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December 8 - 14, 2022
VOL. 71, No. 49
‘Part of the DNA will be DEI at BlueOval City’ Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are front and center of hiring at BlueOval City, Ford Motor Company’s new mega plant in Stanton, Tennessee, slated for 2025. “Around the BlueOval City project, our goal is to have the workforce be reflective of the community where we’re located,” said Alison Nelson, Ford’s Director of DEI Strategies and Program Planning. Following Ford’s historic 2021 announcement, West Tennessee job seekers can now pursue nearly 6,000 unfolding new jobs while entrepreneurs seek new business opportunities. Both urban and rural citizens will benefit from on-site training, manufacturing positions, leadership roles and new contracts, giving relief to the region’s struggling families.
“Around the BlueOval City project, our goal is to have the workforce be reflective of the community where we’re located.” — Alison Nelson BlueOval City will produce Ford F-150 Lightning electric trucks and EV batteries. Early leadership hiring and contracting to build the 3,600-acre, high-tech plant have begun – Ford will annouce a major kick-off event at BlueOval in early 2023. Among managerial roles, two West Tennessee-based human resource officers have been secured to lead hiring – one for BlueOval assembly plant’s 3,200 jobs and one for BlueOval SK battery plant’s 2,500 jobs. (SK On is Ford’s EV bat-
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No time for ‘silos’ with billions in play for economic development
Ford touts ‘clean slate’ for diversity, equity & inclusion
by Dena Owens
www.tsdmemphis.com
by Karanja A. Ajanaku kajanaku@tsdmemphis.com
Alison Nelson, Ford’s Director of DEI Strategies and Program Planning, moderated a panel discussion on the Ford automotive plant at the Jackson Fairgrounds in October. (Courtesy photo) tery production partner.) In October, Ursula Madden, former City of Memphis chief communications officer, was named BlueOval external affairs manager. Madden will launch communications projects and act as a liaison between the plant and stakeholders. Ford reported in August that at least half of BlueOval supplier contracts are held by MWBEs (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises) and veteran-owned businesses. Nelson says Ford is committed to diverse business practices, as well as hiring from diverse backgrounds,
SEE FORD ON PAGE 2
Pivoting off recently announced new leadership at the Greater Memphis Chamber, conversations were called for with Black Business Association’s Ernest D. Strickland, Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum’s Jozelle Booker and Stephanie Alexander with the Memphis Area Minority Contractors Association. The three entities – BBA, MMBC Continuum and MAMCA – have formed a collaborative to get the most for their members and the African-American community from BlueOval SK, downtown development and transportation act funding. Next Tuesday (Dec. 13), Ted Townsend becomes the chamber’s president/CEO, succeeding Beverly Robertson. The next day Gwen Fisher, Greater Memphis regional director for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), takes over as chief economic development officer at the chamber, the position being vacated
Ernest D. Strickland
Jozelle Booker
by Townsend. Framing the recently-formed collaborative and the chamber transition are billions of dollars in business opportunities. “Right before Stephanie our Economic Alexander Development Forum, the Downtown Memphis Commission announced $6 billion in Downtown capital investment, and then BlueOval is
SEE BUSINESS ON PAGE 2
“I believe, I’m convinced, I have no doubt that there is a better place. Don’t worry about Mother Patterson,” said COGIC Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard. “She has gone to that better place. She did her part here. She was a good soldier, and she made plans to go to a better place… Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.…”
Remembering Mother Patterson:
‘A good soldier’ who planned for ‘a better place’
by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
COGIC Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard delivered a brief and dramatic eulogy, extolling both his relationship with “Mother” Louise D. Patterson and a scriptural message. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/ GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)
The distinction and pageantry of the national memorial service for COGIC Evangelist Louise Dowdy Patterson was reminiscent of that afforded her late husband, Presiding Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson. With Downtown Memphis draping Temple of Deliverance Church of God and Christ on G.E. Patterson Ave., celebrants filed in respectful of the occasion and Mrs. Patterson’s life and legacy. Evangelist Patterson, 84, died on the evening of Nov. 20. Many of the 25,000 Church of God in Christ saints (as they are described) who at-
tended the 114th Holy Convocation in Memphis had just returned home when they received word. As the national memorial service (Dec. 2) unfolded, a procession of ecumenical bishops and corporate church leaders – called by name – walked to the open casket, each pausing for a personal farewell. The service was live-streamed to myriad parts of the world on multiple virtual platforms. So was the local service the previous day. COGIC Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard delivered a brief and dramatic eulogy, extolling both his relationship with “Mother” Patterson and a
SEE COGIC ON PAGE 9
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The New Tri-State Defender
December 8 - 14, 2022
NEWS
Need help completing college degree? STCC’s free session can help reconnect TSD Newsroom Southwest Tennessee Community College on Saturday (Dec. 10) will host a free information session for people interested in returning to the classroom to complete their college degrees through the Tennessee Reconnect initiative. Participants will learn how to apply for a scholarship, explore Southwest’s programs and student services, and talk with Tennessee Reconnectors about their student experience. The information session and a roundtable discussion will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at STCC’s Whitehaven Center, 1234 Finley Road at Elvis Presley Boulevard.
BUSINESS
CONTINUED FROM FRONT $ 6 billion, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is probably around $8 billion for the State of Tennessee,” said Booker, MMBC Continuum’s president/CEO. Soon after Ford announced plans for BlueOval City, general contractors for the project were contacting The MMBC Continuum, the BBA and MAMCA. “We were all on a call, and I said to myself that we have an opportunity to mess this up if we try to attack this in silos, where MMBC is working with a group and BBA is trying to work with the same group and other people are talking to MAMCA,” said Booker, who serves on the chamber’s board. “We formed what we’ve coined as the Mem Collaborative. We are working together to make sure that whether it’s a member of MMBC or BBA or MAMCA, we want to make sure that minority businesses have access to these opportunities.” Alexander, MAMCA’s executive director, amplified: “It’s very important that the three organizations come together to show our leadership and moving forward with BlueOval. That was the reason for the collaboration because we know that it’s such a big project and that we wanted to make sure that the minority contractors and the minority vendors got a chance. … You got three independent organizations coming together to try to make a difference.” Ford’s BlueOval City electric vehicle manufacturing campus is the single largest private investment in Tennessee history and Ford’s history.
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The Reconnect program was announced in 2017 by then-governor Bill Haslam, three years after he unveiled Tennessee Promise for high school graduates. Both initiatives are part of the state’s higher education Drive to 55 program, launched in 2013 with the goal of getting 55 percent of working-age Tennesseans to complete a college education by 2025. To reserve a spot for Saturday’s session, visit southwest.tn.edu or call 901-333-5000. Interested persons, who are unable to attend the event or they have questions, can contact the Office of Admissions at 901333-5924 or send an email to admissions@ southwest.tn.edu.
The campus near Memphis begins production in 2025 and is projected to result in 6,000 direct jobs, with Ford suppliers expected to bring thousands of additional jobs to the region. In June, the Chamber outlined its Prosper Memphis 2030 plan to grow Memphis by 2030. It includes these goals: 1) add 50,000 jobs, with half going to minorities; 2) add 700 advanced industry companies; and 3) graduate 20,000 students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics annually, with 45 percent of those degrees going to minorities. The Chamber’s economic development work, headed by Fisher, is to play an important role in helping the region meet those goals. “What the Greater Memphis Chamber team has accomplished despite the pandemic and its aftereffects is nothing short of amazing,” Fisher said. “Memphis is increasingly becoming a destination of choice for advanced manufacturers, especially in the areas of supply chain and logistics, agribusiness and food, medical device and health care technology, and music. “My top priority is to accelerate that growth, which will result in even more opportunities and access to prosperity for all of Memphis.” Strickland, BBA’s president/CEO, noted Townsend and Fisher’s long history of working together on major projects and added that both have “high-level economic development skills, relationships and passion for Memphis.” Referring to Robertson, Strickland said her tenure as chamber president/CEO came at “a critical time” in the Chamber’s history. “Her ability to have hard
conversations, raise funds and engage key audiences will benefit the organization for years to come. Her legacy is definitely cemented,” he said. “We (BBA) look forward to working closely with the Chamber as we roll out our strategic plan, Memphis Restart in 2023. Our goal is to showcase how our work aligns with the Chamber’s overall economic development vision.” Strickland said at the BBA, which recently became a chamber member, “creating wealth in the Black community is our North Star. I’m eager to strategize on how we can all work together to put major economic development points on the board in Memphis. BBA members will benefit from our organization having a voice, as we serve as a thought leader in economic development.” Alexander said the previous chamber leadership engaged MAMCA “in all of the CIP projects, anything that was going on far as capital improvement projects.” While the organization had not yet heard from the new chamber leadership at the time of the interview for this story, Alexander was on alert for the outreach. Acknowledging the opportunities on the horizon, Alexander fielded a question about historical challenges facing MAMCA members and African-American contractors generally. “Labor and capital is going to always be my number one,” she said. “We’re working with William R. Moore (School of Technology), we’re working with TCA (Tennessee College of Applied Technology) and Shelby County Schools to help build the labor force.”
FORD
CONTINUED FROM FRONT including different genders, races, educational ranks, etc. “We’ve already done and will continue to do outreach into many of the local communities – from working with Black business leaders to meeting with clergy – and we’ve met with veterans groups,” she said. “We’re leaning into all of those demographics, because it’s really important to us to have that representation across the board to reflect the community.” “Ongoing, whether it’s at BlueOval City or Ford Motor Company, our goal is to make sure DEI is embedded into all our people practices and policies.” “The beauty of BlueOval City is, it’s fresh and new so we’re embedding all of that from the onset.” Nelson, whose family originates from West Tennessee, is a senior Ford lawyer and strategic partner based at Ford headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. In 2021, she took on the DEI role to embed DEI strategies across Ford enterprises. As of 2022, all global Ford salaried employees have DEI objectives, said Nelson. Meeting DEI objectives are now part of their job evaluations – an effort supported by Ford CEO Jim Farley. For 40 years, Ford has offered and continues to provide workforce support and resources through Ford Employee Resource Groups. Ford ERGs include: Women
“Ongoing, whether it’s at BlueOval City or Ford Motor Company, our goal is to make sure DEI is embedded into all our people practices and policies.” — Alison Nelson of Ford, Ford African Ancestry Network, Ford Hispanic and Latino Network, and active disability, veterans and LGBTQ networks. These networks also encourage the exchange of ideas and create safe spaces for open (and sometimes difficult) dialogue. Nelson says BlueOval’s newness presents a “clean slate” for integrating DEI at inception vs. weaving these strategies into an existing business framework. “Part of the DNA will be ‘DEI’ at BlueOval City,” she said. “We have CEO Jim Farley and I’ve personally heard Jim speak of his commitment and I’ve seen him make it very clear about his expectations around DEI and the progress that we need to be making.” “So I know it’s personal for him in that he’s holding himself and his team accountable.” “Having a leader who is committed (to DEI) is really key.” BlueOval is meeting with school districts, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, municipal leaders, nonprofits and private companies throughout West Tennessee to
define jobs to come and the training needed. Discussions on STEM education paths (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) to prepare school youth for future BlueOval jobs are in progress and regional leaders are examining public transit options between Memphis and Stanton. Ford is investing $5.6 billion in BlueOval City, which will soon become the nation’s largest electric truck and EV battery campus. In November, Ford Motor Company Fund, the automaker’s philanthropic arm, invested $1 million in capital grants to help West Tennessee nonprofits, municipalities and small businesses improve community-based construction projects as BlueOval evolves. Awards range from $25,000 to $100,000 and will be distributed in April 2023. Tax-exempt agencies should apply at https://fordfund.org/ TNcapitalgrants. Interested non tax-exempt agencies must email United Way of West Tennessee at Give@UnitedWay.TN.org and enter “Ford Fund Capital Grant” in the subject line. The deadline to apply is February 3, 2023. For BlueOval updates and job announcements as they develop, visit: blueovaljobs. com, Ford.com/blueovalcity or www.facebook.com/BlueOvalCity/. For more information on Ford DEI strategies, visit https://corporate.ford.com/ careers/inclusive-hiring/diversity.html.
The New Tri-State Defender
December 8 - 14, 2022
Tennessee’s LOCAL 2023 5-Star Medicare Advantage Plans
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Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Rating is for the 2023 plan year. BlueAdvantage is a PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in BlueAdvantage depends on contract renewal. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in its health programs and activities. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-831-2583, TTY 711.
.TTY 711, 1-800-831-2583 اتصل برقم. فإن خدمات المساعدة اللغوية تتوفر لك بالمجان، إذا كنت تتحدث اللغة العربية:ملحوظة BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Inc., an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association H7917_23MASTARSFULL_M (9/22)
PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, December 8 - 14, 2022, Page 4
Hattiloo Theatre’s Ekundayo Bandele getting an education encore at Morehouse College by Candace A. Gray
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
While some say you can’t put the cart before the horse, some have no choice but to do so. Ekundayo Bandele, founder of Memphis’ first and only Black Repertory Theatre, built an empire before ever obtaining an undergraduate degree. And now he’s actually going back to school – to Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA – to complete his undergraduate studies. “I started at TSU in 1989 and was there a year and a semester before my wife got pregnant,” said Bandele. “I dropped out so I could take care of my forthcoming family and she finished school and became a teacher while I started a car wash business.” Bandele was hustler. For years, his car wash business afforded him the opportunity to take care of his family and pursue artistic endeavors by night. A dream come true, he opened Hattiloo Theatre in 2006, but still washed cars until 2009. Since then, he’s stored those sponges and led Hattiloo to great victories, including a successful $4M capital campaign to secure the theatre’s current location on Cooper near Overton Square. Coincidentally, Hattiloo and local HBCU LeMoyne Owen College (LOC) were the initial impetuses for Bandele’s return to college. That, and a promise to his mother. “My mother is so proud. And so supportive, as is my entire family,” said Bandele. Bandele is working with LOC to establish a Black Theatre Studies program with a training pipeline through Hattiloo. This program will be the first of its kind in the U.S. and will offer a bachelor’s degree. However, before Bandele can establish the program, he must complete certain prerequisites, the first of which is an undergraduate degree. “I have a friend, Dr. Melvin Foster, associate provost at Morehouse, who helped devise a plan for me to attend as a nontraditional student,” said Bandele, who started taking some of his general studies classes locally at Southwest online during COVID before relocating to Atlanta. “I always wanted to attend Morehouse. I had an uncle who graduated in the 80s,” said Bandele. This uncle, among others, had an impact on his life and inspired Bandele to follow in his footsteps. Now 51, Bandele enrolled as a Junior, Theatre Major, in one of the most prestigious and historic universities in the country, as a “Man of Morehouse”, with aspirations
Ekundayo Bandele (Courtesy photos) to become a “Morehouse Man,” when Mother Morehouse puts a crown on his head in 2024. “I decided Morehouse is not a place that you play with; it’s not a part-time school. The education is wrapped in acculturation. I knew I wanted to live on campus,” said Bandele. Bandele was set up in Mays Hall, right in the middle of campus, in an on-campus apartment designed to house employees who’d moved to Atlanta who had yet to find housing. “It did take a while for the brothers to recognize me as a brother and not someone’s dad. For example, I met a guy for the first time in a production class and he said,
‘Oh you’re the brother everybody’s been talking about; the older brother who’s really got it going on.’ We connected and established a level of respect and brotherhood.” Bandele just completed his first semester, with straight As. “I gave it my all. I never flaunted my background, but instead cooperated and participated as an engaged student. My therapist helped me develop ‘shoshin’ or a beginner’s mind, one that’s empty and ready to learn,” said Bandele. Bandele’s therapist has helped him through the years, starting in 2016, helping him overcome anger issues, and then learning how to deal with being a man of national stature and prominence. “Being a black man in Memphis, there are certain stressors and to be successful, you can NEVER come across as an angry black man,” said Bandele. “She’s also helping me live in the moment. My dad died at 54 and even though I don’t live like my father, that’s still in front of me. I have learned you don’t focus on death if you focus on living.” Bandele’s therapist is also helping him determine who he’s going to be when he finishes, how he’s going to act and resume his life at the helm of Hattiloo, which he’s still running, by the way. “We are flourishing because of his leadership. Things are going great; the company is prospering as a vital part of the community,” said Rosanna “Ros” Smith, administrative assistant at Hattiloo. “Mr. Bandele is ever present, even in his absence. We are glad he has the opportunity to complete his education and provide us with the leadership that he has in the past.” Bandele says Smith has even pushed out her retirement until he returns full-time. “My family, staff, donors and board are so supportive. I’m so blessed. I’m right where God wants me to be,” said Bandele. And though he started down this path to fulfill a requirement for the next phase of Hattiloo, he realized this timely journey was tailor-made for him, to achieve a level of self-development he never experienced before. “The New Student Orientation was life-changing. This entire experience is helping me be a better BLACK man. Morehouse is just a very special place. The beauty of it is the humility it’s brought out of me. I’ve been all these places, been on all these boards, yet here I am…learning and growing,” said Bandele. (Learn about Ekundayo Bandele’s journey at https:// ekundayobandele.com/.)
My St. Jude race experience: running for the children was good for my health by Brittany Holst
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
It has been three years since I last took part in a St. Jude Memphis Marathon, so I was happy to join the 20,000 participants this year. On Saturday (Dec. 3), I walked and jogged in the 5k (3.1 miles) run event for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend. Other events offered were 10k (6.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles) and full marathon (26.2miles). The events raised $12.8 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Memphis hospital specializes in the research and treatment of children with childhood cancers and life-threatening diseases. Through the donations raised, children and their families can focus on winning battles, overcoming illnesses, and not stressing over finances. St. Jude promotes that no child shall be refused treatment due to finances. After my coworkers and I
registered for the event, I started doing things to prepare myself for the race. I would walk around the work complex on my breaks, go bike riding Downtown, and drink plenty of water. The Thursday and Friday before the race, participants had to pick up their race packet at the Renasant Center, which included a bag, t-shirt, wristband for those over the age of 21, and your runner’s bib. The Health & Fitness Expo also was taking place, so after getting your packet, you could walk around to the different vendors to shop and pick up informational packets. The day of the race, I woke up early and met my coworkers Downtown so we could walk together. Traffic was crazy so once we parked, we got an Uber to get us as close to the starting line as possible. We ended up starting the event after everyone, but we were happy we made it. For December, I expected
Brittany Holst cooler temperatures. The temperatures in the 60s were perfect and the wind supplied a nice breeze. While walking, I met a lot of people, some were the family of cancer survivors, who were treated at St. Jude, and the survivors themselves. Some were walking in honor of a loved one, and some,
like me, were there in support of the cause. The route of the 5k went through the St. Jude campus and it felt good seeing the supporters lined up with bells and signs encouraging everyone to keep going and thanking us for taking part. My coworkers and I crossed the finish line within an hour, except for Trent Lackey, an avid runner, who finished within about 30 minutes of starting the run. Lackey, an avid runner, said, “It feels fantastic to be able to be a part of the St. Jude Marathon event. Not only am I supporting a wonderful cause that positively affects the lives of countless people, but I also was able to test my mettle and push myself physically-which is always such a pleasure and blessing. Also, the celebration afterward is always quite a party because there is this feeling that you’ve ‘earned it’.” After crossing the finish line, runners were greeted with water and fruit before
DSV Air & Sea St. Jude race participants (l-r) Trent Lackey, Emanuel Knecht, Melissa Brooker, Veronica Zacher, Brittany Holst, Shenika Hunt. (Courtesy photo) heading to AutoZone Park for soup, beer, more water, coffee, pizza, and music. It was nice to see the attendees talking, laughing, and rejoicing over the event. “I run a good many races, but Saturday was my second time participating in the St. Jude event officially. I did ‘ghost run’ the half marathon when it was held virtually to support a few buddies, but I ran the full marathon last year and it was an absolute blast,” Lackey added. Our branch manager Emanuel Knecht said, “I enjoyed the race much more than I thought. I was in favor of doing it but the whole picking up
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the bag, number stuff, starting at 7 a.m. did put me off a bit. “I think the best thing for me was actually to see at the end that everybody seemed or said that they thoroughly enjoyed it, so I would definitely do it again,” Jokingly, Knecht added, “Maybe the 10k that starts at 8 a.m.” I have focused more on my health lately, maybe because I turned 30 earlier this year. I set a goal to finish the 5k within an hour. I felt proud of myself accomplishing my goal. My future goal is to run a 5k in 30 minutes or less and eventually get to the point of taking part in half or full marathons.
The New Tri-State Defender
(Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)
December 8 - 14, 2022
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RELIGION
(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)
Homegoing Celebration for Evangelist Louise D. Patterson In a national memorial service befitting of her stature and service through the Church of God in Christ, the life and legacy of Evangelist Louise D. Patterson were remembered and saluted at Temple of Deliverance COGIC, which was founded by her late husband Presiding Bishop G.E. Patterson. Mrs. Patterson died Nov. 20. She was 84. Related story, photos on Page 1, 9.
Gospel music songstress Myrna Summers stirred those attending the national memorial service for Evangelist Louise D. Patterson. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)
Bishop Brandon B. Porter delivers a salute to Evangelist Louise D. Patterson. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/ The New Tri-State Defender)
Taking note …
When lives cross positively … In “The Crossroads of Champions,” the Rev. Marvin Mims Sr., pastor of St. Mark Baptist Church on J.C. Bachus Blvd., writes about the “interconnectedness” of his life and the late Rev. Dr. Johnny Clarence Bachus, the longtime pastor of St. Mark. The book’s subtitle also accents “Manhood, Military, Marriage & Ministry.” (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)
Celebrating the 55th! The Rev. Dr. Melvin Charles Smith (right), pastor of Mount Moriah–East Baptist Church, was the center of attention for the gala event – his 55th pastoral celebration – at the Holiday Day Inn at the University of Memphis last Sunday (Dec. 5). (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/ The New Tri-State Defender)
Fullview Baptist Church in Bartlett was the setting as Mission Possible Christian Outreach Service Mission (COSM) honored Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell for excellence in writing during her long association with The New TriState Defender. Mission Possible: COSM was founded by Thelma Nelms (right). (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)
The New Tri-State Defender
December 8 - 14, 2022
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The New Tri-State Defender
December 8 - 14, 2022
ENTERTAINMENT
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COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, December 8 - 14, 2022, Page 8
Jim Stewart – co-founder of Stax Records, architect of the Memphis Sound – dies at 92 by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
When 18-year-old Jim Stewart made the trek to Memphis from his family’s West Tennessee farm, he had dreams of becoming the next big country music star. As it turned out, Stewart was instrumental in creating the world-famous Memphis brand of soul as a founder of Stax Records. Stewart, 92, died Monday (Dec. 5), surrounded by his family, according to a statement released by Stax Museum Communications Director Tim Sampson. For nearly 15 years, Stewart produced and recorded the songs of young, African-American bands and singers, creating a stable of stars from aspiring performers with a dream. Hundreds of Stax singles topped the pop charts and dominated the R&B charts. Stewart forgot all about his rockabilly stardom aspirations when he discovered the wealth of talent just waiting to be recorded. Those were the glory days of Stax soul. “When I first heard that Mr. Stewart had passed away, I thought, ‘Wow, he was the man who gave us our first start,’” said James Alexander, an original member of the BarKays. “His death marks the end of an
James Alexander, pictured with Jim Stewart, said, “I will always remember what Mr. Stewart meant to us and everything he did for us.” (Photos: Courtesy of Stax Museum /Soulsville Foundation) era. Mr. Stewart’s death feels like the end.” Stewart had rented a closed theatre at 926 at McLemore near College.
He partnered with his sister Estelle Axton who mortgaged her house to finance the operation, named the venture STAX, (first two letters from
each of their last names), and opened for business. Memphis DJ Rufus Thomas and his daughter Carla Thomas, 16, recorded “Cause I Love You,” and Stax was on its way. Alexander remembers when their band went down to Stax to audition. “In those days, everybody had to audition live,” said Alexander. “We had been playing underage at the Hippodrome on Beale Street. We played behind this singer, Norman West, and there was a little groove we always played when we were there. So, we started playing for Mr. Stewart. “He stopped us and said, ‘What is the name of that?’ And we said, ‘We don’t know. It’s just a groove we play at the club.’ So, he ran into the booth and started recording it. After a few little changes, we recorded that song and called it ‘Soul Finger.’” Stax Records would launch other stellar careers, including Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Sam & Dave, Booker T. & the M.G.s, the Staple Singers, Johnnie Taylor, Albert King, among others. Stewart was lauded for his forward-thinking in the segregated South. Stax was praised for its integrated staff and roster of musicians. Stewart often would say he didn’t care about color. He just wanted to make music. “It was magical,” said Alexander.
Jim Stewart “So many dreams came true. So many dreams of being stars—we were living the dream. And then, everything just suddenly stopped. There was the plane crash, and the Bar-Kays were gone.” Dec. 10, 1967, Otis Redding and the Bar-Kays were on the way to do a show, but their plane crashed, leaving only one survivor, Ben Cauley. “I wasn’t on the plane,” said Alexander. “We were all devastated. Mr. Stewart knew how close we were. We all transferred to Booker T. Washington (High School) so we could be together every day, including the white keyboard player, Ronnie Caldwell. He was at Central. “Mr. Stewart came to me and asked if I wanted to continue the situation or just let everything go. I said I wanted to continue. And we just began to rebuild. I will always remember what Mr. Stewart meant to us and everything he did for us.”
Retirement lands Shannon Brown’s 44-year flight at FedEx ‘…closing a chapter … preparing to open another’ by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Somehow Shannon Brown’s mother knew, even when he was very young, that he would become a man with great responsibility. “Mother would always be pinning money in my pocket with a safety pin and saying, ‘Here, take this and go pay the rent,’ or ‘go and pay this bill or that bill,’” Brown said. Brown’s mother was right, and she would live many years to see her intuitive sense come to fruition. On Nov. 30, Brown retired from FedEx as the senior vice-president of Eastern U.S. Operations and the Chief Diversity Officer for FedEx Express, where he started as a young man in the FedEx hub handling packages in 1978. From that modest beginning, he moved impressively up the ranks for more than four decades. Brown will miss the dynamic team he has mentored and shaped over the years. But … it was his time. “We live in a world now that is moving very quickly,” Brown said. “Communication moves very fast. We get instant notification on everything. When you look back at retirement … all of this was post-Depression. Today, we can’t look at retirement like for what it was originally designed to be, back in the 30s. “I am retired, but I’ve got to stay active. I didn’t have to retire … I was having lots of fun at FedEx. When you look at the team I worked so hard to groom, I have mentored these guys and provided development for them …To just stay on would not give them the opportunity to really experience the consequences of decisions made in a greater place of responsibility.” A lot of thought went into Brown’s decision to retire at this time.
Shannon A. Brown (second from left), as senior vice president/ chief human resources and diversity officer for FedEx Express, gave the keynote address on “FedEx Free Day” at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta on Super Bowl XLIII weekend 2019. (Courtesy photo)
Shannon A. Brown
“It was the right time,” Brown said. “Sometimes, you have to step aside, and let some other individuals move on. Five people were promoted when I left, you see. So just that one move allowed these peo-
ple to move up. “I will be here, of course, if they need me, but now, the decisions they make are theirs, and they own them.” Brown graduated from Westwood High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from National-Louis University in Chicago, Illinois. When he graduated in 1978, Brown returned home to Memphis to find his dream executive job. He abandoned his plan to “start at the top” when a friend told him FedEx was hiring. Brown took a gamble on himself and wagered that no matter how humble his beginning, he would not remain there for long. The company policy was promotion from within, the support and teamwork were phenomenal, and
Brown’s ambition was ignited. There was nowhere to go but up. Brown grew with FedEx. Accepting a job in the hub with a college degree paid off big. FedEx wasn’t even a decade old when Brown joined the company. Both were in their infancy. “I have had the opportunity to travel the globe,” said Brown. “I was over HR practices around the world. I got the chance to experience cultures in the 220 countries and territories where we are, and I have learned a valuable lesson. We all want the same thing — that is to work and grow, and to be treated with dignity and respect. ...” Brown may do some traveling, but he’s been practically everywhere. “I may go a few places, but that won’t be my main focus,” Brown said. “I moved 12 times over the course of my career. One thing I can tell you about this retirement is that I will always be busy. I’m working on a couple of things because there is definitely a ‘next.’ “I don’t know whether I just came along at the right time, but I have been blessed beyond measure in my career. This is really not retirement. I am closing a chapter in my life and preparing to open another.”
No longer ‘up a tree’ … A drive spearheaded by Jason Sharif, executive director of Respect the Haven Community Development Corporation, had the goal of replacing a widely-described “scrawny” Christmas Tree in time for the Whitehaven Christmas Tree Lighting. A new tree bought with funds raised by Whitehaven residents and supporters went up Tuesday (Dec. 6). The free lighting ceremony is set for Sunday, December 11 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the parking lot of the Southland Mall, 1215 Southland Mall. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)
The New Tri-State Defender
December 8 - 14, 2022
Page 9
NEWS
COMMENTARY
COGIC
Absolute Madness: Warnock-Walker runoff should never have been so close
CONTINUED FROM FRONT scriptural message. “There was always a special place in my heart for her because when I was in trouble, she came to my rescue,” said Sheard, who pastors Greater Emmanuel Institutional COGIC in Detroit. “…Not only was Mother Patterson a friend to me, but a mother to me in every sense.… When she would call, I would say, ‘Weezy, is that you?’ And she would answer, ‘This must be Drew.’” Sheard read from Hebrews 11:6: “But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” The denomination leader said sin has created a world of tribulations and trouble. “We as saints live in a world where we are not comfortable,” said Sheard. “For we realize there has to be something better than this.… This present world has been marred by sin. Sin has converted the world into a region of woe and the shadow of death. So there has to be something better than this.… “We are failing our young, mistreating our seniors, and saying to those in between, ‘Make it the best way you can.’ Surely, there has to be something better than this.…” Sheard then drew upon the words of Paul in Hebrews 4:9: “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.…” “I believe, I’m convinced, I have no doubt that there is a better place. Don’t worry about Mother Patterson,” said Sheard. “She has gone to that
by Keith Reid therootcom
Supt. Milton R. Hawkins, pastor of Temple of Deliverance COGIC, which was founded by Evangelist Louis D. Patterson’s late husband, Presiding Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender) better place. She did her part here. She was a good soldier, and she made plans to go to a better place… “… Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.…” A national homegoing service is generally reserved for the presiding bishop and the General Board of Bishops. “We asked for a national homegoing celebration to honor Lady Patterson,” said Bishop David Allen Hall, a member of the General Board of Bishops and pastor of Temple Church of God in Christ in Memphis “She was a wonderful complement to her husband’s ministry as Presiding Bishop Patterson led the church. Always kind and gracious, it was just fitting and right that a national service be held in her honor.” Evangelist Patterson was born to Alma Louise and Arthur Dowdy on Jan. 27, 1938, in Memphis. Educated in Memphis City Schools, she graduated, from Booker T. Washington High School. Her professional career began in the offices of Union Protective Life Insurance Compa-
Bishop David Allen Hall (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/ GSW Enterprises) ny, where she was introduced to a young preacher, Elder Gilbert Earl Patterson. They married on May 27, 1967. Eight years later, Elder Patterson founded Bountiful Blessings Deliverance Church Inc., which initially evolved into two, separate, entities: Bountiful Blessings Inc. and Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ. Evangelist Patterson founded the Total Woman Women’s Conference, which drew women from across the country for a time of encouragement and empowerment. The popular conferences inspired women to become active and
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intentional agents of change in their communities. Her generous philanthropy was widely known but not often talked about. She recalled from any thought of letting others know what good works she had done, said Hall. Bobby White, chief public policy officer with the Greater Memphis Chamber, was a spiritual son of the Pattersons. He served alongside Evangelist Patterson as vice-president of Bountiful Blessings Ministries and the WBBP (1480-AM) radio station, where Mrs. Patterson served as general manager. White marveled on Facebook: “Mother Louise Patterson, bringing people together. … It’s like a huge family reunion.” Photos of friends embracing outside of the church accompanied his post. The remembrances of Mrs. Patterson, a highly sought evangelist with a thriving ministry, included her often repeated words of encouragement to women: “If God has you on hold, don’t hang up.” Memorial Park Cemetery was the place of interment.
As Democrats celebrated Sen. Raphael Warnock’s win over Herschel Walker in the U.S. Senate runoff race Tuesday, my phone lit up with a text that perfectly summarized the outcome: “It took $500 million to have Raphael Warnock win GA by less than half a percentage point. Absolute madness.” The race did ultimately end up being not quite as tight as it was at the time I got the text – final tallies showed Warnock holding onto his seat for the next six years by three percentage points – but the fact that this particular race was so close, that it came down to the wire, that it was even a contest at all, was, in fact, madness. And it tells us all we need to know about the electorate in Georgia and how cynical we still are nationally. I’ll spare you a paragraph-long treatise on how bad Walker was as a candidate and his various scandals. They’re not what needs examining here. What does is why so many people thought Walker was the best person to have a vote on who sits on the Supreme Court or whether the country goes to war. The answer to that has a lot to do with race. Reading that, I’m sure, will make the guy (troll) who emailed me this morning to say, without further commentary, “AMERICA is tired of the VICTIM-RACE CARD BULLSHIT!” meltdown.
But only in his America could a candidate like Walker have had a shot. Walker offered nothing by way of competence or qualifications for the job he ran for. What he did offer to conservatives was a Blackfaced pass for their regressive politics, someone willing to not only be an apologist but an advocate, even if not a very articulate one, for their attempts to drag women and nonwhite people backwards from the social, economic and political progress of the past 60 years. Georgia was a fantastic testing ground for that approach because perhaps no other state sits more at the tipping point between progress and regress. Georgia was once the heart of the Confederacy, a home to staunch segregationists and the state that gave us Newt Gingrich and his “Contract With America,” a policy platform that relied on racist tropes about Black immorality and violence to sweep his party into control of Congress. Walker, as much as anything else, was a test balloon floated to see whether the politics of the Old South could get one more run, as long as it was dressed up as a washedup ex-football star who helped make white folks in red counties feel OK. It failed this time around, but that shouldn’t make it any less of a reminder that the New Georgia ain’t that much different than the old. (This column first appeared in the root.com)
The New Tri-State Defender
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CLASSIFIEDS NOTICE TO BIDDERS Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number SBI000783, Automated CPR Devices. 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 I000783 DUE DATE MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 2023 AT 2:30 PM CDT (SB-I000783), AUTOMATED CPR DEVICES Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action em-
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filing deadline is March 1, 2023. Please call the Shelby County Assessor’s office at 901-222-7002, if you need assistance.
By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT LEGAL NOTICES PERSONAL PROPERTY PUBLIC NOTICE As required by Tennessee Code Annotated Section 67-5-903, the Shelby County Assessor will be mailing Tangible Personal Property Schedules to all active businesses within Shelby County on Friday, January 13, 2023. The
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: VIVEK BANERJEE & MALOVIKA MUKHERJEE Tax Parcel #: c0233000002530 Tax Sale #: 1603
Price Offered: $800.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on January 10, 2023, 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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SPORTS
The New Tri-State Defender, December 8 - 14, 2022, Page 11
‘Enjoying the moment,’ Tigers revel with their crowd in win over Rebels by Terry Davis
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
“When we look at this day a few years from now, it will be a legendary day,” said Memphis guard Alex Lomax, who played a pivotal role in helping the Tigers win the game that would make it so With 13,264 as the announced attendance, the Tigers (6-2) played confidently from beginning to end in notching a 68-57 rivalry-game win over the Ole Miss Rebels at FedExForum on las Saturday night (Dec. 3). The Rebels of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) play their home games 85.4 miles away from Memphis in Oxford, Mississippi. And Terry while they had a contingent of fans, Davis FedExForum is Memphis’ house. The Tigers gave their fans plenty to shout about and their crowd returned the love. Mentioning hometowners Lomax, a fifth-year player, and senior Malcolm Dandridge, Memphis native son Hardaway recalled such crowds over the years. “It has thinned out for this group. They haven’t seen those types of crowds. I am happy when they get a chance to see how Memphis basketball really is during these rivalry games.” The win in the white-out game was the Tigers’ fourth straight victory and came as Memphis entered the toughest part of its non-conference schedule. It was the first of four matchups against SEC teams, with road games against Auburn (Dec. 10) and Alabama (Dec. 13) ahead of hosting Texas A&M (Dec. 17). “We are winning ugly. The defense is carrying us,” said Hardaway. Defense travels. We are waiting on the offense. We are winning these games against good teams with defense, beautiful defense.” Memphis’ start was blistering. Lomax led the first-half scoring with 10 points on five-of-eight shooting. The Tigers, whose lead grew to 22 in the opening half, shot 49 percent from the field as the defense kept the Rebels off balance. Ole Miss shot 24 percent in the first half. “You have to give Memphis credit. They came and popped up early,” said Ole Miss head coach Kermit Davis. “We settled early on offense. We couldn’t do anything around the rim. (Memphis’) De’Andre Williams dominated around the rim.” Memphis scored 26 points in the paint. Williams (17 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists) had 10 first-half rebounds, responding to Hardaway’s expressed desire for him to up his rebound count in the game. “I am so glad to see this De’Andre Williams back,” Hardaway said. “I have been challenging him because I know he has it in him. He couldn’t have picked a better game to do it. His energy was not going to let us lose. The same with Alex Lomax.” The Rebels scored the first four points after the break, trimming Memphis’ lead to 10 (36-26). The Tigers regrouped and pushed their advantage to 17 (45-28) with 15:09 left in the game. The Tigers would continue to dominate in the paint and force the Rebels into turnovers. With 7:36 left the Tigers held a (57-42) lead. Ole Miss (6-2) narrowed the gap to nine points (62-53) as the game clock ticked under three minutes but the Tigers
Alex Lomax seems focused on the task ahead as he introduced f for the latest installment of the Memphis-Ole Miss basketball rivalry. (Photos: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender) pushed back, holding off the Rebels’ late-game rally. The Rebels were led by former Whitehaven player Mathew Murrell (13 points). Theo Akwuba and Myles Burns each scored 10 points for Ole Miss as the Rebels shot better in the second half (43 percent). In addition to Williams, the Tigers had two others in double figures, with Lomax and Kendric Davis scoring 14. The Tigers outrebounded the Rebels 42-39. They Memphis product Malcommitted 11 turnovers and colm Dandridge had improved their free-throw six points, two reshooting, making 13 of 16 bounds and an assist to Memphis’ win over (81 percent). Ole Miss at FedExFoAsked if the offense was rum on Saturday night. back to where he wanted it, Hardaway said, “I can honestly say it isn’t there. Guys are making timely plays. When it gets there, you will know. There will be more movement.” Williams said he knew it was going to be a big game for the Tigers. “I made sure I came out and gave it my all,” he said. “We have to show the world we can compete with the best of them. We have heard what type of players we have. We have a lot of confidence.”
Grizzlies flash past the Heat Two of the most dreaded words for an NBA fan with a ticket are load management, meaning star players are being held out. That is what Memphis fans encountered when the Grizzlies took on the Miami Heat on Monday (Dec. 5). Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and John Konchar all were scratched from the lineup for medical reasons. That did not matter to the Grizzlies. They defeated the Heat 101-93 to improve to 15-9 on the season as they began an extended homestand. Kennedy Chandler of the Grizzlies scores on Max Stress of the Heat. (Photos: Warren Roseborough/ The New Tri-State Defender)
Memphis’ Dillon Brooks ties up Miami’s Bam Adebayo.
Kendric Davis of the Tigers grabs a rebound over D.J. Smith of Little Rock. (Photo: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender) In this, his last season, Lomax was mindful about not looking forward. “We have to stay connected. It is easy to break apart when we lose games. We are living every day one day at a time,” he said. “We are enjoying the moment, one day at a time.” And then … The Tigers welcomed the Little Rock Trojans to FedExForum on Tuesday (Dec. 6). In a game marred by Kendric Davis’ disqualification after a headbutt, the disqualification of Malcolm Dandridge and members of both teams in a stare down of sorts, Memphis won handily (87-71) for their fifth straight win.
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