The New Tri-State Defender - September 29-October 5, 2022 by The Tri-State Defender

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VOL. 71, No. 39

September 29 - October 5, 2022

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UofM head basketball coach Penny Hardaway: “We have finally arrived at the end of an extremely challenging period, and I could not be more grateful.” (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/ The New Tri-State Defender Archives)

Hardaway ‘grateful’ after probe removes NCAA ‘cloud’ by Lee Eric Smith lesmith@tsdmemphis.com

Long before he became head coach of the men’s basketball program at the University of Memphis, former NBA star Penny Hardaway was generous to his hometown — especially if it meant lifting young people out of poverty and tough circumstances. And that’s why an independent panel has concluded that Hardaway did not violate NCAA regulations when he provided benefits to three prospective student-athletes before he was hired as coach. “We have finally arrived at the end of an extremely challenging period, and I could not be more grateful,” Hardaway said in a statement. “Brighter days are ahead, and we cannot wait to share in future successes as one Memphis.” The Tigers did not escape unscathed, however. The U of M is now on a three-year probation through Sept. 26, 2025. The Tigers were fined $5,000, plus 0.25 percent of their men’s basketball budget, after the Independent Accountability Resolution Process (IARP) concluded Memphis committed four Level II violations and five Level III violations. “This investigation has been a cloud over the men’s basketball program for three years, and we are happy to have the process concluded,” said U of M President Bill Hardgrave, who also thanked the IARP for “attentively listening to (the) facts and thoughtfully rendering its decision. We respect and will fully comply with the IARP’s decision.” In short, because of his philanthropy both before and after his $1 million donation to his alma mater in 2008, The Independent Accountability Review Process considered Hardaway as a booster. That means the gifts he provided were just that — gifts, not recruiting inducements.

SEE PENNY ON PAGE 2

Mayor Jim Strickland explained that the 2019 sales tax referendum passed on Oct. 3, 2019 has generated millions in funds that will enable the city to pay for restoring pension and other benefits. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

Pension plan change framed as public-safety boost for Memphis

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

To boost efforts to recruit public safety employees and improve the retention of veteran officers, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland is proposing restoring pension and other benefits that were reduced eight years ago. Representatives of the Police and Fire Departments, along with other officials, joined the mayor at City Hall Wednesday (Sept. 28) as he announced his plan. “Over the last almost seven years, we have continually improved the pay and benefits for firefighters and police officers to better recruit and retain them,” said Strickland. “…Today’s change…will allow us to offer the 1978 pension as an option for all of these essential employees.” Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.”

Davis said she expects that the restored pension will be an excellent tool for both recruitment and retention, as Strickland contends. Strickland explained that the 2019 sales tax referendum on Oct. 3, 2019 has generated millions in funds that will enable the city to pay for the pension plans. In the referendum, voters said “yes” to increasing the sales tax rate to 2.75 percent. The increase became effective on Jan. 1, 2020. Strickland, as well as other officials who addressed the news conference, said the sales tax rate will perpetually sustain the reinstatement of the pensions. “Pensions were discontinued … as a response to the financial straits the city was experiencing at the time,” said Davis. “As I understand it, the city was always looking for a way to reinstate the pension ben-

efit for our public safety employees.…I’m no actuary, but the present tax rate will sustain this benefit nicely. We as elated, as you can imagine.” The background for the pension and other cuts began in 2013 when the then-Tennessee comptroller warned the city that its pension indebtedness was placing the city in serious financial jeopardy. Then-mayor A C Wharton Jr. proposed cuts in benefits to deal with the problem. That set off weeks of contentious debate between the mayor and council, and representatives of the public service unions over the issue. The council eventually approved the cuts. Strickland, at the time, was a council member and voted for the cuts.

SEE RETIREMENT ON PAGE 2

Crime, a curfew and the City Council by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

After a year of exponential growth in youth curfew violations and after-hours crime incidents committed by youthful offenders, the Memphis City Council’s Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee adopted a resolution Tuesday (Sept. 27), asking the Memphis Police Department to curb city teens’ nocturnal outings. The council is scheduled to vote on the resolution at its next meeting on Oct. 11. Tuesday’s committee approval did not come without some reservations from council members, who voted for approval, even though police brass told committee members the department did not to have the manpower to strictly enforce a curfew. Other members raised concerns about what would happen to youths caught out after curfew and concerns about selective enforcement. “The things we have seen among our juveniles has just really alarmed all Memphians. The thing that we do know, if they’re (youths)

in the house a lot of this wouldn’t be happening,” said committee chair Rhonda Logan, who sponsored the resolution. “If they were home under parental supervision, some of these things wouldn’t be happening – these violent crimes we are Rhonda talking about today.” Logan In addition to enforcing the Child Curfew Act of 1995, which the council approved in 1996, the resolution asks the MPD and Mayor Jim Strickland’s administration to study other cities’ formulas for addressing similar issues. It also calls for the creation of a dedicated curfew center. Currently, youths who are picked up by police beyond curfew typically are taken home. A plan is expected to be presented for a full council vote on Oct. 11.

“One of the big things is, when we pick up the child where do we take them if the parent is not home. Also, we do tie up quite a bit of manpower when we are transporting them back home, but that is a need to get them off the street,” said officer Alexander McGowan. But, if a parent can’t be contacted, the curfew violators generally are held in place until they can be released from custody, further tying up resources. Many crimes, from property crimes such as auto theft to violent crimes, also occur during the late night and morning hours. At the council’s previous meeting, police commanders told committee members that many of the vehicle-related crimes were committed by offenders 15-19 years old. While 911 calls and reports to police dip in those hours, they steadily increase as people wake up. To address staffing shortages, the council recently asked the state and county to buffer their

SEE CURFEW ON PAGE 2

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The New Tri-State Defender

RETIREMENT

CONTINUED FROM FRONT The controversary resulted in the state legislature passing legislation calling for government pension plans to be fully funded within five years. Memphis Police Association President Essica Cage-Rosario said officers were happy to see the option to join the 1978 pension plan return. “Of course, this is wonderful news,” said Cage-Rosario. “This is what we have continually advocated for. The way our pension benefit works is that we contribute to our pension, and the city match-

es funds. When the employee retires, they receive a monthly benefit from their pension.” Cage-Rosario said the hybrid plan was not as beneficial because it was “tied to the market.” If the market was doing well, or if it was faring badly, so goes the hybrid pension. “Now, everyone will have the opportunity and the option of switching over to the 1978 pension plan,” said Cage-Rosario. “Not only is this a great benefit, we expect that it will be a tremendous morale booster.” Davis expects that the restored pension will be an excellent tool for both recruitment and retention, as Strickland contends.

September 29 - October 5, 2022

NEWS

Strickland said city government had worked closely with police and fire associations to clearly define the intent of the referendum. Strickland said retention prospects continue to become more promising. “The health coverage has been restored, and over 80 percent of firefighters and police officers have agreed to stay for 2-5 years in return for a retention bonus of 9 percent of their salary per year.” Strickland has included the pension funding in his July 1, 2023 city budget. The Memphis City Council must approve the funding when voting on the budget ensues. A counsel voting date is presently unknown.

Because of term limits, Strickland’s 2023 budget will be the last submitted as the mayor of Memphis. While the exact cost of restoring the pensions has not been determined, the city’s financial analysts say the plan is “affordable under the public safety sales tax referendum.” Strickland credited public safety employee associations with running a strong campaign in 2019 to increase the sales tax in Memphis to boost benefit packages to help recruit and retain firefighters and police officers. “But the number one priority was always to restore health insurance for fire and police

PENNY

CURFEW

However, the IARP also found that the University of Memphis “failed to monitor” Hardaway’s activities and did not ask him about contributions to prospective student-athletes or his relationships with players he had coached in high school or AAU. The most high-profile of those players, and the one at the center of the controversy, is James Wiseman. Wiseman was playing AAU ball with Team Penny when Hardaway gave Wiseman’s family $11,500 to help relocate to Memphis. Eventually, after Hardaway became head coach at East High, he and Wiseman led East to a TSAAA state championship. In 2019, the Tigers tapped Hardaway to replace Tubby Smith. It was a foregone conclusion that Wiseman would follow his coach to U of M after graduating from East in 2019. When he did, that’s when red flags went up. Just before Wiseman’s debut in Tiger Blue, the NCAA declared he and two other players ineligible to play, blaming Hardaway’s gifts as a booster. Backed by the university, a defiant Hardaway played Wiseman in the game anyway. And it was that choice that ultimately launched the 18-month investigation. But the IARP investigation held Hardaway blameless for initially playing Wiseman, saying the university failed to inform the coach the NCAA had declared Wiseman ineligible and that Wiseman had won a court injunction against the NCAA, resulting in his playing two more games. Given that Hardaway and the University were facing four Level 1 and two Level 2 violations, Tiger Nation breathed a collective sigh of relief that the consequences

force with additional officers. The MPD has about 1,900 officers, with a goal of expanding to 2,500 by the end of the year. “You also have at 1 or 2 o’clock in the morning, where they are not only violating the curfew, but there are other criminal charges. That moves it to a whole another level,” said McGowan. The other late-night option is Shelby County Juvenile Court. This, however, is usually frowned upon unless it is accompanied by a more serious criminal violation. “Curfew centers are in other cities, successfully, and this is something we can look at. We already have on the books that they will be taken to Juvenile Court. This (curfew center) is an option for those that may not need to go to juvenile court…,” said Logan. A centralized resource center would likely be modeled

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

During his keynote address at the Southern Heritage Classic Coaches’ Luncheon, Tigers’ coach Penny Hardaway detailed the journey that led to the IARP investigation. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New TriState Defender Archives) weren’t more severe. Penalties for those violations would likely have included a postseason ban and reduction in scholarships. Instead, the IARP found the U of M had committed four Level 2 and five Level 3 violations. In addition to the fines and probation, the NCAA will vacate the Tigers’ wins that Wiseman played in, and Hardaway’s coaching record will reflect those vacated games. The Tigers also are required to inform prospects of the university’s probation. “There has been a weight of uncertainty on the shoulders of our men’s basketball program relating to this case, which we recognize was extremely challenging for everyone to bear,” said Athletic Director Laird Veatch in a statement. “Now that the IARP has arrived at its final decision, we are ready to turn the page and continue supporting our coaches and student-athletes on the court and in the classroom.” Veatch also praised Hardaway and other staffers for cooperating with the investigation. “I would like to make it clear that Coach Hardaway, his staff and our student-athletes rep-

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resented our University with class and dignity throughout this entire process,” Veatch added. “As we prepare for a new season, we are all excited and ready to move forward, together.” At the height of the controversy, Wiseman withdrew from the Tigers to prepare for the 2020 NBA Draft. Golden State made him the No. 2 pick, and while injuries have plagued his professional career, he will still receive a ring when the Warriors celebrate their 2022 NBA Championship on opening night next month. Meanwhile, earlier this month during Southern Heritage Classic festivities, Hardaway addressed the then-unresolved controversy, explaining in his own words how his childhood friend recruited him to inspire his team and steer them toward a better path. “We got a group of people who are judging me as if I (helped players) for monetary purposes, not from the heart,” Hardaway said during the SHC Coaches Luncheon. “I did all that from the heart.” (This story reﬂects a report by Terry Davis.)

Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis said she expects that the restored pension will be an excellent tool for both recruitment and retention. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender) retirees,” said Strickland. “The voters agreed.” According to the city’s public information office, there are

1,623 firefighters, and nearly 2,000 police officers. Dispatchers are also considered “public safety” employees.

after the Youth and Family Resource Center, which currently oversees referrals for Shelby County. In addition to curfew violations, there is a list of 12 violations that can result in a child’s referral. The center is limited by operating hours, so if a violation occurs past a certain time of night, which they typically do, the offender remains with the police or courts. “Having that centralized location for dropping the kids off is really important,” said McGowan. “I don’t think Juvenile Court will be able to take on 20-25 kids. On any given Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night around Beale St. venues, you could easily find 20-25 juveniles who are in violation of curfew.” Like the rest of the nation, Memphis has seen a rise in youth crime as the pandemic wanes. After lows in 2020-21, the city has experienced a 92 percent surge in juveniles taken into custody for curfew violations. The rush to address youth curfew violations, although nothing

new, has been spurred by a wave of property crimes, carjackings and violence in Memphis. It included the recent shooting spree by Ezekiel Kelly, 19, on Sept. 7 that left three people dead and three seriously injured. The curfew vote was prefaced by an update by Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis, who delivered an assessment of the department after a year on the job. It included discussion about creating a crime lab for MPD. Currently, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation handles rape kits. The chief also assured council members the department was caught up on outstanding kits. Other topics covered were drag racing and the recent influx of officers on loan from the state. “We’ve increased to about 12 (state troopers) in this area and we’ve have seen a very noticeable consistent presence. I’ve been communicating with the Tennessee Highway Patrol our appreciation…,” said Davis.

The New Tri-State Defender

September 29 - October 5, 2022

Page 3

NEWS

MLGW president resigns; plans return to Florida by Dena Owens

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

J.T. Young, president and CEO of Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division, has resigned from his position effective October 14. MLGW announced last Friday (Sept. 23) that Young has accepted a position with Florida Power & Light, his previous employer. No information regarding an interim president had been provided at TSD press time. “J.T. has led MLGW with integrity, humility, and strength, with examples being the process which culminated recently in a plan to strengthen the system to reduce major outages from severe storms and the RFP process for our power supply,” said Mayor Jim Strickland. “For all these reasons and many more, I’d like to thank J.T. for his service as the President of MLGW and to the citizens of Memphis. I know he and his family will do well back home in Pensacola.” Young, a Florida native, joined MLGW in March 2018. His resignation comes on the heels of his Sept. 7 presentation to the MLGW Board of Commissioners recommending approval for a new contract agreement with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Young took over the guidance of MLGW as questions emerged about the possibility of cutting ties with TVA to save customers money with a new power provider. Memphis

MLGW President/CEO J.T. Young delivers the news thousands had been awaiting: a troublesome boil-water advisory triggered by a storm had been lifted. (Screen capture) is TVA’s largest customer and has been the only energy provider for Memphis and Shelby County for the last 80 years. A new TVA agreement would last 20 years – a non-negotiable contract term viewed as excessive by concerned community activists, including Pearl Walker, civic engagement consultant for Memphis Has The Power. Walker said the recommendation is “premature” given the lack of data provided to the public. Young’s presentation was the result of findings from MLGW’s contracted research firm, GDS Associates, Inc. GDS compared more than 20 power bids in response to MLGW’s Request for Proposals. The numerous proposals indicate a strong interest among utility companies to serve the Memphis and Shelby County region. MLGW opted to close bid details from the public to

“J.T. has led MLGW with integrity, humility, and strength, with examples being the process which culminated recently in a plan to strengthen the system to reduce major outages from severe storms and the RFP process for our power supply.” — Mayor Jim Strickland protect bidder privacy, which prompted questions of transparency regarding the process. “This process has been anything but transparent,” said Justin Pearson of Memphis Community Against Pollution

Jarl “J.T.” Young makes his Memphis introduction as MLGW’s next top executive. Young is heading back to Florida after his resignation was announced on Friday. (Photo: Johnathan Martin/The New Tri-State Defender) during a preemptive press conference on Sept. 7 prior to the MLGW board meeting. Young cited increases in natural gas prices among suppliers as one reason for staying with TVA – he also said TVA provides the most value. Earlier studies by Siemens Research and Development and other private research firms concluded that MLGW would save tens to hundreds of millions by changing its power supplier and adding more solar and renewable energy. Franklin Haney Company, one of the 20+ businesses bidding on an MLGW contract, is appealing the objection to its proposal, citing concerns

about TVA bias. FHC’s owner, Franklin Haney, says his bid would save MLGW $350 million. The MLGW Board invites public comments regarding Young’s recommendation for 30 days. For his recommendation to become final, both the Memphis City Council and the MLGW Board would have to approve the new contract. Young is the 11th president of MLGW, the nation’s largest three-service utility provider. During his tenure, Young convinced the Memphis City Council to approve rate increases that will fund infrastructure improvements for

MLGW’s electricity, gas and water divisions. “J.T. Young has thoughtfully led Memphis Light, Gas and Water through difficult times with a solid understanding of the crucial role MLGW plays in our economic growth,” said Greater Memphis Chamber president and CEO, Beverly Robertson, regarding Young’s resignation. “The Greater Memphis Chamber is grateful for his leadership as a member of our Board of Directors and our Chairman’s Circle, and for his willingness to partner with the Chamber on critical issues affecting our businesses.”

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, September 29 - October 5, 2022, Page 4

Politics is ruining our schools! by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

I often take time to broadly survey the landscape of public schooling in America, and what I see happening these days is quite disturbing. We are witnessing a slow, painful dismantling of our public education system as we know it. This is a dangerous road we are headed down, and we are doing irreparable damage to our children. Politics is becoming the dominant factor in public school systems’ decision-making processes and not what is in the best interest of our children. And if we continue down this path, we will find our school systems operating at a very dysfunctional level. Politics, to some degree, have always played a role in decision-making regarding the allocation and management of school system resources, but never to the degree we see it in today’s environment. Never in all my years did I ever envision an environment like the one we currently operate in today. It is heartbreaking! The teaching profession continues to lose its luster. More and more teachers are leaving their jobs and quitting the profession because of the politics that have invaded their classrooms. Over one million public school educators in 2021 quit their jobs, which was 40 percent higher than the previous year. Not only are teachers leaving the profession in record numbers, but the number of college students entering the profession has drastically declined. Families are abandoning the public school system out of frustration with teachers’ unions, inadequate resources, low standards, and political agendas of school boards and state legislatures. Since 2020, nearly 1.5 million children have been withdrawn from public schools to attend charter or private schools or are being homeschooled. We live in a time where state legislatures are creating a flood of state laws to keep certain books out of our children’s hands and ideas out of their heads. Most parents believe that laws leading to book bans and restricting teachers’ abilities to discuss racial or other controversial issues, i.e., critical race theory, are about politics and not what is in the best interest of children. The politics in our school systems are crippling our schools, and politicians fail to see the damage they are doing because they are too concerned about their own self-interest. Since January 2021, 42 states have introduced bills or taken other steps that restrict how teachers can discuss racism or sexism in the classroom. In the great state of Virginia, the governor has set up a hotline where parents can report teachers to the government for teaching children about race relations in America.

F l o r i d a ’s new Parental Rights in Education Law, known by critics as the “don’t say gay” bill, restricts what teachers can say about genCurtis der and sexual Weathers orientation in the classroom. The law, championed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, is the first of its kind in the country. While it restricts teachers from discussing gender and sexual orientation in class, there apparently are no clear guidelines for what is appropriate. Last year, Gov. Bill Lee signed a bill allowing political parties to nominate candidates for school board races, which were previously nonpartisan elections. As expected, this move has deepened the political divide across the entire state. As a result, school board races have now become more about the views of one’s political affiliations rather than what is in the best interest of teachers and children. Educators are not happy with the environment politics has created in their schools. COVID policies, critical race theory, vaccines, and other pandemic-era topics have been central to this shift. Most rational people agree, classrooms should be places for learning, not political battlegrounds. But not all parents are buying into these changes. Recent studies show that parents feel these new laws are “being driven by politicians who are interested only in advancing their careers.” They are “using children in schools as political pawns.” When it comes to K-12 schools, parents are most worried about their children’s safety and preparing them for success in life. Studies suggest that issues like school safety, student mental health needs, teacher recruitment, and adequate school funding should be the top priorities of our school systems. These are the issues parents feel elected officials should be concerned about, not advancing their political agendas inside the classroom. We have turned schools into battlefields where teaching and learning processes are being compromised, and our children and their education are the casualties. I have no idea how we reverse these trends, but I continue to see subtle layers of politics being woven into our public school systems that are not welcome. Once these new laws and policies find a home in our educational systems, they are extremely difficult to remove. Let’s stay vigilant!

Gloria Woods, aka “GloRilla,” ﬂashes her appreciation for the support of Dr. Bobby White, founder and chief executive officer of Frayser Community Schools, which operates MLK College Prep High School, where the hip-hop star attended. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

‘GloRilla’ retraces her steps to MLK College Prep

Special to The New Tri-State Defender Count Gloria Woods among the talented who make it big in their chosen field and recognize the helping hands along the way. Memphis native Woods – aka “GloRilla” – has catapulted to national and global stages riding widespread embrace of her breakout hit “F.N.F. (Let’s Go).” She is the first female artist to sign with fellow Memphian Yo Gotti’s CMG label. Most recently she was nominated for two BET awards. On Thursday afternoon, the former MLK College Prep High School student returned to her former high school for a surprise performance during the homecoming pep rally. She brought with her a $25,000 donation designated for the fine arts program and to assist with senior dues. “It’s only been a couple of years since I was sitting where y’all are sitting,” she told the assembled students. “I’m from MLK, so I had to come back and represent for y’all.” MLK College Prep High School is one of three schools, along with Westside Middle School and Humes Middle School, operated by Frayser Community Schools, a local charter school network. GloRilla attended Westside Middle and MLK College Prep High School. She later moved graduated high school at Melrose. “We are extremely proud of Ms. Woods and thankful for her acts of service, leadership, and fellowship to her community,” said Chiquita Perry, principal of MLK College Prep High School.

Chiquita Perry, MLK Prep High School principal. A former teacher, Perry taught Woods in the 10th grade. “In light of her talent and success, her generous donation will be used to support the MLK Fine Arts program,” said Perry. “There are a lot of talented students like Ms. Woods walking the halls of MLK. This gift will help us support the artistic dreams of our students.” GloRilla committed to return to the school for seniors and to see the updates to the fine arts program. She left the students with this: “Just remember to do your work, listen to your teachers, and reach for the stars.” The homecoming rally at MLK College Prep High School went up a level with an appearance by GloRilla, who once attended the school.

(Follow me, TSD’s education columnist, on Twitter @curtisweathers. Email me at curtislweathers@ gmail.com.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

September 29 - October 5, 2022

RELIGION

Page 5

Fellowship hall at Magnolia First Baptist named for late Pastor Bass by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

The Fellowship Hall at Magnolia First Baptist now bears the name of the Rev. W.H. Bass, who pastored the church for 30 years.

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The 1500 block of South Cooper St. looked like a block party as old church members and families, who had long moved away, came back Sunday (Sept. 25) morning to honor Pastor W.H. Bass. “Coach Roosevelt Hancock was inside the Fellowship Hall giving a photo, slide show presentation of members both past and present at Magnolia First Baptist Church,” said Roma Richmond Robertson, longtime member, and event organizer. “But there were people outside everywhere greeting old friends they hadn’t seen in decades. The afternoon was such a joy.” Rev. W.H. Bass became pastor of Magnolia First Baptist in October 1972, according to recorded church history. He retired 30 years later on Dec. 31, 2002. Many children were brought up in the church, and others knew Bass because of his love and involvement in the Magnolia Heights community. “Rev. Bass believed in taking church outside of the walls and be-

Retired Chancery Court Judge Walter Evans’ grandfather was one of the founders of Magnolia First Baptist. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

The naming of the Fellowship Hall for the Rev. W.H. Bass brought joy to family and friends.

ing a blessing to the community,” said Robertson. “There were nearly 600 members in 1972 when Rev. Bass came. He ordained 18 ministers during his tenure who he affectionately called ‘sons.’ Seven made it back on Sunday. They are now all pastors of their own churches.” Magnolia First Baptist named its Fellowship Hall in honor of their beloved pastor. An unveiling of the signage immediately followed the 10 a.m. worship service. Former members who returned for the occasion

will remember Sept. 25 as “Homecoming Day,” “I’m not a member of the church, but it was wonderful to be a part of the fellowship,” said Hancock, former head football coach at Hamilton High School. “Everyone was just having a wonderful time, greeting old friends. Roma, an old friend, asked me to present the slide show.” Robertson felt that the strong feelings of nostalgia and a desire to return to how things used to be may cause some to return “home.”

“In Appreciation of God’s Servants …” Pastor Vernon L. Horner and his wife, Barbara A. Horner, were honored during an appreciation service at Greater New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church last Sunday. The Rev. Dr. Frank E. Ray Sr. was the guest speaker; Dr. Carl E. Shields served as pulpit facilitator. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

“People we went to school with came back,” said Robertson. “Some will probably return to the home church. It was like one big family reunion. They came at a perfect time to meet our new pastor, Rev. Sherman Helton Jr. This was only his fourth Sunday, but he’s doing a great job.” Following the program and unveiling, a catered feast was spread for reunited friends and family. Retired Chancery Court Judge Walter Evans picked up the tab for the reception because of historic family ties.

“My grandfather was one of the founders of Magnolia First Baptist,” said Evans. “His name was James Young, a stone mason. W.H. Bennett Farmer was the other founder. My mother Lena Evans Jones, passed in 2006, as one of the oldest members.” Magnolia First Baptist was started in 1926. The very next year, it moved to its present site under the first pastor, Rev. I.B. Bell. Under a succession of leaders, the church grew. It continued thriving under Bass. Robertson is a part of the Richmond family. She is a lifetime member, who joined the church in 1969. Honoring Bass was a suggestion Robertson brought up during a church meeting. “The church had been closed for two years because of COVID,” said Robertson. “We lost Rev. Bass in 2019. We were in a church meeting. ‘I think we should name our Fellowship Hall in honor of Rev. Bass. He was our spiritual father, and I believe he is worthy of that honor.’ And everyone agreed, ‘It is about time that we do it.’ We were all on one accord.”

Annual Men’s Day … “Working Out My Soul Salvation” was the theme as Emmanuel Temple Church of God In Christ observed Annual Men’s Day at the church, 345 Peebles Road, last Sunday. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

The New Tri-State Defender

September 29 - October 5, 2022

Page 6

The New Tri-State Defender

September 29 - October 5, 2022

NEWS

Page 7

“Now seven years after my release, 196 men and women have been exonerated from death row. I urge you young people. Go to school and become attorneys. Fight for the poor who can’t afford adequate representation.” — Anthony Ray Hinton

Author shares best-selling account of his rise from death row to freedom by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Anthony Ray Hinton knows of a story so disturbingly real that it drives him to ask strangers to help him end the use of the death penalty in the U.S. The story is Hinton’s story, including the emotion-triggering account of the racial animus that punctuated the process that sent him to death row. “My conviction on two counts of capital murder had everything to do with race and class,” Hinton, 66, told an audience of 100-plus at the National Civil Rights Museum on Thursday night. “Now seven years after my release, 196 men and women have been exonerated from death row,” said Hinton, the best-selling author of “The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row.” “I urge you young people. Go to school and become attorneys. Fight for the poor who can’t afford adequate representation.” And, said Hinton, “All of us must join the fight to bring an end to the death penalty.” Hinton, 66, was featured in a presentation sponsored by the museum, the Tennessee Innocence Project and the Tennessee Valley Authority. It chronicled Hinton’s hopeful and sometimes heartbreaking road to exoneration. “When I proclaimed my innocence, one of the detectives who came to arrest me said, ‘I really don’t care whether you did or didn’t do it, but I’m going to make sure you are found guilty,” said Hinton. “After I was convicted and court adjourned, I heard the prosecutor say, ‘Well, we didn’t get the right n****r today, but at least we got another n****r off the street.’” His best-selling book details Hinton’s first days on death row, how he got through decades

Anthony Ray Hinton -- the best-selling author of “The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row” -- sees a role for all in eliminating the use of the death penalty. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender) of solitary confinement, and his triumphant release into the arms of cheering family and friends. “The sun does shine” was Hinton’s declaration the day he was released to the arms of cheering family and friends. On the day the prison gates shut with him inside, Hinton was angry with God for allowing it to happen. “Where was the God I loved so much,” he recalled thinking. “For three years, I never said a word to anyone.” Going into the fourth year, Hinton heard a fellow prisoner weeping in a nearby cell. In response to Hinton asking if he could help in some way, the man said his mother had died. That moment of compassion struck a transformative chord with Hinton, helping him reclaim his humanity. “I asked God to give me the ability to escape

this place,” said Hinton. “I knew I could not do it physically, but mentally I wanted to be free. And God allowed me to do just that. And for 15 long years, I was married to (actress) Halle Berry.” A sustained chorus of laughter rewarded Hinton’s humor. He delighted the audience with frequent quips and comic relief as he recalled the places and people “visited” during his moments of mental escape. “Then, the warden did something that wardens generally don’t do for death row inmates,” said Hinton. “He showed a movie. It was ‘Speed’ with the lovely Sandra Bullock. I had to break it to Halle that I was divorcing her and marrying Sandra. Halle just said, ‘Yes, dear, whatever you say,’ just like she always did.” Among the horrors of death row is suicide, said Hinton.

“Living in a five by seven cage is designed to break you. …Something broke in me. You never know just going to the shower what you might find. Eleven men took their own lives during the time I was on death row. They got tired of waiting on the state, couldn’t take it anymore.” One day as a guard watched a television news account of a prisoner being exonerated, Hinton asked if he could stand and watch, too. “Yes,” the guard said. “It was my first time seeing Bryan Stevenson,” Hinton said. “I decided I would write Mr. Stevenson a letter and ask him to represent me.” Stevenson is founder and executive director of Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), a Montgomery, Alabama-based human rights organization, which fights for fair sentencing, exonerating innocent death row inmates, and aiding children being prosecuted as adults. In response to Hinton’s letter, Stevenson sent an attorney, who subsequently told Hinton that he could get the death sentence commuted to life without parole. “I wrote and thanked Mr. Stevenson for sending their attorney,” said Hinton. “But my mother taught me to always tell the truth. To get a life sentence, I would have to stand in court and say I was guilty of murders I never committed. “I asked Mr. Stevenson to hire ballistics experts to prove I was innocent. My mother’s old revolver had not been fired for 25 years.” Hinton’s case wound its way to the U. S. Supreme Court. When all nine justices ruled in Hinton’s favor, he became the 152nd person exonerated from death row since 1983.

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, September 29 - October 5, 2022, Page 8

LeMoyne-Owen students will provide tech assistance to MATA riders using Go901 app The Go901 Tech Team is the deliverable for what is described as “an exclusive partnership” between LeMoyne-Owen College and Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA). The team will provide MATA riders with tech assistance, including navigating Go901 app features. Those features are designed to enhance the rider experience, including how to purchase, schedule and track rides. The latest partnership follows MATA’s Winter 2021 announcement about focusing on rider experience. Currently, MATA offers WIFI on buses, on-demand transit and a MATA tracker to track rides. Recently, MATA received a multi-million-dollar FTA grant for facility upgrades and the purchase of

Dr. Vernell Bennett-Fairs

Gary Rosenfeld

electric buses. “Our commitment to innovation is also our commitment to our service area and Memphis residents,” Gary Rosenfeld, MATA CEO said. “This partnership with LeMoyne-Owen College is a first-time effort to serve our customers while also

providing opportunity and exposure to our only Historically Black College (HBCU).” Dr. Vernell Bennett-Fairs, LOC president said, “The tech team aligns with our focus on careers of the future and gives them the real-world experience needed for success. … “We are excited about this opportunity for our students who are majoring in tech-related majors.” (Riders are encouraged to download the Go901 App available in all app stores at www.go901transit. com.)

Southwest turns to Dr. Jacqueline Taylor to help set College’s strategic vision TSD Newsroom For Dr. Jacqueline Taylor, serving as Southwest Tennessee Community College’s first chief strategy officer and chief of staff means coming back to the future. Taylor served as associate vice president for Retention and Student Success at Southwest (2016-21) before her recent stint as a leadership, teaching and learning and equity coach for Achieving the Dream, a national network of more than 300 institutions of higher education. She stepped into her new role at Southwest on Sept. 19. Reporting directly to Southwest President Dr. Tracey Hall, Taylor is charged with setting the strategic vision for Southwest and helping the College “better serve students, faculty, staff, and the community through thought leadership, continuous improvement, innovation and the implementation of Southwest’s strategic plan.” “We are elated to have Dr. Taylor back at Southwest,” said Dr. Hall. “She made an impressive impact as associate vice president for Retention and Student Success before joining

ATD (Achieving the Dream) as a leadership coach. “I am confident her talent with data analysis, operations management, leadership development, and strategic planning and implementation will be a welcome addition to our leadership team to help move the college beyond recovery from the pandemic to what’s next in our evolution as one of the leading drivers of workforce and economic development in the Mid-South.” Taylor has 30-plus years of experience in executive, equity and justice leadership; strategic planning, faculty teaching, workforce development; and retention and student success. “I am truly excited and honored to return to Southwest,” Taylor said. “Southwest is the community’s college and is uniquely positioned to enhance the quality of life for our students by providing equitable access to an affordable, quality education.” Ahead, said Taylor, is a welcomed opportunity to “help nurture a culture of excellence and belonging at Southwest that fosters even greater levels of success for our deserving students and professional educators.”

The 2nd Annual Mental Health Awareness Day at Epping Way is set for Saturday (Oct. 1). The free event reflects the teamwork of the Wolf River Conservancy, Sylvamo and Memphis Shelby County Schools. It is designed to make use of nature to teach problem solving and coping mechanisms. Registration is strongly encouraged. Visit www.wolfriver.org for more information. The Mental Health Awareness Day event is set for 9 a.m. to noon at The Wolf River Greenway at Epping Way, 2630 Epping Way Drive Ext.

in Raleigh. The day also will feature these free elements: *Kayaking on Epping Way Lake. *Speakers and educational resources from licensed counselors. *Three Yoga demonstrations by The Yoga Kickback, African-American yoga instructor. *Food from Shroomalicious, and cold-pressed juices from Raw Girls. Guided nature walks and a hike to a hidden beach on the Wolf River. *Job the Comfort Dog (the official comfort dog for Christ the King Lutheran School.) *Activities for kids (firetrucks, crafts, contests and more). The event also kicks off the free fall programming season for Wolf River

The Carter Malone Group lands a ‘Firm of the Year’ honor from U.S. Commerce Dept.

TSD Newsroom

As Southwest Tennessee Community College’s first chief strategy officer and chief of staff, Dr. Jacqueline Taylor welcomes the opportunity to “help nurture a culture of excellence and belonging at Southwest that fosters even greater levels of success for our deserving students and professional educators.” (Courtesy photo) Her new role calls for Taylor to “work with key partners throughout the community to remove barriers to college and increase Southwest’s capacity to serve well and achieve a positive impact for the long-term.” Taylor earned a bachelor’s degree in English, a master’s in education and a doctorate in educational leadership with an emphasis in higher education administration from Union University in Jackson, TN. (For more information, visit www. southwest.tn.edu. Follow Southwest at Facebook.com/southwesttn, Twitter.com/southwesttn and Instagram. com/southwesttn.)

Free nature outing for Mental Health Awareness Day Oct. 1 TSD Newsroom

Donald R. Cravins Jr., Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development, congratulates Deidre Malone, founder/CEO of The Carter Malone Group, for her company’s recognition as the 2022 Minority Marketing & Communications Firm of the Year. (Courtesy photo)

Greenway. Starting October 1, visitors can Explore the Greenway (through nature walks), Sweat the Greenway (through fitness classes) and Paddle the Greenway (through kayaking sessions) at different trailheads along the Wolf River Greenway. The Wolf River Greenway, upon completion, will connect 22 Memphis neighborhoods and 853 acres of green space along a 26-mile paved nature trail, for walking, running and biking, from downtown (Mud Island) north to Collierville. Fifteen miles of open trails now are available, with the most recently completed phase of trails running through the Frayser and Germantown areas.

A company that nets a Minority Enterprise Development Award has earned the highest level of national recognition that a minority-owned firm can receive from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Among the 2022 winners is The Carter Malone Group of Memphis. Founded in 2003 by President/ CEO Deidre Carter Malone, The Carter Malone Group has been named the 2022 Minority Marketing & Communications Firm of the Year. It is one of the Mid-South’s largest minority and woman-owned public relations agencies. Known as the MED Week Awards, the honors celebrate the outstanding achievements of minority entrepreneurs, as well as the individuals and organizations that have demonstrated their commitment to advancing minority business enterprises. The awards were awarded in Washington, D.C last Wednesday (Sept. 21) during the National MED Week conference, which convened Sept. 18-24 under the theme Power in Capital and Strength in Equity. “This award reinforces the fact that minority businesses are successful and thriving,” said Malone. The Carter Malone Group was nominated by The Tennessee Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center, which is operated by the Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum (MMBC Continuum under the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Tennessee MBDA Business Center is part of a national network focused on the growth trajectory of minority businesses while facilitating access to national public and private sector opportunities. “We are proud to have one of our MBDA Business Center clients acknowledged amongst the elite firms being recognized nationally for the quality work that they provide on a local, regional and national scale,” said Jozelle Booker, operator of the Tennessee MBDA Business Center and president and CEO of The MMBC Continuum. The Carter Malone Group (CMG) is a long-time member of The MMBC Continuum. “We have won many awards over the years but this award means a great deal to me and my firm for a number of reasons,” said Malone, who acknowledged “an amazing staff who always goes the extra mile for our clients and me, and it

shows in the quality of our work.” “(W)e were nominated by one of the hardest working agencies that supports minority businesses, The Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum through the Tennessee MBDA Business Center it operates.” CMG represents over 25 active clients including; the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, the City of Memphis, Comcast, Rhodes College, and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. “The MED Week Award is an incredible honor for The Carter Malone Group,” said Malone. “In 2023, CMG will celebrate a milestone anniversary with the firm hitting the 20-year mark.” The other 2022 National Minority Business Award recipients are: • Robert J. Brown Minority Business Enterprise of the Year – H.J. Russell & Company. Founded in 1952 in Atlanta. • Minority Construction Firm of the Year – Onyx Enterprises, Inc., Detroit. • Minority Export Firm of the Year – Tecma. • Minority Technology Firm of the Year – LilliiRNB, Inc. • Minority Manufacturing Firm of the Year – Piping Technology & Products, Inc. • Minority e-Commerce Firm of the Year – Curacubby. • Minority Veteran-owned Firm of the Year – CG Green Construction Company. Champions of minority business development • Access to Capital Award – Tom Espinoza of Raza Development Fund and Erica Y. Miles of Wells Fargo. • Distinguished Supplier Diversity Award – Ralph Sagaille of The Walt Disney Company. Individual recognition • The Ronald H. Brown Leadership Award (inspired by the late U.S. Secretary of Commerce) – John F. Robinson, one of the 12 founding members of The National Minority Business Council, Inc. (NMBC). • The Advocate of the Year Award – Jason Trimiew of Meta Platforms, Inc. • The Abe Venable Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievement – Robert F. Smith, founder, chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners

The New Tri-State Defender

NEWS

September 29 - October 5, 2022

More charges for Ezekiel Kelly in rampage shootings by Adrian Sainz Associated Press

Ezekiel Kelly, who already had been charged with a fatal shooting that police said set off a daylong crime rampage in Memphis, now faces murder charges in two more killings, officials said Wednesday. Kelly, 19, was indicted Tuesday on two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Richard Clark and Allison Parker, according to the Shelby County district attorney’s office. Kelly already has been charged with fatally shooting Dewayne Tunstall in the head outside a home in east Memphis. At least three witnesses saw Kelly shoot Tunstall at about 1 a.m. on Sept. 7, according to a police affidavit. Clark and Parker were shot later that day

as Kelly was driving around Memphis, livestreaming some of his activities Ezekiel and leadKelly ing officers on a city-wide manhunt, police said, Police said three other people were wounded in the shootings. The indictment also charges Kelly with attempted first-degree murder and more than 20 other charges, including reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, commission of an act of terrorism, theft of property and evading arrest. Kelly has not entered a plea in the Tunstall killing. Jennifer

Case, Kelly’s lawyer, did not immediately return a call seeking comment on the new indictment and she has declined comment to The Associated Press on the first murder charge. The shootings had police warning residents to shelter in place, locking down a baseball stadium and university campuses and suspending public bus services. Kelly was arrested after crashing a stolen car while fleeing police. Relatives have told The Associated Press that Parker was a mother of three who worked as a medical assistant at a clinic in nearby West Memphis, Arkansas. Clark worked as a campus safety officer at Christian Brothers University after retiring from a career as a corrections officer, the Memphis-based school said in a statement provided to news outlets.

Experience the Power of Pink Community Health Fair TSD Newsroom The Memphis Breast Cancer Consortium (MBCC) and Center for Transforming Communities will host the Power of Pink Community Health Fair on October 8 at the Connect Center from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The theme for the free breast cancer awareness event is “Educate. Empower. Equip. Attendees will be introduced to an array of resources available in Memphis and Shelby County to reduce breast cancer and save lives. The Connect Center is located at 1635 Georgian Dr. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In Shelby County, about 132 per 100,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer yearly. Black women are

almost twice as likely to die from breast cancer compared to white women. Early detection greatly increases chances for survival. Innovations in treatment, as well as an increase in organizations that provide support to those battling breast cancer, have aided also in the fight. “A breast cancer diagnosis isn’t an automatic death sentence,” said MBCC Program Director, Dr. Fedoria Rugless, PhD, CCRP. “Treatment and recovery can be a long, hard road, and having a knowledgeable and capable team of medical professionals, community resources, and a support system helps to make the journey easier. “We have assembled community partners to provide tools, resources, and information to support your well-be-

ing. We encourage those battling breast cancer, survivors, and their friends, family, and caregivers to attend.” The Power of Pink is presented in collaboration with My Sister’s Keeper, Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, Baptist Women’s Health Center, Inc., Frayser Community Development Corporation, American Cancer Society, The Chiro Place, Healthy Families Tennessee, Healthy Families, Carin’ & Sharin’ Breast Cancer Support Group, Memphis & Shelby County Health Department, Tennessee Breast & Cervical Screening Program, and the Phi Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (To learn more, visit www. mbcc.live or call 901-3006459.)

CLASSIFIEDS

LEGAL NOTICE Request for Statement of Qualifications MSCAA Project Number 22-1461-00 Rental Car Parking Garage Electrical Study Statements of Qualifications for Rental Car Parking Garage Electrical Study will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (Authority), Procurement Department, 4150 Louis Carruthers Road, Memphis, TN 38118, until 2:00 PM local time on Thursday, October 20, 2022. The Information Package, including a description of the scope of services, the selection criteria, the required response format, and additional instructions may be obtained on the Authority’s website at www.flymemphis.com on or after September 21, 2022. All Respondents are responsible for checking the Authority’s website up to the submission deadline for any updates, addenda or additional information. The successful Respondent must meet the DBE participation goal for this project, which is 0%, and sign a contract with the Authority that includes Federal Aviation Administration provisions, if applicable, regarding Buy American Preference, Foreign Trade Restriction, Davis-Bacon, Affirmative Action, Debarment and Suspension, and Drug-Free Workplace, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this request in whole or in part; to waive any informalities, technicalities, or omissions related to this request; and to reject responses on any other basis authorized by the Authority’s purchasing policies. The Authority is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, disability, marital status, military service, or sexual orientation in its hiring and employment practices and in the admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, and activities. By order of: Scott A. Brockman, A.A.E. President and CEO Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER CLASSIFIEDS

1509 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104 PH (901) 523-1818 HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. DEADLINES: Display ads Friday 5 p.m. Classiﬁeds ads Monday 5 p.m. STANDARD RATES: $6.00 per line for 1 column ad.

Rates are non-commissionable and are quoted at the net rate. No refund for early cancellation. For additional information contact Sales Dept. at (901) 746-5201 or email: advertising@tsdmemphis.com. GENERAL INFORMATION: Some categories require prepayment. All ads subject to credit approval. The

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: Ashley Guy Tax Parcel #: 05203400000170 Tax Sale #: 1802 Price Offered: $4000.00 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 September 26, 2022, 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

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.

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 26, 2022, 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:

New Tri-State Defender reserves the right to correctly classify and edit all copy or to reject or cancel any ad at any time. Only standard abbreviations accepted. Copy change during ordered schedule constitutes new ad & new changes. Deadlines for cancellation are identical to placement deadlines. Rates subject to change.

Donald S. Grayer Tax Parcel #: 01401900000040 Tax Sale #: 1601 Price Offered: $700.00 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 pro-

SEE PAGE 10

FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS

6,000

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 spective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:00 a.m. on October 26, 2022, 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: Martrice Palmer Tax Parcel #: 06001800000130 Tax Sale #: 1701 Price Offered: $2,700.00 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 2:00 p.m. on October 25, 2022, 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: Jose Luis Muniz Espinoza Tax Parcel #: 06007400000080 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $5,400.00 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 1:30 p.m. on October 25, 2022, 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: Mohamad Ali Tax Parcel #: 09410000002900 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $162,800.00 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 1:00 p.m. on October 25, 2022, 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: Jesse Birdsall Tax Parcel #: 07508800000630 Tax Sale #: 602 Price Offered: $1,125.00

September 29 - October 5, 2022

Page 10

CLASSIFIEDS

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 10:30 a.m. on October 25, 2022, 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

Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $$4000.00 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 September 25, 2022, 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: Gladys Burch Tax Parcel #: 05001300000100 Tax Sale #: 1004 Price Offered: $$1013.00 Terms: Cash

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: Ashley Guy Tax Parcel #: 03110700000080 Tax Sale #: 1802 Price Offered: $4000.00 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 25, 2022, 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: Ashley Guy Tax Parcel #: 06012000000120

NOTICE OF INTENT TO TAXING AUTHORITIES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC REVIEW

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) announces the beginning of a 30-day review and comment period on its 2023-2026 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The STIP establishes projects for major construction and Public Transit over the four-year period, which will utilize available and projected Federal funds. The review period is to provide citizens, affected public agencies, employees of transportation agencies, various stakeholder groups and other interested parties a reasonable opportunity to comment on the STIP. The STIP can be accessed by going to TDOT’s home page www.tn.gov/tdot or at https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/programdevelopment/2023-2026-stip-draft/Tennessee%20STIP%202023-2026%20Draft-R.pdf Written comments may be submitted at any time during the comment period to: Mr. Brian Hurst, Transportation Manager II, Suite 600, James K. Polk Bldg, 505 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37243-0341, (615) 253-1110, www.TDOT.Comments@tn.gov In addition, appropriate TDOT staff will be available at the Regional Offices to answer questions and accept comments on the following dates: Region 1: Wednesday, October 19, 2022, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. EDT 7345 Region Lane, Knoxville, TN 37914, (865) 594-2400 Region 2: Thursday, October 20, 2022, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. EDT 7512 Volkswagen Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37421, (423) 892-3430 Region 3: Monday, October 24, 2022, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. CDT 6601 Centennial Blvd., Building R, Nashville, TN 37243, (615) 350-4300 Region 4: Monday, October 17, 2022, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. CDT 300 Benchmark Place, Jackson, TN 38301, (731) 935-0100 TDOT will respond to all comments. The Tennessee Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, color, disability, or national origin.

You are hereby notiﬁed that The Shelby County Board of Commissioners and The City Council of the City of Memphis, Tennessee are planning to hear and take action on creating a Redevelopment Trust Fund for the Klondike Area (Please see the included map). The Shelby County Board of Commissioners will likely take action on a certain ordinance on October 24, 2022 and The Memphis City Council will hear the same on November 1, 2022. Subsequent or alternate meetings will be published in the Daily News and New Tri-State Defender newspapers.

is prerequisite to creating the Klondike Redevelopment Trust Fund for the Area. The Klondike Community Redevelopment Plan for the Area, specifies how community redevelopment activities can facilitate the rehabilitation, conservation, or redevelopment, or a combination thereof, of this area, including economic development funded by tax increment revenue calculated at a property tax baseline established by a certain date in order to implement tax increment financing; and fund the redevelopment trust fund to finance improvements in the Area.

A Finding of Conditions Necessary for Community Redevelopment in a Klondike Area and Adoption of a Community Redevelopment Plan for the Klondike Area by joint resolution of The Board of County Commissioners of Shelby County, Tennessee and Council of the City of Memphis

For additional information contact Andrew Z. Murray, President, City of Memphis and Shelby County Community Redevelopment Agency, 850 N. Manassas St., Memphis, TN 38107; Mailing Address: P.O. Box 70386, Memphis, TN 38107, Telephone: (901) 304-7921.

SPORTS

The New Tri-State Defender, September 29 - October 5, 2022, Page 11

After ending last season with a 9-3 overall record, Central is 3-3 this year. (Photos: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)

Southwind High School football coach Jerome Griffin has the Jaguars on a roll in his first season with the program.

Southwind extends victory string with win over Central by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Southwind’s 20-14 victory over 5A district rival Central was proof positive that a team’s fortunes can change dramatically from one year to the next. Last season, the Jaguars won two games and lost eight, including a 55-6 drubbing by Central’s Warriors, who finished with a 9-3 record. This season, Southwind is coached by Jerome Griffin, who came over from Terry Wooddale determined Davis to get the Jaguars on the winning track. After an opening-season loss (44-15) to Lausanne on the road, Southwind has reeled off five straight wins and is undefeated (3-0) in district play. “Coming here this spring it has been all love,” said Griffin. “The kids have receptive, and they have worked their butts off. That is all you can ask for as a coach.” The Jaguars did not waste any time getting on the scoreboard. Freshman quarterback Kelvin Perkins found Martez Carter streaking down the sideline for a 94-yard touchdown on the game’s second play. On the next drive, Perkins connected with

Central head coach Major Wright

Southwind head coach Jerome Griffin

Derek Hall for a 76-yard touchdown and it appeared that the route was on. The Warriors (3-3, 2-1) did not give up the fight and the game morphed into a defensive struggle. Late in the third quarter, Central’s powerful running back Tony Vann Jr. scored from four yards out to cut the score to 14-7. The Jaguars seemingly had the game on ice with another touchdown early in the fourth quarter, but they missed the extra point. On the ensuing kickoff, Central’s Kirby Jackson ran it back 78 yards, making the score 20-14.

The Warriors continued to push and were driving when an incomplete pass on fourth down ended the game. “They were better than we were,” said Central head coach Major Wright. “We are not good on offense right now. We are a way away. They (the Jaguars) are better than they were last year. Things can change quickly. We are trying to bring (along) a young group of guys.” Still, said Wright, “I thought we played hard. They (players on defense) continue to fight and we just don’t give them enough on the other side of the ball. We will go

back to work and see what happens.” From Griffin’s viewpoint, the game was “between two really good teams that came down to the wire. We were just a little better than they were tonight. Both teams played well, we just got the victory.” Southwind will have an off week before the Jaguars’ final home game of the season on Oct. 7 when they face undefeated Munford (6-0, 2-0). “One game at a time,” said Griffin. “That is all we preach all the time. …We are going to enjoy this win … and we are going to try to heal up some. I think we are coming together.” Perkins, the Jaguars’ quarterback, “is going to be a special kid,” said Griffin. “I have coached for 25 years and I think he is going to be the best one I have ever coached. He is talented. He has a high football IQ and a 3.9 GPA. He is everything you want as a quarterback.” Noting the play of the Southwind defense, Griffin said, “Everyone has been playing on one accord. We gave up a big play on special teams to make it close. We have to go back to the board on that. Linebacker Antwan Keefer has been the heart and soul of the defense. Kavion Benton has been banged up, but has played the last few weeks. No one person is going to block him.” For Central, the opportunity to get back on track comes Friday (Sept. 30) when the Warriors host Kingsbury at Crump Stadium.

Tigers control Mean Green of North Texas …

Memphis’ Quindell Johnson tackles VarKeyes Gum of North Texas. The Tigers’ defense limited the high-powered North Texas running attack to just 102 yards for the game, 116.5 yards fewer than what the Mean Green averaged entering the contest. Next up for the Tigers (3-1,1-0) will be a home conference game against the Temple Owls on Saturday (Oct. 1). The game can be seen on ESPNU at 11 a.m. Javon Ivory of the University of Memphis makes a leaping grab for a touchdown, capping a 92-yard drive and giving the Tigers a 20-10 advantage en route to a 44-34 victory over the North Texas Mean Green at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium last Saturday (Sept. 24). (Photos: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender)

The New Tri-State Defender

September 29 - October 5, 2022

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