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May 14 - 20, 2020
VOL. 69, No. 20
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“I don’t really have a choice. I need to get back to work. I pray …Then I think about the doctors and nurses, who are out there dealing with this, and it puts my situation in a better perspective.” — William Gandy Jr.
Fred L. Davis (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)
‘Renaissance man’ Fred L. Davis lived to make a difference by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Back at his craft after a pandemic-forced break, William Gandy Jr. trims the hair of Melvin Cole, a long time customer. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises)
Living with COVID-19, Part VII This is the seventh installment of The New Tri-State Defender’s ongoing account of three Memphians coping with the coronavirus amid government-direct-
by Jerome Wright Special to The New Tri-State Defender
At 6 a.m. Monday (May 11), William Gandy Jr. was back behind his barber’s time since mid-March, when Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland ordered nonessential businesses to close to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Gandy, who works at the Trimmers on Winchester just west of Elvis Presley
Boulevard, had 21 customers scheduled for Monday, including the writer of this story, all eager to get a haircut. A new health directive for Shelby County allowed hair salons and barbershops to open Wednesday (May 6), under Back to Business plan for Memphis and Shelby County. But, Gandy, his fellow barbers and the owner of the Trimmers shops around the city needed time to prepare to comply with the guidelines, so the shop did not open until Monday. Gandy had the shop to himself Monday. His fellow barbers did not begin work until Tuesday (May 12). Asked if he felt safe, he said, “I don’t
really have a choice. I need to get back to work. I pray …Then I think about the doctors and nurses, who are out there dealing with this, and it puts my situation in a better perspective.” Still, when he got home at night, he washed the clothes he wore that and showered. His feelings about getting back to work mirrors national, state and local debates around the country about the necessity to get the economy rolling again versus the safety of workers and consumers as the pandemic continues. Beyond the safety concerns, Gandy said he had to get used to being back on
SEE LIVING ON PAGE 6
Rust College’s new president looking to connect ‘people to opportunity’ by Lee Eric Smith les@tsdmemphis.com
At Rust College in Holly Springs, Miss., one history-making college president is about to be replaced by another. Dr. Ivy Taylor, who served as mayor of San Antonio, Texas for three years, is set to become president of the tiny liberal arts college tion in the school’s 154-year history. She will succeed Dr. David Beckley, who steps down after 27 years – the longest tenured president in Rust’s history. “I am thrilled to be part of writing the next chapter for this historic institution,” Taylor said in a statement. Taylor’s selection comes after an eight-month search by the
SEE RUST ON PAGE 2
SEE DAVIS ON PAGE 2
Absentee voting push and pull by Erica R. Williams Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Voting could be a matter of life or death in the upcoming August and November elections according to some Memphis voting right advocates and Tennessee Democratic state leaders. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the groups are calling on Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee to “do the right thing” and allow universal absentee voting. Their requests continue even after Lee an12) that he won’t allow all voters to mail in their ballots. Some who oppose the governor’s decision, like state Rep. London Lamar, called it “irresponsible” and “inconsiderate.” “The lives of Tennesseans are at risk and despite the state opening back up, we as the legislature need to make sure we are implementing policies and systems that will keep all Tennesseans safe,” Lamar said during a virtual news conference hosted by the Tennessee Democratic Party (TNDP), Wednesday. Lamar, who is seeking re-election in the upcoming Aug. 6 state Democratic party primary elections, called on Lee, Secretary of State Tre Hargett and State Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins to implement universal absentee voting.
college’s Board of Trustees. Holly Springs Mayor Kelvin Buck, a Rust College alum, who also served on the selection committee, said that more than 70 candidates were considered, but Taylor rose to the top. “It was a lot that we were looking for, to be honest with you,” Buck said. “We were looking at wanted the new president to have. And going through 70 applicants with a variety of credentials and experiences and talents, we think we have a fresh new face, fresh new set of ideas coming through by way of Dr. Taylor.” Dr. Taylor spent six years as a lecturer in public administration at the University of Texas at San
Fred L. Davis “never stopped wanting to help, to give and to better the environment in his community,” said Lynn Norment, a family friend and church member. The proprietor of Fred L. Davis Insurance Company, a former city councilman and a veteran civil rights activist, Davis died at his home, surrounded by his family on Tuesday afternoon. He was 86. Davis’ sense of and appreciation for community were rooted in Orange Mound. “(He) loved telling stories from back in the day when Orange Mound was in its glory days,” said Norment. “Fred Davis stories” rolled in all day Tuesday as word of his death spread across the Internet. Bennett Moore called Mr. Davis “The Real Deal” and sent condolences to “Mrs. Davis and Sheila (Davis’ daughter) and the rest of the family.”
SEE ABSENTEE ON PAGE 6
Still at your service… Makeda’s Cookies in Downtown Memphis has taken safety cautions en route to living up to its motto: “The Best Butter Cookies in the World.” (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)
The New Tri-State Defender
May 14 - 20, 2020
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NEWS DAVIS
RUST
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
Denise Bollheimer said Davis once told her, “If you want to live like a Republican, vote Democratic.” Mayor Jim Strickland said, “I was very sorry to hear about the loss of Fred Davis, four-term councilman, and business owner for more than 50 years.” Strickland called Davis a “Memphis legend,” whose leadership inspired the naming of the Innovation Center at the Entrepreneur Network in Davis’ honor. “His clarion call for building black-owned businesses will live on,” Strickland said. In 1967, Davis was elected to the first Memphis City Council, which took office Jan.1, 1968, just as the city was transitioning to a mayor-commission form of government. Davis founded his insurance company in 1967. “Mr. Davis was proud of living in that same house for more than 60 years, right there in Orange Mound,” said Norment. “He kept his business right there on Airways near Lamar for over 50 years. Mr. Davis was right where he wanted to be.” Davis was sitting on the edge of the stage when Dr. Martin Luther King made his famous “Mountain Top” speech at Mason Temple the night before he was assassinated on April 4 1968 as he stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. King had come to Memphis to support the city’s striking sanitation workers. Davis marched with Dr. King, along with the two other African-American City Council members, J.O. Patterson Jr., and the Rev. James L. Netters. At the beginning of his second term, Davis was elected to chair the council, becoming the first first African American to do so. He remained on the council for 12 years. Former Mayor Dr. Willie W. Her-
Antonio. She also served on the San Antonio Planning Commission and was previously a commissioner for the San Antonio Urban Renewal Agency. Before becoming mayor, she served for five years on the San Antonio City Council. “We believe the abilities she gained in nonprofit management and political leadership will be readily transferable to an academic setting,” said David Swinton, chair of Rust’s board of trustees. The New Tri-State Defender reached out to Rust College to interview Taylor for this story, but she had not returned a call at press time. However, she commented on her selection with The Rivard Report, a nonprofit journalism site based in San Antonio, saying she was “excited to be turning the page” on her career. “I tried to tell people I wasn’t a career politician,” she told The Rivard Report. “I think they just thought that was a slogan. … Once you run for office people think you’re a politician, and they have a hard time envisioning you as anything else.” Taylor earned a degree in American Studies from Yale University in 1992, followed by a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1998. She is currently enrolled in an Executive Doctorate program in Higher Education Management at the University of Pennsylvania and will receive an Ed.D. in August 2020. Buck said that Taylor will need to hit the ground running, saying she’ll need to make some immediate personnel decisions. “This new president will certainly have to be prepared to make the necessary changes that will allow us to continue to grow,” said Buck, who earned a mass communications degree from Rust in 1993. “If it ain’t
During a presentation on the campus of the University of Memphis, Fred. L. Davis accepted the Lifetime Achievement award, with his wife, Ella, alongside. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley) enton noted Davis’ love of family and community and added, “I have always admired Fred Davis for his visionary leadership in business and politics.” Davis graduated from Manassas High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting at Tennessee State University. He met Ella Singleton on campus and they later married. Davis’ insurance company was the first African-American, independent insurance company in six states – Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky, Alabama and Missouri – and one of the first in the South. Black Business Association of Memphis President and CEO Mark Yates lauded Davis for “having the ability to look toward the past and be encouraging about the future. “He was one of the vanguards who embodied courage — a good man,” said Yates. Pastor Anthony Henderson of Beulah Baptist Church called Davis part of a “strong core of their membership.” Davis served on the deacon board, was a past chair of the trustee board and a Sunday School teacher. Charity’s House, named for Davis’ mother, was a house Davis opened for community outreach, said Henderson. “He was a Renaissance man who reinvented himself many times,” Henderson said. “Brother Davis loved his people and he loved his community.” Henderson said Davis would be
“holding court” in his office when he dropped by to see him. Davis enjoyed numerous positions of leadership, including founding board member of the Memphis Leadership Foundation, founder of the Mid-South Minority Business Consortium, past president of the Liberty Bowl and the first African-American member of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, Inc. Davis received many awards, including the Humanitarian Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews and “Kiwanian of the Year” from the Downtown Kiwanis Club. Joann Massey, director of the city’s Office of Business Diversity & Compliance, said Davis was one of the first people to reach out when she began her service as director. “He shared with me the history of black business in the city and how important my work was,” she said, calling Davis’ advice and encouragement inspiring. “Black people in Memphis owe a great debt to Mr. Davis. He left us a legacy that will continue to live after him — for our children and our children’s children.” Davis leaves his wife, Ella Davis; three children Michael Davis, Marvin Davis and Sheila Davis, and a host of other loved ones and friends. M.J. Edwards Funeral Home has charge. Final arrangements are pending.
Former San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor says “strengthening people” is part of her personal mission. (Courtesy photo) broke, maybe you don’t have to fix it. But if there are errors that need to be addressed, you need to have the courage to go ahead and fix those errors that need to be corrected.” Buck said that Rust is in need of upgrades to both its technological capabilities as well as the campus, and that Taylor’s ability to raise funds would serve her well. He also said candidates were drilled on dealing with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic – something Taylor spoke with The Rivard Report about. “It is kind of weird to be stepping into a leadership role (now) because nothing is certain,” she said. “Everybody is wondering if enrollment is going to be down or when schools will start.” But Taylor, whose dissertation research focused on board governance at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, is looking forward to resuming her personal mission of “connecting people to opportunity” after her brief career in politics. “I kinda got off on the elected office track from my work in affordable housing. Connecting people to opportunities was about making places better, making places stronger,” she said. “I realized I wanted to be closer to strengthening people. “Higher education, I feel, is the best way to do that.”
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The New Tri-State Defender
May 14 - 20, 2020
Page 3
NEWS LOC’D IN WITH LOC Now that my undergraduate college career has ended, I will continue to move forward as I always do, and thanks to LeMoyne-Owen College and selfdetermination, I have options for my future.
A graduate’s perspective the structure and discipline I needed to move forward. There, I became a diver and joined the Diver Institute of Technology, becoming the ďŹ rst African American diver with the company. I left the Navy in 2013 ready to pursue my degree again. I attended community college to take courses and boost my GPA. I also tapped into my spiritual side, and grew a deeper relationship with God. Those experiences, paired with the loss of my mother, prepared me to get even more serious about my goal to graduate from college. In Fall 2018, I returned to LOC as a junior to major in biology and minor in chemistry at 32 years old. This time around, I truly experienced the magic of LeMoyne-Owen College. It’s a big place in a small space that has produced alumni who impact the world. Professors care about students and work to provide an intimate, family atmosphere for us. I also applaud our interim president, Dr. Carol Johnson Dean, who has changed the culture of the College. She allows students to advocate for ourselves and also supports us through leadership presence. She and other administrators are at games and student organization events, always cheering us on. Everything I wanted to do my ďŹ rst time
An inside view as Memphis’ only HBCU (historically black college and university) navigates through the coronavirus pandemic while maintaining its mission.
by James Yates Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Last weekend my Bachelor of Science degree in biology would have been conferred during LeMoyne-Owen College’s commencement ceremony. Although the Magician Class of Spring 2020 did not walk across a stage to receive our degrees, we can still reect on our time at our beloved institution. Everyone has a story of their journey to complete their degree, and mine came with many challenges and reroutes. I initially entered LeMoyne-Owen College as a freshman in Fall 2003 on both an academic and athletic scholarship. My mother, an LOC alumnae, wanted one of her children to attend the college she loved so dearly. I attended, but I was not ready for the responsibility of higher education. Unable to ďŹ nd the balance between academics and my social life, my grades suered, and I eventually lost my scholarships. In an eort to mature, I enrolled in the Navy. The military provided me with
nation, I have options for my future. I have been accepted into Florida International University’s marine biology graduate program for Fall 2020. I also want to reenter the diving profession. LeMoyne-Owen still plans to host a commencement ceremony when it’s safe to do so. As every graduate has their own personal reasons for wanting to “walk,â€? I will proudly participate to honor my mother and fulďŹ ll her wishes, even in her death. The pandemic has changed what we thought that special day would have been, but to the Class of 2020, I say turn up and celebrate yourselves anyway, safely. Just because the degree doesn’t come in the way you imagined doesn’t mean it isn’t valuable. Your future still matters!
2020
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in college, I’ve done. I prioritized the things most important to me: my future, family and faith. I excelled academically and was even voted as Mr. Senior among my class. This semester, my father passed away. Simultaneously, I became a member of the Chi Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Through that experience, I gained brothers who supported me through my loss and continue to act as extended family. None of that would have been possible without LeMoyne-Owen. Now that my undergraduate college career has ended, I will continue to move forward as I always do, and thanks to LeMoyne-Owen College and self-determi-
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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, May 14 - 20, 2020, Page 4
Dr. Andrea Willis, SVP, chief medical officer, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, ensures that all clinical care and quality initiatives support the needs of BlueCross members, and contribute to the overall health and well-being of Tennessee communities. (Courtesy photo)
Health disparities and COVID-19: Q&A with Dr. Andrea Willis Special to the TSD Newsroom COVID-19 has left no community untouched. Infecting more than 1 million Americans and resulting in the deaths of more than 75,000 people as of May 8, the coronavirus has taken an especially dramatic toll on African Americans and other communities of color. While the nation still lacks complete racial data on COVID-19 patients, according to the latest data where race was provided, African Americans accounted for more than one-third (33 percent) of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S., yet make up only around 13 percent of the population. This disproportionate impact is seen here in Tennessee, too. Despite comprising only 17 percent of the population, African Americans represent 21 percent of COVID-19 cases and roughly 31 percent of deaths across the state, according to the latest data available. As an example, African Americans make up just over half (52 percen) of the residents in Shelby County and account for 69 percent of COVID-19 related deaths, as of May 7. These startling numbers highlight the troublesome nature of health disparities in our country. Simply put, when compared to white Americans, racial and ethnic minorities often face higher rates of illness and worse health outcomes whether from more common ailments such as diabetes or the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As part of her ongoing educational series on the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Andrea Willis, senior vice president and chief medical officer at BlueCross, explains some of the factors driving health disparities and what you can do to protect yourself and others who may be vulnerable. Why is coronavirus impacting African Americans at such high rates? 1. African Americans have higher rates of pre-existing conditions. Regardless of race, this disease is known to have a greater impact on those with underlying health conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes, heart disease and long-term lung problems are the most common health conditions among Americans hospitalized with COVID-19. African Americans suffer from those health conditions at a higher rate than other groups, making them more vulnerable to the more severe impacts of this respiratory illness. Even when it’s well controlled, a pre-existing condition means the body is expending energy to lessen its impact. When those health issues are not well managed, the body is fighting a potentially losing battle – and coupled with COVID-19, the odds are stacked even greater. These COVID-19 health disparities – often referred
to as the “crisis within a crisis” – cause additional stress to the body, which also negatively affects the immune system, at a time when we need our immune systems to function optimally. 2. African Americans and other minorities are less likely to be able to work from home. African Americans and Hispanics hold a disproportionately higher rate of essential roles that require in-person interaction. Jobs like emergency workers, bus drivers, grocery store clerks, cleaning crews, delivery staff, and nurses are on the front line. They’re often more exposed to others who may be infected, or who are not practicing infection prevention recommendations. Many African Americans hold hourly positions and may not have health benefits or paid sick leave, making it more challenging to seek health care when sick or suffering from chronic conditions. 3. African Americans’ housing challenges may contribute as well. Social determinants – the circumstances in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age – have a major impact on health outcomes, especially for those in vulnerable communities. For example, African Americans and other racial minorities are more likely to live in densely populated areas, and people living in high population cities and in multi-residence properties may find it harder to practice social distancing. African Americans are also more likely to have multiple generations living together in one home. Younger members of the family who are working among the public in essential jobs may unintentionally bring the virus home and expose more vulnerable elderly relatives. Overall, these living situations lead to a higher risk for spreading coronavirus due to the greater potential contact with other people. What is BlueCross doing to help lessen the burden in vulnerable communities? The COVID-19 pandemic is exposing health disparities that exist among minority communities. As we’ve discussed, there are a lot of complicated reasons for that. One is that some members of the African American community may resist seeking care due to their distrust of providers, the health care system, and historical mistreatment. We’ll continue working to gain their trust by partnering with our provider network across the state to make sure culturally competent care is the standard and to bring better health to all the people we serve in Tennessee. We’ve also offered enhanced support to vulnerable communities by: • Educating community members on cost-effective COVID-19 testing available through local health departments
• Providing funds through the BlueCross Foundation to support free testing for the uninsured population in Memphis • Texting online resources from the CDC to BlueCross insured people who are high-risk and face social or health care disparities • Proactively calling BlueCross members who fall into certain high-risk categories to discuss safety precautions We believe the best approach to maintaining health is an active one — we encourage everyone to build a relationship with a primary care physician (PCP) even before one is facing a health problem. For those who may not have an established PCP relationship, there will soon be additional options available to help make primary care more accessible and convenient. BlueCross has entered a joint venture with Sanitas to open four medical centers in Memphis this fall with extended hours, to foster an environment for consistent care. What should people do to protect their health? • Focus on your chronic conditions, even during this pandemic. Continue to maintain preventive care routines and follow-up appointments with health care professionals, even if it’s through telehealth. These virtual services are covered by insurance plans such as BlueCross and provide quality care from a certified physician from the comfort and safety of your home, 24/7. And regular follow-ups are one tool to fight against worsening uncontrolled conditions like hypertension and diabetes, the “silent killers.” • Be intentional about getting or staying physically active. • Eat a diet that includes fruits and vegetables. • Get plenty of rest or sleep. • Wash your hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds. • Even with businesses starting to reopen, continue to practice physical distancing and wear masks and gloves in public places. • Disinfect surfaces in the home frequently. • Go to CDC.gov and use the symptom checker if you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms. The symptom list has now been expanded by the CDC to include fever, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chills, shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. (If you follow this guidance, you can help limit the spread of coronavirus. For ongoing updates about the BlueCross response to COVID-19, visit BCBSTupdates.com. Visit the Tennessee Department of Health for the most recent state data on COVID-19.)
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
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The New Tri-State Defender
May 14 - 20, 2020
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RELIGION LEGACY: Dr. Beverly Jean WilliamsCleaves by TSD Newsroom
Where a few are gathered… The Mother’s Day service at St. Mark Baptist Church on Lauderdale, where the Rev. J.C. Bacchus (left photo, seated) is pastor, was heartfelt by those who chose to congregate and worship in-person, adhering to measures recommended for safety during the coronavirus pandemic. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)
The Preacher’s Daughter honors father with action By Brianna A. Smith Special to The New Tri-State Defender
“Growing up my father always emphasized that it was more important how you lived out the Gospel of Christ than it was for you to just say you are a Christian,” said Shandria Carter, founder of The Preacher’s Daughter, Inc. The Preacher’s Daughter, Inc. is a non-profit that focuses on strengthening neighborhoods and improving the quality of life for citizens of the Memphis metropolitan community through outreach and community service projects. Shandria Carter grew up in a strict Christian and military (Navy) home at the Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp (GitMo), a notorious United States military prison located on a naval base in Cuba. Her father served as the Pentecostal chaplain on the island until he was transferred to Navy operations in Millington. “I founded The Preacher’s Daughter, Inc., as a means of embracing my heart to serve others in dire situations, as well as to honor my father, who passed away from pancreatic cancer six years ago (on May 12),” said Carter. Three years ago, Carter started celebrating her birthday through #ShansBdayProject, where she serves meals, coffee and gives parents sweet treats at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. “Since 2009, I have been serving at Le Bonheur. Initially, it was via the now defunct, Habitat for Hope,” said Carter. On Friday (May 8), a day before Carter’s birthday, she continued to go through with her third annual #ShansBdayProject, by delivering food/snacks, face masks and toiletry bags. Because of social distancing requirements resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, #ShansBdayProject had to rearrange its original format. “In previous years, we catered a gourmet meal from a restaurant and served families, there is always three-four social workers (outside of myself) there who are ready to provide services to families in need, then there’s a team to help occupy siblings so that parents can enjoy the meal provided, and (upon their request)
Shandria Carter made some pandemic-related adjustments while shopping for this year’s #ShansBdayProject outreach through The Preacher’s Daughter, Inc. (Courtesy photo) we have people there who pray with the families,” Carter said. Despite all of the changes, their mission remained the same — to serve. “We specifically served the neurology floor because February marked 20 years since my older brother, Quantel Carter, had successful brain surgery there,” said Carter. “This was a way of honoring his life, but also a reminder to myself that God had given me another year to love and serve others.” “This year’s #ShansBdayProject took more flexibility and intentionality than the past two years. I didn’t want The Preacher’s Daughter to just do a project to say we did something, but instead wanted to ensure that it was impactful,” she said. “All the same, once visitors were no longer allowed in the hospital, we had to become creative in how we used the money that was raised for #ShansBdayProject.” One of the big things the non-profit intentionally addresses is food insecurity. “A lot of times people don’t think about
the cost of eating out when you have a relative in the hospital. However, it’s expense,” Carter said. “So, as we coordinated with the Volunteer Services, we were intentional about helping address this need, just as we had in previous years.” Carter works as a social worker at Advance Memphis. “The organization has been around for 21 years, and we emphasize walking alongside clients in real time,” said Carter. “I teach our clients how to get and maintain a job. The curriculum is Bible based and was developed in South Memphis.” She recently started a program there called Thrive. “It seeks to teach coping skills and address mental health issues that may serve as a barrier to our clients being able to keep a job,” she said. “My goal is to be the hands and feet of Christ in a very practical and intentional way — through service,” said Carter. “I want to be, to these families, the support system my family had when my brother was being treated.”
Scores of community health fairs and educational outreach programs designed to help people upgrade the quality of their personal health were aided immensely by the work of Dr. Beverly Jean Williams-Cleaves, who died Saturday (May 9) at Methodist Germantown Hospital after suffering from pancreatic cancer. For many years, Dr. Williams-Cleaves served as an associate professor in the endocrinology division at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences and led the endocrine outpatient clinics at the MedPlex Clinic. Dedicated to serving her community, Dr. Williams-Cleaves’ numerous civic and social involvements included Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The Society for the Arts Inc., Bluff City Medical Society, Leadership Memphis, Healthy MemDr. Beverly phis Common Table, board member of LeMoyne-Ow- Jean WilliamsCleaves en College, and the American Diabetes Association. Born on August 16, 1943, Dr. Williams-Cleaves was the youngest of three daughters born in Mason, TN to John Ed and Odessa Williams. The valedictorian of her Manassas High School Class of 1961,Dr. Williams-Cleaves attended Howard University and received her medical degree in 1969 from the University of Tennessee Memphis. She focused on internal medicine as she continued her residency at the prestigious Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, and practiced for several years in San Francisco. A lifelong member of Friendship Baptist Church, she led the establishment of the church’s monthly “Feed the Less Fortunate” events. She and her sisters established college scholarships at Friendship Baptist Church and Manassas High School, as well as a lectureship at UT. Throughout her career, Dr. Williams-Cleaves received numerous awards and honors and was regularly recognized as one of the city’s Top Doctors in Memphis Magazine. Her sister, Willie Mae Williams Crittendon, preceded her in death in 2015. Dr. Williams-Cleaves’ leaves her husband, Calvin; daughter, Marinda Anderson; sister, Ethelyn Williams-Neal, M.D.; nieces, Pam Crittendon Johnson (Doug) and Jehan L. Roberson; nephews, Sheldon C. Crittendon (Lolita) and William C, Roberson; son, Calvin II (Georgette); daughter, Carlotta Cleaves Williams (Terence); 4 grandchildren – Astasia Willams, Terence (T.J.) Williams Jr.; Calvin D. Cleaves III and Addyson Cleaves, and a host of extended family, friends, classmates, colleagues, students and mentees. A visitation will be held on Thursday (May 14) from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and funeral services will take place on Friday (May 15) at 1 p.m, with both at Serenity Funeral Home, 1638 Sycamore View Rd., Memphis, TN 38134. Due to the current pandemic, attendance at both the visitation and funeral service will be limited to 100, including family and face masks are required. Live Streaming of Dr. Beverly Williams-Cleaves service will be available through Serenity Funeral Home’s website. A full memorial service to include representatives of the many groups and organizations Dr. Williams-Cleaves was associated with will be scheduled for a later date. (For more information, call Serenity Funeral Home, 901-379-0861.)
The New Tri-State Defender
May 14 - 20, 2020
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NEWS
Pandemic yields frommany-one lesson for U of M podcast students by Liaudwin Seaberry Jr. Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Nothing quite like a pandemic to turn an Innovative Storytelling Techniques class into a real-life improvisation. Yet, that’s exactly what happened in professor Robert Byrd’s class on the subject at the University of Memphis. Initially tasked with developing their own podcasts, Byrd’s students were told to pivot amid COVID-19 restrictions that limited in-person interactions. Many podcasts became one virtual podcast – a class project dubbed “Life in Quarantine.” The podcast features locals from various occupations discussing how their professional responsibilities have been altered by the public health emergency. What emergences in “Life in Quarantine” is a quilt of varying experiences and exchanges between students and interview subjects in service, music and other industries. A. Kix Patterson and Katrina Smith, the two graduate students in the podcasting class, were tasked with overseeing the operation as hosts/producers, including editing the interviews, which were conducted virtually on an app called Zencastr. Episodes have already been released. “I think the most challenging part was just adapting to this new way of doing things,” Smith said. “As a journalist, I have always preferred the face-to-face method of interacting and interviewing people.” Patterson heaped praise on the undergraduates and their contributions. “We are blessed with undergrad, young journalists that are determined to make this a great project,” he said. “They have picked
ABSENTEE CONTINUED FROM FRONT
Katrina topics and found the inSmith terviews that we needed the most.” Senior Avana Swan reasoned that being part of the virtual podcast project would yield a reward that would help as she sought to enter the workforce. She’s ready to complete her podcast episode. “I love to produce any A. Kix Patterson type of broadcasting content when I can,” Swan said. “This interview will be good practice and proof of my abilities.” Junior Ambria Thurmond helped conduct an interview involving the service industry. She came away from the project with much appreciation for the guidRobert ance of Patterson and Byrd Smith. “I applaud them for overseeing the entire podcast,” Thurmond said. “I am sure that editing an entire podcast can be complicated, but they’ve done a really good job at it.” For Smith, the host role was quite a shift from her behind-the-scenes experience.” “As a host of this podcast,” she said, “this places me outside of my comfort zone and I like the challenge.” (To hear the “Life in Quarantine” podcast, click here. Also, the website’s social media can be accessed via the link.)
Party primaries for federal offices, along with a county general election, also are scheduled for Aug. 6. State and federal elections, including the race for president, are Nov. 6. Tennessee state law allows voters 60 and older, or those with an illness or disability, to vote by absentee ballots. Others allowed to vote absentee include individuals who will be outside of the county on election day, serving on a jury, or members of the military. Lee has defended his decision, saying the state is working hard to “remove a reason to have fear about going to the polling booths. “We have worked really, really hard to set up businesses in a way that people can feel safe to go into them, and we’re going to do the same thing with our elections,” Lee said, highlighting the state’s efforts to expand the number of polling places, while adhering to social distancing guidelines from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Voter advocates said the state’s efforts aren’t enough and accused Republican leaders of using this as another tactic to further stifle the minority vote. One of those advocates, who was not on the TNTP’s virtual conference but has been a stark supporter of universal absentee voting, was the Rev./Dr. Earle J. Fisher of #UptheVote901, a Memphis-based voting rights advocacy organization. Fisher, who also serves as the senior pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church in Memphis, is also one of several plaintiffs in a pending lawsuit against the state of Tennessee. The group is seeking a court order that will allow any voter to vote absentee during the coronavirus health crisis. The lawsuit was filed May 1 by both Republican and Democrat voters and advocates, who also claimed that the state’s absentee ballot restrictions don’t factor in the COVID-19 crisis and further penalize organizations, such as #UptheVote901, that seek to increase voter participation. “I think that Tennessee has shown its willingness to make it more difficult for black people to vote and engage in the political process,” Fisher said.
“Memphis is the hub of far too many poor and black people, so it only makes sense that if they’re talking about doing something in the interest of public safety – to give the people you know are most likely to be impacted by the coronavirus access to engage in the political process without endangering their lives,” Fisher said. He continued, “We shouldn’t have to choose between our health and our family’s health by getting access to the most fundamental right in the democracy, which is the ballot box.” Goins, the election coordinator, told The Associated Press, the “fear of getting ill does not fall under the definition of ill.” Therefore, the case for universal absentee voting doesn’t meet the state’s requirements. “First of all, we are in a pandemic,” Rep. Lamar said in response to Goins. “This is beyond a fear and there is evidence that people everywhere in the state and around the world are constantly dying from the coronavirus. “Now we are asking voters to go to the polls within mere months of an order by Bill Lee urging us to stay home. That’s just ridiculous.” As of Wednesday afternoon (May 13), there were 16,370 reported coronavirus cases in Tennessee, a 260-case increase from Tuesday, including 273 deaths, according to the Tennessee Department of Health. In Shelby County, more than 3,462 confirmed cases were reported, up from 3,462 Tuesday, including 76 deaths. During the news conference, it was clear that members of the TNDP weren’t confident in the Republican governor, nor the Republican-led legislature, which declined to adopt universal absentee ballots just before the legislative session recessed in mid-March. “Republicans can’t be trusted to do the right thing anymore,” TNDP Chair Mary Mancini said. “They have made the decision to keep in place the strict absentee voter requirements and this will jeopardize the health of voters and poll workers.” Still, members of the TNDP said they will continue to push for the measure. Lamar said she will be sure that it’s brought up when the legislation reconvenes in June. “If universal absentee voting could save the life of at least one Tennessean, it is both necessary and beneficial,” said Lamar. The absentee ballot request deadline in Shelby County is July 30.
LIVING CONTINUED FROM FRONT his feet all day. “If you haven’t been doing something for a long time, it takes a while to get back to where you were.” The opening guidelines included: ■ Maintaining an appointment book with customer details. ■ All employees should wear face coverings and gloves when providing services. ■ Items such as capes, smocks and neck strips should be one time use between cleanings or disposable. ■ Customers must be served by appointment, with walk-ins permitted if they wait in their vehicle. The writer of this story was ninth on Gandy’s appointment schedule Monday. He wore a face mask and rubber gloves. Gandy wore gloves, a face mask and a plastic face shield. As the writer walked through the door, Gandy was spraying a cleaning solution on his barber chair. He scheduled his appointments 30 minutes apart to give himself time to serve a customer and to sanitize his equipment before his next appointment. His system was working. He said he started at 6 a.m. because so many men were desperate to get a haircut. He also, started at 6 a.m. Tuesday, although that was not his original intention. “I planned to start around 8 or 8:30 a.m., “but so many people called me and said they needed to come in Tuesday, I said, okay if you need to come in that badly, can you come early.” He had 13 appointments Tuesday and 10 booked for Wednesday, although he expected that number to increase. “I had a chance to coast (Tuesday) and I appreciated it,” he said. His customers, he said, seemed at ease with the process, although one customer cancelled his appointment Tuesday because of COVID-19 concerns. “He got nervous and cancelled. He said he had family members who had a contracted the virus, including some who had died. His wife was nervous about it,” Gandy said. For the most part, though, everyone at the shop was following the guidelines. One of the barbers had
William Gandy Jr. sprays his barber’s chair after a customer — now standard procedure. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises) a customer come in without a mask, but they made him go outside. Several people tried to drop in without an appointment, but they were turned away. As for Gandy, he is just glad to be back at work and earning some money. “I was eating hotdogs and now I can move up to a steak burger,” he said with a laugh. Serving others spawns an idea Margaret Cowan, founding keeper of the nonprofit I Am My Sister’s Keeper, and her three daughters spent Saturday (May 2) helping distribute about 300 bags of food in Cordova. The effort seeded a project idea for the nonprofit, which works with single working mothers to increase their
earning potential. She has been busy trying to get resources to make “essential boxes,” that will contain items beyond food. “I got to thinking about the food giveaway, where bags of random food items were distributed. Our boxes will have actual complete meals, feminine products and cleaning products – basics things that people need,” she explained. The nonprofit’s goal is to complete 50 boxes with the help of the MidSouth Food Bank, individual donors and Sister Supply, a nonprofit organization that supplies “pads and tampons for those who need them, like high school students and the homeless.” Cowan plans to have all the boxes assembled in two weeks and initially distributed to the 20 mothers she
works with and to hand out the rest through referrals. Cowan has been working with a member of the organization’s board of directors to complete a strategic plan. “I turned in all my homework,” needed to get that completed. The plan, when fully ready, will become part of the nonprofit’s “core materials” binder, “so that when we get ready to apply for a grant, everything will be right there.” Life happens James Cook, who has been cutting grass and working for another Lenny’s franchisee since he had to close his two businesses in Memphis International Airport -- Runway 901 Bar & Grill and Lenny’s Grill and Subs
– in March because of a lack of airport passenger traffic, had a traffic accident Friday (May 8). A careless driver rear-ended his beloved Mercedes-Benz S500, totaling it. “I loved that car,” he said, adding that it was paid for. He was not seriously injured, but the resulting soreness caused him to miss time from work. And, as anyone who has had their vehicle totaled in an accident knows, there is the issue of dealing with the insurance company regarding a settlement. Meanwhile, Cook said “you really can’t take off in the restaurant business,” explaining that, even though he is hurting, he still had to help prepare a breakfast order for a group of nurses at a local hospital.
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May 14 - 20, 2020
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ENTERTAINMENT ALL OVER TOWN
RealRed’s latest is a ‘statement’ two-year’s in the making by Brianna A. Smith Special to The New Tri-State Defender
Memphis’ music scene -- it’s one that somehow doesn’t ever quite get the credit it deserves, but leads to more than a handful of hidden gems. Jorres Nelson, also known as RealRed, is Memphis’ newest producer to deliver a music project highlighting Memphis talent. “Only The Real Relate” was released on May 8 on all music streaming platforms. It is a guest-filled album that showcases RealRed’s hard-hitting production style and Memphis’ rising rappers. “I feel like I made a statement with this tape,” said RealRed. “It took me Brianna A. Smith two years to perfect it. “I created 40 songs with every artist from the city (that)I wanted to feature on the tape, and from there I picked 15 songs I felt best flowed together,” he said. Themed around Memphis’ thriving rap/hip hop scene, the album features various artists from the city such as, Big Boogie, Co Cash, Lil Beezy, Fast Cash Boyz, Kevo Muney, Krucial, Casino Jizzle, Big30, YNC Capo, Tee Top, Big Homiie G, and BlocBoy JB. RealRed’s laid-back, unhurried rhythm and heavy bass sound is extremely Memphis, however his beats provide a diverse melodic canvas that any artist could paint on. “My musical influences are Drake, Money Man, Alicia Keys and Fred Hammond,” said RealRed. “I feel like my sound challenges people. My sound is influenced by me growing up playing the drums in church. I have a lot of soul in my sound.” His production is defined by its smoothness, forcing melodies out of any rapper who slides on his beats. His sound mixes a trap style with bouncy synths and a knack for catchy melodies. One of my favorite tracks off the album, “Red Bottoms” featuring BlocBoy JB, showcases that very well. The hook is catchy and the verse is snappy, especially with BlocBoy’s tottering rap style. It would be lazy, offensive even, to label RealRed’s production as solely trap. His beats manage to feel both minimalist and maximalist at the same time, with him creating
Jorres Nelson, also known as RealRed, is Memphis’ newest producer to deliver a music project highlighting Memphis talent. (Courtesy photo) vast compositions that feel and sound good to both men and women. “I feel like the Memphis music scene is rising,” said RealRed. “It’s a lot of talk here right now and I am excited to finally be able to release my art and be a part of it.” Production throughout the project is nearly perfect and the placement of songs flow well. “Only The Real Relate” is a cohesive listen for album. I thoroughly enjoyed RealRed’s debut and look forward to hearing more from him.
COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, May 14 - 20, 2020, Page 8
Tenn. Black Caucus seeks answers, gets update on COVID-19’s toll on children by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell Special to The New Tri-State Defender
A Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital pediatric specialist said eleven children brought into the hospital tested positive for the coronavirus. Nine out of those eleven were African-American. Dr. Kenice Ferguson-Paul told members of the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators (TBCSL) in a virtual meeting Wednesday afternoon that taking precautions against the coronavirus is critical to keeping children safe. “Hand-washing, social distancing and wearing masks are going to be extremely important moving forward,” Ferguson-Paul said. “Masks must be worn by children two and over.” TBCSL Chairman G. A. Hardaway said the group was concerned about what can be expected as municipalities look toward re-opening schools.
“We haven’t had a focus on the children,” said Hardaway. “There are too many unknowns, so we wanted to ask the premiere children’s hospital for answers.” Dr. Kenice Ferguson-Paul Ferguson-Paul said one child had also tested positive for the Kawasaki Syndrome. It is the condition found primarily in children and infants. Three children in New York City died recently from Kawasaki. Their disease was triggered by the COVID-19 virus. “Kawasaki isn’t new. It’s been around since the ’60s,” Ferguson-Paul said. “It is a multi-system inflammatory disease which causes inflammation all over the body. It attacks blood vessels in different organs.”
“Initially, we were testing children who may have shown symptoms of the coronavirus. But things have changed so rapidly with the CDC. We just began testing all the children who come into the hospital. Everyone gets a test.” — Sara Burnett Of the 11 youngsters testing positive for COVID-19, three were hospitalized, and only one tested positive for Kawasaki. TBCSL members were told that Kawasaki is triggered by a virus, and parents should keep their children safe by making sure that they get all their vaccinations on time. “Very rarely is Kawasaki fatal,” Ferguson-Paul said. “The main concern is that blood vessels in the heart suffer inflammation. When inflammation happens to arteries in the heart, the child may develop heart disease later in life.” Of the 11 children seen at Le Bonheur, one was transported from Methodist Healthcare. The good news is that COVID-19 symptoms are very mild in children.
More than 800 children have been tested for the coronavirus. Testing is now being done on children coming to the hospital for treatment, procedures, and other medical concerns that have nothing to do with COVID-19. “Initially, we were testing children who may have shown symptoms of the coronavirus,” said Sara Burnett, director of community and public relations for Le Bonheur. “But things have changed so rapidly with the CDC. We just began testing all the children who come into the hospital. Everyone gets a test.” Legislators asked for an age breakdown of the eleven. Two were teenagers, one was a toddler, and the other children were somewhere in between, they were told.
Ferguson-Paul is a pediatric hospitalist at Le Bonheur and an Assistant Professor at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She manages the care of children while they are hospitalized. Ferguson-Paul is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in both pediatrics in pediatric infectious diseases. She attended medical school at the University of the West Indies and completed her residency at Morehouse School of Medicine. She also completed a pediatric infectious disease fellowship at UTHSC and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (For expert information on COVID-19 including educational videos for kids, visit www.lebonheur. org/coronavirus.)
COMMENTARY
Graduation uncertainty prompts a mother’s drive-by inspiration by Iesha Wood Special to The New Tri-State Defender
I’m introducing my daughter, Leah Seals, a graduating senior representing Ridgeway High School’s class of 2020. Leah is the oldest of her siblings. She participated in FLBA, is a member of the National Honor Society, Choir and is also a proud member of GROW, which is an organization committed to helping girls become outstanding women. Leah has maintained a 3.7 GPA while working two part-time jobs. She has been accepted into several colleges, choosing to attend Tennessee State University (TSU,) where she will study to become a Registered Nurse. I always told my children that high school should be one of the most memorable periods of your life. Senior year is usually the peak of a student’s high school career. Due to COVID-19, students now are faced with missing out on milestone experiences, including senior prom and other senior activities. I wish that I could say for sure right now that the seniors will have the opportunity to walk across the stage at commencement ceremonies, but those dates are tentative as well. This really makes me sad as a parent. I want to “fix” any situation that may come about in her life. Unfortunately, this is one situation that I have absolutely no control over. So, I tried to make light of the situation at hand and still provide my child with some sort of normalcy. That is how I came up with a small solution of inviting family and friends to participate in a drive-by graduation parade. This was done in an attempt to follow social-distancing guidelines provid-
Leah Seals’ graduation presents included a surprise parade and a car gifted by her parents.
Leah Seals with her parents, Iesha Wood and James Wood. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/ GSW Enterprises)
ed by the CDC and still congratulate my daughter. I planned a surprise drive-by parade with all of our family and friends there to celebrate with her. I also surprised her with a car as a graduation present from us. It was a small
gesture to show her all of the love, support and pride that we as a family have for her. And, I must say that she was very surprised, excited and encouraged to keep going! It was a grand occasion for a grand accomplishment.
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May 14 - 20, 2020
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COMMUNITY
So they say itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your birthday... Clift Dates, the retired founder of CDA Security and a co-founder of the Afro-American Police Association, turned 74 on Monday (May 11) and made himself at home during a safety-conscious mini-celebration that featured blues singer Sheba Potts. (Photos: Tyrone P. Easley)
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May 14 - 20, 2020
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CLASSIFIEDS NOTICE TO BIDDER(S) Bids will be received by the Shelby County Government through the Shelby County Roads, Bridges, and Engineering Department, 6449 Haley Road, Memphis, TN 38134 until May 29, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. as shown below: Shelby County is soliciting THREE BIDS to provide 650.0 hours of Professional Right-of-Way Services for each bid to assist Shelby County Government with its acquisition of Real Properties and/ or Easements as needed within the next 24 weeks for each of the affected parcels of land, as part of the HUD National Resiliency Grant. Each bid award will include an option to renew for one (1) additional 24 week period. The responses must be based upon the successful bidder’s ability/commitment to work an average of 27.0 hours per week. The three separate bids being requested under this solicitation are as follows: 1. Big Creek Wetland & Recreation Area Project, Activity # 4-NDR-01; Phase Nos. 01, 02 & 03 - from U.S. Highway 51 North to Sledge Rd. 2. Wolf River Greenway Trail Project, Activity # 3-NDR-07; Phase Nos. 06 & 07 and Orchi Road Sidewalk Project - from North Hollywood St. to Jackson Ave. 3. South Cypress Creek Property Acquisition Project, Activity #2NDR-04; located within a residential community generally bounded by CN Railroad on the north, Ford Road on the east, West Mitchell Road on the south, and an irregular boundary between Weaver Road and CN Railroad on the west. The successful bidder’s work plan will be managed by the Rightof-Way Manager in the Shelby County Roads, Bridges, and Engineering Department. This work requires in-depth knowledge of all aspects of Professional Rightof-Way Services including experience in the acquisition of Real Properties and/or Easements for federally funded projects together with proven negotiation skills, detailed knowledge/understanding of engineering principles, and the processes/procedures mandated by the involved federal, state and local agencies.
use/maintenance/fuel cost, and insurance cost. The successful bidder will be required to submit an invoice at least monthly detailing services rendered along with man-hour estimates. In order to be considered for the above described Professional Right-of-Way Services solicitation, your Bids must be submitted via email to William.Goss@shelbycountytn.gov and must be received by Friday May 29, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. Your bid response must include the following information: • The bid to which you are responding. For example, Big Creek Wetland & Recreation Area Project #4-NDR-01. Please note, if you are responding to multiple projects shown above, a separate bid containing the information requested here must be submitted for each. • Company name and contact information. • Description of the company, number of years in business and services provided. • The lead Agent to be assigned to the project and his/her experience in property acquisition services. • An hourly rate and the total bid based on 650.0 hours of services delivered. • Shelby County E.O.C Number. • Current vendor number. Any additional specifications may be obtained from the Shelby County Roads, Bridges, and Engineering Department, by contacting William Goss, 6449 Haley Road, Memphis, TN 38134, (901) 222-7715, TTY Number (901) 2222301 or for information in Spanish 901-222-4289. 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.
The successful bidder for these assignments will be required to provide a Certificate of Insurance to include: (1) General Liability Insurance ($1 million per occurrence/$2 million general aggregate) and Business Auto Liability($1 million per occurrence) for owned/leased, non-owned and The successful bidder will be ex- hired, (2) provision for thirty (30) pected to use his/her own computdays written notice to Shelby er, cell phone and automobile in County Government of cancellaproviding said Professional Righttion of coverage, as well as, ten Adnotice – 5x8.5 of-Way Services. Your submittedNewspaper (10) days written applicable bid amount must be all inclusive to non-payment of premiums, and (i.e. including, but not limited to, (3) Shelby County Government, its labor cost, equipment cost, cell elected officials, appointees, emphone/plan/use cost, automobile/ ployees and members of boards,
agencies, and commissions must be named as additional insured prior to award of a contract. NOTE: The Selected contractor will also be required to provide proof of registration within the Federal SAM system to ensure that they do not appear on the debarred/suspended registry prior to issuance of a contract. Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service. The Shelby County Roads, Bridges, and Engineering Department encourages participation from WBE, MBE, LOSB, and Section 3 firms and vendors under this CDBG-NDR response. The Shelby County Government reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities therein. William Goss, Right of Way Manager Shelby County Roads, Bridges, and Engineering Department
PERMIT COORDINATOR Mike Lee Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation Division of Water Resources, Natural Resources Unit William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 11th Floor Nashville, Tennessee 37243 (615) 532-0712 Mike.lee@tn.gov APPLICANT Darren J. Sanders P.E. Shelby County Engineer 6463 Haley Road Memphis, TN 38134 (901) 222-7705 LOCATION South Cypress Creek between W. Mitchell Road and Nonconnah Road, Shelby County Latitude 35.0592, Longitude -90.0908 To view the proposed location of these impacts and the watershed condition, visit the Division’s map
viewer at http://tdeconline.tn.gov/ dwr/ and search on the permit number or coordinates listed in this Public Notice. PROJECT DESCRIPTION / PURPOSE In support of a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) flood resiliency project, Shelby County government proposes restoration of approximately 3,100 feet of south Cypress Creek and an unnamed tributary, temporary impacts to 0.4 acres of wetlands, and 15.6 acres of wetland enhancement. ANTIDEGRADATION STATEMENT In accordance with the Tennessee Antidegradation Statement (Rule 0400-40-03-.06), the Division has made a preliminary determination that the proposed activities will result in de minimis degradation to water quality because the applicant proposes to provide in-system mitigation to offset any appreciable loss of water resource value..
For more information please reference Tennessee’s Antidegradation Statement which is found in Chapter 0400-40-03 of the Rules of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. FACTORS CONSIDERED In deciding whether to issue or deny this permit, the Division will consider all comments of record and the requirements of applicable federal and state laws. The division will consider the nature, scale and effects of proposed impacts. The Division will consider practicable alternatives to the alteration, loss of waters or habitat, diminishment in biological diversity, cumulative or secondary impacts to the water resource, and adverse impacts to unique, high quality, or impaired waters. HOW TO COMMENT TDEC is requesting public comment on this proposed permit action. Obtaining a broad range of facts and opinions on Agency actions is one of the best ways to ensure appropriate decisions.
Public Notice Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Division of Water Resources (DWR) Notice Requesting Public Comments on Draft Permit Actions FILE # NRS 20.061 The purpose of this notice is to advise the public of the following proposed permit action and solicit comments and information necessary to evaluate the potential impact of the proposed activities on the aquatic environment. Pursuant to The Tennessee Water Quality Control Act of 1977, T.C.A. §69-3-108 and Tennessee Rules, Chapter 0400-40-07, the proposed activity described below has been submitted for approval under an Aquatic Resource Alteration Permit and Section 401 Water Quality Certification. Section 401 of the Clean Water Act requires that an applicant obtain a water quality certification from the state when a federal permit is required. This notice is intended to inform interested parties of this permit application and draft permit and rationale, and to ask for comments and information necessary to determine possible impacts to water quality. At the conclusion of the public notice period a final determination will be made whether to issue or deny the permit.
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The New Tri-State Defender
May 14 - 20, 2020
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CLASSIFIEDS Persons wishing to comment on the proposal are invited to submit written comments to the Division. Written comments must be received within thirty days following distribution of the approved public notice materials (including signage and newspaper ad). Comments will become part of the record and will be considered in the final decision. The applicant’s name and permit number should be referenced. Send all written comments to the Division’s address listed below to the attention of the permit coordinator. You may also comment via email to water. permits@tn.gov. After the Division makes a final permit determination, a permit appeal may be filed by the applicant or by any person who participated in the public comment period whose appeal is based on comments given to the Division in writing during the public comment period or in testimony at a formal public hearing. If it is hard for you to read, speak, or understand English, TDEC may be able to provide translation or interpretation services free of charge. Please contact Saul Castillo at 615-5320462 or saul.castillo@tn.gov for more information. PUBLIC HEARING Interested persons may request in writing that the Division hold a public hearing on this application. The request must be received by the Division within the comment period, indicate the interest of the party requesting it, the reason(s) a hearing is warranted, and the water quality issues being raised. When there is sufficient public interest in water quality issues, the Division will hold a public hearing in accordance with 0400-40-07.04(4) (f). Send all public hearing requests to the attention of the permit coordinator at the address listed below or via email to water. permits@tn.gov. Any scheduled public hearings will be advertised through a similar public notice process. FILE REVIEW The permit application, supporting documentation, including detailed plans and maps, draft permit and rationale, and related comments are available for review on the internet at the Division’s Water Resources Permits Dataviewer (http://environment-online.tn.gov:8080/pls/ enf_reports/f?p=9034:34001:0:::::) by entering the permit file number listed in the title of this Public Notice. The file may be viewed and copied at the address listed below. Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation Division of Water Resources, Natural Resources Unit William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 11th Floor Nashville, Tennessee 37243 NOTICE TO BIDDERS Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000623 Wolf River GreenwayRodney Baber & John F. Kennedy Park Improvements. Information regarding this Bid is located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn.gov. At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, Click on “Purchasing” and “Bids” to locate the name of the above described Sealed Bid. SEALED BID I000623 DUE DATE WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10TH, 2020 @ 2:00 PM CST (SB-I000623) Wolf River Greenway- Rodney Baber & John F. Kennedy Park Improvements All bids will be opened and read via teleconference by Shelby County Government at the time mentioned above. Please use the following information to join the bid opening: To join by phone, call the necessary numbers below: External: +19012222777 Internal: 22777 Meeting ID: 9012222260# Meeting PIN: 06222#
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Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting – All interested respondents are required to participate in this meeting via teleconference on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 9:30 am (CST). Please use the following information to join the pre-bid meeting: To join by phone, call the necessary numbers below: External: +19012222777 Internal: 22777 Meeting ID: 9012222260# Meeting PIN: 06222# Respondents may also contact Shelby County for information at the following numbers, TTY Number (901) 222-2301 or for information in Spanish 901-222-4289. Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free, and with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service. Shelby County encourages participation from WBE, MBE, LOSB, and Section 3 firms and vendors under this CDBG-NDR response. By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT LEGAL NOTICE Request for Bids RFB Number 20-0034 3318 Winchester Rd Roof Replacement Sealed bids for 3318 Winchester Rd. Roof Replacement 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, June 9, 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 May 12, 2020. A pre-bid meeting will be held May 27, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. via phone/video conferencing (Link: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom. us/j/97924328301). 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.
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Ophel Antonio Stafford Tax Parcel #: 03403600000200 Tax Sale #: 1301 Price Offered: $275.00
NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE 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 2:30 p.m. on June 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 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:
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: Phillip Jackson Tax Parcel #: 02406600000020 Tax Sale #: 1002 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 3:00 p.m. on June 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: Phillip Jackson Tax Parcel #: 02406600000010 Tax Sale #: 302 Price Offered: $50.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten
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Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property:
Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400
JRI, LLC Tax Parcel #: 07524700000200 Tax Sale #: 1601 Price Offered: $800.00 Terms: Cash
NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT
* Delivery available only at the Madision location from 11am - 7pm. * Pick-up available at the Madison, Whitehaven and South Third Street locations.
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NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE 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 8:00 a.m. on June 2, 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.
By order of: Scott A. Brockman, A.A.E. President and CEO Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority
We’re Known By the Money you Keep! Select DELIVERY* or PICK-UP Time
Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400
Terms: Cash
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.
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(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 June 11, 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.
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PRICES GOOD MAY 13, 2020 - MAY 26, 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 CS243041A
The New Tri-State Defender
May 14 - 20, 2020
Page 12
We’ll get through this COVID-19 health challenge together. We’re here for you every step of the way.
To help you get the health care you need, we’ve: Waived member costs for COVID-19 treatment until May 31, 2020. That means if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19, you won’t have to pay for your treatment with network providers. Eliminated member costs associated with COVID-19 testing. That means if you’re tested, you won’t have to pay for the test or doctor visit for it. Relaxed rules for safer access to prescriptions. That means you can get early refills and 90-day mail order refills on your maintenance medications so you can shelter at home easier. Expanded telehealth care options. That means you can have a video or phone visit with your in-network providers who offer it, keeping you safer at home.
We’re also helping feed Tennesseans. Many in our state sadly are worried where their next meal will be coming from. Our BlueCross Foundation donated $3.25 million to food banks across our state to help all our neighbors.
1 Cameron Hill Circle | Chattanooga, TN 37402 | bcbst.com BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Inc., an Independent Licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association
We can’t remove the threat or fear this virus has created. But we can make it easier for you to get the care you need.
We’re right here for Tennessee. To learn more, please visit BCBSTupdates.com.