The New Tri-State Defender - October 21-27, 2021

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October 21 - 27, 2021

VOL. 70, No. 42

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President Biden: “Colin embodied the highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat. He was committed to our nation’s strength and security above all. Having fought in wars, he understood better than anyone that military might alone was not enough to maintain our peace and prosperity.”

(Photo: Mark Mahoney / Dream in Color Photography / NNPA)

Colin Powell: A ‘Good Man’ and ‘Great American’

by Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire

The confirmation came from his family: “General Colin L. Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, passed away this morning due to complications from Covid 19.”

Powell’s family posted notice of his death Monday (Oct. 18) on Facebook. The first African-American to serve as US secretary of state, Powell was 84.

“We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather and a great American,” the family wrote, sharing that Powell had been

fully vaccinated.

Powell became the first African American to serve as national security adviser during the end of Ronald Reagan’s presidency. He also counted as the youngest and first African American chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush.

Powell was thrust into the global spotlight after leading the United States to victory during the Gulf War, with many even considering him as a presidential candidate.

“Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of Colin Powell. He was a great public servant, starting with his

SEE POWELL ON PAGE 2

Secretary Colin L. Powell received the 1997 Freedom Award from the National Civil Rights Museum. (Photo: NCRM)

Powell’s death sharpens focus on ‘immuno-compromised’ and need for booster shots

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The death of Colin Powell from complications of COVID-19 on Monday (Oct. 18) was shocking news, while giving anti-vaxxers an opening to question the efficacy of the COVID vaccines.

Powell, 84, the first African-American U.S. Secretary of State and a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs Staff, had been fully vaccinated, but had serious pre-existing medical issues.

Powell was scheduled for the booster last week, just before he became ill, according to his longtime chief of staff.

His health issues brought into focus a growing concern doctors have for patients who are “immuno-compromised,” which leaves their immune system in a weakened state and not fully able to fight off infections.

COVID-19 has been of particular concern.

Powell was battling both multiple

Former first lady Michelle Obama stressed the importance of a moral foundation to achieving growth and progress in the nation. (Screen capture)

Freedom Awards propelled the National Civil Rights Museum toward its future

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The National Civil Rights Museum’s thirtieth awarding of its Freedom Awards was an elegant – albeit mostly virtual – presentation that marked the museum’s 30th anniversary and pointed to paths forward.

Accounting for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s gala affair (Oct. 14) was a hybrid affair, with the Orpheum serving as the in-person venue.

While accepting her award, along with Poor People’s Campaign leaders, Dr. William J. Barber II and the Rev. Liz Theoharis, former first lady Michelle Obama praised the sacrifices of parents and grandparents, who taught lessons of unity in a common purpose.

“I accept this award in their honor,” said Obama via video. “The people in my life and yours, who taught us not just who we are and who we could be, but they taught us how we should carry ourselves.…

“They knew deep in their bones, we all rise and fall together.… Together, we can move mountains,” said Obama, emphasizing the fundamental necessity of a moral underpinning.

The gala unfolded with the precision attendees have come to expect over the years from the high-profile affair. Actor Lamann Rucker was onsite at the Orpheum and again serving as emcee.

And new National Civil Rights Museum President Dr. Russ Wigginton was at the helm for the first Freedom Awards under his watch.

Barber and Theoharis received their awards on stage, with each delivering acceptance remarks about their work in the Poor People’s Campaign, calling the entity’s work, “A National Call for Moral Revival” and making it clear that there was more to come; and soon.

The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II left no doubt that the Poor People’s campaign is ongoing. (Screen capture)

The Rev. Liz Theoharis delivers her Freedom Awards address. (Screen capture) “…Ending poverty is not only morally right, but it makes economic sense,” said Barber. “If everybody had healthcare, it would build the

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The New Tri-State Defender

October 21 - 27, 2021

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NEWS BOOSTER

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

The Rev. Bernice King, the youngest daughter of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and an earlier Freedom Award recipient, congratulates the NCRM on its 30th anniversary. (Screen capture)

FREEDOM

CONTINUED FROM FRONT economy. If everybody made a living wage when you go to work, it would pump billions of dollars into the economy.”

Barber’s address included a segment in which he detailed with stats the needs of poor people in Tennessee. As Barber delivered his address, the virtual chatroom was abuzz, with many writing, “Preach Dr. Barber.”

Theoharis praised “a new and unsettling force,” which is rising up to “save the soul of this democracy and nation.

“It has become clear that people are coming together, demanding justice,” said Theoharis.

“There are millions of poor people in this country who have little or nothing to lose.… This is why we will, we must organize and unite people around the vision that when you lift from the bottom, everybody rises.

“Poverty is not divine necessity. It is a human creation…”

The evening included a special tribute to Darnella Frazier, who was 17 in 2020 when she recorded the video of then-Minneapolis Police Department officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on the neck of George Floyd and killing him in the process. She was interviewed on a video call by Faith Morris, the Freedom Award presentation producer and the museum’s chief marketing and external affairs officer.

In response to a question from Morris, Frazier shared how the notoriety – that resulted from her video going viral and becoming a key element in the subsequent trial – had changed her life profoundly.

And while some of that change was not for the better, some of it has been, particularly opportunities that she likely never would have had, said Frazier.

The killing of Floyd and the COVID-19 pandemic were

Dr. William J. Barber II and the Rev. Liz Theoharis accept the Freedom Award on stage at the Orpheum Theatre. (Screen capture)

New NCRM President Dr. Russ Wigginton puts the night’s celebration in context. (Screen capture) laced together by Dr. Michael Eric Dyson in what the author, minister, scholar and media personality termed a “syndemic,” or, the convergence of two pandemics.

“On the one hand, an extraordinary virus that claimed the lives of millions around the globe.… And with particular viciousness in this country of claiming the lives of Black and Brown people disproportionately … this extraordinary pandemic revealed underlying conditions that render inequality a truth in our country,” he said.

Noting “a racial dynamic that has been with us since 1619,” Dyson said George Floyd’s neck became “both the auditorium and the sanctuary for the vicious revelation of white supremacy’s exigency, its urgency, its desire to under-

Amanda Gorman, the poetess who delighted Joe Biden’s inaugural crowd, presented a dramatic rendering of “Fury and Faith,” a composition she penned in honor of George Floyd last year.

(Screen capture) mine Black life….”

Chauvin’s knee on Floyd’s neck “is a metaphor for how the knee of America has been on the necks of Black people in this country,” said Dyson.

“We realize that the racial reckoning that is upon this nation must continue.…”

Throughout the evening there were multiple references and salutes to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was assassinated on the balcony of Lorraine Motel, which is the centerpiece of the museum that opened in 1991.

As he was preparing to leaving the stage, Barber paid tribute to King, speaking as if he was talking to King directly.

“Rest well, Martin,” said Barber. “You should be with us now. But shout from glory, and give us your direction from heaven, ’cause we intend to see this through.”

Most of Dr. Stanley Dowell’s patients are seniors and many are immuno-compromised. (Courtesy photo) cancer of the blood, as well as Parkinson’s,” said Randolph.

“Immuno-compromised individuals account for many of the breakthrough cases of COVID-19.

“Because the level of protection is not what is would be in a healthier individual, severe illness and death are the result. That is why the booster makes sense for more vulnerable seniors and others.”

For weeks, boosters have been approved for immuno-compromised persons.

Only Pfizer, to date, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

But on Oct. 14, a panel of medical experts convened by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that a Moderna booster be approved to open up third shots to more Americans.

Randolph said booster shots are being recommended in Shelby County for persons 65 and older, those under 65 with immuno-compromising conditions and persons at higher risk for contracting COVID-19 because of their employment (working in close proximity to many people).

“Many of our seniors live in multi-generational households,” said Randolph. “We continue to encourage all those eligible to get vaccinated. Anyone eligible to receive a booster should take it, especially in households with children and seniors.

“Being a senior does not put a person at greater risk.

Anyone can be infected. What matters is the level of protection,” Randolph said.

Taking a booster has raised concerns about whether a person will get ill, or what side effects might be expected. Taking the booster is like taking the vaccination shot, according to Dowell.

“A healthy person taking the booster may come down with a slight fever because the shot will cause a low-grade infection,” said Dowell.

“They may feel sick, maybe a slight headache for 24

hours and that’s it. In an immuno-compromised person, it may take a few days, a week or so, to feel better.”

Boosters should be consistent with the vaccination, Dowell said.

“Generally speaking, the booster should be the same as what was taken for the vaccine initially,” said Dowell. “But, in the event that there is no other choice, then the booster can be a mixed dose. A booster is the best protection after vaccination.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently “does not recognize mixed vaccines.

But the website states that the mixing of Moderna and Pfizer doses is acceptable in “exceptional situations,” such as when the initial vaccine is no longer available.

In mid-October, however, an advisory panel to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended emergency use authorization) of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster shots.

Both are expected to be available in coming days.

According to the covid19. memphistn.gov website, the Pfizer booster shot is available in Memphis and Shelby County to: ■ Persons 65 and older.

■ Residents in long-term care settings.

■ People aged 50-64 with underlying medical conditions.

■ People aged 18-49 years with underlying medical conditions, based on individual benefits and risks.

■ People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their occupation or institutional setting, based on individual benefits and risks.

Vaccinations and boosters are available at the Midtown Pipkin Building, Southwest Tennessee Community College-Whitehaven, Shelby County Health Department Immunization Center and Germantown Baptist Church.

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myelomas, or cancer of the blood, as well as Parkinson’s Disease.

Those facts are something many vaccine opponents either ignored or did not consider concerning Powell’s breakthrough COVID-19 case and death.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a booster could be life-saving for an immuno-compromised person.

Research shows that people who have serious immuno-compromised conditions need the third shot to achieve the primary response that should have occurred with the original vaccination.

A booster is the third dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna, vaccine, and the second shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Boosters, generally, are not higher doses than the other shots. Generally speaking, they are the same strength, but add another layer of protection from COVID-19, according to WHO. “It may be necessary to receive a third dose because those first two aren’t doing what they do in, otherwise, normal, healthy people,” said Dr. Katherine O’Brien, director of the WHO’s Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals.

O’Brien continued, “We do see evidence that the third dose actually increases the immune response.”

Dr. Stanley Dowell is a primary care physician, who treats, primarily, seniors.

Many of his patients are immuno-compromised.

Not only should these patients be fully vaccinated, Dowell said, but they should get the booster as quickly as it becomes available to them.

“When a patient is immuno-compromised, their bodies are unable to mount an immune response to infection,” said Dowell. “No antibodies are being produced to fight the virus.

When the level of antibodies increases, the patient can wage a more robust resistance to COVID-19,” said Dowell.

“A positive outcome is more likely for immuno-compromised patients who receive the booster. It could make all the difference,” Dowell added.

Shelby County Health Department Medical Officer Dr. Bruce Randolph agreed that vaccination and booster shots for seniors are the best protection from the coronavirus, especially those who are immuno-compromised.

“We learned that Colin Powell was already fighting multiple myeloma, which is

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The New Tri-State Defender

October 21 - 27, 2021

Page 3

NEWS POWELL

CONTINUED FROM FRONT time as a soldier during Vietnam. Many Presidents relied on General Powell’s counsel and experience,” former President George W. Bush said.

“He was National Security Adviser under President Reagan, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under my father and President Clinton, and Secretary of State during my Administration.”

Bush continued: “He was such a favorite of Presidents that he earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom – twice. He was highly respected at home and abroad.

“And most important, Colin was a family man and a friend.

Laura and I send Alma and their children our sincere condolences as they remember the life of a great man.”

National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., said the Black Press of America will fondly remember General Powell’s contributions.

“We pause to express our profound condolences to the family of The Honorable Colin Powell,” Dr. Chavis remarked.

“Secretary Powell was America’s military general and, at the same time, the nation’s conscience as U.S. Secretary of State.”

He continued: “We in the African American community mourn his passing and rededicate ourselves to ensure that the legacy of Colin Powell will live on.”

General Powell had a reputation for generating bipartisan support, being a trusted military adviser, and putting coun-

try over party, added Spencer Overton, the president of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.

“General Powell was a true leader and a man of many firsts – the first Black U.S. Secretary of State and the youngest officer appointed chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,” Overton reflected.

“We will remember General Powell’s commitment to public service and Black communities. General Powell was a friend of the Joint Center and participated in various events.

“He always remembered where he came from and tried to ensure that opportunities would remain open to others – as evidenced by his support of affirmative action and other programs designed to facilitate economic mobility and the full participation of Americans from all backgrounds.

“His memory will live on as a testament to the importance of working across party lines for Black communities. Our thoughts and prayers go out to General Powell’s entire family, including his wife Alma Powell and son Michael K. Powell, a former FCC Chair, who served as the initial chair of the Joint Center’s National Advisory Committee of its Media and Technology Institute.”

President Joe Biden remembered Powell as the son of immigrants, born in New York City, raised in Harlem and the South Bronx, and as a graduate of the City College of New York.

Powell believed in the promise of America because he lived it, President Biden asserted, noting that the general devoted much of his life to making that promise a reality

for so many others.

“As a Senator, I worked closely with him when he served as National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and as Secretary of State. Over our many years working together – even in disagreement – Colin was always someone who gave you his best and treated you with respect,” the President reflected.

“Colin embodied the highest ideals of both warrior and diplomat. He was committed to our nation’s strength and security above all. Having fought in wars, he understood better than anyone that military might alone was not enough to maintain our peace and prosperity,” President Biden declared.

“From his front-seat view of history, advising presidents and shaping our nation’s policies, Colin led with his personal commitment to the democratic values that make our country strong. Time and again, he put country before self, before party, before all else – in uniform and out – and it earned him the universal respect of the American people.”

Above all, President Biden said General Powell was a friend.

“I am forever grateful for his support of my candidacy for president and for our shared battle for the soul of the nation. I will miss being able to call on his wisdom in the future,” the President continued.

“Colin Powell was a good man. He will be remembered as one of our great Americans.”

(Follow Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire senior national correspondent @StacyBrownMedia.)

Putting it on the line…

Shelby County Commissioner Tami Sawyer (second right) participated in a voting rights march in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday. She was among 25 people later arrested.

Said Sawyer on Facebook: “As a Black southerner, I came to DC to represent one of the most disenfranchised demographics in the country.

We bet on Biden - and now it’s time for him to settle up and stop taking us for granted.”

(Photo: Facebook)

Study: Poor, low-income voters cast over one-third of 2020 Presidential Election ballots NNPA Newswire Poor and low-income people accounted for more than a third of all voters overall in the 2020 presidential election, and their turnout was especially strong in tight battleground states, according to a recently released study by the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival (PPC:NCMR).

The study, titled “Waking the Sleeping Giant: Low-Income Voters and the 2020 Elections” also shows that of the 168 million people who voted in 2020, 59 million — 35 percent — were poor or low-income, meaning they have an estimated annual income of less than $50,000.

The 2020 presidential elections saw the highest voter turnout in U.S. election history, including among low-in-

come voters.

“This cuts against common misperceptions that poor and low-income people are apathetic about politics or inconsequential to electoral outcomes,” the executive summary of the study reads.

Ahead of the 2020 vote, the PPC:NCMR launched a nonpartisan voter outreach drive across 16 states, targeting urban and rural areas. The action reached over 2.1 million voters, the vast majority of whom were eligible low-income voters.

Low-income voters who were contacted by PPC:NCMR had a higher turnout rate than similarly positioned voters who were not contacted in those same states.

“The drive had a statistically significant impact in drawing eligible low-income voters into the active voting electorate, showing that intentional efforts to engage low-income

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voters — around an agenda that includes living wages, health care, strong anti-poverty programs, voting rights and policies that fully address injustices of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation and the war economy — can be effective across state borders and racial lines,” the report says.

For example in Georgia, which Joe Biden carried, marking the first presidential victory for a Democrat in that state since 1992, PPC:NCMR’s voter outreach helped bring over 39,000 non-voters from 2016 into the 2020 elections. Those voters accounted for more than three times the final margin of victory in Georgia’s presidential tally.

There’s no proven link that that outreach decided the election, but it does show the potential impact of low-income voters, the study says.

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, October 21 - 27, 2021, Page 4

Dads…WAKE UP!

by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

We forget sometimes how important dads are in the education of our children.

The role of fathers in today’s society, when it comes to the development of our kids, is crucial.

I must admit, however, there are days when I feel all hope is lost when it comes to our children.

The violence in our community, the situations in our schools, the conditions of our families — we’re all racking our brains trying to figure out what Curtis Weathers to do.

While we keep looking for remedies to the problems we see in our schools, homes and communities, a major part of the solution is standing right there in front of us — our DADS! The role of fathers is critical in the development of our children and, quite frankly, the salvation of our communities.

Dads matter!

For more than 73 percent of the U.S. population, fatherlessness is the most significant family or social problem facing America today, according the National Center for Fathering (fathers.com).

More than 20 million children live in homes without the physical presence of a father. Millions more have dads who are physically present, but emotionally absent.

I remember while serving as a school principal, a significant number my students came from single-parent homes.

Every so often, a father or an uncle would come to the school to check on their children. Most of the time it was because of some disciplinary issue, but it was always a pleasure to see them.

I often rolled out the red-carpet treatment when they arrived. But it was for sure a rare occasion to see them enter the building.

Keep in mind, there is no guarantee that children with involved dads won’t struggle in school. But when Dad is not in the picture to lead and guide his children, the likelihood of scholastic trouble skyrockets.

The reason for that is more psychological than intellectual. The feeling of abandonment leaves a child unable to trust. Lack of trust leads to recklessness, which can lead a person down many treacherous pathways.

Children need their dads to be the anchor that stabilizes their youth as they are pulled in so many different directions while growing up.

There are many resources to help fathers meet some of the demands of fatherhood. I came across one of those resources just last week.

Seedco is an organization that has been working with fathers and families in various communities for several years. Although I’ve heard the name before, I never knew the kinds of services they provided.

Travis Wilson, retention coordinator for their “Strong Fathers, Stronger Families Mid-south (SFSF Midsouth)” initiative, sat down with me and explained the work they were doing in Memphis.

The organization has more than 10 years of experience operating fatherhood programs across the country and brings that knowledge to Greater Memphis to help

The role of fathers is critical in the development of our children and, quite frankly, the salvation of our communities.

Dads matter!

Travis Wilson is the retention coordinator for Seedco’s Strong Fathers, Stronger Families Mid-south (SFSF Mid-south) initiative.

(Courtesy photo) meet the needs of fathers here.

SFSF Mid-south helps fathers and father figures build strong father/child relationships, set up positive co-parenting skills and increase economic stability and mobility through workshops, training and job placement services.

I was blown away when I heard and read about the services they provide.

But there are many other organizations out there that

This participant in the Strong Fathers, Stronger Families program says, “Seedco’s program has really given me a sense of positivity and a desire to change things.” (Courtesy photo) provide services to support fathers and their families that the greater public may not be aware of.

We clearly need some sort of central directory of those types of services.

But this issue really isn’t that complicated. When fathers are engaged in the lives of their children, especially their education, children learn more, perform better in school and exhibit healthier patterns of behavior.

Even if dads do not share the same home with their kids, their active involvement in their child’s education can have a lasting and positive impact.

But let’s be clear, the 24 million American children growing up without fathers are not all doomed. Many communities have seen remarkable success with mentoring programs for at-risk youth.

Mentors, teachers, clergy, coaches and other adults can provide support for our kids and give them a perspective on the world that can counteract the risks associated with living in a single-parent home.

Lastly, I am in no way marginalizing the hard work and the tender-loving care of the single moms out there.

Many are doing an excellent job. Others are struggling and need our help.

As a principal, I had the pleasure of working with scores of single moms over the years and I have been awed by the resilience and determination they show while raising their children, especially their young boys.

So, dads, consider this a gentle nudge. Your role is critical to the growth and development of your sons and daughters.

They always are paying attention, even when you think they’re not. Always be there for your children, even when you no longer live in the same household.

I understand relationships can be complicated, but your role truly matters. And to a much larger extent, the health and wellbeing of our schools and communities are in your hands.

So, WAKE UP, Dads. We absolutely need you right now!

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

But let’s be clear, the 24 million American children growing up without fathers are not all doomed. Many communities have seen remarkable success with mentoring programs for at-risk youth. ¶ Mentors, teachers, clergy, coaches and other adults can provide support for our kids and give them a perspective on the world that can counteract the risks associated with living in a single-parent home.

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The New Tri-State Defender

October 21 - 27, 2021

Page 5

RELIGION

Saluting Delsa ‘Fireball’ Fleming...

Friends of WLOK’s “Evening Gospel” host Delsa “Fireball” Fleming (right) honored her at a tribute program at Mt. Moriah East Baptist Church last Friday (Oct. 15). Fleming was escorted by her grandson, Russell Landers. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

With a nod to its birth, United Community Missionary Baptist Church makes its own way

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The Christian church, despite the separation of denominational lines, shares an essential, common reality: Local congregations are comprised of fallible and imperfect people who may have very different ideas about how things should be run. Differences of opinion may become a hardlined split in the church body when compromise and cooperation are given a back seat.

Opposing agendas can emerge from the fray and any Biblical directives on love and “esteeming another more highly than yourself” are forgotten. Winning at all costs can become paramount.

Pastor George Scott recalled this very situation 16 years ago after the long-time pastor of a church where Scott was a member died, leaving a void of leadership and direction.

Election of a new pastor was scheduled, once the period of corpo-

rate mourning had passed.

“We prepared to move forward and elect a new pastor,” said Scott. “The Lord was increasing our membership, and the church was growing. I received the highest number of votes.

But politics got in the mix, and some officers fought the results.

“They were backing a neighborhood guy who grew up in the church.

I pushed back and stood my ground, based on the election results. But ultimately, I walked away.”

Sixteen years later, Scott helped birth United Community Missionary Baptist Church, which he described as a vibrant, loving body of believers who are “thriving in divine favor.”

Today, the church meets in its purple and gold church building at 131 W. Person Ave., in the Riverside Community.

“We didn’t have much money back then, but we were just trusting in God,” said Scott. “There were 10 founding members. We met at the McDonald’s on Third Street for those initial meetings. Then, we started to

meet from house to house.”

Scott reflected on being in the heat of the conflict at his former church.

“Things could have been done decently and in order, but everyone became so emotionally invested in the conflict. I prayed for direction and asked the Lord what was His will,” said Scott. “I got my answer, clearly. I would leave the church family I had loved and served. I knew God would lead me. I wanted to see peace restored.”

Scott said there was still one thing everyone agreed on — that the pastor’s legacy not be turned into a big mess. And out of that conflict 16 years ago is the continued growth and spiritual health of not one, but two congregations.

“We are not holding any ill will now,” said Scott. “That happened such a long time ago. We wish all of God’s people well. God has blessed both congregations over the years.”

Scott was born and reared in Birmingham, Alabama. He preached his first sermon before he hit puberty.

“My pastor was W.M. Norwood, and he was 90-something,” said Scott. “I grew up in the church under his guidance and teaching. I preached my first sermon when I was 12. …

My upbringing and church training was rich in the word. I was truly saved at a right, early age.”

Experience and Pastor Norwood’s loving example taught Scott how to shepherd “God’s people” with a pastor’s heart, he said.

Scott does not receive a salary.

He works every day to support his family and help carry the financial responsibility of maintaining United Community. Prior to planting United Community, Scott owned two auto mechanic shops.

“Since the pandemic, we have re-formulated our service,” said Scott.

“On Tuesday, we have our Sunday School lesson, Bible study and prayer meeting. We went back to the basics.

In our prayer meeting, we lie on the altar and pray like the saints used to do. We believe in intercessory prayer.”

Pastor George Scott and his wife, Shemika Scott, during a celebration at United Community Missionary Baptist Church.

(Courtesy photo) Scott believes that churches in inner-city neighborhoods have a special role to play in uplifting and improving the lot of community residents.

“The church of Jesus has been assigned to spread the message that Jesus saves and gives hope,” said Scott. “We look for God to increase the membership, but building a huge congregation is not our purpose.

“Our real work is spreading the gospel everywhere the Lord sends us.

We want to make a difference right here on our little corner.”

27th Pastoral Anniversary...

Greater New Bethel Baptist Church on George Road in Lakeview Gardens saluted the Rev. Dr. Vernon Horner (right, standing) and his wife, Barbara Horner (seated), during the 27th Pastoral Anniversary celebration at the church last Sunday (Oct. 17).

(Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

The New Tri-State Defender, October 21 - 27, 2021, Page 6

“We’re honored to be introducing these titles to Memphis audiences. I’m confident many of these are classics that will be talked about for a long time to come. We aim to have a collection of films that is winnowed down to the best of year, and I think this line-up reflects that.”

— Miriam Bale

Indie Memphis presents Black Creators Forum and Indie Memphis Film Festival

by Brianna Smith-Herman Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Indie Memphis Film Festival presented the 4th Annual Black Creators Forum (BCF), Oct.15-16.

The forum is series of workshops, discussions and speakers led by notable Black critics and industry professionals. The forum’s goal is “to ease the barrier of entry for Black artists who would like to work in film.”

The virtual event preceded the opening of the Indie Memphis Film Festival, which began Wednesday (Oct. 20) and continues through Monday (Oct. 25).

BCF is a welcomed effort by Indie Memphis to push inclusion and diversity in the film industry.

In Memphis, where African Americans make up 64 percent of the population, this just makes sense. Our stories need to be told, heard and amplified.

“I feel so full, so grateful, so inspired and enlightened by having intimate conversations with other filmmakers,” said actress Carrie Bernans. “My short-film documentary ‘Finding My Roots: Tale of Two Carries’ will be premiering in the Indie Film Festival on October 24.”

The Indie Memphis Film Festival will feature a hybrid of virtual and in-person theatrical screenings.

Indie Memphis’ Artistic Director Miriam Bale and fellow programmer Kayla Myers are bringing their unique life perspectives and tastes to the table to create a more inclusive program overall.

The festival is resolute in its mission of highlighting BIPOC (Black, indigenous, and people of color) and female filmmakers, offering a wonderful combination of new discoveries and festival favorites.

Indie Memphis Film Festival, presented by Duncan Williams, Inc., promises to be a very exciting and wildly varied one, featuring films ranging from new discoveries to beloved classics, from festival hits to experimental wonders and everything in-between.

“I am incredibly excited by what we are offering this year with the festival,” said Indie Memphis Executive Director Knox Shelton, “The programming is stellar and, in terms of how we’ve planned the festival, we hope that we have found ways for people to celebrate independent filmmaking based on their comfort level.

“We understand that there is no perfect way to do this, but we’ve taken steps to ensure the health and safety of our filmmakers, attendees, volunteers and staff.”

In the quest to reach a large audience while taking COVID-19 precautions, this year’s festival will be a hybrid of online and in-person screenings and events.

For in-person Memphis screenings and events, proof of COVID-19 vaccine is required for all staff, volunteers, contractors and attendees. Masks are required at all times indoors.

As there is every year, the festival features screenings of the highly anticipated “Hometowner” section of films —all from Memphis filmmakers.

These films include George Tillman’s “The Lucky Eleven,” a documentary about a group of 11 young men from South Memphis, who began their journey in junior high school and made their way to the NFL, and A.D. Smith’s “Killer,” a narrative feature about 10 friends, who decide to quarantine under the same roof during the

“The Devil Will Run”: When a self-reliant seven-year-old discovers a hole in his backyard, he fears it’s where the Devil lives.

“The Pill”: An African-American family indulges in the use of a secret pill that helps them cope with the dayto-day stressors of racism outside of their home.

“Finding My Roots: The Tale of Two Carries”: Carrie Bernans, named after her grandma and great-grandma Carrie is on a quest to “find her roots.”

From Memphis to the #Mississippi Delta, it’s a journey of faith and perseverance.

“Life Ain’t Like The Movies”: An awkward 16-year-old Black teen comes of age and learns about love, bullying, tragedy and how to connect to his father who he’s extremely different from.

COVID-19 pandemic. (Unfortunately, one of them is a killer.)

“We’re honored to be introducing these titles to Memphis audiences,” said Artistic Director Miriam Bale. “I’m confident many of these are classics that will be talked about for a long time to come. We aim to have a collection of films that is winnowed down to the best of year, and I think this line-up reflects that.”

The opening night film is Sean Baker’s Cannes favorite “Red Rocket,” starring Simon Rex as a porn star who returns to his Texas hometown that barely tolerates him.

The centerpiece presentation is Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s “Drive My Car,” a film adapted from a Haruki Murakami short story in which an aging actor can no longer drive, so he hires a quiet 20-year-old girl as his chauffeur.

The closing night feature is Pablo Larrain’s “Spencer,” a film imagining one weekend in the life of Princess Diana (Kristen Stewart), as she spends the Christmas holiday with the royal family at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, and decides to leave her marriage to Prince Charles.

In between those films you have choices upon choices.

Some additional standout titles include Robert Greene’s “Procession,” a documentary about a group of survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests battle for justice, and Rhayne Vermette’s “Ste. Anne,” a drama that traces an allegorical reclamation of land through personal, symbolic and historical sites.

Go to the film guide (https://www.indiememphis.org/2021-festival-home) and follow along.

Also, visit: https://youtu.be/t-SyNRId6kg

The New Tri-State Defender

October 21 - 27, 2021

ENTERTAINMENT BOOK REVIEW

Read Anita Hill’s ‘Believing’ with caution and deepbreathing room

by Terri Schlichenmeyer

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The grab was savage.

You yelped because you weren’t expecting it. Because it shouldn’t have happened.

It was rough enough to leave marks on your skin, little round marks like fingertips; for sure, it left marks on your self-confidence but complain, and it’ll all be denied. You know the truth, though, and when you read “Believing” by Anita Hill, you’ll know someone else does, too.

Twenty-five percent of American women today “experience intimate partner violence...” Thirty-three percent say they’ve endured harassment at work. The rate’s higher for women of color, highest in the LGBTQ community.

Similar statistics were available in 1991 when Anita Hill testified before Congress about the harassment she’d said she’d experienced from then-Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas, testimony that later contributed to Hill’s becoming one of the country’s leaders in the fight against sexual harassment and gender violence.

Before the Thomas hearing, Hill says, courts routinely dismissed most complaints about lewd comments, unwelcome advances, and unwanted touch from harassers. Some judges couldn’t “understand” why a woman might be frightened by intimidation from a man; others believed the complaints to be overwrought. Such things were said to be “‘not that bad’,” says Hill, words she likens to a knife.

Millennial and GenZers are believed to be intolerant of harassment and inequality, but Hill says they may still be affected by entrenched attitudes that haven’t been completely erased. She had hoped that #MeToo might’ve changed things, but

while the movement helped to open a major conversation about the issues, the frequency of sexual harassment and gender violence has not lessened.

She points to misogyny from the last administration and the Kavanaugh confirmation hearing as proof, as well as gun violence (often caused by bullying) and ongoing problems with harassment, homophobia, and gender inequality in many schools, from elementary school all the way through college.

We can do better but, as Hill indicates, America has a long way to go.

It’s hard to nail down one single fix for issues of gender violence from the pages of “Believing.” Dive in, dig around, surface for air, and dive in again – truth is, the whole entire book is one long roadmap, with dozens of possible patches.

And yet, you may ask yourself if what author Anita Hill quietly suggests is enough.

Takeaways from the stories she shares are that gender violence and sexual harassment can be like a long game of Whacka-Mole: once an incident is dealt with, another will pop up somewhere else, relentlessly, endlessly.

Using the Thomas hearings as scaffolding here, she seems to show that while politics absolutely plays a part in the presence of harassment and gender violence in America, the prevalence can be found everywhere and costs us more than just psychologically.

Discouraging? Yes, and even Hill admits that such information can be triggering if you’ve been a victim, so read “Believing” with caution and deep-breathing room. It’s powerful, deep, and raw but it’s also highly informative. If you want to know where we’re heading on this subject, it’s the book to grab.

“Believing: Our Thirty-Year Journey to End Gender Violence”

by Anita Hill c. 2021, Viking $30 / $40 Canada 352 pages

Page 7

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, October 21 - 27, 2021, Page 8

Council finds its way to spending priorities for ‘Rescue Plan’ funds

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Block Party is a sweet stop …

Bobby Clayton responds to a customer’s choice during the Cupcake Cutie Etc. Block Party last Saturday (Oct. 16). (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley) Felicia Fowlkes and her daughter, Harmony Johnson, got what they came: some delicious cupcakes from Cupcake Cutie at 300 South Main St.

will receive a portion of that available funding. In short, no one is walking away empty-handed.

“Two, the council will be making targeted, large-scale investments that will make a greater impact over small and scattered investments,” said Carlisle.

What came out in the wash was funding for a variety of priorities, including $3 million each for a supermarket or grocery store in North Memphis, affordable housing grants and a satellite homeless facility in Raleigh operated by the Hospitality Hub. Waste collection will also benefit from $1.7 million.

Competition from trucking outfits have made qualified

sanitation drivers scarce.

Breakdowns and other maintenance issues have also hindered trash collection in Memphis. Meanwhile, public transportation initiatives pulled in $1.5 million in funding. Several other initiatives are set for an influx of cash in smaller amounts.

“We know ARPA funding can be put to good use a million different ways, but we must land on how to appropriate $20 million (the council’s share of the city’s $161 million in federal rescue funds). It’s our opinion that targeted funding that this body has deemed to be priorities is the most equitable, efficient and effective way,” surmised Carlisle.

Although every proposal took a hit, the option to take another look at extra funding was left open.

“Down the road, if we need funding for certain things, I think we can come back to the table,” said Ford.

The City of Memphis Finance Department will determine the eligibility for the funding. A quarterly written report on the allocations will be given to the council until the ARPA fund expires in December 2024.

A vote on $68 million in proposed items was put off until November.

County Commission decides how to slice American Rescue Act ‘pie’

Postal shooting update: Shooter, victims identified

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The puzzle of three people dead at the USPS East Lamar Carrier Annex became came a bit more in focus with the identification of those who died in the apparent double murder-suicide.

In a news release,U.S. Postal Inspectors identified the shooter as Johntra Haley, 28, who shot James Wilson, 47, and Demetria Dortch, 37, with a gun he bought in 2017.

According to the inspectors, Haley then turned the weapon on himself.

The shooting occurred just after 2 p.m. on Oct. 12. The next morning, the facility located near the intersection of Park Ave. and Pendleton Street, was reopened and fully operational.

Wilson had been with the postal service since 2001.

Dortch joined in 2015. Haley, who was hired as a letter carrier in July, had no negative reports or complaints filed against him. Haley’s mother, Tracey Haley of Memphis, said her son had complained that he felt “his bosses” were bullying him.

After the name of her son was released, Tracey Haley did confirm publicly that the shooter at the facility in Orange Mound facility was, in-

After weeks of haggling, Memphis City Council members agreed to a $20 million set of spending priorities for American Rescue Plan funds Tuesday (Oct. 19), but only after settling on guidelines behind closed doors.

“We took names off of everything because we are going to do this as a collaborative, all 13 of us. That’s why we took names off of everything.

“And I think we came up with something we all can live with,” said Councilman Edmund Ford Sr. Along with fellow budget committee member Chase Carlisle, Ford had been tasked with coming up with the guidelines to end a potential stalemate on the funding.

For weeks, individual council members had pushed, some passionately, for funding for projects and initiatives they felt would directly benefit their constituents.

In the end, the Ford and Carlisle opted to disassemble the baby into numerous working parts.

“We’ve used these guiding principles to craft a proposal that has two key points: One, each council member that made a proposal to this body

“We know ARPA funding can be put to good use a million different ways, but we must land on how to appropriate $20 million (the council’s share of the city’s $161 million in federal rescue funds).”

— Chase Carlisle

The immediate aftermath of the double-murder, suicide at the East Lamar Carrier Annex on Tuesday afternoon. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises) deed, her son. She said Haley called and told her he was being bullied at his workplace.

Haley worked directly under Dortch, a facility supervisor, and Wilson, a manager.

Tracey Haley told the Associated Press that she was sorry for the families of the victims and apologized for what her son had done.

Haley said her son was “a churchgoing person,” who would come home feeling stressed because “they were talking to him any kind of way.” She described him as a “faithful worker,” who reported to work every day and put in long hours.

Haley spoke to an AP reporter at the apartment complex where her son lived. Investigators searched the apartment for any clues pertinent to the double murder-suicide as his sister was taken aside for questioning.

Postal inspectors declined to comment on the statements by

Tracey Haley.

The multi-agency investigation also involves the Memphis Police Department, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Shri Green, area vice-president for the National Association of Postal Supervisors, said postal employees are experiencing heightened stress from working six or seven, 12-hour workdays and that the added pressure of working in a COVID-19 pandemic “has not helped.”

Carrier annex facilities house the sorting operations of letters and packages. Retail services, such as stamp sales and post office mail boxes, are not offered. Letter carriers load up in the mornings for route deliveries of the mail.

No consumers are served in the annexes.

U.S. Post Office officials said free counseling services are available to all employees.

Shelby County Commissioners cut around $58 million out of the county’s American Rescue Act pie during the lawmaker’s Monday (Oct. 18) meeting after approving funding for a slate of items.

The cuts and approvals capped weeks of back and forth on how the federal rescue funds should be spent.

The commissioners’ action is part of Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris’ overall $130 million proposal for the relief money through fiscal year 2022, which ends June 30.

“This is really only the start of the conversation. I want to remind commissioners, even after this particular milestone is reached, we’ll be back before the commission dozens and dozens of times to talk about each one these items in detail …cto receive feedback from the commissioners,” said Harris prior to the vote.

Among the winners this round were the county’s various healthcare systems and hospitals, which have routinely been understaffed during the pandemic.

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and Baptist Memorial Healthcare will both receive $3.5 million; $2.4 million will go to St. Francis Hospitals Memphis and Bartlett.

Regional One Health,

the county-owned hospital, which plans an expansion of its trauma center, will net $19.1 million. Part of its funding was secured in a prior resolution.

County health clinics, for their part, will see an infusion of $1.9 million for renovation and expansion. Another $4.3 million will cover access to preventative health care for Shelby County’s uninsured.

Food insecurity was also addressed. Mid-South Food Bank will get $3 million in funding. Its funding swelled after an original marker was set at $1 million.

“This is the product of really, really collaborative meetings between our administration and Commissioner (Eddie) Jones, who came forward and pressed the case on behalf of those in need of food and the work the food bank does,” said Harris.

Area homeless will benefit from an additional $3.2 million for case management and transitional housing. Another $3.2 million will address the mental health needs of inmates.

Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr. referred a handful of items back to committee for further study. They include an unknown amount to “manage deficits” at the FedExForum. According to commission Chairman Willie Brooks, the contents of that conversation are required to be confidential. Last week, an

attorney-client meeting was held with commissioners.

“We’ll have another executive session to review the item related to the FedExForum,” Brooks said.

Broadband expansion funding for at-home students was delayed after questions arose on whether enough money was being allocated for the effort, even with a possible 80/20 state funding match.

The issue will come up for a vote during November’s first commission meeting.

Ford questioned whether the estimated $2.5 million in proposed funding “would … really be enough to give broadband to underserved communities in the entire county?’”

A $1.3 million item labeled “miscellaneous” spending also got the hook. It would pay for a consultant and staff that would aid the county’s reporting of its ARPA fund use to federal officials.

Other criticisms and scrutiny crept in the funding discussion, including money for public safety, the largest line item, although it was included in the final vote.

“I do think it’s misleading to have under public safety $30 million, when $25 million of that is really for employee bonuses and not directly related (to public safety),” said Commissioner Brandon Morrison. “So, I think we are short on the public safety piece….”

The New Tri-State Defender

October 21 - 27, 2021

NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS

Tennessee lawmakers OK $900M Ford incentive package

by Kimberlee Kruesi and Jonathan Mattise NASHVILLE — Tennessee lawmakers on Wednesday committed to spending nearly $900 million on state incentives, infrastructure upgrades and more as part of a sweeping plan with Ford Motor Co. to build an electric vehicle and battery plant near Memphis.

It took the Republican-led General Assembly just three days to sign off on the economic package after Gov. Bill Lee called them back to the Capitol for a special legislative session that was supposed to focus solely on the Ford deal.

“It’s exciting to think what it might mean for the next generation of Tennesseans, particularly those in rural West Tennessee,” Lee told reporters shortly after the General Assembly advanced the incentive package. “There are a few days that feel as significant and as important as today.”

Despite the governor’s directive, some Republicans attempted to jam a number of measures that would undermine protective measures against the COVID-19 outbreak. Those attempts were ultimately unsuccessful after Senate leaders announced the bills would not receive a hearing.

The push won’t be dead for long, though, because Republicans mustered enough support to bring the legislature back in Nashville next week to consider a slew of changes in opposition to COVID-19 requirements.

About 10 lawmakers voted against or abstained from voting on the Ford bills.

Ford and South Korean battery maker SK Innovation announced last month that they would spend $5.6 billion to build a factory to produce electric F-Series pickups. The project, located near the small town of Stanton in rural Haywood County, is expected to create about 5,800 new jobs at

the West Tennessee megasite by 2025.

When the Ford deal was initially announced, Lee said Tennessee offered $500 million in incentives to help secure the 3,600-acre (1,457-hectare) project. That dollar amount jumped drastically this week when Lee’s administration unveiled plans to spend hundreds of millions more on improving the megasite.

Around $138 million has been budgeted for infrastructure and demolition work at the site, including the $52 million announced by the governor this summer before the Ford project was announced. Another $40 million has been proposed to build a new technical college in Haywood County. Another $200 million would be spent on road projects.

The massive investment in the Western Tennessee site sparked praise among Democratic lawmakers who noted the area containing the state’s largest Black population had been long ignored by Tennessee’s leaders.

“We need to think about the union jobs that will be created in rural Tennessee to lift people out of poverty,” said House Minority Leader Karen Camper, a Democrat from Memphis.

“This was great, this was the first step in where we want to go...we look forward to the thriving economy that’s going to come as a result of (Ford) coming here.”

Republican lawmakers pointed out that Ford’s commitment was further evidence of Tennessee’s business friendly policies. Along with Ford, gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson said it would move its headquarters to Tennessee after company officials said legislative proposals in their current Massachusetts would prohibit them from manufacturing certain weapons.

“If you compare their northern cities to our southern cities...if you compare all these great companies like Ford Motor Co. and Smith and Wesson

coming down South, I think I can tell my grandson the war between the states is still going on and we’re winning,” said Republican Sen. Frank Niceley.

Yet even with Republican support, some GOP members raised concern that Ford’s employees will eventually vote for union membership. Multiple lawmakers unsuccessfully attempted to insert language that would force any offer to join the United Auto Workers union by secret ballot.

Currently, Ford’s national contract with the UAW pledges that the company will remain neutral when the union tries to organize any new factories. It will agree to “card check” sign-up efforts, which let unions recruit workers to sign cards saying they want to be represented. Once 51 percent of workers sign on, the plant becomes union.

Before landing the Ford project, Tennessee had invested more than $174 million in the megasite but struggled to lure the big tenant it wanted. Haywood County, meanwhile, saw its population shrink by 4.9 percent to 17,864 people from 2010 to 2020, one of 14 counties to lose population as Tennessee grew as a whole by 8.9 percent, according to census data.

Lawmakers also signed off on a new authority to oversee the megasite, which officials say still has another 500 empty acres to market to companies.

What records will be made public or kept secret from the new organization has drawn some scrutiny. For instance, the agency would have the power to keep confidential for five years any “sensitive” documents whose release would interfere with the group’s mission.

Tennessee Coalition for Open Government Executive Director Deborah Fisher said the exemption is overly broad. Members of Lee’s administration said the policy mirrors what his Department of Economic and Community Development can already do under state law.

Officials: Tennessee can’t drop COVID rule despite GOP push NASHVILLE — Tennessee labor officials say they are unable to reject a federal rule designed to protect health care workers from COVID-19 despite receiving stern instructions earlier this week from Republican lawmakers to do so.

In a letter sent to lawmakers Tuesday, Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Jeff McCord argued that there is no state statute or process allowing the withdrawal of a rule once it becomes effective.

The federal rule, adopted by Tennessee in late August, outlines requirements for personal protective equipment, social distancing and other safety measures for workers at medical facilities that care for people with COVID-19. It also requires paid sick time for employees who contract COVID-19, need to get vaccinated or are dealing with vaccine side effects.

According to McCord, the federal government could revoke Tennessee’s authority to oversee its own workplace safety enforcement if the state refuses to comply with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s COVID-19 rules. The Biden administration already issued such threats to three Republi-

Gov. Bill Lee (center) closing out the special legislative session on Wednesday (Oct. 20). He thanked lawmakers for their legislative action, asserting that, “This single-largest investment in state history marks a tremendous win for rural Tennessee & will strengthen our workforce for generations.” (Photo: Gov. Bill Lee, Twitter) can-led states this week.

“At this time, TN-OSHA intends to maintain the (rules) for healthcare employees while it remains in effect,” McCord wrote.

Tension over administering rules handed down by OSHA has increased as states prepare to receive vaccination and testing rules affecting 80 million Americans. Nearly half the states will have to rely on state labor regulators for enforcement.

Gov. Bill Lee told reporters on Wednesday that he has not instructed McCord to hold off on adopting the pending vaccine rules, but said he opposes Biden’s vaccine mandate.

“We will wait until the rule comes out and see what the implications are of that rule and we will act accordingly,” the Republican said. “But you can expect that if that rule requires those mandates we will oppose that.”

Earlier this week, Republicans on an influential legislative committee dismissed

Page 9

suggestions that the rules were designed to protect employees from the virus pandemic. Instead, the Government Operations panel overwhelmingly voted in favor of Tennessee’s labor agency rejecting the federal government’s safety protocols for health care workers even if it meant risking penalties.

“We’ve got to get to sensibilities and not be chasing the dollar,” Republican Sen. Janice Bowling said. “There’s a time when you’ve sold your soul.”

Republican Rep. John Ragan, who chairs the government operation committee, did not immediately respond to an email request for comment on McCord’s decision not to reject the federal rule.

The committee has consistently remained hostile to protective measures against the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, including briefly threatening to dissolve the Tennessee Health Department for its effort to vaccinate teenagers for COVID-19.

NOTICE TO BIDDER(S) Sealed bids will be received by the Shelby County Government in the Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38134 until 9:30 a.m. on November 5, 2021, as shown below: MULTIPLE AND ENTIRELY DIFFERENT REHABILITATION JOBS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS BID NOTICE. BIDDER(S) MAY ELECT TO BID ON ANY OR ALL OF THE JOBS IN THE NOTICE. SEALED I000705 BID DUE AT 9:30 a.m.: November 5, 2021 1. Rehabilitation of Owner-Occupied Housing Units throughout Shelby County some of which may require the use of lead based paint safe work practices and techniques; and Detailed specifications for items above may be obtained in the Shelby County Department of Housing at the aforementioned address beginning October 22, 2021. All bids will be opened and publicly read by the Shelby County Government at the time mentioned above at the Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road Memphis, TN 38134, (901) 222-7600; TTY Number (901) 222-2301; or for information in Spanish 901-222-7601. Award recommendations will be posted at the following website http:// www.shelbycountytn.gov/3453/ Contract-Opportunities upon review of the bid opening results.

As a condition precedent to bidding, each bidder must apply and qualify for a Vendor Number and Equal Opportunity Compliance Eligibility Number prior to the submitting your response. Your EOC number must be displayed on the outside of your envelope for each bid submission.

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

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

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

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

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

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

By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Scott Walkup, Administrator

NOTICE TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FIRMS REGARDING A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND LETTERS OF INTEREST October 21, 2021 The City of Memphis, Tennessee an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer, seeks to retain the services of a professional services firm to provide Right-of-Way appraisal services related to construction of Holmes Road, from Mill Branch Road to Tchulahoma Road, PIN 107040.00. The project shall be accomplished in accordance with TDOT Local Programs guidelines.

The professional consultant firm must be on TDOT’s list of prequalified Appraisal Consultants or have a completed prequalification form filed with TDOT by the deadline for the Letters of Interest. Responsibilities of the professional consultant firm include, but are not limited to: Required Scope of Services • Provide Appraisal Services

Right-of-Way

Firms may request consideration by submitting a letter of interest along with qualifications to Kimley-Horn and Associates, 6750 Poplar Avenue, Suite 600, Memphis, TN 38138 ATTN: Drake Danley. All letters of interest must be received by Kimley-Horn and Associates on or before 2:00 p.m. CDT Friday, November 5, 2021. The letter of interest and qualifications shall indicate the scope of services to be completed by any sub-consultants. Method of payment shall be Lump Sum. Phase I Evaluation For Phase I evaluations firms shall submit letters of interest and a statement of qualifications with firm contact information including name, address and e-mail of primary contact. The letters of interest and statement of qualifications shall also include: • Work experience in Rightof-Way services on Federal or TDOT project • Professional licensure with the State of Tennessee • Staff capabilities of prime consultant From the letters of interest, the City of Memphis will select up to four (4) qualified firms to submit Phase II qualifications. From this list, contracts may be awarded to the three (3) top-ranked firms to perform the services.

Phase II Evaluation The City of Memphis will evaluate the submittals on the following criteria (relative weight): a. Firm experience, credential and staff qualifications and availability (50%) b. Past experience in the required disciplines with the City and/or other agencies and demonstrated ability to meet schedules without compromising sound engineering practice (25%) c. Evaluations on prior projects of similar nature, if available (5%) d. Knowledge of Federal and TDOT requirements for Right-ofWay Acquisition Services, (20%) Prequalification procedures, example letter of interest, list of prequalified firms and certified DBEs, TDOT’s standard procurement policy, and additional information can be found at this internet address http://www.tn.gov/ tdot/topic/consultantinfo.

For information on prequalification, please contact Christine

SEE PAGE 10

The New Tri-State Defender

October 21 - 27, 2021

Page 10

CLASSIFIEDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 Smotherman at (615)741-4460 or Christine.Smotherman@tn.gov.

Evaluation proceedings will be conducted within the established guidelines regarding equal employment opportunity and nondiscriminatory action based upon the grounds of race, color, sex, creed or national origin.

Interested certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms as well as other minority-owned and women-owned firms are encouraged to respond to all advertisements by the City of Memphis. For information on DBE certification, please contact David Neese at (615)741-3681 or David.Neese@tn.gov. Details and instructions for DBE certification can be found at the following website: http://www.tn.gov/tdot/ topic/small-business.

NOTICE TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FIRMS REGARDING A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND LETTERS OF INTEREST October 21, 2021 The City of Memphis, Tennessee an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer, seeks to retain the services of a professional services firm to provide Right-of-Way negotiation services related to construction of Holmes Road, from Mill Branch Road to Tchulahoma Road, PIN 107040.00. The project shall be accomplished in accordance with TDOT Local Programs guidelines. The professional consultant firm must be on TDOT’s list of pre-qualified Acquisition and Relocation Consultants or have a completed pre-qualification form filed with TDOT by the deadline for the Letters of Interest. Responsibilities of the professional consultant firm include, but are not limited to: Required Scope of Services • Provide Right-of-Way Negotiation • Provide Right-of-Way Relocation Services Firms may request consideration by submitting a letter of interest along with qualifications to Kimley-Horn and Associates, 6750 Poplar Avenue, Suite 600, Memphis, TN 38138 ATTN: Drake Danley. All letters of interest must be received by Kimley-Horn and Associates on or before 2:00 p.m. CDT Friday, November 5, 2021. The letter of interest and qualifications shall indicate the scope of services to be completed by any sub-consultants. Method of payment shall be Lump Sum. Phase I Evaluation For Phase I evaluations firms shall submit letters of interest and a statement of qualifications with firm contact information including name, address and e-mail of primary contact. The letters of interest and statement of qualifications shall also include: • Work experience in Rightof-Way services on Federal or TDOT project • Professional licensure with the State of Tennessee • Staff capabilities of prime consultant From the letters of interest, the City of Memphis will select up to four (4) qualified firms to submit Phase II qualifications. From this list, contracts may be awarded to the two (2) top-ranked firms to perform the services.

Phase II Evaluation The City of Memphis will evaluate the submittals on the following criteria (relative weight): a. Firm experience, credential and staff qualifications and availability (40%) b. Past experience in the required disciplines with the City and/or other agencies and demonstrated ability to meet schedules without compromising sound engineering practice (25%) c. Evaluations on prior projects of similar nature, if available (5%) d. Knowledge of Federal and TDOT requirements for Right-ofWay Acquisition Services, (20%) e. This project has a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Goal (DBE) of 8%. The City encourages the use of firms that are listed on TDOT’s certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) list. The firm that is submitting the SOQ should either list that they are certified DBE firm or state the DBE firms they intend to use. The selected consultant must either meet the goal or show good faith efforts to meet the goal, consistent with the DBE program requirements at 49 C.F.R. 26.53.

(10%) Prequalification procedures, example letter of interest, list of pre-qualified firms and certified DBEs, TDOT’s standard procurement policy, and additional information can be found at this internet address http://www.tn.gov/ tdot/topic/consultantinfo. For information on prequalification, please contact Christine Smotherman at (615)741-4460 or Christine.Smotherman@tn.gov.

Evaluation proceedings will be conducted within the established guidelines regarding equal employment opportunity and nondiscriminatory action based upon the grounds of race, color, sex, creed or national origin. Interested certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms as well as other minority-owned and women-owned firms are encouraged to respond to all advertisements by the City of Memphis. For in-

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

DEADLINES: Display ads Friday 5 p.m.

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

BEER PERMITS Flat Rate: $35 GENERAL INFORMATION:

formation on DBE certification, please contact David Neese at (615)741-3681 or David.Neese@ tn.gov. Details and instructions for DBE certification can be found at the following website: http://www. tn.gov/tdot/topic/small-business.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000702, Roadway Striping & Pavement Markings. Information regarding this Bid is located on the County’s website at www. shelbycountytn.gov . At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, Click on “Purchasing” and “Bids” to locate the name of the above described Sealed Bid. SEALED BID I000702 DUE DATE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH, 2021 @2:00 PM CST (SB-I000702) Roadway Striping & Pavement Markings Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service.

By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Elson T. Turner DBA ET Enterprises Tax Parcel #: 07008200000040 Tax Sale #: 1002 Price Offered: $1406.25 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 23, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the fol-

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

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

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

lowing property: Airelle Group, LLC Tax Parcel #: 0750870000579C Tax Sale #: 1604 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 10:30 a.m. on November 23, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Brothers Investors LLC Tax Parcel #: 07513700000050 Tax Sale #: 802 Price Offered: $1687.50 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 23, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Maria Paulina Romero Delgado Tax Parcel #: 03803100000230 Tax Sale #: 1704 Price Offered: $4500.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:30 a.m. on

November 23, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: JRI, LLC Tax Parcel #: 07514600000040 Tax Sale #: 1301 Price Offered: $2500.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:00 a.m. on November 23, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: JRI, LLC Tax Parcel #: 7508000000320 Tax Sale #: 1303 Price Offered: $3000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:30 p.m. on November 22, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Eric Harris Tax Parcel #: 03504600000030 Tax Sale #: 1701 Price Offered: $8400.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:00 p.m. on November 22, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the 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: Oscar I. Selvera Tax Parcel #: 07203400000190 Tax Sale #: 903 Price Offered: $1125.00 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 22, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Oscar I. Selvera Tax Parcel #: 07203300000120 Tax Sale #: 1002 Price Offered: $1012.50 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 22, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Oscar I. Selvera Tax Parcel #: 07203400000100 Tax Sale #: 604 Price Offered: $2250.00 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 22, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

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: Tyrone J. Paylor Tax Parcel #: 08303000000260 Tax Sale #: 405 Price Offered: $1500.00 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 22, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Monique Nedd Tax Parcel #: 03406500000130 Tax Sale #: 602 Price Offered: $844.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:30 a.m. on November 22, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: JRI, LLC Tax Parcel #: 07512200000090 Tax Sale #: 1202 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 9:00 a.m. on November 22, 2021, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

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

Shelby County Land Bank

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SPORTS

The New Tri-State Defender, October 21 - 27, 2021, Page 11

At LeMoyne-Owen, new coach Bonzi Wells is rounding team into shape

by Liaudwin Seaberry Jr.

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

With less than two weeks remaining until the start of the regular season for the LeMoyne-Owen Magicians men’s basketball team, new men’s head coach Bonzi Wells feels a new-found sense of confidence in his team.

The former NBA veteran and a former Memphis Grizzly, who was named head coach of the Magicians in early September, has injected his brand of basketball, while working to create an atmosphere in which his players exhibit a tough work ethic and pure grit on the court.

Known for being a gritty player during his professional career, Wells brings that same mentality into the coaching ranks. It’s a quality he takes pride in.

“Some of the players may say that I am a little tough on them, and I may be, but the goal is to mold these players into the best quality players that they can be,” Wells said.

Wells will receive some important assistance in that quest from former Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins, who will volunteer his time as an assistant coach for the Magicians.

Hollins is the Grizzlies all-time winningest coach.

Due to COVID-19, LeMoyne-Owen College cancelled their 2020-21

basketball season. Only three players remain from the 2019-2020 basketball team.

Seniors Jaquan Lawrence and Antonio Anderson are appreciative and excited about the upcoming season.

They have accepted the leadership roles for the team and are players Wells plans to lean on heavily.

“When the new coaching staff came in, it took a little while to get adjusted to their way of doing things, and it all happened on the fly, but now I can say that we have settled in,” Anderson said.

Lawrence thinks that when the team fully buys in, they could be something special.

“With all the new players that came in, it’s taken a while for everything to come together, but when it happens, it will give us the chance to have a very good season,” Lawrence said.

Assistant coach Jerel Jernigan laughs when he recalls thinking about the growing pains that have occurred in the process of molding this team into a formidable squad.

Things moved pretty quickly when the new staff came in and he understands how difficult it was for the Magicians to adjust and get to trust their new leaders on and off the court.

However, despite being only a month and a half into their time with LeMoyne-Owen College, Jernigan feels that he and other members of the coaching staff have slowly be-

New LOC head men’s basketball coach Bonzi Wells knows what he wants to see on the court: a team of tough and gritty players. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

Coach Bonzi Wells: “The goal is to mold these players into the best quality players that they can be.” come close to their players.

“It’s all about helping these players

grow together and making sure that they’re ready for life, not just basket-

ball,” Jernigan said. “Yes, us coaches want to establish a culture, but we want to do it the right way.”

Wells understands ]the challenges presented with being a first-time head coach of a college program.

With his team set to face off in an exhibition matchup against the University of Memphis Sunday (Oct. 24), he refuses to permit his squad to fear anyone, regardless of ranking, size or anything. (The Tigers are ranked 12th in the AP Top 25 College Basketball Poll.)

Wells’ confidence is legit and he wants his players to take pride in their performance.

“Our guys are going to bring it to them,” Wells said.

“We work too hard in practice for us to let anyone intimidate or scare us from our goals. We will be ready.”

Grizzlies season preview: Ready to roll for a full 82

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

As much as is possible with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Memphis Grizzlies – from the players to the front office – are looking forward to something akin to a normal season.

The quest for that goal and an even deeper run into the NBA Western Conference playoffs got underway officially against the Cleveland Cavaliers at FeTerry dExForum on Davis Wednesday night (Oct. 20). (Visit www.TSDMemphis.com for the game story.)

With star guard Ja Morant supplying the star power, Memphis continues to earn respect across the league.

They were in the mix two years ago for the first run of the play-in game format. Last year, they defeated Golden State and San Antonio to advance to the playoffs, where they lost in the first round to the Utah Jazz.

Beating the odds In 2019-20, the Las Vegas oddsmakers projected the Grizzlies to win at 27.5 games. In a shortened, 73-game season, Memphis won 34 games.

Last season, the Grizzlies were projected to win 36 games in a 72game season. The team finished with 38 wins and made the playoffs.

Memphis fans are eager to see how much No. 1 draft pick Z ­ iaire Williams can contribute in his first season.

This season – a full 82 games – the team is projected to win 41.5 games.

If history is any measure, put the Grizzlies in the hunt for another playoff appearance.

Grown at home The Grizzlies have extended the contract of big man Jaren Jackson Jr. The team agreed to a 4-year, $105 million contract that will kick in next season. No more terms of the contract were released, but it is reported that it is front loaded and has an injury clause.

Before that news broke, it also was announced that Memphis had exercised its team option for players on still on their rookie contracts. Those players – Ja Morant, Brandon Clarke

and Desmond Bane – all were drafted by the Grizzlies.

The quartet is seen as the foundation for the team making a championship run. Led by Zach Klienman, the front office goal is to make the team a contender for the playoffs every year. Still savoring the grit-and-grind days of Mike Conley Jr., Marc Gasol, Tony Allen and Zach Randolph, fans in Memphis are ready for an extend playoffs run.

“The team option decisions on Ja, Desmond (Bane) and Brandon Clarke were no brainers,” said Klienman. “All of the guys we are talking about are examples of guys that fit everything we are trying to be about on the court and off the court … from playing for each other to having humility … from buying into what we

With star guard Ja Morant supplying the star power, Memphis continues to earn respect across the league.

(Photos: Terry Davis) are about. It is nice to get business out of the way and play basketball going forward.’

Jaren Jackson Jr. “It feels good, and I am locked in.

Nothing really changes on the court,” said Jackson about his contract extension. “We are still in the same place as a team. Basketball has two sides and the business side is good, and I am blessed. I get to be here and be around people I love. …

“We have our goals as a team, and I have my individual goals. … I feel like our intensity will be raised this season.”

On teammates giving him a hard time.

Taylor Jenkins Head coach Taylor Jenkins looked back on the preseason and shared this assessment: “There has been a lot great growth from game to game. The thing I have been hitting our guys with during film session and practices, I am starting to see signs of them grasping them. We played well in the preseason. I like all the things we are preaching (and) the guys are trying to make them a daily priority.”

NEXT: The Grizzlies will be on the road for the next four games.

They will be in Los Angeles Oct. 2324 to play the Clippers and Lakers.

The New Tri-State Defender

October 21 - 27, 2021

Page 12 Paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

TALK TO HIS DOCTOR ABOUT COVID VACCINES. BECAUSE HE’S IRREPLACEABLE. COVID hospitalizations of young people have tripled since the start of summer. However, vaccines are highly effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths, even from the Delta variant.

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