The New Tri-State Defender - September 30-October 6, 2021

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VOL. 70, No. 39

September 30 - October 6, 2021

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Examining Ford’s move to build nation’s largest EV Plant in West Tennessee On the way: 6,000 new jobs

by Dena Owens

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Prosecution witness Shedrick Weary testifies before Shelby County General Sessions Court Judge Louis J. Montesi Jr. during the preliminary hearing to determine if the second-degree murder charges against unlicensed security guard Gregory Livingston warranted grand jury consideration. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

Motley-killing case goes to grand jury after ‘probable cause’ ruling Chilling video footage shown in court

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

“I’ve already killed four people,” were the words of Gregory Livingston, the unlicensed security guard who killed Alvin Motley Jr. on Aug. 7, according to a prosecution witness during a probable-cause hearing on Tuesday morning.

Shedrick Weary, a prosecution eye-witness, said he took Livingston’s words as an attempt to threaten him and that their exchange came about 30 seconds before Livingston shot Motley dead at the Kroger fuel center at 6660 Poplar Ave. Shelby County General Sessions Judge Louis J. Montesi Jr. took in Weary’s testimony as he heard arguments from both sides during an often dramatic, nearly four-hour hearing. He concluded that there was probable cause to put the matter before a grand jury.

Video footage – without audio – of the killing was presented by prosecutors. Alvin Motley Sr. wiped tears from his eyes at one point. Other family members left the courtroom at different times as portions of the graphic video were played during the questioning of witnesses.

“I heard the security guard telling Mr. Alvin to turn his music down,” said Weary. Livingston, then, accord-

Ford Motor Co. has announced plans to build America’s largest electric truck and battery plant at the Memphis Regional Megasite near Stanton, Tennessee in Haywood County.

Located between Memphis and Jackson, the site covers 4,000 acres of industrial land developed in 2012.

Stanton – a 50-mile, 49-minute drive from Memphis and a 42-mile, 47-minute drive from Jackson – will be the epicenter for: • 6,000 new jobs, • on-site career and technical training programs, and • business opportunities for suppliers in West Tennessee, including Memphis.

Ford will invest $5.6 billion in the high-tech campus slated to open in 2025.

Both rural and urban West Tennesseans will benefit from billions in annual economic growth the plant will generate.

“Memphis could become the next Atlanta,” said District 93 State Rep.

G.A. Hardaway.

“The plant will boost West Tennessee and provides an excellent opportunity to maximize diversity in its construction, business-to-business contracts and employment.

“Good things come to those who wait,” said Gov. Bill Lee, who was in Memphis Tuesday for Ford’s major announcement at Shelby Farms.

“Ford could go anywhere in the world, but chose to call Tennessee ‘home.’”

Lee offered Ford $500 million in incentives to finalize the factory in Tennessee.

“Our commitment to skilled trades through career and technical education gave Tennessee a clear advantage over all other possibilities on the globe.”

Tennessee College of Applied Technology will provide training in building and repairing electric vehicles (EVs) and the batteries that power them.

Lee was joined by Bill Ford, executive chair, Ford Motor Co., Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO, and Bob Rolfe, commissioner, TN

SEE FORD ON PAGE 2

This photo captured from a video played in court shows Alvin Motley Jr. walking toward security guard Gregory Livingston moments before Livingston shot him dead on Aug. 7.

“After the argument de-escalated between Mr. Alvin and the security guard, I got in line to pay for my gas. The security guard walked up to me and said, ‘I’ve already killed four people.’ I felt he was threatening me. I said, ‘I don’t want to hear that.’”

— Shedrick Weary ing to Weary, added, “Nobody wants to hear that.”

Weary, a fuel center customer, said he told Livingston, “I want to hear it.”

“It was not loud rap music,” said Weary. “It was R&B, Keyshia Cole’s ‘Love’. After the argument de-escalated between Mr. Alvin and the security guard, I got in line to pay for my

gas. The security guard walked up to me and said, ‘I’ve already killed four people.’ I felt he was threatening me.

I said, ‘I don’t want to hear that.’”

When a prosecutor asked Weary how long after that before he heard a gunshot, Weary replied, “About 30 seconds.”

SEE MOTLEY ON PAGE 2

Shelby Farms was the venue as Ford Motor Co. detailed its plans for a $5.6 billion investment into a high-tech campus at the Memphis Regional Megasite in Haywood County. (Courtesy photo)

County Commission OK opens door to study consolidation

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

An ad hoc committee was created by Shelby County Commission Chairman Willie Brooks Jr. to evaluate the formation of a Charter Commission during the body’s Monday (Sept. 27) meeting.

The committee will study the possible consolidation of the City of

Memphis and Shelby County governments.

Brook’s action, however, did not come without some harsh words about consolidation from some commissioners.

Commissioner Reginald Milton initially introduced a resolution to create a similar committee, but withdrew it after he said several commission members would not support the proposal.

“This is a great opportunity to bring these two bodies (a reference to the Memphis City Council) together and look at this county and city as a whole, and how we can move forward. If you have ideas, you need to bring them forward,” said Milton.

The review is estimated to take 60 to 90 days. It seeks input from all commissioners. The joint study with the City Council will include four public meetings. It is scheduled to

Spend the evening with some of the most phenomenal people in the world. Period.

conclude by Nov. 2. Its recommendations will be presented to the Commission and City Council. Separate votes could follow.

While the commission chairman has the power to form the ad hoc committee, getting buy-in from several commissioners might be beyond his reach.

Commissioners Mark Billingsley and Edmund Ford Jr. wanted nothing to do with the committee. Ford, in

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particular, criticized the proposal.

He likened it to the horror movie “Gremlins” and cautioned that “changing the rules” via consolidation could result in squandered gains by minorities. The thought of tilting the balance of power was also raised as a specter.

“My concern is look at the makeup of the city council; you’ve got eight

SEE COUNTY ON PAGE 2

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10.14.2021. freedomaward.org

The New Tri-State Defender

September 30 - October 6, 2021

Page 2

NEWS FORD

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

“After seeing the video and going through this preliminary, I was heart-broken,” said Alvin Motley Sr., whose son was killed by security guard Gregory Livingston.

(Photo: Screen capture/video, Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

MOTLEY

CONTINUED FROM FRONT There was an audible, collective gasp in the courtroom.

Prosecutors – assistant district attorneys David Jones and Ronald Dowdy of Nashville – also played a 911 call

by Livingston, who reported that a “black male” was being “combatant and aggressive.”

On that call, Livingston, who worked for a third-party vendor, is heard to tell Motley, “Back up, back up.”

Prosecutors rolled back video footage to a point seconds before Livingston fired the fatal shot. Motley was seen walking toward Livingston with a cigarette in one hand and a can of beer in the other. Motley makes no aggressive motion toward the security officer. As he is walking, Livingston took a “shooting stance.” He then fires one shot, hitting Motley in the wrist and chest.

Sgt. LaTanya West, a Memphis police officer in the homicide unit, testified that Livingston claimed to have been a police officer in the past.

“As a trained police officer, Mr. Livingston should have known to make his gun the last resort,” said West. “We found a gun, three clips of ammunition, two knives and an asp.

An asp is a baton that expands in length. A trained police officer would know that the gun is always your last option.”

Defense attorneys Steve Farese and Leslie Ballin did not present witnesses during the hearing but are anchoring their defense of Livingston on self-defense.

“If a person has told you to back up over and over,” said Ballin, “and you continue walking toward him, even though he has pulled a gun and taken a defense stand, then wouldn’t you think that person might be in fear for his life?”

Ballin buffeted his argument with references to Motley allegedly having told Livingston, “I’m going to kick you’re a**,” and “I’m going to f**k s**t up around here,” and that Motley got out of the car three times to confront Livingston.

Prosecutors boiled things down to this: “Livingston chose to be judge, jury and executioner. He shot Mr. Motley because he felt like it.”

It next will be up to a grand jury to decide if Livingston will be indicted on charges of

Dept. of Economic and Community Development.

Beverly Robertson, president and CEO, Greater Memphis Chamber, opened the press event.

Rolfe said the factory will “change the landscape of West Tennessee,” generating 33,000 construction jobs with a $1.8 billion payroll, followed by 27,000 direct and indirect jobs, producing a $1.8 billion annual payroll.

Ford’s first electric vehicle – the 2022 F-150 Lightning truck – is sold out, said Farley.

President Joe Biden test drove the model in May, capturing broad public interest.

Future F-series trucks and batteries will be built at the Tennessee plant named Blue Oval City, hinting at its proximity to Memphis and its music legacy.

Salaries ranges were not disclosed, but good paying jobs are certain.

Elder Memphians understand the benefits a major factory can offer.

From 1948 to 1983, International Harvester, a tractor manufacturer in the Frayser community, helped numerous households reach median incomes, allowing them to buy homes and have better lives.

Blue Oval City will do no less.

Environmentally safe manufacturing

Gregory Livingston listens to defense attorney Steve Farese. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the state’s electric provider, will lead the plant’s power build-out.

Blue Oval City will operate under a sustainable eco-system, using solar power and other green energy sources to run, creating a carbon-neutral facility.

By reducing the release of carbon dioxide in the atmo-

COUNTY

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Special prosecutors David Jones (left) and Ronald Dowdy confer outside the courtroom. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

“If a person has told you to back up over and over, and you continue walking toward him, even though he has pulled a gun and taken a defense stand, then wouldn’t you think that person might be in fear for his life?”

— Leslie Ballin second-degree murder or different charges.

“On that video, we saw no justifiable reason why deadly force should have been used,” said Montesi, before handing the case off to the grand jury and adjourning court.

Soon after, the Motley’s family attorney, national civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, joined family members and friends of Motley at a press conference.

“We are just so grateful to District Attorney (Glenn) Funk and assistant district attorneys David Jones and Ronald Dowdy,” Crump said.

“They said what the family has been saying all along. That it was an unnecessary, unjustifiable and heartless killing of a

young man armed only with a can of beer and a cigarette.

“When you watch that video, you have to catch your breath and ask yourself did you see what you just saw.”

Motley Sr., along with other family members, denounced the crime also and called for justice to be done.

“After seeing the video and going through this preliminary, I was heart-broken,” Motley Sr. said. “I didn’t hate the gentleman but I am outraged beyond all measure …

My son shouldn’t have been shot. … It’s unbearable. I want him punished to the fullest extent. …

“Whatever years I have left on this earth, I want him to be locked away and think about what he did every single day just like I have to.”

Motley Jr., according to his father, was partially blind.

The slain man had Mrfan syndrome, a disorder that hinders the production of connective tissue. The condition rendered Motley unable to drive.

Pia Foster, the driver of the car Motley was riding in, was also engaged in the dispute with Livingston.

“Leave us the f**k alone, leave us the f**k alone,” Foster was heard saying on a video captured on the phone of a witness.

Black and five women, that’s never happened before. Now we’re talking about changing some rules. On this body, we have eight Democrats, seven Black...,” said Ford.

Commissioners Tami Sawyer and Eddie Jones also piled on. Although both said they may take part, they will likely be a tough sell.

Sawyer, who initially objected to withdrawing the resolution in favor of a vote, criticized Brooks, saying the process “seemed weighted,” with the decision to form the ad hoc committee already decided.

“You’re the chair and that’s your right, but I just want to

Beverly Robertson, president and CEO, Greater Memphis Chamber, said Ford’s “monumental investment” would not have been possible without partners. (Courtesy photo) sphere, negative impacts to human health and the environment are prevented.

“Reliable, low-cost, clean energy gives world-class companies like Ford a reason to locate in the Tennessee Valley,” said TVA CEO Jeff Lyash.

TVA is a founding member of the National Electric Highway Coalition – an alliance of 14 nationwide utility providers enabling long-distance EV travel through fast charging stations on major highways.

“TVA is taking a leadership role in EV technology.”

thing on the Megasite, we’ll have to accelerate our efforts and maybe work in conjunction with the Tennessee Department of Transportation to see if there’s an opportunity for a partnership that will allow us to do some things to ensure people can get there (to work).”

“That’s the only way people will be able to keep their jobs.”

Advocating for West Tennessee

The New Tri-State Defender inquired about possible barriers for potential employees who want jobs at Blue Oval City, but do not own adequate transportation.

Having no car or an unreliable vehicle is common among low-income citizens in Memphis and rural areas.

Robertson said, over the last 18 months, a transportation plan has been considered.

“Now that we’ve got some-

Ford is the fourth auto plant to enter Tennessee, joining Nissan (Smyrna), Volkswagen (Chattanooga) and General Motors (Spring Hill).

Partners behind Blue Oval City include: Ford Motor Co., State of Tennessee, SK Innovation (a battery manufacturer in South Korea), TVA, Greater Memphis Chamber, Jackson, TN, Chamber of Commerce and West Tennessee public officials.

“None of this would have been possible without our partners,” said Robertson.

“I’m elated about this monumental investment.”

say that makes it hard for me to then engage in a process that you are saying is going to be fair and based on both sides,” said Sawyer.

Brooks, who became chairman earlier this month, defended the committee as an effort for better government and nothing more.

“This committee, our focus isn’t on consolidation but the efficiency of government. It should be data-driven versus opinionated.

“If we are data-driven, based on facts and data, and you give your input, hopefully, whatever the decisions are that come back to this body, that you would have had some engagement. That’s the focal point by which this committee will move forward.”

He also appointed Milton chair and Brandon Morrison co-chair of the study group.

Morrison, for her part, was open to the process, although agnostic on its subject of focus.

Milton, however, withdrew from consideration after the successive rounds of criticism.

“I’m not going to be the chair. I’m pulling out. I’m not going to be a part of it. I’m getting out of it completely,” he said.

“Ten years from now, South Memphis, Orange Mound, Hickory Hill, North Memphis, Frayser ... these communities are going to look just the same as they are now, if not worse,” referring to the need to explore opportunities that would bring economic development and prosperity to those areas.

Employee transportation obstacles

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The New Tri-State Defender

September 30 - October 6, 2021

Page 3

PERSPECTIVE COMMENTARY Kelly’s trial brought out some very dark s… from a handful of survivors who’ve arguably been re-traumatized by this whole ordeal, as well as triggering some dark s… anyone in their right mind would be disturbed and bothered by and essentially the only thing Cosby has to say is “Poor Kelly?”

Though absolutely no one asked, Bill Cosby apparently has some thoughts about R. Kelly Chuck D also weighs in

by Shanelle Genai theroot.com

On this week’s edition of Celebs Say the Darndest Things, Bill Cosby and hiphop icon Chuck D are the latest to give their unsolicited two cents about R. Kelly following the entertainer’s guilty verdict in Brooklyn federal court on Monday.

During an interview with The New York Post, Cosby spokesman Andrew Wyatt shared that the comedian and actor felt Kelly “got railroaded” and “was screwed” during his New York trial and that he “wasn’t going to catch a break.”

Wyatt further elaborated: “The deck was stacked against Robert. His constitutional rights were grossly abused.

I don’t know anywhere but in this country in the United States that a documentary can bring criminal charges against someone. No one fought hard for him and his attorneys didn’t humanize him.”

He later added: “He also didn’t have the resources and means, he should have asked for support from the court. He would have gotten better representation. This is a guy who made the song ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ when there were rumors about young girls. The song played at every wedding and in every church.

He was doing music with Lady Gaga!”

Now look – maybe because I’ve spent the last five weeks writing on Kelly’s trial *shudder,* I currently don’t have the intestinal fortitude necessary to properly drag Cosby and his lawyers for opening their big ole mouths and speaking on some s… that they both know good and damn well they don’t need to be speaking on – I mean, for why? Kelly’s trial brought out some very dark s… from a handful of survivors who’ve arguably been re-traumatized by this whole ordeal, as well as triggering some dark s… anyone in their right mind

would be disturbed and bothered by and essentially the only t h i n g Cosby has to say Shanelle is “Poor Genai Kelly?”

G e t – and I can’t stress this enough – get … outta here with that.

Meanwhile, over in HipHop Hotep Land, Chuck D also decided to draw parallels between Kelly and two other musical icons, namely Rick James and Ike Turner (both of whom have their own sketchy pasts when it comes to abusing women) and questioned if there was essentially a road to redemption available for the “I Believe I Can Fly” singer in a tweet on Tuesday: “Abused in his youth…an addict as a adult, Ike Turner served 18 months in prison.

Rick James did similar time.

Ike came out a changed positive human being. How long should R Kelly spend in prison – and does a USA system give a man a chance for a man to change his world around?”

When a user online pointed out the fact Turner never showed remorse for his actions, much like Kelly, and questioned why Chuck D seemed more concerned about abusers getting a second chance than believing Black girls and women, the rap icon responded: “Good points. Question is the penalty..execution castrations or prison where the USA is at a crossroads funding the prison system in the 2020s-you know that there’s little rehab and they are releasing as opposed to the fixing of the problem. Mothers burying sons & visiting prisons.” …I’m sorry, but WHAT? What does that even mean?

Did he write this in hip-hop hotep hieroglyphics? That has to be it, because this retort doesn’t make a lick of sense; somehow we went from “Kelly should be redeemed even though he doesn’t think he

Caption: (Left to right): Bill Cosby, R. Kelly, and Chuck D. (Photo:William Thomas Cain/Nuccio DiNuzzo/Kevin Winter; Getty Images via theroot.com) did anything wrong and has shown no remorse” to what?

The plight of the Black man getting caught up in the prison system? One of these things is not like the other.

Once again, I unfortunately do not have the mental or physical energy to explain how trash of a take Chuck D has but luckily, writer Shanita Hubbard and veteran music producer and Russell Simmons accuser Drew Dixon did: “It would be great to see the pioneers of hip-hop publicly express their support of sexual assault survivors instead of publicly inquiring about a path to redemption for a man who spent decades abusing Black girls,” said Hubbard. “@MrChuckD is twisting logic into a pretzel to argue for the rehabilitation of an unrepentant child rapist,” wrote Dixon. “Why isn’t he focused on repairing the trauma inflicted on the Black victims assaulted by R. Kelly? Why don’t they matter? This is toxic, anti-Black, and exhausting.”

As Hip-HopDX notes, later Tuesday night, Chuck D issued another tweet in response to the backlash, including an apology of sorts. In a weird turn of events, it also included

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a promotion for his own social media app: “JUST TO BE CLEAR, I’m not the R Kelly fan here.

75 million sold somewhere & I ain’t got 1 of his songs.

And his actions were criminal my apologies if the wings

of perception loomed beyond than the words on this slaveApp. My clarity launches on my own http://RsTvapp.com Oct1.[sic]” Chuck D wrote.

In a separate statement to the publication, he added: “JUST TO BE CLEAR, I’m

not the R. Kelly fan here. I ain’t got any of his songs. And his actions were trash.” *Deep, exhausted, Negro spiritual sigh* Take me now, Black Jesus, it’s getting real ghetto and misogynistic out here.

PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, September 30 - October 6, 2021, Page 4

Stand for Children Tennessee held a virtual conversation in July around the role of law enforcement in schools and the “criminalization of students.”

Educators must clearly define how law enforcement carries out its role in schools

by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The debate about the role or presence of law enforcement in our schools is one that needs to be had.

Law Enforcement has a role in our schools; it’s up to educators to clearly define how that role should be carried out.

School districts across the country are moving to end their relationships with law enforcement agencies and some officials in Shelby County Schools are raising concerns about the role of police officers in district schools.

Curtis At a recent SCS board work sesWeathers sion, members reportedly were at odds over the cost and use of 36 resource officers deployed in schools throughout the district.

Several board members are voicing concerns about the efficiency and value of their services.

School systems around the country are suspending and some are eliminating totally their relationships with law enforcement in their communities.

While it is true that not all schools need police officers or School Resource Officers (SRO) patrolling their campuses, these resources are a layer of school safety that is sometimes needed to maintain order in their respective schools.

Criminal activity takes place in our nation’s schools every day. That is not conjecture, that is fact. And, of course, some schools see significantly more activity than others.

Gun violence in the streets of Memphis and in cities across America is at an all-time high. There is no evidence to suggest this trend will lessen anytime soon. It won’t be long before this epidemic seeps into our schools and threatens the safety of our children and school community as a whole.

Remember, thanks to our political leadership in Nashville, it is now easier than ever for people to purchase and carry firearms in our state.

It’s just a matter of time before this decision by lawmakers shows up on the doorsteps of our schools.

Already, during the first five weeks of the school year,

five students from Metro Nashville Public Schools have been arrested and charged with felony possession of a firearm on a public-school campus.

Shelby County Schools has 125 police officers, including 45 Shelby County Department deputies, working in its schools.

In 2019, SCS Superintendent Joris Ray proposed creating its own district police force to replace sheriff’s deputies. He called it the “Peace Force.”

Ray believes that Shelby County Schools would be able to manage and train its officers more effectively if they reported directly to the district.

I concur.

But some school board members disagree, saying they weren’t convinced students would be treated any better.

But the district is on the right track. They seem to be focused on training rather than transfer.

According to district officials, officers in their schools receive enhanced training in recognizing precursors to violence and training in nonviolent crisis prevention and gang interventions.

Moreover, the district also has expanded the use of its ReSet Rooms that are used to help students calm down after emotional or tense encounters with police, teachers or other students.

These efforts have had success in lowering suspension rates and minimizing confrontations in schools.

Eliminating the services of law enforcement in schools should be treated as a needs-based decision.

Police officers or SROs, properly trained, can be a calming influence in a school environment.

In the wake of all the emotions over police reform and racial reckoning, school systems across the country seem to be making decisions based on their emotions and pressure from activists, not rational thinking.

For example, the superintendent in the Portland, Oregon school system reportedly fired all of the police officers working in its nine high schools even though they did not have to pay for their services.

Instead, the Portland school system increased spending on social workers, counselors and culturally specific supports for students.

Keep in mind, there always are situations that can occur on a school campus that can make you wish you had law enforcement personnel at your immediate disposal.

Instead of just removing all of these officers, why not

do the hard work of listening to feedback from students, parents and community members, and draft a comprehensive plan to provide a safe environment for students and staff that include more counselors (if necessary), teachers, social workers, AND law enforcement.

Training is the key to blending these resources into a safe campus environment.

There also is a growing body of evidence that suggests school resource officers feed the so-called school-to-prison pipeline.

A recent report from the Brookings Institute found, for example, that school policing tends to criminalize adolescent behavior way too much.

The Frayser Community Schools (FCS), a charter school network here in Memphis, is an excellent example of how school leaders might respond to this kind of data.

FCS significantly has reduced the number of law enforcement officers patrolling its campuses, but, at the same time, are taking a more holistic approach to discipline in their schools.

FCS removed officers from its two middle schools, Humes and Westside Middle Schools, keeping one private officer in its high school, M.L.K. College Preparatory High School.

But more important, they are implementing additional strategies to address discipline in their schools, and have provided their teachers and staff professional development training to help prepare them for the shift away from policing.

I applaud their efforts.

We live in perilous times and we need to make an effort to blend our law enforcement personnel seamlessly into our school environment so our children feel safe because of them, not in spite of them.

It is a mistake (in my humble opinion) to categorically dismiss police or security officers without a comprehensive safety plan for students and staff that fills the void left by these officers upon their departure.

There are multiple examples around the country and in Memphis of police officers and schools working together to successfully create a safe environment for their students.

Let’s learn from their experiences.

Stay safe, everyone!

(Follow TSD education columnist Curtis Weathers on Twitter (@curtisweathers); email: curtislweathers@gmail.com.)

School districts across the country are moving to end their relationships with law enforcement agencies and some officials in Shelby County Schools are raising concerns about the role of police officers in district schools.

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The New Tri-State Defender

September 30 - October 6, 2021

Page 5

RELIGION

Come pray with me, says Vethel Patterson TSD Newsroom With prayer on her mind, Vethel Patterson will be at Blue Cross Healthy Place Park in David Carnes Park on Fairfield in Whitehaven this Saturday (Oct. 2).

The drawing card is a gathering Patterson has dubbed Prayer in the Park.

“Prayer in the Park is a ministry that I started last year in October and asked others to partner with me,” said Patterson. “A group of about six meet at 9 a.m. every Saturday, praying for the homeless, the violence in the community to cease, our families and friends.”

This week’s gathering will mirror the focus maintained throughout the year.

“We meet at the park to pray for the world and that God will heal the land,” said Patterson.

“On several occasions, others have walked up, joined the prayer and asked for prayers. People are struggling with so much and we need to be able to help in different ways.”

The prayer is set to begin at 9 a.m.

The eighth of 10 siblings, Patterson said her mother, Ethel Patterson, was “my role model for embracing prayer. She was a woman of strong faith and an example of a MIGHTY

Drivethru baby shower...

Riverside Missionary Baptist Church’s third annual Sip & See Community Baby Shower was a drive-thru affair held last Saturday (September 25).

(Above) Pastor Dr. Reginald S. Boyce greets a special guest. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/ GSW Enterprises)

The Rev. Ronald L. Cleaves said acting as pastor of Columbus Baptist church ‘has been my most satisfying and fulfilling job.’” (Courtesy photo)

Historic Columbus Baptist marks centennial anniversary After starting Prayer in the Park a year ago, Vethel Patterson is staying the course. (Courtesy photo) prayer warrior.”

Prayer, said Patterson, is “important to me because it allows me to have a personal relationship with God. Prayer gives me time to meditate and seek God’s direction about His will.

“Prayer also allows me to show God’s love to others and gives me an avenue to gain wisdom and knowledge. Prayer allows me the opportunity to pray for myself, my family and others as well.”

A Spring 2021 graduate of LeM-

oyne Owen College, Patterson majored in business management. She operates an online custom T-shirt design store and, on September 3, launched a non-profit corporation called Care Angels.

“My ultimate goal is to bring our communities together through prayer,” said Patterson. “For, we are stronger, together.”

(For more information, contact Vethel Patterson via email: vethel. patterson@gmail.com.)

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Sunday morning (Sept. 26) service at Columbus Baptist Church was “extra special” as the congregation hosted its 100th church anniversary.

“Columbus has always been known for its wonderful, spirit-filled music,” said Interim Pastor Ronald L. Cleaves. “But this past Sunday was particularly uplifting as we reflected on our history and how far the Lord has brought us.

“One of the highlights for me was a video of Columbus over the years.

It was just wonderful to see.

From its very inception, Columbus Baptist Church has been called “a family church.”

“Many of the members at Columbus today are children and grandchildren of those who belonged to the church back in those very early days,” said Cleaves. “I, myself, grew up in Columbus, a little, snotty-nose boy running around here. I never dreamed that I would ever be serving my church as the interim pastor.”

Columbus Baptist Church was organized by Rev. C. W. Brooks in June 1921. After serving as pastor for one year, Brooks was succeeded

by Rev. G. W. Hayes.

“I grew up at Columbus, along with my siblings,” said Tisha Rainey. “This was my mother’s church, and she really loved her church. We came to love it as well. I just never left. Stories have been passed down over the years.

“When Rev. Brooks started the church, there were five members.

All five were men who loved God. The Spirit of the Lord has always been at Columbus.”

Under Hayes’ leadership, according to the church’s written history, the church grew to a membership of more than 1,000.

Several moves were made to progressively larger buildings to accommodate a growing and vibrant church body.

Under Hayes’ guidance, Columbus bought the plot of land at 324 Decatur St. A large, brick church was built, the same edifice where the congregation worships today.

“Back in the 1930s, our church building was constructed at a cost

of $20,000,” said Cleaves. “That was a massive accomplishment for a black church back then. At that time, $20,000 was a lot of money.”

Hayes served as pastor until his death in September 1941. For the next two years, Rev. Jasper Williams Sr. was pastor. He would later plant his own church, Lane Avenue Baptist Church.

In 1944, Rev. A. E. Campbell, the longest serving pastor in the church’s history, began his 43-year stint as the new shepherd.

When Campbell died in 1987, his youngest son, John Jackson Campbell, was elected to lead the church.

Columbus thrived under John Campbell’s leadership. Each Sunday, the church “was filled to capacity,” according to church history.

In 2010, a change in leadership brought in Rev. E. C. Alexander, who served as pastor for five years.

Since that time, the church has not officially installed another pastor.

Cleaves stepped into the role of pastor, and has been the interim for years.

“Although we have not elected a new pastor since Rev. Alexander left, the Lord has been faithful in blessing Columbus,” said Cleaves. “I accepted my own call to ministry in 2010.

I had always taught Sunday School and served as chairman of the joint board. That consists of the deacons and trustees. I felt a total calling on my life to preach. I am just filling in until we get a new pastor.”

Cleaves has served as interim for nearly five years.

“We just continue to press on,” said Cleaves. “People still have to be married. Children still have to be christened and families must have their loved ones buried. “ S e r v ing our people has been my greatest joy these four-and-a-half years.

I retired from City Court in 1990.

Acting as pastor has been my most satisfying and fulfilling job.”

Cleaves said Columbus will continue to thrive because “the Lord is on their side.”

“We know the Lord has been with us down through the years,” said Cleaves. “However He chooses to do about the pastor’s office is alright. He promised to never leave or forsake us. With God’s help, we’ll be here another 100 years.”

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, September 30 - October 6, 2021, Page 6

Sen. Robinson acquitted of 15 charges in federal theft case

State Sen. Katrina Robinson, who was elected to the Tennessee General Assembly in 2018, was charged in July 2020 with wire fraud and theft and embezzlement involving government programs after the FBI searched her health care school and her home. She has pleaded not guilty and her trial is ongoing. (Photo: Facebook)

(AP) – State Sen. Katrina Robinson, who has been charged with stealing $600,000 in federal grant money from a health care school she operated, has been acquitted on 15 of 20 charges, according to court records.

U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl Lipman filed the order last Sunday (Sept. 26) after lawyers for Robinson (D-Memphis) filed a motion two days earlier seeking acquittal on all charges, Memphis news outlets reported.

Robinson, 40, was elected to the

Tennessee General Assembly in 2018. She was charged in July 2020 with wire fraud as well as theft and embezzlement involving government programs after the FBI searched the school and her home.

She was accused of stealing federal grant money awarded to The Healthcare Institute, which provides training in the health care field, including nursing assistant jobs in geriatric care.

The school received more than $2.2 million in federal grants from the Health Resources and Services

Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The federal grant money was earmarked for student scholarships from 2015 through 2019.

Robinson’s attorneys argued for an acquittal Friday after federal prosecutors rested their case. They argued that prosecutors didn’t prove allegations that Robinson used the federal grant funds on personal expenses.

The trial resumed on Tuesday on the five remaining charges, with Robinson taking the stand in her own

defense.

The District 30 representative testified that at no point did she use federal grant money for her own personal expenses. And as for making up students, Robinson said that didn’t happen either.

“I have been dragged through the mud by the federal government …,” said Robinson, responding to questions from a defense attorney.

(This story includes a TSD Newswroom report.)

Collage Dance Collective steps stylishly into its future

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Collage Dance Collective co-founders, Marcellus Harper and Kevin Thomas, are reliving the glorious performance moments of Collage’s 11th Annual Gala in the school’s newly constructed facility.

“Friday night (Sept. 24) was a day of our dreams,” said Harper. “We wanted to create a space for young, Black people, a place that would inspire young people, a state-of-the-art building designed with them in mind. Our building, itself, is a work of art.”

The structure, located at 505 Tillman Street, was the setting for a swanky, after-five evening of celebration, with highlight presentations of classically trained young people, dressed in colorful, breathtaking costumes and featured in professionally choreographed performances.

“The entire weekend, I just took a look back at how far we’ve come,” said Harper.

“Of course, there were some lean years in the beginning. We did not have a space of our own, and no one wanted to sponsor us.

Nights like last Friday make all of that so worth it.”

As the evening’s excitement unfolded, Thomas was busy making sure his dancers were performing at the very highest level.

“We wanted to make things perfect,” he said. “There had been practice and practice and more practice. I did have my moment when I said, ‘Wow, this is huge. We have come a very long way.’”

Harper manages the business side; Thomas, trains the dancers in rigorous class exercises that draw out the very best in aspiring, young professionals.

“This new space helps me to pour myself into them,” said Thomas. “The building is ours. That means we can work for as many hours we like. It makes a huge difference.

This has always been, from the very beginning, a labor of love.”

Thomas was born in Trinidad and Tobago, moving to Montreal, Canada when he was only a year old. He has been dancing since he was seven and has worked with three professional ballet companies.

While dancing at the Dance Theatre of Harlem Ballet Company, Thomas discovered what he wanted to do in his “next chapter” – teach young, aspiring ballet dancers the technique and ability to perform.

Harper, a native of Washington D.C., moved to New York, where he met Thomas and they began staging small, dance

After “practice and practice and more practice,” these dancers took the stage to meet their goal – to perform “at the very highest level.” (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

Kevin Thomas

Marcellus Harper

productions. They dreamed of establishing a school, a training component for young dancers with an educational arm. Both are essential in producing accomplished, gifted performers.

But where would be a good place to start a school of this type? Memphis would be the perfect venue, the pair decided.

“Memphis has the right demographic and it has an active ballet community,” said Harper. “There is Ballet Memphis and the Ballet Ensemble. But there was no school that focused on training young, African-American ballet dancers. Memphis

was the best of all the places we considered.”

In the very beginning, it was difficult, Harper admitted.

Collage rented space from place to place, including the “Old Galloway Church” in the Cooper-Young community and Overton High School. Even through days when it looked like the dream was too far beyond what was possible, Harper and Thomas stuck it out because, ultimately, bringing a dream to fruition looks like thankless work and unrewarded effort.

“The gala made me feel proud of how

far we have come,” said Harper. “I said, ‘This is really happening.’ The level of community support and the beauty of that night’s performances made all of the struggle worthwhile.

“Beyond that celebration, we are reaching for bigger and better things. We are more determined in our purpose now than we ever were, and that (purpose) is to inspire and empower kids.”

COUNTY COMMISSION

New chairman for budget committee; Regional one gets shortfall support

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Michael Whaley is the new Shelby County Commission Budget Committee chairman after new commission Chairman Willie Brooks shuffled the committee-assignment deck during the

commission’s Monday (Sept. 27) meeting.

Whaley replaces Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr., who was often at loggerheads with Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris over resolutions to proposed budgets during his two years at the helm.

Brooks, who became chairman earlier in the month, toyed with the

lineup using a substitute resolution. It was approved unanimously.

In other commission business, $4 million was approved for county-owned Regional One Health to address capacity shortfalls at the health center during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A safety-net hospital, Regional One is legally-bound to provide care

regardless of insurance status.

The money will come from the county’s General Fund. The resolution calls for it to be reimbursed through federal and state funding, if possible.

The resolution passed on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner David Bradford abstained.

It was sponsored by Commission-

ers Van Turner Jr., Reginald Milton, Eddie Jones, Willie Brooks, Mickell Lowery, Edmund Ford Jr., Brandon Morrison, Mark Whaley and Mark Billingsley.

A vote for the same amount to go to Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and Baptist Memorial Health Care is scheduled for October.

The New Tri-State Defender

September 30 - October 6, 2021

Page 7

ENTERTAINMENT

‘What About Me – Walking the Tightrope as a Black Man in America’

by Phyllis Dixon

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

If you watch television, it’s easy to believe that Black men are only celebrities, athletes, criminals or victims of deadly police violence. In his book, “What About Me: Walking the Tightrope as a Black Man in America,” D. John Jackson challenges that perception.

In a message suited for everyone – Black men and youth in particular – Jackson, a Northside High School graduate, asserts that despite roadblocks, you can succeed.

You matter. Never give up!

A Fortune 50 corporate leader, lecturer, motivational speaker and philanthropist, Jackson, who often speaks to international audiences, shared his story of success and lessons learned during a book-signing in his hometown last Saturday (Sept. 25).

The setting was Cheryl Pesce – The Lifestyle Store in Laurelwood. His friend, actor H. William Bryant from the television show “Greenleaf,” led the discussion.

In addition to the book, Jackson is an executive producer of a documentary, also titled, “What About Me.” His goal is to showcase unknown stories and promote positive images of Black men and boys.

“It is extremely important for us to tell the stories and control our narratives of many rarely seen and untold stories of Black men and boys,” said Jackson. “Oftentimes in America, we see a narrative from our media of young Black males that is all too unflattering. Their hopes, dreams and aspirations have been muted…Until now.”

Jackson didn’t start at the top and the book includes stories about his jobs as a dishwasher and fast-food cook. Some of the advice seems basic: respect others, think before you speak, maintain a positive attitude.

However, that is not always easy when faced with a double standard, racial profiling and stereotypes. Recounting instances

when he was disrespected, discriminated against or taken advantage of, Jackson writes about how to use those experiences as stepping stones to success.

The title “What About Me” isn’t just D. John about being misheard, Jackson misunderstood, and misjudged; it is also a challenge to the reader to pay it forward. What will you do to influence, mentor and help others, particularly the next generation?

With degrees in engineering, Jackson speaks across the country to groups to encourage the study of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) subjects.

STEM careers consistently rank among the highest paying, with Black students traditionally underrepresented in their pursuit of them.

Knowing that a legacy isn’t just financial, Jackson urges each of us to be intentional in helping everyone feel valued, heard and appreciated.

Incorporating the phrase “Walking a tightrope” into the title of his book, Jackson uses a perfect metaphor for the lives of Black people in this country. There is little margin for error, but if we all pitch in, we can help our young men successfully navigate that tightrope.

In “What About Me – Walking the Tightrope as a Black Man in America,” Jackson describes what that tightrope feels like: There are people anticipating my failure and looking for flaws or missteps, …so I can’t make a mistake.

There are people with high expectations and expect me to be infallible, ,,, so I can’t make a mistake.

People are watching and depending on me,

Actor H. William Bryant (left) from the television show “Greenleaf” led a discussion of D. John Jackson’s new book, “What About Me – Walking the Tightrope as a Black Man in America” during a book-signing at Cheryl Pesce – The Lifestyle Store in Laurelwood last Saturday (Sept. 25).

(Photo: Facebook) ,,, so I can’t make a mistake.

People are following in my footsteps, ,,, so I can’t make a mistake.

(Excerpt from “What About Me – Walking the Tightrope as a Black Man in America,” by D. John Jackson.)

“What About Me – Walking the Tightrope as a Black Man in America”

by D. John Jackson Houndstooth Press $16.99 170 pages

The New Tri-State Defender

September 30 - October 6, 2021

Page 8

CLASSIFIEDS I am trying to apply for a title of this vehicle that I bought from you. Silver with a green hood and broken taillight. 2003 Chevy Monte Carlo.

Vin 2G1WX12K239373313. Any and all parties who this car relates to please contact me Austin, 9015854187 NOTICE TO BIDDERS In order to participate in the bid listed below for Shelby County Government, you must be registered with our electronic bidding system with Mercury Commerce.

County bids are not available by mail or downloaded directly from the County website, unless otherwise indicated in the solicitation invitation. All vendors who wish to bid are required to register with Mercury Commerce Solutions in order to be notified of on-line bids.

There is no charge for registration, and it is easy to use. To register: • Go to www.esmsolutions.com • Go to Log-In at top of page • Click “Supplier Login” • Under “Mercury Version”, click ‘Not Registered’ • Complete Vendor Registration process • Submit If you have any questions about the registration process, contact ESM Solutions at (877) 9697246. If you have any questions about information contained in the bid documents, contact the Purchasing Department at (901) 222-2250 and ask to speak to the Buyer listed for the bid.

SEALED BID DUE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021 AT 2:30 PM CST There is no LOSB participation goal for this sealed bid.

“SINGLE AXLE DUMP TRUCKS w/ CENTRAL HYDRAULIC SYSTEM” (SB-I000673) (MC# 628) By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY NOTICE TO BIDDERS I n order to participate in the bid listed below for Shelby County Government, you must be registered with our electronic bidding system with Mercury Commerce.

County bids are not available by mail or downloaded directly from the County website, unless otherwise indicated in the solicitation invitation. All vendors who wish to bid are required to register with Mercury Commerce Solutions in order to be notified of on-line bids.

There is no charge for registration, and it is easy to use. To register: • Go to www.esmsolutions.com • Go to Log-In at top of page • Click “Supplier Login” • Under “Mercury Version”, click ‘Not Registered’ • Complete Vendor Registration process • Submit If you have any questions about the registration process, contact ESM Solutions at (877) 9697246. If you have any questions about information contained in the bid documents, contact the Purchasing Department at (901) 222-2250 and ask to speak to the Buyer listed for the bid.

SEALED BID DUE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021 AT 2:30 PM CST There is no LOSB participation goal for this sealed bid.

“Telescoping Knuckle Boom Truck” (SB-I000682) (MC# 637) By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY NOTICE TO BIDDER(S) Sealed bids will be received by the Shelby County Government in the Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38134 until 9:30 a.m. on October 15, 2021, as shown below: MULTIPLE AND ENTIRELY DIFFERENT REHABILITATION JOBS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS BID NOTICE. BIDDER(S) MAY ELECT TO BID ON ANY OR ALL OF THE JOBS IN THE NOTICE. SEALED BID I000696 DUE AT 9:30 a.m. : October 15, 2021 1. Rehabilitation of Owner-Occupied Housing Units throughout Shelby County some of which may require the use of lead based paint safe work practices and techniques; and Detailed specifications for items above may be obtained in the Shelby County Department of Housing at the aforementioned address beginning October 1, 2021. All bids will be opened and publicly read by the Shelby County Government at the time mentioned above at the Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road Memphis, TN 38134, (901) 222-7600; TTY Number (901) 222-2301; or for information in Spanish 901-222-7601. Award recommendations will be posted at the following website http:// www.shelbycountytn.gov/3453/ Contract-Opportunities upon review of the bid opening results.

As a condition precedent to bidding, each bidder must apply and qualify for a Vendor Number and Equal Opportunity Compliance Eligibility Number prior to the submitting your response. Your EOC number

THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER CLASSIFIEDS 1509 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104 PH (901) 523-1818 FAX (901) 578-5037 HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

DEADLINES: Display ads Friday 5 p.m.

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STANDARD RATES: $6.00 per line for 1 column ad.

Rates are non-commissionable and are quoted at the net rate. No refund for early cancellation. For additional information contact Sales Dept. at (901) 746-5201 or email: advertising@tsdmemphis.com.

BEER PERMITS Flat Rate: $35 GENERAL INFORMATION:

must be displayed on the outside of your envelope for each bid submission.

Reminder: Effective January 2020, in order for your bids to be accepted on projects, contractors must have met with the Housing Site Inspector and received a receipt for the current Shelby County Housing Construction and Rehabilitation Specifications Manual. Interested contractors not currently on the contractor list should contact the Department of Housing in order to schedule a meeting with the Housing Site Inspector. If you are currently on the contractor list but have not received a receipt for the current Construction and Rehabilitation Specifications Manual, please schedule an appointment to do so.

The label, which is attached to the specifications shall be completely filled out and attached to the bid submission envelope.

You must display your current E.O.C. Eligibility Number or your Locally Owned Small Business (LOSB) Number on the outside of your envelope and a copy of all licenses and insurance policies must be included in your submitted bid package.

Unless the label is completely filled out and your current E.O.C. Eligibility Number is noted thereon your bid may be returned to you unopened. Should your label be lost or misplaced, please note the appropriate information in the lower lefthand corner of your envelope.

The Department of Housing encourages participation from WBE, MBE, LOSB, and Section 3 Contractors under these rehabilitation programs.

The Shelby County Government reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities therein.

By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Scott Walkup, Administrator NOTICE TO BIDDERS In order to participate in the bid listed below for Shelby County Government, you must be registered with our electronic bidding system with Mercury Commerce.

County bids are not available by mail or downloaded directly from the County website, unless otherwise indicated in the solicitation invitation. All vendors who wish to bid are required to register with Mercury Commerce Solutions in order to be notified of on-line bids.

There is no charge for registration, and it is easy to use. To register: • Go to www.esmsolutions.com • Go to Log-In at top of page • Click “Supplier Login” • Under “Mercury Version”, click ‘Not Registered’ • Complete Vendor Registration process • Submit If you have any questions about the registration process, contact

Some categories require prepayment.

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

ADJUSTMENTS: PLEASE check your ad the first day it appears. Call (901) 523-1818 if an error occurs. We can only offer in-house credit and NO REFUNDS are issued.

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

Direct any classified billing inquires to (901) 523-1818.

ESM Solutions at (877) 9697246. If you have any questions about information contained in the bid documents, contact the Purchasing Department at (901) 222-2250 and ask to speak to the Buyer listed for the bid.

SEALED BID DUE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021 AT 2:30 PM CST There is no LOSB participation goal for this sealed bid.

“Rubber Tire Backhoe” (SB-I000683) (MC# 638) By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY NOTICE TO BIDDERS In order to participate in the bid listed below for Shelby County Government, you must be registered with our electronic bidding system with Mercury Commerce.

County bids are not available by mail or downloaded directly from the County website, unless otherwise indicated in the solicitation invitation. All vendors who wish to bid are required to register with Mercury Commerce Solutions in order to be notified of on-line bids.

There is no charge for registration, and it is easy to use. To register: • Go to www.esmsolutions.com • Go to Log-In at top of page • Click “Supplier Login” • Under “Mercury Version”, click ‘Not Registered’ • Complete Vendor Registration process • Submit If you have any questions about the registration process, contact ESM Solutions at (877) 9697246. If you have any questions about information contained in the bid documents, contact the Purchasing Department at (901) 222-2250 and ask to speak to the Buyer listed for the bid.

SEALED BID DUE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021 AT 2:30 PM CST There is no LOSB participation goal for this sealed bid.

“Series 550 Type Crew Cab Truck with Flat Body” (SB-I000684) (MC# 639) By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY NOTICE TO BIDDERS In order to participate in the bid listed below for Shelby County Government, you must be registered with our electronic bidding system with Mercury Commerce. County bids are not available by mail or downloaded directly from the County website, unless otherwise indicated in the solicitation invitation. All vendors who wish to bid are required to register with Mercury Commerce Solutions in order to be notified of on-line bids. There is no charge for registration, and it

is easy to use. To register: • Go to www.esmsolutions.com • Go to Log-In at top of page • Click “Supplier Login” • Under “Mercury Version”, click ‘Not Registered’ • Complete Vendor Registration process • Submit If you have any questions about the registration process, contact ESM Solutions at (877) 969-7246.

If you have any questions about information contained in the bid documents, contact the Purchasing Department at (901) 222-2250 and ask to speak to the Buyer listed for the bid.

SEALED BID DUE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021 AT 2:30 PM CST There is no LOSB participation goal for this sealed bid.

“SINGLE AXLE DUMP TRUCK, CAB & CHASSIS” (SB-I000685) (MC# 640) By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY NOTICE TO BIDDERS In order to participate in the bid listed below for Shelby County Government, you must be registered with our electronic bidding system with Mercury Commerce.

County bids are not available by mail or downloaded directly from the County website, unless otherwise indicated in the solicitation invitation. All vendors who wish to bid are required to register with Mercury Commerce Solutions in order to be notified of on-line bids.

There is no charge for registration, and it is easy to use. To register:

about information contained in the bid documents, contact the Purchasing Department at (901) 222-2250 and ask to speak to the Buyer listed for the bid.

SEALED BID DUE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021 AT 2:30 PM CST There is no LOSB participation goal for this sealed bid.

“Compact Excavator, 5-6 Ton” (SB-I000686) (MC# 641) By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY LEGAL NOTICE Request for Statement of Qualifications MSCAA Project Number 21-1451-00 Construction Quality Control and Testing Services Statements of Qualifications for Construction Quality Control and Testing Services will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (Authority), Procurement Department, 4150 Louis Carruthers Drive, Memphis, TN 38118, until 2:00 PM local time on Tuesday, October 19, 2021.

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 20, 2021.

• Go to www.esmsolutions.com • Go to Log-In at top of page • Click “Supplier Login” • Under “Mercury Version”, click ‘Not Registered’ • Complete Vendor Registration process • Submit

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.

If you have any questions about the registration process, contact ESM Solutions at (877) 9697246. If you have any questions

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this request in whole or in part; to waive any informalities, technical-

ities, or omissions related to this request; and to reject responses on any other basis authorized by the Authority’s purchasing policies. This project will use various funding sources including, but not limited to, grant contracts with the State of Tennessee and/or the Federal Aviation Administration.

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 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: Danielle Dawkins Tax Parcel #: 04203100000090 Tax Sale #: 1503 Price Offered: $3000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:00 a.m. on October 28, 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

SPORTS

The New Tri-State Defender, September 30 - October 6, 2021, Page 9

TIGERS BASKETBALL

Practice-matters coaching guides talent-filled Tigers

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The road to what many envision as a return to the NCAA Tournament and a subsequent climb to the top of the college-basketball mountain got underway with the first official practice by the University of Memphis basketball team on Tuesday (Sept. 29).

“It was great. They have been together for a minute,” said head coach Penny Hardaway. “They are buying into the things that we are selling. We know where we want to be. That is be in the NCAA tournament. That is the focus.”

Memphis’ talent level has much of Tiger Nation seriously thinking that this season’s team can go one step further than the 2008 team and actually win the NCAA championship game.

Two five-star arrivals – Emoni Bates and Jalen Duren – are generating much of the buzz. They are the nucleus of a high-profile recruiting class ranked No. 1 in the country.

For Hardaway, it’s the second time in three seasons that his Tigers have started the season with the top-ranked class of recruits.

“That (previous) number one class we had a couple of years ago was pretty good with Precious (Achiuwa), James Wiseman, Boogie Ellis, Damian

Baugh and Lester Quinones,” said Hardaway.

After noting that Duren and Bates were ranked one and two respectfully in their classes, Hardaway said, Terry “Josh Midnot is Davis a person many people may not know. John Cambell and Sam Onu are really good team players with bright futures and … everyone knows Johnathan (Lawson) because he is local.”

One of the lingering questions for many fans is who is going to play point guard. Hardaway alluded to that when he said that Bates has been playing point guard and that Bates has been playing better after locking in on the need for him to be a more of a facilitator than a scorer.

Landers Nolley III, De’Andre Williams and Lester Quinones form the returning core of the Memphis team that won the NIT Championship last season. The trio is back for a run at NCAA championship.

Hardaway noticeably – and understandably – is not talking championship; just making the NCAA tourna-

U of M head coach Penny Hardaway with assistant coach Larry Brown. (Photo: Terry Davis) ment, which the Tigers have not in the last eight years. In addition to the NIT title, Memphis has won at least 20 games in each of Hardaway’s seasons as the head coach.

The Memphis Rebounders, who staged a reception at the Laurie Walton Center, were allowed to the watch the final minutes of a practice that ended with a well-timed, at-the-buzzer dunk by Duren.

The general public can see the men’s and women’s team on October 13 at the FedExForum during this year’s version of Memphis Madness, which – in addition to treating fans – is another tool Hardaway uses to impress future recruits. Tickets are on sale now.

The regular season schedule still has not been released.

And, because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, FedExForum officials plan to require either proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter any event held at the facility.

Meanwhile, Hardaway and his coaching staff have prioritized getting the most out of practice.

“Like coach (Larry Brown) always says, the talent don’t mean anything; you have to be able to play together.

It’s great having that talent, but we have to find a way to make it mesh.

That is what practice is for.”

Jalen Duren, No. 1 in his class of recruits, does during practice what Memphis fans are eager to see a lot of this season. (Photo: Terry Davis)

Grizzlies General Manager Zack Kleinman is convinced star guard Ja Morant is headed for the All-Star game. “Just wait until you see what we have from Ja Morant this season,” he said during media day. (Photo: Terry Davis)

For the Grizzlies and their aspirations, next season is here

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

After a return to the playoffs last season, the Memphis Grizzlies began the 2021-22 with annual media day at the FedExForum and star guard Ja Morant put the in-person session in a down-home context.

“Dang I miss yall,” said Durant as he entered the room.

The setting was noticeably more personable than talking into a computer screen, which was the norm last season given COVID-19 safety protocols. Some players even peeked into the room while other players were at the podium.

Before rookie Santi Aldama could answer his first question, Morant jokingly asked the media not to ask him any weird questions, telling Aldama to let him know if they do.

Morant then asked Aldama, “Are you ready to go home?”

“No,” Aldama replied.

“You should have said yes,” said Morant, “and then you could have got out of this.”

The quick, light-hearted backand-forth exchange is part of building team chemistry, which historically has served the Grizzlies well, often helping them to overachieve in the eyes of some.

“I don’t think it (team chemistry) will take long,” said Morant. “Most of our guys are back. We do have some new guys. For now, it is film study for me. To find out where the guys like to have the ball.”

The theme of the press conference seemingly was that this sea-

son’s team will go as far as Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. can power them. The duo will be the core of the offense, with Dillion Brooks and Desmond Bane looked upon to get the second level of scoring.

After the media had finished with questions for Grizzlies General Manager Zack Kleinman, he blurted that no one has asked him about Morant.

“Ja Morant will be an All-Star this season,” said Kleinman. “Just wait until you see what we have from Ja Morant this season. I am very excited for what he will be able to do.”

Sidelined by injury much of last season, Jackson is healthy and ready to go.

“I had a great summer working on my game,” said Jackson. “I had a great summer of bonding with my teammates. I have a fresh mindset and I am ready to tackle everything.”

Morant said during the offseason he had been “working in the dark.

My motto is you have to work behind closed doors.”

Asked what he worked on this off season, Morant said, “I worked on everything, but mainly shooting off the dribble to be more consistent.”

The Grizzlies will play six preseason games, beginning on October 5 when they host the NBA champions – the Milwaukee Bucks – at FedExForum at 7 p.m. CDT. The regular season opens at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 20. Those attending must have been vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test to enter FedExForum this season.

PREP FOOTBALL

Fairley rises to the top of 2A with on-field dominance

by Liaudwin Seaberry Jr.

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

When Fairley High School football coach Frederick Copeland evaluated his squad heading into the 2021 season, he was unsure of the caliber of team and players who would be on the field.

While understanding his unit featured a mixture of experienced and young players, Copeland’s biggest concern centered around the lack of football activity for most of the players, because of COVID-19.

“I knew the players would be there, but with not having a season last year, I was not sure of how everyone would look when it was time to take the field,” Copeland said.

“However, I do know that my team worked their butts off to get where they are today.”

Sitting at 7-0 overall, with one victory due to forfeiture, the Bulldogs rest at the top of the 2A class of teams, with three games remaining

on their regular season schedule.

Throughout the first six on-thefield contests, excluding a victory over Manassas via the forfeit route, Fairley has outscored opponents by a total of 234-12, averaging 39 points a contest while surrendering only two points a game.

The amount of work the team put in during the offseason is paying off in the eyes of Fairley running back and defensive back Carmelo Hollingsworth.

“We knew that entering the season we had the opportunity to be really good and potentially make a run,” Hollingsworth said. “We either were going to have to take care of business every week on the field or we would lose.”

Taking care of business has been something the team has been doing in multiple ways since spring football.

For example, Copeland remodeled the team’s weight room. That move caught the attention of starting center Howard Passmore, a transfer from Westwood High School.

Fairley coach Frederick Copeland remodeled the team’s weight room, a move that registered with some players as a culture shift. (Courtesy photo) Passmore realized it signaled a culture change and it made him understand both the kind of team he would be playing for and the caliber of coach he would be performing under.

“Playing for Coach Copeland is great because he and the coaching staff put us in the best position to make plays, whether it be on the offensive or defensive side or the ball,” Passmore said.

“His ability to provide motivation

for us has translated to good play on the field.”

While taking the team’s dominant performances on the field in stride, players such as Nelly Price are not content with just making noise early in the season.

“Coach Copeland has been keeping us motivated and we know that our final three games against Freedom Prep, Mitchell and MAHS (Memphis Academy of Health and

Sciences) will not be easy for us to handle,” Price said.

“However, I am confident that we can keep it together and finish perfect on the season.”

Proud of his team’s work so far, Copeland knows there still is much room for growth and improvement.

“We expect the best out of our players and they’ve provided that so far,” said Copeland, “but there’s plenty of season left to compete in.”

The New Tri-State Defender

September 30 - October 6, 2021

Page 10

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