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September 23 - 29, 2021
VOL. 70, No. 38
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Council embraces ordinance protecting city’s water supply by James Coleman
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
“Pete Mitchell concentrates as Dakayln Wilson warms up with trainer Patrick Commander during a boxing tournament in Augusta, Ark. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/TSD Archives)
‘Pete’ Mitchell kept young people in mind as he carved a path forward
An ordinance crafted to protect Memphis’ water supply from future oil pipeline projects and withstand legal challenges sailed through the Memphis City Council on a 13-0 vote during Tuesday (Sept. 21). “You asked me to come forward with a comprehensive ordinance that dovetailed with state law, federal law and more importantly be defensible in court. That’s pretty much what I tried to do,” said council member Jeff Warren, who, in large part, shepherded the ordinance through the council. Action on two related ordinances was held after some council members expressed concerned about sharing regulatory authority with the county, including where a pipeline can be built in Memphis. The County Commission recently pass an ordinance restricting where oil
pipelines like the Byhalia Pipeline can be built. The city statute establishes wellhead overlay protection districts. If a property lies in a district, any future construction projects or major renovations would face additional oversight before it can move forward. “They are exactly what they sound like they are. They lay on top of the zoning map and can contain an additional set of regulations,” said City Council Attorney Allan Wade. The Land Use Control Board and the City Council, with the council having the final say, will regulate the land use around public wells used by MLGW to draw water from the Memphis Sand Aquifer, the city’s main source of freshwater. “This ordinance would create overlay districts, an archipelago of SEE WATER ON PAGE 2
COVID-19 UPDATE
by Karanja A. Ajanaku kajanaku@tsdmemphis.com
At the Links of Pine Hill Golf Course in South Memphis, the brotherhood of the Melrose High School Class of ’63 recently saluted Eldridge “Pete” Mitchell, a mentor who helped them transition from boys to men. Mitchell – founder of the Pete Mitchell and Associates Insurance agency, a star athlete at Melrose and later a trailblazing football coach at Orange Mound’s beloved high school – did not make it; he was suffering from an extended illness On Friday (Sept. 17), Mitchell, the first African American hired as an assistant football coach at Memphis State University (now University of Memphis), died at his home. He was 87. The Melrose brotherhood’s salute included a $3,400 donation to Restoration House Boxing Academy, which Mitchell founded in 2014. Retired Navy Lt. Commander Israel Johnson helped pull together the tribute for Mitchell, the commanding figure he looked up to in his homeroom class. Over the years, they kept in frequent touch. Andrew Rosser, Melrose’s class of ’63 president, made the check presentation. “He was my high school science teacher and later physical education teacher,” said Rosser.
Eldridge “Pete” Mitchell: “There are many young people out there who can get past the anger that tends to engulf them if we can make something attractive to them.” (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/TSD Archives) “It was a great time just being in his environment. He was full of wit, wisdom and knowledge. … I admire the things he is doing for the city, especially the inner-city youth. …” Prior to the tournament’s teeoff, Randy Wade, a Carver High School graduate and a retired Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Administrator, drummed up support for Mitchell’s boxing academy. “I just got out of the hospital for brain surgery,” said Wade, “but … I told my wife to get me out here. I wouldn’t miss this for nothing because I’ve always helped Pete. … I put two teams in (the tournament). … I used to get out with Pete, run with the
boys (boxers) training them …” Ike Griffith, director of the City of Memphis’ Office of Youth Services, accepted the brotherhood’s donation on behalf of Mitchell. Collaborators on the Boxing at the Pipkin series, which debuted in 2018, the two recently spearheaded the return of the Mid-South Golden Gloves boxing tournament to Memphis after a 50-year absence following a 35-year run. “He was a mentor to me, a dad and a best friend,” said Griffith, “who really cared about the welfare and well-being of our young people, and he did that through the sport of boxing. SEE MITCHELL ON PAGE 2
Spend the evening with some of the most phenomenal people in the world. Period.
Former Memphis and Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton Jr and his son, Andre Wharton, observing mask-wearing protocol during a visit to Walgreens. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)
As mayor recovers, stats show vaccination rates lagging among some key city workers by Dr. Sybil Mitchell
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
As Shelby County health officials continue to sound the alarm for the unvaccinated, data released this week revealed that less than 50 percent of Shelby County first responders have taken the vaccine. The percentage falls to 37 percent among Solid Waste employees working for the City of Memphis. Mayor Jim Strickland, who has been fully vaccinated, still is recovering after testing positive for
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COVID-19. When his office was contacted for comment about the vaccination rate among city employees, a statement was released by Chief Human Resources Officer Alex Smith: “The City of Memphis values the lives of all employees and therefore wants to encourage and incentivize employees to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their families, and the community. We currently offer $250 in total incentives for employ-
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September 23 - 29, 2021
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NEWS MITCHELL
CONTINUED FROM FRONT Because boxing taught discipline, respect and he said that’s what children need more of today as they transition into adulthood.” Mitchell boxed in high school when it was a recognized sport. When CDA Security founder Clift Dates approached him a couple of years ago about developing a boxing team that could represent the city at regional, national and international levels, Mitchell said, “I’m all in with that.” Elaborating in a letter pitching the first Boxing at the Pipkin event, Mitchell wrote, “The participation side of boxing is not for everyone. I know that. I’ve competed inside the ropes, taken some lumps and delivered enough of my own to have earned multiple amateur championships.” Restoration House Boxing Academy, he continued, has drawn “a stream of young men and young women and given me a chance to share some of the many life lessons I learned as an amateur boxer and while coaching professionals. … “There are many young people out there who can get past the anger that tends to engulf them if we can make something attractive to them. The more we expose boxing, the more kids we’re going to get in.
WATER
CONTINUED FROM FRONT overlay districts around these wells, specifically the public wells we all utilize, not private ones,” said Josh Whitehead, zoning administrator for Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development. The size of the districts would also make buildarounds prohibitive. “It would be very difficult, considering the scope of the wellhead areas,” said Wade, the council’s attorney. Specific uses that are potential contaminants by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation guidelines, which could range from a new auto repair shop to redesigning a golf course, would be flagged by the Division of Planning and Development. The wellhead administrator for Memphis Light Gas and Water Division and a zoning official would review the application if it lies in an overlay district. If it does, the applicant will need to file a special use permit with the division. This would be followed by a two-hearing process with the
Pete Mitchell wraps the hands of a Restoration House Boxing Academy entrant in a tournament in Augusta, Arkansas. (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku/TSD Archives) We’ve just got to find them.” So, when Mitchell reached out to former Mayor Dr. Willie W. Herenton, who boxed in the Golden Gloves when segregation was the order of the day, he found a long-time supporter willing to help with Mitchell’s dream of returning the Mid-South Golden Gloves to Memphis. “Boxing contributed to our development as boys to men,” said Herenton. “That’s how I learned to become competitive, have good self-esteem. … Pete has zeal for this stuff (amateur boxing). … I hope it works. I’m going to help him promote it.” Dates, who himself recently shared that he is terminally
Land Use Control Board and then the City Council. “This body (the council) would have the power to approve or reject that application,” said Wade. If ultimately approved, a gas station, for example, may require “some kind of extra attention to the tank” or “maybe this body would say there are no remediation remedies” and reject the permit, Whitehead said. Council member Chase Carlisle asked for the ordinance to be amended to reflect changes made by Wade and the planning division during their review. It was seconded by JB Smiley. The ordinance comes on the heels of the defeat of the proposed Byhalia Pipeline. The Plains All-American Pipeline project was slated to be built through Southwest Memphis’ predominantly African-American neighborhoods on its way to its endpoint in Byhalia, Miss. It was shelved in July following staunch opposition from a coalition of environmentalists, civil rights activists and concerned citizens. The Houston-based company intends to re-route the pipeline through Mississippi.
ill, said Mitchell checked on him regularly. Their friendship dates back to Mitchell’s coaching days at Melrose. “He was such a great guy … with a great heart, great spirit, great teacher, great coach, great everything,” said Dates. One of nine children, his parents transitioned from Mississippi, settling in Orange Mound. Looking back on those segregated times and limited opportunities, Mitchell once said, “We had to create our own dreams … our own roads.” At Melrose, Mitchell played football, basketball, ran track and boxed. He guided the Golden Wildcats’ football program from 1956 to 1969. Two years
COVID
CONTINUED FROM FRONT ees if they get vaccinated. We also provide paid vaccination and recuperation time and provide onsite vaccination and testing events. Approximately 50% of our employees are vaccinated. “We are awaiting further guidance from OSHA on the temporary emergency standard that President Biden announced this month, which mandates vaccinations for employers with 100+ employees. As we await the final OSHA rules, we continue to remain vigilant in promoting and offering Covid-19 vaccinations and testing to all city employees.” There are 4,000 city employees. On Wednesday (Sept. 22), there were 276 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Shelby County and 11 deaths. Cases over a seven-day period, ending on Sept. 22, totaled 2,861, for an average of 409 cases daily. Over that same period, 63 deaths were reported, averaging nine deaths per day. Shelby County Health Department Medical Officer Dr. Bruce Randolph continues to express concern for those who
later, he was hired as an assistant coach at Memphis State. In column about how sports helped integrate Memphis, the Rev. Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray Jr. noted Mitchell’s contributions. “In addition to coaching assignments, Mitchell was also a scout and recruiter of Black football players throughout the Mid-South. Pete Mitchell’s success was unprecedented.” Mitchell started his insurance agency in 1975, pro-
viding athletic and student accident insurance to school systems in Memphis and surrounding areas. The agency now provides a full range of products and services for individuals and businesses. Mitchell and his wife, Sybil Mitchell, have five children. Robert Mitchell, the Mitchell’s youngest child, said Mitchell was the most generous of fathers. “My dad would say, ‘You
may not have everything you want, but I’ll make sure you have everything you need,’” recalled Robert Mitchell. “But he was wrong. He gave us everything we needed and wanted.” Final arrangements are pending. M.J. Edwards and Sons Funeral Home, 1165 Airways Blvd., has charge. (Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell contributed to this story.)
“About 85 percent of those getting severely ill or dying from the virus continue to be among the unvaccinated. The age group being most effected by the highly transmissible Delta variant are between the ages of 12-44. Their vaccination rate in Shelby County is only 35 percent. Our young people are extremely vulnerable at this time.” — Dr. Bruce Randolph have not yet been vaccinated. “About 85 percent of those getting severely ill or dying from the virus continue to be among the unvaccinated,” said Randolph. “The age group being most effected by the highly transmissible Delta variant are between the ages of 12-44. Their vaccination rate in Shelby County is only 35 percent. Our young people are extremely vulnerable at this time.” Randolph said he was not shocked at the low vaccination rate among Memphis police and firefighters. “The same biases and hesitancy that exists in the general population also would exist among our police officers and firefighters,” Randolph said. “Our case numbers continue to be on a downward trend. The death rate is at 1.4 percent. That means for every 100 people getting COVID, one of them is going to die.”
CNN reported that COVID-19 has now killed more Americans than the 1918 influenza pandemic. There was no vaccine at that time. According to the report, more than 675,000 COVID-19 surpasses the number of Americans perishing in the earlier pandemic. The population in America has tripled since that time, but when adjusted proportionally, more people in the United States have died in a pandemic 103 years later. County statistics show that there have been 139,000 cases of COVID-19, and 1,996 deaths. Across the state, there have been a total of 1.16 million cases, with 14,334 deaths. Acute and ICU bed capacities continue to be up in Shelby County. Acute beds are 94 percent filled. ICU beds are 97 percent filled. Meanwhile, news surfaced this week that an unidentified
female student, who attended a charter school in Frayser, had died from COVID-19 on Sept. 11. The student reportedly had not attended school since Aug. 16 but not because of COVID-19. The student’s death comes as families and advocacy groups across the state have filed a series of federal lawsuits seeking to overturn Gov. Bill Lee’s order that lets parents opt out of school mask requirements. To date, the legal challenges have been met with mixed results. As of Tuesday, Tennessee had about 1,766 new cases per 100,000 people over the past two weeks, according to Johns Hopkins University researchers – the highest in the country. One in every 190 people in Tennessee tested positive in the past week. (This story reflects a report by the Associated Press.)
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September 23 - 29, 2021
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NEWS
Melvin Van Peebles, the ‘Godfather’ of Black film, is dead at 89 by Monée Fields-White theroot.com
Actor-writer-director-composer Melvin Van Peebles – a Renaissance man who promoted Black economic empowerment and helped usher in a new era of Black filmmaking with his best-known work, the 1971 film “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song” – died Tuesday night at 89. His death was confirmed by film distributor Criterion Collection in a statement from the family. No cause of death was given. His son, noted director and frequent collaborator Mario Van Peebles, said of his legendary father: “Dad knew that Black images matter. If a picture is worth a thousand words, what was a movie worth?” he said in the statement. “We want to be the success we see, thus we need to see ourselves being free. True liberation did not mean imitating the colonizer’s mentality. It meant appreciating the power, beauty and interconnectivity of all people.” Melvin Peebles was born Aug. 21, 1932, on the South Side of Chicago. (He added “Van” to his last name while living in Amsterdam.) After graduating from high school in 1949, he enrolled at West Virginia State University but transferred to Ohio Wesleyan University. Days after graduating in 1953 with a degree in literature, he joined the Air Force, where he was a B-47 flight navigator for three-anda-half years. Out of the Air Force and married to a German woman, the photographer Maria Marx, Van Peebles moved briefly to Mexico, where his son Mario was born. (The couple would also have a daughter, Megan, and another son, Max.) The family soon moved back to the U.S., settling in San Francisco, where Van Peebles worked as a cable-car driver. He also painted and wrote short stories about his experiences. After making a series of short films, he tried to get hired as a director in Hollywood but was offered only jobs as an elevator operator and a dancer. Van Peebles decided to move with his family to the Netherlands in 1959 and take graduate courses in astronomy while also working at the Dutch National Theater. (His mar-
riage would end overseas, and Maria would move back to the States with the children.) Van Peebles dropped astronomy after the Cinémathèque Française invited him to Paris to screen his short films. Van Peebles, who mastered the French language in Paris, was hired to translate Mad magazine into the language. He also began writing plays in French. Van Peebles made his first feature-length film, “The Story of a Three-Day Pass,” in France in 1968. That movie, about a Black American soldier’s relationship with a white French woman, caught the attention of Hollywood producers. (Although Van Peebles would eventually move back to the States, his ties to France continued throughout his life, and he was awarded the French Legion of Honor in 2002.) Van Peebles’ first U.S. film was the Columbia Pictures 1970 cult comedy “Watermelon Man,” the story of a bigoted white insurance salesman (played by Godfrey Cambridge) who wakes up one day to find that he has turned Black and is quickly ostracized by friends and colleagues. Van Peebles became the first African American to direct a mainstream feature film, but the milestone didn’t come without complications. The studio asked him to shoot two endings – one in which Cambridge’s character becomes a Black militant after his experience, and the other in which he wakes up to find it was all a dream. Van Peebles dealt with the situation by “forgetting” to shoot the second ending. After that experience, Van Peebles decided that he wanted full control over the production of his next film. In 1971 he released the groundbreaking, sexually explicit feature “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song.” Dedicated to “all the Brothers and Sisters who had enough of the Man,” it was about a Black man on the run from racist police officers. Van Peebles funded the movie with his own money and a $50,000 loan from Bill Cosby. He also wrote the screenplay and score and edited the movie. An insider’s view of the Black experience, the movie would end up grossing $15 million. It also helped usher in the blaxploitation era of films created for Black audiences and featuring gritty,
Melvin Van Peebles: “It’s all how you look at stuff. … And America gives you a lot of stuff to look at.” (Photo from Criterion Collection via theroot.com)
The 1971 film “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song” by Melvin Van Peebles helped usher in a new era of Black filmmaking. (Photo from Criterion Collection via theroot.com) controversial characters that often reflected harsh stereotypes. The response to the film at the time – the Black Panthers’ Huey Newton reportedly calling it the “first truly revolutionary Black film,” while film critics bashed it – didn’t make Hollywood more receptive to Van Peebles’ filmmaking style, and he turned to other artistic outlets and pursuits. (In 2010, the African American Film Critics Association would honor Van Peebles for his work and influence in Black film.) He released the studio album “Brer Soul” in 1969. Often cited as a forerunner of rap, it featured a vocal style known as sprechgesang, in which lyrics are spoken over music. He wrote and composed two Broadway musicals, “Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death” (1971) and “Don’t Play Us Cheap” (1972) – both of which were nominated for Tony Awards. “Ain’t Supposed to Die” won several Drama Desk Awards. Van Peebles was widely praised for his film scores. He was given an NAACP Award for the music for “Watermelon Man;” he also received two Grammy nominations for the score of “Ain’t Supposed to Die.” While still unknown at the time, the Chicago-based band Earth, Wind & Fire performed the music for “Sweet Sweetback,” which helped launch the band’s career. Van Peebles also continued to pursue his literary and financial interests. In 1984 he
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received a Daytime Emmy Award for writing the episode “The Day They Came to Arrest the Books” for the CBS Schoolbreak Special. In 1986 he penned a well-received self-help financial book, “Bold Money: A New Way to Play the Options Market,” after becoming the first Black trader on the American Stock Exchange. His son Mario, who at age 10 had a small role at the beginning of “Baadasssss Song,” would explore the making of his father’s movie in the 2003 documentary”Baadasssss!”
In 2005 Melvin discussed his filmmaking in the documentary “How to Eat Your Watermelon in White Company (and Enjoy It).” Melvin and Mario would also collaborate on a number of projects, including the 1989 film “Identity Crisis.” In 2009, Van Peebles published the graphic novel “Confessions of a Ex-Doofus-Itchy Footed Mutha,” and produced and directed a film by the same name. He also pushed to make “Sweet Sweetback”into a musical, an early version of
which was shown at the Apollo Theater in 2009. That same year, he wrote and performed in a stage musical, “Unmitigated Truth: Life, a Lavatory, Loves, and Ladies,” which showcased both his previous songs and new material. When he was 75, Van Peebles spoke about what it was like for an African-American male growing up in the 1940s and ‘50s: “‘Boy’ was when you were a kid, and when you got old, ‘uncle.’ They’d never call you a man.” Of his own journey past that in-between period – the threatening “virility stage,” as he put it – he said: “Little old ladies used to pull their purses close to them when you’d walk by. … Now they smile. “It’s all how you look at stuff,” he added. “And America gives you a lot of stuff to look at.” (Monée Fields-White is a freelance writer and editor based in Los Angeles.)
PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, September 23 - 29, 2021, Page 4
On Sept. 17, the University of Memphis unveiled a marker naming the Alumni Mall after the first African-American graduate, Luther C. McClellan, who was on hand for a ceremony he did not envision when he and seven others integrated what was Memphis State University. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)
U of M names alumni hall to honor the first African-American graduate
by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
In the late 1950s, Memphis State University vigorously resisted racial integration among both its faculty and student body. Although the Supreme Court had declared that segregated education was unconstitutional in the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka ruling, colleges and universities, particularly in the South, routinely rejected students on the basis of race. Memphis State University was a part of that norm, but reluctantly admitted eight African-American students in 1959. Thrown into a cauldron of racial hatred and open hostility, the courageous young people became known as the “Memphis State Eight.” On Sept. 17, the now University of Memphis unveiled a marker naming the Alumni Mall after the first African-American graduate Luther C. McClellan. Long-time friends and former students gathered to celebrate the unveiling of the Luther C. McClellan Alumni Mall. “I never thought I would see a day when a Black student would be honored on that campus,” McClellan said. “But it is so gratifying to see. It was a very pleasant surprise.” The dedication was a part of the university’s Eradicating Systemic Racism and Promoting Social Justice Initiative that kicked off in 2020 in the aftermath of the George Floyd video release showing Floyd’s Memorial Day 2020 choking death by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin and the resulting worldwide protests. Chauvin, 45, was convicted on charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter for his role in Floyd’s death. He was sentenced to 22½ years in prison in June. Three other officers, who were on the scene when Floyd was killed, are awaiting trial on related charges. “It is quite an honor to receive this recognition,” McClellan said. “I applaud the University of Memphis for all of its efforts
Friends, family and supporters of Luther C. McClellan were on hand for the marker dedication, including Memphis State Eight trail blazers Bertha Rogers Looney (front, fourth from right) and Ralph Prater (front, second from left). Marvis Kneeland Jones, the only other surviving member of the Memphis State Eight was unable to attend because of illness. The other Memphis State Eight students were Eleanor Gandy, Sammie Burnett Johnson, Rose Blakney Love and John Simpson. to make sure we are integrated, diverse and that all students get a fair opportunity to succeed. I am so proud to be a graduate.” The university’s African-American enrollment now is about 34 percent. McClellan came to Memphis State as a sophomore. He had just completed his freshman year at LeMoyne College, now LeMoyne-Owen College. “No one encouraged me to do it, or told me I should do it,” said McClellan. “I just made up my mind that I was going to attend Memphis State, and my mother was supportive. I was in for a rude awakening. “That first year was rough. The dean met us that first day and spent all his time telling us what we weren’t allowed to do. We were not made to feel welcome at all.” McClellan said the eight African-American students were supposed to be off the campus by noon, but he had a chemistry lab two days a week that was scheduled in the afternoon. The student center and cafeteria were off-limits for the eight as well. “Those restrictions were imposed that first year,” said McClellan. “That next
year, many other black students came to the university. We started going where we wanted to go. We would get together to just socialize among ourselves. It was nothing for us to play cards in the student center.” Associate Dean Linda Hall of Multicultural Affairs said the George Floyd killing and the subsequent movement for social justice around the world created a “reflective moment” for the University of Memphis. “The whole movement caused individuals to reflect on how they were contributing to that situation personally,” said Hall. “The renaming of campus landmarks to honor the contributions of African Americans is an opportunity for the school to right some wrongs.” The effort to recognize outstanding contributions by African Americans was driven by “three black females.” “The president of the Student Government Association, the president of the Black Student Association, and the president of the NAACP all met with President (M. David) Rudd last year because the
University of Memphis had no reflection of the diversity of contributions by faculty and students, neither past nor present. “Fortunately, university officials were open to listening to those concerns.” Rudd said the school is “making progress” in the effort toward embracing diversity. “It was an act of remarkable personal courage by Luther and so many others across this country that forced the United States to start facing the issue of racial injustice and equality, said Rudd. “We are certainly nowhere near where we need to be, but we are making progress. … “I hope the people who visit this marker on the Luther C. McClellan Alumni Mall recognize and embrace the personal values, qualities and characteristics that fueled Luther’s persistence in the face of unparalleled adversity and great personal risk.” McClellan graduated in 1962 with a B.S. degree in mathematics. McClellan then became an Air Force officer, specializing in radar countermeasures. He worked as a computer expert at the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and as a program director at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He retired in 1998 with more than 30 years of experience working for the FAA and Air Force. He also retired from the Air Force Reserves as a major. McClellan also earned an MBA from Monmouth University. The Black Alumni Chapter of the University of Memphis Alumni Association awards the Luther C. McClellan Scholarship annually to as many as three deserving minority students. This award recognizes students who “have shown outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities and community involvement.” The first event of this kind was in November when a marker was placed outside of Jones Hall to honor the late Dr. Miriam DeCosta Sugarmon-Willis, the university’s first African-American professor. The building was renamed in her honor.
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The New Tri-State Defender
September 23 - 29, 2021
Page 5
RELIGION
Pastor Orlester Johnson looks back 30 years and forward to greater works by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Thirty years after preaching his first sermon in a house, Pastor Orlester Johnson of Greater Faith Tabernacle Ministries eyes an “upward path in pursuing greater ministry.” “I can’t believe it’s been 30 whole years,” Johnson said. “The time just flew by. I am left wondering, ‘Where did the years go?’ But one thing I can attest, and that is God has been faithful.” Johnson is a native Memphian who initially chose another career path. “It wasn’t so much that I was running from a call to preach,” Johnson said. “I just wanted to be sure of what God was saying. I was in graphic design, a printer. And I just loved the printing business. As the first, Black supervisor of Lithograph Printing, I operated a 100-feet well press. I just loved printing.” Johnson pondered “his call” through a time of meditation and prayer. He was gainfully employed and loved his
career choice. But once he was sure that “it was the Lord calling,” there was only one option for him. “Although conflicted, I stepped out on faith to start a church. The Lord gave me the name, ‘Greater Faith.’ Our first service was held in a house back in 1991.” Johnson said that from the first day, securing a viable place to worship was a challenge. “I heard God say, ‘build,’” said Johnson. “But no bank would give us a loan. They needed three years financial history and we didn’t have that. One Sunday, a Caucasian gentleman named Rick Taylor came by and told us, ‘I’ll help build your church.’ That was 30 years ago. We are building our third church right now.” Greater Faith at 905 East Shelby Drive was established as a local church connected with the Church of God in Christ denomination. Later, that connection became tenuous. “There were some things going on that I just didn’t think were right,”
said Johnson. “And so, I became a renegade, you could say. I was still associated with the church, but I didn’t feel a connection. “For about eight or nine years, I was out there just, trying to do what I felt the Lord was requiring of us.” Johnson altered his course, strengthening Greater Faith’s COGIC connection. He points to Bishop Charles H. Mason Patterson Sr., pastor of Pentecostal Temple COGIC and the great grandson of COGIC founder Charles Harrison Mason, reaching out and outlining a path to Johnson becoming a bishop. “Becoming a bishop puts you on an upward path in pursuing greater ministry,” said Johnson. “Everyone would like to be recognized for their hard work and effort over the years. Bishop Patterson asked me to join with him. I know the collaboration will be blessed of God.” Greater Faith is “excited about what lies ahead,” said Johnson. “We operated independently for a while,
Pastor Orlester Johnson and wife, Jo Ann Johnson. (Courtesy photo) but Greater Faith is a growing and vital part of what God is doing in COGIC today. I’m ready for the next 30 years.” Johnson’s 30th anniversary celebration is set for Oct. 17. “We had originally planned for a celebration on a much larger scale, but the pandemic has inspired us to use wisdom,” said Johnson. “Greater Faith will share a time of reflection with old friends and supporters who have been a part of us over the years.
“People will have the opportunity to tell their stories of what the ministry has meant to them and to their families. My wife, Jo Ann, and I are looking forward to the celebration.” Masking will be mandatory for all attendees. The congregation currently is worshipping at 4665 Auburn Rd. after a burst pipe damaged the Shelby Drive sanctuary in February. (For more information, call the church office at 901-346-4429.)
Farewell to Coach ‘A’ … A celebration of the life of legendary Hamilton High School basketball coach Theodore Anderson Jr. was held last Friday (Sept. 17) in Binghampton at First Baptist Church-Broad Street, where the Rev. Dr. Keith Norman is pastor. The Rev. Dr. Kenneth T. Whalum Jr. delivered the eulogy. Coach Anderson, 77, died Sept. 7. He and his wife, Nicolet Anderson, were married for 36 years. Coach Anderson’s son, Todd Day, who starred at basketball in high school and at the University of Arkansas, played 15 years in the NBA before going into coaching. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)
The New Tri-State Defender, September 23 - 29, 2021, Page 6
“There were enough Black presenters (at the Emmys) to Cha-Cha slide at the family reunion but very few winners in the bunch.” — Nsenga K. Burton
Emmys 2021:
The diversity and inclusion shuffle by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D. NNPA Newswire
If they love our rhythm and not our blues was an awards show, then the 2021 Emmys would fit the bill. To no surprise of media critics and audiences of color, the 2021 Emmys did what mainstream awards shows tend to do – trot out amazing Black talent and then fail to reward them. Perhaps all of the talk about television being far ahead of film in terms of diverse programming went to the heads of the nominating committees and judges for the awards show? Maybe in the race to appear on trend, the academy publicly embraced diversity and inclusion while privately eschewing it? Quite possibly the academy thought because they have awarded Regina King, Billy Porter, Viola Davis and RuPaul in recent years they were in the clear? Whatever they were thinking didn’t wash with many Black viewers and media critics at least according to social media. Just how do you open an awards show hosted by Cedric the Entertainer – I repeat Cedric the Entertainer – with a play on the late, great Biz Markie’s classic rap ditty, “Just a Friend?” and then not show a Black winner for two hours? How exactly do you have Cedric, Billie Porter, L.L. Cool J, Renee Goldsberry, MJ Rodriguez and Rita Wilson rocking the mic and moving the historically stiff crowd, and then fail to reward any performers of color during the live broadcast with a few exceptions? See the 2021 Emmys, which trotted out so many presenters of color that it vaguely resembled the NAACP Image Awards, except there were no Black winners other than RuPaul, Micaela Coel and an overdue Governor’s award for the incomparable Debbie Allen. Presenters of color included Kerry Washington, Angela Bassett, Taraji Henson, Billie Porter, Awkwafina, MJ Rodriguez, Mindy Kaling, Anthony Andersen, Misty Copeland, Ava DuVernay, Gayle King, LL Cool J, Jada Pinkett Smith, Tracee Ellis Ross, Yara Shahidi, Ken Jeong, Vanessa Lachey, Bowen Yang, Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs and Wilmer Valderamma. There were enough Black presenters
to Cha-Cha slide at the family reunion but very few winners in the bunch. This year’s list of Emmy winners looked more like a photo of the U.S. Congress instead of reflecting the outstanding diverse proNsenga K. graming that covered Burton small screens. To say Black talent, stories and executives were erased by the 2021 Emmys, would be an understatement. See HBO’s “Lovecraft Country.” To be fair, television programming has gotten increasingly plentiful and quite frankly better in recent years and there are so many shows to consider between the traditional networks, cable and over-thetop companies (Netflix, Hulu, Apple+). Deciding whose work deserves to be nominated and who deserves to win is a difficult process. However, there is no need to pander to audiences of color by delegating your hosting, performance and presenting duties to racially diverse entertainers while putting forth a nearly all-White list of award winners. Further, it is becoming increasingly clear that the growing amount of television content featuring and produced by people of color is not enough to shift the culture of the television academy. In a July 2021 Deadline interview about many topics including diversity, Frank Scherma, CEO of the Television Academy, stated, “And the more shows that are produced with diversity, the more shows that are written by people that are diverse, the more things that are done, the more are going to get nominated.” Well, that approach to diversity doesn’t seem to be serving diverse content creators and audiences well.
Debbie Allen became the first Black woman to be presented with a Governor’s award, which is given for outstanding achievement in the arts and sciences. In her speech, Allen discussed the sexism she has faced down during her 40-year career as a dancer, actor, writer, producer and director. (Screen capture) Until the academy is ready to do something radically different, then the outcomes will remain the same. RuPaul’s win made him the most awarded Black Emmy winner ever. Michaela Coel, whose performance as lead actress in the critically acclaimed HBO limited series, “I May Destroy You,” won an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for the show, making Coel the first Black woman to win in that category. Debbie Allen became the first Black woman to be presented with a Governor’s award, which is given for outstanding achievement in the arts and sciences. In her speech, Allen discussed the sexism she has faced down during her 40-year career as a dancer, actor, writer, producer and director in Hollywood and her hopes for girls and women globally and in the industry. Although she did not win, MJ Rodriguez was the first Trans woman nominated in Emmy history for her terrific performance as Bianca Rodriguez Evangelista in FX’s “Pose.” Despite some wins, it is hard to overlook the erasure of the outstanding writing of Misha Green, the ensemble act-
ing of “Lovecraft Country,” and a myriad of other shows, writers and producers of color literally taking television programming to higher heights. Coel seemed to hit the nail on the head with her thoughtful speech which spoke to the tenor of the evening. “Visibility these days seems to somehow equate to success,” said Coel, who spoke directly to the viewing audience and I suspect fellow Black creatives listening in the room. “Do not be afraid to disappear—from it, from us – for a while, and see what comes to you in the silence.” It is clear hyper visible Black creatives and performers are often overlooked and undervalued in mainstream award shows and this year’s Emmys was no exception. Perhaps, Black audiences and creatives will hear Coel’s quietly spoken and yet loud statement that if you haven’t already done so, it is time to embrace and create award spaces that celebrate our rhythm and our blues. (Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., is the NNPA Newswire Culture and Entertainment Editor.)
The New Tri-State Defender
September 23 - 29, 2021
Page 7
ENTERTAINMENT
Cynthia Erivo in Harriet (2019).
5th Annual WLOK Black Film Festival to kick off four-day run TSD Newsroom WLOK’s 5th annual Black Film Festival featuring black artists and film producers in the motion picture industry begins Thursday (September 23) and continues through Sunday. Sponsored by WLOK radio and the Gilliam Foundation, the Black Film Festival offers a variety of films that focus on social justice issues relevant to the Black community, as well as Black actors and actresses in significant roles and Black film makers. “The purpose of the Black Film Festival is to showcase a broad spectrum of quality Black films that are entertaining and culturally enriching,’’ said Art Gilliam, president and chief executive officer of WLOK Radio and the Gilliam Foundation. “This Festival gives emerging Black film makers an opportunity to show their films and encourages appreciation of Black films and Black
artists in the film industry.” Admission is $10 per person for each film, plus $10 per person to attend the Red-Carpet event at 6 p.m., September 23. Here is the Black Film Festival schedule: • “Harriet” – Thursday (September 23), at the Pink Palace Museum, 3050 Central Ave. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a Red-Carpet event, followed by the film at 7 p.m. Starring Cynthia Erivo, “Harriet” is based on the story of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into an iconic freedom fighter and American heroine. • New Film-Makers Production – Friday (September 24), 7 p.m., University of Memphis Student Center, 499 University Street. Presentation of finalists who produced 15-to 25-minute short films. The winning entry, decided by professional judges, will receive $500. • “Amazing Grace – Aretha
Franklin” – Saturday (September 25), 7 p.m., at the Crosstown Theater, 1350 Concourse Ave. A documentary recording of the largest-selling gospel album in history. Recorded live at New Bethel Baptist Church in Watts, Los Angeles, with Aretha’s band and the Southern California Community Choir. • “Just Mercy” – Sunday (September 26), at 2 p.m., Playhouse on the Square, 66 Cooper Street. Starring Jamie Foxx and Michael B. Jordan, the film is about a death row inmate convicted despite evidence demonstrating his innocence. The Film will be followed by a discussion group, including Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr., a representative of the Innocence Project, a man wrongfully convicted and released from death row and a community activist. • “Best of Enemies” – Sunday (September 26) 7 p.m., Playhouse on the Square, 66 Cooper
Taraji P. Henson in an intense scene from “Best-of-Enemies.” Street. The story of an unlikely effort that develops between a Klu Klux Klan member and an outspoken civil right activist during the desegregation of public schools in Durham, NC. The film, which stars Taraji Henson and Sam Rockwell, will be followed by a group discussion that includes people knowledgeable
about the film’s issues. (WLOK is a Memphis-based radio station that broadcasts a gospel format on both AM and FM channels, operating under AM1340 and FM105. For more information, contact Art Gilliam, 901-527-9565; email: wlokradio@aol.com.)
COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, September 23 - 29, 2021, Page 8
Sheriff Bonner kicks off re-election bid
by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. used the backdrop of the East Memphis Clark Tower skyscraper to announce his re-election bid Wednesday (Sept. 22) morning. During a 20-minute news conference, Bonner reviewed his past three years in office, with the sheriff saying “quite a few things have been accomplished.” Bonner, the African American elected Shelby County sheriff, said, “Since being elected in 2018, we’ve been able to accomplish quite a few things here at the Sheriff’s Office. “And I say ‘we’ because it was a team effort. We’ve been able to maintain the jail, law enforcement and training divisions for accreditation.” Bonner said his administration also has effectively managed the budget for three years, and even returned $8 million to the Shelby County Commission last year. Although Bonner did not discuss recent criticisms of crowding in Shelby County jails, he did say the jail population has been “safely reduced.” Independent inspections earlier this year were conducted by a criminal justice consulting firm appointed in a pending case against Bonner and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Charges call the jail system “illequipped” to effectively enforce safety measures related to COVID-19. Consultants said the population continues to be 50 percent higher than what is allowed for “meaningful social distancing” to occur. Bonner said a special adjudicator,
TSD Newsroom
After Bishop Ed Stephens Jr. (left), pastor of Golden Gate Cathedral, opened Wednesday’s press conference with a prayer, Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. announced he is running for a second term. Also pictured (l-r): Bonner’s wife, Audrey Bonner; their daughter-in-law, Courtney Bonner, and her daughter, Emery Bonner. (Photo: Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell) Judge Michelle Best, looks at cases of detainees and cases that have been pending for some time. Best acts as an agent of the Sheriff’s Office to contact prosecutors and other officers of the court to see how such cases might be expedited. The work that Best does has reduced the jail population considerably, Bonner said, adding that efforts in bail reform have also helped to reduce the jail population. He said COVID-19 has hindered some efforts for more community outreach by the Sheriff’s Department. Bonner also said that crime has been reduced each year in unincorporated Shelby County during his
administration Bonner said one of the things he really is proud of is the implementation of the Citizens Hiring Committee. “The Citizens Hiring Committee helps command staff to choose the next officers,” said Bonner. “This allows citizens to have a say in the next deputy sheriffs that will police them. Like other law enforcement entities in Tennessee, Bonner said he is short of officers, but has taken measures to attract new personnel. While the jail is 200 officers short, Bonner said he has raised the starting salary to $41,000, implemented a $5,000 sign-on bonus and even offered employees $1,000 for referrals
who complete training and are hired. If re-elected, Bonner wants to use a more holistic approach to fighting recidivism. “I was just talking with someone this morning,” said Bonner. “It’s OK to mentor these children. And they have some heart-breaking stories. But if we mentor them and then send them back in the same environment, how can they really make a change?” Party primary elections for county offices are May 3 next year. The county general election is Aug. 4, 2022. (For more information, visit reelectbonnerforsheriff.com.)
Ida B. Wells committee reflects and ponders ‘next steps forward’ by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
The Memphis City Council will be asked to rename a portion of Fourth Street in honor of Ida B. Wells. That was part of the news that came out a Sept. 17 luncheon in which the Ida B. Wells Memphis Memorial Committee met to thank donors, bestow awards and consider future projects. The thank-you luncheon at the historic Mt. Olive Cathedral CME Church took both a reflective look back at what the committee achieved and a look forward to “the work that lies ahead,” said the committee’s organizer Dr. L. LaSimba Gray Jr. Dr. Bill Adkins, senior pastor of Greater Imani The Cathedral of Faith, was not in attendance on Friday, but shared his excitement about the anticipated street renaming to honor Wells. Adkins said two Memphis City Council members are expected to co-sponsor a renaming resolution next month. The measure will ask city officials to rename Fourth Street
TVA sets virtual meetings on Allen coal ash removal
“Ida B. Wells: The Legacy Continues” was the luncheon theme as the Ida B. Wells Memphis Memorial Committee met to thank donors, bestow awards and consider future projects. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley) for Ida B. Wells, from Union Avenue Downtown to McLemore Avenue in South Memphis. Gray said the luncheon” was an opportunity for the committee to “look at what we have been able to do, the things that have already been accomplished. We looked at the relationships we were able to build and what our next steps forward should be. The luncheon’s theme, “Ida B. Wells: The Legacy Continues,” speaks to the intent of the committee to continue “the work.” Committee treasurer Pastor Darrell Harrington, who also pastors New Sardis Baptist Church, said the group wants to “enhance the image” of Memphis. “This luncheon was certainly a celebration of all the Lord has helped us to do,” said Harrington. “But it was also an opportunity to reflect on our mission and build on our motive for organizing in the first place. “We will continue to look for op-
portunities to enhance the image of the city. We are looking to erect more monuments that employ justice for all, statues of honor that stand for what is just and right.” On July 16, after more than a year of fundraising, Gray and the committee unveiled a life-size statue of Wells, the storied, anti-lynching journalist, at the corner of Beale and Fourth Streets. The statue looks west toward the Mississippi River and is the cornerstone of the Ida B. Wells Plaza. Hundreds came out to witness the historic event, which drew coverage from national news outlets. The monument’s unveiling was the culminating highlight of a weeklong schedule of panel discussions, a ministers’ summit, a parade, a pilgrimage to the lynching site that sparked Wells’ outcry against a triple lynching in Memphis, and a worship service at First Baptist Church-Beale Street, where Wells ran her newspaper’s press.
“The Ida B. Wells Plaza is 80 percent complete,” said Gray. “And when it is finished, we will be asking the Memphis City Council to rename a portion of Fourth Street in honor of Ida B. Wells. “There are a lot of reasons why this is right. Look at the example of courage she left, a profile in courageous protest against the widespread practice of lynching black people, particularly in the South. We need to lift her up.” Adkins added, “The Ida B. Wells statue is right there on the corner of historic Beale and Fourth Streets,” said Adkins. “It stands on the corner where Tri-State Bank once stood and where Church Park and First Baptist Beale Street are located. We need to capitalize on our history. That corner and the surrounding area is rich in Black History, and we should remember the contributions of Ida B. Wells by renaming a portion of Fourth Street.”
Amid uneasiness about its earlier announced plans to relocate coal ash from the shuttered Allen Fossil Plant to a landfill east of Memphis International Airport, TVA decided to host two community meetings, with the next set for next week, Sept. 30. Memphis City Council members on Aug. 3 were provided details of a controversial plan to relocate the waste. Citing concerns about the waste possibly contaminating the city’s water supply, Council members responded by introducing a pair of resolutions to find another dumping ground for the ash. Noting that TVA’s “partnership” with local authorities “put in place a process and shared responsibility to safely remove the coal ash and restore the site for the benefit of the community,” Scott Brooks, TVA’s public relations representative, subsequently detailed via Twitter that the power supplier would “… further engage with our stakeholders and community partners to work together toward this shared objective.” The first virtual meeting was late Wednesday (Sept. 22) afternoon. The Sept. 30 meeting begins at 6 p.m. For access, visit www. tva.com/allen or call1-877-3534701. “The Allen restoration project is driven by our dedication and commitment to the Memphis community and the protection of the Memphis aquifer,” said Cedric Adams, principal project manager for the Allen project. The landfill site is in a southeast community 20 miles down the road from President’s Island, where both the idle plant and waste remain. The TVA plans to raze the plant and return the land to the City of Memphis, Shelby County and MLGW. Both the plant and the waste lie atop the Memphis Aquifer, the main source of drinking water for the city. In 2017, TVA found arsenic levels 300 times higher than federal drinking water standards in groundwater near the containment ponds. Other toxins also were found. The TVA has said several alternatives were studied, including leaving the ash in place, closing in place and closure by removal. TVA concluded the best decision was closure by removal. Latrivia Welch, TVA’s media and public relations program manager, said TVA is hosting the community meetings to “listen, take questions and educate community members on the Allen Restoration Project. We hope everyone will tune in and participate.” (To review five things TVA wants area residents to know about the Allen restoration project, visit https://bit.ly/3lIXoX2.)
Community Baby Shower seeks to ‘bless’ families with small children TSD Newsroom Riverside Missionary Baptist Church is having its third annual Sip & See Community Baby Shower from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday (September 25). During the drive-thru event, 200 families with children ages five and under will receive free gift baskets that include items such as bottles,
diapers, pull-ups, wipes, onesies and other useful items depending on the age of the child. Food trucks will be onsite to provide a meal and dessert to the participants at no cost to them. Also, the first 50 people will receive a Walmart gift card. Early arrival is suggested. The gift baskets will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last. Riverside Missionary
Baptist Church is located in South Memphis at 3590 South Third Street. Ariel Laws, one of the coordinators of Sip & See, said the church’s children’s ministry launched the event to provide valuable resources and information about local social services to families with small children. “Our theme is in pursuit of happiness, love and joy,” said Laws. “We’ve been in the midst of a pan-
demic for almost two years now. Many families are in need, and we want to continue to use this event to be a blessing to them. “In previous years, it was held inside the church. In an effort to keep everyone as safe as possible while distributing the items, we decided to switch to a drive-thru format. We hope families will come by so we can bless them.”
Founded in 1887, the mission of Riverside Missionary Baptist Church is to “help people discover their best life by connecting them with Christ.” Dr. Reginald Boyce has served as the senior pastor since 2016. (For more information about the Sip & See Community Baby Shower, call 901-789-4570; email riversidembc3560@gmail.com.)
The New Tri-State Defender
September 23 - 29, 2021
Page 9
COMMUNITY
Council committee inches forward on American Rescue Plan funding by James Coleman
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Memphis City Council members put forth their pitches during the Tuesday, Sept. 21 budget committee hearing on how to allocate $161 million in American Rescue Plan funding. “I think we are going to have to have a conversation about priorities in how we want this funding spent,” said City Councilman Worth Morgan. The committee chairman put forth a set of criteria that included scrutinizing the city’s services to gauge if they are delivering at an acceptable level. He also asked if the program in question could be improved, or possibly replaced. “I hope that we start actually drilling down into some of these things, that they actually help in some catalytic way to meet those needs and we are not sending money out in small increments, and there is
no actual measurable change to the future,” said Councilman Chase Carlisle. Solid Waste was among the city services listed as needing improvement. It has seen staffing shortages during the pandemic. The volume of waste has increased over the same period as many people worked or attended school from home. The service is seeking an additional $20 million to hire CDL drivers, mechanics and train machinery operators. Cameras were also proposed to address the issue of cans not being emptied that were placed on the street. Drivers and cameras are the top priority for the Strickland administration. Other proposals included $2.6 million for the Memphis Fire Department and Health Care Navigator program. It provides a response for those in medical distress. On average, it receives around $500,000 per year. “The people who are calling
this program are calling 911, they need help. They just don’t always need an ambulance,” said Councilwoman Jamita Swearengen. Swearengen proposed $1 million to Shot Rx, which has provided 3,200 COVID-19 vaccination shots in the area. The husband-and-wife doctor team has already secured $250,000 in funding from the council. One member was quick to remind his counterparts the original intent of ARPA was to help communities bridge economic shortfalls through the pandemic, not address various protracted, sometimes systemic, issues. “When it comes to people who work in the hospitality industry, small business owners, this is one-time money that we can do those types of things with,” said Councilman Martavius Jones. “I don’t think we should be using federal money for ongoing things like this.”
AKA power … Members of the Beta Tau Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at LeMoyne-Owen College on Tuesday presented President Dr. Vernell Bennett-Fairs with a check for $2,348 for scholarships. The presentation was in association with the national sorority’s HBCU Impact Day (Sept. 20), a fundraising effort that set a record in raising more than $2.1 million in one day to benefit Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)
CLASSIFIEDS Construction Contracting Opportunity for the BNA Satellite Concourse Request for Qualifications – Holder Construction Company is seeking qualified trade contractors for construction of the BNA Satellite Concourse Project. This project consists of a 67,000 SF, eight (8) gate Satellite Concourse with a supporting Shuttle Station near Concourse C at Nashville International Airport. This scope of work includes deep foundations, sitework, apron paving, curb/gutter, striping, hardscape, landscape, concrete, structural steel, structural precast shuttle ramp, fencing, masonry, ornamental metals, millwork, waterproofing, spray fireproofing, roofing, doors/frames/hardware, glass/glazing, metal panels, drywall, flooring, overhead doors, specialties, passenger boarding bridges, hydrant fueling systems, signage, conveying systems, fire protection, mechanical, electrical, special systems, layout/engineering, final clean, dumpsters, temporary labor, temporary toilets and construction fencing. Holder is accepting prequalification statements for all trades at this time. To access the Prequalification Statement, please visit the website at www.holderBNA satconcourse.com and click on the Prequalification tab. Only prequalified firms will be eligible to respond to request for proposals (RFP release) as a prime bidder. Steel fabrication contractors are requested to submit prequalification statements by October 8, 2021. All other trade packages are requested by November 12, 2021. Holder is committed to maximizing opportunities for Minority and Women Business Enterprises. The project has a minimum goal of 8% MBE and 3% FBE participation. All minority and female business enterprises must be certified by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s Certification Program. All minority/ female owned firms are encouraged to submit a Prequalification Statement, regardless of the firm’s size. Prequalification opportunities are available for prime subcontracts and sub- tier trade contractors. To the concerned parties I have in my possession a 2001 Freightliner Century class truck VIN# 1FUJA3CG41PF24073. The repairs were completed on this vehicle on July 29th 2020. The bill due for the repairs are $4600 also there has been a $20 a day storage fee levied. Total amount due is $12,000. If the owner is not able to pay total amount by Friday October 1st 2021 we will auction off the truck to recoup fees owed. I can be reached at 901-5066696 Leroy Washington mechanic.
TSD CLASSIFIEDS 1509 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104 PH (901) 523-1818 FAX (901) 578-5037 HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. DEADLINES: Display ads Friday 5 p.m. Classifieds ads Monday 5 p.m. STANDARD RATES: $6.00 per line for 1 column ad. Rates are non-commissionable and are quoted at the net rate. No refund for early cancellation. For additional information contact Sales Dept. at (901) 746-5201 or email: advertising@tsdmemphis.com. 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.
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122 - One-touch: tel:+16467493122,,259826877# Access Code: 259-826-877 Voluntary Pre-Bid Meeting – All interested respondents are invited to participate in this meeting via teleconference on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at 9:30 am (CST). Please use the following information to join the pre-bid meeting: Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/ join/721852381 You can also dial in using your phone. (For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.) United States: +1 (646) 749-3122 - One-touch: tel:+16467493122,,721852381# Access Code: 721-852-381 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: A.B Akers Investments & Forrest Estates LLC Tax Parcel #: 05205800000510 Tax Sale #: 1704 Price Offered: $3500.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:00 a.m. on October 22, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 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: Zahra Sultan Tax Parcel #: 0130020000003C Tax Sale #: 1701 Price Offered: $207000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:00 a.m. on October 21, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400
NOTICE TO BIDDERS Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000692 Charles Bartlett Road Culvert Replacement Project. 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.
SALES PERSON The New Tri-State Defender is looking for a few sales consultants to sell print ads, digital ads and event sponsorships for the organization. The candidate should have some sales experience. This is a commission based opportunity. For serious inquiries email your resume to administration@ tsdmemphis.com.
SEALED BID I000692 DUE DATE OCTOBER 21, 2021 2:00 PM (CST) (SB-I000692) CHARLES BARTLETT ROAD CULVERT REPLACEMENT PROJECT
An educated beginning … Dr. Vernell Bennett-Fairs, president of LeMoyne-Owen College, on Wednesday (Sept. 22) presided over the college’s 2021 Student Convocation at nearby Metropolitan Baptist Church. The theme was “Begin With The End In Mind.” (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)
Amateur ‘greats’ to be honored at Life Together Stakeholders Open by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Special to The New Tri-State Defender
The First Annual Life Together Stakeholders Open is set to tee off at North Creek Golf Course, 8770 Creek Blvd. in Southaven on Saturday (Sept. 25). Tee time is 8 a.m. “The Life Together Stakeholders Open is a golf tournament that honors golfers both past and present,” said Bishop David Hall, the tournament’s organizer. “I thought it was important to shine a light on the ‘old timers’ who were denied the right to play professional golf because of race. “Memphis has men and women of such gifted golfing abilities. Most are past their prime. The tournament will honor them, as well as raise funds to support Life Together social programming.” Life Together, Inc. is a nonprofit entity that serves the Tri-State area, particularly, Memphis. Children and youth, seniors, the incarcerated and the socially disadvantaged have benefited from Life To-
gether programs for more than a quarter century, said Hall. The golf tournament is the organization’s newest fundraising initiative. The Final Escape Program for ex-offenders is the primary beneficiary of the nonprofit’s efforts. With offices located at 588 Vance Ave., the Final Escape Program provides mentoring, employment readiness training and a curriculum-based skills course. Each of the 18 tee boxes will bear the name of a past or present golfer to be honored. “Many of them (honored golfers) have passed away,” said Hall. “But we want to keep their memories alive. They were some of Memphis’ greatest amateur golfers, playing during a time when their race restricted them from opportunities available to others. They deserve our lasting gratitude and respect for their contributions to golfing in Memphis.” The culmination of the tournament will be awarding the Greg Odum Excellence Award for Amateur Golfers. The first recipient will be Memphis
golfer Polk McCray. Odum died on May 1, 2021, said Hall, adding that Odum “did a lot for the game.” Two days after Odum’s death, his son, Greg Odum Jr., won the National PGA Collegiate Championship.” Amateur “greats” to be honored are: • T.O. Fuller • Dollar Sanders • O. D. Alexander • James Walker • Johnny Scott • Walter Anderson • Mason West • Elton Grandberry • Randy Perry • Gregory Odom Sr. • Jimmie Fields • Lonnie Williams • Charles Hudson • Pleas Jones • Thurman Glass • Cornelius Butler, Sr. • Donald McCray • Lee Price • Odell Price • Dalt Nickleberry • Rickey Hudson • Willie Robinson • Polk McCray
All bids will be opened and read via teleconference by Shelby County Government at the time mentioned above. Please use the following information to join the bid opening: Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/ join/259826877 You can also dial in using your phone. (For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.)
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The New Tri-State Defender, September 23 - 29, 2021, Page 10
Isaac Bruce saluted with a Hall of Fame welcome! by Terry Davis
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Fresh off of his induction into the NFL Hall of Fame, former Tigers receiver Isaac Bruce got a Memphis welcome accented by his alma mater’s big-time win over Mississippi State University at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium last Saturday. Bruce was honored by the university, including the painting of his number on the 25-yard line. The Florida native still makes an occasional trip to Memphis or to Orlando or Tampa whenever the Tigers play there. “This win was for Isaac, he is truly the greatest of all time,” said U of M coach Ryan Silverfield. “I could not ask for a better night to honor Bruce. …We are proud that we can represent him in a small way.” Calvin Austin III, whose play helped turn the tide in the Tigers’ favor against the SEC’s Mississip-
Isaac Bruce takes in the crowd’s appreciation for his accomplishment as a member of the Tigers and in the NFL. (Photo: Warren Roseborough) pi State Bulldogs, was asked about such a performance on the night Bruce was honored and with former players in attendance. “It was big time … I hope it made him proud,” said Austin, who made it clear that his performance and the win was for Bruce, all of the former Tigers and the city.
After making a catch, Calvin Austin III runs for a touchdown in a game where every bit of his talent was needed for a come-from-behind win. (Photos: Warren Roseborough)
Tigers make memories with upset of SEC Bulldogs
by Terry Davis
Special to The New Tri-State Department
The MAHS Lions during pre-game warmups. (Photo: Terry Davis)
MAHS takes Mitchell’s early punch before running to victory by Terry Davis
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
The Lions of the Memphis Academy of Health Sciences (MAHS) and Mitchell High School’s Tigers both had circled their schedules to note the importance of their Region 8 Class 2A matchup. The thinking was that the game could go a long way to determine who would win the district title. In that context, the Lions (4-0, 3-1) took a significant step forward with their 28-6 victory over the Tigers (3-1, 1-1) at Melrose Stadium. “I think this is a good team, but in the end, it came down to will and guts and who wanted it more,” said MAHS head coach Cedric Miller. “We were more physical in our run game. All the naysayers that say we have not played anybody, we just play who is on our schedule.” Mitchell head coach Nate Cole expects his Tigers to face the Tigers again this season, perhaps in the third round of the playoffs. “We have a young team. We got to make sure our kids understands that we can’t just lay down,” said Cole. “They got frustrated with all of the calls.” The Tigers showed some early power, forcing MAHS to fumble on the two-yard line after the Lions had moved the football down the field after recovering the opening onsides kick. Mitchell’s Joseph Adams recovered the fumble. After an interception by the Tigers defense, Mitchell got on the scoreboard first when a four-play, 14-yard drive was capped off with a 12-yard run by Antonio Jenkins.
The extra point was no good. The Lions’ defense held the Tigers scoreless the rest of the game as MAHS’ offense closed out the game with a 28-0. Cameron Miller scored first for MAHS with 7:38 left in the first quarter. A two-point conversion made the score 8-6. After Lions quarterback Demetrius Visor connected with Jalen Dale on an 11-yard touchdown, MAHS extended the lead to 16-6 with another two-point conversion. Determined to ride its ground game, MAHS ran the football 21 times, passing only seven times. Miller had 121 rushing yards, including a 79-yard run on the first play of the second half. Before the second-half kickoff, Miller had complained about cramping. After scoring the touchdown, he went down in the endzone with cramping, which remained an issue the rest of the game. With the Lions up 22-6, Dale intercepted a Mitchell pass and went 82 yards for a pick-six touchdown to close out the scoring in the third quarter. The Lions defense intercepted five passes, including two by Brown. Mitchell was limited to 60 rushing yards and gained 112 passing yards. NEXT MAHS’ next game will be a non-district matchup on the road at Brighton. Mitchell will look to get back on the winning track with a visit to district rival Hillcrest to play the Vikings (1-4, 1-2) on Friday (September 24).
Want to see a receiver put a team on his back en route to a history-making performance in a game most professional and casual observers doubted they could win? Roll the tape of the University of Memphis’ 31-29 win over the Mississippi State University’s Bulldogs of the powerhouse SEC and watch Calvin Austin III. Big games have big meanings and there was a who’swho list in attendance at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium Terry for the Saturday night game. Davis Memphis did not disappoint, gutting out a comefrom-behind win. The defense got the things started with a scoop and score of 49 yards by Sanchez Blake. The Memphis offense did not run a play until six minutes into the first quarter. Unable to get any traction in the first half (89 total yards), the offense came to life in the fourth quarter, scoring 17 points. Austin scored two touchdowns (21 and 25 yards). And, with 5:36 left in the game, he picked up a punt that was touched by the Bulldogs and ran 94 yards for a touchdown. He had 9 receptions for 105 yards and accounted for 212 all-purpose yards. The punt return was the longest for a Memphis touchdown since 1975. The Bulldogs scored a quick touchdown with 3:03 left in the game (28-23). Memphis recovered the ensuing onside kick at the 38-yard line. Joe Doyle kicked a 51-yard field goal for the Tigers, making the score 31-23. Then, with 2:02 left in the game, the Bulldogs went on a two-play drive 65-yard touchdown drive, pushing the score to 31-29 with 1:32 left. The defense next stepped up to again stop a two-point conversion. Fifth-year linebacker J.J. recording a game-high and personal-best 14 tackles (10 solo), with one tackle for loss and a forced fumble. Memphis held the Bulldogs to 49 rushing yards, the first time the Tigers defense has held an opponent under 50 rushing yards in three seasons. Memphis’ win was the first in the all-time series since a 45-35 win in Starkville in 1993 and first in Memphis since 1988. Memphis will stay home to play the University of San Antonio Texas at 2:30 CT on Saturday, with the game on ESPNU. Reflections Memphis Coach Ryan Silverfield: “Our team has grit and fight. I talked to them all
Brandon Thomas of the Tigers runs for a first down. week about playing for 60 minutes. That is what it came down to. I knew the energy and effort would be there. So many of our guys stepped up in different ways. It was awesome to have a full stadium again.” On the Austin punt return: “Coach (Charles) Bankins goes over every type of scenario. Credit to Calvin. I can’t say I was saying pick up the ball. Calvin is as intelligent and determined a young man as they come. He understood and saw what happened. When you have smart young men that are really fast, that is a great combination.” On his team’s composure: “There is no panic in our locker room. After the opening drive to start the second half, it was not beautiful, but an 18-year-old quarterback that throws an interception and goes to make the tackle. Afterwards he says, ‘I got this.’ Not a single player was hanging their head.” Calvin Austin III: On the punt return: “I was very aware. Me and my dad always talked about that play. I have always watched football and knew that rule. Coach Bankins emphasizes it a lot. As soon as I saw the player try to catch it and drop it, I was looking to see if someone was going to hand it to the official. We are taught the play ends when the ball is in the official’s hand.” On the win: “Going into this game, we were seen as an underdog. They were saying beating Mississippi State would be a big win. While it is a big win, we don’t look at it like that. They are just another team on our schedule.” On what he said to quarterback Seth Henigan after the interception: “I did not have to say too much because Seth is a fighter. As long as you have someone who is willing to fight and have heart, they are always going to be in it. I told him anytime you get into any trouble, ‘I got you.’”