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VOL. 70, No. 36
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Memphis, $161M in federal funds and lots of ideas about what to do with it by James Coleman
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
With a local push as the catalyst, simultaneous demonstrations in support of death-row inmate Pervis Payne were held in several cities and towns on Wednesday. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)
A street-level cry to ‘Free Pervis Payne’
by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Since a December 2020 reprieve from execution in connection with the killings of a woman and her daughter 33 years ago, death-row inmate Pervis Payne has garnered a growing number of supporters in Tennessee and several other states. There was ample evidence of that on Wednesday, as Payne’s supporters took the streets in multiple venues around the country.
“This is the first anniversary of our movement to get Pervis Payne released,” said Pastor Andre Johnson, a Memphis-area community organizer said. “So I said, ‘Why not reach out all over the state of Tennessee?’ Then I thought, ‘Why not reach out nationally?’ People wanted to participate outside of Memphis. I posted the Facebook link, and that’s how we coordinated a national demonstration in multiple cities.” Supporters of Payne stood for an hour in a simultaneous demonstration several cities and towns. Local advocates for Payne
made their presence known at Union Ave. and McLean Ave. in mid-town. Some held signs that read, “Free Pervis Payne.” Johnson said the protest was “decentralized” to allow everyone to join the movement using his or her own individuality. “We did not make or establish any uniform signs, but people made their own signs,” Johnson said. “Some were fancy, others were colorful and expressive, and then some others were
SEE PAYNE ON PAGE 2
Memphis City Council members had a discussion about priorities rarely seen outside budget season during their Tuesday (Sept. 7) meeting. At issue is $161 million allotted to the city through American Rescue Plan funding and how the bundle of cash will be spent. The push for a spending outline is part of a report that was extended past Aug. 31 to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, detailing ARPA spending and expected outcomes. “I think the perception is, the city was granted this money and doesn’t know what to do with it. I think it’s important to make a plan. It doesn’t mean that you can’t amend your plan, as we discussed, if there is additional funding that comes down for the infrastructure or broadband...,” said Shirley Ford, chief financial officer for the City of Memphis, while presenting a resolution for consideration outlining the council’s priorities for the money. In addition to the city’s proposal to set aside $20 million to expand broadband access, Mayor Jim Strickland’s administration also is prioritizing workforce development funding and after-school programs through the Boys and Girls Clubs. Many of these proposals, however, are not set in stone. Council members have made it clear they have their own set of spending priorities for the money, $13 million of which already was set aside by the administration in its ARPA pitch. Some council members have made it clear they went the money spent in ways that will more directly benefit constituents. A vote to settle the matter was put off. A special meeting is expected to be called before Sept. 21. With the COVID-19 numbers spiking again with the emergence of the delta variant, there is also the cold reality of another prolonged pandemic wave heading into the winter months, as well as continued revenue
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Security-guard shooting video on hold pending Sept. 28 hearing Motley family, supporters denounce delay by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
The legal battle over the release of a video showing the fatal shooting of Alvin Motley Jr. by an unlicensed security guard took another emotional turn this week when a Sept. 7 hearing was pushed back to Sept. 28. Motley was shot and killed on Aug. 7 at the Kroger Fuel Center, 6600 Poplar Ave., near the East Memphis and Germantown line. Gregory Livingston, who was working as a security guard, reportedly shot Motley as he walked toward him with a cigarette in one hand
and a can of beer in the other. The encounter, according to witnesses, involved Livingston’s insistence that loud music be turned down coming from the car in which Motley was a passenger. On Aug. 30, intent to release documents regarding the video’s release were filed by the special prosecutor, Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk. Sept. 3 was the target date. However, less than 24 hours later, Shelby County General Sessions Court Judge Louis J. Montesi Jr. granted defense attorney Leslie Ballin a temporary restraining order, preventing the release. Montesi set Sept. 7 to hear arguments from
Family members and supporters of Alvin Motley Jr. linked hands during a public memorial for him at Mt. Olive Cathedral CME Church. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/TSD Archives) both sides on releasing the video to Motley’s family and the public. Carl Adams, cousin of Motley Jr. and a prominent figure in the local protests at Kroger Stores, said the family was obviously disap-
pointed at the reverse action allowed by Montesi. “Right now, we remain in a wait-and-see
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The New Tri-State Defender
September 9 - 15, 2021
Page 2
NEWS
Carl Adams, with his daughter Cara Adams alongside, speaks at the public memorial for his cousin, Alvin Motley Jr. Also pictured is family attorney Benjamin Crump. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)
VIDEO
CONTINUED FROM FRONT mode,” Adams said. “We don’t want to get ahead of the process, and we are taking direction from Attorney (Benjamin) Crump.” Crump, a national civil rights attorney, has made several recent visits to Memphis in pursuit of what he calls justice for the Motley family. Funk arranged a private showing of the video to the Motley family prior to an Aug. 26 memorial service. Cara Adams, daughter of Carl Adams, had expressed publicly that it is important for young people to see the video. She was unaware of the new Sept. 28 date. “When I looked at the video, I thought it was the worst case of white terrorism that I’ve ever seen,” said Adams. “It is important for millenials to see and understand that some white people see us as less than human.”
FUNDS
CONTINUED FROM FRONT shortfalls. If that is the case, then many items dear to the administration and council members could be nixed. “We don’t have anything in here for helping businesses, those people in the tourism industry. As things seem to be getting worse, I would be OK with us sending a report to Treasury intentionally saying ‘we haven’t decided on this’ because we don’t know how it is going to look over the next six months, definitely not the next four years,” said council member Martavius Jones, who proposed $10.7 million in assistance for small and tourism-related businesses. The haste created by the deadline started a rush of amendments for the various priorities of council members. Council member Jeff Warren sought to fill in the gaps of Strickland’s after-school program, which he said was weighted towards helping older kids reach graduation. “There is another organization that I’m aware of called Communities in Schools and they sent a proposal to me to deal with the other schools that aren’t involved with the Boys and Girls Clubs. I would like to see if we could not use some of the money that we received from ARPA,” said Warren. The contract would run for three years at just under $2.2 million per year and help an additional 22 schools. Warren also proposed an “Equity to Prosperity Program” that would place certified teachers in pre-K programs for additional education. Together, the programs would total more than $10 million. Both would be funded by revenue replacement. “I don’t know if there’s $10 million in our budget in
Gregory Livingston during a court appearance. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/TSD Archives) After Montesi’s temporary restraining order was announced, Crump issued a brief statement: “The judge’s decision to delay the release of the video in this case is deeply upsetting to the family and the community,” Crump said. “This video shows the cold, hard truth in this case: another Black man was killed unjustifiably by a white man with too much power. “Alvin wasn’t a threat and
“As things seem to be getting worse, I would be OK with us sending a report to Treasury intentionally saying ‘we haven’t decided on this’ because we don’t know how it is going to look over the next six months, definitely not the next four years.” — Martavius Jones the years ahead? I would hate to support s o m e thing for the first t h r e e years and see it go Martavius Jones a w a y because there was no funding. “I don’t know that you would do much good in the three years you funded it, if you didn’t have a dedicated funding source,” said council member J. Ford Canale. Ford pointed out that the city has to replace lost revenue during the pandemic while continuing services. With the reserve fund at $79 million, it is the lowest it has been since 2013. So far, bond rating agencies have not changed the city’s bond rating – the cost of borrowing money – by taking the pandemic into consideration. That could change if the ARPA funding is applied differently. Council member Michalyn Easter-Thomas proposed an amendment that $3 million be
he wasn’t breaking a single law by sitting in the passenger seat of the car, listening to hip hop Alvin music. Motley Jr. The facts of this case are clear as day. So, why is there so much effort being made to hide them? …” Funk was appointed special prosecutor in the Memphis case after Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich recused her office. She requested a special prosecutor to handle the case because a criminal investigator in her office worked for the same security office as Livingston. Livingston remains in Shelby County jail on a $1.8 million bond.
“I don’t know if there’s $10 million in our budget in the years ahead? I would hate to support something for the first three years and see it go away because there was no funding.” — J. Ford Canale transferred from public safety recruitment initiatives for a grocery store in North Memphis, particularly take-home cars and signing bonuses. “North Memphis currently has no grocery store,” said Easter-Thomas. Council member Rhonda Logan sought a $4.6 million expansion of Hospitality Hub into her district to address homelessness. It would pull from the $20 million broadband line item the administration is seeking. To clarify the scope of the city’s ARPA windfall – and perhaps temper expectations – the federal formula that is used to calculate how much ARPA funding is distributed was highlighted. St. Louis was used as an example. “They received $450 million, despite having a population of less than one half of ours. They received 5.7 times per capita the amount that Memphians received. That is the strategic imperative that we have to correct here. “Other cities, because of the formula, have a significantly grander opportunity than we do,” said city Chief Operating Officer Doug McGowen. Defending the city’s efforts with the use of money, he said that council members may have to look to other, better-funded sources, like the state, county or the Shelby County school district.
Demonstrators carry signs pointing to various areas of concern regarding the case of death-row inmate Pervis Payne. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)
PAYNE
CONTINUED FROM FRONT just straightforward printing of the words in black: ‘Free Pervis Payne.’ That was the beauty of the demonstration. They were different signs, but they all said the same thing.” Payne’s attorneys are looking toward a Dec. 13 hearing. That is when they are expected to get an opportunity to establish that Payne has an intellectual disability, and therefore, is not eligible for capital punishment. From the very first day of his arrest and questioning, Payne has maintained that he was innocent of the stabbings, and that he ran from the scene because he was afraid. Payne, 53, was scheduled to be executed on Dec. 3 in Nashville. Payne’s attorneys hope that he can be exonerated if his DNA is not found on evidence items, or if DNA points to another individual. Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Paula Skahan has granted attorneys’ motion for DNA testing of the evidence. Kelley Henry, Payne’s attorney, sent a statement to The New Tri-State Defender during the national demonstration on Wednesday: “Pervis Payne’s innocence case has captured the attention of fair-minded people not only in Memphis and Tennessee, but from coast to coast,” Henry wrote. “Our country is waking up to the racism that riddles our criminal justice system: Mr. Payne’s case is Exhibit A.” Henry said the defense is eager for the Dec. 13 hearing and the chance of “presenting evidence of Mr. Payne’s intellectual disability for the first time. The U.S. Supreme Court
The Memphis demonstration was mirrored in multiple cities in the U.S. has said loudly and clearly that people with intellectual disability are barred from execution.” Payne, said Henry, is “innocent and should be exonerated and freed from death row. Governor Lee, (Shelby County) D.A. (Amy) Weirich, and the courts should right this wrong, which has robbed a good man and his family of 34 years of life.” Payne was sentenced to death in a Memphis court for the 1987 stabbing deaths of Charisse Christopher and her 2-year-old daughter, Lacie Jo. Christopher’s son, Nicholas, who was 3 at the time, also was stabbed but survived. Payne told police he was at Christopher’s apartment building to meet his girlfriend when he heard the victims and tried to help them. Payne has said he panicked when he saw a policeman and ran away. His case was still under appeal when the Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to execute the intellectually disabled, but he didn’t claim a disability until after his appeals were exhausted. That involved reopening his case and required a change in
state law. “It was only after it was too late that Payne’s attorneys decided to file,” Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich said earlier in an emailed statement. “The new law signed by Governor Lee allows Payne to file the petition … which he has done. It will now be up to the courts to decide, based upon the evidence presented and the law.” Last year, a judge ruled to allow DNA testing in Payne’s case for the first time. His DNA was found on the hilt of the knife used in the killings, which matches his trial testimony that he cut himself while handling the knife as he tried to help the victims, defense attorney Henry told the court at a January hearing. Payne’s DNA was not found on the handle although partial DNA evidence from an unknown man was. However, there was not enough DNA material to enter it into a national FBI database and attempt to match it to someone else, Henry said. Scrapings from Christopher’s fingernails, collected from the crime scene, could not be located for testing.
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The New Tri-State Defender
September 9 - 15, 2021
Page 3
TENNESSEE Suits draw mixed rulings for Tennessee school mask opt-out by Jonathan Mattise The Associated Press
NASHVILLE – Lawsuits have drawn mixed results in opposite ends of Tennessee for Gov. Bill Lee’s order that lets parents opt out of school mask requirements, with a federal judge in East Tennessee declining to block the directive after another judge paused the order specifically for the state’s largest county, which includes Memphis. The legal fight over mask requirements and exemptions in schools comes at a critical point in Tennessee, which now ranks first in the country for new cases per capita, with about 1,585 new cases per 100,000 people over the past two weeks, according to Johns Hopkins University researchers. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Ronnie Greer in Knoxville denied a request from attorneys for three Knox County students with disabilities and their parents for a temporary restraining order against the Republican governor’s executive order. The lawsuit claims the mask opt-out order violates the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act. The judge ruled that, procedurally, the plaintiffs didn’t file an affidavit or verified complaint, so they “have not demonstrated that they would suffer immediate and irreparable injury or loss.” A hearing is scheduled next week over the lawsuit’s request to block the executive order and require a mask mandate in Knox County Schools, where officials have voted against instituting one. The early result runs counter to a ruling last week in West Tennessee, where U.S. District
The Tennessee Department of Health is advising parents – through its Twitter site – that getting fully vaccinated against COVID-19 takes 5-6 weeks, depending on the vaccine, and that individuals ages 12 and older are currently eligible. Find vaccines near you at http://vaccines.gov. (Photo: Tennessee Department of Health, Twitter) Judge Sheryl Lipman issued a temporary restraining order for the Shelby County schools after it was sought by the parents of two children with health problems. The temporary restraining order, which doesn’t apply statewide, remains in effect until Sept. 17. A hearing on blocking the mandate while the case proceeds is scheduled for Thursday. The Shelby County parents’ lawsuit likewise claims Lee’s order violates the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits the exclusion of students with disabilities from public educational programs and activities. Shelby County’s government also sued Lee in federal court over his order. Over the past two weeks, the rolling average number of daily new COVID-19 cases has increased by 1,950.1, an increase of 30.7 percent, according to Johns Hopkins University researchers. In the week of Aug. 29, 31.4 percent of all Tennessee COVID-19 cases were among children younger than 18, compared with 18.4 percent throughout the duration of the pandemic, state data shows. A variety of schools across the state have been temporarily canceling classes days at a time because of the spread of COVID-19. The outbreaks spurred state Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn to announce late last month that classrooms and schools facing a surge in COVID-19 can request a temporary shift to remote instruction.
The state reported 3,776 current COVID-19 hospitalizations as of Tuesday, 67 of them being children. Meanwhile, Tennessee is eighth-worst among states for fully vaccinated people by total population, at 42.4 percent, compared with 53.2 percent nationally, according to federal data. On Aug. 16, Lee signed a statewide order allowing parents to opt out of the requirement for nonmedical reasons. Hundreds of students have been attending classes without masks ever since. School officials in Shelby County and Nashville moved forward with their mask requirements without the governor’s broad opt-out option. In Nashville, District Attorney Glenn Funk even pledged not to prosecute teachers or school officials for enforcing their mask requirements without the governor’s new required leniency. Late last month, the U.S. Education Department opened civil rights investigations into five Republican-led states, including Tennessee, that have banned or limited mask requirements in schools, saying the policies could amount to discrimination against students with disabilities or health conditions. Lee has argued that parents know what’s best for their children while defending the mask mandate opt-out order. “We think it’s a great compromise that allows us to protect our kids and give parents freedom at the same time,” Lee told reporters Tuesday.
Tennessee redistricting starts; focus on Nashville-area boom by Jonathan Mattise The Associated Press
NASHVILLE – Tennessee’s Republican supermajority Legislature began work Wednesday on the once-a-decade task of carving up new legislative and congressional districts based on population shifts, a task that a Democratic congressman testified should not divide fast-growing Nashville into different U.S. House seats. Lawmakers kicked off the monthslong undertaking with a hearing in the House, where the 16-member redistricting committee includes four Democrats. Republican Lt. Gov. Randy McNally plans to announce the Senate redistricting panel and the public input guidelines later this month, spokesperson Adam Kleinheider said. U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper testified that the redistricting process, at least at the congressional level, in the past has been “remarkably bipartisan.” He urged state lawmakers not to split up Nashville-Davidson County, as did other speakers. “Nashville is perhaps the hottest destination in America,” Cooper said. “It’s a unique formula. Don’t ruin the recipe.” Lawmakers will use newly released U.S. Census Bureau
data to redraw state and congressional districts currently dominated by Republicans. The map proposals, shaped around state and federal requirements, will be taken up in the 2022 legislative session that begins in January. Republican Gov. Bill Lee has veto power over the finalized plan, but he’s not expected to put up many objections. Republicans hold a 73-26 state House edge over Democrats and a 27-6 margin in the Senate. The state grew by 8.9 percent – exceeding the 7.4 percent national rate – and increased to 6.9 million residents in 2020 from 6.3 million reported in 2010. Tennessee won’t gain or lose any congressional districts. The House delegation currently includes seven Republicans and two Democrats, whose districts center on Nashville and Memphis. Committee attorney Doug Himes said 30 counties lost population in the 2020 census, versus 17 counties growing above 10 percent, most in Middle Tennessee. He noted that Tennessee has a growing Hispanic population, as well. Shelby County, which includes the majority-Black city of Memphis and remains the most populous county, saw a small population increase of 0.2 percent, or 2,100 people, while multiple counties in West Tennessee
saw population drops. Nashville-Davidson County itself saw a 14.2 percent population boost, adding about 89,200 people through the decade and checking in at second-most populous in the state, the numbers show. Its suburbs saw a bigger percentage boost, with Williamson County increasing by 35.2 percent, or 64,500 people, and Rutherford County jumping up 30 percent, or about 78,900 people. Several other Middle Tennessee counties saw population increases that exceeded 20 percent. Himes said people can submit their own redistricting proposals through Nov. 12, though they have to include an entire state map of the state House, Senate or U.S. House. Leaders of several groups, including the League of Women Voters of Tennessee and The Equity Alliance, urged lawmakers to accept maps of individual districts as well, since people who know their communities may not know as much about the state at large. Republican House Majority Leader William Lamberth said people should not be intimidated by having to submit statewide plans, saying they can note that there’s a specific area they are focused on. “Tennessee has grown,” Lamberth said. “Our numbers have changed. We want to hear from you.”
PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, September 9 - 15, 2021, Page 4
Creating an education pathway to resolve ‘stark realities’ made worse by the pandemic by Terence Patterson
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
We’ve finally all settled into the “back to school” routine – set bedtime schedules, flexed new backpacks, made new friends and reunited with old ones. This school year, while things feel different coming through the COVID-19 pandemic, some stark realities remain the same. Our public school system serves over 110,000 students, many of whom are Black and brown. This Terence Patterson is the presiyear’s academic data shows that dent and CEO of Memphis Education Fund. (Courtesy photo) only 1 in 10 of those students are on grade level in math and reading. I’ve mentioned, the public school Children in Memphis are facing real system and its authorized charter challenges – depression, lack of so- schools cannot be wholly responsicialization and childhood traumas ble for the outcomes of students, as – that have been made worse by the they are only in their care for eight hours of the day. pandemic. Community partners from health There’s no way to sugar coat these care to after school care to local realities. We, as a community, must food resources to community leadaddress them head on with a clear ers to local education champions pathway forward to improve emomust align to support the whole tional wellness, academic outcomes child while they are inside and outand systemic infrastructure. It’s goside of the school building. ing to take a village. Second, teaching and learning It’s a heavy lift, but Memphis and IS the most important investment Shelby County can do this, together. we can make in our students’ fuThis is a community challenge that tures. Our teachers, principals and requires coordinated support and leveraged resources to lift up the tutors are our most important assets. Let’s seek data-driven stratwhole child. First, let’s continue to align com- egies that support and incentivize munity partners to support students them to optimize student perforfrom 3 p.m. (after school) to 8 a.m. mance. And, yes, the ABCs and 123s are (the start of each school day). As
important, but equally important are the social and emotional learning that teachers and school leaders can impart to our students. It’s ensuring that the adults have a cultural competency that appreciates the students’ lived experiences and teaches them with empathy in the context of true social justice and fairness. Now, thanks to approximately $800 million in federal ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund) funding, we have the resources to move forward with systemic improvements. And the changes can be bigger than just fixing HVACs, roofs and windows. They can be game-changing investments in TALENT, technology, 21st century curriculum and long-term sustainability plans that will set our students up for success in a global economy. Simply put, let’s set our goals high. Let’s agree on a comprehensive but clear pathway to reach those goals on a defined timeline. Let’s hold the entire community accountable for the outcomes. And, for the love of our children, let’s stop politicizing issues related to the education of our children. (The Memphis Education Fund is hosting its Eradicating the Odds Virtual Conference on September 15-16. To register and learn more, visit www.memphiseducationfund. org.)
The Children’s Hospital Alliance of Tennessee joins the national Children’s Hospital Association in the following statement. (Image: Children’s Hospital Alliance of Tennessee/Facebook.)
Children’s hospitals call on leaders, public to stand with them to protect children Children’s hospitals are on the frontline of care for kids, anchoring the pediatric safety net for the most vulnerable among us. Tragically, COVID-19 infections are growing among children, respiratory illnesses such as RSV are surging, and the ongoing mental health impact of the pandemic are pushing our children’s hospitals to capacity. Combined with significant hospital workforce shortages, the pediatric safety net for all children is being threatened in unprecedented ways. We call on leaders in the public and private sectors and the American public to stand with us to help protect our children. • All eligible populations should be vaccinated. • Everyone should mask responsibly, particularly during school and while attending large gatherings. • All should adhere to proven safe practices of social distancing and hand washing. Additionally, many of us stepped out of our normal routines in the
last year. It’s also vitally important to make sure that children see their physicians for routine well child visits, including routine immunizations. Well child visits and immunizations are cornerstones of ensuring the health and wellbeing of our children. Together, we can keep our children safer. They need our support, our care, and our commitment to their future. They need it now. With urgency and respect, • The Children’s Hospital Alliance of Tennessee • The Children’s Hospital Alliance of Tennessee Quality and Safety Collaborative • East Tennessee Children’s Hospital • Children’s Hospital at Erlanger • Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital • Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt • Niswonger Children’s Hospital • St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
BOOK REVIEW
How to overcome the most common health challenges facing African Americans by Terri Schlichenmeyer
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
This morning, your head hurt something terrible. Is it anything to worry about? Your grandfather had heart problems and died after a stroke. Your grandmother suffered from diabetes and you know there’s got to be a way to avoid their fates. Does your headache have anything to do with that? Do you need “Black Health Matters” by Richard W. Walker, Jr., MD to calm your fears? While growing up in Spanish Harlem years ago, Walker noticed how much diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and kidney failure affected the people in his neighborhood. It made him “angry,” he says, and it spurred him to study medicine as a profession. It still dismays him that “poor
health among our Black population” is almost epidemic but there is a solution. Walker says that if you take an “approach to wellness” and take steps to reDr. Richard main healthier, W. Walker Jr. you could lower your chances of developing the more-common but most-serious diseases that plague a higher number of African American people. First of all, he says, be aware of your “gut-microbiome-brain” connection and know what foods are best for you. Know what not to eat, too, and how probiotics can help your “GMB.” Then, especially if you
could stand to lose a few pounds, understand obesity, why it matters, and how you became overweight. Did you know culture has something to do with it? Yes, and though he only briefly touches on “food deserts,” Walker addresses these issues. Walker says that Black adults are forty percent more apt to have high blood pressure than their white neighbors. Hypertension is a killer; knowing more about it – how to read a BP monitor, how smoking and salt intake figure in – will help you keep it under control. Know the general symptoms of diabetes and what to do about them. Learn how kidney disease may start with another disease altogether. Read up on cancer, aging, sickle cell disease, and how dental care really matters. Finally, memorize the signs of a stroke or heart attack; your life may
depend upon it. Your regular physician is all tied up and it’s hard to get in to see her. That doesn’t make you feel any better, but with its clear-cut, easy-to-understand chapters on a variety of illnesses both major and minor, “Black Health Matters” might. And yet, there’s one important thing to remember, once you get this book: it shouldn’t take the place of a physician with your medical chart inhand. That’s a reminder that author Richard W. Walker, Jr., MD offers, but caution and prudence don’t seem to be stressed here quite enough. Then again, readers will want to bear in mind that this book is about proactive and preventative wellness, not fixing what’s already broke. The best use of this book, perhaps, is in the basics it offers: overviews, learning to read charts, under-
“Black Health Matters” by Richard W. Walker, Jr., MD c. 2021, Square One Publishers $16.95 321 pages standing numbers, and making easy health-changes. That’s all in here, it’s do-able, and it could make “Black Health Matters” a patient-empowering tool for understanding major health-issues, recognizing them, and keeping ahead.
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The New Tri-State Defender
September 9 - 15, 2021
Page 5
RELIGION
A growing ministry shines a big light on Jesus Christ by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
The Lighthouse of Prayer Outreach Ministry was born out of a desire to “be a light to those who need to know Jesus Christ.” Erika and Brian Kelley are the dynamic founders of Lighthouse. They stepped out on faith in January of 2020 and planted the church. The full effect of COVID-19 had not yet been realized. Both came out of Holy City COGIC. “We were serving the pastor and the first lady at Holy City,” said Erika Kelley. “My husband began to say that God was directing him to start Lighthouse. He said that for a while. He shared it with our pastor, and in 2020, we made the move. We held the first worship service in our home.” It wasn’t long before the church would have its own building. “By February, we had moved into
our church building,” said Erika Kelley. “The Lord told us when we were worshipping in our home that we would get our own church building, and that it would not be long. The very next month, God opened a door for us, and we walked through it.” Running Lighthouse has been a faith walk, according to Pastor Brian Kelley. The global pandemic presented unique challenges. Yet, said Pastor Kelley, many opportunities have been presented for the budding ministry to impact the lives of those who are hurting and on the verge of giving up. Erika Kelley knows a thing or two about hurting and feeling close to giving up. Her son, Dontae Bernard Johnson, 23, was a victim of gun violence in 2016 while visiting friends in Murfreesboro, just outside of Nashville. “He was set up, robbed and killed,” said Erika Kelley. “Out of that terrible pain and loss came so many opportunities to speak to groups, or counsel
with parents and other loved ones who have lost a child to gun violence. “Just this morning, I received a message to speak with a parent who just had a child killed, and she is not doing well. I thank God for the ministry that came out of that tragedy, but it is a hurt I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.” When she received the call about her son’s murder, she had just lost her father. “My father passed away on March 9,” she said. “Dontae was killed on March 18. I buried my father on one Saturday, and my son that very next Saturday. It was a devastating time. But, the Lord was with us every step of the way. “ Pastor Kelley and his wife walked through the grief and loss together. God created through that experience “a heart for those who are suffering and hurting,” Pastor Kelley said. “We want to genuinely love on people,” said Pastor Kelley. “So many out there are hurting, and we as
A safety-minded salute… Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ saluted Pastor Charles H. Mason Patterson Sr. and his wife, LaShaundra Cox Patterson, during a 10th anniversary celebration on Sept. 5. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)
On topic… The Rev. Rodney Strong, pastor of Independence Baptist Church in Olive Branch, preaches on the topic, “Some things you don’t have to do (when the Lord is covering you). (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)
the Church of Jesus have been called to comfort them with the Gospel. Jesus is real, and His love is real. We want our ministry to be a lighthouse for those who are lost and out there struggling.” The Christian faith is likened to a lighthouse, guiding lost souls to Jesus. Erika Kelley referenced an old hymn as the ministry’s inspiration: “Let the Lower Lights Be Burning: Brightly beams our Father’s mercy From his lighthouse evermore, But to us he gives the keeping Of the lights along the shore. (Chorus) Let the lower lights be burning; Send a gleam across the wave. Some poor fainting, struggling seaman You may rescue, you may save. (The Lighthouse of Prayer Outreach Ministry is located at 353 Boyd Ave. For more information, go to the church’s Facebook page.)
Erika Kelley and Pastor Brian Kelley moved beyond personal tragedy to establish the Lighthouse of Prayer Outreach Ministry. (Courtesy photo)
Remembering Dr. Erma L. Clanton… New Sardis Baptist Church was the setting for the celebration of the life of Dr. Erma L. Clanton. The beloved playwright, stage director, songwriter and educator died Aug. 24. She was 98. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)
The New Tri-State Defender
September 9 - 15, 2021
Page 6
ENTERTAINMENT “The depth of my love for this brother can only be matched by the depth of my pain learning of his loss. A(n) immensely talented man with the ability to give voice to the human condition portraying the lives of those whose humanity is seldom elevated until he sings their truth. If you don’t know, you better ask somebody. His name was Michael K. Williams.” — Wendell Pierce
Paying tribute to actor Michael K. Williams by Shanelle Genai The Root
Though the news of Michael K. Williams’ passing has undoubtedly been heartbreaking for many – it’s also been heartwarming, thanks to the myriad tributes and fond memories shared by those who knew and loved him. Wendell Pierce, who starred as Detective Bunk Moreland alongside Williams on the iconic, gritty HBO series “The Wire” reflected on his time working with and getting to know Williams in a series of tweets, writing: “The depth of my love for this brother can only be matched by the depth of my pain learning of his loss. A(n) immensely talented man with the ability to give voice to the human condition portraying the lives of those whose humanity is seldom elevated until he sings their truth. If you don’t know, you better ask somebody. His name was Michael K. Williams. “He shared with me his secret fears then stepped out into his acting with true courage, acting in the face of fear, not in the absence of it. It took me years to learn what Michael had in abundance. He was proud of the artist he had become, asking for my advice long after he had surpassed any insight I could have shared. Always truthful, never inauthentic. The kindest of persons. …” Spike Lee, who directed Williams
Actor Michael K. Williams, who starred in “The Wire” and “Lovecraft Country,” was found dead in his Brooklyn home on Monday at age 54. (Photo: Screen capture) in the 2008 film “Miracle at St. Anna,” followed suit, sharing a picture of himself and Williams courtside at a New York Knicks game on Instagram. … Ava DuVernay, who directed Williams in the Emmy award-winning miniseries “When They See Us” posted a series of photos and a touching tribute:
“… I remember you sending me a picture of yourself as a young man and sharing with me that the boys whose story we were telling were a reflection of you – and we were going to get it right. … “I remember you speaking of mortality, like you did in your post last year about Kobe. In it, you wonder how you’ll be remembered and what
your legacy will be. Maya Angelou once said, your legacy lives on in every life you touch. You, brother, touched many. Through your personal interactions big and small, through your community activism, through your struggles, through your triumphs, through your glorious work. You moved many. You moved me. What you doubted in life, be certain
of now, dear brother. Be certain. You were a flash of love – now gone. But never forgotten.” Courtney B. Vance also took a moment to touch on his relationship with his fellow “Lovecraft Country” star, noting: “Michael worked hard in his work and throughout his life. He shared with us all how hard he tried to achieve sustained sobriety. I know Michael, the man, would want his life to serve as an important, teachable lesson for anyone who is in the midst of the very real struggle against addiction. “As difficult as this moment is for us all, Michael has found peace. He was a GIANT of a man! …” Kerry Washington, Lance Reddick, Leslie Jones, Colman Domingo, Barry Jenkins and Yvette Nicole Brown also all shared kind words and memorable moments with Williams. As did close friend Tasha Smith, who wrote in part: “…My Confidant, friend, prayer partner, fellow artist! You loved hard and lived courageously! You encouraged me and inspired me! You will live in my heart, in our hearts forever! I miss you so much. I can’t process this! I know you’re with the Lord resting easy, at peace. But damn this hurts.” Forever in our hearts, rest in peace, Michael K. Williams. … (Read the full column at theroot. com, where it first appeared.)
COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, September 9 - 15, 2021, Page 7
It is official: JB Smiley Jr. is running for governor by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Memphis City Councilman JB Smiley Jr. entered the governor’s race Wednesday, Sept. 8, with cheering supporters and a colorful balloon drop. Nearly 200 supporters filled the scenic lobby of the historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Memphis. Smiley, an attorney, was introduced by his mentor, Julian Bolton, who showered Smiley with praise. “JB Smiley has a gracious, beautiful smile that will shine on the people of Tennessee and bring them to himself,” Bolton said, “with graciousness, love, honor, and commitment.” Fellow city council members, Michalyn Easter-Thomas and Martavius Jones, both preceded Bolton in their endorsement of Smiley as the next governor of Tennessee. “I am happy,” Smiley began his speech. Smiley expressed elation that both his parents were there to watch him enter the governor’s race. Smiley talked of his father, working in the cotton fields of Mississippi. His mother was raised in a housing project, “just a couple of blocks from here,” Smiley told the crowd. Smiley characterized his journey “from the cotton fields to the courts to the Memphis City Council. Smiley said some things in the state of Tennessee are “heavy” on his heart. “As of this morning, we have lost thousands and thousands of Tennesseans to COVID-19,” said Smiley. “Those were mothers, fathers, grandmothers, children. Failed policies…mixed political messages coming from the governor’s office have led us to rank 44 out of 50 states in vaccination rates.” Smiley denounced Gov. Bill Lee for making children “political targets” in the fight against COVID-19. “…Our children are sitting at home
“It’s incredibly clear to me that we are all feeling the discomfort of failed policies and inaction from our governor,” Memphis City Councilman JB Smiley Jr. said in announcing his run for Tennessee governor on Wednesday. Also pictured is Julian Bolton, is campaign treasurer. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises) for days and weeks at a time, all because our governor chose to play politics with public health,” Smiley said in a scathing review of Lee’s time in office. Smiley said he had dedicated the last few months to traveling across the state of Tennessee, listening to people talk about their problems and concerns. “It’s incredibly clear to me that we are all feeling the discomfort of failed policies and inaction from our Governor,” Smiley said. “Tennesseans deserve community policing, violent crime prevention programs, and vocational training for high school students. Tennesseans deserve better. Tennesseans demand better.” Smiley said he is running for governor to “help guide us to a better Tennessee.” At the close of his speech, Smiley played a campaign video, that showed the candidate touting his support of community policing, violent crime prevention programs,
and vocational training for high school students. Bluegrass fiddles played in the background, and a country gospel tune was incorporated into the ad’s production. Smiley’s pre-campaign exploratory phase is over. Wednesday’s announcement kicks off a year-long bid to win the Democratic primary in the upcoming governor’s race. The Tennessee primary is scheduled for August 2022, with the general election in November 2022. Lee has already announced he will seek re-election. To date there are three other Democratic hopefuls in the primary race: Nashville-area physician, Dr. Jason Martin; Memphis community activist, Carnita Atwater, and ordained minister, Casey Nicholson, from Greenville. Greenville is located near the northeastern border of the state.
Local government veteran Ken Moody ponders run for Shelby County mayor by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Ken Moody, special assistant to Mayor Jim Strickland, took a day off to announce that he was “exploring” a run at the Shelby County Mayor’s office. Moody made his case for considering the run during a Midtown press conference on Wednesday. A Carver High School graduate, Moody noted references to it as “a troubled school” and said he would be an example to Memphis students. “These kids can look at Ken Moody and say this guy came from our community, he came from our high school, and he is where he is right now, we can have that same opportunity.” Moody, who served as the director of public services and neighborhoods under former Mayor Dr. Willie W. Herenton, is also a former University of Memphis basketball player. Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris has not yet announced whether he will seek reelection. Moody said his decision would not be dependent upon whether Harris goes for a second term. With paperwork filed with the Shelby County Election Commission naming a treasurer for a political campaign, Moody is expected to make a decision in six to eight weeks. Moody said he has proven himself a role model “in the way he has lived his life, and the way he has raised his kids, and the challenges he has had.” He praised the effort of his mother, struggling to raise 11 children by herself. “…To see my mother, a Black woman in the ’70s, raise 11 kids, struggle and to never complain was the best earthly ex-
BRIEFS & THINGS Empowered Women workshop series to start Sept. 11 The National Women’s Political Caucus Tennessee (NWPCTN) is hosting a series of Empowered Women workshops on Saturdays in September. The virtual events are open to women across the country interested in running for political office or managing or working in a campaign. You do not have to be a member to attend the training sessions. The workshops will be held September 11, 18 and 25. Each will feature a nationally known presenter. The list of confirmed and invited include Florida U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, Atlanta Mayor Keshia Lance Bottoms, National Political Consultant and President of the Connections Group Cathy Allen, National Women’s Political Caucus 1st Vice President Carmen Shaye, and Tennessee Minority Leader Rep. Karen Camper. “This series is targeting progressive women and women of color who are interested in seeking elected office,” said Adrienne Pakis Gillon, president, NWPCTN. “To have someone with the experience of Cathy Allen sharing effective ways to campaign during the pandemic will be important information that candidates can use.” Empowered Women Lead Series Chairwoman Erika Sugarmon said the series is perfect for those serious about running for office or seeking an appointed position at the local, state, or federal level of government. “We have created a virtual training series that will allow participants an opportunity to learn a great deal about campaigns and the importance of strategy,” Sugarmon said. The Saturday themes are: Choosing the Best Leadership Path, Keeping your Cool –Grace Under Pressure and Your People Potential. The full schedule is available at NWPCTN.org. The series for all three Saturdays is $125 and for one session is $50. Women interested in participating most register via Eventbrite.
Girls Inc. homecoming to Spotlight 75th anniversary
With paperwork filed with the Shelby County Election Commission naming a treasurer for a political campaign, Ken Moody is expected to make a decision in six to eight weeks. (Photo: Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell) ample I could ever have. To see her pour into all of my brothers and sisters, which she did, motivates me and gives me encouragement every day.” “The main thing,” he said, is that he is a Christian with faith in God. Fielding questions, Moody said he would definitely be on the Democratic ticket, if he chooses to run for county mayor. Asked about his strategy in dealing with Republican-dominated state government, Moody said, “I think we would have to be straight-forward. I think that’s a good opportunity for the county mayor’s office. I think that collectively, he should get
with those suburban mayors, with the city mayors, and with the elected bodies of the county commission and the city council. Let’s unite with one voice when we go to Nashville…” It’s important to “get as many peoples’ perspectives as you possibly can,” said Moody. “And then at the end of the day, what a leader does is he gets all the information he can, makes an informed decision on what he thinks is in the interest of the majority of the people.” Politics over people must never drive the decision-making of a good leader, he said.
Girls Inc. of Memphis is celebrating 75 years of inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold with an Alumnae Homecoming to reconnect and re-engage with former participants. “This is a huge celebration of the impact we have had on girls, who are now women, over 75 years. Our alumnae are our greatest asset,” said Lisa Moore, president and CEO of Girls Inc. Memphis. “Homecoming gives us a chance to learn from these women, honor their brilliance and start new ways of staying connected going forward.” The celebration will take place at Levitt Shell on Sep-
tember 17 at 5 p.m. Girls Inc. of Memphis is sponsoring the Levitt Shell Fall Concert Series pre-show and concert featuring all-girl band, Marcella Simien, as part of the homecoming activities. Masks will be required for all participants in adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols. Alumnae who wish to participate can register at https://bit.ly/2WYl414.
Hooks Institute partners with Metal Museum The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis and the Metal Museum will partner to highlight the work and lives of African American jewelers on the Hooks Institute’s Facebook page (facebook.com/benhooksinstitute) Tues., Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. The event is the second in the Hooks Institute series, “Exploring the African American Experience Through Art.” Hooks Institute Executive Director Daphene McFerren will moderate a discussion with Memphis Metal Museum staff on two recent exhibitions – “Divine Legacies in Black Jewelry,” curated by LaMar R. Gayles Jr., and “Tributaries: Tiff Massey | Everyday Arsenal.” Metal Museum staff will highlight some of their favorite pieces in the exhibitions and discuss how they included local artists in the exhibition design. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP at https://bit. ly/38S0h24.
American car center to host career fair Sept. 22 American Car Center will hold a career fair on September 22 at 6400 Winchester Road, from noon to 5 p.m. The company is looking to fill positions for their four Memphis-area dealerships, reconditioning center and corporate headquarters. Positions include sales managers and associates; automotive technicians, inspectors, detailers, tire technicians, and inventory specialists; and collections representatives. Select positions include a sign on bonus and all positions include competitive pay and benefits. Apply in person at the career fair. However, it is recommended that applicants apply online in advance at https:// americancarcenter.com/careers-at-american-car-center. a valid driver’s license is required Applicants may call the American Car Center Human Resources Department at 901-969-9113 or email adrianne.jefferson@americancarcenter.com. BRIEFLY: • The Memphis Shelby Crime Commission is partnering with American Residential Services (ARS) and Conway Services for its inaugural Charity Golf Classic on Sept. 27 at Chickasaw Country Club. To learn more about the event, visit https:// bit.ly/3BU5v9T.
The New Tri-State Defender
September 9 - 15, 2021
Page 8
CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL NOTICE Request for Bids MSCAA Project Number 20-1441-00 Pavement Joint Resealing 2022-2026 Sealed bids for Pavement Joint Resealing 2022-2026 will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (Authority), Procurement Department, 4150 Louis Carruthers Drive, Memphis, TN 38118, until 2:00 PM Local Time on 9/30/2021. Bids will not be received at any other location. Within 30 minutes thereafter, the bids will be opened and publicly read via phone/video conference (Link: https://us06web. zoom.us/j/82307626344?pwd=U1Z0anFRV3ZkWm12Q1l0aVc0bzVJdz09; Phone: 1 (312) 626-6799 / Passcode: 505103; Meeting ID: 823 0762 6344). The Bid Documents, including a description of the scope of work, the required response format, and additional instructions may be obtained on or after Wednesday, September 1, 2021 online at www.flymemphis.com. A virtual Pre-Bid Meeting will be held Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at 1:00 PM local time via phone/video conferencing (Link: https://us06web.zoom. us/j/86044819853?pwd=TlZoODlocXJIcmJjTzNkQW5iWmdQQT09; Phone: 1 (312) 626-6799 / Passcode: 118688; Meeting ID: 860 4481 9853). Attendance at the Pre-Bid Meeting is strongly recommended. All Bidders are responsible for checking the Authority’s website up to the submission deadline for any updates, addenda or additional information. The successful Bidder must sign a contract with the Authority that includes Federal Aviation Administration provisions, if applicable, regarding the Buy American Preference, Foreign Trade Restriction, Davis-Bacon, Affirmative Action, Debarment and Suspension, and Drug-Free Workplace, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Each bid must be made by a contractor licensed in Tennessee and be accompanied by a 5% Bid Guarantee. The successful bidder must execute a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond in the amount of 100% each of the Contract Price and meet the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal for this project, which is 22%. The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this Request for Bids in whole or in part; to waive any informalities, technicalities, or omissions related to this Request for Bids; and to reject responses on any other basis authorized by the Authority’s purchasing policies. The Authority is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, disability, marital status, military service, or sexual orientation in its hiring and employment practices and in the admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, and activities. By order of: Scott A. Brockman, A.A.E. President and CEO Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority NOTICE OF PROPOSED CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT Shelby County Jail Suit Class Action Settlement If you were arrested and detained at the Shelby County, Tennessee Jail at some point between November 1, 2016 and March 21, 2021 for longer than you should have been, you may be eligible to receive a cash payment from a Class Action Settlement. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE LAWSUIT There is a proposed Class Action Settlement of the lawsuit pending in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee entitled Turnage, et al. v. Oldham, et al., case no: 2:16-cv-2907. This lawsuit involves persons who were allegedly over detained at the Shelby County, Tennessee Jail as a result of the November 2016 implementation of a computer system. The Action alleged that Defendants violated state and federal laws by detaining persons arrested between November 1, 2016 and March 21, 2021 for a period of time longer than the law provides. Defendants deny any and all wrongdoing of any kind whatsoever and deny any liability to Plaintiffs and to the Settlement Class. The Court has not decided who is right. Both sides have agreed to settle the dispute. The Settlement provides an opportunity for payments and other benefits to Settlement Class Members. WHO IS INCLUDED IN THE SETTLEMENT? The Settlement Class includes: All persons who, between November 1, 2016 and March 21, 2021 were arrested and then detained in the Shelby County Jail after legal authority for the detention ceased. More information is available at the Settlement Website, www. shelbycountyjailclasssettlement. com, or by calling (901) 425-4828. WHAT DOES THE SETTLEMENT PROVIDE? The Settlement provides a Gross Settlement Amount of $4,900,000.00 to pay (1) Claims of eligible Settlement Class Members; (2) the costs of administration; (3) Attorneys’ Fees and Expenses; and (4) any Incentive Awards made by the Court to Plaintiffs. Settlement Class Members who timely submit valid Claim Forms are entitled to receive a cash payment from the Settlement. The actual amount re-
THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER CLASSIFIEDS 1509 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104 PH (901) 523-1818 FAX (901) 578-5037 HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. DEADLINES: Display ads Friday 5 p.m. Classifieds ads Monday 5 p.m. STANDARD RATES: $6.00 per line for 1 column ad. Rates are non-commissionable and are quoted at the net rate. No refund for early cancellation. For additional information contact Sales Dept. at (901) 746-5201 or email: advertising@tsdmemphis.com. BEER PERMITS Flat Rate: $35 GENERAL INFORMATION:
covered by each Settlement Class Member is based on the amount of time the Class Member was allegedly over detained and will not be determined until after the Claim Period has ended and all claims have been calculated. WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS? 1. Participate in the Settlement by Submitting a Claim. If you wish to participate in the Settlement and be eligible to receive a cash benefit under the Settlement, you MUST fill out and submit a Claim Form by December 30, 2021. You can obtain a Claim Form by (1) Visiting the Settlement Website www.shelbycountyjailclasssettlement.com, where you can request a Claim Form to submit by mail; (2) Mailing a written request for a Claim Form to: Shelby County Jail Suit Class Action, Settlement Administrator, P.O Box 341316 Bartlett, TN 38184; (3) Emailing a request for a Claim Form to: info@ cmmsettlementsolutions.com; or (4) Calling (901) 425-4828 and requesting a Claim Form. If you do not timely submit a valid Claim Form and do not opt out from the Settlement, you will be bound by the Settlement but will not receive any cash benefit of the Settlement. 2. You Can Object to the Settlement. If you do not agree with the Settlement or any part of it, you may submit a written objection to the Court. The deadline for submitting an objection is October 11, 2021. You may not object if you opt out of the Class. Details about how to object are available at www.shelbycountyjailclasssettlement.com. 3. You Can “Opt Out” of the Settlement. If you do not want to be legally bound by the Settlement, you must elect to opt out and exclude yourself by submitting a written notice of opt out to the Administrator by September 10, 2021. If you opt out, you cannot get money from this Settlement. Details about opt-out or exclusion are available at www.shelbycountyjailclasssettlement.com, which explains how to exclude yourself from this settlement. 4. If You Do Nothing: If you fail to timely submit a complete Claim Form or notice of opt out, you will be bound by the Court’s decisions and precluded from pursuing any claims or matters covered by the Settlement in any pending or future lawsuits or other proceedings. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION INCLUDING RELEASE OF CLAIMS If the proposed Settlement is given final approval by the Court, Class Members who have not excluded themselves from the settlement will release any and all claims they may have against Defendants related to the claims asserted in the lawsuit regarding alleged over detention at the Shelby County Jail. Please see the Settlement at www. shelbycountyjailclasssettlement. com for more information. The Court has appointed Class Counsel as follows: WATSON BURNS, LLC 253 Adams Ave Memphis, TN 38103 Phone: (901) 529-7996 BLACK McLAREN JONES RYLAND & GRIFFEE PC 530 Oak Court Drive, Suite 360 Memphis, TN 38117 Phone: (901) 762-0535 Brice Timmons
Some categories require prepayment. All ads subject to credit approval. The New Tri-State Defender reserves the right to correctly classify and edit all copy or to reject or cancel any ad at any time. Only standard abbreviations accepted. Copy change during ordered schedule constitutes new ad & new changes. Deadlines for cancellation are identical to placement deadlines. Rates subject to change. ADJUSTMENTS: PLEASE check your ad the first day it appears. Call (901) 523-1818 if an error occurs. We can only offer in-house credit and NO REFUNDS are issued. THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER assumes no financial responsibility for errors nor for copy omission. Direct any classified billing inquires to (901) 523-1818.
ley-horn.com in order to attend the meeting in person or virtually. Bidders participating in the meeting remotely must request virtual access at least two days in advance of the pre-bid meeting. The first 8 bidders requesting to attend in person, will be required to follow the social distancing requirements set by the City and meeting venue. Each bid must be submitted on forms provided in Bid Documents and either accompanied by a Bid Bond, properly executed on the form provided, or Cashier’s Check drawn on a National or Tennessee Bank in the amount of 5% of the Total Bid Price. Bids filed as provided herein shall be opened and reviewed privately by the Community Redevelopment Agency after 4:00 PM on October 1, 2021. Bids filed after the deadline set for receiving bids shall not be considered. The Community Redevelopment Agency shall reserve the right to
interview any of the bidders and to reject any and all bids if said body deems it necessary in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Memphis. For additional information call Henry Minor, Project Manager, at (901) 334-5331. 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: Kyla Campbell Tax Parcel #: 07603500002350 Tax Sale #: 1203 Price Offered: $2250.00 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 8, 2021, 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
Donati Law, PLLC 1545 Union Ave. Memphis, TN 38104 Phone: (901) 209-5500 Class Counsel will be compensated from the proceeds of the Settlement and you will not otherwise be charged for their services in representing the Class. The Court will hold a hearing on November 10, 2021 at 1:30 to consider whether to give final approval to the Settlement, including a request for Attorneys’ Fees and Expenses up to $2,400,000.00 and Incentive Awards for the named Plaintiffs totaling up to $140,000.00 from the Gross Settlement Amount. You or your own lawyer may appear and speak at the hearing at your own expense. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.shelbycountyjailclasssettlement.com or Call (901) 425-4828 PLEASE DO NOT CALL OR WRITE THE COURT OR THE CLERK’S OFFICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Community Redevelopment Agency will receive bids electronically, until 4:00 PM on October 1, 2021 for: The Construction of: Community Redevelopment Agency – North Memphis Greenline All bids shall be submitted via email to April Simmons at April. Simmons@cramemphis.org and copy Rosalyn Willis Rosalyn. Willis@cramemphis.org on the emailed bid submittal. Community Redevelopment Agency – North Memphis Greenline includes the construction of a public greenway and park space within Uptown Memphis. Asphalt trails, concrete plazas, trailheads, a fitness area, a pedestrian bridge, pedestrian tunnel improvements, site lighting, landscaping, irrigation, signage, fencing, and site furnishings are contained within the project scope. This project includes public improvements (i.e. sidewalk, curb/ gutter, concrete water table, storm drainage, and crosswalks) within the public right-of-way on Hickory Ave, N. Second St, and Waterworks Ave. The Information for Bidders, Form of Bid, Form of Agreement, General Conditions, Supplemental General Conditions, Drawings, Forms of Bid Bond, Performance Bond, and other Contract Documents may be obtained by contacting Henry Minor at henry. minor@kimley-horn.com or 901334-5331. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held virtually and at the Community Redevelopment Agency office, located at 850 N. Manassas, Memphis, TN 38107, at 10:00am on September 15, 2021. Due to City of Memphis COVID-19 requirements, it is preferred that all bidders join the meeting remotely. Only 8 bidders will be allowed to attend the meeting in person due to limited seating and adherence to City’s requirements. Additionally, only one representative from each General Contractor/ Prime Bidder shall be allowed to attend the meeting in person. It is required that all bidders RSVP to Henry Minor at henry.minor@kim-
SALES PERSON The New Tri-State Defender is looking for a few sales consultants to sell print ads, digital ads and event sponsorships for the organization. The candidate should have some sales experience. This is a commission based opportunity. For serious inquiries email your resume to administration@ tsdmemphis.com.
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The New Tri-State Defender, September 9 - 15, 2021, Page 9
Tigers’ roll past Nicholls State yielded a measure of normalcy by Terry Davis
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Beyond the University of Memphis Tiger’s dominant 42-17 over Nicholls State University victory, the game registered as a step toward normalcy – for now –after disruptions caused by the COVID-19 virus. There were no special seating restrictions for the 30,263 fans at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, tailgating was allowed and the team took its traditional Tiger walk before Saturday night’s game, the first of the season for both teams. For the Tigers, the 16th consecutive home win delivered measurable success in key areas. “I was pleased with how the offensive line performed,” said head coach Ryan Silverfield. “We ran the ball more effectively. Calvin Austin’s run blocking was as improved as anything in a player’s game. We had an eight-man rotation with the offensive line.” The football Tigers entered the season with a lot of questions. Seth Henigan, a true freshman, may give Tiger fans some reason for calm as he grows into his role as a starting quarterback. He is the first true freshman to start a game as Memphis’ quarterback in 10-plus years. Henigan did not disappoint. He had a solid game in his debut, passing for 265 yards on 19 completions and threw his first collegiate touchdown. The depth chart released a few days before the game listed Henigan as either/or. During pregame workout, the other projected starter, Grant Gunnel, was dressed in shorts. Gun-
nel, according to Silverfield, will be out for at least a couple more weeks. “As I continued to get reps in fall camp, I could see what was going on Terry with the coachDavis es’ minds,” said Henigan in reference to being named the starter. “When the coaches told me (about starting) mid-week, I just rolled it from there.” The college-level game began to “slow down for me in fall camp,” said Henigan. “I enrolled in the spring, which was a big learning curve for me. As fall camp came, I became strong and I knew everything. I just had to prove to my teammates that I am a player.” The Tigers’ offense did not have to punt all game, a fortunate occurrence since injuries had forced Joe Doyle into the role of handling punting and field-goal kicking. He connected on five of five field goals, finishing with 18 points. Redshirt freshman Brandon Thomas brought brute strength to the team’s running game. He rushed for 147 yards and scored a touchdown on 16 carries. It was the most yards for a Memphis running back in nearly two years. The Tigers’ offense generated 587 net yards – 322 rushing and 265 through the air. Javon Ivory had 106 yards on six receptions. Calvin Austin III netted six receptions for 47 yards and one
For the University of Memphis, the 16th consecutive home win delivered measurable success in key areas, according to head coach Ryan Silverfield, who guided the Tigers to victory over Nicholls State University at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on Saturday (Sept. 4). (Photo: Terry Davis)
With 147 yards on 16 carriers and a touchdown, redshirt freshman running back Brandon Thomas amassed the most yards for a Memphis runner in nearly two years. touchdown reception. Ivory plays “a big game for a big receiver,” said Silverfield. “Javon came on as the year ended last season. I am pleased with him. I know he is going to have a great year.” On defense, Sylonte Oliver capped off a good effort with an interception with 1:40 left in the game. After allowing the Colonels to score on their opening drive, the defense shut them down.
The first true freshman to start at quarterback for the Tigers in 10-plus years, Seth Henigan stepped into the role and came up big.
NEXT: The Tigers are set for a 60-mile trip to Jonesboro, Arkansas to face Arkansas State University on Saturday (Sept. 11). The Tigers defeated the Red Wolves 37-24 in Memphis last season. This is a big game for ASU. The team has several players from the Memphis area who were recruited by the Tigers. The game is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. and can be seen on
ESPN-plus. Nicholls State, which is located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, was scheduled to remain in Memphis for the rest of the week because of the damaged caused by Hurricane Ida. Honors Thomas made the AAC Honor Roll for his performance. Doyle was named the AAC Special Teams Player of the Week.
PREP FOOTBALL
Germantown grinds out win over Whitehaven by Terry Davis
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
In a key game in one of the most competitive prep football districts in the state, the Germantown Red Devils scored a come-from-behind 14-13 win over the Whitehaven Tigers in the final minute. While Whitehaven and Germantown high schools are separated by some 18 miles, the game played last Friday (Sept. 3) had an element of a neighborhood rivalry. Gene Robinson, the former Fairley High School football coach, was hired to coach Germantown in 2020. The pandemic delayed his Germantown coaching debut until this season. Robinson was a former player at Whitehaven under head coach Rodney Saulsberry at Whitehaven. And there are former coaches from Whitehaven on the new staff of the Red Devils. The intensity from the close relationship of the coaches was evident by the play on the field of both teams. “I am extremely proud of my kids,” Robinson said. “These two teams are built the same way and it is about will. All week long I have tried to keep my emotions out of it. Before the game I wanted to calm my team down and I had to calm myself down. … “It is all love. Coach Saulsberry put me on the road. He would take me to schools to get me recruited to give me that confidence. I am trying
to the same thing for these kids out here that he did for me.” From Saulsberry viewpoint, it was “a great game. That’s what games are about. I told the guys they did the things they needed to do, but we gave one away. Hats off to them for making great plays.” All the scoring was done in the second half. Whitehaven’s Tigers got on the board first after forcing a sack fumble of the Red Devils’ quarterback. The Tigers went 60 yards on six plays, with quarterback William Carver rushing in from the one-yard line to give the Tigers a 7-0 lead with 5:09 left in the third quarter. With 54 seconds left in the third, a high snap by the Whitehaven long snapper led to a shanked punt. The Red Devils’ Cameron Ledlow returned the errant punt 12 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 7-7. On the next Tigers’ next offensive possession, they drove 80 yards in nine plays. JaQuez Bradley powered into the endzone with 6:64 left in the game. The extra point kick was missed, and the Tigers led13-7. Germantown muscled up on its final drive. The Red Devils received the football on their 36-yard line with 6:46 left in the game. They kept it for six minutes and 10 seconds, scoring on a quarterback run of six yards by Malik Young. The extra point was good, giving Germantown a 14-13 lead with 36 seconds left to play. The game has implications for hosting games deep into the playoffs.
Germantown head football coach Gene Robinson, a former Whitehaven player, grabbed a win in his first game as head of the Red Devils’ football program. Both teams have won state football championships. Each team is looking for a return to the state championship game. During the opening coin toss, the Tigers players carried the jersey number 99. That was the number of Demetrius Robinson, a player who was fatally shot last season. “These young men are using these games as fuel to get our lives and situations better. We are holding him up and sending prayers up to him,” Saulsberry said.
Germantown quarterback Malik Young finds running room against Whitehaven during the Red Devils’ 14-13 victory. Young later scored on a six-yard run with less than a minute to go in the game. (Photos: Terry Davis)
Next Germantown (2-1,1-0 District) will host Hillcrest (0-3) next week. Whitehaven (2-1,0-1 District) will look to get back on the winning tract when they travel to Nashville to face powerful Brentwood Academy.
Whitehaven head football coach Rodney Saulsberry gets in some hands-on instruction before the Tigers took on Germantown’s Red Devils.
The New Tri-State Defender
September 9 - 15, 2021
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