The New Tri-State Defender - November 25-December 1, 2021 by The Tri-State Defender

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November 25 - December 1, 2021

VOL. 70, No. 47

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Young Dolph’s church family finds solace in grateful worship and praise

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Never again will the St. James Baptist Church congregation delight at the presence of Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., the Memphis rapper the world knew as “Young Dolph.” Memphis and beyond is mourning the loss of 36-year-old Thornton. He was gunned down on the afternoon

Two local rap veterans share thoughts on gun violence, solutions: Page 6

of Nov. 17 when two gunmen pulled onto the parking lot of Makeda’s Homemade “Butter Cookies” at 2370 Airways, where Young Dolph was inside, making a purchase. The gunman shot into the store, hitting Thornton several times be-

fore jumping back into their vehicle, a white Mercedes, and speeding off. Pastor Rodney Herron said the church will miss Young Dolph, but his spirit of giving and sharing will help keep his memory alive. “We want to always remember to give back to others who are in need,” said Herron. “It’s important to let people know that somebody loves

The Sunday service at St. James Baptist Church, the home church of Young Dolph, featured that salute to the slain Memphis rapper. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

SEE DOLPH ON PAGE 2

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: A ‘wake-up call’ for workplace equality by Dena Owens

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

As an element in the yearlong observance of The New Tri-State Defender’s “Road to 70 and Beyond!” anniversary – the TSD has embarked on an exploration of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), a business strategy embraced worldwide to increase company success. DEI programs at FedEx, International Paper (IP), AutoZone and other corporations will be examined. Story content, intended to help large and small business fine-tune their programs, will be aimed at DEI methods, achievements and challenges. Defining ‘DEI’ Each term in the strategy is connected, yet distinctive. ■ Diversity for Social Impact – a firm promoting DEI globally – defines it clearly.

SEE DEI ON PAGE 9

Pervis Payne, who faced the death penalty for 34 hears, hugs his attorney, Kelley Henry, after a Shelby County judge vacated his death sentence during a Tuesday hearing. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

Spirit of gratitude engulfs Pervis Payne after death sentence vacated

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

When the death sentence for Pervis Payne was vacated during a Tuesday morning (Nov. 23) hearing, a shout of victory rose from Payne’s supporters, who filled the courtroom. The proceeding was the formal declaration extending from a Nov. 18 announcement by

Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich. At that time, Weirich said her office had received information that the state’s expert “could not say that Payne’s intellectual functioning is outside the range for intellectual disability.” Executions of the mentally disabled were ruled unconstitutional in 2002, when the U.S. Supreme Court found they violate the Eighth Amendment’s ban on cruel and un-

usual punishment. But until Gov. Bill Lee signed a bill this summer making Tennessee’s law retroactive in prohibiting the execution of the intellectually disabled, Tennessee had no mechanism for an inmate to reopen his case to press a claim of intellectual disability. Shelby County Judge Paula Skahan had

SEE PAYNE ON PAGE 2

Food insecurity mounts amid shortages and rising prices by Erica R. Williams

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Sandra Scruggs, a Memphis grandmother, said Thanksgiving will look different for her family this year. With supply-chain-related food short-

ages and inflationary prices plaguing the country, Scruggs said she’s limited with what she can buy for a holiday meal. “I don’t know what we are going to do around these holidays, but a lot of people are like my family and just won’t be able to do Thanksgiving or Christmas because everything is just too expensive,” Scruggs

said. Scruggs, who is the head of her household and the legal guardian of her 13-yearold grandson, knows that her story isn’t exclusive. Many families in Memphis may have to alter their holiday plans due to limited resources – including finances and accessibility.

Clean Memphis reports that the city has a food insecurity rate of 19 percent, compared to 11 percent nationally. And for seniors like Scruggs, a 2019 study by Feeding America found that Memphis had a 13.7 percent senior food insecurity rate,

SEE FOOD ON PAGE 2

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Sandra Scruggs

The New Tri-State Defender

November 25 - December 1, 2021

Page 2

NEWS

Pastor Rodney Herron: “We don’t have to wait for Thursday, when we celebrate Thanksgiving. God has been good to us. He has kept us. We thank Him for the life of this young man (Young Dolph).” (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

A worker at the Mid-South Food Bank concentrated on the task at hand on Monday. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/ GSW Enterprises)

FOOD

CONTINUED FROM FRONT making it the highest in the nation. “This holiday, with the food prices and the lack of food in our area, it’s hard on families like mine,” Scruggs said. The grandmother relies on one income, her disability check, to put food on the table for her family. But with food prices rising, she said she may have to look for part-time employment, despite her doctor’s orders. Scruggs lives in Frayser, one of the city’s most poverty-stricken areas. Most of Frayser is in the 38127 ZIP code, where 38.3 percent of residents have incomes below the poverty level, according to City-Data.com. Frayser has long been considered a food desert, providing limited options for healthy, affordable food, but Scruggs said the problem has been exacerbated by rising prices during the pandemic. Nationally, food prices rose 4.6 percent since September 2020, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And the increasing shortage of food supply due to labor issues is heightened nationwide in areas such as Frayser that already were experiencing limited resources. “It’s so discouraging to go to the grocery stores in our community. There is nothing on the shelves. And what’s on their many times is expired,” Scruggs pointed out. She said in the past she would occasionally travel to stores outside of the area in hopes of having more variety, but lately that has been difficult. “Going to the grocery store has become an all-day job,” Scruggs said. “And with gas prices and everything else going on, I just can’t do it.” Mid-South Food Bank representatives echo Scruggs’ story with data. Their reports show that there has been a 44 percent increase in food insecurity in Memphis since this time last year. And while the food bank has

distributed more than 31 million pounds of food since June 2020, representatives said there still are more people in need, especially seniors. It’s the reason Fred Ashwill, public policy/advocacy officer for the Food Bank, said they’re planning to bring the city’s delegation together to discuss solutions. The organization will host the first Delegation Luncheon, Dec. 7. Ashwill said he hopes it will be the first of several meetings to springboard change when it comes to food insecurity in Memphis. “There is a lot of conversation affecting families of poverty, but when you get down the road with it, there is not a concerted effort to address or alleviate these issues,” Ashwill said. “We hope to get the delegation together to determine the right people we should include to impact change.” Candidly, Ashwill said the county should be ashamed that such a large number of seniors, like Scruggs, are struggling with food insecurity. “These people have been working all of their lives – built our roads, fought for our country. They are our grandparents, and we can’t continue to let them down. This is a travesty,” Ashwill said. Scruggs noted there are plenty more seniors in her area with stories similar to hers, heads of their households with limited resources and failing health. “I’m a diabetic but I find myself having to eat things I am not supposed to eat because everything is so high, and there is a shortage of everything,” Scruggs said. “I have to get what I can get for me and my family. And I know other families like ours. On poor people like me and my family it’s horrible.” Scruggs said despite the grim outlook, she plans to do what she can to ensure her family has a meal on the table for the holidays. “I’ll just have to get creative and make adjustments. Maybe we won’t have a turkey and will have to do Cornish hens. I’m not sure, but we will just have to figure it out and hope for the best.”

PAYNE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT scheduled a Dec. 13 hearing to address the intellectual disability claims. Weirich said the state has withdrawn its request for the hearing, which means the death penalty will be removed and replaced with two life sentences. “After review of the evidence, law and expert opinions, the State stipulates the Petitioner would be found intellectually disabled,” prosecutor Steve Jones wrote in a court filing. The moment on Tuesday when Payne walked into the courtroom was as dramatic as any made-for-television moment. He embraced his attorney, Kelley Henry, and began to weep. “He just kept saying, ‘Thank you,’ over and over again,” Henry said when a reporter asked what their conversation had been. “I just told him, ‘I got you.’” Payne was found guilty of the 1987 stabbing deaths of Millington resident Charisse Christopher, 28, and her 2-year-old daughter, Lacie. Christopher’s 3-year-old son, Nicholas, who was stabbed multiple times, survived the attack. Payne has maintained he did not commit the murders. Running the life sentences consecutively would mean, in effect, life in prison without the possibility of parole for her client, Henry said. In a re-sentencing hearing set for Dec. 13, Henry will argue that Judge Skahan has the discretion to order that the two sentences be run concurrently. Payne, who has been incarcerated for 34 years, would be eligible in six years for parole if the sentences are run concurrently. Weirich has designated that the sentences run consecutively. “We continue to look for

evidence proving Pervis’ innocence,” said Henry. Payne’s model behavior in prison warrants great consideration, Henry said, detailing an instance in which he helped a guard, who had been cut. Payne’s sister, Rolanda Holman, said, “We are not quite over the hump yet. … But it was a good day today. We will not stop until he is a free man.” Henry said the work will continue to free Payne. “Pastor Carl Payne deserves to hug his son as a free man,” said Henry. Pastor Payne’s emotional response reflected a spirit of gratitude for the ruling. “Thanksgiving is this week, and we have a lot to be grateful for,” said Pastor Payne. “Never again will my son have to wake up and ask, ‘Is this the

Pastor Carl Payne eyes his son, Pervis Payne, who no longer is a deathrow inmate. Said Pastor Payne: “Never again will my son have to wake up and ask, ‘Is this the day?’ It’s been 34 years.” (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises) day?’ It’s been 34 years. “God is the only One who can wait 34 years and still be on time. God is so merciful,

kind and loving…God honors truth, and the truth will come out one day.” Payne, 54, was scheduled to be executed in December 2020, but Gov. Bill Lee granted a reprieve because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bishop David Hall, one of the principal supporters of the Payne family, addressed the press conference briefly on Tuesday. “As a member of the (COGIC) General Board, I can tell you that our Presiding Bishop will be writing a letter, addressed to the court, asking that Pervis be released as soon as possible. We are so glad of that.” The #FreePervisPayne support rallies will continue every Wednesday at the corner of Union Avenue and McLean Boulevard.

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The New Tri-State Defender

November 25 - December 1, 2021

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, November 25 - December 1, 2021, Page 4

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.: “…there are significant matters, circumstances and advances that we all should note with a consciousness of thanksgiving and gratefulness.”

Happy Black Thanksgiving 2021! by Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. NNPA Newswire

African Americans and other communities of color across the United States of America will spend the traditional Thanksgiving holidays this year with multiple perspectives ranging from gratefulness of having life itself to increasing feelings of speculation about our future destinies and progress in America. We have won some victories. We have suffered some defeats. Yet, we are a people of African descent who are also profoundly aware that our long struggle for freedom, justice and equality continues today in America, in Africa and throughout the world. The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) representing the Black Press of America reaffirms our mission to “To plead our own cause” in speaking and publishing truth to power. At the same time, we acknowledge a sacred respect and resolute solidarity with our Native American sisters and brothers who inhabited what now is known as America long before Christopher Columbus discovered that he was lost. The subsequent genocide and oppression of native peoples throughout this hemisphere that Columbus and others initiated with impunity and a callous disregard for human life also contributed to the eventual launching of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Yes, there are significant matters, circumstances, and advances that we all should note with a consciousness of thanksgiving and gratefulness. Over the past twelve months we have a new Biden-Harris Ad-

ministration that is the most racially diverse and inclusive federal administration in American history. The Biden Infrastructure Bill is now law and will help stimulate economic recovery for African American owned businesses. The House of Representatives has now passed Biden’s “Build Back Better” legislation. We must now put serious pressure on the U.S. Senate to also pass this unprecedented initiative that will further help to eliminate poverty, housing discrimination, health care disparities, and environmental injustice. Even though we have not been able to end the reality of systemic racism in the very fabric of society, we have in fact made

progress. This is no time for us to get distracted, disillusioned, and chronically disappointed about the present and the future. Poverty and unemployment within our families and communities are now on a Dr. Benjamin steady decrease after F. Chavis Jr., years of increasing president/ CEO, National economic disparities even before the devNewspaper Publishers astating impact of Association COVID-19 on Black America. We express our condolences to those families who have suffered deaths from that deadly pandemic that continues to disproportionately hit our communities. We are thankful to those healthcare professionals, physicians, medical researchers and other first responders who have helped all Americans to survive and to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. It is, therefore, appropriate that part of our Black Happy Thanksgiving wishes go out to the medical research genius of our sister, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, the leading viral immunologist, who helped to develop the vaccine process that led to the preventive COVID-19 vaccines that has enabled millions of Americans and others to avoid infection from COVID-19. Dr. Corbett stated, “Vaccines are the great equalizer when it comes to addressing health dis-

parities, especially around infectious diseases.” We are thankful for the effectiveness of the Black Voters Matter movement and all of the civil rights and voting rights national, regional, and local organizations that are challenging the voter suppression statues, laws and regulations that are being put into place in Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and in other states. We are thankful for the leadership of Congressional Black Caucus Chair Congresswoman Joyce Beatty and each member of the CBC. We are thankful to Attorney Benjamin Crump and a growing host of other civil rights lawyers and leaders who refuse to be silent about the continuing racially motivated police brutality and misconduct across America that inflicts fatal consequences for Black Americans throughout the nation. We are thankful that the Black Press is expanding to all multimedia platforms and channels. We have to remain proactive to ensure that the formulation and distribution of the narrative of Black America is authentic, accurate, truthful, and trusted. Thus, we wish all a Black Happy Thanksgiving. (Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr is President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and Executive Producer/Host of The Chavis Chronicles broadcast weekly on PBS TV stations across the nation, and can be reached at dr.bchavis@nnpa.org.)

Even though we have not been able to end the reality of systemic racism in the very fabric of society, we have in fact made progress. — Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

Information • Inspiration • Elevation Published by Best Media Properties, Inc.

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The New Tri-State Defender

November 25 - December 1, 2021

Page 5

RELIGION NEW STUDY

Probing regional differences of when Blacks go to church by Jeff Diamant and Besheer Mohamed Worship habits among Black Christians in the South, where African-American churches date back to the 1770s, have long differed from practices of Black Americans in other parts of the United States. Contrasting styles of worship were a source of tension after the Civil War and during mass migrations of Southern Black people to Northern cities, when Black Northerners objected to expressive forms of worship that were common in the South, such as dancing in church. Today, there are few regional differences among Black Americans when it comes to worship styles, but Black Southerners diverge from other Black Americans – especially Northeasterners and Westerners – in other ways when it comes to religion, according to a recent Pew Research Center report based on a survey of 8,660 Black U.S. adults. For example, Black Southerners are more likely than Black Americans living elsewhere to be part of a Black congregation (where all or most attendees and clergy are Black). In the Southern U.S., roughly two-thirds of Black adults who attend religious services at least a few times a year (65 percent) say they worship at a Black congregation. That’s slightly higher than the share of Black adults in the Midwest (60 percent) who say they go to a Black congregation, and much higher than the shares

in the Northeast (52 percent) and West (38 percent) who say this. A closer look at subregional divisions used by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that Black attenders in the South who live in Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee – known as the East South Central division – are even more likely than other Black attenders in the South to worship at Black congregations (73 percent vs. 63 percent). The religious experience of Black Southerners stands out in other ways, too. Protestantism, which is the most common faith among Black Americans in all four regions of the country, is most prevalent among Black Americans in the South (72 percent). That compares with 65 percent of Black adults in the Midwest, 58 percent in the West and 54 percent in the Northeast. Black Southerners in the East South Central subregion are even more likely than Black adults in other parts of the South to say they are Protestant (78 percent vs. 70 percent). In contrast, the Northeast has relatively high shares of Black Catholics and adherents of non-Christian religions compared with the South; 11 percent of Black Northeasterners are Catholic, compared with 5 percent of Black Southerners. A similar pattern can be seen when looking at religious service attendance and frequency of prayer: More than a third of Black Southerners (37 percent)

More than a third of Black Southerners (37 percent) say they attend worship services at least once a week, compared with roughly three-inten Black adults in the Midwest (31 percent) and about a quarter in the West (26 percent) and Northeast (25 percent). say they attend worship services at least once a week, compared with roughly three-in-ten Black adults in the Midwest (31 percent) and about a quarter in the West (26 percent) and Northeast (25 percent). And about seven-in-ten Black Southerners (69 percent) say they pray daily, compared with six-inten in the Midwest and just over half in the Northeast (54 percent) and West (51 percent). Among Black Southerners specifically, those who live in the East South Central division of the South as well as the area made up of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas (West South Central) are more likely than Black Southerners in states along the Atlantic coast and in West Virginia (South Atlantic) to say they pray daily. They are also more likely to say that religion is “very important” to them. Black Southerners also are

more likely than Black people in other regions to say the Bible is the literal word of God. Half of Black Southerners say they believe this, compared with 43 percent of Black adults in the Midwest, and around a third of Black Northeasterners (35 percent) and Westerners (31 percent). Again, Black Southerners on the Atlantic coast and in West Virginia are less likely than those in other parts of the South to say the Bible is the literal word of God. Some of these regional trends are also present in the general U.S. population. When it comes to the importance of religion, U.S. adults overall in the South (48 percent) are more likely than Americans in

the Midwest (40 percent), Northeast (34 percent) or West (35 percent) to say religion is very important in their life. Within the South, U.S. adults in the East South Central division (55 percent) are more likely than Americans in the South Atlantic states (45 percent) to say religion is very important to them. And, among U.S. adults overall, roughly half of Southerners (52 percent) and Midwesterners (48 percent) identify as Protestant, compared with smaller shares in the West (32 percent) and Northeast (30 percent). Northeasterners are more likely to be Catholic (29 percent) than are adults in the Midwest (20 percent), West (20 percent) and South (18 percent). Source: Pew Research Center

Ready for the next phase… The Life Together Final Escape Program held the commencement ceremony for the second class of 2021 at Temple Church of God in Christ, 672 S. Lauderdale St., last Sunday (Nov. 21). Pictured (l-r): Shelby County Commissioner Mikell M. Lowery, Bishop David A. Hall (executive director of the program), graduate James M. Harrold, Yvonne D. Williams (program director) and Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

A showering of support… Mt. Olive Cathedral CME Church, 538 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Ave., was the venue for “Kiara’s Drop-in Baby Shower” last Saturday. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

The New Tri-State Defender, November 25 - December 1, 2021, Page 6

Black Men Deserve to Grow Old

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

Just four months back in August of 2021, Jermia Jerdine, whose brand name is Mia Jaye, Young Dolph’s longtime girlfriend and mother of his children, initiated Black Men Deserve to Grow Old Campaign, under her Respectfully Mom-E-O brand. The campaign officially launched on August 22, which incorporates the selling of “Black Men & Boys Deserve To Grow Old” merchandise, collaborating with influencers to discuss methods of change, and sharing heart-wrenching statistics on the reality of gun violence. Mia launched this campaign in honor of her brother, who was killed in a senseless shooting in 2020. “After my brother’s death, I realized how common violence is against members of the same communities and how prevalent it is within the black community,” Jaye said. Black Men Deserve to Grow Old Campaign has a mission to serve two purposes. The first purpose is to raise awareness regarding the rising homicide numbers in the black community, which resembles a purge or modern-day genocide amongst black men and boys. The second is to support three families tragically impacted by the loss of their husband, father, brother, or son. It is so unfortunate that the cause Jaye worked so hard to bring awareness to, striked her family again. This time her life partner and children’s father. A day after the rapper’s murder, she took to her instagram to express her grief and thank everyone for their love and support. “Thank you to everyone for all of your prayers, love, support, calls, messages… I may not

see them all but when my eyes are not full of tears, I catch a few,” she continued, “All the genuine positive vibes, energy, and prayers are welcomed Mia because Lord Jaye knows I need them. She went on to post a video she captured days before of the couple’s daughter, Ari, exercising with her father Dolph. Jaye followed that post still expressing her grief saying, “God give me the strength… Adolph I love you with all my heart and soul.” She concluded her post saying, “How am I going to tell my babies that daddy is never coming home? Pray for me.” Jaye has been actively advocating for Black Men and Boys to Grow Old for some time now and ironically, she posted a video to her social media a few months ago speaking about the ongoing crime in our community and how we needed to unify and figure out a way to combat the senseless crimes and killings. “We are shouting loud and we are fighting hard, for our voices to be heard, that non black people will respect us and acknowledge that Black Lives Matter… but what about our fellow black peers in our community that don’t value our lives? Why don’t we treat our lives like we matter amongst one another?” “It’s still very hurtful to me that even when we fight to get a conviction or a bill put in place where people must value our lives, we don’t value each other? “We hurt each other time and time again… It’s like a vicious cycle. What are we going to do to

Young Dolph with Jermia Jerdine, aka Mia Jaye, and their two children. (Courtesy photo) Young Dolph sporting a reﬂection of his record label PRE (Paper Route Empire). (Courtesy photo) combat that?” Young Dolph played a key role in this campaign and since his tragic killing, Jaye has created the Young Dolph Black Men Deserve to Grow Old Tribute Hoodie. To support, share and keep up with Black Men Deserve to Grow Old Campaign, follow @shopmomeo or visit www.shopmomeo.com.

Two local rap veterans share thoughts on gun violence by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

As the local rap community seeks to find its balance after the fatal shooting of popular Memphis rapper Young Dolph, community activist Frank Gotti and Memphis rapper Al Kapone weighed in on gun violence and what to do about it. Gotti recently waited in line at Riverside Missionary Baptist Church as the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission held the third in a series of forums on gun violence. Time ran out before he got a chance to tell the forum audience what he sees happening in the streets. Talking later to The New Tri-State Defender, Gotti said, “It is really sad. … These kids are growing up without the guidance of mothers and fathers. Many fathers are not in the home with their children and mothers are working two jobs, many times. They don’t know what their kids are getting in to.” Gotti, a former gang member turned social activist, said the city needs to open up more community centers, with mentors and tutors, as places where children can feel like they matter. “That will take these kids off the

streets,” said Gotti. “And Memphis rappers need to get together and unite to give more positive messages in their music. ‘Ride around with 30 rounds,’ ‘Don’t trust nobody’ – kids look up to rappers. They want to emulate them. “How about the city opening up studios for kids to record music and learn about the process? That would give our children something to reach for.” Kapone, whose name is Alphonso Bailey, sees the solution as tackling the issue on multiple fronts. “Things have changed for rap. Technology has made it very easy to record a rap song and shoot a video. All this street violence has produced a generation of young people who have grown immune to all the shootings,” said Kapone. “Their mindset shifted, and there is a high tolerance for this level of violence.” City officials must address the mindset of young people, who do not see themselves living past the age of 30. “Now, don’t get me wrong,” said Bailey, who is currently promoting “Covid Blues,” his latest album. “Back when I started rapping, it was kill or be killed. I, too, never thought I would live past the age of 30. Battling has been an aspect of hip-hop

Veteran Memphis rapper and community activist Frank Gotti waits in line for a chance to speak at the community meeting on violence held last week at Riverside Missionary Baptist Church. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

Al Kapone: “All this street violence has produced a generation of young people who have grown immune to all the shootings.” from the very beginning. But it was kept in the realm of music. “Rappers today take things personally. When you talk about taking somebody’s life, that’s battling on a whole other level. This is not normal.” Bailey agrees that more positive messages may help. “Also, we must begin early with

guiding kids,” said Bailey. “We need more fathers and father figures involved in raising our children. Two things must be addressed when it comes to young kids. Discipline has been taken away, so that there is no respect for authority, or consequences for their actions. “The other thing is peer pressure. Kids want to fit in. But if the mentoring element is strong, children can effectively combat peer pressure.” Stevie Moore, founder of Freedom From Unnecessary Negatives (FFUN), served as moderator for the Crime Commission forums. Focusing on young teens who talk about being gang members, Moore

said, “They are just some children who need their butts beat. That’s all they are. “And, we need to hold parents more accountable for their children’s actions. We should know what our children are doing. That’s our responsibility.” Gotti said exposure to video games that encourage the development of skills to steal cars and shoot people down may not be the best choices for young people. Regarding the killing of Young Dolph, Kapone spoke of the possibility of dangerous situations. “Peoples’ emotions are involved. That’s not good.”

The New Tri-State Defender

November 25 - December 1, 2021

Page 7

ENTERTAINMENT

Black Men Crowned – a salute to Black men – set for debut by Brianna Smith-Herman Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The inaugural Black Men Crowned Awards Show, highlighting Black men in various industries who are leaving an imprint in Memphis, is scheduled for Dec. 9 at the National Civil Rights Museum. Black Men Crowned was created by Memphis native Justin Hart, winner of a Grammy and a NAACP Image award as a producer. “I decided to fully develop the show in the city of Memphis because I feel like there is a disconnect on how our Black men are portrayed in the media,” said Hart. “There isn’t enough positive news highlighting Black men doing well in this city. I want to help solve that problem and change that narrative.…” The awards show will honor Black men in the categories of social impact, influencer of the year, entrepreneur of the year and Memphis icon. In addition, the show will feature the young king award, humanitarian award, coach of the year, entertainer of the year and athlete of the year. “It’s extremely important for us to detach the stigma towards Black men and change the narrative, which is why this award show is considered one of my passion projects,” said Hart. “It’s my way of giving back to the city that raised me.” Hart contemplated the idea for an award show for two years before sharing the idea with his long-time friends – executive producers Deondra Guy, Steven S. Sanders and Lauren Keys.

Brianna Smith-Herman

“Oftentimes Black men are given a bad rep in the media and being completely honest, we know we have work to do amongst ourselves,” said Keys. “However, what the media often omits from these stories are the people who are spending time with the youth to help and assist them

on the right path. “Unfortunately, just days ago, our city lost one of those pioneers for change and while our hearts are heavy, we feel that now more than ever the mission has to be continued. We must continue to unite to fight poverty, lack of education and gun violence.” Radio personality Stan Bell and social influencer Tony Smith will be the emcees. Expect an upscale, elegant and intimate night of Black excellence. “It’s important for this award show to also bridge the gap between the older gentlemen and the younger brothers,” said Hart. “The premises for this award show are for the younger men because this is a way for them to connect with a mentor. We have to lead by example and the men who we are honoring are leaders of excellence.” Hart is no newbie to top-notch productions. Born and raised in Memphis, the Whitehaven area to be exact, he is a product of the Yo Academy! Of Visual and Performing Arts and a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, where he re-

Black Men Crowned was created by Memphis native Justin Hart. (Courtesy photo) ceived his degree in broadcast journalism. He has worked in TV for more than a decade on shows such as “The Real” and “Iyanla Fix My Life.” His vocals on Kanye West’s “Jesus is King” album netted a Grammy and he is

currently the supervising program producer for Fox Soul. (To purchase tickets to Black Men Crowned and for more information, visit: https://bit.ly/32kRPYV.)

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, November 25 - December 1, 2021, Page 8

Judicial difference-makers saluted at Southern Justice Summit Awards by Najee El-Amin

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris’ office on recently honored four individuals for their efforts to bring more fairness to the criminal justice system during the second annual Southern Justice Summit Awards ceremony. The virtual event (Nov. 19) was streamed live on YouTube and brought together some of the area’s top leaders to recognize individuals making a difference in the judicial scene. This year’s awardees were Innocence Project Director of Special Litigation Vanessa Potkin, Tennessee State Sen. Raumesh Akbari, Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk Heidi Kuhn and lawyer Michael Scholl. With the assistance of co-hosts Dominique Winfrey and Jerri Green, Harris greeted attendees and expressed his gratitude towards the honorees’ dedication to criminal justice reform. “Each one of these individuals has been in the trenches, working to make our community safer and more just,” Harris said. Potkin was awarded the Defender

of the Year award for her efforts with the Innocence Project, which works to exonerate “the wrongly convicted through DNA testing and reforms the criminal justice system to prevent future injustice.” Most recently, Potkin’s organization assisted in the exoneration of two men wrongfully convicted in the assassination of Malcolm X. “This was a miscarriage of justice in plain sight for decades. Historians, journalists, activists, who looked into the case, all came to the conclusion that they were innocent,” said Potkin. Akbari was honored as Champion of the Year. In 2017, she introduced legislation to prohibit lifetime prison sentences for minors and has since fought for additional progressive sentencing laws. “It is an uphill battle sometimes when we talk about criminal justice reform. Sometimes it feels like we take two steps forward and one step backward,” Akbari said. “There are too many nonviolent crimes that are still haunting people for the rest of their lives. And we certainly have to tackle our drug laws in a meaningful way. So, the work continues.”

Kuhn’s commitment to securing a second chance for those who have served time earned here the Difference Maker of the Year award. Her efforts have helped some former inmates receive gainful employment and nonviolent offenders get items on their record expunged. “To date, the Criminal Clerk Court Office has provided 15 expungement clinics in the Memphis and Shelby County area. We have assisted in over 3,800 expungements. You heard that right,” said Kuhn. “Receiving this award would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment to the cause by my team for whom I have the deepest respect and appreciation.” For his role in the release of Alice Johnson, Scholl received the Advocacy Award. In 1996, Johnson was given a life sentence for a nonviolent drug offense and served 21 years in prison. With the help ofScholl and others, including celebrity figure Kim Kardashian, she was given her freedom back through clemency from former President Donald Trump. Scholl echoed the message of the awardees before him.

Renowned trial lawyer Ben Crump delivered the keynote address at the second annual Southern Justice Summit Awards ceremony, which was held as a virtual event and hosted by the office of Shelby Mayor Lee Harris. (Screen capture) “Although there’s a lot of progress being made in the area of criminal reform, sentencing reform, justice reform … we are still having a long way to go,” said Scholl. “I think one of our biggest problems is that we shouldn’t be waiting 25, 30, 50 years to get justice for people in cases such as these. We need to start back with a system to get justice from day one.” Nationally recognized trial lawyer Ben Crump delivered the keynote address, referencing the acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse. The verdict had come in minutes into the program. Rittenhouse, the teenager who fatally shot two people and wounded another during unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, was acquitted of first-de-

gree intentional homicide and four other felony charges. “My heart is heavy at this moment,” said Crump. “We have to never ever forget about people who have been unjustly convicted but you look at someone who has actually killed people and there’s no accountability.” Crump expressed how he has not given up in his battle for a more just nation. “If we keep coming together and say to America, ‘we are better than this, we are more just than this,’ We can have an America where George Floyd gets to take another breath. “What we’re really doing is helping America be America for all Americans. All we have to do is join hands together and fight for it.”

Down to the bone … The annual De Bone the Turkey event, organized by Billene Durham, founder of Your On Call Concierge, drew some much-needed helping hands – including elected and appointed officials and other notables – to the Memphis Union Mission, 600 Poplar Ave. on Tuesday. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

Boys experience the transition to men at Westwood High event by Najee El-Amin

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

A select group of young men at Westwood High School symbolically transitioned into manhood during A Rite of Passage: From Boys to Men, which took place at the school on November 12. Seniors and student-athletes dressed in their best button-down shirts adorned the auditorium during the program, which featured principal Julia Callaway and various other community leaders, including Shelby County Commissioner Edmond Ford Jr. and the Rev. Melvin Watkins Jr., senior pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood. Throughout the evening event, the young men took in words of wisdom from notables, including some who were Westwood alumni. Presenters shared advice on what the young men could expect as they ascend into adulthood, with some reflecting on their time at the school. There was considerable emphasis on the importance of responsibility – whether that be performing well academically or taking care of business

The Westwood High School notables on hand included (l-r) the Rev. Dr. Eric Winston, Eddie Jones and Joseph Lee. outside of the classroom. “I wanted our men to see some of the alumni who had gone to Westwood and were successful and have walked down those very same halls they walk down,” said Pamela Lee, a Westwood alum and organizer of the event. “It’s extremely important that they have Black male role models, especially those who come from that same community. It lets them know that their goals are attainable.” While attending a similar ceremony at Tennessee State University in

Nashville, Lee said she was inspired and committed to bring a similar experience to the high school level. With the help of fellow alumni (both men and women), support was garnered to hold the event and purchase ceremonial neckties for all of the young men. “I would like for it to be an annual event,” said Lee. “I would also like to do it for every male in the school.” Joseph Lee (no relation), a 1975 alumnus of Westwood High School, served as the keynote speaker. “I came out of Westwood with a

The rite-of-passage event included some hands-on instruction on how to tie a tie. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley) real desire to have a positive, forward-thinking outlook and believed that I could achieve anything I really committed myself, my attention and my efforts towards. I basically shared that concept to these young boys, now soon-to-be men,” said Lee. “Even though this is a high school group, it’s not too early to emphasize to them the importance of decision-making and to begin to spark that fire to make some successful steps forward.” Lee recited several quotes from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including this one: “Nothing in the

world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” Then – in his own words – Lee said, “Learn, prepare and position yourself to make the best decision that you can to blaze your pathways. Ignorance and stupidity are not where you want to be.” The Rites of Passage concluded with the boys symbolically taking their first steps into manhood. Each was given his own tie bearing Westwood’s signature blue-and-red color scheme, hands-on instructions on how to tie it and a point of reference for what the tie represented.

The New Tri-State Defender

November 25 - December 1, 2021

Page 9

NEWS

High school graduation rate dips for second straight year in Tennessee by Marta W. Aldrich Chalkbeat Tennessee

Tennessee’s high school graduation rate has declined again, according to new data released Tuesday. About 88.7 percent of public school students in the Class of 2021 graduated on time this spring, down almost a full percentage point from 2020, according the state education department. The rate also fell by the slightest of margins the prior year. That decline, however, came after the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the state to relax graduation requirements soon after the virus emerged – and likely would have been more pronounced without the emergency rule. While the 1 percentage point slide over two years may not sound like much, it pulls back on nearly a decade of hard-fought, incremental increases totaling more than 4 percentage points under an initiative prioritized by former Gov. Bill Haslam. In 2019, the year before the pandemic, Tennessee’s graduation rate peaked at 89.7 percent. The pandemic’s impact on graduation rates will become clearer in the years to come and will hinge on how well students and schools recover from the disruption. Other data points to reason for concern. For example, state test scores from this spring showed a dramatic reversal of Tennessee’s previous academic gains. In a statement, Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn vowed to improve graduation rates with new learning initiatives that already have begun. Tennessee launched sum-

DEI

CONTINUED FROM FRONT ■ Diversity supports talent from a mix of backgrounds involving race, age, gender, physical ability, ethnicity, beliefs, style, personality, sexual orientation and experiences. ■ Equity ensures fair and impartial processes, providing equal possibilities for all individuals, and upholds justice in the procedures and distribution of resources. ■ Inclusion invites and integrates diverse opinions and backgrounds, resulting in stronger commitments, more innovation and better profits. Employers hire DEI experts to ensure that needs are assessed and met across the board. Business consulting giant Deloitte stresses making TRUST a priority and ensuring diversity at every company level – board of directors, executive team, employee base and internal/external partnerships Leading the case for diversity FedEx, IP and AutoZone – Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Memphis – are among U.S. corporations producing the largest revenues annually. Much of the profits of each stem from innovations – new products, services or policies – developed through DEI programs. Each of “the big three” is committed to the strategy. “Embracing diversity is not just the right thing to do … We also have proven that it fosters innovation and makes us a more competitive company,” said FedEx Chairman and CEO

Tennessee’s Class of 2021 had 63,283 graduates, 1,231 fewer than the Class of 2020. (Photo: Lauren Miller/Chalkbeat) mer camps and tutoring programs this year and also provides workshops to prepare high school students to take the ACT college preparatory test. “The department was prepared for the negative impacts of the pandemic on our statewide graduation rate, but we are confident that ... we can resume the upward trajectory in graduation rate and ensure we are preparing Tennessee students for success,” Schwinn said. Last year, overall graduation numbers stayed steady nationally. However, the number of graduates immediately enrolling in college declined sharply, especially interrupting the college plans of students who graduated from high-poverty schools, according to a recent report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Just as with Tennessee’s first pandemic test results, this year’s graduation data showed higher-than-average declines among students Fred Smith. The heads of FedEx, IP and AutoZone set the right tone by asserting DEI as essential versus optional. Mark Sutton, IP chairman and CEO, makes this clear. “Each person’s background, education or personal characteristics may differ. But by bringing all their individual experiences and skills to work – and by listening to and engaging with everyone – we can be successful,” he said. “This is ‘not optional’ in our people-driven company.” Continuous improvement is key DEI is an ever-evolving strategy, not a “oneand-done.” At FedEx, continuous improvement is routine. The company’s latest DEI enhancements are noted in its 2021 Environmental, Social & Governance report. “In 2020, we established a DEI Depot, an online platform to create more awareness of DEI-related resources, events and team member stories,” said Smith. “We’ve also increased educational opportunities – including unconscious bias training – and we maintain employee support communities, including: Women in Leadership, Black Professionals Network, Asia Network, U.S. Military Veterans and many others.” Change is long overdue Despite the promise of better performance and profits, DEI is greatly underused, causing persistent inequities for diverse racial groups and genders.

“The department was prepared for the negative impacts of the pandemic on our statewide graduation rate, but we are confident that ... we can resume the upward trajectory in graduation rate and ensure we are preparing Tennessee students for success.” — Penny Schwinn

who are considered the most vulnerable. The graduation rate dropped by almost 2 percentage points to 80.8 percent for students who are considered economically disadvantaged – and to 71.3 percent for students with disabilities. Three of Tennessee’s four urban school districts saw declines, while Memphis-based Shelby County Schools stayed steady at 77.7 percent. Rates dropped by 1.5 percentage points to 85.5 percent for Hamilton County Schools; 1.2 percentage points to 81.1 percent for Metro Nashville Public Schools; and 1 percentage point to 90 percent for Knox County Schools. But there were a few bright spots involving the 63,283 graduates in Tennessee’s Class of 2021. The state reported 37 districts improved their graduation rates from 2020 to 2021. And 37 districts saw 95 percent or more of their high school seniors earn their diplomas within four years. Diversityjobs.com, a leading source for diversity hiring, published disturbing facts in the 2019 piece “The Role of Talent Acquisition in Driving Organizational Diversity.” “Since the Civil Rights Act passed in 1964 – which criminalized discriminatory hiring (and firing) practices – there have been roughly 14,500 studies determining that a diverse workforce drives organizational success,” said Ehab Hafez, an international human resources and organizational change expert based in the United States. “One would think – by now – we would be in the ‘advanced stages’ of attracting, growing and retaining diverse talent. Unfortunately, that is still far from reality.” Data showed only 11 percent of executives at publicly traded companies represent diverse racial or ethnic groups, just a 2 percent rise from 2003. Plus, women hold only 19 percent of senior executive jobs, underrepresenting females who comprise 51 percent of America’s population. Wage gaps persist In 2020, diversityjobs.com posted Pew Research Center data from their latest wage survey conducted in 2015. Results illustrated median race and gender wage gaps among adults age 25-plus with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Black and Hispanic men earned $25 to $26 hourly while white and Asian men earned $32 to $35 respectively. Hispanic and Black women earned $22 to $23 hourly while white and Asian women earned $25 to $27 respectively. Without a bachelor’s degree, median hourly wages showed Black and Hispanic men earned

Historically Black college gives students Thanksgiving $10K NASHVILLE (AP) – Meharry Medical College, the historically Black medical college in Nashville, is giving students an early Thanksgiving gift – $10,000 in cash. President James E.K. Hildreth announced the gift Monday, telling students they would receive it Wednesday. The money comes from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, part of a federal coronavirus aid package. Schools across the country have used their money to wipe out student debts, offer free tuition and give cash grants such as the one at Meharry. In a video message to the Nashville school’s 956 students, Hildreth said they can manage their money however they choose, but he strongly urged them to use it for their education and training. Rising senior Benson Joseph said he is still deciding how to use his gift, but he will definitely set a portion aside to help cover travel expenses when he interviews for residency programs next year and other expenses financial aid does not cover. Joseph, who is from Palm Beach, Florida, and plans to pursue neurosugery, said he was skeptical when he first heard from friends about the cash gifts while he was at a family gathering. He secluded himself in order to read the printed announcement and then watch the video announcement before he would believe it. “It feels like Christmas came a little bit early,” he said. “The last two years have been quite a trial for a lot of us.” Hildreth said in the video announcement that he is thankful for those who work at Meharry and those who support the college with their resources. “But mostly, I’m thankful for you students and the future of health care that is entrusted to you,” he said. $15 and $14 while white and Asian men earned $21 and $24 respectively. Asian and white women earned $18 and $17 while Black and Hispanic women $13 and $12 respectively. Asian men and women out-earned all groups. Historically, white males have dominated earnings. Success comes from the top Corporations, universities, hospitals, non-profits and public agencies are championing DEI like never before. However, DEI can fail if there’s no true buyin from the top or done “just for show.” In 2019, Harvard Law Forum on Corporate Governance gave DEI guidance to board chairs and CEOs, stressing that organizational change starts with the chair. By diversifying the board as a model – and having the chair and CEO set a tone of importance – buy-in grows from executives to frontline employees. Chaitra Vedullapalli, Forbes Councils Member, summed-up the DEI endgame in Forbes’ October piece: “What’s Your Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategy Missing?” which said: “It’s no longer a secret that enabling diverse teams is a good business decision, which contributes to building an inclusive economy. “So, there’s really no downside to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace while being equitable. “Yet – somehow – corporate America has consistently fallen short in this regard, as organizations ignore one simple fact – DEI is about people.”

The New Tri-State Defender

November 25 - December 1, 2021

Page 10

CLASSIFIEDS My name is Samuel Bryson. I’m looking for the title owner of a BMW 528i year 2008 Vin number WBANU53538CT03411. My number is 901 644-2883. Please contact if you have the title for this car. NOTICE TO BIDDERS Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000707, Collierville-Arlington Bridge Repair Project. 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 I000707 DUE DATE TUESDAY, JANUARY 4TH, 2022 @2:00 PM CST (SB-I000707) Collierville-Arlington Bridge Repair Project Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/ join/677659077 You can also dial in using your phone. (For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.) United States: +1 (571) 317-3122 - One-touch: tel:+15713173122,,677659077# Access Code: 677-659-077 VOLUNTARY PRE-BID MEETING – A voluntary pre-proposal meeting to address questions will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. (CST). Until further notice, all Shelby County Government Purchasing Public-facing meetings/services will be limited to phone, video and online transactions whenever possible. Vendors can access the meeting via teleconference by utilizing the following access codes: Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/ join/830988709 You can also dial in using your phone. (For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.) United States: +1 (646) 749-3122 - One-touch: tel:+16467493122,,830988709# Access Code: 830-988-709 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

TSD CLASSIFIEDS 1509 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104 PH (901) 523-1818 HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. DEADLINES: Display ads Friday 5 p.m. Classiﬁeds ads Monday 5 p.m. STANDARD RATES: $6.00 per line for 1 column ad. Rates are non-commissionable and are quoted at the net rate. No refund for early cancellation. For additional information contact Sales Dept. at

LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT NOTICE TO BIDDERS In order to participate in the bid listed below for Shelby County Government, you must be registered with our electronic bidding system with Mercury Commerce. County bids are not available by mail or downloaded directly from the County website, unless otherwise indicated in the solicitation invitation. All vendors who wish to bid are required to register with Mercury Commerce Solutions in order to be notiﬁed of on-line bids. There is no charge for registration, and it is easy to use. To register: • Go to www.esmsolutions.com • Go to Log-In at top of page • Click “Supplier Login” • Under “Mercury Version”, click ‘Not Registered’ • Complete Vendor Registration process • Submit If you have any questions about the registration process, contact ESM Solutions at (877) 9697246. If you have any questions about information contained in the bid documents, contact the Purchasing Department at (901) 222-2250 and ask to speak to the Buyer listed for the bid. SEALED BID DUE MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2021 AT 2:30 PM CST There is no LOSB participation goal for this sealed bid. “3/4 Ton Crew Cab, 4x4 Pick-up Trucks, 18 Qty” (SB-I000678A) (MC# 647) By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY

(901) 746-5201 or email: advertising@tsdmemphis.com. ADJUSTMENTS: PLEASE check your ad the first day it appears. Call (901) 523-1818 if an error occurs. We can only offer in-house credit and NO REFUNDS are issued. THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER assumes no financial responsibility for errors nor for copy omission. Direct any classified billing inquires to (901) 523-1818.

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: Demarcus Jackson Tax Parcel #: 04005500000120 Tax Sale #: 1603 Price Offered: $3500.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on January 12, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400

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 January 12, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Ruben Childs, Jr. Tax Parcel #: 0761430A000190 Tax Sale #: 1402 Price Offered: $1500.00 Terms: Cash

SALES PERSON The New Tri-State Defender is looking for a few sales consultants to sell print ads, digital ads and event sponsorships for the organization. The candidate should have some sales experience. This is a commission based opportunity. For serious inquiries email your resume to administration@ tsdmemphis.com.

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 January 12, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400

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The New Tri-State Defender, November 25 - December 1, 2021, Page 11

Jackson’s big finish helps Grizzlies edge Jazz by Matthew Coles The Associated Press

SALT LAKE CITY – After a 43-point loss to Minnesota a day earlier, Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies had a 90-minute team meeting in Utah to clear the air. In the closing seconds against the Jazz, there was nothing they needed to say. So after Jaren Jackson won a jump ball Monday against Rudy Gobert, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins skipped calling a timeout and left it to his players to win the game. “I didn’t need to say anything,” Jenkins said. Morant drove into the middle and kicked it back to Jackson, who hit the go-ahead 3-pointer in the Grizzlies’ 119-118 victory. “Any time Ja drives, it’s like he has eyes in the back of his head. He already knows where everybody is on the court. He attracts a lot of attention and was able to hit me in my spot with a great pass,” said Jackson, who scored a season-high 26 points. Morant had 32 points and Desmond Bane added a career-high 28 as the Grizzlies scored the

final seven points for their third win in their last four games. “It was me just reading the floor. We had Jaren spaced to keep Rudy (Gobert) outside of the paint. As I was driving I saw Rudy take some steps in and if I would have laid it up he probably would have blocked me, so I made the right read,” Morant said. Bojan Bogdanovic scored 24 points and made a season-best seven 3-pointers. He hit back-toback jumpers from beyond the arc in the final two minutes to put the Jazz in prime position. Tied at 112, Gobert blocked Morant’s floater and Royce O’Neale found Bogdanovic for a transition 3. The next time down, the Croatian sharpshooter drained a step-back 3 for a 118-112 lead with 1:28 remaining. Memphis hit four of six free throws while stopping the Jazz on consecutive possessions. Then, on Morant’s miss with 14.1 seconds left, an official review remaining showed Gobert did not interfere with the ball in the cylinder. It resulted in a jump ball at midcourt, which Jackson won over Gobert. Donovan Mitchell, who had

Memphis Grizzlies forwards Jaren Jackson Jr. (right) and Brandon Clarke (left) celebrate after the team’s NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) 18 points on 5-of-20 shooting, missed an off-balance jumper at the buzzer. “They guarded well but I just missed some shots tonight. It happens,” Mitchell said, while mostly pinning the loss on giving up offensive rebounds and turnovers. Gobert had 23 points and 13 rebounds, while Mike Conley had 19 points and assists for the Jazz. “We were up six with a minute left and we had three straight possessions where we don’t execute,” Gobert said. “Just too many mistakes for a team that has the kind of experience we have.” The Jazz (11-6) led 80-73 on Hassan Whiteside’s tip-in before the Grizzlies scored nine straight points to take their first lead of the second half. Bane made two 3s in the run, while Brandon Clarke had a monster block on Bogdanovic. The Jazz and Grizzlies then

traded several highlight-reels plays as the pace quickened significantly. Conley finished a third quarter that saw the teams combined for 74 points with an alley-oop pass to Gobert for a layup and a floater to make it 96-92 entering the final quarter. This was the first meeting since the Jazz ousted the Grizzlies 4-1 in the first round of last season’s playoffs. “It was big time for us to get this win. In that series, we played the majority of every game, good hard basketball and in the last four minutes of those games, they were just better and broke away from us,” Morant said. TIP-INS Grizzlies: Bane scored or assisted on seven of Memphis’s first 10 baskets. … Dillon Brooks missed his second straight game

with a sore right hamstring after playing his first three games of the season since offseason hand surgery. … Memphis had a 24-2 advantage in points off turnovers and an 18-13 edge on fast-break points. Jazz: The Jazz started the game 1 of 12 from beyond the arc. … Utah is now 6-1 against Western Conference foes and had a six-game winning streak against Memphis snapped. … Mitchell had a season-high eight assists. THE BLOCKS BOARD Gobert had five blocks to pass Greg Ostertag for third place on the franchise career blocked shots list with 1,254. UP NEXT Grizzlies: Host the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.

Tigers race past Florida A&M after putting Little Rock loss in rearview by Liaudwin Seaberry Jr. Special to The New Tri-State Defender

To say that the Memphis Tigers simply bounced back from a Nov. 18 loss against Little Rock would be an understatement. The Tigers refused to go through the same pain, bashing Florida A&M 7546 at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse last Saturday (Nov. 20) afternoon. The Tigers (3-1) rushed out the gate against the Rattlers and never looked back. Coming off a game in Memphis in which the Lady Tigers only scored 50 points in a five-point loss to Little Rock, the Tigers were determined to improve their offensive performance. Led by 14 points from sophomore forward Coriah Beck, the Tigers shot 48 percent from the field and throttled Florida A&M’s defensive gameplan. Tigers head coach Katrina Merriweather was confident her team would bounce back in a major way, and they did. “We looked like a team that had something to prove and the energy was certainly better…,” Merriweather said. From the outset, the Tigers moved through the Rattlers defense seamlessly, scoring on 10 of 15 shots attempts in the first quarter, including five early points from senior guard

UofM coach Katrina Merriweather found plenty to like about the Tigers’ win over FAMU. (Screen capture)

The Tigers shot 48 percent from the field and throttled Florida A&M’s defensive game plan. (Photo: Twitter) Jamirah Shutes. Memphis limited Florida A&M to only two field goals in the first frame of the game. The Tigers continued their stingy defense throughout the game, limiting the Rattlers to only 26 percent for the entire contest. At the half, Memphis enjoyed a 51-19 lead, surrendering only six total baskets in the first 20 minutes of play. Thirteen out of 15 Tigers players netted baskets in the first half. The Tigers “eased” up on the

Rattlers, being outscored 27-22, but still emerged victorious by 29 points. Fourteen of 15 Tigers scored, including two three pointers apiece by freshman guard Makaiya Brooks and sophomore Callie Wright. Merriweather was proud of how both players performed in extended minutes. “There are players who do certain things in certain roles and Callie and Makaiya are really good shooters and they showed that….”

Senior forward Tye Jones stepped in for Lanetta Williams and went 4-4 from the field, and she fit seamlessly on the defensive end as well. “Even though there only can be five starters, Tye is still viewed as a starter, along with Maya (Boo) Stovall,” Merriweather said. “They can play multiple positions, and her versatility really helps us out.” Next up for the Tigers is a fourgame road trip, beginning with Liberty on Nov. 23 (Visit TSD-

“There are players who do certain things in certain roles and Callie and Makaiya are really good shooters and they showed that.” — Katrina Merriweather Memphis.com for results) and continuing against Loyola Marymount Friday (Nov. 26). “It’s going to be very challenging, as no one wants to get used to being away from their family on Thanksgiving,” said Merriweather, “yet I am confident that our team will stay focused and take care of what needs to be done….”

The New Tri-State Defender

November 25 - December 1, 2021

Partnering to help create opportunities Last year, Bank of America committed $1.25 billion over five years to advance racial equality and economic opportunity. To date, we’ve directly funded or invested one-third of this amount on top of long-standing efforts to make an impact in our communities and address society’s greatest challenges. Here are some of the ways we’re working to make a difference: • Investing $300 million in 100 minority-owned and minority-led equity funds for diverse entrepreneurs and small business owners, helping them create more jobs, financial stability and growth. • Investing $36 million in 21 Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) banks that support minority-owned businesses, building pathways to economic vitality in our local markets. This is in addition to approximately $100 million in deposits to MDIs and our existing CDFI portfolio of more than $2 billion. • Providing funding and support through innovative programs and partnerships with community colleges, universities and nonprofits that offer training and credentialing programs connecting more people to high-wage, in-demand careers. We’re doing this work in collaboration with community partners, business leaders, experts and academics across the public and private sectors to ensure that our investments are directed where they’re needed most. Together, we can help drive sustainable progress in Memphis. What would you like the power to do?®

Trevia Chatman President, Bank of America Memphis

Learn more at bankofamerica.com/memphis

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