The New Tri-State Defender -- September 10-16, 2020 by The Tri-State Defender

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September 10 - 16, 2020

VOL. 69, No. 37

17,000-plus sign petition to shorten daily live instruction time in SCS

Q&A with Sgt. Essica Cage, the MPA’s new president

Chalkbeat Tennessee

SEE SCS ON PAGE 3

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Bridging the policecommunity gap

by Laura Faith Kebede By the second day of virtual learning, Arionna Onley knew that more than four hours of live instruction wasn’t going to work for her son, a ﬁrst grader at Downtown Elementary in Memphis. She took her concerns to Facebook and started a petition that in one week has garnered more than 17,000 supporters. The petition calls for live instruction via videoconferencing to be shortened three hours to 8 a.m. to noon rather than going until 3 p.m. “The teachers are doing a fantastic job trying to keep the kids motivated … but it’s virtual. It’s entirely too long,” she said. “I can see my son, who is usually bright and bubbly, shrinks after an hour or two.” Shelby County Schools entered into its second week of all-online learning Tuesday. As districts across the nation grapple with how to shift learning online if the coronavirus spread in their community is high, parents are among the ﬁrst to notice issues. In its state-approved plan on how the district will deliver instruction during the pandemic, Shelby County Schools said it would rely on teacher-led lessons taught live through videoconference. The state requires 6.5 hours of daily instruction that could also be met through recorded lessons and students Arionna independently Onley completing assignments. “Independent work and physical activity is also built into each day. We do not expect students to work on-screen for 6.5 hours continuously each day,” the district said in a media statement Tuesday in response to the petition. A sample schedule provided in the district’s virtual learning guide allows between 30 minutes and an hour and 45 minutes of independent study each day depending on the grade level, but schedules vary by school. Onley and petition signers would like to see that increase to three hours every day. “There’s a lot of pressure to be live every day in your own home in a pandemic,” she said. If the district incorporated more inde-

www.tsdmemphis.com

by Louis Goggans Special to The New Tri-State Defender

A product of South Memphis and a veteran of the Memphis Police Department (MPD), Sgt. Essica Cage remains committed to ensuring law enforcement and the community develop a stronger relationship – one that makes the city a better place for all. It’s been 23 years since she took an oath to protect and serve her community, and she recently made history as the first female president of the Memphis Police Association (MPA). Cage spoke with The New Tri-State Defender about her plans as the MPA’s new president, addressed the relationship shift between law enforcement and locals, and also touched on Memphis’ alarming homicide rate. TSD: How does it feel to be the first woman to lead the MPA? Sgt. Essica Cage: It’s a big deal. It’s exciting, and I’m really looking forward to the challenges. I’ve received so much support, so many prayers from people who I didn’t even think were paying attention. I know it’s going to be difficult. To be the first of

anything is always challenging, and I’m ready for it. It’s important that I’m the first woman of the Memphis Police Association, but I think it’s more important to me that I do a good job. TSD: With all of the civil unrest and demands for racial equity and criminal justice reform right now, is it intimidating for you to take on this role? And what are some of your key plans as the MPA’s new president? Cage: I wouldn’t say it’s intimidating. I think I’m capable, and I think what will help me is my communication skills. Before this role, I was the MPA’s vice president for several years. I’ve been around in discussions with people in city government as high as the mayor, but I’m also able to communicate with the kids in communities like Westwood. I will say I don’t know how to fix the issues, but I think with a listening ear and effective communication with members of the community we can establish more trust. I want that old feel back – what it used to feel like riding through the neighborhood. We have to listen to the community and what their issues are with police, and I think the community has to listen to our concerns and issues as well. If we can understand each other, we can fill in some of the gaps. TSD: What would you say is the ultimate goal and responsibility of the MPA? Cage: To be the voice of the men and women who are police officers in the city of Memphis. They’re the ones out there working, serving the public. A lot of people may get it twisted. They think our role is to just defend officers, and I think

SEE POLICE ON PAGE 3

HOMICIDES IN MEMPHIS

Killing of Whitehaven football player adds to deadly surge by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Special to The New Tri-State Defender

A 9-1-1 call signaled the trouble. Police arriving at the Marathon Gas Station on Elvis Presley Blvd. in Whitehaven rolled up on another chapter of a deadly, unfolding story – Memphis’ soaring homicide rate. The victim in the Sept. 3 fatal shooting was Demetrius Robinson, a Whitehaven High School student-athlete who dreamed of playing football in the NFL. The senior was found lying on the parking lot with a gunshot wound. He was rushed to Regional One Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. “It’s just sad about the direction our community is going,” said Memphis City Council Chair Patrice Robinson, who represents the Whitehaven district. “We are grieving this young man’s death collectively as a community, and our children are

grieving their friend. “I was told that Demetrius always said he was going to the NFL so he could buy his mom and dad a house. Now, this happens.” “This” – another homicide – clicks Memphis forward toward a record-breaking high if the rate does not slow, according to the Memphis and Shelby County Crime Commission. In the ﬁrst quarter, 60 percent of homicides were victims 24 and under. In the month of July, there were 43 homicides, propelling Memphis to the second or third most violent city in the nation per capita, a commission report showed. The ﬁrst week in August of 2019, there were 102 murders. The city has reported 154 this year. The record? In 2016, 228 homicides were recorded. On Monday afternoon, a group of rival coaches returned to the scene of Robinson’s shooting in a show of

Student-athlete Demetrius Robinson dreamed of making it to the NFL and buying his parents a house. (Courtesy photos) solidarity and to take a stand against violence in the African-American community. Police were on hand distributing ﬂyers that recounted the details of Robinson’s killing and asking anyone with information to call CrimeStoppers r at 901-528CASH. Shelby County Schools Supt. Joris Ray released a statement. In part, it read: “When our students, families, and employees grieve, we grieve alongside them. It is unsettling to witness others push personal opinions fol-

lowing incidents like the tragic passing of a Whitehaven High School student-athlete. Connecting an act of gun violence with the District’s decision to delay fall sports and prioritize the health and safety of students and staﬀ is absolutely deplorable. The large number of children aﬀected by gun violence is an issue that impacts our entire city and county.” Ray urged every resident “to take what is happening personally” and declared that the time has come for

SEE HOMICIDE ON PAGE 2

The New Tri-State Defender

September 10 - 16, 2020

Page 2

NEWS Donald nets 2020 Liberty Achievement Award Judge Bernice B. Donald is the recipient of the 2020 Liberty Achievement Award. Sponsored by Thomson Reuters, the award was established to recognize attorneys and judges for leadership roles in promoting diversity in the profession of law. Donald is currently a Circuit Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Prior to that, Donald sat on the U.S. District Court

for the Western District of Tennessee. Judge Donald was the ﬁrst

African-American woman to serve as a bankruptcy judge and the ﬁrst African-American woman to serve as a judge in Tennessee when she served on the General Sessions Criminal Court. A senior lecturing fellow at the Regent University School

of Law, she is active in the American, National, Tennessee, and Memphis Bar Associations, as well as in the Ben F. Jones chapter of the National Bar Association. Donald, a member of the American Law Institute, also chaired the American Bar As-

sociation Commission on Opportunities for Minorities in the Profession – now the Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession.. She has chaired the Memphis Diversity Institute and the Commission on Opportunities for Minorities in the

legal profession. She works with Leadership Memphis to provide leadership training for Memphis Housing Authority residents. Donald co-founded 4-Life, a skills training and enrichment program for students.

Demetrius Robinson (Courtesy photo)

HOMICIDE CONTINUED FROM FRONT everyone to come together and seek solutions to violence in Memphis. “Rather than casting blame, let us stand alongside our families with the determination and power to actualize change,” Ray concluded. Whitehaven High School Principal Dr. Vincent Hunter said the Whitehaven School community was still reeling from the news of Robinson’s death. “Here, you have a kid, 6’6”, 230 lbs, about to go to college somewhere on an athletic scholarship,” said Hunter. “This is very personal to me. I love these children, and this is tough. This is very tough.” Hunter said Robinson had just been in school virtually, kidding around with his teachers, right before he was shot at that gas station. His teachers were stunned. “It’s so sad,” said Hunter. “What do you say to a 16-year-old kid about a classmate who has been killed? It’s tough. Now, when 14 year olds come in, I tell them that only by the grace of God will they see the same classmate four years from now. We never had to have that conversation when I was 14.” Hunter said Robinson always wanted better. He wanted to help his family. It was his dream to go to college and get drafted to the NFL. “Demetrius was going to college and get a piece of paper that was going to change his whole life,” Hunter said. “Now, that is all gone.” Hunter said head football coach Rodney Saulsberry and his staﬀ have been with the football team. “Those boys are heartbroken,” Hunter said. “All of us are heartbroken.” Hunter spent the Labor Day weekend working with School Seed to get Robinson’s funeral expenses paid. “Thank God, everything is all taken care of,” Hunter said. “School board commissioner Shante Avant put us in touch with School Seed, and we want to thank her for that.” Funeral arrangements for Robinson were still pending at the TSD press deadline.

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The New Tri-State Defender

September 10 - 16, 2020

Page 3

NEWS SCS CONTINUED FROM FRONT

pendent study, she said, students would be able to “go back and watch those videos or sit on the ﬂoor and watch with a blanket and not have to worry about what they look like, where they’re kind of comfortable.” Her son, Billy, she said, is “super duper shy,” and during videoconferences, “being called on is like being on stage in front of a million people to him.” She acknowledges the recommended change would not fully alleviate her concerns about too much screen time for children, but less time on live videos would encourage more brain breaks. Aleah Henderson, a close friend of Onley’s who signed the petition after seeing it on Facebook, said more time for independent study would allow her to help her 6-year-old daughter more before her work

POLICE CONTINUED FROM FRONT that’s been misinterpreted. We don’t defend wrong. If an officer has done something wrong, that’s something they’re going to have to answer for, but the MPA is going to make sure the officer has due process just like anybody else would during any other type of investigation. TSD: What would you say has been one of the biggest demands the MPA has heard from officers since you’ve been an active member of the union? Cage: There’s nothing in particular that stands out, but I will say this, Memphis is unique. We’re a majority-black city, and we also have a Police Department that reflects the demographic of the community. A lot of the issues that police departments in other cities are experiencing, we don’t have those problems here. Now, of course, you’re going to hear a story here and there, but I like to think that we’ve done much better. TSD: Out of your 20-plus years on the force, what has been one of your most rewarding experiences? Cage: When I was a pa-

shift begins at 4 p.m. During the 6 ½-hour school day, Henderson said she often has to redirect her daughter when she sees her ﬁdgeting, playing her with a folder or trying to make a beat with her pencil. “She just says when are we going to real school? When can I see my friends?” Henderson said of her daughter. Onley said she has not heard from district leaders about the petition yet, but has tagged the district in several social media posts. She hopes to meet with Superintendent Joris Ray to discuss her concerns. The district said schools have crafted their schedules to “maximize student engagement while also recognizing our students and families are adjusting to the virtual learning environment.” “As always, we value family input and continue to ask for grace and patience as we navigate through this new normal together,” the statement said.

First grader Billy Onley does classwork at his desk at home as part of virtual learning in Shelby County Schools. His mother, Arionna Onley, has started a petition that requests that the virtual school day be shortened from seven hours a day. (Pphoto: Arionna Onley)

trol officer, I was a part of the COACT – now known as the Community Outreach Program initiative – in the Westwood community. We had mentoring programs at all of the schools in the area, and were able to work directly with the children. That was the most rewarding work I’ve done on the Police Department – to actually be embedded in the schools and establish relationships with the kids and the neighborhoods was so fulfilling. A lot of the kids are now adults, and I still keep in contact with them. TSD: Considering the ongoing issues regarding police brutality and officer-involved shootings, how have you witnessed the MPD’s relationship with the community change over the years? Cage: Back when I first started years ago, there were so many officers; we were fully staffed and able to have programs like COACT in each community in the city. We were able to do a lot of proactive policing. But now that climate has changed a little bit. Nationwide, police departments are having issues recruiting and retaining officers. It’s not just a thing happening in Memphis, but because we’re so short on officers, we’re more

At the MPA, one of the things we’ve done is present Cops Against Injustice, but it wasn’t something that we could broadcast widely. We didn’t want counter-protesters, but we did want to take a stance. We are against injustice as a whole, from excessive force by police officers to little kids being shot in their front yards while they’re playing or sleeping in their beds. The MPD and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office got out on Germantown Parkway and had our own rally. We don’t like injustice, excessive force or police brutality. We hate it. It makes us all look bad.

MPA President Essica Cage: “We are against injustice as a whole, from excessive force by police officers to little kids being shot in their front yards while they’re playing or sleeping in their beds.” (Courtesy photo) of a reactive department now. A lot of the officers who have been with the department for a long time will tell you, ‘It’s just not fun anymore.’ People were very supportive, and because of the national climate, the perception of police has changed a lot. It’s defi-

nitely diﬀerent. TSD: Has the swayed perception of police sparked a call for reform in Memphis? Cage: Absolutely. No one hates a bad cop more than a good cop because it makes us all look bad.

TSD: How do you feel about the impact the MPA has had on the MPD and the city of Memphis? Cage: Over the years, we have done so much to get other members involved. We’ve changed the look of the MPA. Our board is more diverse, there are more women who are involved, and our membership, overall, is more informed. We’ve also created the Memphis Police Association Charitable Foundation, where we assist oﬃcers who may have a life-changing event – their house burns down, they lose a child, etc. Through the Foundation, we also help kids

in the community, and support officers who have nonprofits, and host community efforts. The Charitable Foundation has probably been one of the most rewarding things that the MPA has put in place. TSD: This year, Memphis has had an alarming number of homicides. In July alone, there were 43, the highest number of homicides in one month in the city’s history thus far. Do you think the pandemic has played a role in the rapid increase, and what do you think can be done by both law enforcement and the community to curb the violence? Cage: In larger metro areas like Memphis and Chicago, we’re having record years. All I can think is that it’s linked to the pandemic, but I don’t know if there are any connections with a lot of the victims. It’s disheartening to see the numbers. We have to get more officers so that we can do more outreach in communities, but we also have to be accountable ourselves. As members of the community, if we know somebody did something, we have to tell law enforcement. Call it snitching if you want to, but I call it getting a killer off the street. The police can’t be everywhere at once. We can’t see everything. We need the help of the citizens.

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, September 10 - 16, 2020, Page 4

‘War hero’ and Memphis native John Williams ‘no loser or sucker’ by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Ret. Col. John Williams has logged a stellar career as a standout fighter pilot in the Vietnam War and a retired Jr. ROTC instructor in DeKalb County (Ga.) Public Schools. That combination warranted an invitation as a featured guest on recent Sunday morning broadcast on the gospel-formatted WLOK radio station. “We thought Col. Williams’ visit to our Sunday broadcast this past weekend would be a timely one, given the American president alleging to have called prisoners of war (POWs) and those who have been killed in battle ‘losers and suckers,’ said Dr. William Young, founding bishop of The Healing Center church. Williams, 76, is a former POW. Speaking from his home in Atlanta, he shared his experiences with the radio listening audience, answering questions along the way. In 1972, five full years before the Vietnam War ended, Williams’ fighter plane was shot down. He survived the encounter and was taken as a prisoner to the “Hanoi Hilton,” nickname for the infamous Hanoi prison camp ,where the late Sen. John McCain also was held. McCain was shot down in 1967. Williams and McCain met when all the prisoners were let out into the prison camp’s courtyard to congregate. They were about to be sent home. In November of last year, Williams and several other Vietnam War veterans returned to Vietnam. They met ex-soldiers, who once were their enemies, and revisited sites of battles and other landmarks. Williams talked about his experience going back to the prison camp where he was held and sometimes, beaten. It was a “healing mission,” said Williams of the experience of going back to the prison camp where he was held and sometimes beaten. “We made it clear that we were not there representing the United

States, but we were there on a healing mission,” he said. “It was emotional, but it was, indeed, healing.” Dr. Rick Miller, also a Vietnam vet, went back on that trip with Williams. “Col. Williams handled the visit to the prison camp a lot better than we did,” said Miller. “It was very emotional for us, but he handled it with class, dignity and grace. He really is a war hero, and he should be honored.” As to whether President Trump labeled soldiers such as he and Williams “losers” and “suckers,” Miller said, “It’s so politicized on both sides. …I don’t know if he called POWs and those who died in battle ‘losers and suckers.’ “There’s no denying what he said about John McCain. He said that, and we all know he said it. But the rest of it could just be speculation.” D.T. Nguyen, who now lives in Dallas, also went back on the “healing mission.” He was a young boy, who escaped as one of the “boat people,” in 1975 when Saigon fell. “I have been back before,” said Nguyen, who acted as an interpreter for the soldiers returning and those who welcomed them back. “My family all made it out on that boat. There were 300 people on that boat. We were all rescued and taken to Guam.” Nguyen serves on the board of Valor Veteran, a non-profit organization that works with veterans to help relieve PTSD (post traumatic stress syndrome) issues and emotional trauma that military personnel sometimes deal with when returning to civilian life. Williams spent nearly 11 months in captivity. Part of the time he was was kept in solitary confinement because he had “a bad attitude.” “I had been in the country for nearly a year, and I was flying my 228th combat mission when I was shot down,” said Williams. “I had only 40 more days before I was returning home. I can’t repeat what I said when I realized I had been shot down.” During the interrogation, Wil-

Ret. Col. James Williams ﬁnds himself in a photo of prisoners of war held at the “Hanoi Hilton” prison camp in Vietnam.

Those pictured include (l-r) Dr. Rick Miller, D.T. Nguyen and Ret. Col. James Williams. liams was asked about the number of missions he had ﬂown. His answer was that he had just gotten to Vietnam two or three weeks before his plane was shot down. His interrogators called him a liar and the result was solitary conﬁnement for his “bad attitude.” While imprisoned, Williams learned the system of hand gestures and tap codes, which POWs used to communicate with one another. “Nguyen’s father was one of the South Vietnamese working in the prison camp,” Williams recalls. “When he had some news for us, he would come close to a window and start whistling, ‘God

After nearly 40 years, Ret. Col. James Williams finally got his “champagne flight.” This is the celebratory flight given to all fighter Air Force pilots after they fly their last mission. (Courtesy photos)

Bless America.’” Of the 662 prisoners at the “hotel” where he was held prisoner, 16 were African Americans. For Floyd, the return visit came with a ﬂood of memories and a chance to meet with former captors and soldiers who had fought against the Americans. “We got a chance to meet and talk through an interpreter,” said Williams. “We initially thought I would be able to meet the pilot who shot me down, but he was deceased. I did meet his widow and gifted her my Air Force lapel pin.” Williams now sits on the POW Advisory Committee of the U.S.

Department of Veterans Aﬀairs. He chose not to comment about the losers-suckers remarks being attributed to President Trump. Anita Williams-King, a FedEx executive and Williams’ sister, ﬁelded the subject matter this way: “Knowing my brother, Col. James Williams, his character, the love of his country and his record of service, I can tell anyone that he is far from being a loser or a sucker. “Our family is proud of him. Our parents were proud of what he accomplished. I have no qualms about calling my brother just what he is – an American hero.”

Information • Inspiration • Elevation Published by Best Media Properties, Inc. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Mailed subscriptions to The New Tri-State Defender are available upon request. One Year, $35.00; Two Years, $60.00. Request can be emailed to subscriptions@tsdmemphis.com or mailed to Subscriptions, The New TriState Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN, 38103. Delivery may take one week. President Calvin Anderson Associate Publisher/ Executive Editor Karanja A. Ajanaku

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The New Tri-State Defender

September 10 - 16, 2020

Page 5

RELIGION

Memorial and ‘Celebration Service’ set for Dr. Ydell Ishmon at Boston Baptist by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Members of Boston Baptist Church will commemorate their long-time pastor Dr. Ydell Ishmon with a series of events at the church this weekend. Dr. Ishmon, 67, who led the congregation for 23 years, died Sept. 2. “I’m just in shock right now, just so grieved that my mentor is gone,” said the Rev. Gerald Rayborn. “He had been my mentor for over 40 years, and we were very close. “He wasn’t feeling well, went to the hospital, and they kept him a couple of days. He seemed to get better when his children came to see him.” On Friday (Sept. 11), from 4 p.m. to 5:55p.m., a viewing will be held. At 6 p.m., a memorial service will begin. On Saturday (Sept. 12), from 11 a.m.-11:55 a.m., a second viewing will be held. At noon, a “Celebration Service” is scheduled. The church is located at 4226 Jackson Ave. Serenity Funeral Home has charge of services and COVID-19 guidelines will be followed. The Rev. Joseph Claiborne,

Last April, Dr. Ydell Ishmon, who was one of the prayer chairmen for the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association, prayed in place at Branch of Christ in keeping with the association’s call for a day of prayer amid the pandemic. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley) Rev. Ydell Ishmon Ishmon’s personal minister and the prelate presently in charge of the congregation, said “Bostonians” are ﬁlled with both “sadness and joy.” “We feel sadness because there will never be another Dr. Ydell Ishmon Sr…but joyful because he taught us how to prepare for a better day in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ.” A ﬂood of tributes and expressions of sympathy were posted on social media as news of Ishmon’s death spread. Tennessee School of Religion posted on Facebook: “Rev. Dr. Ydell Ishmon will always be remembered for his love of God, family, the people of God, and the

Tennessee School of Religion.” WLOK Radio asked everyone to keep Boston Baptist Church and the Ishmon family in prayer, ending its post with: “…Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to you all! Earth has no sorrow that heaven can not heal!” Dr. Ishmon was born on Dec. 26, 1952, and was converted at the age of 9 at Jerusalem Baptist Church. He gained pastor experience a teen and was a pastor for more than ﬁve decades. A graduate of White’s Chapel Elementary School, he attended Westwood High School, and graduated from Whitehaven High School. Dr. Ishmon earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis and earned a master’s degree from the A. E. Campbell

School of Religion in Memphis. He attended Lane Avenue Theological Seminary and the American Baptist Theological Seminary in Nashville, earning his doctorate. Dr. Ishmon continued his formal, higher education at Pepperdine University, where he received another master’s degree. The Tennessee School of Religion presented him with an honorary doctorate. “Dr. Ishmon was the master of ceremonies of all of my birthday celebrations, pastors’ banquets, everything we had,” said Rayborn. “Things just won’t be the same. Every time he would walk in, they would say, ‘Here comes Ish,’ or ‘Ish is here.’ He always had a joke or something funny to say. We’re really going to miss him.”

Dr. Ishmon was full-time pastor of two churches before leading Boston Baptist Church after Pastor Oris Mays died. The Rev. Mays was an iconic gospel singer and songwriter. Dr. Ishmon is past president of Panola County Ministerial Alliance, the African-American Religious Connection, past executive oﬃcer of Sardis District Association, 2015 host of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., and president of Ydell Ishmon Christian Education. He was a trustee of Tennessee School of Religion at the time of his death. Dr. Ishmon leaves three sons, four daughters, two brothers, four sisters, 33 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

All things are possible...

Together in service...

Sheriﬀ Floyd Bonner Jr. joined in the celebration as Mission Possible: COSM (Christian Outreach Service Mission), began a monthlong observance of 40 years of service. The organization was founded by Thelma Nelms. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Bishop Charles H. Mason Patterson Sr. and ﬁrst lady LaShaundra Cox Patterson during an outside celebration of Pastor & Wife Anniversary Sunday at Pentecostal Temple Church of God and Christ. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

The New Tri-State Defender, September 10 - 16, 2020, Page 6

Boseman’s death underscores colorectal cancer, younger adults and health gaps by Franklin G. Berger theconversation.com

The tragic death of Chadwick Boseman at age 43 following a four-year battle against colorectal cancer underscores two important public health concerns. First, the incidence of colorectal cancer has risen dramatically among adults under age 50 in the U.S. and in many countries around the world. Second, African Americans have a much greater likelihood of being diagnosed and dying from the disease at any age. Both issues are important to the public health community and efforts are ongoing to address them. Colorectal cancer remains a major source of cancer incidence and death in the U.S. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2020, about 147,950 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 53,200 will die from the disease, making it the fourth most prevalent form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer mortality. As a scientist conducting basic research on colorectal cancer, I have been generally aware of these sobering trends. Increases in adults younger than 50 In 2017, Dr. Rebecca Siegel and colleagues published detailed and compelling statistical data clearly bringing the issue into sharp focus, stimulating greater coverage in the media. Analysis of trends in colorectal cancer incidence and mortality have clearly shown a decline in the general U.S. population overall during the past few decades. Unfortunately, this has not been the case for young adults. For example, incidence has decreased by an average of 4% per year between 2007 and 2016 in those over 65 years of age, in contrast to an increase of 1.4% per year during the same period in those under 50. The observed decrease in older adults is likely due to preventive screening, which is recommended and advocated for people over 50 and has been undertaken by a larger fraction of the population. Similarly, colorectal cancer mortality has declined by 3% per year between 2008 and 2017 in those over 65, while it has increased by 1.3% per year in those under 50. The American Cancer Society predicts 17,930 new cases of colorectal cancer within the under-50 population and 3,640 deaths in 2020. Expectations are that the fraction of cases occurring in young adults will increase even more over the next decade, and may carry over to those over 50. I have met a number of young people, including several in their 20s and 30s, who had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and were in the midst of fighting it. I have also met parents who lost young adult children to the disease, and were still trying to understand how this could have happened. I have been struck by the intensity and complexity of emotions displayed by these people, including anger, resentment, embarrassment, hopelessness, fear and resolve. While a cancer diagnosis at any age is scary and disorienting, it extracts a particularly powerful psychological and social toll on young adults. What is causing the increase in young adults? We do not know for certain. Several studies have indicated that the disease in young people is different with regard to the specific location of the tumor within the colon or rectum. Also, the pathology, genetics and response to treatment differ. Lifestyle trends, such as overweight and obesity, lack of physical activity and changing diets, have

been suggested to play roles. Studies have indicated that obesity is associated with increased risk of early-onset colorectal cancer in women. While these trends may contribute, they are not fully explanatory. Physicians have told me anecdotally that many of their younger patients are thin, fit, physically active and in general good health, suggesting that something else must be going on. What could that something else be? One intriguing possibility may lie in the billions of microbes, collectively termed the microbiota, that live on and within our bodies. Preliminary findings reported at the 2020 Gastrointestinal Symposium recently indicated that there may be differences between the microbiota within tumors from younger versus older colorectal cancer patients.

Actor Chadwick Boseman at the GQ Men of the Year party at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, Dec. 3, 2015. (Photo: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Microbes that make up the microbiome aﬀect health in diﬀerent ways. (Image: Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock.com)

African Americans and colorectal cancer The death of Boseman has also underscored the long-standing racial disparity for colorectal cancer. African Americans suffer from high incidences and mortalities, regardless of age. Incidence in African Americans was 18% higher than in whites during 2012-2016, while mortality was 38% higher during the same period. For reasons we do not yet know, incidence in younger African Americans has been relatively stable in contrast to that in younger whites. Increased incidence and death from colorectal cancer in African Americans is likely a consequence of lower rates of screening, as well as environmental, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. Reduction of the disparities may depend upon addressing these factors. Screening can prevent colorectal cancer Screening for colorectal cancer not only detects the disease but is also highly effective in preventing it. Screening can readily identify precancerous growths called polyps, as well as early-stage cancers. These often can be removed before they progress to life-threatening stages. Any of a number of methods for colorectal cancer screening are now available, including colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, imaging and several stoolbased tests. In addition, research is underway to find

Precancerous growths called polyps can be easily removed during a colonoscopy. (Image: Sezer33/Shutterstock.com) new methods for colorectal cancer screening based upon analysis of easily obtained body ﬂuids such as blood and urine. Based upon the knowledge that about 90% of colorectal cancer cases occurs in those 50 and over, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force currently recommends that screening should begin at age 50 for those who have no predisposing symptoms. This population is experiencing the decrease in colorectal cancer incidence and death that is currently being observed overall. But screening is not typically recommended for those under 50, and most health insurers do not pay for screening in this group. This lack of screening, combined with a general lack of awareness about colorectal cancer and its symptoms among young people can result in late diagnoses. Later diagnoses can often result in more advanced stages of the disease, when it is harder to treat and signiﬁcantly more lethal. Recently, the American Cancer Society recommended lowering the screening age to 45, in order to catch a good percentage of the younger people whose risk may be

increasing. Health-related professional organizations such as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have yet to adopt them. This may change, as discussions are ongoing. There is also a need to increase screening in the African American community. At present, recommendations vary. In contrast to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the CDC, the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force recommends that screening in African Americans should begin at age 45 rather than 50. I hope these inﬂuential organizations will reach a consensus on this issue. Sorting out the causes of age and race disparities in colorectal cancer incidences and mortalities, and understanding the nature of the disease more thoroughly, will take time. As Boseman’s untimely death reminds us, colorectal cancer is a diﬃcult and emotional disease for all people at any age. Awareness of signs and symptoms, along with engagement in screening as appropriate, will lead to the eventual eradication of the disease as a major form of cancer.

The New Tri-State Defender

September 10 - 16, 2020

Page 7

ENTERTAINMENT

The Black Effect Podcast Network makes history by building its own by Jay Conner The Root

Much like the rest of the entertainment industry, despite all of the money and resources being thrown around, the wonderful world of podcasts is still very much a game of have and have nots – especially for Black creatives. Joe Budden’s exodus from Spotify highlights how Black creators are habitually devalued by media companies despite our tremendous influence and the profits we generate. So in order to balance the scales and create more equitable opportunities for talented Black podcasters, Charlamagne Tha God has revealed his plans to correct course. On Wednesday, the polarizing radio host announced the launch of The Black Effect Podcast Network, which will provide much-needed perspectives on myriad topics that directly impact the Black community. From pop culture to social justice and mental health, The Black Effect Podcast Network seeks to educate, enlighten and entertain audiences while putting money and muscle behind some of the most influential Black voices of today. iHeartMedia, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher in the world, will partner with the Radio Hall of Fame inductee on this endeavor as part of a historic joint venture. “Blackness has an immediate, culture-shifting effect on everything,” Charlamagne said in a statement provided to The Root. “Blackness controls the cool. Blackness is the culture, but Black Voices are not monolithic. The only way to appreciate the diversity of thought and experiences in Black culture is to build a platform for those voices to be heard. Unapologetically Black experiences, unapologetically Black thought, unapologetically Black ideas. “The vision for The Black Effect is to amplify, elevate, and empower emerging and established talent. Our goal is to shift the narrative from Black creators signing transactional deals, to instead forming legacy partnerships that build generational wealth while allowing each creative to have an equitable stake in their future. As a long-time partner of iHeart, it’s an honor to make history with them.” The roster for The Black Effect will feature some of the biggest names in entertainment, including N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN’s ubiquitous “Drink Champs,” Karlos Miller and DC Young Fly’s “The 85 South Show,” and Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson’s “All of the Smoke.” Charlagmane’s own “The Breakfast Club,” which he co-hosts with DJ Envy and Angela Yee, will serve as the

Lenard Larry McKelvey, known professionally as Charlamagne tha God, has moved to balance the scales and create more equitable opportunities for talented Black podcasters. (Photo: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images) network’s flagship show. Other noteworthy shows on the network include “Whoreable Decisions,” Tamika Mallory and Mysonne’s “Street Politicians” and Eboni K. Williams’ “Holding Court.” The network will also produce “exciting limited series podcasts in conjunction with various high wattage creators and talent, musical artists, actors, actresses, sports and literary superstars to support their upcoming films, music releases and related projects.” In addition to iHeartMedia, The Black Effect Network will also be backed by PepsiCo Beverages and media communications agency OMD Worldwide. “We knew we wanted to support this groundbreaking partnership as soon as Charlamagne and iHeart shared

their vision for the network,” Katie Haniﬀy, PepsiCo Beverages Head of Media, said in a statement. “This opportunity connects our brands to consumers through the newer trusted medium of podcasting, and more importantly, supports the overall PepsiCo strategic initiative to invest in Black communities and support diverse voices.” It can’t be understated how much of a major power move this is for Black creators, and hopefully, it will serve as a catalyst for equitable changes throughout the rest of the podcast industry. (Jay Connor: Menace to supremacy. Founder of Extraordinary Ideas and co-host and producer of The Extraordinary Negroes podcast.)

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, September 10 - 16, 2020, Page 8

Revolutionizing how the world makes plastic products by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Environmentalists have dreamed of biodegradable plastic products that break down and revert back into natural elements. It’s the stuff of futuristic vision and a scientific pursuit of multi-million-dollar firms all over the country. Without the backing of millions of dollars or the influence of a prestigious university science program, one woman managed to accomplish the impossible. Sharina Perry, who spoke with The New Tri-State Defender during a recent, market-enhancing visit to the Memphis area, developed Utopia Plastix. The Oklahoma-based company produces a natural, plantbased resin that allows for the production of plastic products that Perry markets as actually good for the environment. Utopia Plastix is a patented replacement for traditional, petroleum-based plastic. The plant-based resin can replace anything made of plastic. Manufacturers across the country have made Perry’s Utopia Plastix one of the most sought-after companies in the world. The resin begins with growers, who are providing raw materials on a large scale to accommodate the volume of finished product that manufacturers need.

As the first and only African-American woman to develop this process, Perry said it was all “in God’s plan.” Biodegradable plastics are made from all-natural plant materials, according to environmentalists. And Perry is on the cutting edge of how plastic products will be made in the future. Similar plastic products are made with orange peels, starch and, like Perry’s resin, plants. Traditional plastic is made with chemical fillers that can be harmful to the environment when released as discarded plastic is melted down. Biodegradable plastics are commonly produced with renewable raw materials (or renewables), micro-organisms, petrochemicals or a combination of all three. Perry flew to Memphis last month to cultivate a few farming connections for Utopia Plastixs. “Memphis has always been an important hub of the Mid-South,” said Perry. “The proximity to rural, farming communities in the TriState area and shipping capability on the Mississippi River makes it an ideal location to connect with Utopia Plastix.” Her business model is to own every step of the resin-making process. Perry is most excited about the global impact Utopia Plastix is having on the planet’s future. She began her Utopia journey by

first asking some hard questions and then looking for one solution that would answer them all. Caring for the environment was at the forefront. “We asked ourselves a number of questions: How do we solve the plastic problem without creating another? How do we make a global impact? How do we keep employees of manufacturers in their jobs? “How do we avoid having manufacturers spend large amounts of money modifying their equipment? How do we slow global warming? How do we save bio-systems in the environment and how do we make consumers environmentally conscious without totally changing consumer habits?” Perry said Utopia Plastix answered those questions with what she calls “intentional execution.” The process of making the biodegradable resin employs a business model that includes farming, processing, manufacturing, and distribution. Perry works with other growers and companies to move the resin from seed to finished product. Perry didn’t start out to invent a material to make biodegradable plastic products, and her path was fraught with challenges and setbacks. She methodically assembled a team of researchers to create Utopia’s resin. USDA-approved crops are used, which absorb carbon at 4-5 times the

Judge blocks Tennessee law that limits new voter mail voting by Jonathan Mattise The Associated Press

Sharina Perry, who spoke with The New Tri-State Defender during a recent, market-enhancing visit to the Memphis area, developed Utopia Plastix, a plant-based resin that allows for the production of environment-friendly plastic. (Courtesy photo) rate of trees. Manufacturers not only love the environmentally friendly products from Utopia’s resin, but they do not have to replace existing manufacturing equipment. Their new “plastix” products are also cheaper than other plant-based alternatives. “It’s a win-win for everybody,” Perry said. “As I reflect on the impact our product is having on manufacturing in this country, I am humbled. I am grateful. This was all in God’s plan. It’s just that simple. God did it.” (Perry’s product was patented earlier this summer. For additional information, go to info@utopiaok. com.)

The Allworld Project Management, LLC team has landed a major contract to help the city meet storm-water-related challenges. (Courtesy photo)

Record-setting stormwater contract gives Allworld a performance showcase

TSD Newsroom The largest award to a minority engineering firm in the city’s history puts Allworld Project Management in charge of leading the Stormwater Program for the City of Memphis. Allworld Project Management, LLC (AWPM) will be responsible for managing activities and associated contracts related to planning, design, and construction for stormwater infrastructure improvements. The four-year program budget is approximately $19 million. “Our vision is for this program to be an example of how a minority firm can perform at the same level of service as majority firms,” said Michael Hooks Jr., AWPM’s CEO. “We are grateful that we have another opportunity to showcase the talents of our employees and partner firms with positive social and environmental impacts on our community.” A professional and technical engineering, geospatial, and consulting solution provider, AWPM was

founded in 2010 with 42 full-time associates. Its track record includes performing water resource services for eight years in Memphis, Jackson, TN, Vicksburg, MS, Meridian, MS, and Birmingham, AL. “Allworld Project Management was competitively selected and has assembled an experienced and capable team to lead this program,” said Robert Knecht, Memphis’ director of public Works. “We look forward to continuing our efforts to mitigate stormwater related challenges in the City of Memphis.” Leading the program is AWPM Program Manager and former City of Memphis Director of Engineering John Cameron, PE and Deputy Program Manager Kimbra Toney-Bernard. The program will employ many Memphis businesses. The AWPM program team includes the engineering firms of Black and Veatch Corporation, Neal Schaffer, Inc. and local MWBE’s ABES Engineering, Inc., and SR Consulting, LLC. “In my time as mayor, one of my top priorities has been to contract

with the highest quality contractors and professionals and to increase our minority and women-owned business spend by City government,” Mayor Jim Strickland said. “We’ve worked extremely hard to get to where we are today, and this contract with Allworld is further proof that what we’re doing is working. I look forward to continuing to help grow our local MWBE firms as we move forward.” First Horizon Bank is partnering with AWPM to secure a dedicated line of credit to fund program activities for MWBE firms. The partnership will allow all MWBE’s on the program to be paid within 30 days of invoice approval. AWPM recently became one of a few minority and Tennessee companies certified as a B-Corporation. “This certification reconfirms the commitment we made ten years ago when we launched with core values that commit to respecting our people and environment,” said Brent Hooks, CAO/Co-Owner, Allworld Project Management, LLC. “By certifying as a B Corp, we

have met the highest levels of verified social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. AWPM is committed to creating even more impact in the years to come through our services and the people with whom we work.” “We’re proud to welcome Allworld Project Management to the community of Certified B Corporations,” said Andy Fyfe, B Corporation. “With their specialties in development, construction, and engineering, they are using their business as a force for good by building communities and opportunities in their hometown of Memphis, and across the Southern U.S. As a Black-owned business, their leadership will be invaluable to B Lab and the B Corp community’s shared goal of creating a more equitable and inclusive economy that works for everyone.” (To learn more about AWPM, visit www.allworldpm.com.)

NASHVILLE – A federal judge on Wednesday blocked a Tennessee law for the November election that bars first-time voters from casting ballots by mail unless they show identification at an election office beforehand. U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson in Nashville ordered the preliminary injunction in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, assuring that he did so without concern “about how his decisions could aid one side or the other on the political front.” The judge wrote that the state argued for its law, which plaintiffs say affected an estimated 128,000 newly registered voters last election cycle, through “a non-existent” congressional requirement and congressional intent. Tennessee has about 4.1 million registered voters. “The Court concludes that the requested injunction would favorably impact the public interest because as discussed above, it would serve to prevent what, based on the current record, likely would be a violation of the First Amendment right to vote enjoyed by the American citizenry,” Richardson wrote. The ruling deals another twist in court for Tennessee’s vote-by-mail laws during a pandemic. A state court judge in June ordered that all eligible voters should have an absentee voting option during the health crisis, and that ruling was carried out during the Aug. 6 primary. However, the state kept enforcing the first-time voter requirement, which the state judge said the plaintiffs failed to bring up before her ruling. Then the state Supreme Court overturned the absentee expansion last month, restoring the excuse-based absentee voting system and citing the state’s promise — made for the first time in front of the high court — that people can vote by mail if they believe they or someone in their care faces a higher risk of COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions. Republican Secretary of State Tre Hargett’s office declined to comment on Wednesday’s ruling, citing the pending litigation. Under the order, Hargett’s office has to publicize the change, including on his office’s website. Richardson, a Trump appointee, had already ruled against two other requests from plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit: To change the state’s signature-matching requirement for absentee voting and to block a law that includes criminal penalties for distribution of certain absentee voting forms by anyone but election officials. The plaintiffs are having a second try at getting the absentee form penalties blocked after disagreement over which of two similar laws was actually in question. One of the groups that led the lawsuit, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said the “court recognized that forcing voters to choose between voting and their health violates the Constitution” with the first-time voter ruling. “This decision means that first-time voters in Tennessee who registered by mail or online – and there are tens of thousands of them, many of whom are young – can vote in November by mail, without risking their health,” said Kristen Clarke, the committee’s president and executive director. In terms of the first-time voting requirement, the state has argued it aligns with federal law that addresses how first-time voters who register to vote by mail must provide identification. Richardson, in turn, wrote that the state “offered nothing to show that Congress required or even intended that states impose a first-time voter restriction” with two federal voting laws the state cited. The intent of Congress, Richardson wrote, was “that firsttime, mail-registered voters generally provide identification the first time they vote in the state of registration.” Absentee ballot applications are already being accepted in Tennessee for the Nov. 3 election.

The New Tri-State Defender

September 10 - 16, 2020

Page 9

NEWS

As Gov. Lee pushes for in-person learning, nearly all students in state-run district are learning online by Laura Faith Kebede Chalkbeat Tennessee

When school started at Whitney Achievement Elementary School in Memphis last week, just 13 of its 234 students were signed up to return in person. Across the 24 schools in the state-run Achievement School District, 96 percent of about 8,800 students are learning online. At ﬁve of those schools, parents had the option to send their children to school buildings, but 75 percent of them opted for virtual learning. The Tennessee Department of Education created the Achievement district in 2012 to take over and improve low-performing schools, mostly by turning them over to charter operators. Gov. Bill Lee has urged school districts to reopen for in-person instruction, and the state has generated hundreds of pages of guidance to help make that happen. But in the schools run by his administration, parents are not convinced. Charles Lampkin, a parent at

Cornerstone Prep Denver in Frayser, said he prayed about whether to send his two sons back to class or to keep them home. He ultimately decided that they would start the school year remotely. “I kept hearing in my spirit: safer at home,” he said. Lampkin has diabetes, and while he’s lost 240 pounds to improve his health, he remains at an elevated risk were he to contract COVID-19. “We follow every one of those guidelines,” he said, referring to recommendations from health officials to wear masks, wash hands, and keep 6 feet away from others. Cornerstone, part of one of the state district’s charter school operators, initially offered both in-person and online options, but after a parent survey showed that 85 percent of students would be learning from home, they went all virtual. The first day of school there was pushed two days to Sept. 2, after someone connected to the school tested positive for COVID-19 just as staff were about to distribute laptops to students who would be

Libertas School of Memphis was one of five in the state-run Achievement School District to offer in-person instruction. (Photo: Laura Faith Kebede/Chalkbeat) learning online. Laptop distribution was delayed and all students are learning online until at least Sept. 14, according to a district letter to parents. The district’s spokeswoman, Hope Soriano-McCrary, declined a Chalkbeat request for an interview and a visit to a state-run school offering in-person instruction “to decrease potential exposure to our students and staff.” In pushing for in-person learning across the state, Gov. Lee has said that students learning online miss out on quality instruction, mental health services, and the watchful eye of a teacher if there

is suspected child abuse. “There are so many reasons why it is not safe or best for children to stay home if – if – we can provide them a safe alternative, which includes in-person learning,” he said last month on a conservative talk show hosted by the pro-voucher organization Beacon Center of Tennessee. He also said parents should have the option to have their child learn from home. “We’ve got to do both, and we’ve got to do it safely, and we’ve got to advance and move forward and go ahead and storm the beach,” Lee said. “We can’t

just sit back out here until all of us die. We have to move forward and accomplish what needs to get done in this state.” Some schools across the state have already had to close temporarily because of coronavirus cases. Since Tennessee districts began opening in late July, the number of coronavirus cases has nearly doubled among those under age 20 from 15,351 to 29,442, according to the Tennessee Department of Health. (Chalkbeat Tennessee bureau chief Jacinthia Jones contributed to this story.)

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The New Tri-State Defender, September 10 - 16, 2020, Page 10

At every level, David “Smokey” Gaines made an impact by Terry Davis Special to The New Tri-State Defender

In the world of basketball, David “Smokey” Gaines was a phenom as a player and coach. The sharp-shooting guard, who died Sept. 5, was a standout at LeMoyne College (now LeMoyne-Owen), the Harlem Globetrotters and with the Kentucky Colonels of the old American Basketball Association. “He was a very flamboyant person. Bigger than life. He made people feel good,” said William Anderson, the current head basketball coach of the LeMoyne-Owen Magicians. The 80-year-old Gaines died of cancer, his family said. He also contracted COVID-19, The Detroit News reported. The Detroit native had made Memphis his home. Gaines gained his nickname because of his sharpshooting on Detroit playgrounds, the News reported. Gaines was an All-State selection in Michigan in 1959. He played for LeMoyne College under legendary Coach

Jerry Johnson from 1959-63. From 1963-67, he traveled the world, playing for the world-famous Globetrotters. In January 2006, Gaines was the 24th person in team history to be honored with the prestigious “Legends” Ring presented to retired Globetrotters who have made a major contribution to the success and development of the Hall of Fame organization. “Each honoree exemplifies the Harlem Globetrotters’ humanitarian contributions and it’s the second highest honor a former player can receive outside of jersey retirement,” according to the team’s website. Gaines briefly played basketball for the Kentucky Colonels of the American Basketball Association. And, he was a winning coach. “Smokey was a motivator, he just had his way of doing it and he got the most out of you,” Earl Cureton, one of Gaines’ Detroit Mercy players, told The Detroit News. “We had one of our most successful seasons when he took over, but he just wasn’t a

David “Smokey” Gaines during an interview reflecting on his tenure as coach at San Diego St. University. (Image: YouTube)

With legendary coach Jerry Johnson at the helm, David “Smokey” Gaines (second from right) was part of the 1961 LeMoyne basketball team. (LOC yearbook photo) great coach, he was a great individual. He came from some hard times and made his way out and reached his dream of playing with the Globetrotters and in the ABA.” According to the Los Angeles Times, Gaines was a nightclub owner, a comedian, a promoter, a single-digit handicap golfer and even a furniture salesman.

He was a believer in education, earning a master’s degree in 1970 from Eastern Michigan University. Gaines began coaching at Detroit-Mercy as a part-time assistant under Dick Vitale in 1973 and took over when Vitale stepped down after the 1976-77 season. During his two seasons at

Hands man!... UofM star wide receiver Damonte Coxie was a tough cover for Arkansas State in the Tigers’ 37-24 opening-season victory at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium Saturday night. (Courtesy photo)

Welldeserved honor... Ja Morant, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, is the Kia NBA Rookie of the Year and 99 of the 100 first place votes went to him. He is the second player in Memphis Grizzlies history to win the award. Pau Gasol netted the honor in the franchise’s first year in Memphis (2001-02). (Courtesy photo)

Mercy, Gaines’ first team went 25-4 and made the NIT quarterfinals. The next season, the Titans were 22-6 and made the NCAA Tournament, falling in the first round. Gaines became the first African-American to coach a Division 1 basketball program in the state of California when he accepted the coaching position at San Diego State University in 1979. He was the conference coach of the year in 1984-85 when he led the Aztecs to a 23-8 record and won the conference tournament and played in the NCAA Tournament. His 20 victories in the 1981-82 season marked the first time the Aztec program reached that plateau since joining Division I for the 1970-71 season. He compiled a record of

112-117 in eight seasons with the Aztecs. Chester Collins, a teammate of Gaines when he played at LeMoyne, kept their friendship for life. He was in continual contact with Gaines and was happy for his success with playing for the Globetrotters and leading a team to the NCAA tournament. “Even as a freshman David was a heck of a player. He was a very good guard and played very loose,” said Collins. Gaines returned to LeMoyne-Owen as basketball coach and athletic director from 2005 to 2008. For several years, Gaines was also the head of the Memphis Interscholastic Athletic Association for the legend Memphis City Schools.

Ticket giveaway for film featuring LOC’s ‘1st Forgotten Champions’ TSD Newsroom The Jerry C. Johnson Foundation is giving away free tickets for Sunday’s (Sept. 13) virtual airing of “1st Forgotten Champions: The Legacy of Jerry C. Johnson” during the 2020 Burbank International Film Festival. The documentary chronicles the life and times of award-winning Coach Jerry C. Johnson, who served for 46 years as the head men’s basketball coach at LeMoyne-Owen College. During his career, Coach Johnson led the Magicians to many victories. His most notable achievement, however, was the 1975 NCAA Division III Championship when he became the first African-American coach to do so and guided LOC to being the first HBCU

to accomplish the task. The 102-year-old Johnson retired from coaching in 2005. The film was produced, directed and written by Memphian Morreco Coleman. The Jerry C. Johnson Foundation is purchasing tickets for the film’s virtual showing and will give them away, for free, to the first 100 people to email jcjfoundationmemphis@ gmail.com. The email must contain the person’s legal name, email and phone number. Only one request can be made per person. Tickets also can be purchased for $20 on the festival’s website: https://burbankfilmfest.festivee.com/1st-forgotten-champions. For more information about the Johnson Foundation visit http://jcjfoundation.org/.

The New Tri-State Defender

September 10 - 16, 2020

SPORTS

CLASSIFIEDS

Southern Heritage Classic fans can REWIND on game day TSD Newsroom Forced to the bench by concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, The Southern Heritage Classic presented by FedEx is about to get back in the game, so to speak. During what is dubbed the “REWIND,” Tennessee State University and Jackson State University will face oﬀ Saturday (Sept. 12) at 7 p.m. CT in an encore presentation of the 2017 Southern Heritage Classic (SHC) football game between the long-time rivals. SHC teamed up with SCS Telecommunications Center for SHC REWIND, which will stream in prime time on multiple platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV. According to SHC Founder Fred Jones, the REWIND is the answer to the most common question he’s received since June 17th when he announced that the 31st Southern Heritage Classic was canceled due to COVID-19. “Everyone wanted to know, ‘What are we going to do?’ I knew we had to do something. The fans wanted it, and they deserve it. So, I’m pleased to announce that we are going to watch great HBCU football on our electronic devices in the comfort of our homes or wherever we are,” said Jones. “Fans can get together to watch the game, following

Page 11

“I’m pleased to announce that we are going to watch great HBCU football on our electronic devices in the comfort of our homes or wherever we are.” — Fred Jones recommended social distancing guidelines, and cheer for their favorite team, groove to the bands, and enjoy a spectacular half-time show.” The featured REWIND game was one of the most exciting games in SHC history with great plays being made until the very end. And for those he did not attend the 2017 Classic and somehow didn’t hear about it, don’t worry. We are not going to give you the score here. “We would love to be in the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium together this year but since we can’t, the REWIND is the next best thing,” said Jones. “We hope that everyone will support us by spreading the word and watching the game.” The REWIND is sponsored by Memphis Tourism, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Nike, MLGW and CIGNA. (Visit www.SouthernHeritageClassic.com, for more information and streaming links ahead of game day on Sept. 12.)

PUBLIC NOTICE THE MEMPHIS URBAN AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION In compliance with federal regulations 23 CFR 450, the Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has made available the Draft 2020 Walk and Roll Memphis Region Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan for a 30day public review and comment period, from September 14 – October 14, 2020. These documents will be made available for review online at: https://memphismpo. org. Comments may be submitted to Pragati Srivastava via email at Pragati.Srivastava@memphistn. gov. 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. All inquiries for Title VI and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or for persons with disabilities that require aids or services to participate either in the review of these documents may contact Nick Warren at (901)-636-7146, fax (901)-636-9404, or email Nick. Warren@memphistn.gov to make accessibility arrangements. This notice is funded (in part) under an agreement with the State of TN and MS, Departments of Transportation.

PLAY YOUR CURRENT EOC NUMBER ON THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR ENVELOPE. UNLESS THE LABEL IS COMPLETELY FILLED OUT AND YOUR CURRENT CERTIFICATION NUMBER OR ELIGIBILITY NUMBER IS NOTED THEREON, YOUR BID WILL BE RETURNED TO YOU UNOPENED. IF YOUR LABEL IS LOST OR MISPLACED, PLEASE EMAIL THE BUYER AT THE EMAIL LISTED BELOW TO REQUEST A REPLACEMENT LABEL. This Sealed Bid has a mandatory 20% LOSB participation goal. All bids will be opened and publicly read by the Shelby County Government at the time mentioned above, in the Purchasing Department, Suite 900,160 North Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103. Please submit your responses to: Shelby County Administrator of Purchasing Buyer, Candace Jackson 160 North Main Street, Suite 900 Memphis, TN 38103

THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER CLASSIFIEDS 203 Beale Street, Suite 200 Memphis, TN 38103 PH (901) 523-1818 HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. DEADLINES: Display ads Friday 5 p.m. Classiﬁeds ads Monday 5 p.m. STANDARD RATES: $6.00 per line for 1 column ad. Rates are non-commissionable and are quoted at the net rate. No refund for early cancellation. For additional information contact Sales Dept. at (901) 746-5201 or email: advertising@tsdmemphis.com. GENERAL INFORMATION:

If there are any questions on the above bid, please contact Candace Jackson in writing in the Purchasing Department at candace. jackson@shelbycountytn.gov. Shelby County Government reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informality

Some categories require prepayment. All ads subject to credit approval. 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.

therein. Sincerely, Christin L. Webb, Administrator of Purchasing

FROM EVERYONE AT TVA...

NOTICE TO BIDDERS SEALED BID DUE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2020 AT 2:30PM EMERGENCY MEDICAL SUPPLIES (SB-I000638) Further information regarding this bid is located on the County’s website at https://bids.shelbycountytn.gov/. At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, click on “Purchasing Oﬃce” then “Formal Bid Listing” to locate the name of the above-described Sealed Bid. THE LABEL, WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THIS BID NOTIFICATION, SHALL BE COMPLETELY FILLED OUT AND ATTACHED TO THE BID SUBMISSION ENVELOPE. YOU MUST DIS-

WE HOPE YOU MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LEARNING EXPERIENCE THIS YEAR. WE’RE HERE TO HELP.

We’re Known By the Money you Keep!

Pork Spare Ribs Medium Size. Two Pack Previously Frozen

$ 47 Lb.

Plus 10% Added at Checkout

Chicken Leg Quarters 10 Lb. Bag

$ 27 Plus 10% Added at Checkout

Boston Butt Pork Roast

At TVA, we have plenty of online resources to help students, parents and teachers gain an edge when it comes to advancing STEM studies. And we have many on-staff STEM experts ready to share their stories about their education path and careers at TVA. Find us at: • www.tvastem.com • www.tvakids.com

• www.currentsofchange.net • www.tva.com

Lb.

Plus 10% Added at Checkout Sliced to Order...$1.07 Lb. Plus 10% Added at Checkout

PRICES GOOD SEPTEMBER 2 - SEPTEMBER 15, 2020 MIDTOWN: WHITEHAVEN: SOUTH MEMPHIS: 1620 Madison Ave. 4049 Elvis Presley Blvd. 1977 S. Third St.

tva.com/memphis @TVA_Memphis

facebook.com/TVA

@TVA

linkedin.com/company/tva

See the Memphis Cash Saver grocery ad at memphiscashsaver.com Pub: The Tri-State Defender Insert: September 10, 2020 Size: 5.437" x 10.5"

Client: TVA Job No: TVAM-04821 Title: Memphis STEM Ad

The New Tri-State Defender

September 10 - 16, 2020

Page 12

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That’s why the National Newspaper Publishers Association and the National Association of Hispanic Publications are working with local news providers to build a strong future for local journalism. And that’s why our longtime partner Google is purchasing ads like this in local publications across the country, as well as providing a Relief Fund to help struggling local news outlets. But those actions

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