love and respect hip-hop know what time it is.

What emerged out of the South Bronx, NY with youthful creative power, authenticity, raw vibes, and artistic genius over 50 years ago is today an unstoppable global cultural phenomenon that is contributing to a positive and irrevocable transformation of the world’s consciousness and demands for freedom, justice, equality and equity.

In the pre-chorus to “God Did,” Fridayy and Rick Ross set the dramatic curtain riser with the verse: “They wanted us down But look at us now They counted us out They didn’t think that we would make it They didn’t believe in us.”

Then in a forceful staccato affirmation

by Rick Ross and Fridayy the chorus begins: “But I know God did, God did (Oh, yes, He did).” DJ Khaled in his street-pow-

DJ Khaled at the launch of Gig-It. Jay-Z at the Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter Foundation Carnival 2011. (Photos: Wikimedia Commons.)

At a time when world communities are experiencing increasing devastations from climate change, poverty, and human oppression, what are the enduring lessons that are being articulated and portrayed in our music, poetry, and art forms? erful voice shouts out in refrain: “God did Oh, yes, God did Oh, God did (God is great) But I know God did.”

Yes, God did. And, yes, consequently DJ Khaled did.

Young people, especially Generation Z and millennials across America and throughout the world will connect, resonate, and engage with these lyrics and musical symphony because of how this hymn exposes the prevailing misperceptions about the so-called irredeemable, downtrodden-ness of youth consciousness and lifestyles today in impoverished communities in urban and rural areas.

While the status quo wants to keep young people down and disillusioned, God via hip-hop has reawakened the masses of millions of youth to speak out, stand up, and to become empowered with truth, resilience, vitality and a transformed vision to strive to make the world a better place for all people.

In verse 1 Rick Ross hints at the importance of stopping any form of disunity and self-destruction, and to begin the God-inspired journey to acquire enough money to

buy and own a bank.

In verse 2 Lil Wayne testifies about how God made him to be creative: “God did His thing when he made me With the odds stacked against me, I could crack Da Vinci I know only God can judge us.”

Verse 3 was the longest verse. It was another hip-hop classic with Hov, i.e.: Jay-Z, who upfront eloquently acknowledges that because God did, Hov did. Jay-Z reminds the world that, “Hov did” “Please, Lord forgive me for what the stove did Nobody touched the billi’ until Hov did How many billionaires can come from Hov crib?

I count three, me, Ye, and Rih.” Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Rihanna all shattered previous recording industry achievement records that propelled each of them into the billionaire stratosphere on earth and in the heavens. Yes, God did.

Yes, Hov did. God did and God is still doing!

Mass incarceration is not the answer.

Voter suppression is not the answer. Poverty and economic inequities are not the answer. “God Did” is the answer that requires

activism, struggle, compassion, creativity, and empowerment.

Jay-Z said it best: “I pray none of your people die over jailphones again All this pain from the outside, inspired all the growth within So new planes getting’ broken in Highest elevation of the self.”

No one album alone will give all the answers to all the perplexing questions of society. Yet, I salute “God Did” as a welcomed and timely give back and cultural blessing to all of humanity. Hip-hop is a global antidote to the poison of racial oppression and economic inequalities.

Thank you, DJ Khaled, for “God Did.” (Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. (Dr Ben) is President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and Executive Producer/Host of The Chavis Chronicles weekly on PBS TV stations throughout the U.S. and can be reached at dr.bchavis@nnpa.org.)

The New Tri-State Defender, September 8 - 14, 2022, Page 6

The WLOK Stone Soul Picnic began in 1974. As expected, this year’s event was filled with music, fun, and fellowship tied together by the heartfelt and uplifting sounds of pure gospel. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

47 years old, WLOK Stone Soul Picnic rolls on TSD Newsroom The WLOK Stone Soul Picnic – the 47th edition of the annual event – delivered the outdoor fun attendees have come to expect during the 2022 run at Levitt Shell in Overton Park, 1928 Poplar Ave. With admission free, the six-hour outdoor event featured musical entertainment with the entire family in mind.

That meant soul-stirring performances by local gospel greats, along with some of the nation’s most prestigious gospel singers.

This year’s WLOK Stone Soul Picnic weekend coincided with WLOK’s celebration of its 45th anniversary of Black ownership. WLOK is Memphis’ first Blackowned radio station and the city’s only Black-owned FM radio station.

WLOK Stone Soul Picnic weekend is sponsored by the Gilliam Foundation, where the chief operating officer is Dorrit Gilliam. Art Gilliam is president and chief executive officer of WLOK Radio and the Gilliam Foundation.

This year’s WLOK Stone Soul Picnic weekend coincided with the station’s February celebration of its 45th anniversary of Black ownership.

Dorrit Gilliam and Art Gilliam once again kept the WLOK Stone Soul Picnic on pace.

The WLOK Stone Soul Picnic featured soul-stirring performances by local gospel greats, along with some of the nation’s most prestigious gospel singers.

6th Annual WLOK Black Film Festival: Five days of films featuring Black films and artists

The 6th annual WLOK Black Film Festival featuring black artists and film producers in the motion picture industry begins Wednesday, September 14 and continues through Sunday, September 18.

Sponsored by WLOK radio and the Gilliam Foundation, the Black Film Festival offers a variety of films that focus on social justice issues relevant to the Black community, as well as Black actors and actresses in significant roles and Black filmmakers.

“The purpose of the Black Film Festival is to showcase a broad spectrum of quality Black films that are entertaining and culturally enriching,’’ said Art Gilliam, president and chief executive officer of WLOK Radio and the Gilliam Foundation.

“This festival gives emerging Black filmmakers an opportunity to show their films and encourages appreciation of Black films and Black artists in the film industry.”

The cost of admission is $5 per person for each film, and $10 per person to attend the Red-Carpet Event and buffet at 6 p.m., Thursday, September 15.

The Black Film Festival schedule is:

Using interviews and rare archival footage, CNN Films’ documentary chronicles the late Congressman John Lewis’ 60-plus years of social activism and legislative action on civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health-care reform and immigration. Director Dawn Porter explores Lewis’ childhood experiences, his inspiring family and his fateful meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1957.

New Filmmakers Production – September 14, 7 p.m., Stax Museum, 926 E. McLemore Ave. Presentation of finalists who produced 15-to-25minute short films. The winning entry, professionally judged, will receive $500. There will be a Question & Answer session with filmmakers following the films.

“King Richard” – September 15, 6 p.m., at MOSH (Pink Palace Museum), 3050 Central Ave. Red

Carpet affair, including buffet dinner.

Film will be shown at 7 p.m. The film is based on the true story about how the father of Venus and Serena Williams reared two of the most-extraordinarily gifted athletes of all time.

“Ray” – September 16, 7 p.m., at the Malco Paradiso, 584 S. Mendenhall Rd. Jamie Foxx plays Charles in this Oscar-winning biopic. “Ray” is a 2004 biopic based on the life and career of legendary R&B musician Ray

“King Richard”: A look at how tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams became who they are after the coaching from their father Richard Williams. Starring Will Smith, Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton.

Charles, who passed away shortly before its release.

“In the Heat of the Night” –September 17, 7 p.m., at the Malco Paradiso, 584 S. Mendenhall Rd. This film is a tribute to the late Sidney Poitier, who plays African-American Philadelphia police detective, Virgil Tibbs, who is arrested on suspicion of murder by Police Chief Bill Gillespie (Rod Steiger).

“John Lewis: Good Trouble” – September 18, 7 p.m., the National Civil Rights Museum, 450 Mulber-

ry Street. This film is a spectacular documentary chronicling the history of the youngest and last-surviving member of the “Big 6” civil rights activists. Lewis talked the talk and walked the walk. There will be a discussion following the film.

(WLOK is a Memphis, TN-based radio station that broadcasts a gospel format on both AM and FM channels, operating under AM1340 and FM105. For more information, contact Art Gilliam, 901-527-9565, or wlokradio@aol.com.)

The New Tri-State Defender

September 8 - 14, 2022

ENTERTAINMENT LENS & LINES:

4 For 1 Weekend Powered by Fresh Ideas and The Redwing Group, 4 For 1 Weekend added to the Labor Day options for Memphis-area music lovers.

The weekend’s run of fun began last Friday (Sept. 2) with an upscale mixer at the Love at 7144 Winchester.

The venue switched to Memphis Thrive, 1680 Madison, last Saturday for an intimate evening with live entertainment.

With Flutist Darry Jones, setting the tone, the lobby of the Cannon Center was the gathering point for the weekend’s Golden Circle Recept/Meet & Greet on Sunday evening.

The culmination was the Rivercity Jazz and Music Festival, which followed at the Cannon Center. Performing artists included Peabo Bryson, Jonathan Butler, Najee, and Pieces of a Dream.

Pearl Walker and the Walker Group Public Strategies enjoyed their Labor Day get-together.

Najee signs a reflection of his work for fans. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

Jonathan Butlar on guitar.

Flutist Darry Jones setting the tone in the lobby of the Cannon Center.

Page 7

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, September 8 - 14, 2022, Page 8

Can new MSCS board member Williams remain as head of the teachers’ union?

by Samantha West Chalkbeat Tennessee

The chair of the Memphis Shelby County Schools board wants newly elected member Keith Williams to relinquish his post as head of the district’s biggest teacher’s union, warning that his roles on both bodies pose a potential conflict of interest.

Williams, an educator for over 40 years, won election to a fouryear term on the school board last month in a six-way race to represent District 6, which spans South Memphis, Riverside, Westwood, and Whitehaven. But one week after his swearing-in, he remains executive director of the Memphis-Shelby County Education Association, according to the union’s website and a biography that appears on the

MSCS website.

Board Chair Michelle McKissack called Williams “a great voice for the teachers community” over the years, but said Friday that she believes Williams should step down from the union position, saying it would be extremely challenging to prevent a conflict of interest.

“As a school board member, he now has to use that voice for all teachers, all students, and all families,” McKissack said. “Everything we do touches upon teachers and impacts them. … It’s definitely a tightrope you have to walk and be cognizant of.”

Become a Chalkbeat sponsor Williams did not respond to Chalkbeat’s multiple interview requests.

Board policy requires newly elected board members to relinquish any employment within the district, but it

does not expressly prohibit members from working for or being involved with teachers unions.

The board’s code of conduct, however, states members must “represent the interests of the citizens of the entire school district. The code, established in 2011, also says that accountability to the entire district must supersede any conflicting loyalties a member has, whether to advocacy or interest groups, as members of other boards or staffs, or personal interests a member may have as a district parent or the relative of a district employee.

And the board’s code of ethics, issued in 2010, says members should disclose “any personal interest that affects, or that would lead a reasonable person to infer that it affects, the official’s or employee’s vote on the measure” before such a vote takes

place.

MSCS board policies largely follow those outlined by the Tennessee School Board Association’s candidate guide, which says such board member disclosures should be detailed and made public.

Williams, a well-known union leader and education advocate in the city, handily won election in last month’s contest with 42% of the vote. He beat out five other candidates, including Charles Everett, whom the Shelby County Commission had appointed to the District 6 seat as a replacement for Shante Avant.

Williams, a native Memphian, began his teaching career in Knoxville in 1974. In 2005, after retiring from teaching in Memphis City Schools, he was elected to the board of directors of the Memphis Education

Association, and Keith in 2011, he was Williams elected president of the union. As the executive director of the newly merged Memphis-Shelby County Education Association, Williams represents over 3,000 members across the county, according to his biography.

The three other board members sworn in last week were newcomer Amber Huett-Garcia, who represents District 8, and incumbents McKissack and Joyce Dorse-Coleman, who represent Districts 1 and 9, respectively.

(Samantha West is a reporter for Chalkbeat Tennessee, where she covers K-12 education in Memphis.

Connect with Samantha at swest@ chalkbeat.org.)

Taking the pledge...

Candidates that emerged victorious in the recent election took their oaths of office during a swearing-in ceremony held Downtown at the Cannon Center on Aug. 31. Among those sworn in were: Tarik Sugarmon, Juvenile Court Judge; Lee Harris, county mayor, second term; and Henri Brooks, who is making her return to the Shelby County Board of Commissioners. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

‘Classic’ brings mental health forum for Black males

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The 33rd annual Southern Heritage Classic celebrated Thursday (Sept.

8) through Saturday (Sept. 10) has a health-conscious addition this year.

The “Just Heal Bro Tour” will bring a star-studded lineup to talk to African-American men about mental health.

More than 50,000 Tennessee State University and Jackson State University students, alumni, and fans will converge on Memphis for some trash talk, concerts, a parade, fashion show and brunch, the coaches’ luncheon, a high school battle of the bands, an electrifying halftime show, and professional-class tailgating.

“The Classic is not just for entertainment and a big game,” said Southern Heritage Classic founder, Fred Jones Jr. “It’s a celebration of Black culture and two great historically Black colleges. But I am also concerned about our community. We always have been. Our mental health is grossly neglected as Black men.

‘Just Heal Bro Tour’ offers a safe place for us to talk about mental issues.”

The forum is Thursday, 7 p.m., at the Michael D. Rose Theatre at University of Memphis. Just Heal Bro is sponsored by Baptist Memorial Hospital and is free.

“We encourage Black men of all ages to come out for Just Heal Bro Tour,” said Jones. “We can all use some help in learning how to address

mental health. It’s more difficult for men to admit they need help.

Just Heal Bro Tour is a national endeavor featuring mental health and other professionals, who share their knowledge and personal experiences to promote healing and awareness of mental health needs among African-American men.

Dr. William M. Young, bishop of The Healing Center and founder of the National Suicide and the Black Church Conference, said the panel can help “Black men open up” and share personal struggles with mental health.

“We have been silent for too long,” said Young. “Undiagnosed and misdiagnosed depression can lead to suicide and other manifestations of a mental break. It’s hard for a man to

make himself vulnerable, but mental health issues ravage our community.

We must talk about it for Black men to get the help they need.”

Young, who was the first African-American chaplain in the Methodist Hospital System in Memphis, said suicide has been on the rise of suicide among African-American males, especially teens and young adults for nearly two decades.

According to the National Institutes of Health, suicide is the third leading cause of death in African-American teens, 15-19, and the second leading cause of death in ages 10-14. Suicides among African-American men have doubled in the past two years.

About 95 percent of adults end therapy because of the cultural divide between patient and therapist.”

Heading the interactive panel format are Jay Barnett, author of men’s journal, Just Heal, Bro;’ actor and health advocate Lamman Rucker; NFL veteran Prince Daniels Jr., and Professor of Psychology Dr. O’Shan Gadsden.

“Being vulnerable and talking about mental health struggles is not weakness, but shows strength,” said Young. “We must begin to think differently about our mental well-being.

For so long, we have said, ‘Black people don’t commit suicide. Other people do that.’ Statistics will show that is far from the truth.”

Jones said Just Heal Bro for males will provide a haven for discussing sensitive, mental issues.

The Michael D. Rose Theatre is located at 470 University.

The New Tri-State Defender

September 8 - 14, 2022

Page 9

NEWS

TSU’s freshmen class largest among HBCUs

Back together – in person – again...

The Alpha Kappa Alpha BEO Chapter met at First Baptist Church Broad Avenue on Saturday (Sept. 3). Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was the first, in-person meeting since March 2020. Pictured (l-r): Pamela Segrest, second vice president; Judy Martin, first vice president; Cheryl Bingh, president; Yvonne Acey, Inetta Rogers and Debra Davis. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Memphis police ID body of abducted jogger Eliza Fletcher

by Adrian Sainz Associated Press

The body of a Memphis woman abducted during a pre-dawn run has been confirmed as the remains of Eliza Fletcher, whom it was feared had been killed after she was forced into an SUV last Friday morning.

The news followed an exhaustive search throughout the long weekend with dogs, ATVs and a helicopter in a case that has drawn national media attention and is already becoming a source of partisan controversy over criminal sentencing and parole.

U.S. Marshals arrested Cleotha Abston, 38, on Saturday after police detected his DNA on a pair of sandals found near where Fletcher was last seen, according to an arrest affidavit. Police did not find Fletcher’s body until just after 5 p.m. on Monday and did not publicly confirm that the body was Fletcher’s until Tuesday morning.

The 34-year-old Fletcher was a school teacher and the granddaughter of a prominent Memphis businessman.

Abston, who subsequently has said his last name is Henderson, was released from prison in 2020 after serving 20 years for a previous kidnapping. On Tuesday morning, he made his first court appearance on charges of kidnapping, tampering with evidence, theft, identity theft, and fraudulent use of a credit card.

Several of Fletcher’s relatives were in the courtroom along with more than 20 media members as Abston was issued a $510,000 bond. Abston said he could not afford bond and he could not afford a lawyer.

General Sessions Judge Louis Montesi appointed a public defender to represent Abston.

Court records showed Abston also has been charged with first-degree murder. He was scheduled to appear in court again Wednesday.

Memphis Police Director Cerelyn “CJ” Davis said it was too early in the investigation to determine how and where Fletcher was killed. Davis said the body was found behind a vacant duplex. A police affidavit said officers noticed vehicle tracks next to the duplex’s driveway, and they “smelled an odor of decay.”

Purple running shorts whose appearance was consistent with those Fletcher was wearing were found in a discarded trash bag nearby, the affidavit said.

Abston previously kidnapped a prominent Memphis

Cleotha Abston, who told court officials that his last name actually is Henderson, appeared in court on Tuesday to face charges in connection with the disappearance of 34-year-old Eliza Fletcher. (Photo: Screen capture)

An undated photo provided by the Memphis Police Department of 34-yearold Eliza Fletcher. attorney in 2000 when he was just 16 years old. He spent 20 years in prison for that crime, but he had been sentenced to 24. Some prominent Tennessee Republicans on Tuesday were quick to argue that had Abston served his full sentence, Fletcher would still be alive.

“This case not only proves that the recently passed Truth in Sentencing Act was necessary, but that it was long overdue,” Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally said in a statement Tuesday. “We must redouble our efforts to ensure those who transgress against citizens are punished – and severely.”

The statute requires serving entire sentences for various felonies, including attempted first-degree murder, vehicular homicide resulting from the driver’s intoxication and carjacking.

Newly elected Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy, a Democrat, said Tuesday it was time for grief and “not trying to use this case as a political football.”

Mulroy has notably voiced his opposition to the truth in sentencing law, arguing it does not reduce crime and drives up Tennessee’s prison budget.

Speaking Tuesday, he called Fletcher’s case an “isolated attack by a stranger.” Mulroy noted that Abston served 85

NASHVILLE – (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is projected to enroll over 3,300 new tigers to the TSU family for the fall.

It is the largest freshmen class in the history of TSU and one of the largest among HBCUs. The number does not include the nearly 400 new transfer students and 1,000 plus graduate students who registered for classes the 2022-2023 academic year.

The TSU freshmen class alone has more Black firstyear students than some universities total minority population.

“We are excited that this is the largest first-year class in the history of TSU,” said President Dr. Glenda Glover. “This growth is quite positive for TSU as more and more students seek to attend our university.”

The freshmen class enrollment explosion comes on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, two years following the height of the virus, and social unrest after the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. President Glover said the growth for TSU is impressive considering the enrollment rate for Black first-year students has decreased post-pandemic.

Memphis natives Sammie Freeman and Madeyson Robinson are a part of TSU’s re-

Memphis natives Sammie Freeman and Madeyson Robinson are a part of TSU’s record-breaking class.

(Screen captures) cord-breaking class.

“I also like the criminal justice major because I hear the program is very good here,” said Freeman a Kirby High School graduate. “I also like walking around meeting new people.”

Madeyson is a graduate of the Memphis School of Excellence.

“I’m majoring in dental hygiene and the reason is because the first thing you notice about someone is their smile and I want to help people be more confident about themselves.”

Both students received a full academic scholarship to attend TSU. The freshmen class has an average high school GPA of 3.4. STEM majors in agricultural sciences, engineering and health sciences, along with business, and education continue to be the most popular among the new freshmen class.

University officials said there are several factors contributing to the soaring firstyear student enrollment numbers.

That includes Vice President Kamala Harris as the spring commencement speaker, quality academic programs and faculty, a comprehensive recruitment program, the promotion of student and university achievements on a national stage, a new residence hall, and its biggest ambassadors, the Aristocrat of Bands marching band. Fondly known as the AOB, the band played on some of the biggest stages in this past year, including the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, halftime performance at a Los Angeles Lakers game, and named 2022 Top Marching Band by HBCU Buzz.

The University is currently accepting applications for fall 2023.

percent of his previous sentence and the DA’s office had opposed parole.

In the earlier kidnapping, Abston forced Kemper Durand into the trunk of his own car at gunpoint. After several hours, Abston took Durand out and forced him to drive to a Mapco gas station to withdraw money from an ATM. At the station, an armed Memphis Housing Authority guard walked in and Durand yelled for help. Abston ran away but was found and arrested. He pleaded guilty in 2001 to especially aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery, according to court records.

Fletcher is the granddaughter of the late Joseph Orgill III, a Memphis hardware businessman and philanthropist. Her case is the latest that reinforces the fears of many female athletes when it comes to working out alone, at night or in secluded places.

Crime statistics show these types of attacks are exceedingly rare. Women out for a run face much greater dangers from traffic. But the fear they inspire is real, as are smaller-scale episodes of harassment or assaults on women, even in well-populated areas.

In a statement, Fletcher’s family said it was “heartbroken and devastated by this senseless loss.”

“Liza was a such a joy to so many ... Now it’s time to remember and celebrate how special she was and to support those who cared so much for her,” the statement said.

In a Facebook post, St. Mary’s Episcopal School, where Fletcher taught kindergarten, said faculty and staff started Tuesday in chapel and lit candles to remember her as “a bright light in our community.”

FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS

(Associated Press writers Kimberlee Kruesi and Travis Loller contributed to this report from Nashville.)

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CLASSIFIEDS

PUBLIC NOTICE THE MEMPHIS URBAN AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION In compliance with federal regulations 23 CFR 450, the Memphis MPO’s Transportation Policy Board is proposing to take actions on the following items. Approval of the Livability 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Amendments and Associated Air Quality Conformity Demonstration Reports for Shelby and DeSoto Counties, along with the adoption of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-26 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which were made available for a 30-day public review period that ended on August 23, 2022. Additionally, the MPO is proposing to amend one (1) project in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-23 Transportation Improvement Program Improvement (TIP) and to amend the FY 2022-23 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) to show PL-SATO (Planning-Safe and Accessible Transportation Options) funds for MS and adding Safety Action Plan. The Memphis MPO will present the MOVING TOGETHER: 2050 RTP funding scenario for endorsement by the Transportation Policy Board (TPB).

The public is hereby given notice that the documents above are available for review and download from the Internet at: www.memphismpo.org. Additionally, 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. Written public comments will be accepted through Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.

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 Memphis MPO’s TPB will hold a public hearing on Thursday, September 22, 2022, 1:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis - Tennessee Ballroom, 3700 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38103 to accept oral comments and take final action on the proposed items. The full meeting agenda will be made available 10 days prior to the meeting on the Memphis MPO’s website: (memphismpo.org).

It is the policy of the Memphis 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, or for persons that require aids or services to participate either in the review of these documents or during the hearing, please contact Nick Warren, at 901-636-7146 or Nick.Warren@memphistn.gov.

This notice is funded (in part) under an agreement with the State of TN and MS, Departments of Transportation.

Notice of Availability/ Draft Environmental Assessment and Notice of Opportunity for a Public Meeting Proposed Tree Obstruction Clearing Charles W. Baker Airport The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is reviewing a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed land acquisition and removal of tree obstructions to the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 77 (20:1) approach and other surfaces of the north end of Runway 18/36 at Charles W. Baker Airport (2M8) to ensure the safety of air traffic approaching and taking off from the airport. The area proposed for tree obstruction clearing is approximately 100 acres in size, located north of Fite Road and 2M8 Runway 18/36 and west of Raleigh Millington Road. The project is

September 8 - 14, 2022

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proposed in three phases; Phase I and II would be completed within 1 year (removing approximately 20 acres of upland and 33 acres of forested wetlands) and Phase III would be completed thereafter (25 acres of upland and 3 acres of stream buffer zones).

The purpose of the Draft EA is to address how the project would potentially impact economic, social, and environmental resources. The Draft EA will be available for review on the MSCAA website, www.FlyMemphis.com. Click the “About MEM” tab then navigate to the “Environment” page. An electronic version of the document is also available upon request through the MSCAA contact listed below. Members of the public may issue comments on the Draft EA within 30 days of this notice, until October 7, 2022, or request a public meeting within 15 days of this notice (request must be made by September 22, 2022). Comments or requests for an electronic copy of the Draft EA or the request to hold a public meeting should be addressed to the MSCAA contact, Mr. James Hay, MEM Director of Development by phone at (901) 922-8224 or by email at jhay@ flymemphis.com or Stephanie Saloom, TDOT Transportation Program Monitor by phone at (615) 741-0851 or by email at aero.environmental@tn.gov.

LEGAL NOTICE Request for Statement of Qualifications MSCAA Project Number 22-1459-01 Terminal Modernization & Seismic Program - CMAR Services Statements of Qualifications for Terminal Modernization & Seismic Program - CMAR Services will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (Authority), Procurement Department, 4150 Louis Carruthers Road, Memphis, TN 38118, until 2:00 PM local time on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. 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 August 31, 2022.

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 the initial phase on this project, which is 0%, 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.

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,

(901) 746-5201 or email: advertising@tsdmemphis.com.

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.

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 THE PUBLIC The following person(s) has asked the City of Memphis Alcohol Commission for permission to sell beer for Beer-On premise consumption.

Applicant: 360 Sports and Cigar Bar, LLC D/B/A: 360 Sports and Cigar Bar, LLC Location: 2857 Appling Way, Suite#lOl Anyone desiring to circulate a petition FOR or AGAINST said establishment selling beer at this location must secure the petition blanks from the undersigned Commission at 2714 Union Ave. Extended I st floor.

Must be filed no later than Tuesday, September 20, 2022 Jared Johnson, Chairman Anna Vergos Blair, Member Claudette Boyd, Member Barry Chase, Member Chad Hampton, Member Brian Harris, Member Renee Poe, Member Johnsie Wallace-Gault, Member Yolanda Fullilove, Executive Secretary City of Memphis Alcohol Commission NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Agricenter International will receive sealed bids for the RV Park project, and can submit to John Butler at the Agricenter International office at 7777 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, Tennessee by 2:00 p.m. on September, 29 2022 for: Agricenter RV Park includes the construction of the RV Park restrooms and shower facility with an outdoor pavilion.

A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at the Agricenter Farmer’s Market located in the Red Barn 7777 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38120 on September 14, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.

A drop link to the bid document is available by emailing tom@ bsgeng.com.

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Page 10

SPORTS

The New Tri-State Defender, September 8 - 14, 2022, Page 11

PREP FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK

In a game of hard knocks, Germantown takes down Whitehaven

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Germantown’s Red Devils and Whitehaven’s Tigers – “two good teams coming with hard knocks football” – have set an early-season standard for crowd-pleasing, down-to-the-wire competition.

In an instant classic, Germantown (3-0, 1-0 16AAA) snatched victory from the Tigers (2-1, 0-1 16AAA) with a 24-21 comeback in the final seconds at Whitehaven Stadium last Friday night.

A standTerry ing-room-only crowd, Davis one of the largest in the stadium’s history, watched as the Tigers – down 17-14 with 1:50 left in the game – mounted an 85-yard touchdown drive and grabbed a 21-17 lead that put victory just 37 seconds away.

After a squib kick by the Tigers, the Red Devils took possession on their own 49-yard line. Three plays later and with Germantown on the 14-yard line, senior quarterback Isaiah Tate completed a pass to his twin brother, Israel Tate, who tossed the football to running back B.J. Blake, who rocketed himself over the pylon for the winning touchdown.

Known throughout football history as the hook and ladder, the play was installed in the Red Devils’ offense this past April by head coach Gene Robinson, who once starred at Whitehaven before playing at North Carolina.

“It was not a fluke.

I am excited,” said Robinson. “It is two good teams coming Gene with hard knocks footRobinson ball. For us to come in and face the adversity says a lot. It is playoff football right now, back-to-back-to-back.

Last year when we came out this gully, we did not get any better. We have to put that foot on the gas and get better. I love the effort and the energy.”

Germantown will host Hillcrest on Friday at 7 p.m. Also on Friday, the Tigers

Last season, Germantown’s football team beat Whitehaven. During last Friday night’s pregame introduction, the Red Devils’ players broke through a sign that read, “Last year was not a mistake. We are here to keep the record straight.” Germantown pulled out a 24-21 victory. (Photos: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)

The Germantown defense and the Whitehaven offense are set and ready to see who will control the line of scrimmage. will host Nashville’s Brentwood Academy, a perennial contender for the state title.

On the loss Whitehaven head coach Rodney Saulsberry said, “I told the team, ‘you never lose, you learn,’” said Whitehaven head coach Rodney Saulsberry. “You can’t get too high, or you can’t get too low. You get up and make

a great play; you have to stay level. You have to play until the time goes out. You have to finish the game. That is the lesson you learn.

“We didn’t do that. We have to learn from that.”

The Red Devils’ Robinson is in his third season at Germantown. The first year was

lost to COVID-19. Last season, Germantown also beat Whitehaven. During the pregame introduction, the Red Devils’ players broke through a sign that read, “Last year was not a mistake. We are here to keep the record straight.”

The game was a well-balanced affair.

Whitehaven had 342 total yards; Germantown had 344.

Germantown’s Isaiah Tate finished with 210 passing yards and two touchdowns and also rushed for 54 yards. Blake finished with two touchdowns, one rushing and one receiving. Junior running back Malik Mason also had a rushing touchdown.

Whitehaven quarterback Jase Edward finished with 151 passing yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Tyshawn Tate and Kendarius Jones. William Carver, who came in to play quarterback, threw a touchdown to Marion Bernard. Ahmad Miller was the workhorse on the ground, finishing with 117 yards.

The rivalry was palpable.

“This rivalry has been going on for a long time,” said Robinson. “I have been on the other side of this rivalry. I lost a playoff game to Germantown. We were the number one team in the state and got upset.

“When Germantown and Whitehaven go at, it you feel it on Monday (afterward). We walked down Whitehaven Lane to come here. They (Whitehaven fans) were out on the porch talking bad to us. That just gets you fired up. They (Whitehaven) blacked it out and we redded it out. I love it.”

As for the rivalry, Saulsberry said, “It is us against everybody. Everyone wants to knock us off. We take that personally.

We are everyone’s rivalry. I look forward to tough games. We don’t shy away from it. There is some history with Germantown and Whitehaven and the communities. It is a tough loss for all of those factors.”

Asked what he would tell his team about what went wrong, Saulsberry said, “It is the little plays. Effort is the most important thing. Never quit on a play. It is a mindset.

“We are trying to teach the game of life.

When you are a man and get a job and you have a family to feed, there is no quitting.

I may feel bad, but I still have to get up and go to work. We are trying to teach man skills. Our young royals and kings have to understand (that they) have to step up at all times and never quit. I am proud of how they fought. …

“We look forward to seeing them later on.”

Weather or not, Tigers outplayed by Mississippi State

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Don’t bother with the excuses or any tricky wordplay. The University of Memphis’ 49-23 drubbing by Memphis State’s Bulldogs amounted to “a total lack of execution on offense, defense and special teams.”

That’s straight from head coach Ryan Silverfield.

“Not our best efforts,” said Silverfield on Memphis’ dud season opener in Starkville, Miss. “There are no excuses or explanations. We had some bright spots, but offensively we couldn’t really get anything going, especially in the first half. We’ve got to do a better job putting our guys in positions to make plays.”

Throwing himself under the firstloss bus, Silverfield said, “It starts with me. Defensively, we gotta find a way to make stops. We gotta secure tackles better.”

The Tigers, who only made one first down in the first half (and that thanks to a penalty), need to get seriously better in a week. Memphis (0-1) will stay on the road, traveling to Annapolis, Maryland to face Navy

on Saturday (Sept. 10) at 2:30 p.m.

CDT. The CBS Sports Network will televise the Tigers’ effort.

The loss to the SEC’s Bulldogs continued a troubling pattern of losing on the road for Memphis, prompting Silverfield to say he has to do something differently.

“Our meetings this week were fantastic. Our guys were dialed in. They believed in the game plan. I don’t know what it is. I wish I knew. We are missing something,” he said. “Missed passes, lack of execution and missed tackles are all part of that recipe that led to not a great game.”

Memphis mustered only 29 total yards in the first half as the Bulldogs scored a touchdown on four of their five possessions. The only Mississippi State drive that did not result in a first-half score was stopped on an interception by Quindell Johnson and led to the Tiger’s only points (3) before halftime.

A 2-hour, 16-minute weather delay added to the misery.

“It was calm,” said Johnson, describing the Tigers’ mood during the forced break in the action. “This is probably the first time this has happened to most players on this team. It

Ryan Silverfield

Quindell Johnson

was calm; you could be too anxious.

We just had to be ready when we had to go back out.”

Will Rodgers led the Bulldogs, completing 38 of 49 passes for 450 yards and 5 touchdowns. He completed passes to 11 different receivers, showing a fondness for passes to running backs on flare routes out of the backfield. Rara Thomas caught 5 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown.

Rufus Thomas, Caleb Ducking, Jaden Walley and Justin Robinson all scored touchdowns on passes from Rodgers. Jo’quavious Marks scored two touchdowns on the ground and finished with 36 rushing yards. The Bulldogs had 547 total yards, with

Dillon Johnson leading the rushing attack with 67 yards on 14 carries.

Down 28-3 at the half, Silverfield, who expressed confidence in the Tigers’ talent, said he told them to “take a deep breath. …

“I never doubt the fight in our guys. One game will not define us.

I am very disappointed, but I know what is ahead. We have to find a way to execute better.”

While the defense played better in the second half, Silverfield said, “I am not into moral victories. What was important was seeing it in the guys’ eyes. These young men continue to fight and believe and realize that we are on the right track.”

Said Johnson: “It (the second half) felt better. We started late. I wished we had started earlier. We (weren’t) worrying about the score. We just kept competing.”

Memphis scored three touchdowns after the break. Quarterback Seth Henigan threw for one, finishing with 165 passing yards. He also rushed for a touchdown. Transfer running back Jevyon Ducker romped 50 yards for a score and finished with 63 rushing yards to lead the Tigers.

Noting that the rain delay “messed

with our mojo,’ Henigan was forthright: “No excuses; champions will play.”

And he wasn’t buying the road-troubles narrative. “Last year is last year and this is a new team.”

So, Henigan and the “new team” next will play Navy (0-1) at Jack Stephens Field at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

“New scenery and it is still a football field,” said Henigan. “A different crowd will be at every different road game. At the end of the day, it is still 120 yards (with) eleven players on either side. We just have to execute as an offense. We have to have tunnel vision and block out all noise. Just do your own job.”

With the hostile environment a given, Johnson said, “We go out with the mindset to stick together. I don’t know why we come out with the slow start. It happens. We are going to try to change that.”

A victory also would mean an important American Athletic Conference win for the Tigers.

“This is a big game for us,” said Johnson. “We want to go up there and get a road win and worry about the team we need to be. Losing hurts!”

The New Tri-State Defender

September 8 - 14, 2022

Page 12

SPORTS

PREP FOOTBALL

Collierville football still ‘hungry’ for continued success after strong start

by Liaudwin Seaberry

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

After the Collierville High School football team defeated White Station 37-6 last Friday (Sept. 2), head coach Joe Rocconi realized, while his team constructed a dominant effort in the victory, they were nowhere close to perfect.

“We made a lot of mistakes that must be corrected on film, and while I am happy to have gotten off to a strong start of the season, it’s about how the final result looks that matters,” Rocconi said.

With dual-threat quarterback Aiden Glover and dynamic wide receiver Joakim Dodson leading the offensive unit, Collierville set the tone by driving down the field at will.

A young White Station defense lacked the prowess and talent to keep up with Collierville, as Glover and Dodson connected on several touchdown passes to put the Dragons ahead for good.

Rocconi’s praise of Glover extended to his abilities as a passer and, though the senior quarterback knows how to make things happen when the play breaks down, his presence in the pocket and precision as a passer present a tough task for opposing defenses.

“Many people do’’t always give Aiden the credit he deserves as a passer, and I

think that element is what gives our offense an advantage at times,” Rocconi said.

“I think that element of his game isn’t always discussed, but we are very confident in his talents.”

Another key reason for the success of Collierville has been its defense.

Having yielded a combined six points through their first three games, opponents have not been able to consistently move the football against them.

Rocconi knows the caliber of opponents will improve for his team as the season progresses, but he cannot deny the impressive performances so far.

“A lot of credit on the defensive end, and in all areas, goes to the coaching staff and players, as they are the ones implementing and accomplishing the game plan,” he said.

With White Station finding the end zone in the second quarter as the only score against Collierville the entire season, Spartans quarterback coach Dewayne Betts marveled at the pass rush of Collierville while also highlighting the inexperience of his own quarterback, Lonnie Simpson Jr. “Collierville had a solid game plan for us defensively and, while our quarterback has the talent, he’s largely inexperienced, and they did a solid job of getting after us and making him uncomfortable,” he said.

Home field has played a large part in the success of Collierville, but they will be

The Collierville offense settles in after a positive gain of yardage. The Dragons’ experience showed as they scored at will. (Photos: Liaudwin Seaberry Jr.)

The Collierville defense corrals a White Station ball carrier for a loss. White Station failed to maintain consistency on offensive. traveling Friday night (Sept. 9) to Center Hill High School as their first game away from Dragon Stadium.

Rocconi was sure to remind his players that while games against fellow 6A Region 8 heavyweights Whitehaven, Germantown, and Houston loom, the focus is on

one contest at a time.

“We know what’s ahead, in terms of playing in one of the toughest regions in the state,” Rocconi said. “However, our focus lies on going to Center Hill Friday night and emerging victorious. Nothing else matters.”

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