The New Tri-State Defender - December 16-22, 2021 by The Tri-State Defender

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December 16 - 22, 2021

VOL. 70, No. 50

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‘Memphis Prayer 365’ kicks off declaration of spiritual warfare Landers Nolley II regained his shooting stroke as the Tigers rolled past Alabama’s Tide. (Photo: Terry Davis)

‘Real’ Tigers show up – and show out – against the Tide by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The Rev. Steve Gaines (left), senior pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church, and the Rev. Bartholomew Orr (right), senior pastor of Brown Missionary Baptist Church, along with the Rev. Ricky Floyd, senior pastor of Pursuit of God Transformation Center in Frayser, spearheaded Memphis Prayer 365. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Mid-South churches launched a united offensive Tuesday (Dec. 14) morning against crime, violence, poverty, sickness, and the rise of mental illness in Memphis. Faith leaders and hundreds of their parishioners gathered along the riverfront to cheer a new initiative of prayer around the clock, seven days a week, to inundate the city in 2022. “The time for prayer is now in our community, and Memphis Prayer 365 is a solution that unites us, crossing racial and denominational lines,” said the Rev. Ricky Floyd, senior pastor of Pursuit of

God Transformation Center in the Frayser. Tuesday’s news conference announcing the launch of Memphis Prayer 365 used the iconic backdrop of the Mississippi River, with its towering bridge and Bass Pro Pyramid in the distance. The setting is uniquely Memphis, organizers said. Pursuit of God, Bellevue Baptist Church, and Brown Missionary Baptist Church in Southaven are leading the endeavor to push back against the effects of rising crime and poverty, which have plagued the city, especially in the past year. Initiatives from law enforcement and other agencies also are needed, along with their strat-

SEE 365 ON PAGE 2

With the wheels of the University of Memphis Tigers bandwagon off the tracks for four straight games, the basketball season was teetering dangerously before the team Tiger Nation thought would be showing up this season showed up to derail the No. 6-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide (92-78) at FedExForum on Tuesday night. It was the first time Memphis defeated a top 10 team in nearly 10 years. They had been 0-8 in their last eight opportunities. “It was a must a must-win. We were down in the dumps. We had to figure a way to pull ourselves out,” said head coach Penny Hardaway. “To come out here and play like this against a great Alabama team ... They went across country to beat a great Gonzaga team and a great Houston team. It was a lot against us and we knew we had to come out and play our best game.” In the wake of the losing streak and amid talk of dissension, there

was a players-only meeting. “ W h a t came out of that meeting was hugging, high-fiving and having fun. No one cared who Terry shot. It was Davis beautiful basketball,” said Hardaway. “It gave me a sense of relief going into the game. This is the first time all year we have seen that in practice. It was a beautiful thing.” Reflecting on the recent losses to Ole Miss and Murray State, Hardaway said the biggest difference was chemistry. loss “Chemistry was on point yesterday and anything that was negative broke to positive. The guys came out of the meeting laughing. I don’t know what was said, but the practice was beautiful. That is what

SEE TIGERS ON PAGE 2

Ruling on Pervis Payne re-sentencing now set for Jan. 24 by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

A two-day re-sentencing hearing before Criminal Court Judge Paula Skahan for ex-death row inmate Pervis Payne on Monday and Tuesday (Dec. 13-14) featured compelling testimony from defense witnesses and family members of the victims Payne was convicted of killing. At stake is whether Payne, whose death sentence was vacated, will serve two life sentences and a related 30-year sentence concurrently (at the same time), which possibly could make him eligible for parole in six years. Or, the sentences will run

consecutively (one after the other), possibly making him ineligible for parole until he is 85. Skahan is scheduled to rule on sentencing Jan. 24. Payne, in 1988, was convicted for the brutal stabbings of Charisse Christopher, 28, and her 2-year-old daughter, Lacie Jo, on June 27, 1987 in Millington. Christopher’s 3-yearold son, Nicholas, also was seriously injured in the assault. Payne, who has spent 34 years on death row, and his supporters have maintained his innocence. During the two-day hearing, 23 defense witnesses extolled Payne’s favorable disposition and good character in an attempt to show Payne, if

released, is not a threat to others. The prosecution wants Payne to remain behind bars for life. Three relatives of the victims took the stand to express the continued suffering and ruin of a once-happy family. Re-sentencing was scheduled for Dec. 13 after Payne’s death sentence was vacated by last month when the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office conceded that Payne could not be executed because of an intellectual disability. Christopher’s sister-in-law, Kathy Hites, gave especially moving testimony: “There was so much love, and it

SEE PAYNE ON PAGE 2

Pervis Payne (middle) listens as his attorney, Kelley Henry, argues on his behalf at an earlier hearing. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/ GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender Archives.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

December 16 - 22, 2021

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NEWS “I feel badly for the family of this mother and her child, but racial prejudice and bigotry convicted Mr. Payne. The prosecution lied and said he was on drugs, even though they refused to test Payne for drugs. Every aspect was badly mishandled.” — Bishop David Hall

365

CONTINUED FROM FRONT egies, prayers of the faithful, according to one organizer. “With daily awareness of yet another violent act or a family struggling to make ends meet, many are left wondering what more can be done,” said the Rev. Bartholomew Orr, Brown Missionary senior pastor. “But we are not helpless. The Christians’ weapons of warfare are not worldly, but spiritual, able to pull down strongholds. We will pray, using our most powerful weapon, and expect God to do miracles.” Bellevue Baptist Church, a member of the Southern Baptist denomination, was a major driver in launching Memphis Prayer 365. “We love our city and want prosperity and protection for the people who live here,” said the Rev. Steve Gaines, Bellevue’s senior pastor. “We feel it’s our job, as pastoral leaders, not to remain silent, but to raise our voices in support of our community with consistent and intentional prayer.” Gaines’ involvement is particularly noteworthy. The Southern Baptist denomination has historically upheld segregation within the church and in the larger community. They broke from Northern Baptists in 1845 when slaveholders were prohibited from becoming missionaries. Later, “blacks who could behave properly and knew their place” were allowed to associate with the church, but not as equal members. “Dr. Gaines came to us and told the story about Austin, Texas, when people were experiencing drought,” said Orr. “Churches across denominational and racial barriers joined together in prayer, and God brought the rain. Dr. Gaines said, ‘You know what? Let’s make that happen right here.’” Orr said racial reconciliation will

TIGERS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT changed. Everyone that checked into that game wanted to win that game for the city.” De’Andre Williams and Alex Lomax spearheaded a meeting to hash out any differences they had as a team. “They needed to do that. That is the De’Andre Williams we had last year and he just hadn’t broken out yet. Today was that day and he played amazing.” It was a game that saw guard Tyler Harris launching – and hitting – shots from near half-court “It felt like old times. It took me back to Tyler’s freshmen year when he would get hot,” said Hardaway. “He would shoot it from the logo and make it. When he started to do that, I knew it was our night.” The victory, said Hardaway, was his biggest as coach of the Tigers. “I think this is number one. The win in Tennessee was special. This was the next win. It was the end of a four-game losing streak. Kudos to the teams that beat us. They helped us get prepared for this game and will

PAYNE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

The Rev. Ricky Floyd, senior pastor of Pursuit of God Transformation Center in Frayser, welcomes to the podium Bishop Linwood Dillard, pastor of Citadel of Deliverance COGIC. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

“There are significant needs in our city, and it’s well within God’s power to fulfill those needs. We have only to ask of God.” — Rev. Ricky Floyd be an important factor of the success of Memphis Prayer 365. “… In the midst of this pandemic, a group of us pastors, both black and white, have been praying every week together. Before the pandemic, we met once a month. “But we must put aside our differences and divisions of the past and come together – especially in Memphis, where we have so many stains and blemishes on the city. We are help us get prepared for the Tennessee game (this weekend).” Williams said the players knew they “had to come together after the losing skid. A lot of things were going on. When I called it, we let everything out. All of our feelings and it was huge. It translated on the court.” The key to going forward is to “just stay solid,” said Williams. “We know we are not perfect. Staying together is really huge for us. We are sharing the ball more. We are playing defense more and we will flourish.” Landers Nolley II showed the shooting touch that had been absent in recent games. “Yeah, my teammates helped me to get back on track. We just have to build on that.” As for the weekend game against the ranked Vols, Nolley said, “It is just another game we look forward to winning. We are not going to get caught up in the rivalry. We are just trying to go out there to win a ball game.” Harris’ hot streak, said Nolley, “felt like we were in a video game. It was like 2K and the whole gym was shaking. I was nervous and I was on the winning team.” The Tigers’ defense was key.

all God’s people, and we must unite. Like one pastor said, ‘We owe God a revival,’” Orr said. This moment in time makes sense, said Pursuit of God’s Floyd. “There are significant needs in our city, and it’s well within God’s power to fulfill those needs,” said Floyd. “We have only to ask of God.” Hallelujah FM, 95.7 is helping coordinate the prayer schedule. Here is how the continuous prayer chain will work: Each partner church will select one date out of the month that members will be praying around the clock. For example, a church may choose the fifth of every month to pray. That congregation will then have members sign up to pray for a designated time until the entire 24 hours are

covered. When fully implemented, the city of Memphis will be blanketed in prayer every minute next year. Bishop Linwood Dillard, pastor of Citadel of Deliverance COGIC, said “Citadel has always been known for our ministry of prayer. It is one thing to pray as an individual church body, but there is so much more power when churches are able to come together and unite in prayer.” Dillard said he appreciates Floyd, Gaines and Orr for being “very intentional” about organizing this prayer initiative. “They said the prayer must reflect the heart of God, bringing in persons of all races and denominations,” said Dillard. “Intentionality must be the order of the day.”

Jalen Duren showed why is such a highly-touted pro prospect. (Photo: Terry Davis) “We just locked in on the scouting report,” said Nolley. “We took their best players out of the game. We tried to force them

to their weaknesses. No catch and shoot. Just making forcing them to rely on players they don’t normally rely on.”

was taken away from us. Charisse didn’t have a choice. We didn’t have a choice. She’s forever with the angels,” Hites said. Among defense witnesses was prison guard Capt. Robert Mosley, who said Payne, along with another inmate, risked his life to rescue him when Mosley was attacked. “They both grabbed me, put towels on me, without thought or concern for themselves,” Mosley said. The guard’s injuries were serious, requiring 57 stitches. Payne consoled the captain and waited 11 minutes with him until the medics arrived, according to Mosley. “Mr. Payne conducts himself as a man,” Mosley said. “He treats you with respect. Personable, I respect him very much.” Jeff Dobyns, a representative of a religious, non-profit organization Men of Valor told the judge he would “gladly host Mr. Payne upon his release.” Bishop David Hall, pastor of Temple COGIC, and a long-time family friend, also praised Payne as a person of exceptional character. Supt. Carl Payne, Payne’s father and a retired Church of God in Christ bishop, has garnered the support of thousands in the denomination praying for outright release. “I feel badly for the family of this mother and her child, but racial prejudice and bigotry convicted Mr. Payne,” said Hall. “The prosecution lied and said he was on drugs, even though they refused to test Payne for drugs. Every aspect was badly mishandled.” Kelley Henry, a defense attorney with The Innocence Project, represents Payne and has maintained that the murders bear the marks of a domestic situation. “This was a personal crime, full of anger and rage,” said Henry. “We asked for the fingernail scrapings from the victim to be DNA tested, but they have disappeared. So many mistakes and mishandling of evidence were made. “The court cannot fix it. That’s why we have clemency. Only the governor can save this man’s life.” (The Associated Press contributed to this story.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

December 16 - 22, 2021

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, December 16 - 22, 2021, Page 4

Riley the Reading Raccoon joined SCS Supt. Dr. Joris Ray and Tennessee Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn on Monday (Dec. 13) at Sherwood Elementary School, where they shared the importance of literacy with students. (Photo: SCS on Twitter)

Good news for the holidays, and Merry Christmas to our educators! by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Well, this past week, I went searching high and low for some good news that might perk us up at the end of what has undoubtedly been one of the most memorable years in our lifetime. I wanted to focus, of course, on our schools and community. The search didn’t take very long. I found some really good presents under the proverbial Christmas tree about our educational system, which makes me a very, very happy person. First, a Merry Christmas and a hearty “Thank You” to U.S. District Court Judge Waverly Crenshaw Jr. for his ruling in response to a lawsuit challenging the state’s mask mandates. If you recall, in a special session convened by Republican lawmakers this past October, they passed legislation meant to prohibit schools from imposing mask mandates except in catastrophic situations. The families who filed suit contend that the law does not adequately protect their children, who have disabilities, and who, as a result, are at a higher risk of contracting and getting severe complications from COVID 19. Judge Crenshaw made it clear in his 54page ruling that the current law “does not adequately protect all students, let alone those with disabilities, but it also does not serve the public’s best interest.” So, score one for common sense and rational thinking. Again, thank you, Judge Crenshaw and two other federal jurisdictions, for ruling on the side of common sense. Second, last month, Tennessee’s Republican-led legislature passed a law that now allows political parties to endorse candidates in school board elections, thus making them more partisan. Next year’s school board elections will

be the first to be affected by this new law. But to my shock and amazement, Shelby County Democrats and Republicans have both agreed not to endorse candidates during the next school board election. Curtis Shelby County ReWeathers publican Party Chair Cary Vaughn said his party will not pursue partisan school board races because they “see no advantage or benefit in changing our protocol.” Shelby County Democratic Party Chair Gabby Salinas said “the party continues to prioritize equity in public schools.” Salinas, however, called the new law “an attempt by the GOP-controlled legislature to further politicize and divide public education.” While this is good news, for now, I have no doubt that at some point in the future, Republicans will turn what is now a non-partisan election process into nasty, contentious partisan battles in the future. So, for the time being, let’s enjoy the next non-partisan school board election. It may very well be the last one we ever see here in Tennessee.

Third, on my happy list is the news that sheriff’s deputies will remain in Shelby County Schools for the foreseeable future. After much debate, the Shelby County School Board renewed its agreement with the Chris Sheriff’s Department Coleman, and voted to keep executive director, Teach its officers in district schools. for America I realize many people have varying opinions on this issue, but it seems clear to me that this can easily be a win-win situation for those on both sides of the divide. On one side of this issue, you have social-emotional advocates who think we need fewer police officers and more resources, such counselors and nurses, to address our children’s growing mental health challenges. In addition, they argue that more police in our schools feed the so-called school-toprison pipeline. I stand with Supt. Dr. Joris Ray on this issue. My first concern is the physical safety of our children. However, I’m sure we’re perfectly capable of training our security forces to better interact with our students and, at the same time, hire additional counselors and nurses to deal with our children’s mental health challenges as well. In other words, we can do both. Nevertheless, I am thrilled to hear that Shelby County sheriff’s deputies will remain on school campuses this year and in the future. Last, as I was preparing this article, I came across a story that really inspired my heart this Christmas season.

Mr. Chris Coleman is an African American who currently serves as executive director for Teach for America Memphis. He has spent the last 21 years of his life in education as a math teacher, college administrator and adjunct professor. The article talks about a time in his career when he taught geometry to Memphis’ own legendary dancer and entertainer “Lil Buck” Riley. Oh, excuse me, you don’t know who Lil Buck Riley is? Well, neither did I. So, I dove into Google to find out, and WOW, was I ever impressed! (Charles Lil Buc Riley is a dancer, actor and model, who specializes in a style of street dance called jookin.) But I have never met Mr. Coleman in person nor spoken with him over the phone. However, as a former principal, I know how important his job is and how valuable Teach For America is to the K-12 community. But the inspiration I got from reading about his journey as an African-American male educator was refreshing and is the perfect gift to cap off this incredible year. I wish Mr. Coleman nothing but the very best and thank him for his commitment to public education going forward. As a community, we have so much to be grateful for. To our family of educators out there, I just want to say THANK YOU! You are such a valuable asset to this community. Your courage and steadfastness throughout this pandemic have been an inspiration and a testament to your love for our children and commitment to your job as an educator. So Merry Christmas, educators, and God bless you! Here’s to a wonderful holiday break and a prosperous new year ahead! (Follow TSD education columnist Curtis Weathers on Twitter (@curtisweathers); email: curtislweathers@gmail.com.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

December 16 - 22, 2021

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RELIGION

Celebrating 180 years... Collins Chapel CME recently celebrated its Friends and Family & Church Anniversary (1841-2021). Those on hand included Presiding Elder the Rev. Bethel Harris Jr.; The Rt. Rev. Henry M. Williamson Sr., Presiding Prelate, 1st Episcopalian District; and the Rev. Q.H. Whitlock Jr., Presiding Elder of Aberdeen-Tupelo District and former pastor of Collins Chapel. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)

Saying farewell... The homegoing service for the Rev. Dr. H.O. Kneeland Jr., the longtime pastor of Union Valley Baptist Church, was held last Sunday (Dec. 12). (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

‘...truth and the light’... The Rev. Dr. Basil Brooks, pastor of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Cordova, spoke at last Tuesday’s meeting of the Memphis Baptist Ministerial Association. His sermon topic was “Jesus is the Answer (He is the truth and the light. What a friend we have in Jesus.” (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

The New Tri-State Defender, December 16 - 22, 2021, Page 6

A Voice became THE Voice – Spotlight on Wendy Moten by Candace A. Gray

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

If you’ve never watched NBC’s “The Voice,” you’ve likely at least heard about the vocal powerhouse, Memphis-native Wendy Moten on the most recent season (21), that concluded Tuesday evening, leaving more than 7 million Americans in (what some might say is) shock when a trio “Girl Named Tom” won. A “Team Blake” favorite from beginning to end, Moten headed home with a full spirit to heal her physical wounds, despite placing second in the popular singing reality competition. “We are extremely proud of Wendy,” said Moten’s nephew, the Rev. Derrick Joyce, pastor of Monument of Love Baptist Church in Orange Mound. “She’s on a whole new plane now – this is just the beginning.” Though Wendy lost a chance at the $100,000 grand prize and a record deal with Universal Music Group, according to Joyce, she gained so much more. “We know Wendy deserved to win,” said Joyce. “She’s a force of nature. She had the opportunity to share the gift of her atmospheric talent on an amazing platform with on average 7 million viewers a week, but it wasn’t even ultimately about winning,” he added. “Wendy brought a community together, as if she was Steph Curry or Michael Jordan. She was able to share with millions of Americans what we get to see all the time at church, at Thanksgiving dinner, every time we’re together – her spirit, which is positive, uplifting, cleansing. She touched people’s lives and hearts with her voice and her beautiful spirit.” Moten, who attended Overton High School, a local performing arts school, has built a career wowing crowds around the world, lending background vocals to the likes of Julio Iglesias, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Michael McDonald, Martina McBride and more. Critics thought Moten had an unfair advantage, having been a professional singer and background vocalist for decades. But, her performance on The Voice meant something more. “Being on ‘The Voice’ gave her an opportunity to free herself from being A voice to so many greats, to being THE voice in and of herself. It was a liberation,” said Joyce. “Her murdering song after song, night after night inspired audiences to make room for themselves, regardless of age, circumstances, mistakes and mishaps.” Moten, 57, showed America that even when some might say your time has passed, you can still make room for yourself. She also showed America that Memphis spirit we know so well that pushes you to fight through pain and adversity to make something happen. Last month, Moten fell on stage, breaking her right arm in two places and her wrist on the other arm. But she kept going. “We gotta be like Wendy Moten and embrace the pain and move out of it,” Joyce said. “She couldn’t even hold the mic – and she still came in number two. She was planted in her purpose.” But Wendy Moten was not always embracing of the big stage. Long-time, Grammy-nominated friend, songwriter and musical director, Kurt “KC” Clayton, shares that Moten actually wanted to become a nurse when they were younger. “Though she’s always had a great voice, she didn’t really want to sing,” Clayton said. “In the late 80s I remember working on ‘Somebody to Love Me’ with Nico Lyras and Ernest Williamson for the group ‘The Jets’ and we called

Wendy Moten shares a moment with Blake Shelton. (Courtesy photo) Wendy, who reluctantly came in to sing the demo…then something started to click.” A few years later (1992), Clayton, Lyras and Williamson would go on to produce Wendy’s self-titled debut album, which featured her hit “Come In Out of the Rain,” written by Curtiss Boone. “The album did great on the charts, but it was bad timing…Celine Dion had also just come out,” said Clayton. “Both were powerful sopranos, but Celine was on a bigger label, had more resources and took off.” “But at that point, she was a singer, and there was no turning back,” added Clayton. Moten performed locally with Garry Goin in the group MVP, was featured on a Stevie Wonder cover of “All I Do” on Kirk Whalum’s album “For You” and won talent competitions before moving to Nashville, where her career took off. “Wendy has always been gifted to sing all kinds of music – that’s the Memphis way,” said Clayton. Moten has been lauded for her vocal renditions of songs

like “If I Ever Lose My Faith”, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “You’re All I Need to Get By” on The Voice. “Not to mention, she’s a true professional and so humble about what she’s done and where she’s been,” said Clayton. “‘The Voice’ has given her more exposure as the true solo artist she is, which will open more doors for her in the near future.” Clayton and an all Memphis-based band will share the stage with Moten at her upcoming show April 2, 2022 at the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis. “This show was planned before ‘The Voice,’” said Clayton. “But now we have to up the ante. We’re going back to the drawing board to include some of what she did on ‘The Voice,’ to show her versatility as a singer and an artist,” he added. “We gotta make sure we’ve got some defibrillators backstage. The energy is going to be through the roof,” said Joyce, referring to the upcoming spring show. (Tickets are on sale for $37 on Ticketmaster.com.)

COMMENTARY

Tis’ the season for reading and representation by Terence Patterson

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Growing up, I, like most children, spent each holiday season anticipating the arrival of a bearded, big-bellied white man who would slide my favorite Christmas gifts down the chimney that we didn’t even have. My biggest worry back then was whether my behavior would block the Christmas Eve delivery! Now, raising my son, I have a different concern. Yes, I still tell him about the sled, reindeer and even the chimney, but I’ve chosen to expose him to a broader version of who Santa is, knowing that representation matters. Our Memphis Education Fund (MEF) team asks parents to add reading and representation to their child’s

Christmas list this year. Research shows that students perform better in school when they have someone who looks like them teaching the class. That fact holds true, even over the holidays. So, on December 22, we’ve requested a “special” Santa visit for the Greater Memphis and Shelby County students. We all know jolly old St. Nick visits every neighborhood, but this stop is meant to drop off more than toys. This time, he’ll drop off the gift of a better future. Like representation, early literacy is critical for student success. Students in Shelby County were already struggling in this area, with less than a third of students performing on grade-level during the most recent testing period. The pandemic fur-

ther exacerbated the issue of learning loss. And time off for holidays and summer can cause further slides in learning. Therefore, parents are encouraged to turn TV time into reading fun. And, reading to children is one of the best ways to guide them toward reading regularly on their own. To help get kids reading over the break, MEF is hosting a virtual Storytime with Santa on December 22 at 5 p.m. The virtual event is free for any student (Pre-K to 6th grade) to attend, just register here. We all appreciate Santa’s support in helping with holiday behavior and storytime. However, as a parent myself, I realize that raising and supporting my child and our community’s children is a responsibility we

Terence Patterson, president/CEO of the Memphis Education Foundation, with his son, Trey. (Courtesy photo) should share. Incorporating reading and representation in our daily lives is a great start. Tis’ the season and here’s to our children seeing a familiar, jolly

Old St. Nick! (Terence Patterson is president/CEO of the Memphis Education Foundation.)

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, December 16 - 22, 2021, Page 7

Quinton Robinson’s journey ‘back’ to St. Jude by John Semien

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Memphis City Councilman J B Smiley Jr., who initiated the Council’s resolution honoring Adolph “Young Dolph” Thornton Jr. and Councilman Martavius Jones join with family members to unveil the honorary street designation. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/ GSW Enterprises)

‘Tap into that spirit of Dolph’

TSD newsroom Near the intersection at Dunn and Airways on Wednesday afternoon, family, friends, and fans of slain rapper Young Dolph joined with Memphis City Council members and others for the unveiling of Adolph “Young Dolph” Thornton, Jr. Avenue. Mia Jaye, Young Dolph’s partner and the mother of his children, Tre and Ari, put the unveiling of the honorary street designation in this context: “I just want to thank everyone who came out today. “I want to thank our family. I want to thank Rita for making sure this got done in a way that would really honor Adolph and the Community that he loved so much. “I want to thank Councilman JB Smiley and all of the Councilmen that approved for this to be done. “And to everybody who is in support of Young Dolph and his legacy and continuing it. I appreciate all of you guys, my family does, my children does and I just want to encourage yall, like real talk, be more kind, give more, have a heart for the people because when we change our heart and the conditions of our heart we can stop a lot of

Mia Jaye speaking prior to the unveiling of Adolph “Young Dolph” Thornton Jr., Avenue. violence, we can stop a lot of senseless killing, we can just allow people to have life and more life abundantly with their families. “Because that’s something that I will not have the opportunity to be able to partake in but each and every one of you do. “And so I just want to challenge each and every one of you to try to make a small difference. “Tap into that spirit of Dolph so that we can have a better community and a better environment for our children to live in. “Thank you!”

It is seldom that you have a chance to thank a hospital for saving a loved one’s life with more than just words and donations. Quintin Robinson has been given the chance to do that with his recent appointment as vice president of employee experience at ALSAC, the fund-raising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Robinson is a former reporter for The Commercial Appeal, whose career change into business led him to the hospital that saved his son’s life. Prior to joining ALSAC, Robinson was a sales leader with Cigna. He also has held human resources leadership roles with the City of Memphis, Shelby County Schools and Walmart in Bentonville, Ark. Quintin B. Robinson was 12 when he was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare sarcoma that develops in the muscles and can cause pain and swelling. Today he is 33 and enjoying a successful career at the University of Tennessee. His mom is a nurse at St. Jude, sharing her talents and experience with patients and families. “We are thrilled to have Quintin join the ALSAC team and support our employee experience strategy as we continue our focus on a people-first culture,” said Annette Green, ALSAC chief people officer. “Quintin’s 20-plus years of human resources experience, as well as his sales and communications background, will strengthen our team’s efforts to lead innovative workplace initiatives through his proven leadership, strategic planning, and relationship skills.” American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities – ALSAC – is the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. ALSAC is referred to as “organization” not “arm” because it is not an “arm” of the hospital and is a separate entity that exists solely to support the mission of St. Jude. ALSAC has approximately 1,500 employees – the majority based in Memphis on the St. Jude campus, and others throughout the United States and in its territory offices. Robinson said his overarching goal is to partner with chief officials to develop and lead high-impact, people-focused initiatives and strategies to create a culture that every employee dreams about. Robinson is a graduate of Tennessee State University, with a degree in English and minor in Journalism. What followed was 20 years in news, including 18 years as a reporter and editor at The Commercial Appeal. He earned an MBA from

Quintin Robinson

Union University while working fulltime as deputy business editor at The Commercial Appeal, and transitioned into the newspaper’s human resources office as employee relations manager after complet-

ing the MBA. “I would say the journalism training gave me a strong foundation to transition into other business roles later,” Robinson said. He said working in journalism taught him how to build trust – the same trust necessary to build relationships with sources for smooth business relationships. Robinson said he plans to bring that skill and others to ALSAC, also recognizing that every employee of ALSAC builds awareness and is a fund-raiser for the hospital, which provides hope to children around the world who are diagnosed with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses Last year, ALSAC was named No. 1 on Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company and made the list again this year. This year, St. Jude embarked upon its largest investment ever – in the midst of a pandemic – a bold, six-year, $11.5 billion strategic plan to accelerate research and treatment for catastrophic childhood diseases across the globe. St. Jude will expand research and treatment programs to advance cures for childhood catastrophic diseases. The $11.5 billion, six-year investment includes research to find answers to the most-deadly cancers; work in nonmalignant hematological diseases, such as sickle cell disease; a new laboratory-based research program in infectious diseases that affect children worldwide, and a new research and clinical program to better understand and treat pediatric neurological diseases. It triples St. Jude’s global investment to impact more of the 400,000 kids with cancer around the world each year; kids who rely on the emerging collaboration and investments of St. Jude, the World Health Organization, and a coalition of international partners as their lifeline. “As a St. Jude parent, I have experienced what families who come to our hospital for help and hope experience,” said Robinson. “When the opportunity to work for ALSAC presented itself, I saw an opportunity to come here and work in a place that I really believe in. I’m truly blessed to work for an organization whose mission is to find cures and save children.”

Former NBA star teams with Memphis Branch NAACP to serve area youth by Liaudwin Seaberry Jr.

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Former NBA star Stephen Jackson achieved numerous accolades throughout his successful pro basketball career, which included winning a championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003. After a successful 14-year playing career, Jackson embarked upon a media career that now includes co-hosting a popular sports podcast. “All the Smoke,” with Matt Barnes, brings on both sports and non-sports guests. Jackson’s winning portfolio, however, now focuses on issues larger than basketball. He campaigns for change within inner-city communities across the nation, including Memphis. While Jackson’s Battle in the Bluff 2 was taking place at Bartlett High

last weekend, Jackson realized the best way for him to leave an impact on the Bluff City was by serving the people within it. So, he partnered with the city’s NAACP chapter to distribute gift baskets to families throughout the Cleaborn Pointe neighborhood. His partnership with the NAACP through the Holiday Basket Giveaway showed that an individual does not have to hail from a city to make a difference there. Jackson visited Memphis last year, along with fellow former NBA star Rasheed Wallace, who now is an assistant coach for the University of Memphis men’s basketball team, to help make a positive difference in neighborhoods struggling with disinvestment, crime, blight and other maladies associated with poverty. His basketball connections in Memphis gave him an understanding

Former NBA stalwart Stephen Jackson speaks to young people around the country in the manner that he did in Memphis last Saturday. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises) about the city’s issues and how he could help address some of the problems. Throughout the giveaway Saturday afternoon (Dec. 11), Jackson partnered with the Memphis Branch NAACP to distribute the gift baskets

to members of the community. Jackson’s participation in the giveaway did not go unnoticed by participants. Terrance Burney, leader of the “I See Greatness in You” foundation, partners with Jackson in nonprofit

events around the nation. “Jackson and I are from the inner city, and we know the struggles and negative influences many of the young kids face nowadays,” Burney said. “However, events like this show that change can be made, even if it takes a long time to manifest that change into action.” Shelby County Commissioner Van Turner Jr., who also is president of the local NAACP chapter, was ecstatic about the youths working with Jackson. “When kids see people like Mr. Jackson coming to help them give to the community, it provides an extra motivation to them because it’s rare that many of these youths see positive role models, Turner said. “As one young man put it, we have to start making it cool to look up to positive people doing good things for the community.”

The New Tri-State Defender

December 16 - 22, 2021

NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS

bell hooks, groundbreaking feminist thinker, dies at 69 by Hillel Italie Associated Press

NEW YORK – Gloria Jean Watkins, better known by her pen name bell hooks, whose explorations of how race, gender, economics and politics intertwined helped shape academic and popular debates over the past 40 years, has died. She was 69. In a statement issued through William Morrow Publishers, hooks’ family announced that she died Wednesday in Berea, Kentucky, home to the bell hooks center at Berea College. Additional details were not immediately available, although her close friend Dr. Linda Strong-Leek said she had been ill for a long time. “She was a giant, no-nonsense person who lived by her own rules, and spoke her own truth in a time when Black people, and women especially, did not feel empowered to do that,” Dr. Strong-Leek, a former provost of Berea College, wrote in an email to The Associated Press. “It was a privilege to know her, and the world is a lesser place today because she is gone. There will never be another bell hooks.” Starting in the 1970s, hooks was a profound presence in the classroom and on the page. She drew upon professional scholarship and personal history as she completed dozens of books that influenced countless peers and helped provide a framework for current debates about race, class and feminism. Her notable works included “Ain’t I a Woman? Black Women and Feminism,” “Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center” and “All About Love: New Visions.” She also wrote poetry and children’s stories, and appeared in such documentaries

bell hooks

“She was a giant, no-nonsense person who lived by her own rules, and spoke her own truth in a time when Black people, and women especially, did not feel empowered to do that.” — Dr. Linda Strong-Leek as “Black Is ... Black Ain’t” and “Hillbilly.” Rejecting the isolation of feminism, civil rights and economics into separate fields, she was a believer in community and connectivity, and how racism, sexism and economic disparity reinforced each other. Among her most famous expressions was her definition of feminism, which she called “a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation and oppression.” Ibram X. Kendi, Roxane Gay, Tressie McMillan Cottom and others mourned hooks. Author Saeed Jones noted that her death came just a week after the loss of the celebrated Black author and critic Greg Tate. “It all feels so pointed,” he tweeted Wednesday. Hooks’ honors included an American Book Award from

Page 8

the Before Columbus Foundation, which champions diversity in literature. She taught at numerous schools, including Yale University, Oberlin College and City College of New York. She joined the Berea College faculty in 2004 and a decade later founded the center named for her, where “many and varied expressions of difference can thrive.” hooks was born in 1952 in the segregated town of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and later gave herself the pen name bell hooks in honor of her maternal great-grandmother, while also spelling the words in lower case to establish her own identity and way of thinking. She loved reading from an early age, remembering how books gave her “visions of new worlds” that forced her out of her “comfort zones.” Her early influences ranged from James Baldwin and fellow Kentucky author Wendell Berry to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. “Martin Luther King was my teacher for understanding the importance of beloved community. He had a profound awareness that the people involved in oppressive institutions will not change from the logics and practices of domination without engagement with those who are striving for a better way,” she said in an interview that ran in Appalachian Heritage in 2012. Over the decades, Hooks examined how stereotypes influence everything from music and movies (“the oppositional gaze”) to love, writing in “All About Love” that “much of what we were taught about the nature of love makes no sense when applied to daily life.” (Associated Press Writer Piper Hudspeth Blackburn in Louisville, Kentucky contributed to this report.)

LEGAL NOTICES PERSONAL PROPERTY PUBLIC NOTICE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RFP NUMBER 22-0001 WATER TREATMENT & TESTING SERVICES

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 14, 2022. The ﬁling deadline is Tuesday March 1, 2022. Please call The Shelby County Assessor’s ofﬁce at 901222-7002 if you need assistance.

Sealed proposals for Water Treatment Testing Services will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (Authority), Procurement Department, Memphis International Airport, 4150 Louis Carruthers Dr, Memphis, TN 38118 until 2:00 PM local time, February 1, 2022. A listing of all proposers responding will be posted to the Authority’s website one (1) hour after the response deadline. Responses to Requests for Proposals will not be publicly opened. A complete Request for Proposals Packet with submittal instructions, additional data, and response format may be found on the Authority’s website (www. ﬂymemphis.com) on or after December 13, 2021.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000710, New & Unused Emergency Equipment and Accessories for Fleet Vehicles for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce. 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 I000710 DUE DATE TUESDAY, JANUARY 11TH, 2022 AT 2:30 PM CST (SB-I000710) NEW & UNUSED EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES FOR FLEET VEHICLES FOR THE SHELBY COUNTY SHERFF’S OFFICE Shelby County is an equal opportunity afﬁrmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service. By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Shelby County Government Public Meeting Notice Transportation Improvement Program for Roadway Projects in Unincorporated Shelby County To discuss various transportation improvement projects on roadways in Unincorporated Shelby County for the Fiscal Years 2023 - 2026. Monday, January 3, 2022 Shelby County Roads, Bridges & Engineering Training Room 6449 Haley Road Memphis, TN 38134 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM If you are unable to attend the meeting, questions or comments can be directed to: Mr. James Crook Shelby County Government, Engineering Department 6463 Haley Road, Memphis, TN 38134 901-222-7705 james.crook@shelbycountytn. gov LEGAL NOTICE

A pre-proposal conference will be held January 10, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. via zoom conferencing Link: Join Zoom Meeting https:// us06web.zoom.us/j/86813784889 ?pwd=dnBLalN6a1dCMXpQK2FV Mk9iZXN4QT09 All Proposers are responsible for checking the Authority’s website up to the submission deadline for any updates, addenda or additional information. In accordance with the Authority’s purchasing policies, the Authority will give a preference to businesses located in Shelby County, Tennessee when awarding contracts and making purchases, unless prohibited by law. The successful Proposer must sign a contract with the Authority that includes Federal Aviation Administration provisions, if applicable, regarding the Buy American Preference, Foreign Trade Restriction, Davis-Bacon, Afﬁrmative Action, Debarment and Suspension, and Drug-Free Workplace, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this Request for Proposals in whole or in part; to waive any informalities, technicalities, or omissions related to this Request for Proposals; and to reject responses on any other basis authorized by the Authority’s purchasing policies. The Authority is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, disability, marital status, military service, or sexual orientation in its hiring and employment practices and in the admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, and activities. By order of: Scott A. Brockman, A.A.E. President and CEO Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority

Authority (Authority), Procurement Department, Memphis International Airport, 4150 Louis Carruthers Drive, Memphis, TN 38118-6613, until 2:00 PM local time, January 25, 2022. Responses will be opened and publicly read thirty (30) minutes after the response deadline via zoom. Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88117 045853?pwd=SnBMS01uLzN5Zn p0N0k2WDBjTFI4QT09 Meeting ID: 881 1704 5853 Passcode: 038506 A complete Request for Bids Packet with submittal instructions, additional data, and response format may be found on the Authority’s website on or after December 13, 2021. All Bidders are responsible for checking the Authority’s website up to the submission deadline for any updates, addenda or additional information. In accordance with the Authority’s purchasing policies, the Authority will give a preference to businesses located in Shelby County, Tennessee when awarding contracts and making purchases, unless prohibited by law. The successful Bidder must sign a contract with the Authority that includes Federal Aviation Administration provisions, if applicable, regarding the Buy American Preference, Foreign Trade Restriction, Davis-Bacon, Afﬁrmative Action, Debarment and Suspension, and Drug-Free Workplace, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this Request for Bids in whole or in part; to waive any informalities, technicalities, or omissions related to this Request for Bids; and to reject responses on any other basis authorized by the Authority’s purchasing policies. The Authority is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, disability, marital status, military service, or sexual orientation in its hiring and employment practices and in the admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, and activities. By order of: Scott A. Brockman, A.A.E. President and CEO Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority 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:

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR BIDS RFB NUMBER 22-0007 REPLACEMENT S&C SWITCHGEAR FOR AIRWAYS VISTA GEAR

Dalton Sylvester Sutton Tax Parcel #: 0130580000013C Tax Sale #: 1503 Price Offered: $300.00 Terms: Cash

Sealed bids for Replacement S&C Switchgear for Airways Vista Gear will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If ad-

The New Tri-State Defender

December 16 - 22, 2021

Page 9

CLASSIFIEDS ditional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on January 19, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Reginald Glaspie Tax Parcel #: 01304600000160 Tax Sale #: 1701 Price Offered: $3850.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:30 p.m. on January 20, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Charliss LaTasha McMorris Tax Parcel #: 07500600000310 Tax Sale #: 1201 Price Offered: $1350.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:00 p.m. on January 20, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Charliss LaTasha McMorris Tax Parcel #: 07500500000330 Tax Sale #: 1101 Price Offered: $2250.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on January 20, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall

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

thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Frank Sea Tax Parcel #: 07500100001070 Tax Sale #: 602 Price Offered: $2300.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on January 20, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Timothy Moore Tax Parcel #: 0934180B000240 Tax Sale #: 1604 Price Offered: $1500.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:30 p.m. on January 19, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Divine Legacy Unlimited, LLC Tax Parcel #: 04903400000110 Tax Sale #: 1002 Price Offered: $1125.00

information contact Sales Dept. at (901) 746-5201 or email: advertising@tsdmemphis.com. GENERAL INFORMATION: Some categories require prepayment. All ads subject to credit approval. The New Tri-State Defender reserves the right to correctly classify and edit all copy or to reject or cancel any ad at any time. Copy change during ordered schedule constitutes new ad & new changes. Deadlines for cancellation are identical to placement deadlines. Rates subject to change.

Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:00 p.m. on January 19, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Yaveda Nesby Tax Parcel #: 04105300000130 Tax Sale #: 1301 Price Offered: $1350.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:00 p.m. on January 19, 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.

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:

Shannon Robinson Tax Parcel #: 07525800000200 Tax Sale #: 1004 Price Offered: $6000.00 Terms: Cash

Yaveda Nesby Tax Parcel #: 04105400000170 Tax Sale #: 703 Price Offered: $844.00 Terms: Cash

Lee Mangrum Tax Parcel #: 05003400000260 Tax Sale #: 1002 Price Offered: $675.00 Terms: Cash

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:00 a.m. on January 19, 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 10:30 a.m. on January 19, 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 9:30 a.m. on January 19, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

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

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property:

Divine Legacy Unlimited, LLC Tax Parcel #: 04802200000390 Tax Sale #: 802 Price Offered: $844.00 Terms: Cash

Dalton Sylvester Sutton Tax Parcel #: 0130580000013C Tax Sale #: 1503 Price Offered: $300.00 Terms: Cash

Reginald Rogers Tax Parcel #: 06102500000320 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $3000.00 Terms: Cash

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 1:30 p.m. on January 19, 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 10:00 a.m. on January 19, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

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

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE

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

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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:

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Cleodis Peterson, Jr. Tax Parcel #: 07501200000150 Tax Sale #: 1604 Price Offered: $600.00 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 January 20, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE

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The New Tri-State Defender, December 16 - 22, 2021, Page 10

Grinding with the Grizzlies on Z-Bo night by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

On a night when the game was an appetizer for what was the come, the Grizzlies got the job done against the Houston Rockets (113-106), setting the table for the postgame retirement of Zach Randolph’s No. 50. Randolph – widely and affectionally known as Z-Bo – is the first Grizzlies player to have his jersey retired. Encased with the look of a platinum album, the retired number now is visible on a wall near the top of the FedExForum arena. “I’m just glad we were able to get a win to tee it up for Z-Bo so that it could be even more of a special night for him,” Taylor Jenkins, Memphis’ head coach, said. “I saw him on the way out and I said, ‘You’re a legend, man. This is a night to always remember.’ So, I know he will soak it in, but this is really special to know that `he is the first, and hopefully the first of many.” Hooping with the Grizzlies from 2009 to 2017, Z-Bo anchored Memphis during seven straight trips to the NBA’s Western Conference Playoffs. The mountaintop was Memphis’ 2013 appearance in the Western Conference Finals. A two-time NBA All-Star selection (2010, 2013), Randolph/Z-Bo grabbed more offensive rebounds than any Grizzlies player ever and is number two in defensive and total rebounds. He

Marc Gasol, one of Zach Randolph’s “Core Four” partners with the Grizzlies made the trip from Spain.

It was Zack Randolph’s night and like so many others during his eight-year run with the Grizzlies, he shared it with Memphis fans. (Photos: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender) recorded more double-doubles than any other player to take the court for Memphis. And in the categories of points, field goals made and minutes played, he ranks third. Most of the fans in attendance for the game against Houston stayed for the ceremony. There were notables aplenty on hand, including LeMoyne-Owen College coach Bonzi Wells (a former Grizzlies player, 2003-05), who played with Z-Bo in Portland, and former Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins. Marc Gasol, who teamed with Randolph,

Mike Conley Jr., and Tony Allen to form the “Core Four” that powered Memphis to its NBA glory, made the trip from Spain. “Seeing Big Spain (Gasol), I don’t remember the last time I saw him,” Randolph said. “Just seeing my big little brother brought back memories. I am thankful he graced his time with me, coming all the way from Spain. He could be anywhere. I didn’t expect him to come.” Conley and others conveyed their love and respect for Z-Bo via video messages featured on the overhead scoreboard screen.

Dillon Brooks, who came up big against the Rockets (25 points), called the postgame ceremony amazing. “It is motivational. I am happy for Z-Bo. I didn’t get to see him play. I was here the year he left. I know his story and the legacy he left with this city. When I go to the gas station, you always hear his name. Z-Bo his mark on the city. I want to be the same way with my number in the rafters.” Tyus Jones, who continues to ably man the point guard spot in the absence of Ja Morant

LENS & LINES

Boys & Girls visit fulfilling for Grizzlies’ Bane, kids Desmond Bane, the Grizzlies’ sharpshooting forward, remembers his days at the Boys & Girls Club and the lasting value he derived for the time spent. Recently, he showed that as he helped bring some Christmas cheer to a group of young Boys & Girls Club of Greater Memphis attendees. The setting was Academy Sports + Outdoors at 7926

Giacosa Place. He surprised 22 children with a special donation. The recipients were provided with $100 Academy gift cards. They were able to shop alongside Bane for new games, apparel, footwear and more. An additional $2,800 in gift cards was donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Memphis to use for new equipment and gear.

(Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)

Former Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins shares reflections of his interactions with Zach Randolph. (sprained knee, virus protocols), said watching the ceremony was “a cool moment.… “Everyone that played against him knows the competitor he was and respects him for that,” he said. “Everyone is happy for him. Everyone knows what he means not only for the city but the organization.” Asked about the day/night of celebration, Randolph said, “It is starting to sink in with all of the love I am getting. I am just taking it all in and I a grateful. I have my kids here and the people I love.”