The New Tri-State Defender - October 13-19, 2022 by The Tri-State Defender

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VOL. 71, No. 41

October 13 - 19, 2022

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LEGACY: Dr. William Young Sr. Champion of mental health and suicide prevention by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Pastor Dianne Young posted a photo of her husband, Dr. William Young Sr., smiling broadly on her Facebook page early Monday (Oct. 10) morning. For those who knew him, the pleasant, entreating smile was a familiar sight. The post that accompanied the photo inspired a flood tributes, expressions of sympathy, and personal accounts of how Dr. Young helped in Bishop William a time of need. M. Young Sr. Pastor Young wrote, in part: “My husband and I have been partners in life and ministry for over 46 years. At 12:35 a.m., my incredible husband took the journey we have preached and stand in faith about, and transitioned from his earthly house to his heavenly home…” Dr. Young was bishop and founder of The Healing Center Full Gospel Church. He was the father of four adult children —

SEE YOUNG ON PAGE 2

Greenwood C.M.E. Pastor Willie Boyd Jr. dies in car crash by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

For those who knew the Rev. Willie Boyd Jr., pastor of Greenwood Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, his death in a single-car crash leaves a soul-touching void. Friends and family are remembering the beloved pastor and youth advocate who died from injuries suffered in a one-vehicle accident Saturday (Oct.8). Shelby County Sheriff’s investigators responded to a vehicle crash in unincorporated Eads in East Shelby County. Investigators said Boyd’s car slammed into a tree about 7 p.m. on North Reid Hooker Road. Boyd, 44, was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is on-going. Rev. Willie Boyd Jr. “We feel the loss very deeply here in Orange Mound,” said Orange Mound Collaborative Group Chair LaTonia Blankenship. “Pastor Boyd was well-known in this community because he was concerned about what was going on. He was involved and very caring.

SEE BOYD ON PAGE 2

In Orange Mound, joy looked like this at the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Melrose High School. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

‘Day of our dreams’ dawns for Historic Melrose High project

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

A great shout of joy resounded in Orange Mound last week as Memphis-Shelby County Schools and City of Memphis leaders staged the long-awaited groundbreaking of a “reimagined” Melrose High School building. “That great shout of joy was a war cry of victory,” said LaTonia Blankenship, chair of the Orange Mound Collaborative Group and City Council candidate for District 4. “We have fought for so long to save our school. This is the day of our dreams.” The event unfolded last Friday afternoon (Oct. 7). Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland told the crowd that “every community deserves investment in its people and its space.” The project’s investment is $13 million — $10 million from the city. U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen secured $3 million in federal community development funding for the project. Melrose was built in 1938 as a federal Great Depression Work Project Administration effort. From the day it closed in 1981, former students and teachers had envisioned a second-chapter reopening building.

Mary Mitchell, lifelong Orange Mound resident and historian, addresses the groundbreaking-ceremony crowd with Mayor Jim Strickland looking on. In 2001, a grassroots community effort resulted in the original Melrose High School officially declared “historic” and entered on the “National Register of Historic Places.

The final push to Oct. 7 and a jubilant groundbreaking started in 2017 when a wide-eyed, eager Jevonte Porter came to

SEE MELROSE ON PAGE 2

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YOUNG

CONTINUED FROM FRONT Paul Young, president and CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission and candidate for Memphis mayor; Shelby County Division of Community Services Director Dorcas Young Griffin; William Young Jr., and Pastor David Young. Bishop Young developed the concept of connecting the African-American church with addressing mental health and suicide nearly four decades ago. He was the first African-American chaplain to serve on staff in the Memphis’ Methodist Health Systems. Prior to that time, he was a chaplain at Western State Mental Institute in Bolivar, Tennessee. He was a Vietnam War veteran, serving in the U.S. Army, stationed in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Dr. Young facilitated a number of mental health and suicide prevention initiatives over

the years, but his most enduring and far-reaching effort was the founding of the National Conference of Suicide and the Black Church Conference, which began in 2003. Since 2013, conference events are partnered with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where hundreds of suicide survivors, students, and mental health professionals have flocked to for nearly two decades. Young was licensed by the State of Tennessee in three areas: Marriage and Family Therapist, Professional Counselor; and as a Clinical Pastoral Therapist. He is a graduate of LeMoyne-Owen College, and later earned his Master’s in Divinity in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Memphis Theological Seminary. He completed his doctorate in Ministry at Carolina Theological Seminary. The Youngs faithfully co-hosted a Christian radio talk show on Sunday mornings on WLOK-AM1340 since

October 13 - 19, 2022

NEWS

July 1994. Early in his counseling career, Dr. Young recognized that the African-American community was not acknowledging that suicide and other mental health issues were prevalent. He developed a concept he felt was more palatable to “the Black community.” “I knew that we as a people generally displayed a lot of mistrust for the mental health professional community,” Young often said. “But Black people will talk to their pastor. And so, I thought, ‘Why not train pastors and other lay persons to help refer our people to professional counselors when the situation warranted it.’” Dr. Young sounded the alarm on skyrocketing suicide numbers among teens and young African-American men more than a decade ago and continued to express concern as his suicide conferences continued to grow over the years. Final arrangements were pending Wednesday (Oct. 12) evening.

“The death of this devoted pastor and gifted leader is indeed an enormous loss to our local community and the good work of the broader Christian Methodist Episcopal Church…” — Dr. Jody Hill BOYD

CONTINUED FROM FRONT We are praying for his family and Greenwood CME.” Boyd was a native Memphian, who attended White Station High School and LeMoyne-Owen College. Hundreds of expressions of sympathy have been sent from CME members from across the country, as well people of faith in other denominations on multiple social media platforms. Dr. Jody Hill, president of Memphis Theological Seminary, posted on the institution’s Facebook page: “Dear MTS Family, I was so sorry to hear about the tragic automobile accident…that took the life of the Rev. Willie Boyd Jr…On behalf of our entire seminary community, I offer profound condolences for his wife, Ebony, their three young children…and the Greenwood CME Church family.

The Rev. Willie Boyd Jr., his wife, Ebony, and their two sons. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender) “The death of this devoted pastor and gifted leader is indeed an enormous loss to our local community and the good work of the broader Christian Methodist Episcopal Church…” Hill noted that Boyd had attended both Memphis Theological Seminary and the sister institution, Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee. Final arrangements are:

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Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, visitation from 3:00-6:00 p.m., at Mt. Pisgah CME Church, 2490 Park Ave., in the Orange Mound Community. Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, homegoing service, 11 a.m., at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, 70 N. Bellevue Blvd. R.S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Home has charge.

With the getting-ready process complete, these dignitaries put shovels to ground to signal the next phase of the Melrose project. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

MELROSE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT the city’s Division of Housing and Community Development. “I came to work at the Division of HCD when Paul Young was director,” said Porter. “I had just graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and I was an analyst. Mr. Young saw how I loved Orange Mound because I was born and raised there, and he put me on that project.” The complex will house a state-of-the-art community library, a genealogy center to research family history, and two floors of affordable senior living units. Young recalled assigning Porter the project of heading the “Re-Imagine Historic Melrose project because Porter’s heart was in it. “I could see the love and dedication Jevonte had for his school and his community,” said Young, who has announced a run for Memphis mayor next year. “Our young people want to come back home and work, and new proj-

ects such as this one will create new opportunities for economic development in Orange Mound. We as a city must be committed to investing in underserved communities and neighborhoods.” The day was bittersweet for Porter. “My grandparents, aunts and uncles, and my parents all went to Melrose High School,” said Porter. “Some of them died before they could see what we are doing now. But I know so many are singing in heaven and celebrating along with us.” Porter graduated in 2014 from the second Melrose High School at 2870 Deadrick Ave. He was valedictorian of his class and captured the Mr. Golden Wildcat title his senior year. “We realized that our school had become a blight and an eyesore, but it was my playground coming up,” said Porter. “I was so happy, so proud at the groundbreaking. This project is life-changing for the community, life-giving for all who long to see Orange Mound return to its former glory.”

Hazell Jones, a 1963 Melrose graduate, was as excited about breaking ground as anyone. “My parents had 13 children, and we all went to Melrose,” said Jones. “I was captain of the cheerleaders and president of the Thespian Club. Those were the days. I attended Melrose when our campus was plush and beautiful. What a joy to witness a new chapter for our building.” Jones said Orange Mound was a true “village” growing up. “We couldn’t get away with anything because our teachers went to church with us and knew our parents,” said Jones. “But Orange Mound was self-sufficient and a city unto itself. Reopening our beloved school as a repurposed project will recapture the village spirit.” An emotional balloon release honored those who died still holding on to the dream of reopening their beloved Melrose High. “They were messages to heaven,” said Jones. “We did it.”

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NEWS

“LeMoyne-Owen is a historically black college, but we are open to students of all races. Our Latino student population has slowly increased over the years.” — LOC Athletic Director William Anderson

LeMoyne-Owen adds Latino Heritage salute to Midnight Madness TSD Newsroom Hundreds of basketball fans are expected to arrive at Bruce-Johnson Hall on the campus of LeMoyne-Owen College (LOC) for Midnight Madness on Saturday (Oct. 15). Midnight Madness traditionally marks the first official practice for LOC’s men’s and women’s basketball teams and allows fans to meet and engage with the players. This year, Latino Heritage Month has been added to the festivities. The lineup calls for popular music by DJ Bori, Latino food, giveaways, and special recognition of LOC’s Latino athletes, as well as performances by the Magician Cheer squad, team introductions, 3-point shootouts, scrimmages, and a live performance by Memphis rapper Fresco Trey. “LeMoyne-Owen is a historically black college, but we are open to students of all races,” said LOC Athletic Director William Anderson. “Our Latino student population has slowly increased over the years. This is one of our most popular events and we want to acknowledge our Latino students’ presence and let them know that we’re glad they are here.” said Anderson. Basketball is an integral part of the LOC experience. This is the 10th year at LOC for women’s basketball head coach Antony Partee and the second for the men’s basketball coach, former NBA standout Bonzi Wells. During the 2021-22 season, Partee and the Lady Magicians finished 14-14, with Wells’ men’s team rounding out the season at 17-12. Both teams, the students, and the fans enjoy kicking off the season with Midnight Madness. “We have a great group of young men and women, and we’re excited to start this journey together,” said Wells. “The public is encouraged to join us for the Midnight Madness fun.” Midnight Madness is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the LOC Athletic Office at 901-435-1236.

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October 13 - 19, 2022

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, October 13 - 19, 2022, Page 4

The reckoning continues at the University of Mississippi by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) was not known for its racial tolerance in the sixties and seventies, as was the case for many colleges and universities in the deep south. In fact, it had a notorious reputation for treating minorities, especially African Americans, with legendary disdain. Over the years, however, the University (my alma mater) has done some praiseworthy things to make amends for what occurred on its campus decades ago. Just last month, the Ole Miss campus was a place of celebration for African Americans, and I got a chance to experience some of those praiseworthy activities and events in real-time. In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its opinion on Brown v. Board of Education, declaring that racially segregated schools were “inherently unequal” and mandating the immediate integration of schools across America, including colleges and universities. Of course, some schools and universities accepted this mandate, while others, i.e., the University of Mississippi, put up significant resistance. But eight years after the court’s ruling (1962), James Meredith walked onto the campus of the University of Mississippi and put into motion a chain of events that, to this very day, continues to open doors for African Americans. On October 1st, 1962, Mr. Meredith registered for courses at the University of Mississippi and was met by a riotous mob of more than 2,000 angry white people who were not happy about his presence on campus. Mr. Meredith, however, persevered and has become one of the true heroes of the American civil rights movement.

TSD education columnist Curtis Weathers, a University of Mississippi alum, reunites with Dottie Quaye Chapman Reed, the namesake of the University of Mississippi Libraries Department of Archives & Special Collections’ Dottie Quaye Chapman Reed exhibit. (Photo: Facebook)

As the University of Mississippi noted the 60th anniversary of the desegregating of the university, Edith Kelly-Green of Memphis had this exchange with barrier-breaking activist James Meredith. (Photo: Facebook) His actions continue to this day to be a symbol of courage and hope for African Americans throughout our nation. Last month, James Meredith returned to OIe Miss to celebrate the 60th anniversary of his enrollment. The celebrations included a cascade of events and reunions that demonstrated not only the University’s continued effort to reconcile the past but also to celebrate the present and look forward to the future. While Mr. James Meredith was breaking down walls for all, Ben Williams, now deceased, came along, and broke down racial barriers in the University’s football program. The University’s athletic department recently announced the retirement of Ben Williams’ #74 jersey. “Gentle” Ben Williams (as he was called) was one of the first African American football players signed by the University in 1972. He is a university Hall of Famer and was an all-

star in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills. I was a teammate of Ben Williams, and his contribution to Ole Miss athletics and the University as a whole is legendary. That same weekend included the celebration and recognition of Mr. James Reed, who was also among the first African American football players at Ole Miss. James, already an football hall of famer, added another distinguished honor to his resume. He is now a member of the University of Mississippi Alumni Hall of Fame. Congratulations, James Reed! And finally, to cap off an incredible weekend, the University of Mississippi Libraries Department of Archives & Special Collections unveiled the Dottie Quaye Chapman Reed exhibit. Mrs. Reed, a dear friend and mentor, was the first African American Admissions Counselor hired by the University in the early seventies. She is now a distinguished author and businessperson in Atlanta, GA.

Rose Jackson Flenorl was the first Black female student named to the University of Mississippi Student Hall of Fame, the first Black female Alumni Hall of Fame inductee, and the first Black Ole Miss Alumni Association president. (Photo: Facebook) At the induction, Mrs. Reed spoke about her life as a student and her career as an admissions counselor during the early years of Ole Miss desegregation. Her lecture, “Coming Full Circle: My Journey through the University of Mississippi, to Many Points Beyond and Back,” brought back so many great and cherished memories. Mrs. Rose Jackson Flenorl, the first Black female student named to the University of Mississippi Student Hall of Fame, the first Black female Alumni Hall of Fame inductee, and the first Black Ole Miss Alumni Association president, put a ribbon on the entire celebration with these words: “We are all standing upon the shoulders of others who came before us. While it is great that we were the ﬁrst, we must make sure that we are not also the last.” So last month was a celebration of black accomplishments all over the campus and throughout Oxford Mississippi community. The University has come a long

way since those early years of desegregation. The diversity that currently exists on campus is notable. The Ole Miss undergraduate student population is just over 13% African American, and about 31% of the University’s faculty are African American as well. Ironically, today, over 80% of the football team and 100% of their basketball team consist of African American players. People often say the college experience is not for everyone. Well, it should be! The college experience is about so much more than books and degrees! While I had some incredibly challenging moments during my collegiate years, my experience at Ole Miss was overwhelmingly positive. People like James Meredith, Ben Williams, James Reed, Dottie Quaye Chapman Reed, Rose Jackson Flenorl, and so many others have helped open doors for young teenagers and adults to attend colleges and universities across this nation. So “hotty toddy,” and thank you all for your tireless efforts to make a difference. Your contributions and hard work have impacted so many lives for the better, including mine. (Follow me, TSD’s education columnist, on Twitter @curtisweathers. Email me at curtislweathers@gmail.com.)

Black female excellence takes center stage at St. Jude Spirit of The Dream NNPA Newswire For the first time in its history, the St. Jude Spirit of the Dream event selected women for each of its highest accolades: the St. Jude Spirit of the Dream award and the Legacy Award. The event, held on Sept. 29, celebrated the achievements of African Americans who embody the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and its founder, Danny Thomas, who believed that no child, regardless of race, should die in the dawn of life. The Spirit of the Dream award was bestowed upon Dr. Patricia Adams-Graves and Dr. Sian Proctor. Adams-Graves is a professor in the hematology/oncology division at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and a provider at Regional One Health. She is one of few hematologists in Memphis to serve and care for adults living with Sickle Cell Disease. Proctor is an accomplished civilian astronaut, pilot, advocate for women

of color in the space industry, entrepreneur, and professor of American geology. Emily Greer, a 30-year executive leader, most recently as chief administrative officer for ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude, received the St. Jude Legacy Award for her tireless service to St. Jude as a trusted advisor to CEO, Rick Shadyac. Though Greer retired in 2021, she remains committed to the mission of St. Jude. Each honoree has made a significant impact far beyond their local communities. Together, their multiple accomplishments reflect the foundational pillars of St. Jude: research, treatment, and philanthropy. “I didn’t come to ALSAC almost 30 years ago with the idea of sitting here today,” said Greer. “I came with the idea of serving these children and these families who get the worst news of all: that your child has cancer. “And I just tried to do my small part in making a difference in their lives. It’s an honor to be recognized

in this way to do work that was my privilege to do.” The event was on the heels of the first anniversary of Inspiration4, the first all-civilian spaceflight to orbit the Earth. The spaceflight landed safely back on Earth thanks to Dr. Proctor’s skillful navigation as the mission pilot. Inspiration4 captivated space fans the world over and raised nearly $250 million for the lifesaving mission of St. Jude. “When I won the prosperity seat on the Inspiration4 mission, my entire life shifted,” said Dr. Proctor. “Becoming connected to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the mission of ending childhood cancer resonated with me to my core and allowed me to unleash the very best version of myself.” During the St. Jude Spirit of the Dream event, guests heard about the strides made by St. Jude on racial equity since its founding in 1962 as the South’s first fully integrated children’s hospital. As part of this commitment to racial equity, St. Jude launched a sickle cell program in 1968 to study the

Sian Protor Seeker (left) is an accomplished civilian astronaut, pilot, advocate for women of color in the space industry, entrepreneur, and professor of American geology; Emily Greer is a 30-year executive leader, most recently as chief administrative officer for ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude; and Dr. Patricia Adams-Graves, professor in the hematology/oncology division at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and a provider at Regional One Health. (Courtesy photo) disease, which disproportionately affects African-American people. That program has grown to become one of the largest in the U.S. As a physician in Memphis, Dr. Adams-Graves continues to extend quality care to sickle cell patients in the greater Midsouth region. “Receiving this award is an honor, pleasure and validation of the service that I have been walking in my life to improve the quality of life for individuals, both children and adults, living with sickle cell disease,” said

Adams-Graves. Past honorees include Dr. Rudolph Jackson, one of the first Black doctors at St. Jude, Penny Hardaway, University of Memphis Tigers head men’s basketball coach, and the city of Memphis. (To learn more and donate, visit stjude.org/spiritofthedream. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

October 13 - 19, 2022

RELIGION

Avidity Awards to spotlight independent artists, record labels

“Signs, Wonders & Miracles” … Evangelist Karen Renee Johnson and her prayer team presented a prayer retreat at the Union University-Stephen Olford Center, 4000 Riverdale, on Oct. 7-9. The focus was on signs, wonders and miracles. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New TriState Defender)

Holy Convocation! … United For His Purpose – drawn from John 17:22 – was the theme set for the Guatemala Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Church of God In Christ Holy Convocation (nightly Oct. 10-14) at Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ, 229 S. Danny Thomas, where Bishop Charles H. Mason Patterson Sr. is senior pastor. Bishop Patterson is the prelate of the Guatemala Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New TriState Defender)

Hooked on salvation … “Fishing for Souls” was the topic of the sermon delivered by the Rev. James Augustus Winfrey, pastor of Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church (Chelsea Ave.) at St. Mark Baptist Church last Sunday (Oct. 9). (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New TriState Defender)

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The accomplishments of independent artists and record labels will be highlighted during the 7th Annual Avidity Awards at the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts and Education on October 13-15. Social media influencers Aldren McClullar of “The Aldren Brand” and Marquis Jelks of “Church Stuff” were tapped to host the Gospel music event. “There’s very little doubt that Gospel music has been tremendously influenced and enhanced by the creative genius of independent artists,” said Derrick Huggins, founder and CEO of The Elite Gospel Music & Ministry Academy (TEGMMA) and Avidity TV. Derrick “The Avidity Awards Huggins will continue to amplify the Gospel through musical expressions emanating from our outstanding community of independent artists.” Hasan James, CEO of Pennsylvania-based Root Magazine, will host the official Pre-Show Indie Artist Showcase, along with Gospel artists Michelle Prather and Dr. James Mable Jr. An array of independent Gospel music artists, groups and spiritual leaders were assembled for the main show. Scheduled performers include L. Spenser Smith, Gia Wyre, Half Mile Home, Semaje, Maurice Griffin, Chris Wesley and Undignified Praise, and Marshetta Parker. Leading nominations this year is Award-winning choirmaster Zak Williams (& 1AKORD) of Philadelphia leads this year’s nominations with five. Singer Kim Person received four nominations. For the complete list of the 2022 nominees, visit https://bit.ly/3T36M7G. The Avidity Awards also recognize top Gospel music executives, professionals, and ministry leaders. Industry Vanguard Awards will be presented to Debra “Snoopy” Hanna, Eboni Funderburk, Benita Bellamy Kelley, Damon Stewart, Patrick Noble Allen, Carlos Hale, and Ron Briggs. Radio Vanguard honorees include Anna Johnson (WFLT 1420AM Radio - Flint), Tracy Bethea (Hallelujah 95.7FM - Memphis), Tracy Morgan (Rejoice Musical Soulfood), Dr. Sctonda Kelly-Gordon (WNRR Gospel - Augusta), Cedric Bailey (Rejoice Musical Soulfood), Robyn McCullum (Reach Gospel Radio/Black Gospel Radio), and Sherry Mackey (Hallelujah 100.3FM - Mobile). 4 The Culture Honors will be presented to Jay Williams (Indie One Network) and radio and label executives Those Baxters. Ministry Vanguard honorees are Bishop Linwood Dillard, Jr. (Citadel of Deliverance), and Dr. Bartholomew Orr (Brown Missionary Baptist Church). Darrel Petties and Billy Rivers will receive the Music Vanguard honors, and the Leading Lady in Business honor will go to Telisa Franklin. Artists and aspiring music professionals will have an opportunity to learn more about the music business during the multi-day event. On Saturday (Oct. 15) at 10 a.m., the Indie Artist Helpdesk will take place in partnership with the Memphis Collective of Music & Arts, an affiliate of The Gospel Industry Network (The G.I.N.). Topics include grant writing for artists, gospel radio and promotions, and the fundamentals of music. For a complete schedule and tickets, visit TheAvidityAwards.com.

The New Tri-State Defender, October 6 - 12, 2022, Page 6

Memphis-ﬁlmed ‘Queen Rising’ shines in opening weekend Special to The New TriState Defender “Queen Rising,” a Memphis-made thriller filmed and produced with mostly Memphis talent, premiered during a red-carpet event held at Malco Paradiso last Friday (Oct. 7). Some of the cast and crew were in attendance for debut of the film created by executive producer and Memphis-based attorney Henry Reaves III. Reaves noted the opening weekend success of “Queen Rising” in Greater Memphis. “I am thankful for everyone that helped make the Queen Rising premier weekend a success. Malco has requested an extended run and the reviews have been phenomenal,” said Reaves. “Queen Rising” stars April Hale as a conscientious young schoolteacher, who is convinced by a charismatic

Henry E. Reaves III as Madison’s father in “Queen Rising.”

April Hale stars as Madison in “Queen Rising.” (Courtesy photos) writer (Xamon Glasper, who grew up in Orange Mound) to collaborate on a true-crime memoir about the series of slayings that occurred when she was a student at Bluff City University. The fictional college is filmed at Christian Brothers University, while Reaves used his own Whitehaven home as the central house featured in

the film. “For us to have the ability to put Memphis artists in a position to share their gifts with the world, that’s what it’s all about,” said Reaves. Memphis’ own Princeton James directed the film. The multi-talented playwright, producer, director and actor wrote, directed and produced

WLOK’s Art Gilliam (right) on stage with the artist of this salute to the pioneer, Black-owned radio station. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

the 2017 award-winning play, “The Royal Family.” He also produces the annual interactive murder mystery event “A Soulful Mystery” that will be held on Oct. 30. “There were a lot of Memphis creative entrepreneurs that invested their time and energy into this project,” said James. “They were excited about the end result. I was excited to bring together some talented individuals to make attorney Reaves ‘vision come to life.” James is also involved in orchestrating workforce development train-

ing opportunities to help build a diverse creative economy in Memphis. “I believe in our creatives in this city. I want to contribute to the development of a viable creative economy however I can. I’m grateful to be a part of this project and I hope everyone supports it,” said James. “Queen Rising” has helped to contribute to the growing Memphis TV and film production economy. New Tennessee film production incentives launched in March 2022 have helped to entice more than 100 projects to the state, including Memphis-based productions “Sun Records,” “Bluff City Law,” and “Young Rock.” Current applicants for the incentives are projected to invest around $65 million and $70 million in Tennessee through payroll and nonpayroll items. “Queen Rising” is showing in movie theaters across Memphis and the surrounding areas.

Stanley “Cam Mtenzi” Campbell

WLOK’s ‘world impact’ embraced at 27th Annual Stone ‘EBEN’ Awards

TSD Newsroom The 27th Annual Stone “EBEN” Awards featured a special salute to WLOK radio and its founder, Art Gilliam, during a ceremony at the Bartlett Performing Arts Center Theatre last Saturday (Oct. 8). Annually in October, the Stone “Eben” Awards are rolled out in 12 categories, including World Impact Award, which this year paid tribute to Gilliam and WLOK’s 45th anniversary. WLOK was the first African-American-owned radio station in Memphis and is the only one today. The awards ceremony – presented by Stanley “Cam Mtenzi” Campbell and the House of Mtenzi Museum (1289 Madison Ave.) – extends the legacy of Ma’&9 Mustard Seeds. By tradition, the red-carpet affair annually honors “the leaders, pioneers, trailblazers, heroes, sheros, inventors, government Dwight Eaton accepts his award.

officials, businesses and organizations pro-actively paving the way throughout the community and building, stone × stone/ leader by stone, a greater and stronger MidSouth and a stronger America.” The awards again commemorated Tulsa’s Black Wall Street, which was burned down during a massacre in 1921. The program included Dwight Eaton, a Houston and Tulsa philanthropist/humanitarian. He is the son of civil rights icon Bobby “Poppa” Eaton Sr. Hosted by television and radio personality Tina Tilton and Drew McCraven III, founder of Positive Reaction, the event also included “The Rise of 100 Moral Leaders Inductees Ceremony.

ality Bobby O’Jay. • The Late Fred “Hollywood” Moore. • Ernest C. Withers

Tribute commemoration

• Ma’ Thelma Matriarch of Memphis Mother Awards (M.O.M.M.A)/Hall of Fame Inductees: Dr. Varrie Hamilton, Shukriyyah Muhammad, and Ayodele Koffie.

• The Matriarch Mother of Memphis – the late MA’Thelma Brownlee. • Former WDIA legendary radio person-

Special awards • Book of Author Award – John B. Smith (co-founder of The Invaders), “The 400th … From Slavery to Hip Hop”. • The Royal Ruby Stone Blues Hall of Fame Award – Robert “Knighthawk” Tooms, and the Wampus Cats. • The Great Humanitarian Award: Felix Griggs; Pastor Michael Lockhart and Penny Lockhart. Commemorative awards

10th Annual Mtenzi Cammy Awards • Myron Mays, PakMail-Best Community Business. • “All Over Town” Chris Brown – radio and television personality; Still Creating Decade Mtenzi Award. • Tony Tone, comedian/actor – Still Creating Decade Mtenzi Award. • Montel Jones, songwriter/video director – Still Creating Decade Mtenzi Award. • Kenon Walker, international celebrity curator/actor/Duck Master – Still Creating Decade MTenzi Award. Mtenzi Hall of Fame Awards • Kurt KC Clayton, Celebrity musical producer – Still Creating Decade Hall of Famer. • Robert “Bodae” Day, member of The Bar-Kays – 2022 Mtenzi Hall of Fame Honoree. Humanitarian Award winner

The New Tri-State Defender

October 13 - 19, 2022

ENTERTAINMENT

Page 7

BOOK REVIEW

‘The Essential Dick Gregory’ – a different picture for older Gregory fans; fresh introduction for new ones by Terri Schlichenmeyer Miki Marks joins a welcome trend of recent breakouts in country music by Black women who defy genre boundaries. (Photo: Twitter)

Review: Miko Marks draws on church roots and bridges genres by Steve Wine Associated Press

Miko Marks created a buzz last month performing at AmericanaFest in Nashville and her latest album is an engaging encore. “Feel Like Going Home” is also the follow-up to “Our Country,” Marks’ 2021 album that marked the revival of her musical career after a hiatus of more than a decade to focus on family. Marks joins a welcome trend of recent breakouts in country music by Black women who defy genre boundaries. Her new album draws on gospel, the blues, Motown, Memphis soul, Southern rock and more, the result an auditory rainbow to match the visual delight provided on stage by Marks and her band, the Resurrectors. Marks never oversings, but every note is delivered with fervor on such subjects as deliverance, perseverance, transcendence and empowerment. Her church roots are a unifying element, with singalong choruses out of the choir loft and ballads as prayer. Steve Wyreman and Justin Phipps produced and wrote the material with Marks, and make distinctive contributions on multiple instruments. “Let me ride, ride, ride to the other side,” Marks sings on “The Other Side,” and Wyreman’s electric slide guitar emerges to show the way. Wyreman’s frantic playing provides an energetic push on “Trouble,” a topical stomper inspired by the late civil rights leader John Lewis. The song pairs passionate lyrics with an unspoken message: The joyful momentum of Marks’ music is not to be stopped.

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The laughter was loud and long. You didn’t think it was funny, though. Sure, you acted like it was all a big prank but you did it to save face and hide the pain of being the butt of the joke. Nothing humorous about that but one day, you’ll see. As in the new book, “The Essential Dick Gregory,” edited by Christian Gregory, one day, they won’t laugh at you. They’ll laugh with you. That’s how young Richard Claxton Gregory learned that he was funny: he was small, skinny, fatherless, and poor – all reasons for other kids to make fun of him. One day, he says, he realized that if he came at them with jokes before they could pounce on him, he could turn the tables and control the situation. He sharpened that talent, inside the classroom and out, using his hard-working mother as a beacon. After thinking about all the love his father was missing, Gregory decided that he had little respect for the man. As a young man, Gregory showed a willingness for activism but he was always more interested in comedy: he’d tried entrepreneurship with a comedy club that didn’t make money and besides, he hated the physical distance from his family that it demanded. He gave that dream up but by then, a different dream, a comedy career, began to take off. Despite participating in protests as a teen, Gregory’s first official action for civil rights happened in early 1963, when he delivered food to poor Mississippians whose supplies were cut off. Not long afterward, he joined the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at a demonstration in Birmingham; he grieved Medgar Evers a month later. His wife, Lillian, got involved, too, and was jailed at a voter registration event in the fall of 1963. By 1967, income from Gregory’s

Christian Gregory did a fine job of sharing nuggets that readers will want to know about his famous father, Dick Gregory.

“The Essential Dick Gregory” Edited by Christian Gregory c. 2022, Amistad $27.99 288 pages speaking engagements eclipsed his comedy, and he began eyeing politics as an additional way to make a difference. He

advocated for better health for the Black community, but he endangered his own health through hunger strikes as protest. And in 1983, he began talking about the real possibility of a Black president... Because it’s based on many volumes, transcripts, and interviews, “The Essential Dick Gregory” is a nice surprise: it’s tight, spare, and moves quickly without being bogged down by fluff and extras that aren’t needed. Editor Christian Gregory (yes, he’s Dick Gregory’s son) did a fine job in sharing the nuggets that readers will want to know. Don’t be surprised, though, if you get the feeling that Gregory is sitting nearby, telling his story himself in a relaxed voice that belies the concerns that you can tell he obviously had. You’ll be glad to see that his comedy surfaces now and then here – it’s still relevant and still funny – but that’s not the biggest appeal of this book. Well-placed interviews and editor’s comments add insight that audiences 50 years ago didn’t get. That makes “The Essential Dick Gregory” an overall different picture of Gregory for older fans, and a fresh introduction for new ones who long for it.

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, October 13 - 19, 2022, Page 8

Council sets up vote on national search for next MLGW chief by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Seeking to slow down the nomination process, Memphis City Council members cobbled together enough votes to approve a resolution 5-0 calling for a national search for a new MLGW CEO and president. The council action came during Tuesday’s (Oct. 11) meeting of the Personnel & Governmental Affairs Committee. The council’s move comes after Mayor Jim Strickland announced the nomination of current City of Memphis’ Chief Operating Officer Doug McGowan last week to replace current MLGW head J.T. Young. Young is leaving Memphis’ city owned utility for a job with Florida Power & Light, his previous employer. His resignation is effective Friday (Oct. 14). The resolution will move to the full council for consideration. According to the City Charter, the mayor possesses the responsibility for nominating the position. “Working with Mr. McGowan over the years, as I have, I found him to be a straight shooter. To be a capable individual with whom I have a great working relationship,” said Council Chairman Martavius Jones, the resolution’s sponsor. “The fundamental question that I have about this nomination is, four years ago it was necessary to conduct a national search to find the most qualified (to head MLGW). It hasn’t been brought to our attention what’s changed between then and now that we shouldn’t follow the precedent set then.” The council chairman cited previous hires to city leadership posts that faced a wider field. They included current Memphis police Chief C.J. Davis and her predecessor, Mike Rallings. Prior to being hired in 2016, Rallings served as interim chief, until the council voted unanimously to suspend the search. “Mayor Strickland went on to say, ‘I wanted to be able to look citizens in the eye and be able to say I got the best possible director.’ And how can we do that without a national search?” asked Jones. Young’s departure comes in the midst of his recommendation that MLGW remain with the Tennessee Valley Authority, the city’s longtime electricity supplier. During a Sept. 7 MLGW board meeting, Young said the relationship should be extended for another 20 years. There are fears, from those who think the utility can get a better deal from another supplier, that McGowan shares Young’s sentiment. For several years, activists have pressed MLGW to seek clean energy-centric providers. Much of the power generated from TVA comes from natural gas-fired power plants. On top of concerns about climate change, there are other worries beyond a clean portfolio. Costs also are a motivator in opening the process. Previously, Young has pointed to a study conducted by Georgia-based GDS Associates, which reflected increased energy costs, if the utility opted to go with a competitor. The years’ long assessment also said the status quo would present the “greatest value and least risk.” Through the deal, MLGW would net a 3.1 percent base rate reduction. It could also receive as much as 5 percent of its power from renewables. Twenty-four providers took part in a bidding process, which was narrowed to 13. Critics have accused MLGW of providing faulty analysis to keep the business relationship intact. This includes accusations of highlighting risks and minimizing millions in potential savings. The Southern Environmental Law Center is currently suing over legality of the 20-year contracts, alleging the deal TVA is offering Memphis, which 146 other local power companies have signed, violates the TVA Act. The environmental nonprofit provides legal help to communities seeking environmental safeguards and improvements such as coal ash removal or resisting pipeline permits. Still, for some members on the council, there seems to be little appetite for a protracted hiring process, national or not. “The position definitely needs to be filled as soon as possible,” said Councilmember Cheyenne Johnson. “There’s a lot of things going on over there that we need to keep up with and have addressed. As long as it’s not a long, drawn-out process, I’d go along with it.” Voting in favor of the resolution were Councilmembers JB Smiley, Michlyn Easter-Thomas, Patrice Robinson, Johnson, and Jones. Abstaining were Councilmembers Ford Canale, Teri Dockery, Jeff Warren, Frank Colvett and Edmund Ford Sr.

Roshun Austin sets the tone for the unveiling. (Photos:Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

Taking a mobile food grocery to the people

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Memphis’ newest grocery store received a curbside ribbon-cutting ceremony with the grand opening of the Mobile Food Grocery at 1384 Jackson Ave. on Wednesday (Oct. 12). The rolling grocery is the latest effort to improve underserved communities in North Memphis by nonprofit the Works, Inc., and the Klondike/Smokey City Community Development Corporation. The grocery accompanies a neighborhoodwide effort to revitalize the Klondike/Smokey City community, which includes the $72 million renovation of the old Northside High School into a modern mixed-use facility. “We knew it would be decades before us, just doing what we’re doing … for a grocery store to (be put in) place. But we can’t say, ‘forget about you’ because a store won’t place here. Let’s see how we can serve you in different ways,” said Roshun Austin, president and CEO of the Works. Pulled by a rig, the retrofitted trailer was outfitted with many of the items needed to stock a kitchen. In addition to fresh and frozen vegetables, other staples such as meat, dairy and eggs also will be available. There will be shelves for canned and dry goods and non-food items such as soap or garbage bags. The trailer is equipped with a PA system, center aisle and a cashier’s station. A ramp allows those with accessibility issues to enter from the back. Orders will also be available for pickup, too. “It is a little corner store on wheels,” said Austin. The mobile grocery isn’t the Works, Inc.’s first stab at a “corner store,” but rather a franchise on wheels. It will feature many of the items available at The Grocer at South Memphis Farmers Market at Mississippi and South Parkway, which has been in operation since 2014. The nonprofit also operated a retrofitted MATA bus turned grocery known as the Green Machine. Those earlier efforts led to the Mobile Food Grocery. In 2019, Austin was contacted by the UK-based Guardian newspaper. While researching Memphis for a series on food insecurity in the U.S., her name kept popping up. “I really thought it was a joke, but her (the reporter’s) accent fit – it didn’t sound fake – and she wanted to talk about Memphis. They wanted to come and do their Divided Cities series in Memphis,” said Austin. A 13-minute mini-documentary resulted. It proclaimed Memphis the “Hunger Capital of the U.S.” “Kroger corporate saw that documen-

The rolling grocery is the latest effort to improve underserved communities in North Memphis by nonprofit the Works, Inc., and the Klondike/ Smokey City Community Development Corporation.

In addition to fresh and frozen vegetables, other staples such as meat, dairy and eggs also will be available. There will be shelves for canned and dry goods and non-food items such as soap or garbage bags. tary and they contacted me that fall and said, ‘We’d like for you to see something we’ve done in Louisville.’” During that visit, Austin saw a model of the trailer. Kroger officials had seen a similar trailer in Milwaukee during an event at a food bank. Impressed, the grocer purchased one. “They had this trailer and a bus … and I was like, ‘Wow, why haven’t we done this in Memphis,’” said Austin. “I loved the idea and was wanting to partner with Kroger on that concept, because we were still having issues in other neighborhoods. “A corner-sized store in South Memphis was not going to fill that gap. And no matter how much we wish and want for a grocery store placed in distressed Memphis neighborhoods that are sparsely populated, they’re just not going to do it in their business model.” This is because most large-scale grocers like Kroger are zoned and placed to fill the most need. Many of these underserved communities are sparsely populated, or even isolated, making stores financially unfeasible for operators.

At a cost of $200,000, the truck/trailer and retrofitting would have been out of reach for most nonprofits without benefactors. However, with the partnership with Kroger “taking longer than expected,” other sources of revenue were needed to make the rubber meet the road. “It was taking a long time, so we partnered with a local philanthropic organization to purchase the mobile (grocery), which we did. We paid our first $100,000 down two years ago,” said Austin. While Klondike will be the initial stop, there are plans to hit underserved points across North Memphis, as well as Frayser and South City. Most stops will last two to three hours, depending on the need. There could be several stops at a location per week. Festivities ran from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday. Following brief remarks by Austin, visitors had a chance to win ontheme prizes such as utensils and cutting boards, as well as purchasing incentives. The Tennessee Justice Bus also was parked nearby to provide legal advice from pro bono attorneys.

The New Tri-State Defender

October 13 - 19, 2022

Page 9

NEWS

GOP-led Tennessee ballot proposal to test labor interest by Jonathan Mattise Associated Press

NASHVILLE – As unions see new hope from organizing U.S. businesses ranging from Starbucks storefronts to an Amazon warehouse, Republican-led Tennessee will officially take its voters’ temperature on an organized labor issue in November. Lawmakers have offered up a ballot amendment that asks voters whether to change the state constitution to add Tennessee’s existing law that bans a company and a union from contracts that require workers to pay dues to the union representing them. Proponents, including business interests and Republican politicians, call the prohibitions “right-to-work” law. Unions oppose the change and the right-to-work label. Tennessee has had such a law on the books since 1947, and the ballot amendment’s outcome wouldn’t change how the existing law works. It would simply become harder to eliminate it going forward. The amendment’s wording won’t be as straightforward as some other ballot initiatives, including an anti-abortion proposal that failed in Kansas earlier this year. That gives proponents and opponents more power over characterizing Tennessee’s proposed change. The long road to insert it into the Tennessee Constitution began in 2020, largely predating the recent national groundswell of interest in unions. Backers of the amendment have cited concerns about attempts by congressional Democrats to pass a labor bill that would bar such laws nationwide. It has passed the House

but not the Senate. They also have raised concerns that Democratic-run states could try to unwind so-called right-to-work laws. The amendment will offer a rare snapshot this November of voter sentiment on a flashpoint in the debate between union and business interests, even if the election’s outcome won’t change much. Democratic-led Illinois has proposed a labor-favored amendment, asking voters to etch collective bargaining rights into the state constitution. Business groups have described Tennessee’s current requirements as a crucial economic development tool to entice business to move or expand, and the state’s Republican political leadership supports the amendment. Unions believe these laws are aimed at crippling their efforts to organize and fight for better compensation and conditions by siphoning off funding from workers. Under federal law, unions must represent all eligible workers in a union-represented workplace unit even if they aren’t dues-paying members. “I think if it were not successful, or even if it was a close vote, it would be actually pretty stunning,” said John Logan, director of labor and employment studies at San Francisco State University. “It would suggest that, yeah, there is this sort of national, more prounion, pro-labor sentiment than is reflected in terms of political establishment in a lot of states in the South.” Currently, 27 states have laws such Tennessee’s; nine have them in their constitutions. But recent results have been mixed when voters weigh in. Virginia voters rejected a similar constitutional change in 2016, while Missouri

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee speaks during a presentation on the planned factory to build electric F-Series trucks and the batteries to power future electric Ford and Lincoln vehicles on, Sept. 28, 2021, in Memphis. As U.S. support for labor unions climbs in polling and union shops sprout up in businesses from Starbucks storefronts to an Amazon warehouse, Republican-led Tennessee will officially take its voters’ temperature on an organized labor issue in November. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)

“Corporate CEOs see workers at places like Amazon and Starbucks rising up around the country and so they want to put these anti-worker laws in the constitution to make them almost impossible to change in the future.” — Wes Trotterchaud voters effectively vetoed a right-towork law in 2018. Alabama voters approved its constitutional change in 2016. Interest in organized labor has been galvanized for several reasons, Logan said: high favorability among younger workers; workers who faced difficult conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic; and workforce shortfalls that have empowered workers.

Even so, Tennessee poses a formidable challenge. Some Tennessee GOP politicians, including Lee, have even previously waded in against individual union campaigns at employers, including the failed 2019 vote at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga. “What we’re doing right now in Tennessee is working. Right-to-work is common sense. And with federal

efforts to repeal it nationwide, it’s time for Tennesseans to speak up,” Lee said in a TV ad. Predictably, unions see things differently. “Corporate CEOs see workers at places like Amazon and Starbucks rising up around the country and so they want to put these anti-worker laws in the constitution to make them almost impossible to change in the future,” Wes Trotterchaud, a Teamster from East Tennessee, said in a news release from the No on 1 Committee. They also see reasons for hope in Tennessee. For one, a massive Ford plant and corresponding electric vehicle battery plant by SK Innovation are heading to West Tennessee. Politicians, Ford officials and union leaders say it’ll be up to the workers whether to organize, but Michigan-based Ford has deep roots with organized labor. Even though some Republicans pushed to bar a simpler route to a successful union vote at the new complex – or at least at companies similarly receiving state incentives – those efforts failed. Ford has avoided taking sides on Tennessee’s proposed amendment. The smaller-scale union pushes seen nationally also have drawn attention in Tennessee. Among them – about a half-dozen Starbucks coffee shops have organized, including in Memphis and Knoxville. Union membership has lagged behind in Tennessee, at only about half the national average of 10.3 percent of the workforce in 2021. But while the national percentage decreased from 2020 to 2021, Tennessee’s share grew from 4.4 percent to 5.2 percent.

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October 13 - 19, 2022

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The New Tri-State Defender, October 13 - 19, 2022, Page 11

Tigers revving up for block-party kickoff of basketball season by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Every fall, the city of Memphis looks forward to the University of Memphis basketball teams’ Madness event. This year, there will be a block party on campus on Saturday (October 15) from 3 p.m. to 5: 30 p.m. on the Luther C. McClellan Alumni Mall. The block party will include introductions of the men’s and women’s teams, music, inflatables, games, food trucks and performances by the Tiger band and the cheer and dance teams. The introduction of the Terry teams will begin at Davis 4:30. “We are looking forward to celebrating the start of the basketball season with our fans,” said men’s head coach Penny Hardaway, who this week agreed to a deal that extended his contract by two years. That adds up to a contract covering six seasons and $16.5 million plus incentives. “This unique event will be something new for our fans to experience and we know our teams will feel the love of Tiger Nation during the Block Party.” Free parking will be available in the Zach Curlin parking garage near Elma Roane Fieldhouse. Additional parking spots are available throughout campus.

Kendric Davis, the sharp shooting point guard from SMU, will be a key part of the roster turnover. (Photos: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)

Looking ahead In the annual media days for the American Athletic Conference, the Memphis Tigers men’s basketball team was picked to finished second this season in the survey of media members. The Houston Cougars were picked ahead of the Tigers. Memphis has a totally revamped lineup. This year, Hardaway hit the transfer portal hard so he can compete more readily in conference play. Kendric Davis, the sharp shooting point guard from SMU, will be a key part of the roster turnover. “It has been cool,” said Davis of being in Memphis. “I love it. I am a gym rat. Outside of the gym, I am with my son. When I do go to places I try to go to the right spots. I appreciate all of the support. You don’t always get this support from one city. I am trying to embrace it and make the city proud.” Davis and De’Andre Williams were both selected first team All-American in the preseason. Davis has been the Player of the Year in the conference. The Tigers recently held an open practice for the members of the Memphis Rebounder’s club. It was the first public display of the team since the beginning of fall camp. After his interview with the media, Hardaway took selfies with everyone who wanted one. Everyone gave a nod of respect to Larry Brown, who is returning for his second season as a part of the Tigers’ staff. On coming into the season, Hardaway said, “Last season ended great and we want to start the season great. I know in the past we normally don’t get started until January or February. This year we are locked and loaded on getting started in November.” The Tigers are moving forward with the prospect of a post-season ban after a recent

Jayden Hardaway

De’Andre Williams (right) will be depended upon for veteran presence. ruling on a nagging investigation of the program. “I am glad to have everything behind us now,” said Hardaway. “We are trying to get to a level where we can represent the city in a good manner. It is a great feeling to know that guys won’t have any negativity hovering on our backs. It feels like a fresh start.” As for how he get the transfers with the cloud than hung over the program, Hardaway said, “I just believed that we would not have anything to happen to us. I was standing on what was right in my mind. They just bought in. They believed that we would be playing the NCAA tournament.”

Penny Hardaway

“We are looking forward to celebrating the start of the basketball season with our fans.” — Penny Hardaway

Veteran Alex Lomax was asked why he returned this season. “It was all prospective for me. I am still home with my family. I am with some of the best fans in the country. I want to do the same things and change a few things and go further.” So, what is looking forward to this season? “Memphis basketball is the pulse of the city. I am trying to keep a good pulse in the city for the entire year. No high heart rates.” Williams said he was excited and relieve to have the opportunity to return to the NCAA tournament. “We are glad to have the opportunity to compete,” he said. “I am healthy. I took the time off to get healthy. I am feeling better than ever.” The Tigers will play two exhibitions – CBU (Oct. 23) and Lane (Oct. 30) before the regular season tips off against Vanderbilt in Nashville on November 7.

The New Tri-State Defender

October 13 - 19, 2022

Tennessee’s LOCAL 2023 5-Star Medicare Advantage Plans

Page 12

Choose a plan that cares so much about its members it earned 5 out of 5 stars. We’re right here in Tennessee and right here for you. Call us or visit us online to enroll in Tennessee’s local 5-star Medicare Advantage PPO plan.

1-855-339-6038, TTY 711 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, seven days a week or call your local agent For more information, visit

bcbstmedicare.com

Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Rating is for the 2023 plan year. BlueAdvantage is a PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in BlueAdvantage depends on contract renewal. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in its health programs and activities. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-831-2583, TTY 711.

.TTY 711, 1-800-831-2583 ‫ اتصل برقم‬.‫ فإن خدمات المساعدة اللغوية تتوفر لك بالمجان‬،‫ إذا كنت تتحدث اللغة العربية‬:‫ملحوظة‬ BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Inc., an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association H7917_23MASTARSFULL_M (9/22)