The New Tri-State Defender – Sept. 20, 2018

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September 20 - 26, 2018

VOL. 67, No. 38

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Outrage!

‘You never know if the next bullet is meant for you’

Police shooting; demonstrations, arrests

by Lee Eric Smith lesmith@tsdmemphis.com

While the Memphis Police Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation try to sort through the events that led to a MPD officer shooting and seriously wounding 25-year-old Martavious Banks, they’re operating without key pieces of evidence.

That evidence? Dashcam and body armor video. And the reason it’s missing is because key officers involved turned their cameras off.

Consequently, that shooting has sparked more outrage in the community and more calls for police trans-

parency.

Dozens of protesters lined Airways Boulevard near MPD’s Airways station Wednesday night, chanting “No Justice! No Peace!” and “I’ve got my hands behind my head! Please don’t shoot me dead!”

At TSD press time, the protest had moved to Gill Avenue and Pillow Street in South Memphis, where Banks was shot. The scene soon became heated; a photojournalist said he witnessed at least five arrests.

Banks’ mother was at the scene.

Earlier in the day, a group of Shelby County Commissioners called for

SEE PROTEST ON PAGE 8

In happier times, Christopher Reed Jr. got a chance to play at New York City’s Rucker Park. Reed is second from the right, twirling a ball on this finger. (Courtesy photo)

Family, coach of slain basketball player grapple with grief

By Damichael Cole Special to The New Tri-State Defender

With Labor Day weekend behind him, Stephond Allmond was sleeping that Tuesday morning, preparing for work like any other day. Meanwhile, Dorsey Sims III was casually watching TV in the morning as he prepared to cut his grass.

Soon, the morning of Sept. 4, 2018 would change drastically for them both.

When Allmond woke up, he had 11 missed calls – eight from his mom, two from his brother and one from an older cousin. And at 6:31a.m., Sims received a call from the mother of Christopher Reed Jr. “Coach,” she said, “I just wanted you to know that my baby was shot and killed.”

Unsure of what he heard, Sims quickly went outside after asking Reed’s mother to repeat herself.

“My knees buckled,” Sims said. “He was a very articulate young man.”

When Allmond— a first-cousin of Reed—

checked his phone, he quickly called his mother back, and she shared with him the same news.

“When she told me, I didn’t feel anything,” Allmond said. “Everything went blank. I tried to wrap my head around why this would happen, and nothing made sense at all.”

Christopher Reed Jr. was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting while at a friend’s house in South Memphis on Farrington St. The shooting happened 10 days after his 18th birthday. The Memphis Police Department is still investigating, and no arrests have been made.

A talented basketball player, Reed was preparing to attend Lemoyne-Owen College. But it was his journey to get there that will leave a lasting impact on those who knew him.

Wounded, but a warrior Reed’s death has impacted many in the Memphis

SEE REED ON PAGE 2

This crew of millennials is involved in the planning of two upcoming sickle cell awareness events. Pictured (l-r): Ashton Davis, Tabatha Marmon, Juveiane Richards and Anthony Smith. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku)

Millennials ‘pushing past the pain’ of sickle cell

by Cathy F. Hart Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Sickle cell “warrior” Juveiane Richards lives with the inherited disease that he knows from experience can deliver episodes of pain known as pain crisis. Often, you can find him in the company of caregiver Ashton Davis at Carpenter’s House at 35 West Brooks Rd. Richards and Davis, a published author and college student, were chilling last week as Michael A.

Jackson, an advocate providing program support for The Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee, started giving a tour of the house that Kenneth Carpenter and his wife, Dr. Terri Carpenter, donated to the foundation five years ago.

After the tour, Richards and Davis talked with The New Tri-State Defender about their perspectives and experiences living with and managing sickle cell, which the Centers

SEE DISEASE ON PAGE 3

New faces, new stances on ending oversight of Juvenile Court John Semien Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris does not want to end federal oversight of the Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County until more is done to en-

sure the welfare of juvenile offenders.

“He (Harris) does not want oversight to end until substantive progress has been made in the treatment of our juvenile offenders,” Danielle Inez, Harris’ administration spokeswoman said in a text statement Tuesday.

The new county mayor’s position on federal oversight of Juvenile Court is in contrast to former County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell Jr.’s stance. In requests last year to the U.S. Department of Justice, Luttrell pushed to end the 2012 memorandum of agreement between the DOJ, Shelby County

and Juvenile Court.

Harris on Monday announced that he is turning to attorney Herman Morris Jr. to replace Judge Paul Summers as settlement coordinator and that Summers’ contract would end in October.

“The recent election brought sweeping changes to county gov-

ernment,” said Harris in a statement released to the media. “One of the mandates that came out of this election was that we take a fresh approach to some of our challenges, like juvenile justice, which have endured for years.

SEE COURT ON PAGE 3

Herman Morris Jr.

The New Tri-State Defender

September 20 - 26, 2018

Page 2

NEWS REED CONTINUED FROM FRONT community because he was yet another young person lost to gun violence. But it was not his first time being at the wrong end of a gun barrel.

Barely a year before his death, Reed was shot in an incident that resulted in the removal of his spleen, Allmond said. Doubts about his basketball career began to creep into his mind. Even after being cleared by doctors, Reed was initially scared to push himself on the court.

But that changed.

Reed attended Manassas High School, and put together an extremely productive year on the court as a senior — all after surviving a shooting roughly three months before the season.

“Not only did he play ball, but he thrived,” Allmond said. “For him to do that, that’s big time maturity.”

Sims agreed.

“He had a strong will, and a stronger desire than most,” Sims added. “Not only did he make a comeback, but he continued to grind.”

In fact, Sims appreciated the grind so much that he selected Reed to play on a summer traveling team designed to help him gain college exposure. The trip included stops at 14 colleges and a visit to Washington D.C. where they met Congressman Steve Cohen. The group also got to play at Harlem’s legendary streetball mecca, Rucker Park.

This wasn’t a normal opportunity for Reed.

He mostly grew up in tough neighborhoods in North and South Memphis. Besides a few trips to Johnson City with cousins and smaller trips here and there, he had never had an opportunity like this.

“Growing up, it wasn’t ever easy,” Allmond said. “We didn’t understand we were living in poverty.”

Close to Mom, Close to Home Other than being identified as “Mrs. Reed,” members of the family would not disclose the full name of Christopher Reed’s mother. She was also unavailable to be interviewed for this story.

But Sims recalled the pride and excitement

Reed’s mother had as she signed the waiver for him to go on the trip – one of several memorable moments from the excursion. Another was when Reed and his teammates visited Coney Island in New York City. Sims said he will carry the smiles and joy of the trip with him forever.

“When he was on that trip, it was hard for him to enjoy it because he wanted his mom to be there,” Allmond said. “She constantly missed him too.”

Before the trip, Reed was undecided on attending college. Part of it was he didn’t want to leave his mother. But he was also worried about previous heart problems he had dealt with before. Allmond said he received a text from Reed that he wanted to go to college but was unsure his heart could handle college hoops.

Meanwhile, the trip did what it was designed to do. Upon returning to Memphis, Reed began to field offers and interest from several colleges – among them Fisk University, UT-Chattanooga and Monroe College in New York. But Reed was so sold on staying home that he passed up an opportunity to play at Lane College with one of his close friends.

Ultimately, Reed chose Lemoyne-Owen – close to home, close to mom. That was in late August.

About a week later, Reed was dead.

Family Ties Reed’s death ended a potentially promising career on the basketball court, Sims said.

“The kid can do things with a basketball a lot of people can’t do,” Sims said, slipping back into present tense. “I think he was a very special young man. I felt like he was one of the ones that was going to do something special.”

Reed was the youngest male of seven cousins. He often was quiet unless he was spoken to at family gatherings, but he always spoke with clarity, and took notice of his older cousins, Allmond said.

Born into an athletic family background, Reed often honored his cousins with his jersey numbers.

“Four or five years after I finished playing, he was wearing the same number – looking just like me playing running back,” Allmond said.

“You never know someone is watching you that close until something like that happens.”

Christopher Reed Jr. and teammates during a visit to the office of Congressman Steve Cohen. (Courtesy photo) Often, the youngest member of the family tends to get harassed a little more, but as Reed got older, that wasn’t the case. Besides the typical tease, and everyone pushing him to play basketball because of his height, he wasn’t treated differently.

“We had to become adults early in our lives,” Allmond said. “Chris was very mature for his age.”

‘You never know if the next bullet is meant for you’ Reed’s tragic death is among the latest in a city that struggles with gun violence.

“Here in Memphis, you never know if the next bullet is meant for you.. you just never know,” Sims said.

The family and Sims hope to use their own pain to help bring awareness to the issue. Allmond and his brother have often used the acronym ‘CLO’ – which stands for ‘Chris lives on.’

“We want to make sure his story is heard to

inspire student-athletes and young men,” Allmond said. “To any of the families that have lost a loved one to gun violence, we want to establish a memory in his name.”

Reed will be honored in New York with a ceremony when Sims takes his group next year. Among those who want to pay respect is Rucker Park legend Bob McCollough and Bobby “Bingo” Smith, a Melrose High School alum who played in the NBA for 11 seasons.

That event next year, along with many other things that the family are planing to do will ensure one thing: Chris Lives On. “Death is one thing,” Sims said. “But to make an impression on people to make them want to honor you is special.”

To help the Reed family with burial costs, make donations payable to: Bank of America C/O Christopher Reed, Jr. 444021318094. To make a tax-deductible gift, send your donation to The Y.E.S. Foundation, P.O. BOX 2143, Memphis, TN 38101.

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The New Tri-State Defender

September 20 - 26, 2018

Page 3

NEWS COURT CONTINUED FROM FRONT “Citizens expect a thorough, sober review of the challenges in our juvenile justice system. They expect Shelby County Government to rehabilitate as many young lives as possible,” Harris said.

“It’s time to put our heads down, wipe our eyes clear, and get to the task. I want to thank Judge Summers for his service to Shelby County and his long career in public service. Additionally, I want to thank our new county attorney for facilitating a smooth transition.”

Luttrell, Juvenile Court Judge Dan H. Michael and former Sheriff Bill Oldham discussed ending the agreement with U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions when he visited Memphis in 2017.

They also sent a formal letter to DOJ saying the shortcomings pinpointed in the DOJ investigation had been fully rectified.

Diane Brown, office manager for the Shelby County Mayor’s Office, said Luttrell traveled to Washington, D.C. to press the county’s case for ending the agreement and asked Harris to accompany him. She said Harris had not been sworn in as mayor and did not go.

Shelby County Commission Chairman Van Turner said, “We have a new county commission and a new mayor. It’s a good time to take a fresh approach to some of these challenges.

“Many of the youngsters who get caught up in this world of criminal justice can be saved. We want to eliminate as much contact as possible for our troubled youth at the beginning,” Turner said.

“I’ve been briefed on the changes regarding Mr. Morris. As the chairman, I look forward to the item coming before the Commission for its consideration.”

Interim County Attorney Marlinee Iverson is finaliz-

ing the new contract between Morris and Shelby County government. The contract is expected to be executed in the next few weeks.

Morris on Wednesday said he is happy about the arrangement and that, “I’m pleased the mayor is moving in that direction but I think it wouldn’t be proper to say anything else at this time.”

Morris said he wanted to familiarize himself with the agreement before commenting on it.

The 2012 memorandum of agreement with the Justice Department came in the wake of a DOJ investigation that found systematic discrimination against African-American children, unsafe confinement conditions and failures to provide due process to youth appearing for proceedings in court. While the DOJ has ended portions of the agreement, a federal monitor said in June that problems remain.

In a letter dated June 29 from county attorney Kathryn Pascover to the DOJ, the county asked that the remaining sections of the memorandum of agreement be terminated.

The letter included this reference: “Moreover, for the reasons set forth herein below, we respectfully submit that the time has come for the parties to conclude the Agreement, and on behalf of Shelby County and the Juvenile Court, we respectfully ask the DOJ to terminate in full.”

However, the most recent monitor’s report, dated June 6, cites concerns that include psychiatric evaluations and the number of minors still transferred to adult court.

It recommends continued oversight.

Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. on Wednesday said the Memorandum of Agreement’s provision governing the Juvenile Detention Center has 44 “parts.”

Thirty-eight of them “have

either been terminated or are in compliance as determined by the Department of Justice,” he said in a written statement.

“We have moved forward thanks to the assistance and guidance of the DOJ, the consultants, the Office of Juvenile Justice Detention Prevention, and the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative. We want to achieve an end to oversight because the DOJ has determined that we have met all commitments,” Bonner said in the statement.

“It has always been the goal of the Sheriff’s Office to become a model facility and that is my commitment to this community. However, I promise that I will never stop seeking training and assistance from experts.

“We look forward to working with Herman Morris as the settlement coordinator.”

Turner said he believes Morris will be a “welcome change,” although he could only speak for himself since Harris hasn’t yet presented to the entire commission.

Turner, who opposed the request to end Department of Justice oversight, said he believes Harris has a “different perspective” from that advocated by Luttrell, Oldham and Michael.

“I’m hopeful that Mayor Harris will walk back at least the second letter that was sent out,” Turner said.

“My assumption is that he’s supportive of oversight during this period while we still have to make improvements and ensure that the changes which have been made stay.”

Morris has nearly 40 years of legal experience and has previously served as president, chief executive officer and general counsel for Memphis, Light, Gas and Water, the city’s public utility company.

He has also worked as attorney for the City of Memphis. Morris is founder and principal attorney at The Morris Law Firm.

DISEASE CONTINUED FROM FRONT for Disease Control reports is particularly common among those whose ancestors came from sub-Saharan Africa; Spanish-speaking regions in the Western Hemisphere (South America, the Caribbean, and Central America); Saudi Arabia; India; and Mediterranean countries such as Turkey, Greece and Italy.

September is national Sickle Cell Awareness Month and the two are part of a crew of millennials planning for two important events – Sickle Cell Awareness Day at the University of Memphis on Sept. 25 and the 11th Annual 5K Mark Walden Memorial at AutoZone Park on Sept. 29.

It doesn’t take long to detect that Richards and Davis have learned how to talk with each other. They are in lockstep agreement about the community need for a broader understanding of sickle cell and the challenges it presents sickle cell warriors and their advocates Davis is the caregiver for sickle cell warrior Anthony Smith, a college student. He said the warrior-caregiver dynamic takes trust on both sides, adding that the caregiver must be intuitive, selfless and committed to learning about the warrior and the warrior’s triggers.

The conversation was only a few minutes old when Smith showed up and joined in.

“It takes energy to deal with sickle cell,” Smith said.

“It takes a lot of mental to deal with sickle cell.”

As the flow led deeper into the importance of educating the community on all aspects of living with both sickle cell disease and the sickle cell trait, another sickle cell warrior, Tabatha Marmon, a medical professional, arrived at Carpenter’s House for a planning meeting. Familiar with the vibes, she connected with the conversation.

“Warriors must push through

At Carpenter’s House, Michael A. Jackson, an advocate providing program support for The Sickle Cell Foundation of TN, talks about his involvement. On the wall is a portrait of the late Dr. Trevor K. Thompson, co-founder of The Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku) the pain and take care of their bodies,” she said, at one point reflecting her agreement that many times the “warriors” are smiling through excruciating pain for which some people have no point of reference.

It was a conversation also accented by excitement and a sense of gratitude for progress in the availability and dissemination of information about sickle cell, advancements in treatment and improved quality of life for sickle cell warriors. The group noted the benefits stemming from the progressive work by sickle cell care providers such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Methodist Hospital, Regional One Health and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Research shows that sickle cell warriors are living longer, with a national median life expectancy of 42 to 47 years.

Celebrities such as Tionne “T-boz” Watkins, Larenz Tate, Tiki Barber and Prodigy are all sickle cell warriors working to inform the community through advocacy, education and resources.

Richards, Davis, Smith and Marmon are all between the ages of twenty-five to thirty-three. They are at “home” at Carpenter’s House, which provides resources and connection to social services ben-

eficial to warriors, their families, caregivers and advocates.

On a wall in the front room is a framed Tri-State Defender article from 2013 under the headline “Community help needed for sickle cell group home.” That’s the year the house became The Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee Carpenter’s House.

Kenneth Carpenter, founder of the 5K Sickle Cell Walk/ Run and chief operating officer of Carpenter Primary Health Care, said he was pleased to donate the house and was hopeful that it would be used to uplift those in the sickle cell community in Memphis.

“The mission of the house is being fulfilled and that was our purpose for giving the house,” he said.

In a manner, the house is a testament to the vision of the late Dr. Trevor K. Thompson, the sickle cell warrior who co-founded The Sickle Cell Foundation of TN with his wife, Cherry Whitehead-Thompson. The vision involved transitional support for individuals living with sickle cell.

Thompson died Nov. 10, 2016. He was 48.

(Visit The Centers for Disease Control website: https:// www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/data.html/.)

PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, September 20 - 26, 2018, Page 4

Depending on upon upcoming choices by the Memphis Area Transit Authority, “out of service” could be the new normal for some routes and services. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku)

Rolling toward a decision on MATA’s proposed service reductions Board vote scheduled for Sept 27

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Special to the New Tri-State Defender

Memphis public transportation is at a crossroads. While residents need the service, the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) routes are not profitable with ridership being extremely low.

And unless additional funding is forthcoming by some far-flung miracle, the die is cast and the fate of some bus riders who depend on public transportation looks bleak.

The MATA board takes a vote on proposed changes Sept.

27 at 3:30 p.m.

“The checkbook must be balanced,” according to John Lancaster, MATA director of planning and scheduling.

The board must consider route eliminations, reduced frequency of bus runs in certain communities and route mergings for greater efficiency -- in all, close to 30 changes are on the table. And from all accounts, the upcoming board vote is a simple formality to make those changes official.

But, say members of the Bus Riders Union (BRU), not so fast. That board meeting at MATA headquarters on 444 N. Main St. is their last-ditch effort to stop route changes and eliminations. They are asking everyone, even appealing to churches, to stand with them during the board meeting.

“We started our Bus Riders Union about six years ago,” said Georgia King, longtime community activist and founder of the Memphis organization. “The union is our voice. People are very nervous about what is going to happen to them when they don’t have a way to get to work, or to the doctor, or the grocery store. This is a cause that everyone should be concerned about, not just those who depend on public transportation. We are our brother’s keeper.”

The Memphis City Council took its first look at cuts in bus service in April. Councilman Edmund Ford Jr. proposed a flat fee be added to all Memphis Light Gas & Water bills to subsidize MATA. Public hearings were scheduled throughout the month of August. Dozens of bus riders told their stories – about how they would lose jobs without bus service.

MATA officials are sympathetic to the plight of their patrons and they want to avoid hurting so many people who are already struggling, but the dollars are just not there.

“John Lancaster is one of the good guys,” said John-

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nie Mosley, chairman of Citizens For Better Service.

“Something has to be done. We can’t just let people suffer without transportation. People need transportation to live.

What are they supposed to do without bus service? We just can’t allow this to happen. These routes must not be eliminated. And what about the people who are disabled? Many take the bus to their doctors’ appointments.”

According to Nicole Lacey, chief communications officer for MATA, no one wants to see the proposed reductions in bus service.

“The Memphis Area Transit Authority is proposing several route service changes that are scheduled for implementation on Nov. 11,” said Lacey. “These changes vary from minor timing adjustments to the elimination of certain routes due to current ridership levels.

“In order to determine the impact on riders, MATA has held eight community meetings across the city to receive as much feedback as possible from customers and other key stakeholders prior to implementing any of the changes. These proposed changes are the result of funding challenges. However, the changes are only proposed at this point, and the MATA team is currently reviewing customer feedback to determine whether all of the changes will be implemented as scheduled.”

According to bus riders, the board meeting is their last chance to be heard. Those who have no ride, union members in wheelchairs, folks who have no other options for transportation and those in the community who stand with them -- all are expected to converge on the downtown terminal.

MATA has held eight community meetings across the city to receive feedback from customers and other key stakeholders prior to implementing any of the proposed changes. (Courtesy photo)

“We are holding rallies to make sure that everyone understands that route eliminations will hurt those who are most in need,” said King.

Mosley concurs, citing areas where changes have been targeted, as areas of the city where many low-income, minority families live.

“You can just look where the cuts and changes are being proposed -- routes going through Boxtown, Whitehaven, New Chicago, Westwood, Northaven -- we don’t need cuts, we need service in more of these communities, especially from MATA Plus.

“That’s the bus sent out to pick up disabled individuals.

When there is no fixed, regular route in these areas, MATA Plus cannot be sent out to pick up handicapped riders. This is of great concern to us.”

Charles Johnson, a volunteer at the VA Hospital who retired in 2012, is an outreach coordinator for the Memphis BRU. “The proposed cutting of routes hurts poor, black families most,” said Johnson. “They are trying to completely eliminate service to Northaven. And the success or failure of a city partly rests on the efficacy of its public transportation. Without it, many Memphians will be essentially paralyzed in terms of being able to move around the city.

We have to fight these changes.”

Sammie Hunter, a BRU co-chair, knows firsthand what the proposed route cuts will mean.

“These cuts will only make working that much more difficult,” he said. “I am trying to keep my employment. I have to walk a long distance to reach the bus stop. But if there are no buses coming, I have no idea of what to do.

We need the number 46-Whitehaven.”

Mosley said early on that he had one solution to the problem. Instead of cutting bus service, maybe MATA might consider filing bankruptcy.

“Government entities file Chapter 9. They do it all the time. They reorganize and they come back stronger. It happened in Detroit, Mich., Stockton, Ca., Jefferson City in Alabama. There has to be another answer. The dollars are not there. I get it. Cut down on the administrative budget, streamline, do a hiring freeze, eliminate travel and other non-essential expenses. Don’t make those pay who are least able to survive these cuts. Don’t make them pay because MATA is short of funding.

“We’ll be down there on the 27th. We’ve got to make them hear us. We’ve got to stop these changes. This fight is far from over. We are out of options. There is nothing else to be done.”

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The New Tri-State Defender

September 20 - 26, 2018

Page 5

RELIGION

Diversity-minded MidSouth Baptist Assoc. now moderated by Pastor Derrick Joyce

‘Unite Memphis’…

Concert and commemoration has MLK50 focus

by Aisling Maki Special to The New Tri-State Defender

First African African to fill role

by Aisling Maki Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The Rev. Derrick Joyce, senior pastor of Monument of Love Baptist Church, is the first African-American moderator of the Mid-South Baptist Association (MSBA), whose purpose is a network that connects diverse Baptists churches throughout the region.

Joyce, a third-generation pastor with a passion for equality and education, has worked toward closing the achievement gap among racial and ethnic groups. He founded Memphis Academy of Health Sciences Middle School, which offers underserved students access to high-quality education and career readiness, served as president of the 100 Black Men of Memphis,

Inc., and established a financial literacy conference for y o ung people.

Joyce’s passions Rev. Derrick and expeJoyce rience are a tremendous complement to the work of Mid-South Baptist Association, which works to spread the gospel across ethnic and cultural lines.

“Our focus is on making sure that when there is a body of believers, whether it’s five or 5,000, we’re giving them the tools to organize, strategize and mobilize,” Joyce said. “The great thing is it’s very diverse.

The Rev. Derrick Joyce (second from left), Mid-South Baptist Association moderator, linked up for a networking outing with (l-r) with Pastor Luis Reynosa, Dr. Fred Shackelford and Ron Roy. (Courtesy photo) We are of the Southern Baptist Convention, which is historically a conservative Anglo convention association.

“However, we have a large group of Hispanic congregations within our association and a growing segment of Asian churches. We have a very strong population of African-American churches, and obviously Anglo or European churches, so it’s a beautiful array of churches, colors and hues.”

Founded in 1891, the MBSA began with 22 churches and about 1,900 members. Today, it’s the largest Baptist association in Tennessee, with 180

churches, and the fifth largest in the Southern Baptist Convention.

“There have been churches with every ethnic group involved in providing leadership to various aspects of the association, but I think Pastor Joyce has really distinguished himself among a group of 180 churches,” said Dr. Charles Fowler, senior pastor at Germantown Baptist Church.

“His passion and his leadership and the model of how he pastors his church has elevated him to the role, and we all look to him as someone who’s very inspiring and leads well.”

Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’.’s legacy of encouraging inclusion and tolerance, the Mid-South Baptist Association (MSBA) will build on its ongoing commitment to diversity by hosting the Unite Memphis – Martin 50 Concert and Commemoration Rally at Mud Island Amphitheater in Downtown Memphis on Sept. 29.

“There’s a tremendous transformation taking place within the City of Memphis, within our association and within the Body of Christ,” said the Rev. Derrick Joyce, MSBA moderator. “It really shows the power of love, the power of forgiveness, and whether from a spiritual aspect or from a leadership capacity.

“As Dr. King would say, we’re beginning to judge each other by the content of our character versus the color of our skin. We invite everyone to join us as we commit to racial diversity within the faith community and beyond.”

The event will offer fellowship opportunities between congregations, non-profit organizations and citizens from myriad ethnic and cultural backgrounds and walks of life. It will include a celebration concert featuring a variety of musical artists from different genres, as well as food, preaching, dancing , and a pastors’ forum.

In addition to Joyce, the key speakers will include Dr. Charles Fowler, senior pastor at Germantown Baptist Church; Dr. Bartholomew Orr of Brown Baptist Church; Dr. Fred Shackelford of Ellendale Baptist Church; and Dr. Danny Sinquefield from Faith Baptist Bartlett Church. The event will culminate with a call for unity and commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Doors The Unite Memphis - Martin 50 Concert and Commemoration Rally will be held Saturday, September 29 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Doors open at 10 a.m. The event is free and registration is open at unitememphismartin50. eventbrite.com.

To the glory be…

The Rev. Dr. James L. Netters Sr. (right), pastor emeritus of Mt. Vernon-Westwood Baptist Church, delivered his daughter’s eulogy at the church last Saturday. Chandra Denise Netters passed on Sept 8. Her son, Rashun Netters Lofton, conducted a combined choir, as her son, Deon Netters Lofton, played keyboards during this selection, which featured Al Davis Jr. Interment was at New Park Cemetery. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

Chandra Danette Netters

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

ENTERTAINMENT The New Tri-State Defender, September 20 - 26, 2018, Page 6

Roots jam…

On September 15th, the Legendary Roots Crew (left) and special guests such as the Isley Brothers descended upon the New Daisy Theatre on Beale Street for a jam session where they traced their musical influences back to the place where it all started: Tennessee. (Photos: George Tillman Jr.)

Mempho Music Festival: Back and bigger

by Brianna A. Smith Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Rolling with the momentum of its 2017 debut, the Mempho Music Festival is back and bigger for its second year.

Mempho is a blend of today’s best artists and tunes with Memphis’ storied musical heritage, creating a festival experience filled with music, food and nature that appeals to people of all ages.

The festival, scheduled for Oct. 6-7 at Shelby Farms Park, is intended to mix nature – including bike trails, camping, canoeing, zip lining and horseback riding – with food, drinks and of course, music.

“The festival was designed to pay homage to our community’s unique role in shaping and influencing global music culture,” said Diego Winegardner, founder of Mempho Music Festival. “It’s a festival for the fans, created by the fans.”

At this year’s festival, there will be two bigger stages of performances and varied culinary options for every taste and budget.

“We are thrilled to be back at Shelby Farms Park for year two of Mempho Music Festival,” Winegardner said. “We couldn’t be more excited for this year’s lineup of artists, which includes a diverse roster of today’s hottest artists, legends of rock, funk and soul, as well as local Memphis talent.”

Grammy award winners Beck and Phoenix will headline the festival on Oct. 6, along with Grammy-nominated funkstress and Prince protégé Janelle Monáe. Other performances include local Memphis legends Juicy J, Project Pat, Lucero, Eric Gales, and Boo Mitchell & The Kings featuring URiAH Mitchell.

On Oct. 7, legendary rap artist Nas will headline, along with Post Malone and indie-rock favorite Mac DeMarco. Other artists on the bill for that day are Atlanta-based rapper Rich The Kid, Danny Barnes’

Space Program, “Stones Throw” led by The Rolling Stones’ musical director Chuck Leavell, and the legendarily brilliant George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic.

The diverse lineup is proof there is a flavor of music for everyone at Mempho Music Festival.

The festival also engages several local food businesses and food trucks to satisfy all hunger cravings.

The food offerings reflect the vibrant culinary scene in Memphis, featuring some of the best Memphis style cuisine, such as Corky’s Ribs and BBQ, New Wing Order, Smurfey’s Smokehouse, Fresh Gulf Shrimp, Merge Memphis, Peace Love Quesadillas, Grisanti 9Dough1, Bella Caffe Coffee & Smoothies, Mempops and Miss Birdsong’s Sweet Tooth.

“For the second annual Mempho Music Festival, we’ve expanded our experience to include three nights of on-site camping (Friday, Saturday, Sunday),” said Winegardner.

“At 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country, serving as the perfect setting for Mempho’s continuous playlist.”

General admission, VIP and Super VIP ticket buyers can purchase camping passes for primitive car camping or RVs. Every camper in a campsite requires a camping pass. Access to the campsites will only be granted if you have also bought an event ticket to the festival. Campgrounds are close to showers ($10), bathrooms, hand-washing stations and fresh drinking water. There will be security checkpoints coming in and out of the event and camping areas to ensure maximum security at all times.

Janelle Monáe Building off Mempho’s inaugural year, in 2018 the festival will offer multiple live music stages, art installations, a unique food experience, and an interactive dome that melds together the worlds of music, art, science and design. (Courtesy photos)

“We’re committed to making the festival an integral part of the Memphis cultural scene for years to come,” said Winegardner.

(For performance lineup times, tickets and prices, visit www.memphofest.com.)

“The festival was designed to pay homage to our community’s unique role in shaping and influencing global music culture.”

— Diego Winegardner, George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic

Nas

Post Malone

The New Tri-State Defender

September 20 - 26, 2018

Page 7

ENTERTAINMENT Battle of the Blues Challenge yields winners

by Tracy Sow Special to The New Tri-State Defender

8ball & MJG (Facebook photo)

Memphis Music Hall of Fame inducts class of 2018

by Tracy Sow Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The excitement and buzz surrounding the Oscar and Grammy ceremonies have nothing on the annual Memphis Music Hall of Fame presentations.

The 2018 ceremony is no exception. Although 2012 was the event’s inaugural year, it has quickly become a highly anticipated, Memphis tradition. All roads will lead to The King’s Palace on Beale Street, the venue for this year’s program.

Annually, the nominating committee reviews musical performers, producers, engineers & studio or recording industry professionAretha als, writers, promoters, and radio Franklin professionals for induction. Each year, the number of inductees may vary. One thing holds true, Memphis has no shortage of musical legends deserving of recognition for their contributions to the arts.

Memphis, of course, is the home of the Blues, birthplace of Rock N’ Roll and the cradle of Soul. The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin born in Memphis was paid special tribute; other inductees were The Box Tops, O’Landa Draper, Eddie Floyd, George Klein, The Rock and Roll Trio and 8ball & MJG. Memphis music royalty, sisters Lorraine and Yvonne “Von” Mitchell of Royal Studios, attended the an-

nouncement.

“I love them,” said Von. “They needed to be inducted, because they have really paid their dues.”

Lorraine remarked, “This has been one of the best ones yet. They had a lot of great people on here.”

Asked about the future of Memphis music internationally, Loraine predicted that “we are going to Eddie eventually have bigger stars than Floyd we did back in the day, and we have young people coming up now who are going to be big stars.

“I feel Memphis is going to be a melting pot for the music industry, once again.”

Von added, “not only that, we have great musicians and nobody in the world can emulate the music in our city. I don’t care where you go, they can not play Memphis’ George music, or do Memphis’ music like Klein we play Memphis music.”

Royal Studios, celebrating 60 years of music recording, will be honored October 6-7, at the Mempho Fest. Many of their artists are on the performance lineup.

The 2018 Memphis Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held November 1 at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets may be purchased for the event at the Cannon Center box office.

The Memphis Blues Society recently presented the Battle in the Blues Challenge at Club 152. Bands and solo/ duo blues artists enter the competition with high hopes of representing Memphis in the International Blues Challenge.

Artists must live within 150 miles of Memphis to represent to Home of the Blues. They are judged by a different panel of three judges for two consecutive nights.

Congratulations to the MBS 2018 Battle of the Blues Challenge winners: Band 1.

The Lizzard Kings 2.

The Getwells Solo/DUO 1.

Tlaxica & Pope 2.

Beverly Davis The judges were Joyce Cobb, Reba Russell, Mick Kolassa and Elmo Lee Thomas on the first night. On the second night, Willie Hall, Joel

Martin and David ‘Groove’ Parker judged entrants.

Almost every club on Beale will be used for the 35th Annual International Blues Challenge – the largest blues competition in the world. Winners and finalist get tremendous exposure worldwide.

For the past several years, Memphis has made the finals held at the Orpheum in the band category.

This will be the first year that the Memphis competition was not organized by one of our music industry professionals. MBS implemented a new strategy: a committee of newer board members was formed to recruit and prepare contestants for the big stage.

Last year, Fuzzy Jeffries and the Kings of Memphis came in second place in the international competition. Memphis has not won the International Blues Challenge in over 25 years.

The International Blues Challenge is January 22-26, 2019.

For a songbird…

Dan Greer, who helped found United Music Heritage, presents a Music Pioneer Award to Chick Rogers during the 33rd Music Pioneer Awards at the Paradise Entertainment Center on Sept. 8. The annual awards show featured a tribute to Aretha Franklin. Other awards went to Sidney Ford, the Rev. Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray Jr., Jim Stewart, David Fleischman and to the Elaine Turner/Lee family. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

The New Tri-State Defender

September 20 - 26, 2018

Page 8

NEWS PROTEST CONTINUED FROM FRONT a change in policy that would require TBI to investigate any officer-involved shooting. Currently, policy calls for TBI to investigate officer-involved shootings that end with fatalities.

“This is about justice. This is about equality,” said newly elected District 9 Commissioner Tami Sawyer, standing alongside fellow commissioners Edmund Ford Jr., Van Turner and Mickell Lowery.

“This is about the community’s belief in our justice system,” added Sawyer, who rose to prominence as a vocal advocate for police accountability. “We hear from our constituents that they don’t have as much faith in our justice system. Especially when decisions are being made about turning off your body camera and not turning over the investigation to TBI.” Banks, 25, was in critical condition at Regional One Health Medial Center Wednesday night, after he was shot Monday in a confrontation with officers, said Lt. Karen Rudolph, a spokeswoman for the Memphis Police Department.

On Tuesday, MPD Director Michael Rallings revealed in a press conference that officers involved had disabled their cameras – cameras purchased to help take the guesswork out of investigating police shootings after the fatal officer-involved shooting of Darrius Stewart in 2015.

Rallings announced that three officers have been suspended, and vowed to get to the bottom of the matter. He also said that other officers at the

shooting scene did have their cameras activated.

“There are many questions that still need answering,” Rallings said, noting MPD would move forward with its internal investigation. “Let me assure you that I will get answers and we will hold officers accountable.”

Rudolph said Banks, who is African American, was stopped in his car by officers, and he told them he did not have an identification or insurance. Banks then reached down, and an officer advised that he saw a gun inside the vehicle, Rudolph said.

Rudolph said Banks then drove away.

Police then stopped Banks again a short distance from the first stop, Rudolph said. Banks ran away and was shot, police said.

A handgun was recovered at the scene, Rudolph said. Rallings said it was unclear if Banks fired the gun that was seen in his car. Banks had outstanding warrants for assault, driving with a suspended license and violation of probation, Rudolph said.

The male officer who shot Banks was a 26-year-old African American, Rudolph said. He did not have his body camera turned on, but it was not clear if he ever had it activated or if he turned it off, Rallings said.

Two other officers involved in the chase — one white male, one black male — deactivated their body-worn or in-car cameras, Rallings said.

They also have been relieved of duty.

“I am not confident that policy was followed,” Rallings said.

The names of the officers had not been released by the time of this report.

Protesters sat down in the middle of Elvis Presley Boulevard near Gill Avenue Wednesday, not far from where Martavious Banks was critically wounded in a officer involved shooting. At least five protesters were arrested. (Photo: Johnathan Martin) “The Memphis Police Department made me aware today of new information related to last night’s shooting,” Shelby County Atty. Gen. Amy Weirich said in a prepared statement Tuesday afternoon. “Based upon this information and with the full agreement of the Memphis Police Department, I have asked the TBI to conduct the investigation.”

While Rallings said MPD was capable of handling the investigation properly, he welcomed TBI involvement, saying that it added “transparency.”

The group of commissioners intend to introduce a county resolution

to support existing efforts in the Tennessee General Assembly.

“The optics are really bad when you have to wait for someone to die in order to do an investigation,” Ford said Wednesday. “This is just an initial step. We want to make sure every step is taken to get to justice.”

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland was out of town when the shooting occurred but said he’s been in “constant contact” with Rallings, and echoes Rallings’ determination to get answers.

“From what I understand, cameras were turned off prior to the shooting,” Strickland said in a prepared state-

ment. “Plainly said, that’s disturbing.

In my eyes, it is unacceptable and inexcusable — no question about it.

“We’re going to get to the bottom of this,” Strickland continued. “While the TBI is investigating the shooting, our administrative investigation has already started. I’ve directed our team to conduct the investigation as quickly as possible.”

(TSD Associate Publisher/Executive Editor Karanja A. Ajanaku and photojournalist Johnathan Martin contributed to this report, as did the Associated Press.)

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STATE OF TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SOLICITATION FOR DEMOLITION BIDS Sealed bids for the removal of the following improvements on State Project No 7011-2247-14; PIN 101609.00, will be opened on Friday, September 28, 2018, at 10:00AM, 300 Benchmark Place, Jackson, Tennessee, 38301.

TRACT NO. 48 ADDRESS 5933 Summer Ave.; Memphis TN. IMPROVEMENTS Remove one story concrete block building (5,231Sq.Ft.) on concrete slab. Seed and straw all disturbed work areas.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation hereby notifies all bidders that it is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free, with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or military service and minority/disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation. The successful bidder will comply with the provisions of the Executive Order No. 37 concerning private enterprise transacting business with Tennessee State government in order to prevent and eliminate discriminatory practices from employment because of national origin, race, sex, or age.

The successful bidder will be required to comply with all state laws and local ordinances to remove said improvements, salvage and debris, and to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and with Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 21, Department of Transportation. The successful bidder must agree to indemnify and save the state harmless from all losses, damages, and expenses in accordance with the terms of agreement for the removal of the improvements.

A certificate of insurance for liability must be furnished to the state before the successful bid can be awarded. The successful bidder shall enter into an agreement to remove said improvements to ground level by November 9, 2018. The state reserves the right to reject any or all bids and the decision of the Property Management Office will be final.

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THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER assumes no financial responsibility for errors nor for copy omission.

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** All materials are to be properly disposed of in a permitted landfill. Payment will not be ordered until manifests/receipts from a legally permitted landfill are furnished to TDOT. ** Evaluation proceedings will be conducted within the established guidelines regarding equal employment opportunity and nondiscriminatory action based upon the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, creed, age, and disability. Interested certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms as well as other minority and/or women-owned firms are encouraged to respond to all advertisements by TDOT. For more information on DBE certification, please contact the Civil Rights Division Small Business Development Program at (615) 7413681. Details and instructions for DBE certification can be found at the following website: http://www. tdot.state.tn.us/civil%2Drights/ smallbusiness/.

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THE USE OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN PERFORMANCE OF ANY CONTRACT WITH THE STATE OF TENNESSEE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Bidders are asked to call Mr. Tim McLillie, (731)935-0201, for bid package and to schedule appointment to inspect property. NOTE: Mailed bids will be accepted and will be opened on September 28, 2018, the Region 4 Administration Building located at 300 Benchmark Place, Jackson, TN. 38301. There will be no bid bond required.

LEGAL NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids (or Request for Proposals, where indicated as RFP) will be received at the Office of the City of Memphis Purchasing Agent, Room 354, City Hall, 125 N. Main St., Memphis, TN 38103, until 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 28, 2018, for furnishing the City of Memphis with the following: PRODUCTS AND/OR SERVICES (1) SERVICE

RFQ #39037 SEWER CLEANING

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RFQ #39041 POLICE PURSUIT TIRES & ROADSIDE SERVICE (3)

RFQ #39042 SPECIALTY TIRES & ROADSIDE SERVICE

RFQ #39053 GATE OPERATORS & OVERHEAD DOOR REPAIR SERVICES RFQ #39054 ERMERGENCY REPAIR SERVICES RFQ #39055 CONCRETE & RELATED SUPPLIES

who wish to bid are required to register with Mercury Commerce Solutions in order to be notified of on-line bids. There is no charge for registration, and it is easy to use. To register: • Go to www.esmsolutions.com • Go to “Vendors” block at top • Click “Register Now” box • Click on “Mercury Commerce Vendor Registration” line • Complete Vendor Registration process • Submit If you have any questions about the registration process, contact ESM Solutions at (877) 9697246. If you have any questions about information contained in the bid documents, contact the Purchasing Department at (901) 222-2250 and ask to speak to the Buyer listed for the bid.

SEALED BID DUE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2018 AT 2:30 PM MALE AND FEMALE BODY ARMOR

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(SB-I000517A) (MC# 585)

THE BELOW BIDS (#12 - 21) ARE DESIGNATED AS SBE BIDS PER ORDINANCE #5366

By order of MARK H. LUTTRELL JR., MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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RFQ #39032 DELL POWEREDGE

R720

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

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Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000535 for the Wolf River Greenway Phase 8 Bridge Fence.

Information regarding this Bid is located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn.gov . At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, Click on “Purchasing” and “Bids” to locate the name of the above described Sealed Bid.

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SEALED BID I000535 DUE DATE OCTOBER 17TH, 2018 AT 2:00 PM CST

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(SB-I000535) Wolf River Greenway Phase 8 Bridge Fence

(13) RFQ #39033 POWEREDGE R720 SERVERS (14)

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RFQ #39059 SEWER SOLVENTS

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RFQ #39060 ARUBA HP FOUNDATIN CARE NBD EXCHANGE SUPPORT

By Order of the Mayor of the City of Memphis, Tennessee.

Jim Strickland Mayor Eric S. Mayse, City Purchasing Agent NOTICE TO BIDDERS In order to participate in the bid listed below for Shelby County Government, you must be registered with our electronic bidding system with Mercury Commerce. County bids are not available by mail or downloaded directly from the County website, unless otherwise indicated in the solicitation invitation. All vendors

A VOLUNTARY PRE-BID MEETING WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2ND, 2018 @9:30 A.M. AT THE SHELBY COUNTY ROADS AND BRIDGES CONFERENCE ROOM, LOCATED AT 6449 HALEY ROAD, MEMPHIS, TN 38134.

Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service.

By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT 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: Astry Turcios Moya

Tax Parcel #: 04203300000390 Tax Sale #: 1401 Price Offered: $3600.00 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 8:00 a.m. on October 22, 2018, 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 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 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: Eric W. Martin Tax Parcel #: 02404700000060 Tax Sale #: 0203 Price Offered: $100.00 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 8:00 a.m. on October 17, 2018, 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 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 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: Melanie Patterson Tax Parcel #: 04203800000250 Tax Sale #: 1303 Price Offered: $3000.00 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 3:00 p.m. on October 12, 2018, 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 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 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: Kelsey Johnson Tax Parcel #: 02105000000540 Tax Sale #: 0206 Price Offered: $200.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:30 a.m. on October 22, 2018, 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 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581 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: James Wherry Tax Parcel #: D0147000004020 Tax Sale #: 0804 Price Offered: $1000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on October 22, 2018, 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 MIKE BLACKWELL (901) 222-2581

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, September 20 - 26, 2018, Page 9

Schools sharing same name now sharing same campus ASD and SCS partner to help relocated Kirby High students

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Special to the New Tri-State Defender

Achievement School District Chief Dr. Sharon Griffin toured Kirby Middle School on Wednesday to observe an unusual collaboration that took shape after rodents – mainly rats –forced the move of students out of Shelby County Schools’ Kirby High School.

“We are just elated about the partnership that is being forged between Shelby County Schools and ASD,” Griffin said.

When the needs of children are on the line and the means and resources to address those needs are within reach, partnerships are in the line of duty was Griffin’s position.

“That is all of our responsibility, not just those who work in education,” she said.

Kirby Middle School, which is operated by ASD operator Green Dot Public Schools, is located at 6670 East Raines Rd. The more than 800-plus students assigned to SCS’s Kirby High School in Hickory Ridge began attending classes temporarily on Monday at three school campuses, with about 400 relocated to Kirby Middle School.

Kirby High freshmen and sophomores – about 400 of them – were sent to DuBois Middle School of Leadership and Public Policy. A few of Kirby’s special education students were routed to Southwind High School in east Shelby County.

Kirby Middle School principal Marian Williams recalled how the arrangements for displaced students began.

“I was looking at the report on the news,” said Williams. “It was determined that the Kirby High students would not be able to return to their school until November, I felt like we could help. I got on the phone and called (SCS) Superintendent Dorsey Hopson and our commissioner, Kevin Woods. We started to just work out the details from there.”

Griffin said changes in bus routes and classroom logistics are all working out well.

Williams and Kirby Middle staff shifted their middle school students to a main area of the school. Nineteen classrooms in a separate wing of the school presently operate as the temporary home of Kirby High Cougars.

Sweet Cheeks’ mission is rooted in the importance of helping to improve the quality of life for babies in the city by providing basic needs such as diapers. (Courtesy photos)

Kirby Middle School principal Marian Williams (left) has an exchanged with ASD Chief Dr. Sharon Griffin during Griffin’s visit to the school on Wednesday. (Photos: George Tillman Jr.)

Donations sought for Diaper Need Awareness Week

by Paige N. Williams Special to The New Tri-State Defender

ASD Chief Dr. Sharon Griffin on Wednesday got an open-house greeting at Kirby Middle School, where she went to see how Kirby High students were fitting into their new, temporary environment.

“Both student bodies have separate lunch periods, dismissal schedules and full, separate administrations.”

— Marian Williams “Both student bodies have separate lunch periods, dismissal schedules and full, separate administrations,” said Williams.

“We want to see ASD schools connecting with the communities around them. That is a high priority for this administration. The spirit of cooperation and partnership is so wonderful to see. And we want to be engaged in more partnerships like this one. We must help each other reach our goals.

Griffin said the Kirby High staff and ASD administrators are committed to maintaining a sense of normalcy for the students in regards to social events, sports, club functions and other extra-curricular activities.

Sweet Cheeks Diaper Ministry – a non-profit organization that donates diapers to low-income families every month – is making a special ask in conjunction with Diaper Need Awareness week.

This year, Diaper Need Awareness Week is Sept. 24-28 and Sweet Cheeks has targeted collecting about 100,000 diapers.

Cori Smith, founder of Sweet Cheeks Ministry, says every diaper bank in the country observes National Diaper Need Awareness Week.

“It was started by the National Diaper Bank Network to bring national attention, and mobilize efforts to end diaper need, a hidden consequence of poverty. This is usually the third week in September,” said Smith. “We host several other diaper drives throughout the year, most notably a Mother’s Day drive and a Christmas drive.”

During this diaper drive, the organization is partnering with The Urban Child League, University of Memphis, Dads and Diapers, and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.

Since its founding in 2014, Sweet Cheeks has been able to help hundreds of families. “(W)e have donated over 50,000 diapers, including 10,000 shipped to Puerto Rico for Hurricane Maria disaster relief efforts,” said Smith.

Sweet Cheeks’ mission is rooted in the importance of helping improve the quality of life for babies in the

city by providing them with the basic needs such as diapers. According to the organization, one in three Memphis families struggle to afford diapers.

Smith said the goals for diaper week is to “Raise awareness and support efforts to educate people about diaper needs and encourage people and interested groups and organizations to observe and support Diaper Need Awareness Week through appropriate programs.”

There are multiple ways to help Sweet Cheeks reach its goal. Companies, schools and churches can host diapers drives and collect diapers. The drives are the major source of diaper donations for the organization. Individuals can also host a Diaper Party and ask friends and families to donate diap.

Drop-off locations for diaper week include Germantown Middle School, Crosstown Concourse and Memphis Public Libraries.

If you aren’t able to donate diapers, the organization has an Amazon Wishlist.

If you are in need of diapers or want to help, you can find more information on https://www.sweetcheeks diaperministry.org and contact the organization.

“Sweet Cheeks primarily gives to partner agencies. By being intermediaries, we limit duplication of services, reduce administration expenses and work together to solve a basic human need at the community level,” said Smith.

“Most families with a need for diapers also have other needs that can be best addressed to these agencies.”

Learning series probes the value of restorative justice in schools

by Johnesha Harris Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Many – if not most – who attended the Memphis Educational Equity Learning Series at the National Civil Rights Museum on Tuesday night shared the belief that there is a path for local schools to reduce suspensions, expulsions and other punitive measures while increasing support for students.

The panel discussion that drew their presence was entitled “Tackling the Pipeline: Restorative Justice & Conflict Resolution.”

“We have to look at suspension and expulsion rates, determine the root of those issues and then figure out how to change them to better our students,” said Dr. McPherson, student support manager of behavior and student leadership for Shelby County

Schools (SCS). “Restorative practices are a key initiative to this action plan.”

Stand for Children, a non-profit education advocacy organization, hosted the event, which was the ninth in its learning series. It was presented as a continuation of the work being done by Stand’s Momentum Memphis Task Force groups. And it was a follow-up to the Discipline Revolution Project’s visit to Memphis in March 2018.

Two videos were shown to the audience; one on learned behavior that is exhibited by children watching their parents. The other was a SCS presentation detailing issues that many students and faculty deal with daily in schools.

Before participating in the panel discussion, McPherson outlined the background for the discussion topic. Nationally, there is a momentum-gathering push towards restor-

ative justice – some use the term restorative practices, in schools. It’s about making use of an alternative to the historical use of the punish/suspend discipline method. Some studies have shown that the punish-suspend approach tends to “disproportionately punish students of color.”

Also on the panel were LeTicia Taylor, a licensed restorative practices trainer, founder and CEO of Miseducated Educator; and Rod Peterson, principal for Oakhaven Middle School, which has been a leader in implementing restorative process in its daily curriculum.

The panel answered questions about first steps for the restorative program, measuring the success of the process, how parents can get involved and the kills needed from students to help the program progress.

“Restorative circles and language are key in making this

Milton Stewart, Dr. Randy McPherson, LeTicia Taylor and Rod Peterson answer questions from the audience during the “Tackling the Pipeline: Restorative Justice & Conflict Resolution” discussion hosted by Stand for Children. (Photo: Johnesha Harris) system work,” said Taylor.

“Students need to feel welcomed and know that they will be heard. This is all about relationship building, supporting community and repairing harm done.”

Peterson said, “Students need safe spaces to express themselves. … Adults have to be open to allowing these options.”

Along with restorative practices, McPherson said SCS has noticed a growth in

administrators and educators getting certified in the Kingian Method, an initiative started through Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the Love and Logic method, which is a precautionary measure to the restorative method.

The panelists encouraged educators and parental figures in the audience to take a heavy interest in restorative processes, keeping in mind that it’s about helping students through the approach.

The moderator was Milton Stewart, data and technology manager at Memphis College Preparatory Elementary School.

The “Tackling the Pipeline: Restorative Justice & Conflict Resolution” discussion came amid a “Week of Nonviolence,” which was proclaimed as Sept. 15-23 by Mayor Jim Strickland and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris.

The New Tri-State Defender

September 20 - 26, 2018

Page 10

COMMUNITY AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY (ACS) OF GREATER MEMPHIS/ REAL MEN WEAR PINK REVEAL PARTY

WHAT: American Cancer Society (ACS) of Greater Memphis/Real Men Wear Pink Reveal Party DATE: 9/20/18 STARTS: 6:00:PM WHERE: 149 Union, Memphis, TN DESCRIPTION: Media Invited, Event is not promoted publicly.

AMERICAN RED CROSS – BLOOD DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

WHAT: American Red Cross – Blood Donation Opportunities DATE: 9/20/18 STARTS: 10:00:AM WHERE: 877 Jefferson Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

DRESS FOR SUCCESS “LITTLE BLACK DRESS”

WHAT: Dress for Success “Little Black Dress” DATE: 9/20/18 STARTS: 6:00:PM WHERE: 750 Cherry Rd., Memphis, TN 38117 DESCRIPTION: The Dress for Success “Little Black Dress” event is a fun evening where women can showcase their most darling little black dresses and exotic shoes, while the men display their favorite suit and tie. Come join the Dress for Success Memphis Board of Directors as we enjoy music, wine, hors d’oeuvres, as well as a silent auction of wonderful items donated from local businesses to benefit Dress for Success Memphis.

The event is from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. on September 20 at the Memphis Botanic Garden. Tickets are $50. For more information, contact Dress for Success Memphis Executive Director, Rhonda Treadwell at 901.363.3100.

AN EVENING WITH JOHN POPPER

WHAT: An Evening with John Popper DATE: 9/20/18 STARTS: 7:00:PM WHERE: 60 Perkins Extended, Memphis, TN 38117 DESCRIPTION: Box Office Hours: Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. or 1 hour prior to performance

MEMPHIS CHRISTIAN CENTER 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

WHAT: Memphis Christian Center 25th Anniversary Celebration DATE: 9/21/18 STARTS: 7:00:PM WHERE: 5100 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN., 38137 DESCRIPTION: 25th Anniversary Gala Banquet Honoring Founders, Pastor Maurice Johnson & Minister Brenda Johnson. The George Taylor Band, Poet Dorothy Bronner, Singer Deborah Manning Thomas, Guest Speaker Pastor Frederick K. Price, Jr. will be amongst the attendees.

2019-MODEL MEMPHIS INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

WHAT: 2019-Model Memphis International Auto Show DATE: 9/21/18 STARTS: 10:00:AM WHERE: 255 N Main Street DESCRIPTION: Buckle up as the Memphis International Auto Show returns Sept. 21-23 with the newest cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers on the market. Showgoers can check out high-end exotics and

up your sneakers and join us in Audubon Park at the Carolyn Dobson Walking Fitness Trail.

Proceeds from the walk will help fund the inaugural ‘Our Stories Matter Black Children’s Books and Authors Festival in June 2019!

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

Register here: http://bcbooksandauthors.com/our-stories-matter-laps-for-literacy/.

EVENT LISTINGS The New Tri-State Defender Community Calendar features selected items published on TSDMemphis.com. To submit an event visit TSDMemphis.com and look for the EVENTS menu along the top of the page.

ultra-luxury cars or test drive up to 35 new vehicles under one roof – plus fun for the kids with a variety of battery powered cars to take for a spin on a test track right at the show! See all the new vehicles and bring the entire family for a day of fun! Hours: Komen Pink VIP Gala Thurs, Sept 20 from 6PM – 8PM, Fri, Sept 21 & Sat, Sept 22 from 10AM – 9PM and Sun, Sept 23 from 10AM – 5 PM. Location: 255 N Main Street, Admission: $8, $6 for seniors/military w/DOD ID & free for children 12 & under.

MLK SOUL CONCERT SERIES FEATURING KEIA JOHNSON

WHAT: MLK Soul Concert Series Featuring Keia Johnson DATE: 9/21/18 STARTS: 6:00:PM WHERE: 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, TN 38103 DESCRIPTION: Back by popular demand, the National Civil Rights Museum is hosting its free MLK Soul Concert Series each Friday evening in September! With the theme, “Be Loud, Vote,” the emphasis on voter education and registration.

Stretch out on your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the tunes. If music makes you feel like dancing on the lawn, all the better!

Best of all, it is free.

LEVITT SHELL FREE CONCERT – MEMPHIS RENAISSANCE

WHAT: Levitt Shell free concert – Memphis Renaissance DATE: 9/21/18 STARTS: 7:00:PM WHERE: 1928 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104 (Overton Park) DESCRIPTION: This unique presentation continues the creative alliance between the New Ballet Ensemble & School, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, and Levitt Shell that began in 2015.

BUNDLES FOR BABIES

WHAT: Bundles for Babies DATE: 9/22/18 STARTS: 2:00:PM WHERE: DESCRIPTION: Ways to Donate: Purchase disposable diapers or wipes. Place them in a donation bin at one of these locations: Sam’s Clubs, Pediatrics East, Any Memphis Public Library branch, Crosstown Concourse.

For more locations and information visit our Facebook Page: Bundles for Babies Shelby County Diaper Drive

KICKOFF PARTY FOR BUNDLES FOR BABIES

WHAT: Kickoff Party for Bundles for Babies DATE: 9/22/18 STARTS: 2:00:PM WHERE: 785 Jackson Ave 38107 DESCRIPTION: We are kicking off Bundles for Babies: Shelby County Diaper Drive with a bang! If you’re in a rush, swing by NCC and dropoff diapers. If you have some time, stick around. It’s going to be a fantastic time. We will have snacks, games, and some other

WIB-WOMEN IN BUSINESS EXPO!

Fly with me…

Thee Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals and a host of Memphis-area aviation companies recently presented Fly-In & Pilot Career Day to benefit the Transportation-STEM Academy at East High School and the Lieutenant Colonel Luke Weathers Jr. Flight Academy named for the first African American to receive a key to the City of Memphis. The host was Signature Flight Support and Alden Aviation Management. The event offered opportunities for attendees to express their passion for aviation and discover career pathways to becoming a pilot through flight schools like Luke Weathers Flight Academy, aviation colleges and the Purple Runway, a FedEx Pathways Program. (Photo: George Tillman Jr.) surprises in store. This is an event you do not want to miss!

MORE INFO: www.ncc.org

A SCREENING OF REINVENTING POWER: AMERICA’S RENEWABLE ENERGY BOOM

WHAT: A Screening of Reinventing Power: America’s Renewable Energy Boom DATE: 9/27/18 STARTS: 6:00:PM WHERE: 3030 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111 DESCRIPTION: Please join the Sierra Club – Chickasaw Chapter for our September program titled: A Screening of Reinventing Power: America’s Renewable Energy Boom This film takes us across the country to hear directly from the people making our clean energy future achievable. These individuals are working to rebuild what’s broken, rethink what’s possible, and revitalize communities. These stories are proof that America does not need to choose between keeping our lights on and protecting our communities. Critically, Reinventing Power underscores the notion that we don’t have to sacrifice jobs for a clean environment. Supporting a clean energy future means building a better, more prosperous future for everyone. Over the film’s 50 minutes, you’ll meet people in eight states whose lives were changed by the renewable energy industry while exploring various aspects of the clean energy industry from innovation to installation.

The film will be followed by Q&A and discussion about the stories seen in the film.

MLK SOUL CONCERT SERIES FEATURING DEVIN CRUTCHER

WHAT: MLK Soul Concert Series Featuring Devin Crutcher DATE: 9/28/18 STARTS: 6:00:PM WHERE: 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, TN 38103 DESCRIPTION: Back by popular demand, the National Civil Rights Museum is hosting its free MLK Soul Concert Series each Friday evening in September! With the theme, “Be Loud, Vote,” the emphasis on voter education and registration.

Stretch out on your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the tunes. If music makes you feel like dancing on the lawn, all the better!

Best of all, it is free.

SCS SUICIDE PREVENTION EXPO

WHAT: SCS Suicide Prevention Expo DATE: 9/29/18 STARTS: 10:00:AM WHERE: 4649 Horn Lake Rd.; Memphis, TN 39109 DESCRIPTION: We’re raising awareness of mental health and wellness resources in the greater memphis community.

SCS SMALL BUSINESS EXPO

WHAT: SCS Small Business Expo DATE: 9/29/18 STARTS: 11:00:AM WHERE: 7777 Walnut Grove Road; Memphis, TN; 38120 DESCRIPTION: Shelby County Schools cordially invites you to be a part of our first Small Business Expo, on Saturday, September 29, 2018, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Agricenter International. Small business owners are the foundation of our economy and we arecoming together to support them! Register for a chance to win a $100 Apple Card! (MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN)

STARTS: 8:00:AM WHERE: 200 Union Ave. Memphis, TN 38103 DESCRIPTION: Join the Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee for Sickle Cell Awareness Month. All September long, help us raise awareness for Sickle Cell. September 29, the foundation will hold its Mark Walden Sickle Cell 5k run/walk.

For more information and to register online visit www.sicklecellwalk. racesonline.com.

MAKE YOUR OWN: GOLD LEAF

WHAT: Make Your Own: Gold Leaf DATE: 9/29/18 STARTS: 10:00:AM WHERE: 374 Metal Museum Dr., Memphis, TN 38106 DESCRIPTION: Explore the world of gold leaf!

Learn the simple technique of applying gold leaf to everyday objects. Bring in your own small object or pick from one of ours. $10 PER PROJECT | AGES 7 (17 and under must have adult present; younger children may require assistance) *Members receive first project free and must call the Museum at 901-774-6380 to reserve a seat in the hands-on activity.

UNITE MEMPHIS-MARTIN 50

AFRICAN FASHIONS POP UP

WHAT: African Fashions pop up DATE: 9/29/18 STARTS: 10:00:AM WHERE: 5320 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN 38119 Hampton Inn DESCRIPTION: African Fashions by Classic Expressions is coming to your city for the first time. Our Pop ups shops are the place where you can enjoy a large collection of bold and vibrant African outfits, accessories, and fabrics. We will be showcasing unique designs for men, women and children.

We have sizes from extra small to plus sizes. We innovate with colors, silhouettes and fabrics, and introduce new genres for the world to discover.

SICKLE CELL 5K

WHAT: Sickle Cell 5k DATE: 9/29/18

WHAT: UNITE Memphis-Martin 50 DATE: 9/29/18 STARTS: 10:00:AM WHERE: Island Drive, 38103 DESCRIPTION: FREE Admission with ticket reservation @ http://www.unitememphismartin50.eventbrite.com/ WHEN: Saturday, September 29, 2018 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM WHERE: Mud Island Amphitheater

2ND ANNUAL OUR STORIES MATTER LAPS-FOR-LITERACY 2 MILE WALK

WHAT: 2nd Annual Our Stories Matter Laps-for-Literacy 2 Mile Walk DATE: 9/29/18 STARTS: 9:00:AM WHERE: 4145 Southern Avenue DESCRIPTION: Saturday, September 29th, Black Children’s Books and Authors will host our 2nd Annual Our Stories Matter Laps-for-Literacy 2 Mile Walk. We want you to lace

WHAT: WiB-Women in Business Expo!

DATE: 9/29/18 STARTS: 9:00:AM WHERE: 1900 S Germantown Rd, Germantown, TN 38138 DESCRIPTION: In celebration of women in the business sector shaping the image of workforce through philanthropy, innovation, development and creativity, WiB 2018 will inspire women to reach their highest level of professional growth by presenting perspectives and strategies for development by nationally and locally known keynote speakers.

The weekend consists of an evening cocktail awards reception followed by a 1-day expo celebration!

The cocktail reception is an invitation evening at Hattiloo Theater on Friday, September 28th at 6pm. It will be in honor of 4 pacesetting inductees and attended by city dignitaries, special guests as well as event and media sponsors.

On Saturday, September 29th from 9a-3p the WiB Expo will be held at The Great Hall Conference Center and will be nothing short of impactful women in business, demonstrations, networking, shopping, sampling, and beyond!

There will be categories present from finance, education and jobs to health, traveling, cooking, and fashion!

ARTRAGEOUS

WHAT: Artrageous DATE: 9/30/18 STARTS: 7:00:PM WHERE: 60 Perkins Extended, Memphis, TN 38117 DESCRIPTION: Tickets: $35 for adults and $25 for students Box Office Hours: Monday thru Friday, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. or 1 hour prior to performance

MASTER METALSMITH: LISA GRALNICK “SCENE OF THE CRIME” OPENING RECEPTION

WHAT: Master Metalsmith: Lisa Gralnick “Scene of the Crime” Opening Reception DATE: 9/30/18 STARTS: 4:00:PM WHERE: 374 Metal Museum Dr., Memphis, TN 38106 DESCRIPTION:

MLH SUNDAY

WHAT: MLH Sunday DATE: 9/30/18 STARTS: 07:00:AM WHERE: 1234 Main Street USA DESCRIPTION: As part of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare’s Centennial Celebration, the health system invites all congregations to celebrate “MLH Sunday” on Sunday, September 30. Participating churches are encouraged to visit www. methodisthealth.org/mlhsunday to download worship service materials including flyers and liturgy resources, in addition to bulletin inserts and posters.

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September 20 - 26, 2018

The New Tri-State Defender

Page 11

COMMUNITY PRIORITY SCHOOLS

Struggling Tennessee schools find out Friday if they could face state intervention

by Marta W. Aldrich Chalkbeat Tennessee

School communities hovering at the bottom on student achievement have been watching anxiously to see how they could fare under Tennessee’s new system for holding schools and districts accountable.

They’ll find out on Friday when the Education Department releases its 2018 list of “priority schools” in Tennessee’s bottom 5 percent, the threshold for determining state investments such as extra money — and interventions as harsh as takeover and even closure.

The unveiling will come as the state Board of Education signs off on the list during a specially called meeting.

The 2018 priority list will be the state’s first in four years, as well as the first under a new accountability system developed in response to a 2015 federal education law. The roster will chart the state’s school improvement strategies, investments, and interventions for at least the next year.

Underperforming charter schools could face the toughest consequences. Those making the list will be shuttered next spring if they were authorized by local school districts.

(Tennessee has state-authorized charters too, but those schools face closure only if they rank at the bottom in both 2018 and 2021.)

Calculating this year’s priority list — which initially was supposed to factor in the last three years of student test scores — has not been simple.

Because technical problems

Tennessee’s 2018 list of priority schools will chart the state’s school improvement strategies, investments, and interventions for at least the next year. The state issued earlier priority lists in 2012 and 2014. (Photo: Marta W. Aldrich) marred Tennessee’s return to online testing this spring, state lawmakers passed legislation ordering that the most recent scores can’t be used to place new schools on the priority list or move them into the state’s Achievement School District for assignment to charter networks. Instead, the newest priority schools are based mostly on student achievement from the two prior school years. However, a school on the 2014 list could potentially come off the new roster if its scores were good this year.

The legislation doesn’t mean that some repeat priority schools can’t be taken over by the state based on previous years’ test results. However, most of those are expected to continue under their current state-monitored school improvement plans. Schools that are new to the list will have to

develop similar plans in collaboration with the Education Department.

The newest priority lineup will be among a flurry of school accountability lists being released on Friday. The State Board also will sign off on “reward schools” that have achieved the highest performance or made extraordinary progress since last year, as well as a district roster that rates 145 Tennessee school systems based on a multitude of new measures under the state’s education plan as part of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, or ESSA. To find the list of schools at risk of making the newest priority list, https://bit.ly/2PSNVet.

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(Follow Marta W. Aldrich @marta_aldrich; email: maldrich@chalkbeat.org.)

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The New Tri-State Defender, September 20 - 26, 2018, Page 12

LENS & LINES

FOOTBALL, BABY!

Tigers, Titans notch wins on busy weekend on the gridiron Photos by Warren Roseborough

Joshua Wilson (1) of Westwood High tries to find a hole in the MASE defense.

But MASE got the 38-36 win in a double OT thriller.

(Photo: Terry Davis)

MASE wins OT nailbiter over Westwood, 38-36

by Terry Davis Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Sometimes, both teams play well enough to win that you almost wish for a tie – which is where Westwood High and the Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering (MASE) found themselves last Friday.

At the end of regulation, both teams were tied at 22, sending the game into not one, but two overtimes. But at the end of the night, MASE emerged with Terry a 38-36 vicDavis tory.

M A S E nearly won the game in regulation, but a missed extra point meant extra minutes.

In the first overtime, MASE wasted no time , with senior RB Sidney Hall scoring on a 10 yard run. Hall also delivered a twopoint conversion to give MASE a 30-22 lead.

That put the pressure on Westwood to answer in kind. After a few empty plays, Westwood QB Joshua Wilson took matters into his own hands, running in a TD and his own conversion to tie the game again at 30.

In the second overtime Westwood would have the football first. This time, Wilson struck first, running another touchdown into the endzone. However, Deontavious Smith’s rush for the conversion came up short, leaving Westwood with a tenuous 36-30 lead.

That’s when MASE took over.

Junior QB Jerick Gaston found Hall in the end zone to tie the game up at 36 each. And senior QB Sir Oliver Everett scrambled across the goal line to give MASE the win.

Fans who stayed for the ending were celebrating as they ran onto the field to congratulate their teams.

MASE Coach Everett Jackson was proud of his team’s fight – especially since they went 0-10 last season.

“We are going to try to keep them humble, but I want them to be excited,” Jackson said.

“We are like fat kids that lost all of their weight. We look good, but we still have some of the self-esteem issues of a fat kid.

I want them to keep that edge.”

Meanwhile Westwood Coach Fred Copeland knows his team has work to do “We played hard it just did not go our way,” said Longhorns first-year head coach Fred Copeland. “We have got to go back to work and got to work harder.”

NEXT: MASE vs Tipton-Rosemark Academy in Millington. Westwood vs. Chester County in Henderson. Both games kickoff on Sept. 21 at 7 p.m.

If you’re one of those people who lives for football in general, and loves the Memphis Tigers and Tennesse Titans specifically, we’re guessing you had a pretty good weekend on Sept. 14-16.

After a dismal showing against Navy on Labor Day weekend, the Tigers roared back on Friday to hammer the Georgia State Panthers, 59-22.

QB Brady White threw for 269 yards and five touchdowns, while Darrell Henderson ran in two TDs of his own, rushing for a ridiculous 233 yards on just 14 carries.

Then, on Sunday, the Titans found their way into the win column with a 2017 victory over the Houston Texans. QB Blaine Gabbert filled in well for an injured Marcus Mariota. But it could have easily gone the other way. Houston failed to recover a Titans fumble late in the game, setting up Ryan Succop to kick the game winner.

Ace sports photographer Warren Roseborough put in the work (and miles) to get these outstanding images of both games. Check them out!

The Tigers (2-1) return to action Saturday, hosting South Alabama (1-2) at The Liberty Bowl. Kickoff is at 7.p.m.

The Titans (1-1) travel to Jacksonville (2-0) to take on the Jaguars on Sunday at noon.

Above: Tony Pollard reels in one of Brady White’s passes for a first half TD. Below: The Tigers defense was tough as well. LB Brice Huff got the sack of Georgia State QB Dan Ellington.

Above: After a nifty spin move, Mechane Slade dove into the endzone for a second half Tiger touchdown.

Above left: Titans WR Rishard Matthews dives over the top.

Above right: Titans WR Corey Davis tries to turn the corner against the Texans’ Tyrann Mathieu.

Left: Houston QB Desean Watson was able to recover this fumble - barely.

Right: Universally recognized as a hero, the Titans gave a special recognition to James Shaw, who stopped a gunman from shooting up a Nashvillearea Waffle House last spring.