The New Tri-State Defender (October 8-14, 2020)

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October 8 - 14, 2020

VOL. 69, No. 41

Clock ticks down toward Early Voting start

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Black men and the need to be politically engaged

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

T-minus less than one week and counting for those looking to take advantage of the chance to cast early ballots in the Nov. 3 Election, which features a historic presidential race unfolding amid a pandemic.

Early voting kicks off in Shelby County next Wednesday (Oct. 14).

With COVID-19 job losses, Black business closures and layoffs driving interest, there are more moving parts than normal for a general election.

The Shelby County Election Sample ballots Commission exPages 10-12 pects a massive voter turnout during the early voting period, which ends Oct. 29.

“We are doing everything we can to help voters. We want every registered voter to vote,” said Linda Phillips, coordinator of elections for the Shelby County Election Commission. “We will be putting up electronic billboards with information in English and Spanish.”

As in other cities and counties across the nation, demand for mail-in ballots is strong as voters attempt to avoid long lines – and in-person contact – on Election day. Both absentee, or mail-in ballots, and early voting sites provide voters with some alternatives.

“Voting before Nov. 3 is easy because you can stop by any location to vote during the early voting period,” Phillips explained. “There are 26 early voting locations. So if you are out and about and see a VOTE HERE sign, you can just go right in and cast your ballot.”

Additionally, there are special allowances this year for individuals who feel they may be susceptible to contracting COVID-19. Paper applications for mail-in ballots may be submitted, or the application can be downloaded online. All requests for absentee ballots must be in the election commission office by Oct. 27, seven days before the general election.

The eligibility criteria and guidelines for requesting mail-in or absentee ballots this year now includes: • Any person citing a physical

SEE VOTE ON PAGE 3

Lori Spicer Robertson: “Equity is recognizing everyone didn’t start in the same place.” (Courtesy photo)

Saks’ first diversity/ inclusion VP is a Memphis original

by Jennifer L. Sharp

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Sijuwola Crawford (right) with #UpTheVote901 weighs in on the Equity Alliance panel event designed to generate discussion with Black men about what it means to be politically engaged. Other panelists pictured (r-l): State Rep. Antonio Parkinson, Brandon Upsom with Amplify Action and Paul C. Boyd, former Shelby County Probate Court Clerk.

by Karanja A. Ajanaku kajanaku@tsdmemphis.com

Tequila Johnson and the Equity Alliance is “all about using our voting power in the fight for social and economic justice for people of color.”

That anchoring premise was the baseline for a discussion last Saturday at Rizzo’s at 492 South Main St. Specifically, said Johnson, the event was designed to generate a conversation with Black men about what it means to be politically engaged.

The Equity Alliance is a statewide “black-founded, black-led nonprofit organization fighting to build independent black political power across the South.” Johnson is co-founder and co-executive director of the group.”

“It was a thought-provoking conversation,” Johnson said of the brunch and panel discussion dubbed Why Black Men Vote Liberal or Conservative?

“What we realized at the end is that regardless of what party you affiliate with, all Black people want the same thing, and that is access to the Amer-

Charlane Oliver (left) and Tequila Johnson are two of the five co-founders of The Equity Alliance. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/ GSW Enterprises) ican dream, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Moderated by Fox 13 anchor Tony Sloan, the panel featured State Rep. Antonio Parkinson, Sijuwola Crawford with #UpTheVotel 901 and Paul C. Boyd former Shelby County Probate Court Clerk.

Reflecting on the conversation, Parkinson told The New Tri-State Defender, “I wanted to make sure that they understood that we have the power to fix our own issues and we need to move away from dependence

SEE MEN ON PAGE 3

The flu and COVID-19: Are you ready to protect your family?

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

While COVID-19 shows no signs of letting up, the flu season has arrived on schedule - putting many people’s health at high risk yet again.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working double time, warning the public to maintain new health safeguards - social distancing, face masks and frequent hand washing - while at the same time getting a flu shot.

“Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the spread of respi-

ratory illness, like flu, this fall and winter is more important than ever,” the CDC said in a public statement.

“CDC recommends getting a flu vaccination in September or October . . . Use the VaccineFinder to find out where to get the flu vaccine.”

This fall, healthcare providers, drug stores and medical professionals are joining forces to give individuals the facts and halt the spread of disinformation. Memphians can still get the flu even though they are spending much more time indoors, according to BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS), a healthcare provider.

“Both the flu and COVID-19 cause respiratory infections, and it’s possible to get both at the same time. We don’t know yet how that would affect a patient, but it could be risky,” said Dr. Andrea Willis, chief medical officer and former pediatrician with BCBS. “Since there’s a safe, easy way to lower the chances you’ll get the flu, it’s more important than ever to take that step by getting a flu shot.”

Meanwhile, the Shelby County Health Department Health Department has launched a $1 million public information campaign regarding the importance of flu vaccinations

amid a pandemic.

Dr. Andrea The best Willis way to protect your family is to learn to separate facts from misinformation. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) while flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. There are some key differences between the two: COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than flu and causes more serious illnesses in some

SEE FLU ON PAGE 3

Luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue has named Memphian Lori Spicer Robertson as its first vice president of diversity and inclusion. Robertson will be responsible for creating and leading strategic initiatives that foster a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion.

Robertson plans to spend time listening to employees, customers and partners before taking on the task of creating a strategy that aligns with the overall business goals and an action plan.

The mainstream fashion industry has been widely criticized for its lack of diversity and underrepresentation of designers and models of color. In an email exchange, Robertson said that is an issue she is prepared to take on.

“I hope to foster a more diverse workforce; establish a workplace where all employees are seen, heard and valued; institute a space where Black and Brown designers become mainstream with our brand; develop cutting-edge ways to be more equitable and inclusive in luxury fashion; and create a marketplace where underrepresented and gender fluid designers/ creatives are synonymous with our brand, and have an active footprint in the communities where our company is located,” Robertson wrote.

Fashion designers and retailers, which have struggled to reflect the country’s growing diversity, have made a number of very public cultural missteps in recent years.

Gucci and Katy Perry’s fashion line had to pull products from shelves after critics claimed they resembled blackface. In Gucci’s case, it was $890 turtleneck sweater designed to be pulled up over the face; the black collar had large red lips.

Perry’s line pulled two types of shoes, both featuring protruding eyes, nose and lips.

Five months after the outcry, Gucci hired Black executive Renée Tirado, an attorney, to head its global office of diversity, equity and inclusion. In July, Tirado

SEE SAKS ON PAGE 2

The New Tri-State Defender

October 8 - 14, 2020

Page 2

NEWS ber of sectors will help accelerate this work to ensure we’re creating a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion for all of our associates, customers and partners. This is a pivotal time for driving change.”

Robertson, who had been serving as the chief commu-

nications and engagement officer of the United Way of the Mid-South, has worked in Memphis to expand economic, social and cultural opportunities throughout the city.

Her latest project, WundHer, is a “community for renaissance women and moms”

that seeks to build connections and empower women.

In February 2013, she chaired the inaugural Modern Day Women’s Conference for the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis, attended by over 150 women. She also has hosted the citywide Memphis

Prom Closet, which offers financially challenged teenage girls a chance to get a dress and attend prom. Additionally, she launched Brown Girl Dreams, a self-awareness program that she developed for high school girls that aims to increase self-esteem, promote

leadership skills and cultivate volunteerism in our youth through programming and community service.

In addition to community work, Robertson has held positions at the Greater Memphis Chamber, Regional One Health, and First Horizon.

Fashion designers and retailers, who have struggled to reflect the country’s growing diversity, have made a number of very public cultural missteps in recent years, including products with images critics claimed resembled blackface. In Gucci’s case, it was an $890 turtleneck sweater.

(Courtesy photo)

SAKS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT announced she had resigned her full-time position at Gucci but would continue to work with the Italian luxury brand as a consultant.

Saks has joined in the march toward inclusion. Honored, humbled and grateful to venture into this unexpected opportunity, Robertson has both a personal and professional passion for diversity and inclusion, which enables her to champion underrepresented voices and monitor how customers are treated.

“Diversity is celebrating the unique differences and similarities in individuals from varying backgrounds, ages, races, religion, socioeconomic status, etc.; equity is recognizing everyone didn’t start in the same place, but actively creating and sustaining a system that gives them the right resources to propel forward; and inclusion is making everyone feel valued with a genuine sense of connection to your purpose and brand,” she explained.

Robertson will not be required to relocate, so she and her family will remain in Memphis as she transitions into this new role, with some travel once the pandemic is under control. “My husband and I are so entrenched in seeing Memphis thrive that it was important to have that level of flexibility,” she said.

At Saks, Robertson reports to Sarah Garber, Saks’ chief people officer, who told WWD.com, a global fashion authority, this was “a pivotal time for driving change.”

“We have been focused on expanding our diversity and inclusion initiatives at Saks Fifth Avenue, which includes developing the right strategies for each function of our business so that D&I is threaded throughout the entire company,” Garber said in a statement.

“Lori’s leadership and deep expertise in the Diversity and Inclusion space across a num-

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The New Tri-State Defender

October 8 - 14, 2020

Page 3

NEWS

The CDC, which recommends a flu vaccination in September or October, provides the VaccineFinder (https://vaccinefinder.org/) to find out where to get the flu vaccine. (Courtesy photo)

FLU

CONTINUED FROM FRONT The Equity Alliance panel discussion was put together to generate ongoing conversations about questions such as, “What does it mean for our community when Black men are either conservative or liberal?” (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

MEN

CONTINUED FROM FRONT on others.

“We can control our own destiny as a people,” said Parkinson. “We must vote, but we must direct our economic powers and ability along with a huge voter turnout.”

The Equity Alliance was founded in 2016 by five Black women “seeking to make change in our community through amplifying the political voices of Black individuals and making sure we had access to government information and resources,” said Johnson.

“The Equity Alliance is all about using our voting power in the fight for social and economic justice for people of color.”

Black people, said Crawford, “should organize around policy more than parties and issues more than individuals.”

VOTE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT disability or underlying health condition, which creates additional vulnerability.

• Any person who is caretaker of an individual particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. (Voters are not required to submit a physician’s statement in support of their determination as to their special vulnerability.)

• In addition to COVID-19 allowances, individuals may also be eligible for an absentee ballot if: • They will not be in Shelby County during the entire early voting period or on Election Day. • They, or a spouse, are enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited college or university outside Shelby County.

An organizer of the Memphis People’s convention, Crawford said he sees people increasingly catching on to the idea of coalescing.

“I see pastors, community members, family members and friends asking what they can do to volunteer, to organize, to pull people in…

“There is a base coalescing around the Memphis People’s Agenda and I anticipate it being a powerfully mobilized base in the near future.”

Reached after the discussion, Boyd stressed the need for conversation about the best way for the African-Americans to exercise its power.

“The basic of that is getting out to vote. But it’s more than just voting. It’s making sure that we put good people in office and that we are involved in our community at every level,” he said.

Boyd, who is a Republican, said it’s about the community as a whole and not about whether one is a Democrat or

Republican.

“It’s about discussion. The fact is unless we are engaged, we can’t progress. Even though I bring a right, conservative way of thinking to things, it’s about making sure that we don’t get stuck in a rut of a single way of thinking that limits us. … It’s about putting the best ideas forward, the best plans forward and actually make some real progress.”

In her reflection about the panel’s conversation, Johnson shared a series of questions that could serve to provoke community-building thought.

“Are we defined by our party affiliations?”

“Does it mean something for a Black man to either vote Republican or Democrat?”

“What does it mean for our community when Black men are either conservative or liberal?”

“And how does that materialize into the issues that we see happening in our daily lives?”

• They reside in a licensed nursing home outside Shelby County.

• They will be unable to vote in person due to service as a juror for a Federal or State court.

• They are 60 years of age or older.

• They are a candidate for office in the election.

• They serve as an Election Day official or as an employee of the Shelby County Election Commission.

• Their observance of a religious holiday prevents them from voting in person during the early voting period and on Election Day. • They or a spouse possess a valid commercial drivers’ license (CDL) or a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card, and they certify that they will be working outside

Tennessee or Shelby County during the open hours of early voting and Election Day, and have no specific out-of-county or out-of-state address to which mail may be sent or received during such time.

• They are a member of the military or are a citizen of the U.S. who is overseas.

“The sooner we receive those absentee (ballot) requests, the sooner we can mail them out to you,” said Phillips. “Mail those ballots in early, or get to an early voting site near you and vote. If you wait until Election Day, you must go to your assigned precinct location.”

(For additional information, go to: shelbyvote.com.

For individual concerns, call the election commission office at: (901) 222-1200.)

people. It can also take longer before people show symptoms and COVID-19 patients can be contagious for longer.

Most importantly, there is a readily available vaccine to protect against flu but not for COVID-19, though some vaccines are in various stages of development.

Both of these highly infectious illnesses have varying degrees of signs and symptoms ranging from no symptoms to severe symptoms, which can include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, headache, runny nose, muscle pain or body aches, and fatigue. There are symptoms that distinguish COVID-19 as well: Some patients report loss of taste and smell and eye problems.

“Seniors, age 65 and older are at risk of severe illness from influenza, but they are not the only ones,” said Dr. Bruce Randolph, Shelby County Health Officer. “Pregnant women and children younger than age 5 are also at risk of developing serious

illness from influenza. That is why the flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older,” Older Americans are also in a high-risk group for the Coronavirus, particularly men over the age of 70 and anyone with comorbidities like cancer, heart disease, respiratory issues, diabetes and obesity-related illnesses. The novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, has disproportionately affected minorities and lower-income individuals and households.

Flu vaccines are now available at drug stores, select medical offices and during special community events. In most cases, the costs are covered by health insurance plans. On October 17, community clinics will make the shots available, including the Immunization Clinic at 814 Jefferson Ave in Memphis, Galloway Clinic at 477 N. Manassas, and the Southland Mall Clinic.

“The Shelby County Health Department is awaiting a shipment of flu vaccine from the Tennessee Department of Health. That vaccine will be offered at all the Health De-

partment’s community clinics.

We advise people to go ahead and get a flu shot as soon as possible, wherever is most convenient for them,” said Dr. Randolph.

Other clinics are scheduled for Collierville, Hickory Hill, Millington, Shelby Crossing and Raleigh.

The safeguards put in place to protect against COVID-19 should also help guard against spread of the flu. Health professionals recommend that everyone wear a mask firmly over mouth and nose to reduce respiratory droplets outdoors; maintain a social distance of six feet, if not more; and avoid crowds, particularly indoors.

Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face, nose and mouth.

“One thing we’d like to stress about the flu (and COVID-19, too) is that we’re all in this together. If we take a community-minded approach, and remember that taking precautions for ourselves can also help make other people safer, Tennesseans can get through flu season together,” said Willis.

Crises don’t last.

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, October 8 - 14, 2020, Page 4

Coronavirus – threat, opportunity or both?

by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Well, this is my first column, so why not start with the most obvious challenge facing our education community and our nation as a whole – the COVID 19 pandemic?

I’ve posed a question to some of my colleagues and friends: Is this pandemic a threat to our children’s education, an opportunity or both? Their answers were intriguing.

Many, of course, had no problem delineating the threats facing students, their families and our community. Most agree that the pandemic will cause an enormous loss of learning and that the situation is so overwhelming that they cannot fathom how anything positive can be gained going forward.

We all recognize that schools are Curtis special and unique places in our Weathers society. It is where our children develop their intellect and practice social skills; are nourished each day with healthy meals; are taught the importance of respect and discipline, and, for most, have their self-worth reaffirmed each and every day. So, having all of that taken away poses a formidable threat to their continued psychological and intellectual development.

The health and safety concerns of administrators, teachers and support staff are of paramount importance as well. School leaders, however, are continually addressing these threats. But what “opportunities” might there be in the midst of all the upheaval to our educational systems?

Unfortunately, it is not so easy to recognize the opportunities. They are clouded by health and safety concerns, economics and uncertainty. But they do exist.

Government and school leaders across this nation have decided to reopen schools this year using a variety of strategies. Some chose full in-person learning, others are using a hybrid model (part virtual, part in-person), and then there are those implementing full-scale virtual learning programs.

Here in Memphis, I support the decision by district leaders to go entirely virtual. As a principal, I was always a huge advocate of online instruction. Before I retired, I realized a long-time dream of equipping all of my students with their own laptops, and becoming a complete technology-based school.

For years, I felt that we, as educators, were missing opportunities to enhance and enrich the teaching and learning process by integrating technology into every aspect of classroom instruction. The pandemic has exposed our unpreparedness for the world of virtual learning.

Ready or not, school systems are being forced-fed the opportunity to use technology to facilitate teaching and learning in their new virtual classrooms. It is, however, a new normal that can and will be hugely beneficial in the future.

While I am saddened by what this pandemic has done to families and communities throughout our nation, I see the widespread utilization of virtual learning tools in the teaching and learning process as a huge opportunity to advance and prepare our youth. However, it’s imperative that all children have the Internet bandwidth and computers required to keep them fully engaged.)

Some of the stories I’m hearing regarding teachers who are providing exciting and creative virtual learning environments for their students have been encouraging. As teachers get more creative, students also feel inspired to find ways to immerse themselves in new learning experiences as well. I look forward to sharing some of their stories.

Curtis Weathers: New column seeks dialogue on public education Urban education has been my passion for the past 30 years. I’ve been blessed with the privilege of leading schools with great teachers and support staff that possessed a shared passion. As a result, we were able to create exciting learning experiences for many outstanding students and their families.

In this, my inaugural education column in The New Tri-State Defender (TSD), I would like to begin by thanking the newspaper’s leadership for allowing me to write as it relates to public education in our community, and throughout the nation.

For those who don’t yet know me, I’m a graduate of the University of Mississippi, where I received a bachelor’s degree in public administration. My master’s degree in educational leadership was earned at Union University.

I am also a licensed minister, a former professional athlete (football), an entrepreneur and corporate sales professional. I entered public education in 1989 through a partnership between my employer, a public utility company, and the local school system in Cleveland, Ohio.

When I moved back to Memphis in 1998, I joined the Memphis City Schools as co-director of its Urban Systemic Initiative, a reform program started by the National Science Foundation that focused on improving mathematics and science education in urban schools.

In 2003, in partnership with the 100 Black Men of Memphis, we opened the Memphis Academy of Health Sciences – the city’s first charter school – where I served as principal for 12 years. I have also served as principal at three other schools: Hamilton High School, Dubois Arts and Technology Middle and High, and Southwest Early College High School.

I have a deep and abiding love for children, especially those traditionally underserved by our educational institutions. I have dedicated my career and, quite frankly, my entire life to serving and supporting these precious young people.

At present, I serve as founder/director of a nonprofit called The Brotherhood B2M, an organization that focuses on developing the (personal) leadership capacity of young boys.

I hope this column will generate healthy dialogue about the direction of public education in our community and nation. But it is also a platform for recognizing and celebrating the exciting work by teachers and administrators who are on the frontlines each day, holding things together during these unprecedented times.

So, I’m excited and anxious to get started. I look forward to hearing back from you throughout the entire year. Follow me on Twitter (@curtisweathers), or email me at curtislweathers@gmail.com.

There is no denying that virtual technology will continue to play a prominent role in our educational systems. Many will struggle in the beginning, but I’m confident that students and educators eventually will make the transition successfully. The compelled shift to remote learning might be the catalyst needed to create new and more effective methods of classroom instruction.

I have no doubt that our schools and our lives will soon return to normal. Meanwhile, we can turn threats and misfortune into opportunities to move Shelby County ahead. When this is all over, both teachers and students will appreciate the new tools and skills they will have acquired during this unprecedented period in American history. I wish them nothing but the best!

So please stay safe everyone, wear your masks and practice good hygiene and social distancing.

As we hold difficult dialogues, let’s not model a presidential debate

by Linda S. Wallace

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Dear Cultural Coach: Why do we need cultural coaches? Why do we need silly people to tell us what to say and what to do? Things were easier before all these other people came to this country.

– Make America Great Dear Make America Great: I hear you. You certainly are not alone in your thinking. Ever so often, I receive email from readers who don’t see much value in America’s racial, cultural and religious diversity. They long for days gone by.

If America is to ever begin a productive dialogue on race, it must include as many people, and as many views, as possible in the conversation. We have left too many out of diversity sessions, and they are understandably upset. That is why they write hateful, anonymous posts online or, even worse, remain hidden until an elected official emerges on the national stage willing to voice their concerns.

In this country, we have a right not to like others because they are uneducated, very pretty or a different color. However, we do not have a right to deny others basic human and civil rights.

As the country grows more diverse, citizens have an obligation to find strategies for working across the widening rural and urban divides. The alternative is to divide up the country geographically by groups, which makes us easy prey f In this year of great pain and heavy sorrow, committed diversity advocates have a duty to learn how to disagree in more productive ways. Dissent is helpful only to the extent it brings insights or clarity.

When people write me to say this country is headed for ruin because there are too many ethnic groups, I respond sincerely: “Everyone has a right not to like diversity. But if we don’t embrace it, I fear we will be stuck in the past unable to focus on our shared future or our children’s needs. Let’s talk now to figure out how we all can prosper in a diverse nation.”

As we hold these difficult conversations, let’s act as though we are not in a presidential debate. Specifically, that means listen, wait our turns and no name-calling or tantrums.

Dear Cultural Coach: My father spoke accented English after immigrating to Canada in the 1920s. For those curious about his origins, he had a standard reply. To answer the question, “Where are you from?” he would retort, “Why do you ask?”” To “Where were you

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born?” h e would r e p l y, “ I n bed.”

T h a t usually ended the inquisition.

– Last Laugh

Dear Last Laugh: Humor works well in responding to cultural queries.

Use it as often as you can.

Whenever people ask questions that offend us, we have a choice. We can take offense and risk shutting down the dialogue. We can respond, as your father did, with a wink and a grin. And we can take a few minutes to educate our questioner and help him/her/ them view the world through new eyes. If we never take time to educate others, how will they learn? After all, you can still graduate from many colleges without possessing any of these 21st-century cultural skills.

Dear Cultural Coach: My partner and I actually find this scenario humorous.

On many occasions, we’ve been asked by well-meaning straight folks if we know soand-so because “he’s gay” or “she’s a lesbian.” Not likely, since we live in a major metropolitan city. But my partner came up with a great response, best delivered with a smile: “No, he (she) wasn’t at the last meeting.”

– Problem Solver Dear Problem Solver: This is a friendly way to make an important point: Special populations do not all think alike, act alike or know one another. As an African-American, I sometimes use your partner’s approach if someone asks me what “Black people think” or how they feel. I might smile and say, “I did not receive an invitation to the meeting in which blacks met and voted on this issue. My invitation must have been lost in the mail.” I always add, “I would be happy to share my opinion, however.”

Whenever possible, leave the door to understanding wide open.

(Linda S. Wallace is a freelance journalist and communication specialist, who helps clients develop cross-cultural messages for the workplace and the media. Readers are invited to submit questions on work or personal problems related to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or physical differences. Address your questions to culturalcoach@aol.com.)

The New Tri-State Defender

October 8 - 14, 2020

Page 5

RELIGION

New Hope Baptist Church eager for the ‘newest’ from God

by Alicia R. West

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The global pandemic has affected individuals, businesses, schools, and churches everywhere. The tradition of attending church service has been significantly altered by the coronavirus pandemic. The mid-south sits right in the middle of the bible-belt and like other cities, many have closed their doors to combat the spread of the virus.

Senior Pastor Robert J. Matthews of New Hope Baptist Church of Memphis is among those spiritual leaders who did close the church doors.

“The safety of the parishioners is our priority at New Hope. Our plan is to follow the suggested guidelines and be a part of the solution.”

Pastor Matthews, a well-respected pillar of the Memphis and mid-south community, is retired from Memphis City Schools and is known for his tenure as an award-winning music teacher and choir director at Fairley High School, Memphis, TN. Pastor Robert and First Lady Georgia Matthews have served diligently at New Hope for 30-years.

New Hope is currently using Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter to provide access to services and ministry opportunities for the members and for the public to view.

“People miss people in this sit-

The tract of land that houses New Hope Baptist Church was once the Bellevue Drive-In Theater, which early on did not allow African Americans. uation. We are a closely knitted church family and we certainly miss the in-person fellowship with each other. We understand the necessity, but we do look forward to the day we can return to the campus of NHBC of Memphis.”

The leadership of New Hope have intensified efforts to stay in touch with members by way of social media, online newsletters, email, community outreach efforts, the church website, and reaching out to members by phone.

On Saturday, September 26, NHBC partnered with the Memphis Food Bank and other local agencies for a Food Drive that took place on the church parking lot. Over 375 vehicles lined up on Elvis Presley Boulevard for miles to drive on the campus to receive food. Pallets of food were unload-

ed from a flatbed truck by the volunteers and packed into boxes and bags with food for the recipients.

Guests remained in their cars as the masked and gloved volunteers loaded the containers in the seats and trunks of each vehicle at no cost to the recipients.

Because of the overwhelming response from the south Memphis community, there are plans for another food drive in upcoming weeks.

Reverend Matthews said, “New Hope is in a prime location to serve an otherwise underserved community. We recognize that there are families who have lost jobs, their dwellings, and for some, even their hope due the plight of the pandemic.”

Sunday services are held once a month on the parking lot with attendees remaining in their vehi-

Pastor Robert J. Matthews and first lady Georgia Matthews have served at New Hope Baptist Church for 30 years.

(Courtesy photos) cles, for the safety of all present.

The remaining services are shown via social media platforms.

The tract of land that houses New Hope, was once the Bellevue Drive-In Theater. The theater opened in 1951 and closed around 1984. Early on, blacks were not allowed to come to the drive-in.

Ironically, New Hope purchased the land and in mid-November 1995, the congregation motorcaded to the place they were once banned from and held a property dedication ceremony.

The congregation moved into the Family Life Center on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2002.

Pre-pandemic, it was not unusual for nearby residents to utilize the FLC for sports. The building has courtside bleachers, locker rooms, showers, a banquet hall with a commercial kitchen, offices, classrooms, a stage, a bookstore, and Café Hope. The FLC was used for all services until the

sanctuary was erected in 2013.

Pastor Matthews, 72, has a genuine passion for people. Over the years, students and many of their parents followed him from the classroom to the church. Former students seek out “Rev” as he is affectionally called; on social media or at the office of NHBC, just to show their appreciation for the positive influence he had in their lives.

Pastor Matthews said, “When asked if I think things will ever be the same after the pandemic, my answer is no. In fact, I don’t want to ‘go back’ the old norm.

I’m looking forward to the newest that God is bringing to us.

Our mission is to exalt the Savior, empower the saints, and evangelize the world, and that is exactly what we plan to continue to do.”

New Hope Baptist Church of Memphis is located at 2356 Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis TN, 38106.

Hello, who’s there?...

No time like the present...

The Rev. Willie Ward Jr., pastor of the historic Mt. Pisgah C.M.E. Church, delivers a sermon he titled “Jesus is on the mainline.” (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

Janette Taylor, a member of Antioch Church in New Chicago, and Lonnie Wilson, both 73, have known each other since childhood. Last Sunday (Oct. 4) they were married at Friendship Baptist Church (Klondike), where Wilson is a member. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

The New Tri-State Defender, October 8 - 14, 2020, Page 6

Taking a peek at the 2020 Indie Memphis Film Festival TSD Newsroom

T

he 2020 Indie Memphis Festival will be “Online and Outdoors,” with film lovers from myriad parts of the world expected to participate in the virtual screenings and events.

Presented by Duncan Williams, Inc., the festival will span Oct. 21-29. It will screen 230-plus feature films, shorts and music videos, with most screenings followed by filmmaker Q&As. Memphis audiences will also enjoy in-person screenings at the Drive-In and outdoor lawns.

The 2020 Indie Memphis Film Festival will feature the World Premiere of Trimiko Melancon’s documentary “What Do You Have to Lose?,” which explores the history of race in America. (Photos: Indie Memphis)

Among the Indie Memphis films dubbed as “Departures” – meaning they depart from expectations – is “The Giverny Document.” Filmed on location in Harlem and in Giverny, France, “The Giverny Document” is billed as a multi-textured cinematic poem that meditates on the safety and bodily autonomy of Black women.

In “Coming to Africa,” a philandering financial executive unexpectedly finds himself in Africa on an amusing adventure where he meets a beautiful Ghanaian schoolteacher and finds nourishment for his soul.

This year’s festival will give focus to BIPOC (Black, indigenous and people of color) and women filmmakers. The marketing pitch for the festival notes that there will be a focus on politics with multiple approaches to what that means and how someone can engage. Storylines will include aging, weed legalization, electoral politics, activism and unhoused LGBQT+ youth, and more.

In this difficult moment, the festival seeks to reflect the community and the world, with a wide range of filmmakers tackling themes that matter to their communities.

Festival Artistic Director Miriam Bale said, “We hope to bring people together, in person and online, and provide inspiration and an outlet. In order to counter Screen Burnout, we’ll be offering a series of what we call ‘Groundings’ throughout the digital festival, including a meditative film called ‘A Still Place’ by festival alumnus Christopher Yogi.”

For Ryan Wyatt, this will be his final year as executive director.

“This year is a truly unique festival experience to keep our audience safe and entertained while online and outdoors,” said Wyatt.

“My sixth and final festival at the helm is bittersweet, I’ll be soaking in every bit of the incredible program our team has assembled.”

The festival also features many film premieres, including the World Premiere of Trimiko Melancon’s documentary “What Do You Have to Lose?,” which explores the history of race in America and the U.S. Premiere of Anthony Banua-Simon’s documentary “Cane Fire,” which examines the past and present of the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i.

This year’s opening night film will be Memphis-born Lynne Sachs’ celebrated documentary “A Film About a Father Who,” comprised of 35 years of footage that Sachs’ captured of her father as she attempts to uncover his secretive past.

The festival features several festival favorites, including Mario Furloni and Kate McLean’s “Freeland,” starring Krisha Fairchild (Krisha) as an aging pot farmer facing extinction and Emma Seligman’s culture clash comedy “Shiva Baby.”

The Retrospective section will include a new restoration of Joyce Chopa’s “Smooth Talk”

in Laura Dern’s breakout role, and classic titles such as Sidney Lumet’s “The Wiz” starring Diana Ross and the Richard Pryor comedy “Car Wash,” in tribute to filmmaker Joel Schumacher, who died earlier this year and wrote both films.

Passes to the public are available on the Indie Memphis website and new programming additions will be announced leading up to the festival!

Films by Memphis filmmakers “Coming to Africa” – (Anwar Jamison, 96 min) A philandering financial executive unexpectedly finds himself in Africa on an amusing adventure where he meets a beautiful Ghanaian schoolteacher and finds nourishment for his soul.

“Smith” – (Jason Lockridge, 117 min) Underwhelmed by corporate assignments, a private detective is approached by a client with the type of investigation he longed for.

“We Can’t Wait” – (Lauren Ready, 37 min) Tami Saywer’s quest to become the first Black female mayor of Memphis.

“The Hub” – (Lawrence Matthews, 46 min) Following the narrative of a young man recently let go from his low paying warehouse job while he spends his summer navigating the Memphis job and transportation crisis, among his own personal issues.

“1st Forgotten Champions” – (Morreco Coleman, 68 min) Hitchhiking his way to college with dreams of a brighter future, Jerry C. Johnson later became the first African American basketball coach to win a NCAA Division III National Basketball Championship in 1975.

The New Tri-State Defender

October 8 - 14, 2020

Page 7

NEWS

LEGACY: Dr. Charles B. Fancher Sr. Influential higher-education leader dies at 99 TSD Newsroom Dr. Charles B. Fancher Sr., an influential leader in Tennessee higher education and an active participant in area civic and social organizations, died October 5, two weeks before his 100th birthday, the family announced.

He had been admitted to Nashville’s St. Thomas Hospital-Midtown for an abdominal condition when he experienced a series of attacks that led to cardiac arrest from which he could not be revived. Prior to the attacks, a family spokesperson said, “His mind was clear, he was in good humor and he was looking forward to coming home.”

Following a career in higher education that spanned nearly 30 years, Dr. Fancher retired in 1985 as Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of the Tennessee Board of Regents, which governs 40 colleges and other post-secondary institutions across the state.

His service at the Board of Regents included a leadership role in one of the most consequential events in Tennessee’s higher education history. Between 1977 and 1979, he oversaw the complex, and often contentious, a federal court-ordered merger of Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee at Nashville. The merger, which was closely observed in national higher education circles and reported in national news media, was unusual because it was one of the rare situations in which a historically Black university emerged as the surviving institution.

Prior to joining the Board of Regents, Dr. Fancher served as Interim President of Tennessee State University after holding a series of other leadership positions of increasing responsibility at TSU, beginning in 1962 as Coordinator of Student Teaching. He was subsequently named Assistant Dean of Faculty, Dean of Faculty, and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Dr. Fancher began his career in higher education in 1956 at Alabama A&M University as a Professor of Education and later served as Chairman of the Division of Education and Chairman of the Division of Graduate Studies.

A 1941 graduate of Talladega College, he had just begun his first job as a teacher at Trinity High School in Athens, Alabama when

he was called to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, rising to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. After the war, he earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Pittsburgh and was named Assistant Principal of Lincoln Dr. Charles B. Fancher Sr. High School in Marion, Alabama, and was later promoted to Principal.

He continued to pursue additional education, taking summer classes at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earning a Ph.D. degree in Educational Administration.

At Lincoln, he also met and married the former Evelyn Pitts, then a biology teacher at the high school. They celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in December 2019.

Dr. Fancher, a native of Brighton, Alabama, was deeply involved in his adopted city.

He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill, and was ordained as a Deacon in 1987 and served on numerous church committees.

His other civic and social memberships have included Chi Boule of Sigma Pi Phi, the Agora Assembly, Nashville Frontiers Club, Optimist Club of Central Nashville, and the NAACP. He also served on the Boards of Directors of Grace M. Eaton Day Home and Faith Organizations in Covenant for Understanding and Service (FOCUS). He served on the Advisory Board of Capitol Hill Child Development Center.

Dr. Fancher is survived by his wife; two sons, Charles B. Fancher, Jr., of Sciota, Pennsylvania, and Mark P. Fancher, of Ypsilanti, Michigan; a daughter, Adrienne L. Fancher, of Nashville; and a grandson, Toussaint B. Fancher, of Ypsilanti, Michigan. He is also survived by two sisters, Mildred (Fancher) Cross, of Bessemer, Alabama, and Jacqueline (Fancher) Edwards, of Birmingham, Alabama.

Funeral arrangements are being handled

by Lewis and Wright Funeral Directors of Nashville.

Sole scheduled debate for Tennessee Senate seat called off

by Kimberlee Kruesi The Associated Press

NASHVILLE – The only debate scheduled thus far between the candidates seeking to win Tennessee’s open Senate seat has been called off.

Tracey Rogers, general manager for WKRNTV, confirmed Monday that a scheduled Oct. 14 debate had been canceled.

“Logistical conflicts,” Rogers wrote in an email response to questions about why the event would not be held. Rogers declined to provide any further information.

The top two candidates running for Senate are Republican Bill Hagerty and Democrat Marquita Bradshaw. Hagerty has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, while Bradshaw is an environmental activist who pulled off a victory over the Democratic establishment’s choice in the August primary.

When asked if Hagerty had agreed to participate in the debate before it was canceled, a campaign spokesperson pointed to two news reports where Bradshaw claimed she would not debate Hagerty.

“Do you hope to debate him at some point?”

WJHL-TV anchor Josh Smith asked Bradshaw on Sept. 2.

“No,” Bradshaw answered.

Before that, in an Aug. 22 WKRN-TV interview, Bradshaw told the news station she was also not interested in debating Hagerty because “he used hatred to drive a message of division.”

Campaign spokesperson Abigail Sigler said Hagerty had no debate “to commit to” because of Bradshaw’s comments saying she wouldn’t participate in a debate and no other Senate candidate was qualified for the Oct. 14 debate.

However, Bradshaw has since switched positions, as early as last week she told reporters

she was now willing to square off against Hagerty.

That’s because she “sees it as her duty to counter the hatred and hypocrisy coming from the other side of the aisle with a positive message about the issues that matter most to Tennesseans,” said Ken TayBill lor, Bradshaw’s campaign Hagerty manager.

Taylor cited the recent presidential debate, the open U.S. Supreme Court seat due to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death and COVID-19 developments in Tennessee as key issues that should be discussed between the top Senate candidates.

“I invite my opponent to Marquita join me in giving TennesBradshaw seans what they deserve: an open and honest debate over the issues they care about most,” she said.

Independent candidate Aaron James reportedly had raised objections to being excluded from the WKRN debate. James had reportedly raised too little campaign cash to qualify for the event.

Currently, no other Senate debate has been announced ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

The Senate seat opened up after Republican U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander announced he would retire at the end of his term. Republicans have held both Tennessee seats in the Senate since 1994.

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, October 8 - 14, 2020, Page 8

LeMoyne-Owen secures tech grant to ramp up digital efforts

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

LeMoyne-Owen College will be able to improve the student experience with the help of a national grant from Campus Consortium, a global non-profit education association.

The Consortium awarded nearly $250,000 to two liberal arts, historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) nationwide: LeMoyne-Owen College and Dillard University in New Orleans.

The money will be used by LeMoyne-Owen to help the College’s ongoing efforts to revamp its tech functions to ensure efficiency and a higher level of customer service for current and

prospective students and families. Its immediate goal is to increase capacity in various internal departments, such as admissions, financial aid, registrar, technology services, and alumni relations, which are all touchpoints that affect long-term institutional growth.

The technological improvements ultimately can lead to additional offerings for students and families, including online and distance learning, improved dual enrollment options, certification offerings, and a potential satellite campus.

Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer Charles Elliott said the pandemic exposed inequities among African American students and those at historically black colleges and universities, in partic-

ular. Private internet access, bandwidth requirements and computers are all tools required for effective at-home learning. African American families are at a disadvantage because of the digital divide.

“It has given a new sense of the digital divide when it comes to our students,” Elliott says.

“Their phones can no longer serve as the sole device for learning, and it has confirmed our need for a more robust environment that is stable and easily accessible to them.”

To provide a solid infrastructure for students during virtual learning sessions in Summer and Fall, the College took immediate steps to help students, and built new partnerships that provided them with Internet access and a device to

complete coursework.

Recently, the College also entered into a partnership with ACI Worldwide to allow digital tuition and fee payments through its website.

“We are elated to have received these funds from the Campus Consortium to make necessary technology upgrades to benefit our students,” said Dr. Carol Johnson Dean, interim president.

“I commend the leadership around our Information Technology work and look forward to even more growth and transformation at LeMoyne-Owen College.”

(For more information about LeMoyne-Owen College, visit loc.edu.)

KIPP Memphis will return students to campus Starting with younger students and those with special needs

by Jacinthia Jones Chalkbeat Tennessee

Students at KIPP Memphis Collegiate Schools could start returning to campus at the end of the month, after beginning the school year remotely because of concerns over the coronavirus.

The move back to school buildings would make KIPP one of the first public schools in the city to reopen after starting all remote. The return to in-person learning is outlined in a letter from the charter network’s CEO Kendra Ferguson.

“When we began the year, I stated that we would go all virtual through the first quarter,” Ferguson wrote in an internal memo to staff obtained by Chalkbeat. “Additionally, I shared that I would give you and families at least a two-week notice of any change. This is the notice that change is coming.”

Ferguson said the decision was based on data from the Shelby County Health Department and the state Department of Health that show positivity rates, infection rates, and new cases are all trending down. Last week, the governor removed all COVID-related restrictions on businesses and gathering sizes, but extended the state of emergency through Oct. 30.

Shelby County’s COVID positivity rate – or the percentage of tests that are positive for coronavirus – has declined to just over 5 percent at the end of September from a peak of almost 13 percent in July, according to health department data. Health officials warn another spike could happen this fall and winter.

Joris Ray, superintendent of Shelby County Schools, has said that the district’s school buildings would remain closed until the daily number of new coronavirus cases in the county declines to single digits for two weeks.

Health department records showed 258 new cases reported Tuesday.

According to the memo, KIPP schools would reopen in phases starting with kindergarten, first grade, and all special education students on Oct. 26, and end with fifth and sixth grades on Nov. 30. The older grades won’t return to campus until January.

Parents will be able to opt out and continue learning at home, said Christopher Owens, director of development and communications.

KIPP Memphis operates five schools – two elementary, two middle schools and a high school – with about 2,040 students.

KIPP officials are still surveying parents of younger students about their wishes, but so far about 40 percent have said they want to return, he said. Parents of older students also will be surveyed.

School leaders decided to start with the younger students and special populations because those groups had the greatest academic needs. “Those are the parents who indicated

to us that they would benefit the most” in returning to the classroom, Owens said.

At a meeting with those parents Monday night, Owens said the response from parents was “overwhelmingly” positive.

But a sampling of parents Monday by Chalkbeat shows that going back into the classroom might be a tough sell for some. In interviews with parents and a grandparent, all said they were fearful about going back into buildings so soon.

“I’m not ready for mine to go back yet,” said Rhonda Smith Moss, whose granddaughter is in the eighth grade. “I’m diabetic. I have severe COPD and I’m on oxygen 24/7.” Moss’ health conditions make her a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID. Others were even more adamant about not returning.

“My kids will not be going,” said Tyrondia Jones. “Those kids are not going to keep their masks on. Those kids are not going to keep their hands off each other. Those kids are not going to stay 6 feet away. It’s not going to work.”

Jones has seven children in school, including a first grader who would be in the first group to return to buildings. “I have a big family – if one gets sick, they all get sick,” she said.

In-person instruction for kindergarten and first grade will be Monday through Thursday with Friday reserved for virtual learning while buildings are closed for deep cleaning. Second through 12th grade will attend two days a week and three days virtually. Air filters in the schools’ HVAC systems will also be replaced and air purifiers placed in classrooms.

Hand sanitizer machines have been installed throughout the buildings. Buses and buildings will be limited to 50 percent capacity to help with distancing.

Students, teachers and staff will have their temperatures checked every day before getting on the school bus or entering the school building and COVID tests will be given every eight days as part of the city and health department’s re-entry program. The tests are not the rapid tests that give results in minutes, but do have a 24-hour turnaround time for results, Owens said. Parents must consent before their child is tested.

Additionally, everyone will use masks with transparent panels at the mouth so people can read lips and facial expressions. Hallways will be marked off in 6-foot intervals, desks will have clear desk shields, students will use their own water bottles instead of water fountains, and windows will be open when possible, with fans used to increase circulation.

Owens said that a school building would close and students would return to virtual learning if a school reaches a 3 percent positivity rate among students or staff. If students show symptoms at school, they will be isolated until their parents pick them up.

Serving veterans...

A veteran sits outside the Memphis VA Medical Center awaiting his turn to be served at this temporary facility, which provides flu shots and other services. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Now serving...

The parking lot outside the Hickory Ridge Mall was the venue as members of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department and the Memphis Police Department teamed up to feed the needy.

(Photos: Earl Stanback)

The New Tri-State Defender

October 8 - 14, 2020

Page 9

TRI-STATE

A petition Pervis Payne’s lawyers sent to Gov. Bill Lee on Monday asks the governor to at least postpone his execution until lawmakers can fix a loophole that prevents him from presenting evidence of intellectual disability in court.

Under a proposed constitutional amendment on Mississippi’s ballot this year, winning a race for governor or other statewide office would only require a majority of the popular vote. If nobody wins outright with at least three candidates on the ballot, the top two would go to a runoff. The requirement to win a majority of state House districts would disappear.

Analysis: Mississippi voting on Jim Crow-era election steps

by Emily Wagster Pettus Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss. – Mississippi voters will decide this year whether to simplify the process for electing a governor and other statewide officials by eliminating a step that’s a bit like the electoral college in the presidential race.

Republican Gov. Tate Reeves argues the proposed change is only designed to help Democrats. But voting-rights advocates say Mississippi needs to erase a procedure that’s rooted in the state’s racist history of trying to undermine Black voting rights.

The Mississippi Constitution currently requires a statewide candidate to win a majority of the popular vote and a majority of the electoral vote. One electoral vote goes to the candidate receiving the most support in each of the 122 state House districts.

If nobody wins both the popular vote and the electoral vote, the race is decided by the state House.

But representatives are not obligated to vote as their districts did. That means the election could be decided by deal-making or even by the whim of a lawmaker who disagrees with the majority of voters in his or her own district.

The last time a governor’s race was thrown to the Mississippi House was in January 2000.

Nobody received the required majorities in a four-person governor’s race in 1999. The top two candidates were white, and each won 61 electoral votes. In January 2000, House members chose Democrat Ronnie Musgrove, a oneterm lieutenant governor who led the popular vote for governor, over Republican former U.S. Rep. Mike Parker. At the time, the House was controlled by Democrats. It is now controlled

by Republicans.

Mississippi is the only state with a multistep process for electing a governor. It was written when white politicians across the South were enacting laws to erase Black political power gained during Reconstruction.

The separate House vote was promoted as a way for the white ruling class have the final say in who holds office.

Under proposed constitutional amendment on Mississippi’s ballot this year, winning a race for governor or other statewide office would only require a majority of the popular vote. If nobody wins outright with at least three candidates on the ballot, the top two would go to a runoff. The requirement to win a majority of state House districts would disappear.

Mississippi is the only state with a multistep process for electing a governor. It was written when white politicians across the South were enacting laws to erase Black political power gained during Reconstruction. The separate House vote was promoted as a way for the white ruling class have the final say in who holds office.

For years, critics have said the process violates the principle of one person-one vote.

And for years, legislators have done nothing to change it, although a few have tried.

Democrats thought the electoral provision might come into play in a tight 2019 governor’s election. But Reeves, who had served two terms as state treasurer and two as lieutenant governor, easily defeated three candidates, in-

cluding Democrat Jim Hood, who had served four terms as attorney general.

Legislators put the proposed constitutional amendment on this year’s ballot only after Black plaintiffs sued the state over its electoral process last year.

During a state election commission meeting last month, Reeves said: “The ballot initiative as it currently stands is going to have one effect and only one effect, and that is to help Democrats — help Democrats try to keep Republicans from getting elected to governor.”

About 38% of Mississippi’s residents are Black. The lawsuit, which was backed by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, argued that Mississippi’s election system violates the principle of one-person, one-vote.

Plaintiffs said Mississippi’s history of racially polarized voting means that candidates preferred by Black voters must receive a higher share of the statewide vote to win a majority of House districts.

Days before the 2019 governor’s race, U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III wrote that he has “grave concern” about the constitutionality of the electoral vote provision. Jordan wrote that the plaintiffs’ argument about violation of one person, one vote is “arguably … their strongest claim.”

Jordan put the lawsuit on hold in December and said he would give legislators a chance to remedy the system by putting a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot. The amendment will need approval from a simple majority of voters.

(Emily Wagster Pettus has covered Mississippi government and politics since 1994. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/EWagsterPettus.)

Tennessee inmate who claims innocence asks for clemency

by Travis Loller Associated Press

NASHVILLE – A Tennessee death row inmate who has always claimed innocence asked the governor on Monday to commute his sentence to life in prison.

Pervis Payne is scheduled to die on Dec. 3 for the 1987 stabbing deaths of Charisse Christopher and her 2-year-old daughter, Lacie Jo. Christopher’s son, Nicholas, who was 3 at the time, was also stabbed but survived.

Payne, who is Black, told police he was at Christopher’s apartment building to meet his girlfriend when he heard the victims, who were White, and tried to help them. He said he panicked when he saw a White policeman and ran away.

A Memphis judge last month ordered DNA testing of a knife and other evidence in the case. At the time of Payne’s trial, DNA testing of evidence was unavailable, and no testing has ever been done in his case.

A petition Payne’s lawyers sent to Gov. Bill Lee on Monday asks the governor to at least postpone his execution until lawmakers can fix a loophole that prevents him from presenting evidence of intellectual disability in court.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that executing an intellectually disabled person violates the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment, and Tennessee has its own law forbidding the execution of the intellectually disabled.

However, the law does not contain a mechanism for people to reopen their cases if they were sentenced before it went into effect.

The New Tri-State Defender

October 8 - 14, 2020

Page 10

NEWS 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 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23RD, 2020 AT 2:30 PM (CST) SB-I000637 (MC 612) *PURCHASE OF (3) CISCO NETWORK ROUTERS FOR THE SHELBY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE INFORMATION SYSTEMS SECTION* By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT LEGAL NOTICE Request for Bids MSCAA Project Number 18-1418-01 Airline Operations Space Renovations - Construction Sealed bids for Airline Operations Space Renovations - Construction will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (Authority), Procurement Department, 4121 Runway Road, Suite B, Memphis, TN 38118, until 2:00 PM Local Time on 11/3/2020. Bids will not be received at any other location.

Within 30 minutes thereafter, the bids will be opened and publicly read via teleconference [Phone (408) 650-3123 / Access Code: 240-552-901]. The Bid Documents, including a description of the scope of work, the required response format, and additional instructions may be obtained on or after Tuesday October 6, 2020 online at www.flymemphis.com.

A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. local time via phone/ video conferencing [Link: https:// zoom.us/j/92956375803?pwd=OXFzNlBHYWMxTGhnZitRQUVaTzJwdz09; Phone: (301)715-8592; Meeting ID: 929 5637 5803; Passcode: 465524].

Due to COVID 19 restrictions, the project site will be available for inspection on Friday, October 16, 2020 and Monday, October 19, 2020, respectively between 9:30a.m-3:30p.m. by appointment only; a site visit can be requested at aosrconstruction@flymemphis. com; (limit two representatives per bidder). Instructions on Pre-Bid Meeting and Site Visit requests can be found at https://www. flymemphis.com/rfps-rfqs. Attendance at the Pre-Bid Meeting is strongly recommended.

All Bidders are responsible for checking the Authority’s website up to the submission deadline for any updates, addenda or additional information. The successful Bidder must sign a contract with the Authority that includes Federal Aviation Administration provisions, if applicable, regarding the 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.

Each bid must be made by a contractor licensed in Tennessee and be accompanied by a 5% Bid Guarantee. The successful bidder must execute a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond in the amount of 100% each of the Contract Price and meet the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal for this project, which is 26.00%.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this Request for Bids in whole or in part; to waive any informalities, technicalities, or omissions related to this Request for Bids; 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

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.

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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: Peggy Tranthan Tax Parcel #: 03406300000430 Tax Sale #: 1602 Price Offered: $3500.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all pro-

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

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

spective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:00 p.m. on November 11, 2020, 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: Stephanie Waugh Tax Parcel #: 07608800000150 Tax Sale #: 1102 Price Offered: $900.00 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 November 2, 2020, 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: Nadine Thomas Tax Parcel #: 03201000000170 Tax Sale #: 803 Price Offered: $475.00 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 10:30 a.m. on November 4, 2020, 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: Courtney L. James Tax Parcel #: 06102700000310 Tax Sale #: 1603 Price Offered: $500.00

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 November 2, 2020, 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: Asia Thomas Tax Parcel #: 04801100000390 Tax Sale #: 1003 Price Offered: $300.00 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

The New Tri-State Defender

October 8 - 14, 2020

Page 11

CLASSIFIEDS this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on November 4, 2020, 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: Derrick Davis Tax Parcel #: 08401100000320 Tax Sale #: 1203 Price Offered: $1800.00 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 November 2, 2020, 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 Galilee Baptist Tax Parcel #: 05207000000130 Tax Sale #: 1603 Price Offered: $500.00 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 10:30 a.m. on November 17, 2020, 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: Garry J. Stafford Tax Parcel #: 07607300000240 Tax Sale #: 1603 Price Offered: $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 10:00 a.m. on November 11, 2020, 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: Crook-Boga Community Development Corporation Tax Parcel #: 08400400000130 Tax Sale #: 1101 Price Offered: $450.00 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 30, 2020, 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 prospec-

tive 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: Phinese Jordan Tax Parcel #: 0935100F000520 Tax Sale #: 1603 Price Offered: $1400 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 21, 2020, 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:

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Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400

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The New Tri-State Defender

October 8 - 14, 2020

Page 12

SPORTS

Titans, NFL on defense against COVID-19

by Teresa M. Walker

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

NASHVILLE – Tennessee will not be returning to the team’s facility Wednesday after two more players tested positive amid the NFL’s first COVID-19 outbreak.

The NFL showed “several specific incidents” of the Titans violating COVID-19 protocols during a call Monday with the league’s general managers and coaches, a person with knowledge of the NFL’s investigation said. Another person familiar with the call said photos from the Titans’ cafeteria were shown.

Both spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.

Along with New England’s Cam Newton, the Titans make up the 11 confirmed positive tests among NFL players, and the NFL said there were 15 new confirmed positives among personnel for last week in results announced Wednesday out of 37,002 tests given to 7,981 players and team personnel.

“We have said all along that we expect positive cases,” said Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer. “As long as the virus is endemic in our communities, we will see new cases among our teams. Risk mitigation, not elimination, is the key.”

Both Sills and Dr. Thom Mayer, the NFL Players Association’s medical director, said the key is everyone following the protocols.

“The virus is still very much a threat not only to our season, but to the safety of everyone in our community,” Mayer said in a statement.

Buffalo coach Sean McDermott said no one’s perfect when asked about the NFL’s stricter protocols as his Bills (4-0) prepare for a game at Tennessee that may now be in jeopardy.

“We’re fighting an uphill battle,” McDermott said. “I think we know that there’s a challenge because of how easily this thing spreads.”

McDermott said the Bills have had no positives after beating the Raiders 30-23 in Las Vegas last week. The Raiders placed defensive tackle Maurice Hurst on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday.

The Titans had no positive tests Monday or Tuesday for the first time after six consecutive days of positive results.

A third straight day was necessary for the team to be allowed back in its headquarters, stopping its planned return, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Instead, the Titans’ outbreak now is up to 22 cases with 20 returned since Sept. 29, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because neither the NFL nor the Titans announced the latest results. The Titans already have had their game with Pittsburgh rescheduled from Week 4 to Oct. 25.

The NFL gave New England and Kansas City an extra day after Newton tested positive Saturday, and the Chiefs beat the Patriots 26-10 on Monday night. But pushing the Bills’ game with the Titans back by a day will be challenging because Buffalo is scheduled to host Kansas City on Thursday night, Oct. 15.

The league is attempting to

play a full schedule amid the pandemic without teams isolated in a bubble as other sports have done to protect players and staff from the virus. No games were affected through the first three weeks of the season.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell warned all 32 teams Monday that any violations of COVID-19 protocols that force schedule changes could result in punishment including forfeiting games, fines or loss of draft picks.

The Titans need back-toback days of negative test results to get back into their facility.

Tennessee hasn’t been together as a team since Sept.

27, when the Titans beat the Vikings 31-30 in Minnesota.

The Titans played that game after leaving outside linebackers coach Shane Bowen in Nashville following his positive test result Sept. 26, and the NFL shut down the team facility on Sept. 29.

The franchise has continued daily testing since then, and the league sent all 32 teams a memo Oct. 1 with list of new protocols for clubs to follow when dealing with a coronavirus outbreak or having been exposed to an outbreak.

(AP Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner and AP Sports Writers Kyle Hightower, Will Graves, John Wawrow and Steve Wine contributed to this report. Follow Teresa M. Walker at https:// twitter.com/TeresaMWalker.)

Sidelined by coronavirus concerns, Titans head coach Mike Vrable said he and the team are ready to get back to playing football. (Photo: Twitter.com/Titans)