The New Tri-State Defender – June 11-17, 2020

Get TSD news, online anytime at TSDMemphis.com

June 11 - 17, 2020

VOL. 69, No. 24

www.tsdmemphis.com

ANALYSIS

The need for a new model to advance Memphis

$1.00

Virtually shopping ‘Black’ on Juneteenth

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

Reckoning with accountability for African-American lives and experiences

by Mesha Crump Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Public safety as we recognize it stands to be forever changed as protests in close to 150 American cities ignited in response to the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chavin.

Communities, activists, city leaders, social justice organizations and police departments represent groups that are making their stance heard on how systemic and structural racism perpetuates recurring police violence against African Americans.

Many themes, although not new responses to fatal police encounters, gain momentum as we approach week two of protests: defund the

police; 8Can’t Wait; fund Black opportunities. Without context, it is assumed that injustice fighters want to completely shut down police operations but that is not the case.

It’s two things: shaving the police budget and redistributing funds to open Mesha better and equitable pathways for African-American people; and investigate policies, patterns and practice.

While today’s demands are not new calls to action, Memphis city leaders seem to be cooperating with requests to examine the current

culture, strategies and priorities of the Memphis Police Department (MPD).

In the past week, city leaders have demonstrated efforts in response to demands: Mayor Strickland signed a recent pledge presented by President Obama calling to: 1. Review police use of force policies.

2. Engage communities by including a diverse range of input, experiences, and stories in the review.

3. Report the findings of the review to the community and seek feedback.

4. Reform community’s police use of force policies.

Of these calls, Mayor Strickland appears to

SEE

ON PAGE 10

Q&A

Police union president: Talk with us, not against us

by Erica R. Williams Special to The New Tri-State Defender

For veteran Memphis Police Department officer Michael Williams, president of the Memphis Police Association, the burgeoning calls for conversations on police reform are warranted.

He simply thinks the discussions need to be in coordination with the police and not against them.

The actions of police officers and how they interact with the

public are at the forefront of the nation’s and world’s consciousness because of the video-recorded killing of another unarmed African-America man, 46-year-old George Floyd.

Floyd died as a result of a Minneapolis Police Department officer holding a knee to Floyd’s neck for eight-plus minutes while three other officers stood by.

Protests about the homicide – and a string of other incidents of unarmed African-American men and women being killed by police officers in various parts of the country – continue to fuel

protests against police brutality and demands for change throughout the United States, including Memphis.

Williams, who said he knows what it means to be a black man in America, has denounced the acts of the officers in Minneapolis, but emphasized the stark differences in Memphis compared to other cities across the country.

Talking to The New Tri-State Defender, Williams spoke candidly about talks of defunding police departments and what can be done to enhance the relationship

Black Restaurant Week 2020 the second week in March was on track to generate tens of thousands of dollars for African-American eateries.

But a global helping of COVID-19 thwarted the fifth annual event. In a matter of days, life and dining changed.

C y n t h i a Daniels & Co. is a premiere event planner behind some of the city’s most highly anticipated annual events: Black Bridal Expo, Black Restaurant Week, Soul Food Truck Festival and Black Christmas Expo.

To those, add the biggest, most ambitious effort on Friday, June 19, this year: The Juneteenth Shop Black Virtual Experience.

“The truth is that COVID-19 forced me to broaden my borders,” said Daniels. “The financial fallout has been devastating for black businesses, for all businesses. But we are not powerless to rebuild wealth in our community and leave it to our children.”

Daniels said turning the dollar over and over in the AfricanAmerican community will keep “our businesses” prospering and growing.

She promotes a conscientious intent on the part of “black consumers” to spend money with African Americans and choose to “buy black.”

Daniels was weeks away from June 19, lamenting that she could not travel to visit her mother in Atlanta for Mother’s Day. The pandemic had limited movement, not only locally, but across the country. She got an idea.

“I thought, ‘Why don’t I just go online and buy Mother some gifts I know she would like,’” Daniels said. “And that’s just what I did and posted her local purchases online.

The photos went viral, and people in Memphis were thanking me for spotlighting businesses they didn’t even know were here.”

Daniels got to thinking. What if

SEE

Michael Williams between citizens and law enforcement.

The New Tri-State Defender: Police reform is a prevailing topic right now, in light of the death of George Floyd. We’ve seen protests throughout the country and here in Memphis. Do you think

SEE

ON PAGE 2

ON PAGE 8

SCS plans new software to mark black business spend NEW BIZ SNAPSHOT: The BBplug.com – PAGE 8

The New Tri-State Defender

June 11 - 17, 2020

Page 2

NEWS POLICE CONTINUED FROM FRONT there is a need for police reform in this city?

Michael Williams: There can always be a need to make things better. The police serve the community and we work for the community. So, I think that if the community feels there is a need for reform and policy change, I am not opposed to reform. However, I think that they need to work in conjunction with the police so that it won’t jeopardize the lives of the oďŹƒcers or the citizens.

TSD: In addition to reform, there have been talks of defunding the police. Monday, Shelby County Commissioner Tami Sawyer proposed budget cuts to the Sheri’s Department in an eort to reallocate those funds to community initiatives.

While that proposal was defeated, there have been other elected oďŹƒcials and community leaders who have also called for defunding the Memphis Police Department. What’s your take on defunding?

Williams: Once I did more research, what I found out is that what they are saying is that the Police Department in Memphis and Shelby County have the biggest budgets and they can sustain some cuts and then funnel that money into community activities for the youth.

I get it. But the problem that I have with that is that the police are going to have the biggest budget because the police are the biggest division in the city of Memphis. The other thing is that you’re talking about paying for quality law enforcement services.

The individuals put their lives on the line as police ofďŹ cers, and they should be paid commensurate.

The other issue that I have is that with what they’re trying to do -- they’re looking in the wrong places when it comes to putting money back into the community.

TSD: Where are you suggesting that they look when talking about reallocation of funds?

Williams: We have to prioritize where our money is going.

When you look at Memphis in comparison to other cities, we are giving sometimes ten times as much in pilots to these companies to do business here.

That could be money from people’s tax dollars that can be funneled to the community.

So, we have to prioritize where this money is going because the citizens deserve quality core services -- be in community centers, computer labs, or programs -- because those are the types of things that assisted me in being able to uplift my life when I was younger.

I come from meager beginning and there were a lot of community programs and projects that actually helped me get out of North Memphis, where I grew up at in the 60’s and 70’s. So, I understand what some are talking about, but I think they’re looking in the wrong places.

There is room for them to look a little bit deeper -- and now that they are on the City Council and County Commission -- they can look for initiatives to be able to fund some of the things they are talking about.

TSD: While some people are talking about decreasing the police budget, others around the country have mentioned dismantling police departments altogether. What would you say to those who want to explore that option in Memphis?

Williams: Absolutely not.

Because Memphis is listed as the second most violent city in the nation and we already have a problem with crime.

And, even when talking about defunding the police – now you’re talking about cutting the number of police oďŹƒcers when we are already down from 2,500 to 1,900. So, this already puts police into a role where they are reactive as opposed to proactive.

And that will mean cutting services at 201 Poplar.

And they’re already hollering about living conditions and all of that at the jails.

Then there is the coronavirus that’s going on, so they are incurring additional costs for healthcare for inmates.

So, do I think you should take millions from the Sheri’s Department?

No, I do not. And that’s not because I’m a police oďŹƒcer.

It’s because I’m an informed citizen.

TSD: Are you concerned about the rhetoric of defunding and dismantling the police department? You mentioned that the citizens should work in collaboration with police.

Do you think conversations of dismantling may interfere with collaborative police reform eorts?

Williams: We’re playing checkers, most people are playing chess. There is a consorted eort by some to carry out some agenda items other than what the black community is looking at.

When you look at some of these marches, I see members of Antifa and communist ags. Somebody is funding these paid activists to go from city to city to push someone’s agenda. Some people are opportunists and using this‌ Mr. Floyd’s death as an opportunity to capitalize and push their agendas.

TSD: Some people have accused police associations with

Memphis Police Association President Michael Williams (Photo: Screen capture) defending alleged bad behavior of oďŹƒcers. We’ve seen that in Minneapolis when the president of that association condemned other oďŹƒcers and even the city’s mayor for not standing with Derek Chauvin, the man accused of killing Mr. Floyd.

How do you balance advocating for police oďŹƒcers’ rights – one of the purposes of the association – and condemning bad behavior?

Williams: I don’t defend wrong. In Memphis when I got into the police association, I tried to rebrand it.

One of the things I stand on is my integrity. I’m going to ďŹ ght at the council. I’m going to ďŹ ght for the citizens of this community and, at the same time, I ďŹ ght for the police oďŹƒcers.

I ďŹ ght for their beneďŹ ts. I ďŹ ght for their rights. Sometimes people tend to think that police oďŹƒcers don’t deserve due process. The police oďŹƒcers are human and deserve an attorney. And that’s something that we provide them if it’s something related to their conduct on duty.

We provide them with the ability to be able to advocate for equal pay for beneďŹ ts for

Home Improvement Loans.

Contact us Today!

A Branch of The Bank of Fayette County

3454 S. Houston Levee Road Germantown, TN 38139 (901)472-6500 www.thebank1905.com

13:30@/B3 G=C@

2020

ONLINE SHOPPING & DELIVERY Select DELIVERY* or PICK-UP Time

Pay Securely Online

* Delivery available only at the Madision location from 11am - 7pm. * Pick-up available at the Madison, Whitehaven and South Third Street locations.

Chicken Leg Quarters 10 Lb. Bag, Frozen

3

$ 20 Plus 10% Added at Checkout

Wright

Sliced Bacon

1.5 Lb. Pkg., Naturally Smoked Selected Varieties

5

$ 36

Plus 10% Added at Checkout

happen here in Memphis.

And so, I always ask people when was the last time someone was needlessly killed by police here in Memphis? And some will want to say Brandon Webber but then I go, “No, hold up.�

He was actually an individual who had carjacked somebody and shot the man ďŹ ve times, and supposedly tried to run over and shoot at the U.S. Marshalls‌ then after I explain all of that, I still have to tell them that Memphis Police oďŹƒcers were not involved.

So, when was the last time MPD did something to that magnitude that you wanted to stand up and jump up and down about? And they really can’t tell me anything.

TSD: As a police oďŹƒcer and a black man, is it diďŹƒcult balancing the woes associated with racial inequality while also ďŹ ghting for police rights?

Williams: As a man of color, I have been discriminated against and felt the pressures of the world. Being a police oďŹƒcer is my occupation, but when I get home and take o my clothes and look in the mirror, I see a black man.

Repair. Restore. Remodel.

We’re Known By the Money you Keep!

Place Your Order Online

health insurance.

We not only help the Police Department, but through the Memphis Police Association Charitable Foundation we’ve put almost 2 million dollars back into the city of Memphis.

TSD: In what ways?

Williams: We have police oďŹƒcers who are working in the community with football, baseball and basketball teams.

And they’ve been doing it for some time but weren’t getting the funding, so we developed the foundation.

The foundation is to help and assist with dierent initiatives in the community and schools.

We have a lot of oďŹƒcers who are like me and who are from Memphis. We are more vested in the community here.

TSD: How would you describe the police and community relationship here in Memphis and Shelby County?

Williams: I can’t speak for Minneapolis or Texas or anywhere else. The deal with Breonna Taylor didn’t happen here in Memphis. George Floyd didn’t happen here in Memphis. The deal with the young man in Georgia didn’t

When I look at my kids, I see black children.

And it hurt me to the core of my soul when I saw Mr. Floyd, a black man killed on national TV. Anybody who thinks that’s okay, there is something wrong with them.

But, but even though there may be things I don’t always agree with, I don’t think all police are bad. Yes, there are bad police oďŹƒcers just as there are bad reporters, doctors, lawyers, teachers, preachers and politicians. There are bad people in every profession, but I don’t see that particular problem with police oďŹƒcers here in the Memphis.

TSD: Emotions are high and protests calling for police reform have continued for weeks now. As a police oďŹƒcer, what do you hope comes from these conversations and protests?

Williams: Before this, the pendulum was over on the right and then everyone said the police have too much power and the unions have too much power.

Now the pendulum is all the way to the left. Neither one of those is going to work. But hopefully once all of the emotions die down and everybody starts thinking again, hopefully there will be a happy medium that everyone can come to.

TSD: With that being said, are you optimistic about the potential of a better relationship between citizens and law enforcement in Memphis, and even across the country?

Williams: I think it’s an opportunity for that. And it’s always going to be alright. You have to go through the storms sometime to get through the promise land. This is the storm.

I’ve been through the civil rights marches in the 60’s. I’ve been in combat in the military.

But I’m still standing.

5@/2C/B3

with a congratulatory message in The New Tri-State Defender yearbook edition John Morrell

Franks 12 Oz. Pkg.

85

¢

Plus 10% Added at Checkout

PRICES GOOD JUNE 10, 2020 - JUNE 23, 2020 MIDTOWN: 1620 Madison Ave. WHITEHAVEN: 4049 Elvis Presley Blvd.

SOUTH MEMPHIS: 1977 S. Third St. OAKHAVEN: 3237 Winchester Rd. See the Memphis Cash Saver grocery ad at memphiscashsaver.com

ĂĽĂ&#x153;ÂŻĂ&#x2026;Â?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153; Â&#x201C;Â&#x2020;Ă&#x2122;Â&#x2122; Ă&#x153;ÂŻÄ&#x2039;Â? Â&#x2020;Â&#x2122; ;3AA/53 E7B6 >6=B=( !# ;3AA/53 =<:G( #

1]\bOQb ca b]ROg b] `SaS`dS g]c` a^OQS Pg 8c\S !`R 1OZZ ' # ! & & ]` S[OWZ ca Ob /RdS`bWaW\U.BA2;S[^VWa Q][

PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, June 11 - 17, 2020, Page 3

THE CULTURAL COACH

Helping fellow travelers walk their talk

by Linda S. Wallace Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Companies sometimes marvel when resistance to their new diversity campaign arises from a chorus of diversity advocates.

On occasion, frustrated employees will write to complain that these campaigns Linda S. have more Wallace to do with image and branding than with workforce fairness.

“Every time we get a new leader, he launches a new diversity campaign,” a reader wrote. “We talk a lot, and hold more meetings. But nothing ever changes.”

Beware of the sting of the unsuccessful diversity campaign! It turns true believers in companies into nonbelievers and increases the number of highly skilled cultural change agents led by their frustrations to fall into the ranks of the walking wounded.

Progress is constantly undermined by diversity campaigns that are built upon good intentions but lack substance and measurable outcomes. Amid hoopla, these initiatives raise expectations and hope. But when the status quo is retained, a virus of despair seeps into the office.

If we find ourselves in an organization that has committed this mistake – over and over again – do we have a right to be frustrated? Yes, of course. We don’t have the right to give up or give in. In response, we must tap into our five powers of persuasion: passion, principle, purpose, perseverance and pride.

Passion. Any given day, a dedicated team with passion can snatch victory from a team of all-stars. Approach each day as though it is the last inning or quarter.

Carry a winning attitude and a flexible game plan at all times. Let›s share our commitment to diversity with colleagues and explain, frequently, that we have the

company›s interests at heart.

Passion allows us to bond with colleagues who fear our message.

Principle.

Promote corporate principles rather than cultural group selfinterest.

Always stand for inclusion, prosperity and excellence. We must expand our view beyond the special interests of minority stakeholders or women.

Many young workers (and older workers) share the same frustrations and can be enthusiastic allies. Don›t say, «I favor equal opportunity for minority groups.» Stand for everyone: «I want a workplace that allows each person an opportunity to excel and to contribute to the prosperity of our firm.»

Purpose.

Remain connected with our purpose, so we can bounce back from frequent setbacks and disappointments. Once we have identified our purpose, it is easier to manage our frustrations. Our purpose strengthens our resolve and leads us to success.

Perseverance. Once we connect to a purpose, it is easier for us to advance in times when uncertainty clouds our vision and judgment. Often victory is lost because one group of warriors believes that this is a fight they can›t win — not because their opponent is stronger or smarter.

There are no lost causes, but only warriors who grow weary and give up the fight.

Organizational warriors need to use this skill as a primary weapon.

Pride.

Organizations that do not understand the lifestyles, attitudes and core values of global customers or workers cannot survive in the new economy. A desire for excellence and market share is driving many forwardthinking diversity initiatives.

Cultural Frankly, cultural literacy and cultural competencies allow American companies to grow and protect American jobs. We all benefit when American-grown companies prosper.

(Linda S. Wallace is The Cultural Coach. Contact her at theculturalcoach@aol. com.)

I was an accidental racist, here’s how not to be one Involuntary discrimination in the workplace is a problem – let’s fix it

by Joe Paiva Federal News Network

Two years ago, I retired after a 30year career split evenly between the military, government service and private industry. Those who know me best will say that I had my fair share of faults, but intentional bigotry was not one of them.

However, the reality is that for 30 years I acted in ways that helped to systematically deny opportunities to good, hard working people based on where they lived, what schools they attended, the quality of their grammar and several other factors, that, by extension, all equal what they looked like. I was, in fact, an accidental racist.

When I first got out of the military and went into private industry, I helped start and manage multiple companies. Between that and my time in government, I hired hundreds of people, and, despite all the controls that theoretically prevent it, I know from experience that I made the same mistakes in government that I did in private industry.

I never thought twice about placing my private companies’ offices in the same white suburbs where I lived.

As a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES), I required many government and contractor positions that could have easily been remote to be on site. I was completely oblivious to the impact office locations and geography have on diversity.

In private sector, I routinely hired friends of friends and neighbors’ children. In government, we routinely hired people with great references or who worked with someone we knew at another department without ever recognizing that we were limiting the candidate pool in a way that severely limited the opportunities for brown or black people to work at the agencies and companies I led.

I allowed my government staff to close positions quickly in an effort to limit the number of applicants (sometimes because there was an inhouse candidate we really wanted to hire or promote). I did it never realizing that by closing positions quickly I was effectively restricting the opportunity to apply to a group of “insiders” that were disproportionately not people of color.

I saw resumes with the name of a school some of my friends or staff attended and moved them to the top of the stack without ever realizing I had just overlooked potentially fantastic historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) graduates for no reason whatsoever.

At Commerce, we had unpaid graduate internships not just in DC, but all over the world. I would notice a recent graduates had done an unpaid (or essentially unpaid) internship with ITA, another agency or a respected think tank, and brought

them to the top of the pile without considering that anybody whose parents aren’t millionaires could never afford to spend a summer working in DC Joe (Paris or LonPaiva don) without pay.

Even in government, I asked candidates questions my staff and I created without any professional review for validity or bias. Worse yet, I frequently branched off into small talk about shared interests or experiences immune to the notion that unvalidated interview questions often wreak of unintentional bias and that placing candidates with shared interests at ease was unfair to others.

Looking back at it now, I realize how wrong all of these things were. I realize that I effectively denied people of color the ability to compete on a level playing field for jobs in my companies and the government organizations I led.

We will never solve the problem of unequal justice in America, if we do not first correct the economic disparities that inevitably lead to that inequity, and the conflict and violence it precipitates. As long as a subset of people are economically disenfranchised by a system that does not provide for the basic needs of all people, regardless of what they look like, who they love, how or if they choose to pray, or any other individual attribute that makes them the unique and wonderful person God created, we will never truly fix any of the problems we see exploding throughout our country, and we will never live up to our truest potential as a people.

The first critical step in creating a society with less economic disparity is to create a society with equal economic opportunity, and every decision you make as an executive has an impact on how equal those opportunities are within your organization. Looking at it now, I realize I failed miserably on this account, and nothing I do will ever make it right.

However, what I can do now is publicly apologize in a way that shines a light on my misdeeds as an example for younger executives following in my path.

So, this is my message: Take a hard look at how you make selections, not just for initial hires, but for promotions, career development programs, special training, etc. Thoroughly review every step in your process asking yourself: How can I remove systemic and unconscious bias from this process?

Is the position being advertised broadly enough to ensure people “outside the bubble” have an opportunity to find out about it and apply?

Is it being advertised in media outlets that focus on serving minorities?

Is human resources intentionally cutting off how long a job is “open” in order to limit the number of candidates who apply (for any reason)?

Does this job truly, absolutely need to be filled by someone on site, or can it really be done remotely?

Did your organization take the time and effort to perform a real job analysis and develop an up to date job description with valid requirements? Or, did you just default to some decades old, stock position description because it was easier than doing the paperwork to get a new one approved?

Does somebody really need a degree to be successful in this job? A computer engineering degree does not make someone a better JavaScript writer, and neither Steve Jobs or Bill Gates had degrees when they started Apple and Microsoft.

Are you screening out great (frequently, minority or rural) candidates using resumes, which we have known for decades are one of the most biased and least accurate ways in the world to assess job applicants?

Are your evaluators inadvertently looking at people’s home addresses, and subconsciously wondering how good or bad their commute would be?

Have the questions you are asking been reviewed by an industrial and organization psychologist to ensure they elicit responses that can actually be used to accurately assess whether or not someone is qualified?

Have your questions been professionally reviewed to ensure they don’t introduce unintended bias?

Is every candidate getting asked the exact same question, the exact same way, and getting the exact same amount of time to answer it?

Are you or your staff unwittingly introducing bias by making small talk about what college a candidate attended, their time in the military, what sports they played, or what teams they like?

We can’t all play a direct role in fixing every problem our country faces, but many of us play a much bigger part than we think in either maintaining or changing the underlying economic disparity that leads to most of those problems.

Don’t be an accidental racist. Do your part now by fixing your organization’s hiring, program and promotion selection processes.

(Joe Paiva enlisted in the Navy after high school and served 10 years active duty and 25 years in the reserves before retiring as a lieutenant colonel. Paiva started and helped start more than half a dozen companies, including taking one public. Serving in senior leadership positions during both the Bush and Obama administrations, Paiva retired as CIO of the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration.)

NOTE: Reprinted with the permission of the Federal News Network.

Visit federalnewsnetwork.com.

Information • Inspiration • Elevation Published by Best Media Properties, Inc. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Mailed subscriptions to The New Tri-State Defender are available upon request. One Year, $35.00; Two Years, $60.00. Request can be emailed to subscriptions@tsdmemphis.com or mailed to Subscriptions, The New TriState Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN, 38103. Delivery may take one week.

President Calvin Anderson Associate Publisher/ Executive Editor Karanja A. Ajanaku

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The New Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN, 38103.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Any and all inquiries may be submitted in writing by calling (901) 523-1818 or by email.

TELEPHONE: Editorial, administration, display advertising, classified advertising: (901) 523-1818. Fax: (901) 578-5037.

The New Tri-State Defender (USPS 780-220) is published weekly by Best Media Properties, Inc., 203 Beale Street, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38103. Second-class postage paid in Memphis, TN.

The New Tri-State Defender

June 11 - 17, 2020

PERSPECTIVE IN THE MAIL Facing the ‘sterotype threat’

by Kariem-Abdul Salaam Per your invitation to join in on the evolving conversation about African Americans and police, I am reminded of my junior and high school days growing up in the Walker Homes Community near Mitchell Rd. High School.

At that time, Walker Homes resided outside Kariem-Abdul Salaam of the city limits and was considered living in the county (or the country). We were patrolled by the Shelby County Sheriff’s department and most of the officers we knew by name, i.e., William Hughes, Willie Durham, and others.

A thing to note is these officers also lived in the community they served. Their children walked to school along with us. Some of them had spouses who taught at the schools we attended. As a result, for the most part, their relationship with the community was pretty good.

As I grew older, I begin to see that relationship somewhat deteriorate. I started hearing tales from some fellow high school students of being chased by officers after a football game or being caught and had to take some whacks across the knees with the blackjack.

One morning I woke to hear the news that a fellow student had been shot and killed by the police two blocks down the street from my house climbing out of a window at the neighborhood store on the corner. We were not close friends, but I remember feeling so bad for his mother and his brothers and sisters.

I remember asking the question, “Did they have to kill him?” Was the food he was stealing worth more than his life?

As a young child, that experience changed my perception of police as friends to someone to be feared and avoided.

I think for many of us in the African-American community (with) this type of perception brought on by traumatizing events have caused the evolution of stereotypes about police officers that appear to be real whether they’re “real” or not. The result is a sort of fear, a lack of trust and respect on both sides.

There is a phenomenon called “stereotype threat” that normally applies in an educational setting but if the theory holds true, I believe it can apply to other social and cultural contexts.

Stereotype threat refers to the risk of confirming negative stereotypes about an individual’s racial, ethnic, gender, or cultural group. If I fear you have a perceived stereotype about me, there is a tendency for me to live out that stereotype.

I believe much of the tension and bad actions on the part of the police as well as African Americans today are a result of these stereotypes that have evolved to the point that they are being carried out on a large scale across the country and throughout the world. Changing the language is what has helped to deal with it in academic settings. Maybe the same approach will help in the broader community.

Imam W. Deen Mohammed coined the phrase that, “Words Make People.”

Change the words and you can change the thinking.

Kariem-Abdul Salaam is director of Project M.O.S.T. / P.B.I. Competitive Grant at Southwest Tennessee Community College. He wrote this IN THE MAIL item after TSD Associate Publisher/ Executive Editor Karanja A. Ajanaku asked him to consider joining an online conversation regarding African Americans and police.

Page 4

NEWS

Activists meet with local mayors, police director

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

Both sides want “something better” for Memphis.

That is the common ground that launched a meeting Wednesday involving some of the leaders of local protests and some local leaders.

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, along with Police Director Michael Rallings were among the attendees.

“We’ve seen other cities go up in flames,” said Pastor DeVante Hill, an activist and founder of One Church Memphis. We don’t want that for our city. We want better. We can do better.”

Protests took root around the country and throughout the world when a video of a Minnesota officer bearing down with his knee on the neck of George Floyd for more than eight minutes, killing him, was released to the public.

Hill and another local activist, Frank Gotti, met with city and county leaders June 3 to talk about issues that could potentially spark the kind of violence cities across

the country have witnessed.

Wednesday was the second meeting.

It was not a negotiation, said Hill, but an opportunity for government leaders to really understand what is sparking the protests.

“We did not come in making any demands on those in leadership,” said Hill. “But we were strongly urging them to take some action and to be a part of the change. We all want to see our city move forward with more racially equitable practices.”

Strickland has said he feels certain that Memphis does not have to go the way of other cities that have experienced violent lawlessness and arson.

“Director Rallings and I are open to listening to all suggestions of how to improve our Memphis Police Department…”

Hill talked about how some activists were interested in improving the relationship between law enforcement and the African-American community in Memphis and Shelby County.

“There are some things we feel would improve the relationship right off,” said Hill. “We want CLERB to have more power and

Pastor and local activist DeVante Hill amplifies his message during a protest in front of FedExForum. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises) more influence, for one thing.”

CLERB is the Civilian Law Enforcement Review Board. Activists feel the citizen’s board should have a more influential role in matters pertaining to officers who are accused of using excessive force.

Allyson Smith, one of the co-organizers of last Friday’s demonstration in Midtown on Union Avenue, said at a Tuesday (June 9) press conference that African Americans are “over-policed and over-criminalized” compared to whites who come in contact with law enforcement.

Smith decried that two white men who intentionally drove their vehicles into the crowd of protesters were allowed to go free after the incidents.

She asked, “What constitutes a crime – skin color or the intent?”

In addition to more equitable

treatment of African Americans by law enforcement, Hill called for “a more just and a more fair” element of anti-bias training for new recruits.

“We also want officers to establish a policy of intervening,” said Hill. “When something is happening on the scene that is not right, such as the action that officer took against George Floyd, other officers should intervene. It should be their duty to intervene.”

Although various organizations have been a part of the protesting in Memphis, neither Hill nor Gotti are a part of any particular activist group.

“I am just an independent activist,” Hill said. “I think other organizations want me to sit back and be quiet. But I can’t do that. I have to stay focused on what the Lord told me to do.”

Protesters point to ‘vehicular assaults’ and a ‘different standard’ of justice

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

Angered by “vehicular assaults” on demonstrators at a Union Ave. protest Friday evening, 50-plus people spoke out in condemnation at a Monday afternoon press conference.

“These protesters will tell you how vehicles rammed into the crowd,” said Shelby County Commissioner Tami Sawyer. “Similar incidents happened in Seattle and other cities around the country.

Clearly, a call for these kinds of attacks has been made.”

Three women gave detailed accounts of being hit by “a large SUV” driven by a man they begged to stop and turn around.

“He looked right at me, and we locked eyes,” said Shiloh Grace, who was there protesting with her daughter. “I held my arms out and motioned for him to stop and turn around.

“The driver accelerated and ran into us. He was laughing, laugh-

ing,” she shouted. “Police wrote him a citation and let him go.”

The driver was identified as Anthony Marcuzzo, 19. He and Beau Albauer, 26, who also allegedly drove into the protesters, face several misdemeanors, including reckless endangerment.

The event was initially scheduled to take place on the steps of the Shelby County Courthouse, but an alternate rain location was set for the lobby of Shelby County government building.

Protesters said they asked an officer on the scene why Marcuzzo was being let go and were told “because he didn’t really hurt anyone.”

People engaging in peaceful protests have been locked up and had to sit in jail for 48 hours, Sawyer said. “It is clear who Memphis police will protect and serve.”

Grace and her 16-year-old daughter, Lydia Grace, along with Erin Dempsey, talked about the terror they felt as the oncoming vehicle accelerated into the crowd. All three women, who are

white, said they wanted to protect demonstrators from the onslaught.

“We were yelling, ‘Stop, Stop,’ holding our hands out for him to turn around,” said Dempsey. “But he ran into us. I was knocked off balance and caught hold of his side mirror. I was dragged for 20 feet.”

Both Dempsey and Shiloh Grace were treated at a hospital for bruising and other minor injuries.

Sawyer called the lowered flags to honor George Floyd “empty, hypocritical gestures.

“Four years ago, the same thing happened in Charlottesville, and the nation said they were changing…and here we are,” Sawyer said. “There are already mowdown laws. They need to be enacted.”

Co-organizers Allyson Smith and Jordan Dodson expressed their anger and frustration that Marcuzzo was being held to a different standard because he was a white man.

“Would a black man have been

let go if he had done the same thing?” Smith asked. “He would not have been allowed to leave.

Tony Marcuzzo was given a slap on the wrist, but peaceful protesters have been arrested. There is a different standard of justice for people who look like me.”

Dodson complained that initial felony charges against drivers were bumped down to misdemeanors.

According to MPD, evidence regarding the incident involving Albauer was sent to the grand jury on Monday, with a warrant subsequently issued for his arrest.

MPD, with the assistance of U.S. Marshals, took Albauer into custody at 1:45 Tuesday (June 9) morning.

Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings was called at the scene, protesters asserted, but “did not show up.”

MPD did not respond to inquiries for comment regarding arrests and treatment of Marcuzzo and Albauer.

The New Tri-State Defender

June 11 - 17, 2020

Page 5

RELIGION

Rolling with the class of 2020...

A salute at Middle Baptist Church in Whitehaven rolled 2020 graduates and supporters through in procession. Pastor Elartice Ingram Jr. addressed students from a makeshift, socially-distanced pulpit, later greeting some students individually.

(Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)

COMMENTARY

Growing beyond Passover to God’s creation

by Dr. Rosalyn R. Nichols Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Go outside today. Plant a garden. Take a deep breath. Honor God’s creation, for the first time or anew.

Amid unspeakable pain, suffering and death, all of nature is showing signs of healing, largely because humans – responsible for the care of God’s creation – were required to shelter in place.

Dr. Rosalyn People of faith are R. Nichols being called to both shelter in place and change the behavior that reflects how we have taken for granted and neglected our responsibilities of caring for God’s creation. We are being called to change our behaviors, to repent, by seeking ways to restore the land upon which we live, here, and around the world.

Sacred texts – Genesis 1.26-28 and 2 Chronicles 7.14 – offer a perspective about this journey of faith. There may even be others that better speak to this moment in our lives.

In the Genesis passages humans are made in the image and likeness of God and then given dominion and authority to care for God’s creation. Honest, sincere self-assessments tell us that we have neglected that responsibility. We have mismanaged the resources of creation – from the ways we pollute the air to how we have pillaged the soil and over-harvested the seas.

When we were required to shelter in place, God’s creation began to heal itself.

Air quality improved because our cars, trains, planes and buses were sheltered in place. The air quality in places such as Boston and Washington, D.C, register as the cleanest since NASA starting measuring air pollution back in 2005. Animal shelters are no longer killing hundreds of animals daily as human beings have found their hearts opened to adopting and bringing pets into their lives.

Here in Memphis, the first order to shelter in place was announced in a press conference on Tues., March 24.

Shelby County Health Director Alisa

“Plant a garden. Take a deep breath. Honor God’s creation, for the first time or anew.” — Dr. Rosalyn R. Nichols (Photo: Karanja A. Ajanaku)

Haushalter issued the formal health directive for most of Shelby County, including Memphis residents and businesses.

Schools, libraries, museums and sports and entertainment activities from Beale Street to the FedExForum were cancelled.

By the end of March 2020, we were grappling with determining what was essential and nonessential to our lives. For communities of faith, mosques, temples and churches, this would be a decisive moment at the intersection of our faith and well-being.

People of faith traditionally gather for worship as an essential expression of faith.

Limiting the numbers of those who gather and ultimately closing worship facilities sent shock waves throughout faith communities in Shelby County and across the nation. Faith leaders and parishioners sought direction on how to respond from sacred text.

Uncomfortable being seen as proponents of science over faith, clergy women and men found themselves at a watershed moment. For many, the Passover story of the Exodus would become a touchstone.

Then Moses called all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go, select lambs for your families, and slaughter the passover lamb. Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and touch the lintel and the two doorposts with the

blood in the basin. None of you shall go outside the door of your house until morning. 23 For the LORD will pass through to strike down the Egyptians; when he sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over that door and will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses to strike you down.

The metaphorical message often drawn was that we would go inside of our homes and shelter in place as the death angel of COVID-19 passed over us, just as the Israelites. I knew there were inherent problems with embracing this powerful biblical story as our guiding message. For one, it is a gruesome, brutal, savage story of the loss of first-born baby boys and male animals at the hand of God, as punishment for the God-given hard heartedness of Pharaoh (Exodus 7.3) in not freeing the Israelites.

We hear the cries pain and loss: At midnight the LORD struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the prisoner who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of the livestock Pharaoh arose in the night, he and all his officials and all the Egyptians; and there was a loud cry in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead.

Add to this our own reality check: We initially believed that African Americans were not contracting COVID-19, only later

to discover that in fact we were being disproportionately, adversely impacted by the virus. We were dying at alarming rates. In this biblical story we would be the Egyptians!

I understand the intention, and every metaphor will collapse when pushed too far.

But please bear this in mind, sheltering in, listening to experts, following science does not have to conflict with one’s faith any more than taking your blood medicine means you don’t believe in Jehovah-Rapha. Closing worship facilities does not place the wisdom of human beings over the wisdom of God. For those who follow Jesus, the rock he describes in Matthew 16.18 was born of flesh and built of stone.

As stewards of God’s creation, in these particular times, we must act with the certainty needed to get to our goal, courageously dealing with things just as they are, resolutely facing – and surmounting – all dangers seen and unseen.

And when you need a reset, go outside.

Plant a garden. Take a deep breath. Honor God’s creation!

(Dr. Rosalyn R. Nichols pastors Freedom’s Chapel Christian Church (DOC), 961 Getwell Rd. Visit https://www.freedomschapel.com/. Find Freedom’s Chapel on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ freedomschapel.church, IG and YouTube.)

The New Tri-State Defender, June 11 - 17, 2020, Page 6

AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC MONTH

iMOM

House music all night long!

Shango Cooke keeps the party going

Dantré Harris (pictured wearing the Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. Fraternity shirt, assumes a frontline posture during a protest in front of 201 Poplar. (Courtesy photo)

Responding to the need for change

by Joy Doss Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Most Black Memphians and Mississippians have some cousins “Up South,” which is Chicago. While blues and jazz may have traveled “up river” from the Bayou, the Delta and the Bluff City, Chicago sent house music “down river.” It traveled to us then subsequently Joy Doss across the world.

House (music) was born in the ’80s as the progeny of disco and, in turn, begat many other iterations, including electronic, EDM, dubstep techno and arguably Baltimore house.

Respect your roots guys! And those roots are right on the South Side of The Chi, where Frankie Knuckles landed. (Note: Though Frankie is widely credited as the godfather of house, he got hip to the sound by hanging around Southside legend Remix Roy.) I distinctly remember house filtering through the neighborhood dance parties because, as I mentioned, inevitably somebody’s cousin was visiting from Chicago. Everybody had a dance routine to “Jack Your Body!”

And, when I lived in New York once upon a time there was always a house set, and cipher (dance circle), to close out the night. Oh man, those kids would go off. It was beautiful to watch people just feel the music deep in their souls and move with it. The movement inspired by this particular music is different. It’s a vibe. Sorta like break dancing, modern dance and creative movement had a baby!

We can’t celebrate #blackmusicmonth without a nod to house music! Though it isn’t as prevalent or available here except in small circles and of course gay clubs (cause Frankie Knuckles!), it is still very much alive, present and beloved.

Aside from Memphis House Mafia and streaming platforms, Memphians have very limited access to house music parties or the music itself.

But Shango!

Shango Cooke, or DJ Shang Silk, is the Chicago native that presides over the “House in the Midsouth” set every Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. on SCS Radio/88.5FM and he’s one of the curators of the monthly party (in normal times) of the same name. He started the “House in the Midsouth” parties six years ago. It evolved to the radio show a couple of years later, with a rotating crew of GOODLife DJs – DJ Rawhouse, Deadly DJ Kelly, DJ TJ, DJ Dantz King and DJ Brandon.

Today, “House in the Midsouth” has an ever-growing legion, which includes syndicated shows in Des Moines, IA and a soon-to-belaunched show in Clarksdale, MS via the Coahoma College radio station. Good yields growth! “(House) DJs are really spinning, taking the time to blend. It doesn’t sound like gym shoes in the dryer. These guys can really DJ,” he declares.

And I cosign, as these are facts. Cause sometimes yall…sometimes. I’ll just say this – substance and skill over style. (No shade but shade.)

Last year, Shango and crew produced the “If Beale Street Could Dance” dance/fitness party here in Memphis and to his delight and surprise, people came down to Memphis from various cities.

“It was really unusual. People travel to Chicago or to Atlanta for House in the Park. I was surprised people travelled to Memphis for house music!” They hope to be back next year when the world is right side up.”

So, can we keep the legacy going?

Shango’s answer is a resounding, YES! “As long as the DJ keeps creating and the producers keep making hits, house music will be around for a very long time.”

For those who are not familiar, want to get familiar or just amp up your playlist, here’s

by Brittany Holst Special to The New Tri-State Defender

“(House) DJs are really spinning, taking the time to blend. It doesn’t sound like gym shoes in the dryer. These guys can really DJ.” -- Shango Cooke, aka DJ Shang Silk (Photos: Demarcus Bowser)

In observance of African American Music Month, The New Tri-State Defender is highlighting select Memphis-area artists throughout June. At month’s end, The TSD will present an edited video featuring one song from each featured artist. The finished product will be a hybrid mini-concert and extended multi-artist video. Stay tuned for the digital invite.

Shango’s Top 10: “Liquid Liquid” by Optimo “Good Life” by Inner City “Jack My Body” by Nick Non Stop “Work It Out by” Karizma “You Ain’t Really Down vs 119 bpm” by P Sol “I Want You For Myself” by George Duke “Flowerz” by Armand Van Helden (Also a JD fave!”

“Everyman” (Joey Negro’s Soul Strut) by Double Exposure “Devotion” by Ten City “Bad Boy” by Jamie Principle **Bonus JD Faves: “Music Sounds Better”/Stardust “Give Me Something”/Miguel Migs + Lisa Shaw (Don’t forget to tune in to 88.5 FM every Friday and Saturday night to get your party started! Follow them @houseinthemidsouth on both IG and Facebook.)

Six months into 2020 and many people are already feeling like this is the worst year of this millennium.

As a nation, we have dealt with the effects of COVID-19, including death and loss of jobs. Adding to the stress, the nation is experiencing riots and protests across the nation over the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Pamela Turner, Atatiana Jefferson, George Floyd, Sandra Bland, Trayvon Martin and so many others.

It’s one thing to read about protests and riots in history books, but it is a completely different emotion to witness it firsthand.

While many protests have been peaceful, some across the country have been violent, with businesses being vandalized and protesters being met with rubber bullets, pepper spray and tasers.

Imagine what your reaction will be years from now when your child tells you they are studying this in history class and ask you about what it was like during the time.

Black people are tired. Tired of being targeted because of the color our skin tone. Tired of the injustices that continue to plague this nation.

Cops killing innocent black men and women. Citizens taking it upon themselves to target the innocent and make citizens’ arrests that ends in violence.

Other races judging and following us around while trying to shop.

When does it stop? The treatment of our race since we first were brought to America has been despicable.

As African-American parents, we worry about our children – going to school, driving in their car, walking down the street, riding a bike.

We find ourselves having to have “The Talk” with our children on how to behave when stopped or approached by the police, who are meant to protect and serve the communities where we live.

Now the worry is more amplified, not just for everyday things that could happen in life but for the targets that are on their backs.

With current events of police killings, the target is larger than ever.

We not only worry about our children, but for ourselves, our parents, cousins, siblings, uncles, aunts, grandparents and friends.

If you are black, you worry.

Dantré Harris, educator and founder of BigFaithTalk, has been on the front lines during the recent protests in Memphis. While he is not a parent, he is a black man in America with the same fears as everyone else.

I had the opportunity to discuss with him the purpose behind BigFaithTalk and what being on the front lines meant to him.

“There are all types of ways to protest, but being on the front lines, joining people of all nationalities, races, and ethnicities is powerful beyond measure,” said Harris. “Being on the front lines allows me to

be a vessel for our communities.”

Fighting for change means putting yourself in a position to challenge the norm and make Brittany a difference.

Holst Sometimes, people do not understand until things are staring them in the face.

“It allows me to effect the lives of others through not only words, but action,” Harris continued. “It allows me to be able to look into the eyes of officers and leave an everlasting memory of humanity every day that they put their uniform on.”

Everyone shedding light on the racial injustices in America has a goal. We want it to end. We want consequences, not excuses, when innocent black men and women are killed by those meant to protect and serve, along with citizens who take it upon themselves to beat and kill.

Abuse of power has to stop.

Harris’ goal is to “spread the words of grace and patience.

“It’s not up to me as a mere man to inspire fear. In order to drive out fear of the hearts of all mankind is to bring light.”

There are so many people flooding the streets in protest of racial injustices with hope that true changes are made and racial injustice finally comes to an end.

There is so much pain in America and something needs to be done.

“Everyone vents their pains and their concerns in many ways and I’m in agreement with all forms of protesting,” said Harris. “I feel that it’s imperative to get out in the streets because there’s no fairness in war and we, as citizens, are in a state of war against systematic oppression. It’s my obligation to do my part in destroying the old ways of policing and racism yet inspire reform.”

BigFaithTalk is a non-religious, faith-inspired platform that you can support and be a part of the organization. God, service and reality is the focus.

The recent protests have resulted in the state of Minnesota to criminally charge all four officers involved in George Floyd’s death.

That is just a start. Now we need them to be convicted in the courts and for legislative laws to change.

We also need officers and citizens involved in other killings of innocent black men and women to be charged.

As a nation, we see how standing together for a common goal can make a difference. Pray for strength and understanding within ourselves and others.

Spread love not hate, right not wrong. Change will come. This is the Civil Rights Movement 2.0 and our voices will be heard. Black Lives Matter!

June 11 - 17, 2020

The New Tri-State Defender

Page 7

LIFESTYLE

Joymaker 2020 made the case that words matter

by Brianna A. Smith Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The Joymaker 2020 virtual event hosted by Lori Spicer Robertson produced a glossary of words, terms and phrases connected to uplift and empowerment.

Robertson, founder of Wundher, a digital media and in-theflesh platform designed to empower the Renaissance woman and mother to rediscover their joy, presented Joymaker last Saturday (June 6), with the virtual gathering carried on the BlueJeans, conferencing platform.

Narrating resilience, work re-engineering, curating the unexpected, the human side of enterprise and a new kind of patriotism were phrases that punctuated the virtual summit.

An inspiring collective of motivators made use of the terms, spreading a message of joy and gratitude in the age of COVID-19.

The summit consisted of five different sessions that involved a mix of panel discussions and keynote speakers.

Randi Zinn, host of the “Going Beyond Podcast” and Ryan Robertson, a Memphis native and innovative and multicultural marketing executive, covered narrating resilience.

“The solutions are just as varied as the problems themselves.

It’s all about finding new ways of accessing, approaching or thinking about things,” said Robertson.

“A lot of times, people only view innovation as the big breakthrough and disruptive ideas, but it can also be simple solutions that make everyday things easier

The panel topic was “Connection - The Power of Reconnecting.” The focus was on the power of reconnection, the tools that help sustain our bonds and why our professional and personal relationships are worth the work. (Photo: Screen capture) for us. And that’s both beautiful and inspiring. We can’t escape it.”

Patrice Tanaka, founder and chief joy officer for Joyful Planet, LLC., and Brandon Williams, vice president at NBCUniversal, discussed careers and work re-engineering.

Tanaka shared how defining her life purpose and pursuing it with courage not only influenced the evolution of her leadership style, but how it’s essential for all to become the best leaders possible in our work and lives overall.

Brandice Daniel, Memphis native and founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Harlem’s Fashion Row, spoke on curating the unexpected.

“I never doubted the success of my staying power, but I may have doubted the potential of what it took to sustain all the challenges that come along with being an entrepreneur and starting a business from scratch,” Daniel said.

“I was a fashion outsider with limited resources and connections to the right people and the right audience, and that was a major concern. Although most of my challenges were internal, I knew if I could fight through them and find the strength to keep HFR moving forward, it would sustain itself because it’s needed.

“Our organization is special because we not only provide incredible opportunities for designers but we’ve also become a place

that honors people of color in this industry.”

During a dance break, popular local Zumba Instructor, David Quarrels IV, showcased a lively cardio-dance workout with music and choreographed steps.

John Knightly, chief marketing officer at BlueJeans by Verizon, and Verizon’s Managing Partner Candace Morgan helped explore “Connection – The Power of Reconnecting.”

The panel, moderated by Amy Stack, director of Strategic Partnerships, Integrated Strategy and Solutions for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospita,l focused on the power of reconnection, the tools that help sustain our bonds and why our profes-

Lori Spicer Robertson sional and personal relationships are worth the work.

Stack asked Morgan, “What element of our human connection has been most refreshing to see as our world leans more into tech?”

Morgan responded, “Seeing the human side of enterprise.”

Desiree Barnes, former aide to President Barack Obama, and Keesha Middlemass, professor in the Department of Political Science at Howard University, discussed A New Kind of Patriotism.

They spoke about the challenges of navigating being black in America. They addressed the racial climate amid the pandemic.

“I think that words matter. I think that the current administration should be more concerned about the rhetoric they put out there,” said Barnes.

Middlemass agreed, describing the maze of legislative regulations that revoke, restrict or retract public benefits for prisoners re-entering society.

“America has a long history of using incarceration as a form of addressing anyone who violates social norms, including addiction and mental illness,” Middlemass said, noting that the United States leads the world in incarceration rates with 1.1 million citizens in the prison system.

Proceeds from the event went towards the homeless teen moms and children of The Hagar Center.

Robertson said, “If more people are able to talk about how they found joy during trying times, that helps shift perspectives and creates a safe space for others who may be having a difficult time.”

BUSINESS The New Tri-State Defender, June 11 - 17, 2020, Page 8

SCS plans new software to mark black business spend Vows to expand certified MWBE list

by Dena Owens Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Businesses owned by minorities and women have contracting and purchasing opportunities with corporate and governmental agencies throughout the Mid-South, including Shelby County Schools (SCS).

Recently, the school district has come under scrutiny about a lack of data distinguishing African-American business spend from other minority business spend.

Currently, SCS data reflects total spend with women of any race and total spend with any minority entrepreneur.

Individuals and groups in the community and several SCS board members have expressed concern about the data since the majority of SCS students are African Americans and the Memphis population is more than 63 percent African American.

In a city where the African-American poverty rate is 27.6 percent, spending with African-American businesses, particularly during a recession, is crucial for reducing high rates of economic despair.

On Tuesday, during the SCS Procurement Committee virtual meeting, board members Shante Avant, Miska Clay-Bibbs and Joyce Dorse Coleman stressed the importance of tracking and monitoring minority-owned spending and identifying African-American-owned spend data.

“We need a sense of urgency around this,” said Clay-Bibbs.

“We need the local component, breaking down the numbers.”

The SCS Department of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE), which falls under Leon Pattman, Chief of Internal Audit, has been tracking data manually.

Business owners “self-identify” their minority category.

Pattman says SCS is in the process of purchasing new software to track and monitor contractor and sub-contractor spending.

He added that the district is working diligently to increase the number of participants in the SCS MWBE Certified Vendors Listing, which now sits at 140.

“We’re keenly aware of the need to improve this number substantially.”

The new monitoring system will be rolled out to the community in the next few months and will include a community engagement plan focused on African-American and Hispanic vendors.

To spread the word about becoming a Certified Minority Vendor and listed with SCS, Pattman says the

MWBE Program team is forming stronger ties with relevant partners.

Those partners include: • City of Memphis Office of Diversity and Compliance • Shelby County MWBE Programs • Mid-South Minority Business Continuum • Memphis International Airport Business Diversity Development Program SCS Procurement Committee members also emphasized the need for minority spend data by department, as well as level of spend.

Pattman, who acknowledged that there have been no “aspirational goals” for the SCS MWBE Program in two years, assured board members that such goals will be defined during the next Procurement Committee meeting

NEW BIZ SNAPSHOT: The BBplug.com

by Brianna A. Smith Special to The New Tri-State Defender

As protests for racial justice continue across the country, so has the push to support black owned businesses.

The conversation is widely shared through the hashtag #BlackOwnedBusiness and has recently gotten a lot of traction as protesters use social media to spread supportive messages and highlight black owned businesses and entrepreneurs, in their areas.

TheBBplug.com is an online marketplace exclusively for black entrepreneurs and business owners nationwide. It was launched last Friday (6/5/2020).

“We are aiming to create an interactive, black-owned online shopping mall”, says Ashanti Surratt, TheBBplug’s owner and CEO. After spending some time on the site, I’d compare it to a black-owned ‘Amazon’, ‘Fiverr’, with a mix of ‘Angies List’.

It’s a black- business marketplace where African American entrepreneurs/vendors are able to sell products and services directly from TheBBPlug website.

At the click of a button, buyers are able to access thousands of black owned businesses and services throughout the country.

TheBBplug is free to shop and free for business owners, however they do ask for a 7% commission from each transaction.

The website offers similar perks as the bigger e-commerce companies, such as, vendor reviews, seller verification, customized products, auctions, and many more features that please both sellers and buyers.

“We are aiming to create an interactive, black-owned online shopping mall.”

— Ashanti Surratt I purchased rosemary sage and a few candles from a vendor called ‘Amazing Creations Products’.

I like that the vendors have full control of their stores and as a customer I was able to view ratings, which made me feel more confident about my purchases.

“Our mission is to have a healthy circulation of positivity and financial support within the black community by encouraging, networking and purchasing from one another,”

said Surratt. “We ultimately want to be responsible for opening up some brick and mortar locations, because many black entrepreneurs are unable to get adequate funding to own buildings for their businesses and often work out of their homes or sell products online only. Having more black-owned brick and mortars in towns and cities will create a sense of belonging for African Americans in the areas they reside.”

(TBD).

“We’re also creating a database for Certified Minority Vendors vs. Minority Contractors.”

“With a majority black student population, it’s best to have aggregated data when many people can fall into this (minority) status,” says SCS Board Member Joyce Dorse Coleman.

“But how many are black businesses and how many are Hispanic businesses?”

The new tracking software, funded in the fiscal year 2021 budget, will automate vendor tracking, spend reporting and facilitate goal setting.

During the meeting, Pattman’s slide presentation revealed that, between July 1, 2019 and April 30, 2020, SCS spent a total of $25,386,959.01 or 14.6 percent of the MWBE budget with certified MWBEs.

SHOP CONTINUED FROM FRONT there was an event or occasion for “black businesses” to sale their wares online to anyone? What if there was a day that invited shoppers to purposely buy from black vendors and business owners?

And that was the beginning of The Juneteenth Shop Black Virtual Experience.

“My heart goes out to restaurant owners and other business people who have been unable to open back up,” said Daniels. “But 100 businesses, which have kept their doors open, can benefit if we all shop black on Juneteenth, not just for the day, but beyond this inaugural event.”

Shoppers will be able to go to the website: cdcoevents.com and access a portal on the Zoom platform, which will open that Friday at noon.

A virtual buying experience with restaurants, men’s apparel shops, women’s boutique, hair and beauty proprietors, and other enterprises, will be possible.

Daniels set her sights on recruiting 50 businesses. One hundred vendors are actually participating. Fifty of them are local, including restaurants that faced disappointment when COVID-19 halted this year’s Black Restaurant Week.

“This Juneteenth shopping day is very important to us,” said Tamra Patterson, “Chef Tam” of The Underground Café. “When the coronavirus hit, we had to lay off 38 employees. That broke my heart. We went into take-out mode, and we’ve just opened the dining room Tuesday of this week.

I am looking forward to Juneteenth shopping.”

Seeing the event grow beyond the borders of Memphis and attracting

Of that total amount, $7,292,720.48 or 4.04 percent was spent with certified women entrepreneurs.

At the close of the meeting, Pattman committed to addressing concerns regarding SCS MWBE spend data.

“We’ll take a ‘deeper dive’ into the numbers.”

(To learn more about the Shelby County Schools Minority, Women-Owned Small Business Program, or how to become a Certified Minority Vendor, visit: http://www.scsk12. org//mwbe/.)

(To see current SCS MWBE Program objectives and updates, visit: https://go.boarddocs.com/tn/ scsk12/Board.nsf/files/BQEUFC753223/$file/MWBE%20Presentation_06_09_2020%20rev.pdf.)

This Juneteenth shopping day is very important to us.”

— Tamra Patterson, the interest of businesses in other major cities was empowering for Daniels.

“I set out to recruit 50 local businesses, and that went viral, too,” said Daniels. “Other business people want to get in front of as many buyers as possible. So, I started getting inquiries from 20 other cities, including Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, New York and Los Angeles.

Businesses in Vancouver, Canada, and St. Croix, Virgin Islands are also participating.”

Charisse Barnes-Ferraro is excited her “Afrocentric” accessory shop in Atlanta is on board for Juneteenth.

“I was a teacher for 16 years,” said Barnes-Ferraro. “But I started my shop, The Cayged Collection, after a lot of research and prayer. I was a part of the Black Christmas Expo with Cynthia in 2019. I know this is going to be phenomenal.”

Daniels hopes this shopping day will empower “the whole community”.

“While we certainly invite other consumers to be a part of this day, I believe we have enough buying power in our own community to see our own businesses grow and be sustained by us,” Daniels said. “We must support our own, even after the 19th.”

The list of local businesses includes Bubble Bistro, Phillip Ashley Chocolates, September Nail Salon, Henry Masks and Chef Tam’s Soul Food Superstore.

More information on Juneteenth Shop Black Virtual Experience is available at: www.cdcoevents.com.

The New Tri-State Defender

June 11 - 17, 2020

Page 9

COMMUNITY

Living through COVID-19, Part X

by Jerome Wright jwright@tsdmemphis.com

This is the tenth installment of The New Tri-State Defender’s ongoing account of three Memphians coping with the coronavirus amid government-directed efforts to slow the virus’ spread.

Back to the airport

continue to monitor (the passenger traffic) and see how it goes” in an effort to determine when it is feasible to extend the restaurant’s operating hours.

Cook said his other airport business, Runway 901 Bar & Grill, will remain closed, although he is considering reopening the restaurant’s bar if passenger traffic continues on the uptick.

After he closed his restaurants, Cook went to work for another Lenny’s franchisee and helped with his father’s landscaping business.

When The New Tri-State Defender caught up with him Wednesday afternoon, he was cutting grass.

Reminded that he said last week he was going to fully concentrate on his Lenny’s, he laughed and said, “The grass still needs to be cut.”

James Cook arrived at Memphis International Airport at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday (June 10).

No, he was not scheduled to catch an early morning flight.

He had to get ready to reopen his Lenny’s Grill and Subs. He closed the restaurant – one of two he operated there – in mid-March after the number of passengers passing through the airport nosedived because of the new coronavirus.

He had planned to reopen Monday, but he said airport officials wanted to do a walk through first. Service, education and fun So, he spent Monday and TuesMargaret Cowan, foundday preparing to reopen.

At 5 a.m., Cook and two em- ing keeper of I Am My Sister’s Keeper, a nonprofi t that works ployees opened for business.

How did it go? “It went well. with single, working mothers to increase their earning potential, We had about 80 customers” bespent Wednesday morning and fore closing at noon.”

He said most of the customers early afternoon helping to distribwere passengers but, given the ute food baskets at a South Memdearth of food options, airport phis church.

The effort was in sponsorship employees also were glad he rewith the Mid-South Food Bank, opened.

Until passenger traffic picks up which provided produce for the more, Cook said he will close at baskets.

Newspaper Ad 5x8.5 have become The– giveaways noon daily.

“This is just day one. We will a regular endeavor for Cowan

James Cook serves a customer, one of the first since he reopened his Lenny’s Grill and Subs shop at Memphis International Airport. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises) as a way to keep her nonprofit engaged and to give back to the community.

Meanwhile, Cowan is working to finish her associate’s degree in general studies with plans to enroll in the Accelerated Studies for Adults and Professionals Program at LeMoyne-Owen College to earn a bachelor’s degree.

And, thanks to a $500 donation to her nonprofit, Cowan is work-

ing on staging a “Sunday Fun Day” with her moms and their children at Shelby Farms.

Things are slow Things have really slowed down for barber William Gandy Jr., so he has been spending some of this time promoting his new song “Corona, Corona.”

He had one customer scheduled

for Wednesday, but that person cancelled.

He said a lot of his customers have not returned because of COVID-19 fears or they are viewing YouTube videos to learn how to trim their hair.

(Jerome Wright is deputy editor for The New Tri-State Defender)

Thank You Built by Southern Serenity Homes in Kensington Manor, Lakeland, TN. Estimated value $500,000.

Giveaway Date: June 28, 2020 Thank you, Mid-South, for helping to raise $1.5 million for the kids of St. Jude.

Watch the live Giveaway on WMC Action News 5 on June 28 at noon to see who will win.

St. Jude patient Abraham

All tickets have sold out

National Sponsors Local Sponsors

dreamhome.org

Giveaway is conducted by and benefits ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. ©2020 ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (DMH-74) Raffle authorized by State of TN Division of Charitable Solicitations, Fantasy Sports and Gaming.

The New Tri-State Defender

June 11 - 17, 2020

Page 10

NEWS REFORM CONTINUED FROM FRONT be starting with engaging community input as this week begins a series of discussions to address and act on the over-policing of African Americans in Memphis.

Council members JB Smiley Jr., Michalyn Easter-Thomas and Martavious Jones jointly submitted a resolution that was advanced by the city council requesting that MPD and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department adopt the “8 Can’t Wait” use-of-force reduction policy. Introduced by Campaign Zero to bring immediate change to police departments, 8 Can’t Wait operates a data-

base that tracks a department’s adoption of the eight policies.

Memphis has enacted three of the policies: require warning before shooting; exhaust all alternatives before shooting; establish use of force continuum. According to Campaign Zero’s data, enacting all eight policies could reduce police killings by 72 percent.

Going beyond political participation to begin a process to develop better policies, transparency and accountability for policing in Memphis, understanding how we remain here rallying the demand that “Black Lives Matter” is a more essential part of this movement.

In America, political administrations respond to cracks in the social foundation with

more force - twice as much, actually. City budgets are an indication of priorities and year to year, Memphis continues to increase its spend on police services - the most funded division with $282 million proposed for fiscal year 2021.

As the call to defund the police grows louder, it is apparent that those calls want funds and resources invested in African-American communities to close gaps in economic security, education and ownership.

African-American people are the majority population in Memphis yet experience poverty at 28.9% earning a median household income of $31,729 while whites make up 12.3% of poverty with a median household income of $59,507.

Scott Walkup, Administrator

lowing property:

The rate of African-American homeownership is reported as the lowest among the 50 largest cities in the U.S. The City of Memphis allocates $0 in funding to education.

What these statistics reveal, as they always have, is that inequity is systemic and keeps African-American people at an extreme disadvantage by not creating legitimate access to the economy.

When another African-American person dies due to police negligence, it is another stinging demonstration that African-American lives don’t deserve equality in civil liberties. To make moves to investigate police practices is a step in a direction but without acknowledging how racism is

equally embedded in housing, jobs and wages will keep African-American people here, fighting for fairness and justice.

Pushing African-American people to the margins and divesting in their communities is the underpinning of this current global demonstration and constant struggle. Solving injustice that has plagued African-American people in America requires an interrogation of how racism permeates through every part of African-American life, including education, economic prosperity and ownership.

When organizers, supporters, activists, and civil rights organizations urge that Black Lives Matter, it includes every part of the African-American

experience.

The time is now for city leadership and citizens at every level of engagement to acknowledge the need for a model to advance Memphis and maintain momentum that does not leave the majority of African-American residents outpaced, undervalued and without fair access or representation to generate sustainable opportunities for themselves, their families or communities.

OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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 July 15, 2020, 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.

(A believer in and native of Memphis, Mesha Crump has spent most of her career serving mission-driven organizations in Memphis and New York City.

Now a freelance contributor for The New Tri-State Defender, Mesha owns a social impact communications firm.)

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE 2002 Nissan Maxima $1200 OBO (needs motor) Interested calls only 901-249-7103 or 901-504-0677 bdhanderson@gmail.com NOTICE TO BIDDER(S) Sealed bids will be received by the Shelby County Government in the Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38134 until 9:30 a.m. on June 29, 2020, as shown below: MULTIPLE AND ENTIRELY DIFFERENT REHABILITATION JOBS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS BID NOTICE. BIDDER(S) MAY ELECT TO BID ON ANY OR ALL OF THE JOBS IN THE NOTICE. SEALED BID I000624 DUE: June 29, 2020 1. Rehabilitation of Owner-Occupied Housing Units throughout Shelby County some of which may require the use of lead based paint safe work practices and techniques; and Detailed specifications for items above may be obtained in the Shelby County Department of Housing at the aforementioned address beginning June 15, 2020. All bids will be opened and publicly read by the Shelby County Government at the time mentioned above at the Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road Memphis, TN 38134, (901) 222-7600; TTY Number (901) 222-2301; or for information in Spanish 901-222-3993. Award recommendations will be posted at the following website http:// www.shelbycountytn.gov/3453/ Contract-Opportunities upon review of the bid opening results.

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

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

NOTE: Selected contractors will be required to check the SAM system to ensure that any subcontractors it selects do not appear on the debarred/ suspended registry.

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

You must display your current E.O.C. Eligibility Number or your Locally Owned Small Business (LOSB) Number on the outside of your envelope and a copy of all licenses and insurance policies must be included in your submitted bid package. Unless the label is completely filled out and your current E.O.C. Eligibility Number is noted thereon your bid may be returned to you unopened. Should your label be lost or misplaced, please note the appropriate information in the lower left-hand corner of your envelope. The Department of Housing encourages participation from WBE, MBE, LOSB, and Section 3 Contractors under these rehabilitation programs.

The Shelby County Government reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities therein. In the event that all public entrances to the Department of Housing are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic at the time of the scheduled bid opening, no submitted bids will be opened and the rehabilitation projects will be made available for bid again at a later date.

By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

LEGAL NOTICE Request for Bids RFB Number 20-0032 Ancillary Furniture Sealed bids for Ancillary Furniture will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (Authority), Procurement Department, Memphis International Airport, 4121 Runway Road, Suite B, Memphis, TN 38118-6613, until 2:00 PM local time, July 14, 2020.

Responses will be opened and publicly read thirty (30) minutes after the response deadline at the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority’s Project Center located at 4225 Airways Blvd., Memphis, Tennessee 38116. 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 June 10, 2020.

A pre-bid meeting will be held June 16, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. via phone/video conferencing (Link: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom. us/j/92249574044).

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: Jennifer R. Cothern Tax Parcel #: 04301500000130 Tax Sale #: 1003 Price Offered: $50.00 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 July 17, 2020, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

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

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

Jennifer R. Cothern Tax Parcel #: 04301500000210 Tax Sale #: 1004 Price Offered: $200.00 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 July 17, 2020, 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: Jennifer R. Cothern Tax Parcel #: 0430150000220 Tax Sale #: 1303 Price Offered: $500.00 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 July 17, 2020, 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: Jennifer R. Cothern Tax Parcel #: 04301500000230 Tax Sale #: 1101 Price Offered: $300.00 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 July 17, 2020, 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: Tennial Brothers Investments LLC Tax Parcel #: 0600600A000180 Tax Sale #: 1101 Price Offered: $300.00 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 July 15, 2020, 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: Tennial Brothers Investments LLC Tax Parcel #: 0600600A000190 Tax Sale #: 1101 Price Offered: $300.00 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 July 15, 2020, 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: Tennial Brothers Investments LLC Tax Parcel #: 0600600A000110 Tax Sale #: 1301 Price Offered: $300.00 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 8:00 a.m. on July 15, 2020, 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: Tennial Brothers Investments LLC Tax Parcel #: 0600600A000120 Tax Sale #: 1301 Price Offered: $300.00 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 8:30 a.m. on July 15, 2020, 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

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: Tennial Brothers Investments LLC Tax Parcel #: 0600600A000130 Tax Sale #: 1301 Price Offered: $300.00 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 July 15, 2020, 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: Tennial Brothers Investments LLC Tax Parcel #: 0600600A000150 Tax Sale #: 1301 Price Offered: $50.00 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 July 15, 2020, 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: Tennial Brothers Investments LLC Tax Parcel #: 0600600A000060 Tax Sale #: 1101 Price Offered: $300.00 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 July 15, 2020, 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: Tennial Brothers Investments LLC Tax Parcel #: 0600600A000070 Tax Sale #: 300.00 Price Offered: $300.00 Terms: Cash

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: Tennial Brothers Investments LLC Tax Parcel #: 0600600A000080 Tax Sale #: 1304 Price Offered: $300.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:00 p.m. on July 15, 2020, 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: Tennial Brothers Investments LLC Tax Parcel #: 0600600A000090 Tax Sale #: 1301 Price Offered: $300.00 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 July 15, 2020, 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: Tennial Brothers Investments LLC Tax Parcel #: 0600600A000050 Tax Sale #: 1004 Price Offered: $100.00 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 8:30 a.m. on July 17, 2020, 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.

The New Tri-State Defender

June 11 - 17, 2020

Page 11

CLASSIFIEDS

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: Tennial Brothers Investments LLC Tax Parcel #: 0600600A000040 Tax Sale #: 1301 Price Offered: $300.00 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 8:30 a.m. on July 17, 2020, 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: Tennial Brothers Investments LLC Tax Parcel #: 0600600A000030 Tax Sale #: 1301 Price Offered: $300.00 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 8:00 a.m. on July 17, 2020, 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

THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER CLASSIFIEDS 203 Beale Street, Suite 200 Memphis, TN 38103 PH (901) 523-1818 HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

STANDARD RATES: $6.00 per line for 1 column ad.

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

DEADLINES: Display ads Friday 5 p.m.

Classifieds ads Monday 5 p.m.

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on July 14, 2020, 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.

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: Aisha Metivier Tax Parcel #: 06016100000300 Tax Sale #: 1601 Price Offered: $2500.00 Terms: Cash

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

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 8:00 a.m. on July 14, 2020, 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: Glynis L. White Tax Parcel #: 06101900000110 Tax Sale #: 1304 Price Offered: $700.00 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 July 14, 2020, 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.

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: Glynis L. White Tax Parcel #: 06103400000240 Tax Sale #: 1301 Price Offered: $475.00 Terms: Cash

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

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,

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: Glynis L. White Tax Parcel #: 06101900000120 Tax Sale #: 1501 Price Offered: $750.00 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 July 14, 2020, 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

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: Jackie Evans Tax Parcel #: 05003400000080 Tax Sale #: 703 Price Offered: $50.00 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 8:00 a.m. on July 3, 2020, 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: Jeremy Cooper Tax Parcel #: 0760880A000430 Tax Sale #: 1404 Price Offered: $500.00 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 3:00 p.m. on July 9, 2020, 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: Andrew Mitchell Tax Parcel #: 04203700001030 Tax Sale #: 1201 Price Offered: $300.00 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 July 10, 2020, 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

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: Tomario M. Hewlett Tax Parcel #: 03506200000190 Tax Sale #: 1503 Price Offered: $300.00 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 July 14, 2020, 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: Arnold Thompson Tax Parcel #: 03901600000440 Tax Sale #: 1503 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 9:30 a.m. on June 15, 2020, 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

We’re Known By the Money you Keep!

ONLINE SHOPPING & DELIVERY Place Your Order Online

Select DELIVERY* or PICK-UP Time

Pay Securely Online

* Delivery available only at the Madision location from 11am - 7pm. * Pick-up available at the Madison, Whitehaven and South Third Street locations.

Chicken Leg Quarters 10 Lb. Bag, Frozen

3

$ 20 Plus 10% Added at Checkout

Wright

Sliced Bacon

1.5 Lb. Pkg., Naturally Smoked Selected Varieties

5

$ 36

Plus 10% Added at Checkout

John Morrell

Franks 12 Oz. Pkg.

Join us for a virtual public meeting about the Memphis Innovation Corridor project and Memphis’ first Bus Rapid Transit system!

Date

ALE ST B E85 ¢

Plus 10% Added at Checkout

PRICES GOOD JUNE 10, 2020 - JUNE 23, 2020 MIDTOWN: 1620 Madison Ave. WHITEHAVEN: 4049 Elvis Presley Blvd.

SOUTH MEMPHIS: 1977 S. Third St. OAKHAVEN: 3237 Winchester Rd. See the Memphis Cash Saver grocery ad at memphiscashsaver.com

Monday, June 15 through Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Time

Online open house.

Drop in anytime.

Consistent with social distancing guidelines, the Memphis Innovation Corridor meeting will be held online Monday, June 15 through Tuesday, June 30.

BEALE ST

· The Memphis Innovation Corridor is a part of the Transit Vision Plan and an important step to enhance public transit. · View and comment on the project design and learn about next steps.

To participate, visit memphisinnovationcorridor.com Your Participation is Important!

You can submit comments to the project team online, by email, or by standard mail.

ZOO

memphisinnovationcorridor.com

tellus@memphisinnovationcorridor.com Memphis Innovation Corridor Project Attention: Nicole Lacey MATA Chief Communications Officer 1370 Levee Road Memphis, TN 38108 @MATAmconnect

Please send a written request by standard mail and we can provide printed versions of the meeting materials including a comment card.

Por favor, escribanos a la dirección de arriba y encontraremos otra manera para hacerle llegar información y aceptar sus comentarios.

Note: Printed materials in Braille or a foreign language will also be provided. Please call 901.274.MATA (6282) to request this and specify the specific need.

MemphisInnovationCorridor

The New Tri-State Defender

June 11 - 17, 2020

Page 12

Being together is more important than ever.

That’s why you can count on us to be by your side.

Because serving you is our mission. And being right here for you is the promise we’re keeping.

©BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Inc., an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

BCBS002575_Mrr_2020BrandPrint_TriStateDefender_11x20.5.indd 1

5/19/20 1:47 PM