The New Tri-State Defender - December 1-7, 2022 by The Tri-State Defender

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December 1 - 7, 2022

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A conversation with MSCS Interim Supt. Tutonial Williams! by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Amid all the administrative turmoil within Memphis-Shelby County Schools, Chief Financial Officer Tutonial ‘Toni’ Williams was asked to serve as interim superintendent, help steady the ship and keep our school system moving forward. So far, almost three months in, she seems to be doing a pretty good job. I got a chance to meet and speak with Williams last week. I appreciated and enjoyed the opportunity to discuss her plans for moving our school system forward. The district continues to rock and

reel from the dismissal of former superintendent Joris Ray and, just recently, the resignation of two top district leaders — Dr. Yolanda Martin, the district’s Curtis chief of Human Weathers Resources, and John Barker, deputy superintendent of Strategic Operations and Finance. On top of all that, the district announced last month that its Chief of

Business Operations Genard Phillips will be leaving as well. His position already has been filled. Williams is known for her honesty and straightforwardness. She struck me as a strong, no-nonsense, all-business type of person, but with a pleasant personality. To my knowledge, she has not been asked to perform any miracles, just guide the ship. She is a Memphian and a proud graduate of Whitehaven High School. But, for her, this is not just a job, “it’s personal,” she said. She grew up in this community.

SEE WILLIAMS ON PAGE 2

During the Thanksgiving holiday, MSCS Interim Supt./CFO Toni Williams was grateful for these expressions of “thanks” sent her way. (Photo: MSCS)

U.S. transportation chief praises deicing facility as important upgrade in American supply chain by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Department

The late State Rep. Barbara A. Cooper as she worked Tennessee House District 86. Cooper’s name remained on the ballot after her death on Oct. 25 and voters overwhelmingly cast ballots for her during the Nov. 8 election. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

Election dates set to fill District 86 House seat TSD Newsroom Voters in Tennessee House District 86 will get a chance to decide who will represent them in a special election that has been set for March 14, 2023. The need for the election follows the death of long-serving Rep. Barbara Cooper on Oct. 25. Cooper, 93, was on the ballot for the Nov. 8 general election, with 73 percent of voters casting ballots for her. By law, Cooper’s name had to remain on the ballot. Her supporters had been urged to cast votes in her favor with the reasoning that the process to follow essentially would empower them to choose her successor. On Monday, Gov. Bill Lee issued a “Writ of Election” officially setting the course for the Tennessee House of Representatives, District 86, Primary Special Election. In addition to

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg headlined a roster of airport dignitaries and elected officials, who attended the opening of the Consolidated Deicing Facility (CDF) at Memphis International Airport on Tuesday (Nov. 29) afternoon. “I am so proud to join you in the opening of this 3.3 million-square-foot facility, with the ability to de-ice 12 wide-body airplanes at the same time,” said Buttigieg.” The country’s top transportation official praised the CDF as a major accomplishment in “modernizing the supply chain” and fighting against inflation. “Transporting food, toys, and medicine where they need to go quickly and effi“Memphis, ciently will reduce largely the cost of shipping thanks to goods,” Buttigieg said. “Modernizing FedEx, is the the supply chain is a country’s critical element in the fight against inflation busiest cargo … and this innovative hub, and aircraft deicing faciliI say, the ty is one of the many ways we are modern- world’s best.” izing America’s sup— Jim ply chains.” Local airport offiStrickland cials took a few victory laps for the “grand opening” of the CDF and touted the importance of Memphis in the global transportation of cargo. “Memphis International Airport is America’s distribution center,” said Scott Brockman, the airport’s president and CEO. “As the largest cargo airport in North America, this centralized deicing facility will be a great benefit to all during the winter months.” The $309 million de-icing facility was

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg talked informally with FedEx cargo workers as he attended the opening of the Consolidated Deicing Facility (CDF) at Memphis International Airport on Tuesday. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/ GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender) funded with $174 million from the Federal Aviation Administration and $135 million from the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, which owns and operates Memphis International Airport (MEM), as well as two general aviation airports, General DeWitt Spain airport near Downtown and Charles W. Baker airport in Millington. Much was made about Memphis being the busiest cargo airport in the world between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., thanks to the

FedEx shipping operation. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said the deicing facility is important for the economy. “Memphis, largely thanks to FedEx, is the country’s busiest cargo hub, and I say, the world’s best,” said Strickland. “Getting as many planes in the air as efficiently and safely as possible is vital to keeping local and global economies moving.”

SEE AIRPORT ON PAGE 2

SEE 86 ON PAGE 2

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CONTINUED FROM FRONT the March 14 general election date, the writ also set the Democratic Primary and Republican Primary for Jan. 24. Those interested in running for the vacant seat can obtain petitions from the Shelby County Election Commission. “The qualifying deadline to file the petitions (for the primaries) is noon on Dec. 15,” said

Linda Phillips, administrator of elections for the Shelby County Election Commission. “A special meeting of the Election Commission has been tentatively scheduled for the afternoon of Dec. 15, so the commissioners can certify the candidates and approve the early voting schedule.” Tennessee law mandates that early voting must start 20 days before and end five days before Election Day. That timeline means that early vot-

December 1 - 7, 2022

NEWS

ing for the primary elections would be Jan. 4-19, pending the approval of the five-member Election Commission. Cooper was honored by the Tennessee House in April as the oldest-serving state legislator. In the Democratic primary, Will Richardson, a business owner, ran unsuccessfully against Cooper in the heavily Democratic district. Michael Porter was on the ballot as an independent in the Nov. 8 election.

Airport terminals all over the country are being renovated and refurbished and additional investment in Tennessee infrastructure is coming soon, said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in Memphis. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

AIRPORT

CONTINUED FROM FRONT Strickland admitted that, initially, he did not understand the importance of deicing a plane since Memphis doesn’t get that much snow and ice. “It was explained to me that any moisture must be removed from a plane,” said Strickland. “Of course, if that moisture freezes, you’re going to have some problems.” More specifically, airplanes are designed to fly with their surfaces free from snow, ice, and frost. During the winter months or while flying in colder regions of the world, icy materials can build up and disrupt the airflow, destroy the lift of a plane, and interfere with a safe take-off. According to the Aviation Foundation, “Enough ice build-up can cause the engine to stop working … ice on the wings and tail of an airliner can be fatal.” Buttigieg called U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen of Memphis “a relentless advocate for this region.” Cohen called Buttigieg the most important official to Memphis. “No one is more important to Memphis than Secretary Buttigieg because we are the transportation city,” said Cohen. “More infrastructure investments enhance the opportunity for Memphis to connect the world with its bridges and highways. We appreciate President Biden’s commitment to

A state-of-the-art deicing truck approaches a FedEx plane to showcase equipment that will be ready whenever winter weather sets in. modernizing infrastructure.” The CDF was applauded for its environmental safety features. The drainage system uses containers to collect fluid, which the city will use to sanitize city wastewater. Plans already are in the making to add to the de-icing complex, including a de-icing control tower, and an employee shelter, which will include a warming area, break room, and restroom facilities. Buttigieg said airport terminals all over the country are being renovated and refurbished. Additional investments in Tennessee infrastructure are coming soon, he said. “We are modernizing transit buses in Memphis so workers will have new options to get to work,” he said. “We are also building new truck parking outside of Nashville so truck drivers traveling can get the safe rest they need.” Here are some specifications of the de-icing facility: • All cargo and passenger airlines will deice at the new CDF

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• Military, general aviation, and FedEx turboprop aircraft will deice at respective gates and ramps • There are 12 de-icing bays (6 on the east and 6 on the west) • Eleven bays are sized for up to Boeing 777F size aircraft • The 12th bay is sized for one Airbus A380/Boeing 7478 or two Airbus A321/Boeing 737s FACILITIES • Pilots will be aided by electronic message boards at each bay and at queuing locations, as well as an in-pavement lighting guidance system. • Two new cross-field taxiways connect the south airfield west and center runways • Approximately 73 acres of new concrete airfield paving • The Glycol Distribution System has a capacity of 575,000 gallons of fluid. •The De-icing Fluid Collection System features 1.5 miles of trench drains and a 2.5-million-gallon underground storage system capable of storing fluid for back-to-back deicing events.

WILLIAMS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT “I earned my education in the same classrooms our students are sitting in today,” she said. “This community is mine, and I love serving it every day!” Her reaction when she asked to serve as superintendent was one of shock and surprise. She admitted fear set in for a moment, but shortly thereafter her confidence, boldness, and a renewed spirit returned. I asked Williams what she wanted to accomplish during her short tenure as the head of Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Well, she has spent considerable time doing what she refers to as “leading by listening.” First, principals want her to take a close look at the resources that are available to them and create a more equitable system for distributing those resources. “Equal does not mean equitable, and the needs of some schools are different,” Williams said. She wants to be very “intentional” about how district schools, including charter schools, are funded, and supported. She recently distributed more than $24 million in federal funds to district (and charter) schools to fund programs like family engagement, behavior interventions, technology, and various other support programs. School leaders were not expecting the added funds and were pleasantly surprised to receive the support.

Second, she is focusing on the recruitment of new teachers and ensuring that the district can keep the ones that are currently under contract. “So, in these first 30 to 45 days, I have heard a lot from teachers, and those teachers say that they are exhausted from the pandemic. This has impacted us like no other. “And so, because they are so exhausted many of them are not returning to the teaching profession,” Williams explained. As a result, she is taking a close look at teacher compensation, incentives, support, and workplace environment. Third, she is focusing on the district’s vocational tech (CCTE) program. The superintendent wants to better understand our city’s workforce needs and what the district produces in industry certifications to fill those needs. “I’ve been talking to the business community and Chamber of Commerce, and there is a gap between workforce needs and what we produce in our schools,” Williams said. Over the last four years, MSCS increased the number of industry-certified students from approximately 150 to more than 6,000 students. The superintendent wants to increase that number to 10,000 over the next few years. And lastly, of course, we discussed academic achievement. In the near term, the district will face even more obstacles to its efforts to improve student achievement. The superintendent pointed to some of the district’s extended learning and other supplemental

programs, many of which are funded by COVID relief dollars. She is concerned that those dollars will disappear in the next few years (after 2024) and, as a result, present a challenge to maintaining some of the programs and their impact on academic achievement. While she is in no way satisfied with overall achievement levels in the district, she gave a hearty shoutout to school leaders and teachers. “Despite all the obstacles we have faced in this COVID era, we as a district are indeed trending up. Test scores are moving in the right direction, and last year, the graduation rate increased from 71 percent to 80 percent,” Williams said. She clearly recognizes, though, that we have a long way to go to get to where our school system genuinely wants to be. The Memphis/Shelby County community is just getting to know our new interim superintendent. She has an incredibly challenging job ahead of her, but she is settling in quite well. I am sure the superintendent search committee will not only cast their nets far and wide in search of a new leader, but I hope they will also take a close look at what is right here in front of them. I am convinced we have capable leadership for our school system right here in Memphis, and just maybe that person’s name is Tutonial “Toni” Williams. (Follow me, TSD’s education columnist, on Twitter @ curtisweathers. Email me at curtislweathers@gmail. com.)

My worst fears became my greatest moment of thanks. ANGELA BAKER Thankful Cardiology Patient

When Angela Baker was admitted to the hospital for chest pain, she needed a team of dedicated cardiologists to diagnose and treat her, but she also needed supportive caregivers who reassured her when she was most vulnerable. In a letter, she writes, “Because you were with me every step of the way, I was never fearful, not even for a second. I cannot thank you enough for the care you provided. Your kindness, dedication and healing touch were nothing short of amazing. You will always be in my heart.”

Hear Angela’s full story of thanks at methodisthealth.org/angela.

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The New Tri-State Defender

December 1 - 7, 2022

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NEWS

Tennessee private schools could get $60 million in leftover pandemic funds by Marta W. Aldrich Chalkbeat

Tennessee is taking steps to ensure that private schools get the opportunity to receive nearly $60 million in unused federal COVID relief funds set aside for them in 2021. But the state is considering loosening some of the strings that the federal government initially attached to those funds. In particular, under several options outlined Monday by Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn, private schools wouldn’t necessarily have to serve a “significant” share of students from low-income families to be eligible for aid, as the Biden administration had required. Following federal rules, Tennessee recently moved leftover money from the federal emergency assistance program for nonpublic schools to a discretionary COVID education fund managed by Republican Gov. Bill Lee. His office will have more flexibility to figure out a distribution plan that may or may not factor in student poverty levels. And based on Lee’s discussions with several legislative leaders, their goal is to make sure private schools get a second crack at the funds, instead of using them for public education needs across the state. “I just think (private school leaders) feel like they weren’t given the opportunity to take advantage of the resources that were put in place for them,” said Sen. Bo Watson, a Hixson Republican and legislative finance leader, who reviewed the issue Monday with other members of Lee’s pandemic relief spending accountability group. Private school advocates cite hur-

dles in federal rules At issue is the federal relief fund for nonpublic schools, through which Congress set aside $2.75 billion in 2021 for states to distribute to private schools as part of a massive pandemic relief package that included $128 billion for K-12 education. Tennessee received nearly $74 million in 2021 to help private schools rebound from the pandemic — but had awarded only $10.2 million after the deadline for applications passed this spring. One reason cited by private school leaders: The Biden administration’s distribution rules restricted funding to nonpublic schools that enroll at least 40% of their students from low-income backgrounds — a threshold that has been used as a “measure of significant poverty” when identifying Title I schools under federal law. The 40 percent language differed from an earlier relief package approved in 2020 under the Trump administration, which sought to require districts to share education aid with private schools. According to federal data, private schools serve significantly fewer poor households than public schools do. This year, Tennessee successfully petitioned the U.S. Department of Education to reduce the poverty threshold for eligibility from 40 percent to 33 percent, based on the average poverty rate among private schools that participated in the earlier, less restrictive COVID relief package. But out of 481 eligible private schools, only 44 submitted an application by April 1, and only 22 of those were deemed eligible based on federal poverty data. Ultimately, the state’s private

school participation rate was 5 percent, compared with 19 percent for the smaller federal relief program in 2020. Sarah Wilson, executive director of the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools, said untapped funding shouldn’t be perceived as a lack of interest or need by private schools. Her organization represents 61 out of hundreds of private schools that vary from large, well-funded schools in urban areas to small church-affiliated schools across the state. “Some of our schools applied, but there were a host of reasons why many did not,” Wilson told Chalkbeat. Beyond the poverty threshold, some were ineligible because federal law disallowed any private school that received a loan under the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program after December 27, 2020. Still others found the state’s application process “more onerous and difficult” than under the 2020 relief package, she said. “I really appreciate that policymakers are looking now at what happened with this funding, recognizing that it was originally earmarked for nonpublic schools, and wanting to fulfill that intention if there is interest and need,” Wilson said. Seeking a new formula for distributing funds Exactly how Lee’s office would distribute funds to private schools under his emergency fund is still being discussed. While the governor’s fund has more flexibility than the previous fund that her department oversaw, Schwinn said federal law prohibits

Gov. Bill Lee speaks with private school leaders in the Memphis area on July 20, 2022, as Tennessee prepared to launch its private school voucher program. The Republican governor soon will decide how to distribute millions of dollars of untapped federal pandemic relief money intended for private schools. (Photo: Samantha West/Chalkbeat) using any of the money for private school vouchers, scholarships, or education savings accounts. And all funds must be spent by June 30, 2024. The commissioner presented four options. One would use the Trump administration’s previous rules for distribution, in which public school districts could count the number of students from low-income families in local private schools and share federal funding proportionally. Other options wouldn’t factor in poverty at all and instead would set allocations per pupil using various percentages. “We can calculate this in whatever way you all want,” Schwinn told the group, as long as it’s for initiatives that address pre-K through higher education. Democrats hope the governor, who fought to bring private school vouchers to Tennessee, will still factor in student poverty in any new calculations for private schools. They note that distribution of $2.2 billion to Tennessee public schools under Biden’s American Rescue Plan was based on the number of low-income families served by their districts. “Our state talks a lot about being fiscally stable, but let’s not confuse

fiscal stability with fiscal responsibility,” said Sen. Heidi Campbell, a Nashville Democrat. “In our state, we tend to consistently punish people for being poor.” Rep. Patsy Hazlewood, who serves on the governor’s accountability group, told Chalkbeat that she wants to see data about how the various scenarios could play out. But ultimately, she wants dollars intended for private schools to go to private schools. After all, she said, while all public schools received some federal support during the pandemic, not every private school did. “A straight per-pupil allocation would be simpler, but we don’t want to be hasty,” said the Signal Mountain Republican, who chaired the House Budget Committee during the recent legislative session. “We also have to be mindful that we’re dealing with a finite timeline,” she added. “Schools are going to need to submit their applications soon so money can get disbursed.” (Marta Aldrich is a senior correspondent and covers the statehouse for Chalkbeat Tennessee. Contact her at maldrich@chalkbeat.org.)

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, December 1 - 7, 2022, Page 4

New face of power among House Democrats is that of a Black man from Brooklyn (theroot.com) – Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, who is serving his fifth term representing New York’s eighth Congressional district, was voted in as the next House Minority Leader. The vote means he’ll take over the top and most powerful spot among congressional Democrats from current Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who’s been in power for nearly a generation.

Jeffries is the first Black person to be leader for either political party in either chamber of Congress in the country’s history, and he takes over with the most diverse supporting cast in history. In addition to Jeffries, House Democrats chose Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, as the minority whip, the person in charge of wrangling

support for legislation, and Rep. Pete Aguilar of California, as chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, which focuses on the party’s message. With Jeffries, who is Black, Clark, a woman and Aguilar, who is Mexican-American, House Democrats’ leadership slate is now without White men. In addition to their ethnic diversity, the new House leadership is also

distinctly younger. Pelosi is 82; Jeffries is 52, Clark is 59 and Aguilar is 43. Jeffries will take the reins of Democrats in Congress with his party in a slim minority but generally regarded as in a position of relative strength after midterm elections in which Democrats defied pundits’ predictions that Republicans would take over by a landslide.

That massive “red wave” was Rep. Hakeem a small ripple Jeffries at best, but it still means that Jeffries and his team will have to contend with a Republican majority that so far appears more interested in investigating President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, than it is in legislation.

Diversity in American media ownership? The time is now! by Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. NNPA Newswire

Several months ago, I co-wrote an oped with my long-term friend and national media colleague, Jim Winston. Our commentary emphasized why “Diversifying American Media Ownership Must Become a National Priority.” Now after the results of the high turnout of communities of color and young voters in the recent MidTerm Elections across the United States, it is time once again to reiterate the relevance and importance of ensuring an increase in Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. the multiracial diversification of ownership of radio and TV broadcast stations as well as all other media platforms including print and social media. The multimedia publishing and communications industry is a trillion-dollar business sector in America. Yet the disparities and inequities of ownership of media industry businesses by persons of color remain glaring. I know some of you would ask me why I am speaking up and out about other persons of color to own media businesses in America in addition to African American ownership of media businesses. There is, I assert, only one clear answer: If you are, as I am, for equality, equity and believe in the oneness of all humanity, then we must practice what we preach. This is why I am publicly and forthrightly supporting the efforts and leadership of Soo Kim, founder and managing partner of Standard General. Kim is an effective and outstanding Korean American business leader, and he is on record supporting greater Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in our nation’s media ownership landscape. As the racial demographics of our nation continue to diversity, American media must intentionally become more representative of that growth. One reason is because diversity is simply good for business. Another reason is because it is right, and it is just to include the very people on which one’s business success depends.

“The multimedia publishing and communications industry is a trillion-dollar business sector in America. Yet the disparities and inequities of ownership of media industry businesses by persons of color remain glaring.” – Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. But perhaps the ultimate reason is because the greatest issues of our day – economic inequity, health disparities and systemic racism – pure and simple – will be best impacted when addressed by a multiSoo plicity of people of all Kim races. Kim has announced an application for an $8.6 billion major media merger by acquiring TEGNA, a company owning 64 television stations coast to coast. Kim turned many heads with his description of a vision of “new partnership models to get diverse viewpoints and perspectives on the air and to make sure people have the resources to do it.” One need only to review the leadership of major media networks in America to see that there are far too few that are owned or led by people of color. This makes Soo Kim’s vision and leadership timely, inclusive, and progressive. This is the kind of media ownership that is exactly what our nation needs at this “transformational” moment. Current TV broadcast industry ownership stats reveal a pattern that favors incumbent owners who are primarily White

males; less than 2 percent of U.S. TV stations are owned by minorities. If the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) block this deal, it would signal that the broadcast FCC industry continues Commissioner to be exclusively reGeoffrey served for White male Starks incumbent players. I support and join with Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) in her letter to the FCC that commends and endorses the proposed merger between Standard General and TEGNA. Strickland stated to FCC ChairwomCongresswoman an Jessica RosenMarilyn worcel, “I share your Strickland longstanding goal of (D-WA) expanding voices and minority ownership in this sector, and the merger would be a critical step in that direction.” We also note with appreciation that FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks, a strong

advocate for equity in the communications industry, observed last year, “Majority ownership of full power TV stations significantly worsened for Asian American owners (from 9 full-power TV stations in 2017 to four stations in 2019). The numbers don’t lie – we must ensure that ownership at broadcast stations better reflects the rich diversity of the communities that they serve. We still have work to do, and we have to do better.” Congresswoman Strickland concluded, “This is why the Standard General-TEGNA acquisition is especially important. If the transaction goes through, Soo Kim, a Korean American naturalized citizen, would be the first Asian American to own and operate a major broadcast station group. “Additionally, it is my understanding that if this deal is approved, the new entity would be the largest minority-owned broadcast station group in America today. It would also be managed by a leading female broadcast executive with a history of investing in local news and in her employee base. I understand further that … at least half of the proposed board of directors will be of minority composition and a majority will be women.” Lastly, as has been widely publicized, access to capital also continues to be a big barrier for minority broadcast owners – from getting a mortgage to being able to obtain financing to conduct business deals, like the one with TEGNA. Again, that is why the proposed Soo Kim deal will be a real game-changing move, if approved, that will overcome some of the past significant barriers that minorities have faced to get access to financing in general, but especially for the FCC-regulated broadcast and media space. The U.S. Justice Department and the FCC should therefore move forward expeditiously to approve the merger, and to reaffirm the importance of serving the greater public good and the issue of equity for all minority-owned media businesses in America. Now is the time. (Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) representing the Black Press of America, and executive producer/host of “The Chavis Chronicles” (TCC) weekly on PBS TV. Reach him at dr. bchavis@nnpa.org.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

December 1 - 7, 2022

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RELIGION

National Memorial Service to salute Evangelist Louise D. Patterson by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The account that Evangelist Louis D. Patterson’s niece relates about the Sunday evening (Nov. 20) death of the widow of the late COGIC Presiding Bishop Gilbert E. Patterson will likely be remembered by many during Mrs. Patterson’s farewell services this week. Final arrangements – including public viewings, a memorial service and a National Homegoing Service – have been set for Thursday and Friday (Dec. 1-2). Mother Patterson, as she was widely known, “passed away just as she wanted to, at home,” said niece Mia Vickers. “She told the doctor, ‘I want to go home. I want to go home.’ And when she took her last breath, a recording of Bishop Patterson was blasting through the speakers. He was fervently praying. Now, that’s the way to go out.” Patterson, 84, complemented and enhanced the international influence of the Church of God In Christ and her late husband in his role as presiding bishop. She founded The Total Woman Women’s Conference as a ministry to help women reach their highest, spiritual potential. Her advocacy through

the conference inspired women from across the country to take action against social, physical and spiritual ills that reflected an African-American community in crisis. Mother Patterson traveled thousands of miles each year, speaking at COGIC women’s events, conferences, and special services. “In 2000, when Bishop Patterson was elected as presiding bishop, he chose me to travel with Sis. Patterson when she had to go out of town to speak,” said Karon Jean Phillips. “It was such an honor to be so close to her all these years. Her passing was a shock to all of us because we were thinking she was going to recover.” Phillips said Mrs. Patterson “wasn’t feeling the best these past few weeks” yet remained in good spirits” and passed away about two hours after returning home from an area hospital. Phillips brought Mrs. Patterson life of service to light with this reference: “Sis. Patterson … helped everybody, and she loved everybody, and I mean everybody. If she could have wrapped her arms around everybody and given them one big hug, she would have.” She and the late presiding bishop shared their commitment to a life of service like a hand and glove. During a remembrance service commemo-

the way and went before us. We must always remember where we came from so we will know where we’re going.” COGIC Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard – in an issued statement – said, “Mother Patterson … made an indelible mark in Christendom as a first lady, an advisor and mentor to women, evangelists, authors, and most importantly, a complete champion of holiness. … “Lady Karen and I personally appreciate Mother Patterson’s genuine endearment and support of our family. On behalf of the General Board and the entire Church Of God In Christ family, we earnestly pray for the Patterson Dowdy families and the Temple of Deliverance church during this time of reflection and mourning.” FINAL ARRANGEMENTS: Evangelist Louise D. Patterson: “God give us new faith, ever-increasing faith to stand upon your Word.” (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender) rating 50 years since the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., she offered a glimpse that was recounted in The New Tri-State Defender. “We were on our honeymoon in Atlanta when the phone rang,” said Mrs. Patterson. “Two sanitation workers had been killed on the job, and they were striking. Or two gar-

bage men were killed because that’s how they were being treated – garbage men. Once we got that call, that was the end of our vacation.” Recalling a “strategy team” that affected the development of the movement to support the sanitation workers, Mrs. Patterson said people “… must never forget those who paved

Giving thanks at Pentecostal

During the Thanksgiving Day service at Pentecostal Temple Church of God In Christ, Pastor Charles Harrison Mason Patterson (right) paved the way for the guest speaker, his son, Minister Charles Harrison Mason Patterson II, whose topic was “I Can’t Let A Day Go By Without Thanking The Lord.” It was drawn from Luke 17:14-19. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

Thursday, Dec. 1: Public Viewing – 9 a.m.-6:45 p.m. Local Memorial Service – 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2 Visitation – 8 a.m.-9:45 a.m. National Homegoing Service – 10 a.m. All services will be at Temple of Deliverance Church Of God In Christ, 369 G.E. Patterson Ave., in Downtown Memphis.

The New Tri-State Defender

December 1 - 7, 2022

ENTERTAINMENT

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COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, December 1 - 7, 2022, Page 7

No charges for Oakland, TN officers in violent arrest by Adrian Sainz The Associated Press

A grand jury has declined to indict police officers after an investigation by Tennessee’s police agency into the violent arrest of a Black man for alleged traffic violations, a district attorney said Wednesday. Members of a grand jury in Fayette County reviewed evidence Monday related to the July arrest of Brandon Calloway, but the panel “elected to take no action regarding the actions of the officers,” said Mark E. Davidson, the rural county’s top prosecutor. Calloway told The Associated Press in October that he was stopped because he was a young Black man driving a nice car. He has said he would not have been stopped in the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro he was driving if he was white. Calloway was arrested by Oakland police and charged with disregarding a stop sign, speeding, disorderly conduct and evading arrest. Video footage of the confrontation leading up to the arrest, which spread on social media, shows officers chasing him through his home, attempting to stun him, and beating him bloody before dragging him away. According to a police affidavit, Calloway drove through a stop sign about 7:30 p.m. on July 16. He was

then clocked driving 32 mph in a 20 mph zone (51 kph in a 32 kph zone) before an officer attempted a traffic stop. Calloway continued driving until he Attorney reached a house, André C. where he pulled Wharton, Esq. into the driveway and ran inside, the affidavit said. The affidavit says that later Calloway and others were outside speaking with the first officer when a second officer arrived. The officers said they needed to detain Calloway, and he ran back inside the house. The officers kicked down the front door and followed Calloway upstairs, where he ran into a room and locked the door. Officers then kicked down that door, used a stun gun on him and began to hit him with a baton, the affidavit said. One police officer was placed on paid leave while the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation investigated. The state police agency then gave its report to Davidson before his office presented the evidence to the grand jury. The confrontation happened in Oakland, a small town about 30 miles (50 kilometers) east of Mem-

Brandon Calloway, second from left, speaks with a reporter alongside his family about his violent arrest in July for alleged traffic violations on Monday, Oct. 24, 2022, in Somerville, Tenn. Also pictured are Calloway’s father, Ed Calloway, left, sister Raven Calloway, second from right, and mother, Dinishia Calloway, right. (AP Photo/Adrian Sainz) phis. Calloway, who runs a notary public business, said the beating left him with stitches in his head, speech problems and memory loss. His lawyer, André C. Wharton

Esq., said Wednesday that they are “extremely disappointed in this outcome.” Wharton said he hopes the U.S. Department of Justice will “fully review this matter for possible in-

stitution of criminal prosecution.” “Meanwhile, we will not rest, nor sit still, but will continue to stand with Brandon in our quest for justice,” Wharton said.

Health Department nets $13.8 million CDC grant to beef up public health infrastructure, workforce The Shelby County Health Department and its partners, including the University of Memphis, have been awarded $13,837,767 over a 5-year term for infrastructure improvements and workforce development. The grant funding is part of $3.2 billion in awards that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is funneling to state, local and territorial jurisdictions to strengthen their public health infrastructure. “This grant funding is a game-changer for the Shelby County Health Department,” said Shelby County Health Department Director Dr. Michelle Taylor. “Part of my agenda when taking the role as Health Director was to invest in our employees by enhancing public health competencies that allow us to serve our community better and improve health outcomes. We asked for funding to build and revitalize our existing public health infrastructure and for funds to recruit, retain, and train our public health workforce now and in the future.” The CDC fully funded all of the requests. “This funding is designed to address under-resourced communities like Shelby County that are economically challenged and have high-risk and underserved populations,” Taylor said. “I am proud of the work we have already accomplished, and I am looking forward to the next chapter of strengthening our public health workforce.” Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris said the CDC investment “is a testament to the leadership and good work of the Shelby County Health Department. We’re thankful to President Biden’s Administration and the CDC for their confidence, support, and ongoing partnership.” The University of Memphis

School of Public Health was a key partner in the Health Department’s grant proposal. “The University of Memphis School of Public Health Dr. Michelle is so excited Taylor to collaborate with the Shelby County Health Department on such an important and timely initiative,” said Dr. Ashish Joshi, dean of the School of Public Health. “The work of this grant will contribute to preparing the next generation’s public health workforce to address 21st century public health challenges. This initiative will also strengthen Shelby County’s public health data infrastructure, which will have positive impacts both locally and beyond.” The University of Memphis is the implementation partner for each of the grant goals. “The University of Memphis is committed to serving the residents of Shelby County. For that reason, the University is very excited about this partnership with the Shelby County Health Department,” said Dr. Jasbir Dhaliwal, executive vice president for Research and Innovation at the U of M. that University of Memphis said. “(The) University will assist the Shelby County Health Department in its effort to promote, protect, and improve the health of the residents of Shelby County via this public health workforce initiative. We look forward to all that we will accomplish together over the next five years.” (For more information about Shelby County Health Department’s programs and services, visit https://www.shelbytnhealth.com/.)

This Thanksgiving ... Tony James, head of the Tri-State Baseball Academy, settles into his serving role during Thanksgiving dinner for the Reed-James family at the James residence on Mud Island. (Above) Pictured (l-r): Denise Odigie, Teresa James, Robbie Reed (seated, the mother of the others), Lavorn Mitchell, Inez Kerr and Sophia Phillips. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

The New Tri-State Defender

December 1 - 7, 2022

TELEVISION

Will Smith: ‘I took my hard and made it hard for other people’ Opens up about the slap in 1st TV interview since Oscars

“It was a lot of things. It was the little boy that watched his father beat up his mother. All of that just bubbled up in that moment. That’s not who I wanna be. ... That’s not who I wanna be, man.”” — Will Smith

by Shanelle Genai theroot.com

On Monday, Academy Award-winning actor Will Smith gave his first TV interview since the infamous Oscars slap during an appearance on “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.” While there, in promotion of his new film, “Emancipation,” which is set to hit theaters Dec. 2 – Smith sat down with Noah and discussed the gripping new feature and, of course, that fateful moment at this year’s Academy Awards. “That was a horrific night as you can imagine,” Smith began. “There’s many nuances and complexities to it but, at the end of the day, I just lost it. I guess what I would say – you just never know what somebody is going through.” He continued: “I was going through something that night. Not that that justifies my behavior at all. I would just say, you’re asking what did I learn, and it’s that: we just gotta be nice to each other, man. It’s like, it’s hard. And I guess the thing that was most painful for me is I took my hard and made it hard for other people. And it’s like, I understood the idea where they say ‘hurt people, hurt

The Academy Award-winning actor Will Smith appeared on Monday’s episode of “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” in promotion for his new film, “Emancipation.” (Screen Capture) people…’ “It was a lot of things. It was the little boy that watched his father beat up his mother. All of that just bubbled up in that moment. That’s not who I wanna be. You’ve known me for a long time, so you know me personally, so you know. But y’all might not know. That’s not who I wanna be, man.” He later added, “I understand how shocking it was for people, man. On that stage – I was gone, dude. I was gone, I

was gone. That was a rage that had been bottled for a really long time. I understand the pain.” Speaking to “Emancipation” – which tells the triumphant story of Peter, a man who escapes from slavery on a quest for freedom — Smith echoed the sentiments he shared during an interview with Variety earlier on Monday where he hoped his transgression wouldn’t overshadow the hard work of the folks involved with the film.

“Emancipation” is (director) Antoine (Fuqua’s) masterpiece. He has created an absolute masterpiece,” the King Richard star explained. “Bob Richardson, the DP; Ben Foster; and just all the way down – it’s like these top artists in the world have done some of the best work of their careers. And the idea that they might be denied because of me is like (groans.) It’s like, that is just killing me dead. “And the thing that is like, so critical for me, is that these people came and they trusted me and they were down for me. I just hope that their work will be honored and their work will not be tainted based on a horrific decision on my part.” (Source: theroot.com.)

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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:

Pyramid Used Cars, Inc. Tax Parcel #: 01206100000050 Tax Sale #: 1703 Price Offered: $4400.00 Terms: Cash

Christopher Wells Tax Parcel #: 03501600000120 Tax Sale #: 1802 Price Offered: $15300.00 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 December 28, 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.

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 December 28, 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

SPORTS The New Tri-State Defender, December 1 - 7, 2022, Page 9

Initially hesitant to look into the eighth hole for his ball, Marcus F. Brown follows foursome partner Ernest D. Strickland toward the evidence of Brown’s hole-in-one. (Courtesy photos)

‘It’s in’ and the rest was history for ace-making golfer TSD Newsroom An eagle, memorable birdies but never a hole-in-one, said long-time golfer Marcus Fitzgerald Brown, who recently recorded an ace on the eighth hole at the Links at Fox Meadows Golf Course during Shelby County Commissioner Mickell Lowery’s benefit for LeMoyne-Owen College. Brown, 58, has been playing golf for about 30 years. The shot he made on the Par 3, 140-yard hole has rocketed to the top of his “career.” “It feels fantastic,” said Brown. “I’ve been tripping ever since.” Brown, who operates Complete Computer Services, played in a foursome with Ernest D. Strickland, president/CEO of the Black Business Association of Memphis; businessman Calvin Anderson, president of Best Media Properties (The New Tri-State Defender’s parent company) and Desmond Norris, who plays golf for LeMoyne-Owen College. “It’s in!” That’s what the entire foursome and half the course shouted, said Anderson. “Marcus made an amazing shot (that) looked good from the swing … on landing and the in sequence.” Using his eight iron, Brown took his shot. “When I swung at it, I looked at it. That was the straightest ball I ever saw. (It) Went straight up in the air and I looked down, it went in the hole and I couldn’t believe it. I kept asking the guys, “Did it go in? Did it go in? And my mind wouldn’t let me go over there just to check. I just couldn’t believe it.” The ball is now mounted thanks to C&J Trophy and Engraving.

Ja Morant makes a strong, left-hand drive to the rim for a basket as Zion Williamson of the Pelicans eyes the move. (Photos: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender)

Ja wins his first boys-tomen matchup against Zion

by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

You cannot get any closer to the hole than Marcus F. Brown’s hole-in-one. His wife was the first person he called after the masterful stroke. “I told her that I hit a hole-inone…. And she didn’t believe it. … I thought we had won a car … the Cadillac car.” No car? “It was the wrong hole; ended up being the 220 (yard) par-three (to win the car). Brown averages playing golf twice a week, often alternating between Windyke Country Club, TPC Southwind and Irene Golf Course. “My son was playing First Tee,” said Brown, recalling his introduction to golf as a player. “I needed him to be involved with something. I ended up getting involved with it. … He plays now. … Matter of fact, he plays more than I do.” In Brown, the game of golf has an avid advocate. “I think it’s great because any time that you can get together and fellowship with men … something happens and we realize how much we have in common. …”

Witnessing the hole-in-hole by Marcus F. Brown (second from left) were (l-r) Ernest D. Strickland, Calvin Anderson and Desmond Norris.

In the matchup of two South Carolina boys linked by basketball and now men in the NBA, the Grizzlies’ Ja Morant now has a win over the Pelicans’ Zion Williamson. Memphis – paced by star point guard Morant’s 23 points, 11 assists and 4 rebounds – dominated New Orleans, which got 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists from Williams in a game that the Grizzlies led from start to finish at FedExForum (Nov. 25). Among the surface deTerry tails of the Morant-WilliamDavis son connection are that they played on the same AAU team and that Williamson went number one in the 2019 NBA draft, with Morant second in that same class. By their teams’ schedules, the two could have faced each other 16 times as professionals but injuries and DNP decisions whittled that to four, with Williamson riding a 4-0 record going into the post-Thanksgiving match-up, the last win coming Feb. 16, 2021. “It’s exciting man, two guys from South Carolina, where most don’t make it out and live out their dream, playing basketball at the highest level,” said Morant. He was fielding a post-game question about being on the floor with the player and man with whom he has such a history and bond. “We’re able to provide, not only for ourselves but for our families. It’s big time. I know we both enjoy it and being out there on the court together is even better. He’s a special talent, obviously. “We’re not used to playing against each other. It’s still good … always room for praying he has a very healthy career, being able to showcase his talent at the highest level, being 100 percent.” For the Grizzlies, handling the physical force that Williamson represented was a team effort that largely fell to a key physical force, Dillon Brooks, who finished as Memphis’ leading scorer with 25 points (two rebounds, four assists). On guarding the bigger Williamson, Brooks said, “That plays more into my defense and physicality … trying to meet him before the rim. He finds ways to jump over you, get by you. And I just try to keep him to his right hand mostly … make him finish with his right hand. That’s the matchup.” The handy dispatching of the Pelicans ended the Grizzlies’ two-game losing streak to the pleasure of a sold-out crowd (17,794). Memphis came out humming, pushing the lead to 20 at one point en route to a 44-25 first-quarter lead. Brooks was on fire, making three shots from deep and scoring 11 points. Morant dished four assists and scored 11 points. With 2:44 left in the first half, the Pelicans got within 13 points (59-36) and that would be the closest they would get in a while to Memphis, which led 68-48 at halftime. In the third quarter, the Grizzlies led by as many as 36 points (98-62), ending the quarter ahead

With Dillon Brooks in the prime position, the Grizzlies double-team Zion Williamson with Brandon Clarke. 106-77. That is when head coach Taylor Jenkins emptied the Memphis bench. The fourth quarter was pretty much drama free. Notably, the crowd erupted when Memphis’ NBA G-League star Kenny Lofton Jr. got into the game, taking that reaction up another level when he scored his first basket. “Well, give them the credit. They came in right away from the start of the game and just played with more force,” said Willie Green, the Pelicans’ second-year head coach, who gained respect for guiding New Orleans to last season’s playoffs, where they were a tough out for the Phoenix Suns. “They knocked down a lot of shots. They basically got whatever they wanted. Threes, points in the paint, they got to the free throw line … wasn’t our night.” The Pelicans were led by Trey Murphy III, with 21 points off the bench. Guard C.J. McCollum, who has been tough for the Grizzlies to handle, did not play for health reasons. Memphis’ hot start on the offensive end was welcomed after several games of subpar shooting. “Seeing the ball go through the net tonight was great from the three-point line (and) a little bit better job from the free throw line,” said Jenkins. “We’re just trying to get to that rim as much as we can. I thought our guys did a really good job of that. Steven (Adams) especially was getting to the rim pretty frequently in that first half. That’s definitely the balance we need.” Adams (15 points, 10 rebounds) played big for the Grizzlies inside against former Grizzlies’ center Jonas Valanciunas. Jaren Jackson Jr., who was limited to 22 minutes by foul trouble, scored an impressive 20 points while on the court. Brandon Clarke contributed a double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds) off the bench. In the competitive Western Conference, the top 10 teams are only separated by two games. The Grizzlies entered the game with the ninth-best record; they were in the top three after the win. NEXT The Grizzlies (12-8) were in Minnesota to play the Timberwolves (10-11) on Wednesday night (Nov. 30). Visit TSDMemphis.com for the game story.

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The New Tri-State Defender

December 1 - 7, 2022

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FAMILY MATRIARCH. To all our employees. Thanks for everything you do. We celebrate all you bring to work, and all you bring to life.